2023

Creativity Challenges

©CarlyAndAdam
 NGSS STANDARDS
Grades K-2
K-2-ETS1-2 Engineering Design
Develop a simple sketch, drawing, or physical model to illustrate how
the shape of an object helps it function as needed to solve a given
problem.

Grades 3-5
3-5-ETS1-2 Engineering Design
Generate and compare multiple solutions to a problem based on
how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the
problem.

©CarlyAndAdam
 Why Creativity Challenges?
Some studies suggest a decline in creative thinking with
age. This is a huge problem since creativity and problem
solving are essential skills for STEM careers. Scientists,
computer programmers, engineers, and mathematicians all
need to be able to think creatively and brainstorm
solutions quickly in order to solve problems.

One way to combat this problem is by implementing

creativity challenges with students.

What are Creativity Challenges?

The goal of creativity challenges is to help students think in
different ways. The ability to generate unique thoughts and
ideas is known as divergent thinking. When students are
thinking outside the box it results in creative solutions. In a
creativity challenge, students are presented with a problem
that they have to solve using their creativity. Typically these
challenges are short lasting anywhere from 3-10 minutes.

By implementing these challenges on a regular basis

students are able to exercise their creative muscles.

Creativity challenges can be used as a quick warm up

before a STEM challenge to help jumpstart students’
creativity. They can also be used for morning work, brain
breaks, and at various other times throughout the school
day.
©CarlyAndAdam
 Finish the Picture Challenge
Finish the picture activities are one type of creativity
challenge. To complete these challenges you will need the
following materials.

Materials Needed:
• Finish the Picture Templates
• Pencils
• Colored Pencils, Crayons, Markers (optional)

Have students complete this challenge individually or with

a partner.

The goal of the finish the picture challenge is for students

complete the image while following the constraints given
in the directions.

Before students begin, explain to them that the focus is not

on the skill of the drawings. Rather, students should be
more concerned about coming up with a creative solution
to complete the drawing.

At the end of the challenge have students share the ideas

that they came up with.

©CarlyAndAdam
Name:____________________________

Finish the Picture

Directions: Add more details to complete this drawing. You can turn
this drawing into anything except 2023.

It’s NOT 2023!

2023
It’s ___________________.
©CarlyAndAdam
Name:____________________________

2023 Creativity Challenges

Directions: Add more details to complete the drawings.

2 0 23
It’s ______________. It’s ______________. It’s ______________.
©CarlyAndAdam
Finish the Picture Challenge
Example

©CarlyAndAdam
Finish the Picture Challenge
Example

©CarlyAndAdam
 ABOUT US
Carly and Adam have been creating STEM curriculum
for elementary students since 2015. In 2018, they
created the Elementary STEM Teachers Club Facebook
Group to bring like-minded educators together to
collaborate around STEM topics.

As a result of the collaboration in the STEM Facebook

group, they launched the STEM Teacher Summit online
conference in June of 2020. Carly and Adam believe in
the power of teacher collaboration. We Teach STEM
Better Together! You can connect with Carly and Adam
at www.carlyandadam.com as well as on Facebook,
Instagram, and Twitter.

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

INFO@CARLYANDADAMBLOG.COM

Get access to our FREE STEM Resource Library.

WWW.CARLYANDADAM.COM
 Want More Challenges?

Join The STEM Teachers Club and Get Access to ALL

of our STEM and Creativity Challenges!

WWW.CARLYANDADAM.COM
 TERMS OF USE
All pages of this product are copyrighted. You may not create anything to sell from this packet or
share any part of it. This product is licensed for use in one classroom only. If you would like to
share with colleagues you will need to purchase additional licenses or send them to Carly and
Adam's TPT store. This resource is not licensed for use on Outschool or similar websites.

CREDITS

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