MPC Family STEM Day

Thanks for building with us! Take your PM toolkit home.

Every big STEM idea, from a Lego tower to an ocean robot, needs someone who keeps the plan on track. That's a project manager. Download the Balance Point Challenge guide and free worksheets to keep exploring at home or in the classroom.

From our booth

The Balance Point Challenge.

Build a K'NEX balancing eagle that sits on one fingertip, then level up. Here's the activity guide for builders and the tips sheet for the grown-ups helping them.

Preview of the Balance Point Challenge activity guide: the eagle secret, materials, five steps to build a balancing eagle, and the Go Bigger and Stack It level-ups
Activity guide · 1 page

Build your balancing eagle

How a balancing eagle stays upright, and how to build one out of K'NEX connectors, rods and wheels:

  • The eagle secret: low weight = steady balance
  • Level 1: plan, build, add weight, test
  • Level 2, Go Bigger: longer wings, more weight
  • Level 3, Stack It: how many layers can you balance?
PDF · 628 KB · print it or follow along on a screen
Download the guide Open to print
Preview of the tips for grown-ups: fixes when a build won't balance, a setup tip, two golden rules, and the project management skill in each step
For grown-ups · 1 page

Tips for grown-ups

Help builders troubleshoot without taking over, and see the real-world skills behind each step:

  • Quick fixes when it tips or flops over
  • Two golden rules for when a build wobbles
  • The PM skill in each step: scope, trade-offs, iteration
PDF · 633 KB · print it or read it on a screen
Download the tips Open to print
Keep going

More PM worksheets.

Two fillable worksheets: find your STEM project manager style, then plan your next big idea.

Preview of the quiz: three questions with A to D answers and four PM styles, the Builder, Strategist, Innovator and Validator
Quiz · 1 page

What kind of STEM project manager are you?

Three quick questions about Lego towers, science fairs and big ideas for Monterey County. Count your letters to find your style:

  • The Builder: the Engineering PM
  • The Strategist: the Mathematical PM
  • The Innovator: the Technological PM
  • The Validator: the Scientific PM
Fillable PDF · 46 KB · type on a computer or print it out
Download the quiz Open to print
Preview of the project charter: project name and goal, team roles, three milestones, a backup plan and a 'how do we know we won' checklist
Planning sheet · 1 page

My Epic STEM Project Charter

Every great project starts with a charter. Fill this one out to become the project manager of your next big idea:

  • Name your project and set the big goal
  • Pick your team: PM, technical lead, design & quality expert
  • Break it into three milestones with dates
  • Plan for what might go wrong, and how you'll know you won
Fillable PDF · 41 KB · type on a computer or print it out
Download the charter Open to print
Ori|entation

How to use them.

1

Download

Tap a download button. On a phone or tablet, the worksheet opens so you can save or share it.

2

Fill it in

Type right into the worksheet boxes in a PDF app or your web browser, then save. Prefer pencils? Print any of them on regular letter-size paper.

3

Make it real

Build the balancing eagle, take the quiz, then use the charter to plan a project together: a science fair entry, a backyard build, or a family challenge.

For parents & educators

Planning skills grow with practice.

Ori PM Consulting helps people on the Central Coast lead projects with structure and heart. These worksheets are free to print and share with your classroom, club or family.

Upcoming workshops & events See dates → Meet Ben, Ori's founder His story → Questions, or a session for your school? Email us →