This easy Santa STEM problem teaches youngsters concerning 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 1000’s of years to permit individuals to stroll on giant quantities of snow with out sinking.
You’ve in all probability walked in recent snow and made footprints, however think about if the snow was a lot deeper, it’d be nearly unimaginable to stroll by, which is why individuals 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 greater than an individual’s foot and a traditional shoe, so it spreads the load of an individual’s physique weight over a bigger space, decreasing the stress on the snow.
Totally different dimensions and shapes of snowshoes are good for various situations.
Santa STEM Problem – Make a snowshoe for Santa
Oh no! Numerous snow has fallen, and Santa can’t attain his sleigh. Are you able to design and make a snowshoe to assist him stroll over the snow?
What’s the problem?
The problem is to design and construct a snowshoe for Santa, fascinated with the dimensions and form of the shoe and the supplies to make use of. The snowshoe must be waterproof, sturdy, greater than a traditional shoe and light-weight!
It’s difficult to construct an actual snowshoe, however youngsters can construct a prototype utilizing recycled supplies whereas fascinated with 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 in all probability guess the second adaptation from the title. Snowshoe hares have giant 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 November 29, 2023 by Emma Vanstone
