Bring the magic of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade into your classroom with this engaging, hands-on resource! Perfect for upper elementary and middle school students, this activity bundle combines history, reading comprehension, and an exciting STEM challenge to spark creativity and critical thinking.
 
What’s Included:
 
Informational Reading:
Dive into the rich history of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, from its 1924 beginnings to the engineering marvels behind today’s iconic balloons. The passage is both educational and engaging!
Comprehension Questions:
Test students’ understanding with a mix of true/false and short answer questions that encourage critical thinking and connection to STEM concepts.
STEM Challenge:
Students will apply their knowledge and creativity to design and build a prototype for their very own parade balloon. With clear instructions and prompts, they’ll explore principles of engineering, design, and problem-solving while creating a small-scale model using everyday materials.
Reflection and Presentation:
Students will present their balloon prototypes in a classroom "parade," explaining their design process, challenges, and successes.
 
Why You’ll Love It:
Cross-Curricular Connections: Combines history, ELA, and STEM for a well-rounded, interdisciplinary activity.
Student-Centered Learning: Encourages creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking.
Engaging Theme: Ties in the excitement of a beloved Thanksgiving tradition while teaching valuable academic skills.
Flexible and Digital-Friendly: Perfect for classrooms with varied schedules, tech access, and limited supplies.
 
Make Thanksgiving learning memorable with this fun, educational bundle that inspires students to think big—just like the balloons floating down the streets of New York City!