Encourage Cool STEM Learning Through Winter Break Exploration

As the countdown begins for winter break, students will be brimming with excitement. Before frost begins to paint windows and the scarves come out, educators can help guide students to seek fun while staying curious about STEM. Whether they explore the brilliant engineering behind igloos or transform their kitchen into a science lab, there are several ways to spark joyful learning through observation and experimentation. Read on to find cool tips for encouraging students to continue learning and exploring STEM over winter break.

Recommend Educational Outings

Recommending educational trips over winter break is a great strategy for fostering family engagement, shared experiences and investment in children’s interests. As a trusted school resource, you can encourage families to take a day trip to a local library or museum to make new memories and spark new ideas.

Suggest checking library websites for free activities and upcoming events that offer hands-on fun for kids. From science to history, encouraging visits to local museums can help children develop an appreciation for local access to artifacts, art and more!

Encourage Seasonal STEM Activities

As students rush home for hot chocolate and snowman building, encourage families to try out a few seasonal activities that highlight how STEM shapes the wonders of the world around us.

The Science of Snowflakes

By exploring the science of snowflakes, students will be inspired by nature’s masterpieces. They can even practice making their own with a paper snowflake activity!

STEM Activity: Make Your Own Snowball Launcher

Whether you have a snowy landscape or a creative substitute, engineering their own DIY snowball launcher for high-flinging fun is the perfect hands-on physics activity.

STEM Activity: Baking With STEAM

Experimenting with baking is the ultimate way to invite STEAM into the kitchen. While students create a sweet treat with a grown-up, they can practice math through fractions and measurements.

Assign A Winter Photography Project

When children return to school from winter break, they will jump at the opportunity to share what they have been up to! With a grade-level photography project, students can document their favorite moments over winter break and participate in a show-and-tell presentation to strengthen their public speaking skills, boost their confidence and reconnect with their classmates.

For supplemental learning, consider highlighting National Inventors Hall of Fame^® Inductees who have made remarkable contributions to photography. Combining art, science and history, you also can share this hands-on photography activity with families, allowing children to explore the vintage photographic printing process known as cyanotype.

Kick Off a Winter Break Reading Challenge

Whether you challenge students to read a certain number of books, make a visit to the public library or read out loud to a family member (pets included), winter break is the perfect time for students to cozy up and enjoy seasonal STEM stories. Here are a few of our top recommendations:

“Lily's Flower Igloo” by Natalie Wade

Readers will follow Lily, a young girl who wants to someday be an inventor, as she tries to make a "pretty" igloo. When her first attempt fails, children will find out how she accomplishes her goal through ingenuity. This story of problem solving will help spark conversations about engineering and persistence – perhaps even inspiring children’s ideas for their own igloo project!

“Sled Dogs” by Matt Lilley

In this book, readers explore how dog teams work together to pull sleds, as well as the skills and training this work requires. Short paragraphs paired with plenty of colorful photos make this book engaging for every reader! From fun facts to comprehension questions, this book delivers an engaging educational read.

“Capy's Cozy Winter” by Lena Adams

Readers can discover the world of baby capybaras in eight fun stories with real facts at the end of each chapter. K-6 students will love reading this heartwarming winter story about helping friends and teamwork, featuring one of the most popular animals among children!

Keep Exploring STEM

We hope these ideas broaden the imaginations of your students this winter break. There is so much more to discover in the world of STEM. Are you ready to bring more fresh strategies into the classroom? Keep exploring our blog for more educator insights and ideas!