Engineer a device to launch a ping pong ball through a hoop, and explore mechanisms of catapults! Learn about the Mesoamerican Ball Game and its importance to Mayan sports and religion.
Starry Night at Home: Stingless Bee Hummer
Bzzzzzz! Learn about the role that stingless bees played in Mayan culture. Discover the science behind sounds as you engineer a device that creates air vibrations to mimic a swarm of bees!
Starry Night at Home: Mayan Pyramid Coordinates
Explore coordinate planes and how to use an x and y axis to plot points. Apply your knowledge to design a very mathematical Mayan Pyramid!
Materials List: Mayan Starry Night at Home
We are excited for you to participate in Girlstart’s Starry Night at Home, including a Mayan Skies star show and hands-on STEM activities! Gather materials from around the house and join us on Thursday, March 4th for Starry fun.
Mayan Ball Game
- Duct or masking tape
- Hula hoop or pool noodle
- 2 paint stirrers, tongue depressors, or craft sticks
- Ping pong ball
- Small paper or plastic cup
- Wooden spool or pencil
Mayan Crop Science
- Dry beans (lima, kidney, or similar)
- Magnifying glass
- Paper Towels
- Plastic baggie
- Water
Mayan Pyramid Coordinates
- Graph paper
- Pencil
- Ruler
Stingless Bee Hummer
- 2 cap erasers
- Craft stick
- Index card or cardstock
- Rubber band (size #64 works best)
- Scissors
- Stapler
- Yarn or string (2 feet)