Polar Express STEM

Polar Express Bingo

There are many ways to play this bingo game with students. Here are a few variations.

Distribute a printed card to each student. Read the story aloud to the students and have them cross off each word on the card as the book is read. The first student to cross off all the words on their card, or get a bingo wins. Printable Polar Express Bingo Cards
Provide students with the URL to a live game launched from the Bingo Baker site. Play until someone wins. Polar Express Digital Bingo Card for students.

Polar Express Train Wheel Science Experiment

How does the Polar Express Train stay on the track? This video and experiment will help explain why trains stay on the railroad track.

Materials Needed

2 Yard sticks or other object for 'rails'

Tape (to hold rails to an elevated surface)

Four Plastic Cups

Scissors (to cut tape)

Books or Box (to provide elevation for rails)

Polar Express Measuring Activity

Polar Express Tracks

Teachers: Print this and provide it to students so they can measure the tracks. Bigger paper works best.

Materials Needed

Yard stick

String (Must not be stretchy.)

Paper & Pencil

Guiding Questions

How can you measure an object like a circle?

If you were running in a race, which track would you rather be on, the green one or the red one? Explain why to a shoulder partner.

How can a train stay on a track that is curved?

Final Analysis: Create a product that explains why the train stays on the track when going around a curve. Product ideas: 6 page folded booklet, Google slide or PowerPoint slide with text and image or other media, Flipgrid or Seesaw Post.

Polar Express Math Puzzle

Put the puzzle together to reveal a multi-step math problem. Your teacher will let you know if you got the problem right.

MineCraft:Education Edition

CMCSS Teachers: M:EE directions for use on student devices can be found on the Instructional Technology Site under the Resources section or by reaching out to your TIC.

The Polar Express represents a technological advancement in transportation. The tracks and train wheel design are based on scientific principals that keep the train on the track. The engine of the train enables it to pull many cars up steep hills and even mountains. Use what you know about transportation options to design your own vehicle in Minecraft.

Minecraft: Education Edition - Build Your Own Vehicle - Recommended for ages 8+

Watch, Think, Pair, and Share

Watch the video of a steam locomotive starting to move.

Can you explain why the train starts slow then picks up speed?

Once the train is moving at full speed, how long do you think it will take for it to stop?

Watch the video of a train crossing the road.

Explain the relationship between how a train stops and the lights, bells, and bars are seen at a railroad crossing.

Can you think of a more effective way to warn people of approaching trains?