Here at Science Sparks, we love a good catapult. They are easy to make and great for teaching basic engineering principles and learning about energy and forces, including elasticity, elastic energy, potential energy and kinetic energy. This simple cranberry catapult includes a free downloadable target to use as an optional extra. Cranberry Catapult STEM Challenge You’ll need Instructions Follow the…
These walking reindeer made us laugh so much. They work brilliantly, but can be a little fiddly to get going. This activity is traditionally called the walking horse, but as it’s nearly Christmas, we’ve made reindeer! The reindeer *walk* down a ramp or slope, because of a combination of forces including gravity and friction. You’ll…
If your elf needs a bit of inspiration, these cheeky elf tricks might be just the thing. All you need to do is set up the trick and leave an instruction card out for children to solve the puzzle! The challenge cards are free to save and print! Easy Cheeky Elf Tricks Cheeky Elf Challenge…
It’s finally December, the elves are up to their usual mischief, presents are being wrapped, and people are looking forward to plenty of festive fun with family and friends. My Turkey STEM Challenges are great for encouraging hands-on learning before or during the Christmas festivities. Turkey STEM Challenges Learn about strong shapes and stable structures…
We’ve all been there, the last-minute elf panic, wondering what simple but exciting mischief the Elf on the Shelf can get up to. This year, Science Sparks makes elf antics easy with 24 easy science-based elf ideas and a sprinkle of festive fun to delight elves and children alike. There’s an elf activity card for each day with…
This fun elf-themed basketball STEM challenge is a great hands-on science activity for learning about transfer of energy. The idea is to build a lolly stick catapult and a basketball net for an elf! You could set this up as a ready made activity and encourage children to experiment using different projectiles on the catapult….
Christmas is over, but I’m not quite ready to face the normality of life just yet, so we’ve been collecting our favourite kid’s science activities for New Year! Make a firework in a jar, firework pictures or film canister rockets to welcome in the New Year. Learn about changes of state with chocolate sprinkle breadsticks…
It’s the season for baking, but have you ever wondered what makes cakes and biscuits rise? It’s all about the raising agent. This activity uses a basic cookie recipe and different raising agents to find out which works the best. What is a raising agent? A raising agent, also known as a leavening agent, is…
Welcome to the Elf toy making workshop! Your challenge is to design and build a balancing toy. A balancing toy can stand up on a tiny stand. Use your engineering and imagination to build a snowman or elf toy that seems to balance magically! Elf Balancing STEM Toy Challenge You’ll need Wooden skewers/toothpicks or straws…
Who loves Christmas candy? We do! These easy Christmas candy experiments are a great way to learn while enjoying Christmas treats. Get ready to turn your kitchen into a festive science lab as you explore the science behind melting, dissolving, taste and smell, all with a wonderful Christmas twist. Edible Christmas Science Activities Christmas Skittles…
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