What is a STEM challenge?
CHALLENGE GOALS:
  1. Work with a partner to create a device to "catch" as many creatures as possible while allowing the candy corn to pass through.
  2. The success of the design will be measured by counting creatures caught, not candy corn. 
RESEARCH:
Use the following links to learn more about spiders and how they build webs to help you design a "creature catcher."  
Use the links and video on the right to define the following vocabulary words:
  • silk
  • geometrical
  • radial
  • spinneret​
  • What other ways do spiders use their webs?​
  • The strength of a spider's web depends on what?  
Watch Spider Web Construction video.  What do you notice about the design of the web?  Will constructing a "creature catcher" similar to this meet the criteria of your challenge?  What mathematical ideas should you consider?
Now it's your turn to use your research and the materials provided to design a "Creature Catcher!"    
Build your creature catcher.
Record your data.
Analyze your data and outcomes.
Reflection:  How did your research help with your design?  Explain how you used the mathematical practice standards and problem solving strategies in completing the creature catcher challenge.