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Home » Holiday Science » Christmas Science » Christmas STEM Challenge – Raft For The Reindeer

Christmas STEM Challenge – Raft For The Reindeer

Modified: Dec 5, 2024 · Published: Nov 30, 2018 by Emma Vanstone · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Are you ready for today’s Christmas STEM Challenge? We’re making rafts for lost little reindeer!

This activity is also part of my science advent calendar if you need more Christmas Science ideas.

Text for a reindeer raft STEM challenge - Oh no! comet has lost Santa and needs to cross a river to get him. Can you build comet a raft to help?

Reindeer STEM Challenge

This activity can be split into several stages.

  • Design a raft – thinking about which materials will work the best.
  • Gather materials together.
  • Build the raft 
  • Review the design, build and functionality of the raft.
  • Does it need to be changed?
  • Test the rafts to see if they sink or float.
  • Can the raft support the weight of a toy reindeer or Santa?
Christmas STEM - raft for reindeer -example materials - straws, lollysticks, tape, sponge, toy reindeer

Materials

Lolly sticks

Kitchen sponge

Corks

Glue/Double sided tape

Paper

Kitchen roll/ kitchen towel

Toy Reindeer, we used our DUPLO Reindeer

Instructions

Build and test the rafts. To ensure a fair investigation, the same toy reindeer and possibly the same-sized rafts should be used.

A simple raft, like the one in the image below, can be made with craft sticks. Try adding corks to the bottom for extra buoyancy!

Instructions for building a reindeer raft as a simple Christmas STEM challenge
Reindeer Raft Instructions and Results Table
Results table for a Christmas STEM challenge

Extension Activities

Design a table to record the results of raft testing and try to predict which rafts will sink and which float before starting testing.

Use a straw to blow the rafts across a calm surface of water. Investigate to discover what happens when the rafts are blown gently and more forcefully. Does the raft move faster if the air is blown close to the raft or further away?

reindeer sat on a homemade lolly stick raft in a container of water for a Christmas STEM challenge

More Christmas STEM

Investigate to find the best material for a paper chain.

Make a Christmas optical illusion. This activity comes with a free template.

Have a go at my flying Santa STEM challenge.

Or try one of my easy Christmas science experiments!

If you liked this activity, don’t forget I have a couple of science books available to buy too.

Reindeer STEM Challenge. Fun Christmas reindeer themed activity for kids! Save a reindeer by designing, building and testing rafts #ChristmasSTEM #ChristmasScience #Scienceforkids

Last Updated on December 5, 2024 by Emma Vanstone

More Christmas Science

  • Fireworks against a dark background
    Easy Science Activities for New Year
  • The Great Christmas Cookie Experiment
  • Balancing elf stem challenge
    Elf Balancing Toy STEM Challenge
  • skittle experiment in a candy cane shape
    Easy Christmas Candy Experiments

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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