12 Winter STEM Activities: Fun Ways to Learn This Season
Winter isn’t just about cozy sweaters and hot cocoa—it’s also the perfect time to spark curiosity and explore STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) in fun, hands-on ways.
Whether you’re a teacher looking for engaging classroom ideas, a homeschooling parent, or just someone who wants to make winter more educational, STEM activities can turn chilly days into exciting learning opportunities.
Here are 12 winter STEM activities that combine creativity, problem-solving, and seasonal fun—all while helping students build critical skills.
1. Build a Marshmallow Snowflake
🧪 Focus: Geometry & Engineering
Using toothpicks and mini marshmallows, challenge students to build symmetrical snowflakes. This activity reinforces geometry concepts like symmetry and angles, plus a little engineering too!
2. Frozen Bubble Science
🧬 Focus: Chemistry & Weather
On a freezing day, try blowing bubbles outside and watch them freeze mid-air! Students can explore how temperature affects gas molecules and the science behind freezing points.
3. DIY Ice Lanterns
🔬 Focus: States of Matter
Fill balloons or containers with water and a few drops of food coloring. Freeze them outside or in your freezer, then remove the outer layer to reveal beautiful ice lanterns. Discuss the transition between liquid and solid states.
4. Snow Volcano Eruption
🌋 Focus: Chemical Reactions
Build a small volcano out of snow, add baking soda, dish soap, and vinegar—and watch the foamy eruption! It’s a winter twist on the classic baking soda and vinegar reaction.
5. Code a Snowman (Unplugged Activity)
💻 Focus: Intro to Coding Logic
Create a “code” using directional commands (e.g., up, down, left, right) to build a snowman on paper or grid boards. Great for teaching sequencing, logic, and algorithm thinking—no screens required!
6. Winter Animal STEM Challenge
🐾 Focus: Adaptation & Engineering
Challenge students to design shelters or gear (like mittens or paws) that help animals survive winter. Use recycled materials to build prototypes and talk about insulation, hibernation, and migration.
7. Ice Excavation Dig
🧊 Focus: Observation & Fine Motor Skills
Freeze small objects inside containers of water, then let kids excavate using salt, warm water, or tools. This is a great hands-on way to explore melting, temperature, and scientific observation.
8. Snowflake Symmetry with Paper or Apps
📐 Focus: Math & Art
Use paper-folding techniques or online tools to create symmetrical snowflakes. It’s a fun way to explore geometry, symmetry, and even fractals in nature.
9. Penguin Zipline Challenge
🛠 Focus: Physics & Engineering
Give students materials like string, paperclips, and straws to create a zipline for a small penguin figurine (or paper cutout). Discuss gravity, force, and friction as they test their designs.
10. Hot Cocoa Science
☕ Focus: Temperature & Dissolving
Test which temperature of water or milk dissolves cocoa mix the fastest. Explore the concepts of solubility, heat transfer, and fair testing with a treat at the end!
11. Make a Thermometer
🌡 Focus: Measurement & Thermodynamics
Using a clear straw, water, and rubbing alcohol, you can help kids build a simple thermometer and watch how the liquid reacts to changes in temperature. Great intro to scientific instruments.
12. Create Snowstorm in a Jar
🌀 Focus: Density & Reaction
Use baby oil, white paint, glitter, and Alka-Seltzer to create a snowstorm effect in a jar. This activity combines chemistry with a little winter-themed magic—and teaches about liquid density and gas release.
Conclusion: Make Winter a STEM Wonderland
STEM learning doesn’t have to stop when the weather gets cold—in fact, winter offers a unique opportunity to turn everyday seasonal moments into creative, hands-on learning adventures.
Whether you’re experimenting with freezing temperatures or building snow-inspired structures, these activities will keep kids engaged, thinking critically, and having a blast this season.