Have you heard of my Bible STEM challenges? Well, I have been creating and uploading STEM challenges for different stories from the Bible since 2017. I’m proud to say that there were nothing like these Bible STEM resources when I uploaded my first set of Bible STEM challenges on the Teachers Pay Teachers website.
Bible STEM Challenges Defined
A STEM challenge is an activity that encourages students to research, design, build, test, and reflect in order to find a solution for a specific problem by using Science, Technology, Engineering, and/or Math. STEM challenges focus on the thought process and thinking like a STEMist or a person with a career in the STEM field.
With my Bible STEM challenges, students’ problem solving, critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity are developed through the exploration of Bible stories. Students also develop their reading comprehension and vocabulary with these Bible STEM projects.
Related: WHAT IS STEM? The Best STEM Explanations from 8 Pioneering Professionals
How Bible STEM Started
I can still remember the time when I realized that I can make STEM challenges based on Bible stories.
It was in July of 2017. I was given the task of leading the youth camp during that winter term break here in Australia. That year was the same year I started teaching STEM in my old school. Having seen the benefits of doing STEM challenges with my own students, I decided to introduce STEM to the youth group in our church.
That chilly day in July, the youth in our church designed and built towers just like the tower of Babel, arks like Noah’s, and slingshots like King David’s. The activities worked so well whether done individually or in groups by the participants, whose ages ranged from 3 to 28 years old.
What Are Included
As of this writing, I have almost 30 Bible STEM challenges made. Your students will be designing and building prototypes of various objects during biblical times using recyclable materials and building blocks while learning about the different STEM concepts involved. Your kids will research about biblical oil lamps, crowns, harps, and temples among many other things. They will also learn about the parables and miracles of Jesus, as well as the adventures (and misadventures) of various Bible characters like Adam and Eve, Joseph the Dreamer, Prophet Jonah, Ruth, Queen Esther, and the Apostle Paul.
Each of my STEM challenges contains the following:
- lesson plan
- extension activities
- NGSS standards
- Bible story and STEM vocabulary
- interactive notebook sheets
- STEM challenge task cards
- suggested materials
- photos of sample finished projects
- planning and reflection sheet
- sheet/s with alternative spelling
What Happy Teachers Have to Say
I am the superintendent of the Children’s program at my church. Every year we host a VBS program for all children who are entering Pre-K-6th grade. Due to COVID 19, we were unable to prepare for our traditional program on-site. So this year we did a take-home VBS program. We prepared this curriculum for children in 3rd-6th grade. I copied each lesson, provided the children with the supplies for the suggested craft and a snack that aligned with the lesson of each day. It was magical! The cost of each lesson was about $10 a bag per child. That averages out to $2 a day to keep children engaged for hours. The feedback that we have been receiving is incredible. Some parents are asking for more! Since we only needed five days’ worth of lessons, we will use the rest of the lessons for our weekly Sunday School classes this fall. – Jacquelin A.
Phenomenal resource, even with the littlest learners who are pre-readers. Easy to adapt to different skills and ability levels. – Marissa S.
Students found these activities highly engaging. Students either worked in groups or individually to create. We used the activities for our Science VBS, mission trip, and are integrating them again this summer. Awesome product. Thanks! – Jennifer S.
This pack is amazing! My junior class has enjoyed the variety of hands on activities and is providing great opportunities for group work. – Dallas L.
This is literally an answer to prayers! Thank you so much for creating such an amazing product that it teacher friendly and the kids absolutely love! – KTP
Bible STEM with Jewel’s School Gems Club
Download all these Bible STEM challenges (and more) below when you sign up for an annual membership in Jewel’s School Gems Club. For just $47, you can download all these, as well as all existing resources on the website. Sign up today!
