If joy, STEM and winter had a baby … it would be the Snowman STEM Winter Games! In these Snowman STEM winter activities, students turn themselves into a snowman by creating four pieces of snowman STEM gear: hat, scarf, arms & nose!
Designed to get students moving and challenge their problem-solving skills, these Winter STEM Games are sure to engage & make some amazing STEMemories students will be talking about for years to come!
Table of Contents
🔎 Snowman STEM Games Overview
With the Snowman STEM Winter Games, students dive into a series of snowman-themed challenges that focus on engineering, problem-solving, and teamwork. This isn’t your average “build a snowman” kit; instead, students get to create different snowman features & become the snowman themselves — building hats, noses, scarves, and arms — and testing them across a variety of fun events.
Students must think critically about their designs because features that help in one event may be a disadvantage in another. For example, rigidity is an advantage in some events, while flexibility may be better in others.
Keeping students engaged and learning during the winter months can be tricky—between holiday excitement and returning from winter break, they’re often bursting with energy. Winter STEM activities like the Snowman STEM Winter Games are ideal for channeling that energy into something constructive and creative. These activities encourage students to explore, experiment, and collaborate, all while sneaking in a little exercise and a lot of learning!
⏱ Timing & Prep
Plan for about 20-30 minutes to design & build each piece of snowman gear you intend to test in the Snowman STEM Winter Games (hat, scarf, nose, and/or arms) plus 3-5 minutes for each testing event you want to do (There are 25 indoor options. Extended time is needed for the 11 larger, outdoor events.)
You may also want to factor in an additional ~10 minutes for a medals ceremony like what you’d see in the Winter Olympics!
Prep is a breeze. Each challenge uses very simple materials you likely already have on-hand (think: construction paper, scissors, tape, string/pipe cleaners, scrap cardboard, etc.)
Just gather your materials and either print the students pages or assign via Google Slides™.
👏 Why It’s Awesome
1. Gets Students Moving
Each event in the Snowman STEM Winter Games is designed to keep students on their feet and working together. They’re not just thinking and building; they’re testing their designs and seeing real results. It’s hands-on, and it’s fun—a great way to sneak some physical activity into your day.
2. Flexible for Any Setting
Whether you’re planning a classroom winter party, a school-wide event, or a cozy STEM family night, this bundle works in all kinds of spaces. The activities can be set up indoors in a classroom, taken to the gym for extra movement, or even used outside if the weather allows.
3. Fosters Creativity and Problem-Solving
The Snowman STEM Winter Games lets students test different ideas, refine their designs, and discover what works best—all great skills for young engineers and scientists. These activities are about more than just building; they’re about thinking, experimenting, and seeing how little changes can make a big difference.
🥰 Who Loves These Winter STEM Games?
Teachers: Use these snowman challenges as part of your winter science centers, holiday classroom celebrations, or just to shake things up with your before or after winter break activities.
Parents & Families: Host a Winter STEM family night, or use this bundle to keep kids busy over winter break with something educational and fun (and off screens!).
Event Organizers: Set up a school-wide winter games day or rotate through winter STEM stations in a gym or outdoor area.
Kids: Truly fun for all ages!
✏️ Post-Event Wrap Up
After students complete the events, consider holding an awards ceremony where you award “medals” similar to a Winter Olympics ceremony!
- Hold an awards ceremony
- Tie in with a read-aloud on How to Catch a Snowman
- Have a discussion around design elements that helped and hurt in each event
- Re-design snowman gear & compete again
- Have students create their own events and compete in those
- Additional ideas to extend & deepen learning are included in the resource!
- Hold a Snowman Showdown Obstacle Course Gauntlet (details inside the bundle bonuses)
🧠 Ways to Use
If you’re a teacher searching for STEM winter activities that inspire students, the Snowman STEM Winter Games might be the perfect solution for your classroom, homeschool, or even family night!
In schools & classrooms:
- Just before or after winter break to keep students engaged
- Class party alternative
- School-wide event
- Family STEM night
At home:
- Family game night
- Keeping your kids occupied & off screens during their holiday break
- Homeschool fun
- Family reunion competition
🛒 The Snowman STEM Games is
Available for Purchase 🛒
Includes:
- 5 Snowman Hat Events
- 5 Snowman Nose Events
- 6 Snowman Scarf Events
- 9 Snowman Arms Events
- 10 Exclusive Bonus Bundle Events, including relay races, obstacle course suggestions & more
👉 You Might Also Like These Christmas & Winter STEM Activities Blog Posts
- 15 Winter STEM Activities
- 5 Christmas / Winter STEM Challenges
- Snowman Stretch STEM Challenge
- Late Winter STEM Challenges
- Leprechaun Decathlon
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