Ten Holiday Projects For Making STEM Merry And Bright
The holiday season is not only a time of celebration but also an excellent opportunity for educators to engage students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) activities. By incorporating products like Brown Dog Gadgets Paper Circuits, 3DuxDesign kits, Strawbees, HummingBird kits from BirdBrain Technologies, and Dash robots, educators can create exciting projects that are both educational and festive. Moreover, by tying these projects to various winter holidays celebrated globally, students can learn about different cultures and traditions while participating in project-based learning. In this article, we will explore some inspiring ideas for holiday STEM projects and highlight the benefits of embracing multicultural learning during this busy time of year.
1. Diwali And Christmas-Inspired Brown Dog Gadgets Paper Circuits:
Celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights, by incorporating Brown Dog Gadgets Paper Circuits into your STEM curriculum. Students can create beautiful illuminated greeting cards using LED lights and conductive copper tape. This project not only teaches the basics of circuitry but also allows students to explore the cultural significance of Diwali and its celebrations in India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
You could also spice up your classroom Christmas parties with these reindeer hats for all!
Click here for the Light-Up-Reindeer Hat Template. And watch this helpful video to get started.
2. Construct A Winter Village With 3DuxDesign Kits:
Encourage creativity, design, and architecture skills by having students construct their own winter villages using 3DuxDesign kits. Students can design and build houses, ice rinks, and other winter-themed structures. This project can be tied to Christmas, Hanukkah, and Boxing Day, illustrating how these holidays are celebrated in various countries around the world.
3. Design Festive Strawbees Decorations:
Using Strawbees, students can design and build festive decorations inspired by different winter holidays. From snowflakes and ornaments to menorahs and stars, this project allows students to explore their creativity while learning about holidays like Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. Here is a STEM challenge example for Building A Unique Snowflake Using Strawbees.
4. Engineering Challenges With HummingBird Kits:
Engage students with engineering challenges using HummingBird kits from BirdBrain Technologies. Students can design and build interactive holiday-themed robots or sculptures, incorporating lights, movement, and sound. This project can be tied to celebrations such as Christmas, Las Posadas, or St. Lucia Day, encouraging students to learn about the cultural significance of these holidays while applying their engineering skills. Here is an example of a Menorah designed using Hummingbird.
5. Programmable Dash Robots for New Year's Eve:
Utilize programmable Dash robots to create a countdown celebration that includes lights, movement, and sound for New Year's Eve. Students can code the robots to perform a dance routine, play music, or even simulate a firework display. Encourage students to enhance the celebration atmosphere by adding props like party hats, noise-making instruments, or a mini disco ball. This project not only teaches coding and robotics but also allows students to learn about different New Year's Eve traditions worldwide, such as the grape-eating tradition in Spain.
6. Create A Video Showing How You Celebrate The Holidays With Hue:
Want to take your holiday celebration to the next level? Grab your HUE Animation Studio Kit and get ready to share how you celebrate the holiday season! With this challenge, you can create a video showcasing your favorite moments during the holidays. Gather your group or go solo if you're learning remotely, and start brainstorming ideas for your skit. Decide on a favorite holiday moment and write a skit that captures the essence of the celebration. Build your set and characters using clay and a variety of crafts. Once everything is ready, use the HUE Camera and software to bring your skit to life in an animated video. Share your creative results with us through social media! Click here for this STEM challenge.
7. Dreidel Game Activity With Finch:
Experience the joy of playing the traditional Dreidel game with a tech twist using Finch! This activity combines the excitement of Hanukkah with the fun of programming. Grab the Finch robot and the Finch app, and get ready to build your own Dreidel. Follow the instructions in the provided link to access the Dreidel Game activity with Finch. Use your programming skills to make the robot spin, land on different sides, and interact with other players. Whether you're learning remotely or in a classroom, this activity is a great way to learn programming concepts while celebrating Hanukkah in a unique and engaging way.
8. Design A Lighted Wreath Using Squishy Circuits:
Let your creativity shine with a hands-on project using Squishy Circuits! Design a light-up wreath that will add a festive touch to your holiday decorations. With Squishy Circuits, you can learn about basic circuitry while creating a unique wreath design. The project involves using conductive dough and LEDs to build a functioning circuit that illuminates your wreath. Follow the instructions in the provided link to learn how to design your own lighted wreath using Squishy Circuits. Get ready to showcase your artistic skills and introduce some technology to your holiday décor! Find this STEM challenge here.
9. Go On A Polar Expedition With Cubetto:
Say hello to Cubetto - a friendly little wooden robot that's here to introduce your child to the captivating world of computer programming, all while embarking on a thrilling hands-on play adventure. It's more than just fun and games; Cubetto opens the door to a fundamental understanding of coding basics for our young learners. Go on a Polar Expedition with a heart-thumping Arctic race with this STEM challenge.
10. Create a Dreidel For Hanukkah with Makedo:
Celebrate the festival of Hanukkah by making your own dreidel with Makedo! With this hands-on activity, you'll learn about the traditional game of dreidel while exploring the world of cardboard construction. Grab your Makedo tools and follow the instructions in the provided link to create a dreidel from cardboard. Engage in discussions about the significance of dreidels during Hanukkah, and learn about the symbols and rules associated with the game. Let your creativity soar as you decorate your dreidel with colors and patterns. This activity is a perfect blend of creativity, cultural learning, and holiday fun!
Exploring Different Cultures through Project-Based Learning:
The holiday season provides a unique opportunity to expose students to diverse cultures and traditions. By combining STEM projects with the celebration of various winter holidays, educators can foster an inclusive and multicultural learning environment. Project-based learning encourages students to research and understand the customs, history, and significance of different holidays celebrated worldwide.
Through these projects, students can develop a deeper appreciation and respect for cultural diversity. They can compare and contrast their own traditions with those of others, promoting empathy and a broader worldview. Additionally, project-based learning keeps students engaged during this busy time of year, as they actively participate in hands-on activities, collaborate with peers, and apply their knowledge to real-world challenges.
In conclusion, holiday STEM projects using products like BrownDog Paper Circuits, 3DuxDesign kits, Strawbees, HummingBird kits, and Dash robots can provide educators with excellent opportunities to engage and inspire students during the December and January holiday season. By tying these projects to various winter holidays celebrated worldwide, educators can enhance students' understanding of different cultures while fostering their creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Embrace project-based learning and explore the richness of global traditions to create a joyful and educational experience for your students this holiday season!