STEM Challenge: Build a Monster Trap

Today, students will step into the role of creative engineers as they design and build a monster trap!

Their task? To construct a trap that meets one key constraint:

It must use all six building materials.

This spooky-inspired challenge pushes students to think creatively within constraints, explore new ways to combine materials, and collaborate effectively. Along the way, they’ll strengthen their ability to problem-solve, adapt, and work together—critical SEL and STEM skills.

Materials

Set Up

Prepare Materials:
Make sure each pair or individual has access to the same six building materials (e.g., paper, string, foil, cups, tape, and straws).
Set a limit on how much of each material can be used—for example, no more than 2 feet of tape or one sheet of foil.

Provide Guidelines and Constraints:
Reiterate the Special Rule:

• Students must use all six materials in their final design.

• Encourage teams to think creatively about how each material contributes to the overall function of the trap.

Model the Design Process:
Demonstrate how to brainstorm ideas, sketch a plan, and test a prototype. Emphasize that the goal is not perfection—it’s exploration.
Ask guiding questions like:

• “How might your trap hold or signal that a monster has been caught?”

• “What kind of trapdoor, cage, or sensor might you design?”

Encourage Collaboration:
Students can work in pairs only.
Remind them to share ideas equally, listen actively, and build on each other’s suggestions. Collaboration is key to making the most of limited materials.

Support Adaptation:
As students build, remind them that things won’t always work on the first try. That’s okay! Encourage a mindset of:

• “Try → Test → Tweak → Try again.”
  This iterative process is where real learning—and creativity—happens.

Facilitate Reflection:
Build in time for students to reflect on their design choices and process. Ask:

• What worked well in your design?

• What didn’t work, and how did you adapt?

• How did using all six materials challenge or help your design?

Celebrate and Showcase:
Host a Monster Trap Showcase!
Have each student or pair briefly demonstrate how their trap works and explain the role of each material. Applaud creativity, teamwork, and persistence.

CASEL Discussion Questions

Use these to guide a post-build SEL discussion focusing on Self-Management and Problem-Solving:

1. What did you do when your first trap idea didn’t work?

2. How did you make sure you used all six materials effectively?

3. Did you and your partner ever disagree? How did you resolve it?

4. How did you help your team stay focused and finish on time?

5. What’s one thing you’re proud of in your monster trap design?