{"id":12548,"date":"2024-02-26T06:41:41","date_gmt":"2024-02-26T14:41:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/?p=12548"},"modified":"2024-04-24T08:52:35","modified_gmt":"2024-04-24T16:52:35","slug":"try-this-stem-activity-for-kids-popsicle-stick-ferris-wheel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/activities\/try-this-stem-activity-for-kids-popsicle-stick-ferris-wheel\/12548","title":{"rendered":"Try This STEM Activity for Kids: Popsicle Stick Ferris Wheel"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Try This STEM Activity for Kids: Popsicle Stick Ferris Wheel<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p><br>Welcome to an exciting weekend project that combines fun, learning, and a touch of engineering genius! Today, we&#8217;re diving into a DIY project perfect for young minds eager to explore the realms of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM): Building a Popsicle Stick Ferris Wheel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube aofl-advice-image-video wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"STEM Activity for Kids: Popsicle Stick Ferris Wheel by ABCmouse.com\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/bEN9qcnU6eI?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why a Popsicle Stick Ferris Wheel?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Crafting a Ferris Wheel from popsicle sticks is not just an artistic endeavor; it&#8217;s a journey into basic engineering principles. It&#8217;s an activity that encourages problem-solving, creativity, and an understanding of fundamental physics, all wrapped up in an enjoyable and tangible project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group rounded-corners has-border-color has-background\" style=\"border-color:#2d56be;border-width:3px;background-color:#eff2ff\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong><strong><strong>What You\u2019ll Need for the Popsicle Stick Ferris Wheel<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong> <strong><strong><strong><strong>Project:<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Popsicle Sticks (50 or more)<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hot Glue or White Glue<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Skewers<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cardboard&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Scissors<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong>Instructions for Making Your Popsicle Stick Ferris Wheel Project:<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator aligncenter has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-dots aofl-advice-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong>Step 1: <\/strong>Create the Spinny Wheels:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns aofl-figure-column-spacing is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large has-custom-border\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"666\" src=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Screenshot-2024-02-22-at-1.56.55-PM-1200x666.png\" alt=\"First step of a popsicle stick Ferris wheel. \" class=\"wp-image-12549\" style=\"border-radius:15px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Screenshot-2024-02-22-at-1.56.55-PM-1200x666.png 1200w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Screenshot-2024-02-22-at-1.56.55-PM-300x166.png 300w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Screenshot-2024-02-22-at-1.56.55-PM-768x426.png 768w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Screenshot-2024-02-22-at-1.56.55-PM.png 1258w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Imagine you&#8217;re a giant looking at a tiny magical wheel! Let&#8217;s make two of these wheels. Take a piece of cardboard and, with a grown-up&#8217;s help, cut out two small, perfect circles. These are the sides of our Ferris wheel, where all the fun begins.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background\" style=\"background-color:#eef7ff\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong>Step 2: <\/strong>Stick &#8217;em Up<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns reverse-order is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<p>Now, let&#8217;s lay down our magical sticks! Take your colorful popsicle sticks and glue them onto the cardboard circles. Spread them out like the sun&#8217;s rays or a starfish&#8217;s arms. Each stick is a ride for a tiny friend! Don\u2019t forget to poke a hole in the center (a grown-up can help!) and slide a skewer through. This is what lets our wheel spin, round and round.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large has-custom-border\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"656\" src=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Screenshot-2024-02-22-at-1.57.23-PM-1200x656.png\" alt=\"The beginning of a popsicle stick Ferris wheel. \" class=\"wp-image-12550\" style=\"border-radius:15px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Screenshot-2024-02-22-at-1.57.23-PM-1200x656.png 1200w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Screenshot-2024-02-22-at-1.57.23-PM-300x164.png 300w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Screenshot-2024-02-22-at-1.57.23-PM-768x420.png 768w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Screenshot-2024-02-22-at-1.57.23-PM.png 1252w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide is-vertical is-content-justification-left is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-dd225191 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<printables-email-registration style=\"width:fit-content;display:flex;margin:auto\" class=\"wp-block-abcmouse-printables-email-registration\"><\/printables-email-registration>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong>Step 3:<strong><strong> <\/strong><\/strong><\/strong>Build a Home Base<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns aofl-figure-column-spacing is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large