When you were a kid, did you ever try building stick forts in the woods? I bet nobody thought to call it outdoor engineering or outdoor STEM, but it really is an awesome and fun learning project for kids. Plus, building a stick fort gets everybody {moms and dads too} outside and exploring nature. This month we are hosting 31 Days of Outdoor STEM with new ideas each day and a new theme to start each week. Last week was outdoor science projects, and this week it is outdoor engineering projects. Join us!

OUTDOOR ENGINEERING: BUILDING STICK FORTS

THE BENEFITS OF BUILDING STICK FORTS

We don’t have woods or a forrest in a backyard, but my husband grew up with a great woodsy play area. When we were out in Virginia last month, my husband captured the perfect opportunity to pass down the art of building stick forts to our son. Obviously, you need a certain environment for building stick forts, but if you have the chance, it’s a great outdoor STEM idea for engineering! There are so many ideas for simple STEM projects indoors and outdoors to do with your kids!

Building stick forts for outdoor engineering projectsPin

WHAT DO KIDS LEARN FROM BUILDING STICK FORTS?

Remember I said building stick forts was a great STEM activity? What is STEM? STEM is science, technology, engineering, and math. Read about STEM here to see exactly how building a stick fort is all about STEM!

DESIGNING/PLANNING SKILLS. What is the best place/location to build a stick fort. What shape should it be? How tall or wide will it be? How many walls should it have? What materials can be used? Is there a big rock or tree that can be used?

We found an interesting area that had large rocks and trees that proved to be very useful. There were a lot of downed tree branches and small trees to work with as well. 

BUILDING SKILLS. Does it need a foundation? How will the materials be put together? Tee pee style or lincoln log style? Or some other style? Finding the right pieces: same length, same size, too curved. Lots of possibilities. How do we set them in place? How many do we need?

My husband showed my son how to find similar-sized branches that we could use to build Lincoln Log style—alternately placing branches between the three walls we needed so that they all interlinked to form a strong stick fort. We all enjoyed hunting down the right branches and found delight in finding new ones to use.

STEM Resources To Get You Started

Here are a few resources that will help you introduce STEM more effectively to your kiddos or students and feel confident yourself when presenting materials. You’ll find helpful free printables throughout.

Free Printable Outdoor Activity Guide

Building stick forts encourages problem solving and building skills for STEMPin

PROBLEM SOLVING SKILLS. How do we change the design if the wall keeps falling over? Do we need longer branches or straighter branches? Are the branches on the top to thick to stay balanced on the thinner branches that are below them? Do we need a more stable base? Are we building it too high? Does it need to be broader or narrower?

It isn’t a failure when something doesn’t work out as you planned. It’s a fantastic chance to use your problem-solving skills and find a new or better way to build your stick fort. Some of our branches were too short on one side, and one was very crooked, making everything wobble.

Building stick forts for screen free time outdoor activityPin

The perfect place to hang out on a warm day, a stick fort you built!

Building a stick fort is a great experience for kids and families to do together. We had a blast and it occupied the whole afternoon for a totally screen-free outdoor family time. It is essential for kids to explore nature, become immersed in all it has to offer and explore all the possibilities it offers. This month of outdoor STEM ideas is all about getting outside and experimenting or exploring!

MAKE SURE TO CHECK OUT ALL THE OUTDOOR STEM IDEAS!

MORE IDEAS FOR BUILDING SIMPLE STRUCTURES WITH KIDS

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