This image shows snowy trees and a blue sky. The text reads "Winter STEM."

Winter-themed STEM activities for Middle School

Are you looking for the perfect winter-themed STEM activities to bring some seasonal fun into your classroom? Or maybe you need to keep your students engaged during the excitement and chaos that comes before the holiday break… Either way, check out these exciting engineering design challenges that are sure to keep your students’ interest.

Cookie Delivery Challenge

This image shows Christmas cookies on a table with a worksheet for a Christmas STEM challenge titled "Cookie Delivery STEM Challenge".

In the cookie delivery challenge, students are tasked with creating a package that can protect a single cookie as it is shipped in the mail. Students imagine themselves as bakers creating the perfect holiday cookie to share with their family and friends. Then they use household materials to design a package that will keep a single cookie from cracking or crumbling as it travels through the mail. Students test their package by inserting a cookie and tossing, dropping, bumping the package around. Then they open it up to determine the success of their design.

Snowflake Design Challenge

This image shows the worksheet for a snowflake STEM challenge on a black and white background with realistic snowflakes.

In the snowflake design challenge, students are tasked with providing scientifically accurate winter decor for a holiday pageant. Students will watch a video to learn how real snowflakes form and the various shapes they can take. Then they will use household materials to design and build snowflakes with 6 sides and rotational symmetry.

Hot Cocoa Cup Challenge

This image shows a Cocoa Cup STEM Challenge worksheet on a background with chocolate and marshmallows.

In this cocoa cup challenge, students are tasked with creating an insulated cup for hot chocolate. First, students learn about thermal energy, insulators, and conductors. Then they apply their knowledge to design a cup that will keep warm liquids as warm as possible over a 30 minute period. At the end, you can celebrate student work with a hot chocolate party!

What’s included?

Each of the winter-themed STEM activities includes: 

  • Detailed teacher notes that include suggestions for facilitating the project during in-person, distance, and hybrid learning
  • PDF, Google, and Easel versions of the student project packets
  • A slideshow to assist with lesson facilitation
  • A rubric for easy grading
  • End-of-project celebration certificates

These projects follow the engineering design process allowing students to practice their teamwork and problem-solving skills. The building materials are flexible, meaning you can use what you have on hand! Blocks, clean recyclables, school supplies, etc.

Grab these resources today so you can take a break from planning and know your students will still be learning and having fun as you enjoy the winter season!

Want more fun seasonal activities?

Save 20% when you grab the seasonal STEM challenge bundle! Then you’ll have fun projects ready-to-go all year long!

This image shows a corn maze, bee house, candy bucket and hot cocoa cup STEM challenges. The text reads "STEM challenges for every season."

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