Build Lab Tubs: STEM Task Cards & Bin Labels
Category: Education / STEM Activities
Students grab a tub, read a card and start building while you get ten calm minutes. 152 STEM challenge cards in 3 levels plus 36 bin labels for K-5.
Watch your students grab a tub, read a card and get straight to building, while you finally have ten calm minutes to take attendance or work with a small group. These STEM task cards and bin labels give K-5 teachers a ready morning tub and early finisher routine that kids look forward to every day. Even your non-readers know exactly what to build. This is a printable kit of 152 STEM challenge cards, 36 bin labels and everything you need to run it.
Made with AI help: the card text and teacher guide were drafted with an AI writing assistant and then edited by us. All illustrations were drawn by us with code; no AI image generator was used.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
• 7 PDF files in 1 ZIP (instant download)
• Full color, US Letter (8.5 x 11 in), 102 pages
• Full color, A4, 102 pages
• Black & white, US Letter, 102 pages (ink saver, kids can color)
• Black & white, A4, 102 pages
• Editable PDF, US Letter, 7 pages (type your own labels and cards, no Office needed)
• Editable PDF, A4, 7 pages
• Print guide, 3 pages (which file to use, how to print, what the symbols mean)
152 TASK CARDS IN 3 LEVELS
• 40 Picture Build cards (K-1): a picture of the real thing plus a block picture of one way to build it. No reading needed.
• 16 Shape Build cards (K-3): 12 3D solids and 4 flat shapes
• 40 Build Challenge cards (grades 1-3): one short sentence and a picture clue
• 8 Team Build cards: partner and small group challenges
• 40 Engineer Challenge cards (grades 3-5): measuring, perimeter, area, volume, strength tests, planning and improving
• 8 Level Up! cards: make any build taller, stronger, wider or better
• Most cards work with any material, and each card has a code for easy tracking
LABELS AND SIGNS
• 36 big bin labels, each with a picture of the material and 3 build ideas
• 2 blank write-in labels
• 36 mini labels for small photo cases, pencil boxes and drawers
• Build Lab sign and "Today's challenge" sign
RECORDING SHEETS
• Draw my build (no writing, for K-1)
• Build, draw & write on primary lines and on regular lines with a word bank
• Blueprint grid, engineering plan, Test it! sheet
• Partner build, build log, my invention
• 8 write-about-it prompt cards
TEACHER SUPPORT
• Set up in 5 steps, Day 1 lesson plan with a short script, weekly routine
• Which cards for which students, plus differentiation ideas
• Supply checklist with 36 low-cost and free materials
• Questions to ask while students build, skills and standards page (NGSS engineering design, Common Core math)
• Engineering design process: cycle poster + 6 step posters (Ask, Imagine, Plan, Create, Test, Improve)
• Expectations poster, clean-up checklist, rotation charts for 4, 5 and 6 groups
• Self checks (K-2 and 3-5), teacher rubric, class tracker, Super Engineer award
PERFECT FOR
• Morning tubs and soft starts
• Early finishers and fast finishers
• STEM centers, makerspace and library time
• Indoor recess, brain breaks and Fun Friday
• Homeschool and small groups
HOW TO USE
1. Fill 4 to 6 tubs or boxes with one building material each (blocks, cups, craft sticks, recyclables and more).
2. Print and laminate a label for each tub.
3. Print the task cards for your grade level and put a ring of cards in each tub.
4. Teach the routine with the Day 1 plan, then let students build, draw, write and improve.
HOW TO PRINT
• Print at "Actual size" or 100%, not "Fit to page".
• Cardstock (65-110 lb) and lamination make cards and labels last for years.
• Use the black & white files to save ink or to print on colored paper.
PLEASE NOTE
• This is a digital download. Nothing will be shipped.
• Building materials are not included.
• Colors may look a little different on your screen and printer.
• For personal use, one classroom or one home. Please do not share, resell or redistribute the files.
• Choose materials that are right for your students' age; adults supervise small parts, toothpicks and rubber bands.
• This product is not affiliated with any brand of building toy or with any other STEM program.
Have a question before you buy? Send us a message. We are happy to help.