Pattern blocks are always fun to play with and these pattern block STEM challenge cards are no exception! They go perfectly with our building block STEM challenge cards too.
These pattern block challenge cards are all open-ended so kids can create a work of art while learning how various shapes work together. One of the best things about STEM activities for kids is that they can be as simple or challenging as you need them to be!
Pattern block shapes are perfect for STEM projects because of the variety of shapes and how those shapes fit together. Through the design process, students are working on valuable skills.
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Providing the free pattern block printables gives kids a place to start their building and designing. All of the cards allow children to build and create freely within a specific prompt. Carefully arranging and setting up the shapes also works on their fine motor skills!
Why Incorporate STEM Challenges into Children’s Learning?
You are meeting so many academic skills by providing your child with STEM activities. There are lots of benefits to doing STEM activities with children.
More STEM fun: 25+ Hilarious Signs Your Child is a STEM Genius
How To Use The Pattern Block Design Challenges
Print, laminate and cut apart the task cards. Optional: Use a book ring for easy storage and ease of use.
Offering a STEM challenge for kids allows them to work on problem-solving skills, math, engineering and more!
The pattern block cards are varying difficulties, so that kids of all ages can use them to create. Younger kids will enjoy simple cards like the “designing a tree” card while older kids will enjoy the challenge presented with the “build something symmetrical” card. Children simply use pattern blocks to make the shape or design presented in the printable pattern blocks PDF.
Of course, this is also a perfect opportunity to ask questions and see where a child’s thinking can lead them when presented with a problem. Is there a way to solve the problem without completely changing the design? Or is there a different way to solve the challenge?
More STEM learning fun: STEM Respiratory System Investigation
Other Ways To Use The STEM Challenge Cards PDF:
Create your own challenge
After children have completed some of the challenges, have them write their own and give to siblings or their parents to solve!
Extend the learning
Once you have your pattern block pictures, you can extend the learning further. Ask questions like, “how can you make this twice as large?” or “how can you make it look like there are apples in the tree?”
Practice 2D shapes
Work with shapes using the pattern blocks! You can also ask kids questions such as “how can you make a square using triangles?” or “how can you make a hexagon with trapezoids?”
More STEM learning fun: Spring Flower STEM Investigation
Some of our Favorite Shape Books for Kids:
We can’t live without these!
Once your child’s creativity is sparked with this fun activity, take it a step further with these engaging resources:
My First SHAPES Padded Board Book
Round Is a Tortilla: A Book of Shapes (A Latino Book of Concepts)Tangled: A Story About ShapesMouse ShapesShapesShape by ShapeCaptain Invincible and the Space Shapes (MathStart 2)Circle, Square, MooseThis Is a Book of ShapesPerfect Square
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