Christmas STEAM Activities
We used resources from
We love the multi lesson
Build an Elf Trap
Just like the story, we want to try and catch one of Santa’s Elves! Our job is to create an Elf Trap with the available materials.
We read How to Catch an Elf by Adam Wallace, then used the materials provided to build our own Elf Traps! The students followed the design process to plan, build, test and improve their ideas in order to create the perfect trap.
Students were given time to plan their design. Depending on the grade level, students are encouraged to label their plans with materials.
Build a Shelf for the Elf
The Elf on the Shelf needs a new place to sit. Can you build a shelf that is high to keep him safe,
so he can watch over everyone?
First we discussed why the Elf on the Shelf usually sits somewhere way up high. The students knew he sits out of reach because he cannot be touched, and he sits up high to watch over everyone to report back to Santa.
Students were given time to plan their design. Depending on the grade level, students are encouraged to label their plans with materials.
Students then tested their designs by placing an Elf on their shelf. We taped the Elf print out to wooden blocks. You could use also Unifix cubes. If needed, students improved their creations. When the shelf works, students tried to make it taller or stronger to hold more Elves, to make an additional challenge.
Build a Christmas Tree
Someone is allergic to real Christmas Trees. Our job is to create the perfect tree with these materials instead.
We read Maple & Willow’s Christmas Tree by Lori Nichols, then used the materials provided to build our own Christmas Trees! The students followed the design process to plan, build, test and improve their ideas in order to create the perfect Christmas tree.
Students were given time to plan their design. Depending on the grade level, students are encouraged to label their plans with materials.
We added fake snow and put our trees on display in the hallway.
Santa's Parachute
Santa needs a parachute for emergency landings from his sleigh. Santa should be able to land safely, without falling out of the parachute.
First we discussed how parachutes work. What makes them float down slowly? Students explained how air or wind gets trapped in the parachute to slow it down. We discussed the size of the parachute compared to how heavy Santa is… maybe we need to use more than one coffee filter, or a large piece of tissue paper?
Students were given time to plan their design. Depending on the grade level, students are encouraged to label their plans with materials.
Students then tested their designs by dropping their parachutes. If needed, students improve their creations. When the parachute works, students could add pennies (as Santa’s presents) to make an additional challenge.
