Cup Stacking STEM Challenge
Looking for an easy activity that really stacks up? Cup stacking STEM challenges may be just what you are looking for!
Why Do A Cup Stacking Challenge
Encourages Engineering Thinking
Creating and building new ways of thinking takes practice. Independent thinking and problem-solving are essential skills, and preschoolers need opportunities to practice. Cup stacking challenges are the perfect way to encourage engineering thinking.
Enhances Muscle Control
Muscles need to be used to grow stronger. Most people think hitting the gym is the best way to do this, which may be true for some people (and muscle groups).
But when it comes to hand muscles and keeping their bodies steady, tasks like cup stacking challenges are where it’s at. They are fun, stimulating, and a sneaky way to build fine and gross motor muscles.
Improves Hand-Eye Coordination
Percise hand movements are required to stack cups in the intended place. Little ones will work on visualizing where they want the cup to go and then moving their hand to (gently) place it down.
Promotes Spatial Awareness
Preschoolers develop an understanding of how much space cups take up while participating in cup stacking. The position and direction of the cups each take up a different amount of space, as little ones will soon figure this out.
Builds Patience and Persistence
Success takes time. Building a tower by cup stacking can be rewarding if you are patient and persistent enough to keep stacking. Don’t be surprised if your little one gets frustrated the first time their tower falls.
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How To Do Cup Stacking Challenges with Preschoolers
Set Boundaries
Set clear expectations and boundaries when it comes to using plastic cups. They are easy to smash and should be used with calm, gentle hands.
Talk about Failure (and How to Overcome it)
Cup stacking takes time and patience. It’s almost a guarantee that towers will crash down—model for your little one how to react if this happens.
You may want to work with your little one on a tower. “Accidentally” knock down your tower and model a calm body. You can say something like, “Aww man! My tower fell! That’s alright. I know I can make it again.”
Choose a Challenge
Gather your stack of plastic cups (any pack of uniform cups will do) and choose a challenge.
Check out the cup stacking challenges below for some ideas to get you started.
Cup Stacking Challenges To Try
Tallest Tower
Give your little one the cup stacking task of building the tallest tower possible. It may be helpful to have a measuring tape or a long string to measure the height of the tower.
Be ready with your camera. Little ones are proud (as they should be) of the hard work they put into building their towers. They will want a picture to compare how tall their tower is to themselves.
Strongest Tower
Let your little one devise a way to build a stronger tower. While the tallest tower focuses on gaining height, the strongest tower challenge is focused on building a tower that doesn’t completely collapse at the slightest breeze.
If your little one is up for it, try lightly blowing on the tower to see if it is strong and sturdy.
Most Creative Cup Tower
Encourage your little one to let their creativity flow with this cup stacking challenge. The most creative cup tower lets your little one focus on putting their creative flair into their work.
Don’t be surprised if they want to add other items (stickers, plastic animals, etc.). If you are able, try to embrace and encourage this blooming creativity!
STEM Challenge for Preschoolers
Pull out a sleeve of cups and let your preschooler get to work engineering a cup stacking masterpiece. They tend to be a (mostly) quiet material, so you can sit back and relax with your hot cup of coffee while your little one is hard at work.