has-custom-border\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"659\" src=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Screenshot-2024-02-22-at-1.57.46-PM-1200x659.png\" alt=\"A popsicle stick stand for the popsicle stick Ferris wheel. \" class=\"wp-image-12551\" style=\"border-radius:15px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Screenshot-2024-02-22-at-1.57.46-PM-1200x659.png 1200w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Screenshot-2024-02-22-at-1.57.46-PM-300x165.png 300w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Screenshot-2024-02-22-at-1.57.46-PM-768x422.png 768w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Screenshot-2024-02-22-at-1.57.46-PM.png 1238w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<p>Every Ferris wheel needs to stand tall and proud. Let&#8217;s build a sturdy base that looks a bit like a triangle or a mountain. Try to copy the one in the video as closely as you can. This will hold our wheel up high so everyone can see. Use more popsicle sticks and glue them together following the steps we saw in the video.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background\" style=\"background-color:#eef7ff\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong>Step 4:<\/strong> Connect the Dots<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns reverse-order is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<p>Time to bring in the second wheel! With a grown-up&#8217;s help, use skewers to join the two wheels. These are like invisible bridges, letting our wheel have two sides, just like the real ones you see at fairs!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large has-custom-border\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"666\" src=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Screenshot-2024-02-22-at-1.59.15-PM-1200x666.png\" alt=\"A popsicle stick Ferris wheel spinning. \" class=\"wp-image-12554\" style=\"border-radius:15px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Screenshot-2024-02-22-at-1.59.15-PM-1200x666.png 1200w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Screenshot-2024-02-22-at-1.59.15-PM-300x166.png 300w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Screenshot-2024-02-22-at-1.59.15-PM-768x426.png 768w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Screenshot-2024-02-22-at-1.59.15-PM.png 1258w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong>Step 5:<strong><strong> <\/strong><\/strong><\/strong>Splash of Color<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns aofl-figure-column-spacing is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large has-custom-border\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"670\" src=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Screenshot-2024-02-22-at-1.58.34-PM-1-1200x670.png\" alt=\"A colorful popsicle stick Ferris wheel. \" class=\"wp-image-12553\" style=\"border-radius:15px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Screenshot-2024-02-22-at-1.58.34-PM-1-1200x670.png 1200w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Screenshot-2024-02-22-at-1.58.34-PM-1-300x167.png 300w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Screenshot-2024-02-22-at-1.58.34-PM-1-768x429.png 768w, https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Screenshot-2024-02-22-at-1.58.34-PM-1.png 1258w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<p>Here&#8217;s where we turn our Ferris wheel into a rainbow of fun! Grab your paints and let your imagination run wild. Paint it with your favorite colors, add sparkles, or maybe even some stickers. Each color makes it more magical, and every brush stroke adds a bit of joy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Educational Twist:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>While constructing this Ferris wheel, there&#8217;s a wonderful opportunity to discuss the science behind such amusement rides. How does a Ferris Wheel work? What roles do engineers and architects play in creating these structures? This project not only ignites curiosity but also provides a foundational understanding of physics and engineering principles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Beyond Just Building:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>This activity is more than a mere craft project; it&#8217;s a bonding experience. As parents and children work together, they engage in meaningful conversations, solve problems, and most importantly, have fun! It&#8217;s a chance to teach valuable lessons in a playful environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A Gateway to STEM<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>By the end of this project, not only will you have a colorful, homemade Ferris wheel, but also an enriched understanding of basic engineering concepts. It&#8217;s activities like these that can spark a lifelong interest in STEM fields for kids, setting them on a path of discovery and innovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, gather your materials, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to build, learn, and create!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Dive into a fun weekend project with our Popsicle Stick Ferris Wheel DIY! A perfect blend of creativity and basic engineering, it&#8217;s a STEM activity that fosters problem-solving and physics understanding for kids.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":23,"featured_media":12553,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[34,35,17],"class_list":["post-12548","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-activities","tag-activities","tag-crafts","tag-science"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12548","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/23"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12548"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12548\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12553"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12548"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12548"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12548"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}