BUILD A Fish Trap Challenge

Did you know that salmon are at the heart of the Nad’uten people’s culture? Salmon are especially important because it’s the primary source of their traditional diet for thousands of years … but - they don't just catch as many salmon as they can - they're careful to make sure there will always be enough salmon for the future. One of these sustainable fishing methods has been to use fish traps.

In this STEM Challenge, we are going to design and build our very own fish trap.

Suggested Materials:

• Small downed branches (already found on the ground)

• Twine or string

• Recycled materials 

• Popsicle sticks

• Glue-gun

• Water bottle or another fish representation

• Wooden skewers

Phase 1: Research and Design

Just like the Nad’uten people, many cultures around the world use fish traps to catch fish. You can learn about the different types and how they work by doing some research. After learning about them, design your own blueprint.

Phase 2: Materials

Decide what material you want to build your trap out of. Do you want to use natural materials like branches cut from a tree, or do you want to use artificial materials, like things found in the recycling bin?

Phase 3: Begin Construction

Following your blueprint, start building your trap. 

Phase 4: Time to Test

To test the trap, use an object to resemble a fish -  for ours, we'll use a bottle filled with water. If your trap is smaller, use a smaller object. Place the fish in the trap and make sure it can’t shake or slip out. If the fish slips out too easily, go back again to your design and modify the trap to make it more secure.

Spark curiosity and inspire kids to take action with Live It Earth STEM Challenges that are learner-driven and problem-based. If you enjoyed this STEM challenge, here are 3 of our favourite past STEM Challenges: Make Your Own Dog Treats in our Dogs STEM Challenge, Grow Your Own Fungi in our Fungi STEM Challenge, or Design and Build an ROV in our Deep Sea STEM Challenge.

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