Name Tag STEAM Challenge with Free Worksheets

The Name Tag Challenge is a simple, easy but engaging‚ traditional icebreaker‚ and collaborative STEAM/STEM activity in which children introduce themselves and others through fun․Here, you’ll find everything you need to complete the Name Tag STEAM/STEM Challenge, including step-by-step instructions, task cards, worksheets, and free Name Tag worksheets.

 Name Tag STEAM Challenge with Free Worksheets

Name Tag STEAM Challenge with Free Worksheet

The challenge:

Create a name tag with 1 movable part, 1 favorite thing, and 1 favorite color.

In this STEM/ SYTEAM challenge, students use basic consumable materials to create a name tag that displays their name and something about themselves and their interests, such as their favorite color․ The name tag must have one moving piece and one paper engineering technique. Also, you can see more ideas for name tags here.

Lesson Overview

Students will create a name tag that speaks to their name‚ interests‚ and personality‚ using simple materials‚ at least one movable part‚ and at least one paper engineering technique (e․g․ folds‚ flaps‚ tabs‚ and cutouts)․

It integrates community building‚ creativity‚ paper engineering‚ and the engineering design process․

Big Idea

Good designs utilize creativity and problem-solving to reach a goal while still following a number of constraints․

Learning Objectives

Students will:

• Introduce their classmates and share information about themselves․
• Recognize that names are an important part of identity․
• Use the engineering design process to develop a design‚ prototype‚ test‚ and improve a design․
• Learn fundamental paper engineering techniques․
• Make a name tag with at least one movable part․
• Be creative and show an interest‚ hobby‚ or favorite thing: color․
• Facilitates problem-solving and developing a specific design․

Lesson Connection

This activity can also be used as part of a Community Building Unit.

Begin with a read-aloud of My Name Is Alma. After reading, talk with students about the importance of names and nicknames. Discuss how names can have special meanings and stories behind them.

The story also provides a natural connection to Hispanic Heritage Month, as Alma is a Peruvian girl who learns about the meaning and history behind her long name.

Ask students:

• What do you like about your name?
• Do you have a nickname?
• Does your name have a special meaning or story?
• What makes you unique?

Duration

2 class periods

Older or more experienced students may complete the challenge more quickly.

Materials

Paper Name Tag Worksheet

Straws

Scissors

Glue

Tape

Pencils

Coloring Materials

Use only materials available to the students. Encourage students to think creatively about how they can use the materials.

The Challenge

Build a name tag that tells us who you are. Include your name, interests, and personality, and add at least one movable part. We made the pinwheel without a pin to meet the movable-part requirement.

Design Requirements

Your name tag must:

• Have your name clearly displayed.
• Include your initials.
• Show at least one interest or something about your personality.
• Include your favorite color.
• Have at least one movable part.
• Use the provided materials.
• Follow the challenge rules.
• Be strong enough to use or display.

Name Tag STEAM Challenge with Free Worksheet

Teacher Instructions

• First and foremost, introduce and briefly describe the STEM challenge and explain the design requirements.
• Read My Name Is Alma and discuss names, nicknames, identity, and what makes each student unique.
• Give students the materials and let them start by brainstorming and sketching their name tag ideas. Encourage them to be creative and think about how they can make their name tag unique.
• Explain the basic paper engineering techniques and show students a few simple examples of movable parts.
• Let students brainstorm different ideas for the movable part they would like to add to their name tag. Remind students that they can create any type of movable feature they want, such as a flap, slider, spinner, or another simple mechanism, as long as it works and meets the challenge requirements.
• Give students time to build, test, and make changes to their designs. Encourage them to keep trying if something doesn't work the first time. For older or more experienced students, encourage them to work more independently and try creating a more detailed or complex movable feature.
• Once everyone is finished, have students share their name tags with the class and talk about what they included and why. Ask students to complete the reflection worksheet and share what they learned from the challenge.
• End with a short class discussion about what students learned about simple engineering, problem-solving, creativity, and their classmates.
• This Name Tag STEAM Challenge is a fun, creative and low-prep STEM/STEAM activity that is easy to use in the classroom, homeschool, or as a substitute teacher lesson. It works especially well as an All About Me activity, back-to-school activity, or first week of school activity and gives students a chance to introduce themselves while practicing creativity, problem-solving, engineering, and design skills. It can also be used with Google Workspace for Education and Google Classroom to support a simple digital or printable learning experience. With the free worksheet, clear challenge requirements, and easy-to-follow steps, this is a great back-to-school STEAM challenge for elementary students and a simple way to build classroom community.

Name Tag STEAM Challenge with Free Worksheet. Download from here 

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