Following on from our festive Santa STEM challenges we've now got some fun Elf STEM Challenges for you, all with a Christmas STEM twist.
Children can unleash their inner elf engineer by creating a new shelf for the elf, a zip line to help an elf down the tree, designing a parachute for a present and five more exciting elf challenges!
Easy Elf STEM Challenges
Decorate the Tree
The idea behind this activity is to build something to help an elf reach the top of a tree.
A lolly stick catapult or a ladder made from paper or straws works brilliantly for this challenge. If you make the ladder, think about how to test how strong it is.
Save the Present
Oh no, Santa has left a present in the sleigh. Can you find a safe way to drop it down to him?
Design and build a parachute to drop a present down to Santa from the sleigh.
Save the Elf
Uh oh! One elf is stuck in a tree!
The elf would like to slide down the zip wire quickly, so think about the best type of string or rope to use. Remember that a smooth string creates less friction than a rough string.
What type of harness will you build for your elf? Would a candy cane work?
Can you record how long it takes the elf to reach the bottom? Do you think the time will change if you make the elf heavier?
How much does the Elf weigh?
If you don't have scales or a balance, build a coat hanger balance!
Party time!
Think about what you could use to make bowling pins. Plastic bottles might be a good idea. You might need to add sand or water to make them more stable.
Save the Presents - ELF STEM Challenges
Think about the type of materials you need and how you can test how waterproof they are.
Try wrapping paper, kitchen foil, paper towels and anything else suitable you have to hand.
Help the Elf Reach the Shelf
Which materials would work well for this? You could try candy canes, pipe cleaners, or Velcro.
This cheeky elf is refilling an advent calendar using his hook.
Lost the Jingle Bells
An easy way to make a noise machine is to put small items into a cup or tin can and cover with it a balloon.
Experiment with different types of containers to find out which makes the best jingly noise.
Can you think of any more Elf STEM Challenges for us?
More Christmas Science for Kids
If you're looking for a fun Christmas gift idea, don't forget my new book, This IS Rocket Science, which is available from Amazon now!
We've also searched for some of the best science gifts around, so you don't have to!
I also have some more Elf science ideas you might like! These ideas involve an elf arriving with everything children need to complete a simple science activity! The pack of challenge cards is free to download and you probably already have everything else you need around the house!
If you enjoyed these science activities, take a look at more of my easy science experiments for kids.
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Last Updated on December 3, 2024 by Emma Vanstone
Joni Craig says
I am having a terrible time trying to find how to download or print these as they are full of ads. Is there any place to download or get printables?
Emma Vanstone says
Hello, if you click on the link that says Elf STEM Challenges or the image in the post you should see the pdf. I hope that helps. Emma