This straightforward Santa STEM problem teaches children in regards to the physics of snowshoes in a enjoyable and hands-on method. The problem is to design a snowshoe for Santa to assist him cross the snow to achieve his sleigh!
How do snowshoes work?
Snowshoes have been used for hundreds of years to permit folks to stroll on massive quantities of snow with out sinking.
You’ve got most likely walked in recent snow and made footprints, however think about if the snow was a lot deeper, it would be virtually unattainable to stroll by, which is why folks invented snowshoes 1000s of years in the past!
The science behind the snowshoe is all about floor space and stress. A snowshoe has a floor space larger than an individual’s foot and a standard shoe, so it spreads the load of an individual’s physique weight over a bigger space, decreasing the stress on the snow.
Completely different dimensions and shapes of snowshoes are good for various circumstances.
Santa STEM Problem – Make a snowshoe for Santa
Oh no! A lot of snow has fallen, and Santa cannot attain his sleigh. Are you able to design and make a snowshoe to assist him stroll over the snow?
What is the problem?
The problem is to design and construct a snowshoe for Santa, desirous about the dimensions and form of the shoe and the supplies to make use of. The snowshoe needs to be waterproof, sturdy, larger than a standard shoe and light-weight!
It is difficult to construct an actual snowshoe, however youngsters can construct a prototype utilizing recycled supplies whereas desirous about what materials they might use for an actual snowshoe.
Concepts for supplies to make use of to construct the prototype
String
Straws
Kitchen foil
Pipe cleaners
Newspaper
Tape
Use the free exercise sheet
Animal variations – Snowshoe Hare
The snowshoe hare has a number of variations to assist it survive in its setting. Its fur can change color. The hare is crimson/brown in summer time and white in winter to mix in higher with the environment of the time.
You may most likely guess the second adaptation from the title. Snowshoe hares have massive hind legs and larger toes than different comparable animals. Their toes are like a pure snowshoe, permitting them to stroll over snow extra simply!
Final Up to date on January 7, 2025 by Emma Vanstone
