Looking for creative ways to keep your students engaged during this festive season and celebrate the magic of this exciting time of year? These winter and Christmas STEM activities will surely help you harness some of that holiday energy and direct it toward intentional, educational STEM challenges designed to encourage imaginative thinking and nurture your students critical thinking and problem-solving skills. From designing sleighs to building snow fortresses, your students will fall in love with these five winter and Christmas STEM activities that capture the essence of the season.
Here’s a very quick visual of each of the 5 Winter or Christmas STEM Activities in action:
If you’re a STEM Challenge enthusiast, you know any challenge can be used for any age with just a few modifications. If you’re new to the game — or just tired of doing all the heavy-lifting yourself — check out the video walk-throughs linked next to each winter or Christmas STEM activity below as well as teaching resources for modifications for grades 2-8. These resources aim to make your STEM journey not only enjoyable but also seamlessly adaptable to the diverse needs of your students.
Here’s a quick description of 5 of my favorite Winter & Christmas STEM activities, plus links to their video walk-throughs and teaching resources for each one:
Table of Contents
Winter or Christmas STEM Activity 1: Snowman Stretch
Snowman Stretch– Individually or in partners/groups, students will design and build the tallest free-standing snowman possible or a snowman of the greatest volume possible. Get all the details including materials needed & a video walk-through on the Snowman Stretch blog post.
Winter or Christmas STEM Activity 2: Sled & Slope/Sleigh & Slope
Sled & Slope/Sleigh & Slope — in partners or groups students will build a sleigh and slope (ramp) designed to transport the sleigh the greatest possible distance. To save time or modify for younger students, you can provide the slope and ask only that they build a sleigh. Get all the details including materials needed & a video walk-through on the Sled & Slope blog post.
Or, you can grab the teaching resource here.
Winter or Christmas STEM Activity 3: Frozen Fortress
Frozen Fortress — In partners or groups, students will design and build a “snowball” fortress wall with two main criteria: greatest area (or height or length for younger students) and ability yo withstand a “snowball” attack. Get all the details including materials needed & a video walk-through on the Frozen Fortress blog post.
Or, you can grab the teaching resource here.
Winter or Christmas STEM Activity 4: Reindeer Relay
Reindeer Relay– Each student will design and build reindeer antlers. Students are then grouped for a reindeer relay in which they use their antlers to transport and hand off Christmas decorations. If you prefer a winter (non-Christmas) version, substitute “reindeer food” for decorations. Get all the details including materials needed & a video walk-through on the Reindeer Relay blog post.
Or, you can grab the teaching resource here.
Winter or Christmas STEM Activity 5: Candy Cane Calamity
Candy Cane Calamity — Individually or in partners, students design and build a way to safely “mail” two candy canes in one paper bag package without breakage. Get all the details including materials needed & a video walk-through on the Candy Cane Calamity blog post.
Or, you can grab the teaching resource here.
Grab the entire bundle and make this festive time of year fun and educational for students! 🥰
Related Posts:
- 15 Wonderful Winter STEM Activities
- Late Winter STEM Challenges
- 30 STEM Activities in 30 Minutes or Less!
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