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    Home » Holiday Science » Christmas Science » Christmas Boats – STEM Challenges for Christmas

    Christmas Boats – STEM Challenges for Christmas

    October 30, 2016 By Emma Vanstone Leave a Comment

    Oh No! Santa’s sleigh has broken down and he needs to cross a river.

    Build two different kinds of Christmas boats that will float and hold the weight of some decorative bells or other Christmas trinkets.

    Boats made from lolly sticks and a cardboard container with a DUPLO Santa and reindeer.

    Materials

    • Lolly sticks
    • Jam jar lids
    • Cardboard
    • Small boxes or paper cups
    • Scissors
    • Sponges
    • Water tray
    • Small objects to add.

    Instructions

    Construct your boats, don’t be limited to the materials above, you could also use corks, egg cartons, half an orange or anything else you think might float.

    Test your boats by placing them into a container of water.

    Christmas boats made with a sponge and jam jar lid for a STEM challenge
    DUPLO reindeer on a lolly tick raft for a STEM challenge

    Questions to ask

    Did any of the boats sink? Is there anything you could add to the boat to help it float?

    Do all the boats float? What happens when you add the Christmassy items?

    Which materials are the most waterproof?

    How much weight can you add before the boat sinks?

    Does it matter where in the boat you put the extra weight?

    Does it make a difference if the water is deeper?

    What do you notice about materials that float? Do they have any properties in common?

    Why does this happen?

    Whether an object sinks or floats depends on its density.

    Density is how tightly packed the material inside an object is. Heavy objects do not always sink. For example, ships are very heavy but not very dense so they float.

    Extension Ideas

    Can you build a bigger boat that will hold a Santa or reindeer figure?

    Can you build a boat using 4 different materials, one of which you know sinks?

    Christmas themed mini boat for a festive STEM challenge

    Make a Mini Science Kit

    We made a cute mini science kit containing a red sponge, red lollystick and paper for a sail. This would make a great little activity to give to  friends.

    Mini Christmas Science Kit - SANTA STEM Challenge

    What do you think of our Christmas boats? What will you use to build yours?

    Christmas STEM challenge, make boats for Santa! #ChristmasScience #ChristmasSTEM #Ctemforkids #STEMChallenges #ChristmasCrafts

    Last Updated on November 22, 2021 by Emma Vanstone

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    Safety Notice

    Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

    These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

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