International Dot Day is named for the classic Peter H. Reynolds storybook The Dot. The book shares the story of a girl who begins a journey of self-discovery after a caring teacher challenges her to “make her mark.”
Here are 5 engaging STEM activities to celebrate International Dot Day on September 15th -ish.
1. Dot Symmetry Art with Geometry
Activity: Provide students with dot stickers or markers to create symmetrical patterns on graph paper. Discuss symmetry and geometry as they explore different shapes and patterns using dots.
STEM Concept: Geometry, symmetry, and spatial awareness.
2. Dot Painting with Math Patterns
Activity: Use dot markers or paint to create patterns, then have students count, group, or categorize the dots. They can also create multiplication arrays or use different colors to represent numbers in math equations.
STEM Concept: Pattern recognition, multiplication arrays, and color-coded math.
3. Dot Coding with Ozobots
Activity: Using colored markers, students create dot sequences that serve as codes for Ozobots to follow. Have them create different tracks and see how various color combinations affect the robot's movement.
STEM Concept: Coding, robotics, and sequencing.
4. Dot Bridges
Activity: Challenge students to create "dot bridges" using only paper dots, straws, and tape. They can design and build structures that can support a small object or weight, experimenting with the strength of their designs.
STEM Concept: Engineering, structural design, and problem-solving.
5. Dot Circuit Cards
Activity: Use conductive copper tape, LED lights, and coin cell batteries to make "dot circuits" on paper. Students can create artwork and incorporate simple circuits that light up their designs.
STEM Concept: Electrical circuits, conductivity, and basic electronics.
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