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    Home » Princess and the PEA STEM – Can the Princess feel the pea?

    Princess and the PEA STEM – Can the Princess feel the pea?

    February 10, 2017 By Emma Vanstone 2 Comments

    In the story of The Princess and the Pea, the princess can’t sleep because she can feel a pea through many layers of mattresses. We used the story to inspire first the building of a wooden bed and then the addition of mattress materials to see which cushioned our pea ( a marble ) most effectively. This Princess and the Pea STEM activity is great for kids of all ages and for working in a team or alone.

    If you like this activity we have lots more fun Fairy Tale science experiments to try too.

    It’s also a great STEM Challenge for World Book Day.

    Princess and the Pea STEM Challenge

    The challenge is to first build a bed frame and then test different mattress materials.

    If you don’t want to build a bed frame just testing mattress materials on a flat surface will also work.

    This printable planning and testing booklet might also be helpful.

    Princess and the Pea STEM challenge booklet
    Princess and the pea STEM challenge booklet page 2
    sponges and a mini wooden bed frame for a Princess and the Pea STEM challenge

    The bed was built by my 9 year old using materials from TTS. He used wooden dowel, square lengths of wood, triangles and a glue gun ( with help from me ).

    Design and tech wooden bed
    Design and tech wooden bed frame

    Materials

    A bed – if you don’t want to make your own this could be as simple as a thick piece of card, or a small dolls bed

    A marble

    Mattress materials such as sponges, bubble wrap, felt etc

    mini wooden bed frame for a Princess and the pea activity

    How to make a bed for the Princess and the Pea

    Look at your materials and think about which would make the best mattress, remember your challenge is to not be able to feel the “pea” through the mattress.

    Construct your mattress.

    Press down, can you feel the “pea”?

    Ask a friend to feel the mattress without telling them there is a hidden marble, can they tell there is something there?

    wooden bed frame covered with sponges and bubble wrap for a Princess and the Pea science activity

    Princess and the Pea – extension tasks

    What’s the thinnest mattress you can make and not feel the pea?

    Does changing the object in the bed affect how thick your mattress needs to be? Try using a coin, or dice.

    Wooden bed frame covered with sponges, bubble wrap and felt with a small doll sat on top

    Great for Key Stage 1 Science – Everyday Materials

    Everyday Materials – Identify and compare the suitability of a variety of everyday materials

    Working Scientifically

    collage of images for a Princess and the Pea science activity or sTEM Challenge
    >
    >

    Last Updated on February 2, 2022 by Emma Vanstone

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    Safety Notice

    Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

    These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Lisa Bradburn

      March 23, 2017 at 10:51 am

      This is such a clever way to incorporate stories and science! A great experiment for kids in the classroom! x

      Reply
    2. Điện máy viễn thông Vintech

      October 01, 2021 at 9:48 am

      These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

      https://dienmayvienthong.com/tong-dai-ip/
      https://dienmayvienthong.com/tai-nghe-call-center/

      Reply

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