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Home » Science Experiments for Kids » Christmas Chain Reaction STEM Challenge

Christmas Chain Reaction STEM Challenge

Modified: Nov 26, 2024 · Published: Dec 6, 2021 by Emma Vanstone · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Chain reactions are a great, fun STEM project that always keeps my kids busy for hours. This Christmas themed version can be adapted in lots of different ways using whatever you have handy around the house. Books can be used as dominoes, baubles as balls, and bells to make noise.

A chain reaction is a brilliant way to demonstrate how energy can change from one form into another and how it is transferred between objects.

Sometimes, this type of chain reaction is called a Rube Goldberg Machine.

Two images of a festive chain reaction including baubles, sellotape and dominoes

You’ll need:

Dominoes

Books

Toy cars

Marbles

Balls

Timer

Other festive items

How to make a Christmas chain reaction

First, plan the chain reaction. Work backwards and forwards, thinking about how each step will trigger the next.

Test each stage.

Set up the whole chain reaction.

Test and improve the system.

For example – sellotape rolls into dominoes, which push a bauble forward, which pushes a car down a ramp into another bauble, which rolls into a bell.

Step 1 – sellotape rolls into dominoes

a line of dominoes and a roll of sellotape as part of a Christmas chain reaction

Step 2 – dominoes crash into a bauble, which rolls into a bell.

dominoes crash into a bauble which hits a bell as part of a chain reaction with a Christmas theme

Why does this happen?

A chain reaction is when the movement of one object triggers the movement of another object.

Energy cannot be created or destroyed but changes from one form into another. This is called conservation of energy. For example, a moving ball has kinetic energy which is transferred to whatever the ball collides with.

At each step, energy is transferred from one object to another.

One way to make an object gain kinetic energy is to include a downward ramp in the chain reaction!

Use my handy template to plan your chain reaction!

Christmas Chain Reaction Template STEM Challenge
Christmas chain reaction template

Challenge ideas

Use simple materials to set up a simple chain reaction lasting 30 seconds or more.

Create a chain reaction with four or more steps.

Set up a chain reaction with a ramp going down and one going upwards!

Create a chain reaction with an end goal, such as popping a balloon or making a noise.

More Christmas science experiments

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collage of the steps of a Christmas themed chain reaction

Last Updated on November 26, 2024 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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