Goldilocks + STEAM

This page provides a full set of activity plans that can be used to connect STEAM and literacy. The activities were originally designed for and used at a preschool with 3- and 4-year-olds, but the activities could easily be adapted for elementary students. The activities are based on Goldilocks and the Three Bears by John Kurtz. The four activities integrate different areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics in the context of the Goldilocks story.

Goldilocks visits the bears' cottage

Disciplines: Literacy, mathematics, computer science

Students navigate “Goldilocks” through the three bears’ cottage. They begin by making a plan to program the robot to move through a certain path. Then, they test their program, revise it, and repeat until they are able to move Goldilocks to Baby bear’s bed.

Big bear, medium bear, small bear

Disciplines: Literacy, mathematics, visual arts

Students create one or more bears using provided materials. Then, match their bear to the right size porridge, chair, and bed.

Too soft! Too hard! Just right!

Disciplines: Literacy, mathematics, physical science, writing

Students compare materials from a sensory bin and sort them into categories based on whether they are soft or hard. Then, they choose which material would make a “just right” chair for them and justify their reasoning. If time allows, students find another way to sort materials (e.g., rough, smooth).

Goldilocks sleeping in your bed

Disciplines: Literacy, mathematics, engineering, physical science

Students build a bed for Goldilocks using various materials. Then they test the bed to see if Goldilocks can sleep in their bed (or is she is too big, too heavy, etc?.). Students redesign and recreate their beds as needed after testing their design.

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