Autumn Plus Plus Blocks Lesson, Fall Small Group Activity, K-5 STEM Activities

Bring low-prep, fall-themed STEM centers to your elementary classroom with Carly and Adam’s Fall Plus-Plus Block Puzzles. These printable task cards are perfect for K–5 STEM labs, makerspaces, morning tubs, and early finishers—building fine-motor skills, problem solving, and shape composition with Plus-Plus blocks.

Standards-aligned to NGSS K-2-ETS1-2, 3-5-ETS1-2, CCSS 1.G.A.2, and TEKS Science K-5 1.G, this hands-on activity helps elementary teachers integrate engineering design into math and science with zero consumables.

Includes:

• Printable, fall-themed puzzle mats featuring acorn, pumpkin, fox, owl, leaf, mushrooms, sunflowers, trees (varieties), scarecrow, and squirrel designs.
• Visual Engineering Design Process posters (ASK → IMAGINE → PLAN → CREATE → TEST → IMPROVE → SHARE) to reinforce authentic STEM thinking.
• Clear teacher instructions with tips for inquiry prompts, organizing pieces, clarifying objectives, and guiding reflection/redesign.

Materials & setup

• Plus-Plus blocks and the printable puzzle mats—laminate or place in clear sleeves for longevity.
• Optional: trays or small bins to pre-sort colors for smoother building.
• Completely non-consumable so you can reuse year after year.

Perfect for:

• Independent STEM centers, partner challenges, or early-finisher bins.
• Quick “hook” for fall units in science or math.
• Fast formative checks: students count pieces by color (shown on each mat) and explain design choices.

Give your students a seasonal, screen-free way to practice engineering, math, and fine-motor skills—no prep beyond printing the mats and pouring out the blocks!