When I left the regular elementary classroom into my K-5 STEM position, it was really difficult for me to part with my extensive library. I kept some of my favorites of course, but most of my collection went into my friends' classrooms to continue to benefit other kids. 

However, I still use literacy in my STEM instruction all the time! My growing STEM & Stories collection integrates books and a corresponding STEM activity that works for multiple grade levels. 

Let's dive into how STEM is integrated after reading the story After the Fall  by Dan Santant. 

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After reading the story After the Fall by Dan Santant {or listening to it online on YouTube}, students will first plan a way where they can build a safe wall for Humpty Dumpty to sit on. Their planning can be done either on paper or digitally. 

They can also utilize the Design Thinking checklist to help them keep track of their progress along the way through this challenge. This is also helpful if you need to extend this activity into multiple days or even during different time blocks in one day. 

Keeping their plan in mind, they can build their design and make modifications when needed to keep Humpty safe on the wall. Use any building materials you have on hand. Unifix cubes, LEGO and wooden planks work great. We used plastic easter eggs to represent Humpty. For an extra challenge, you can fill the eggs with a heavier material or even try wooden eggs! 

Once students' designs are built, they can use different units of measurement to measure the height and the width of their design and record their results. 

Of course, reflection is essential for continuing a growth mindset, and students can write, draw or even record using a tool like Seesaw, how the Design Thinking Process through this STEM activity worked for them. 

My STEM students always get so proud of their creations and want to take their work home. I use a lot of nonconsumable items and that isn't always an option. However, using Seesaw, I often have students take a video or photo of their work so they can continue that conversation at home with their families. 

Seesaw is always free. However, you can get bonus features with Seesaw Plus through my link. 

This was such a great Spring Time activity and was also easy for a sub to implement when I wasn't in my classroom for a day. You can grab all of the printable and digital student sheets, here. There is also a bonus anchor chart for taking clear photos of your work as a student guide.