STEM Activities

Below is a running list of Hope Challenges STEM activities. These activities are originally located within their respective State Parks posts. Listed here, they are easier to navigate by topic or activity for lesson planning. All lesson plans use the Engineering Design Plan, also listed below in a (free!) downloadable.

Engineering Design Plan

This template may be used whenever students are attempting to solve problems as they are investigating a topic. Students are encouraged to make changes and re-think their methods when they hit a road-block; it is terrific to make improvements, and learn from mistakes.

Students see the “Box Paper” as sections to complete - instead of a long essay-form paper. It provides a visual aide for the students to refer to and make revisions. Teachers can assign students to complete one or more sections, as it fits the lesson and level.

This EDP can be used with any of the STEM activities suggested on Hope Challenges.

DOWNLOAD BLANK EDP
DOWNLOAD EDP INSTRUCTIONS

Running List of STEM Activities

  • Mapping Dune Grass to Open Dunes-  BlowOut -  Warren Dunes S

  • Spillways - Ionia SP & Rec Area

  • Fishing- How Does This Affect the Ecosystem? - Ionia SP & Rec Area

  • Archery & Pellet Guns - Mitchell SP

  • Field Journals - Mitchell SP

  • Map Your Hike: Determine Distance With and Without Technology! - Meridian-Baseline SP

  • Diversity of Field Plots Related to Diversity & Population  of Fish in a Lake - Crandell Lake Park

  • Citizen Science: Habitat Protection & Restoration - Wilderness SP

  • Formation of Rocks and Minerals - FJ State Park

  • Formation of Spits! - Tawas Point SP

  • What Are Longshore Currents? - Tawas Point SP

  • Rock Tumbling & Wave Action on Rocks - Hunters Point Park

  • Ice Formations - Holland SP

  • Build a Pollinator Habitat - Sleepy Hollow SP

  • Dragonfly Wings - Sleepy Hollow SP

  • Kayaks, Canoes, Paddle Boats: Speed & Distance - Ludington SP

  • Water Edge Restoration - Ludington SP

  • Pileated Woodpecker Holes - Measure & Compare - Ludington SP

  • Ice Cream & Beach Sunshine - Charles Mears SP

  •  Designing and Flying Kites - Charles Mears SP

  • S’Mores Challenge & Solar Cookers - Burt Lake SP

& MORE TO COME!!!