Winter days, especially snow days, provide a perfect opportunity to engage young minds in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) activities. These simple engineering projects not only spark creativity but also reinforce critical thinking skills while tying into the winter theme. Here are some fun and educational STEM challenges for kids to try at home or in the classroom during snowy days.
1. Build a Marshmallow Igloo
Objective: Construct a stable igloo using marshmallows and toothpicks.
Materials:
- Mini marshmallows
- Toothpicks
Instructions:
- Create a circular base with marshmallows and toothpicks.
- Gradually build upwards, forming a dome shape.
- Ensure each layer is stable before adding the next.
STEM Connection: This project teaches structural engineering and the importance of stability and balance in building structures.
2. Snow Catapult
Objective: Design and build a simple catapult to launch cotton balls (representing snowballs).
Materials:
- Craft sticks
- Rubber bands
- Plastic spoon
- Cotton balls
Instructions:
- Stack several craft sticks together and secure them with rubber bands at each end.
- Attach a spoon to the top stick with another rubber band.
- Use the stack of sticks as a fulcrum to launch cotton balls.
STEM Connection: This challenge introduces basic physics concepts, including force, tension, and trajectory.
3. Waterproof a Boot
Objective: Engineer a boot covering using available materials to make it waterproof and protect it from winter’s wet and cold conditions.
Materials:
- Felt tip pens or markers
- Various materials to test (kitchen foil, paper, cloth, felt, wax crayon, etc.)
- Masking tape
- Scissors
- Boot printable (or draw your own)
- Water sprayer or dripping method
Instructions:
- Provide each student with a boot printable and have them color it with markers.
- Give students small squares of different materials to test. Older students can cut out squares independently.
- Encourage students to observe the materials and predict which will be waterproof. Tip: Guide students to think about real-world applications of each material.
- Tape or glue material squares onto the boot until fully covered.
- Spray water evenly over the boot and observe how each material reacts.
- Peel off the squares to check if the colors underneath remain dry.
- Identify the most waterproof material.
STEM Connection: This activity promotes problem-solving, material science, and the engineering design process, encouraging kids to think critically about how to protect against environmental challenges.
Activity source: Science Sparks, Emma Vanston – Science Sparks
4. Grow Your Own Polar Bear
Objective: Experiment and observe the changes in a gummy bear when soaked in different liquid solutions.
Materials:
- Clear plastic cups (at least 4)
- 1 pack of gummy bears
- Vinegar
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Water
- Measuring spoons
Instructions:
- Fill each cup halfway with fresh water.
- Label each cup with the solution name: Water, Baking Soda, Vinegar, and Salt.
- Add a tablespoon of baking soda to one cup and stir until dissolved.
- Add a tablespoon of vinegar to another cup.
- Add a tablespoon of salt to another cup and stir until dissolved.
- Place one gummy bear in each cup.
- Observe changes over several hours or overnight, noting size and texture differences.
STEM Connection: This experiment introduces concepts of osmosis, chemical reactions, and the effects of different substances on gelatin-based candies, encouraging observational and analytical skills.
Activity source: The Sprinkle Topped Teacher – The Sprinkle Topped Teacher
Conclusion
These winter-themed STEM challenges are not only fun but also provide valuable learning experiences. They encourage children to think like engineers and scientists, fostering a love for exploration and discovery. The next time snowflakes fall or the temperature drops, try these engaging projects to make the most of a snowy day or an inside recess!
Toymeka Raymond is an elementary teacher in Newport News Public Schools and an eMediaVA Ambassador.