• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Menu
  • Science Experiments For Kids
  • Science Fair Projects
  • Preschool Science
  • Science Facts
  • Printable Experiments
  • Science Sparks Books
  • Science Questions
  • Contact Me
Science Experiments for Kids
Menu
  • STEM Challenges
  • Early Years Science
    • Preschool Science
    • Sensory and Messy Play
    • Understanding of the World
    • Pirate Science Experiments
  • Primary Science
    • Baking Soda Experiments
    • Candy Experiments
    • Biology
    • Climate Change for Kids
    • Coding for Kids
    • Chemistry
    • Electricity for Kids
    • Magic Science Experiments
    • Harry Potter Experiments
    • Human Body Science
    • Air Pressure Experiments
    • Life Cycles
    • LEGO Science Experiments
    • Kitchen Science
    • Famous Scientists
    • Forces and Motion
    • Science Sparks Snippets
    • Key Stage 1 Science
      • Animals
      • Everyday Materials
      • Plants
      • Coding Activities
      • Humans and Health
      • Fine Motor skills
      • Science and Literacy
    • Key Stage 2 Science
      • Animals, Including Humans
      • Electricity
      • Light
      • Plants
      • Materials and their Properties
  • Key Stage 3
  • Holiday Science
    • Christmas Science
    • Halloween Science
    • Easter Science
  • Storybook Themed Science Experiments
  • Wonderful Women in STEM
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • FREE Experiments
  • Science for Kids
    • Kitchen Science
    • Climate Change
    • Egg Experiments
    • Fairy Tale Science
    • Edible Science
    • Human Health
    • Chemistry
    • Inspirational Women
    • Forces and Motion
  • Science Fair Projects
  • STEM Challenges
  • Science Sparks Books
  • Contact Science Sparks
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Holiday Science » Christmas Science » Elf STEM Challenges

    Elf STEM Challenges

    November 30, 2019 By Emma Vanstone 3 Comments

    Following on from our festive Santa STEM challenges we’ve now got some fun Elf Ideas for you, all with a Christmas STEM twist.

    These would be great set up with a challenge card left next to the materials needed to complete it.

    PRINT the ELF STEM Challenge Cards

    ELF STEM Challenges for kids - free printable STEM

    Elf STEM Challenges

    Decorate the Tree

    The idea behind this activity it to build something to help an elf reach the top of a tree.

    Elf tree decorating STEM challenge

    A lolly stick catapult would work nicely for this, or a ladder made from paper or straws. If you make the ladder try to think 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?

    Save the present Christmas STEM challenge card

    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!

    Zip line elf stem challenge

    The elf would like to slide down the zip wire very quickly, so think about the best type of string or rope to use. Remember there’s less friction if you use a smooth string.

    What type of harness will you build for your elf? Would a candy cane work?

    Can you time how long it takes the elf to reach the bottom? Do you think the time will change if you make the elf heavier?

    ELF zip line

    How much does the Elf weigh?

    Elf STEM challenge

    If you don’t have scales or a balance can you build a coat hanger balance?

     

    Party time!

    Think about what you could use to make bowling pins, plastic bottles might be a good idea. Do you need to add some sand or water to make them more stable? What kind of ball would work the best?

    Save the Presents – ELF STEM Challenges

    Elf STEM Challenge - wet weather

    Think about the type of material you need to use? How could you test how waterproof it is?

    Try wrapping paper, kitchen foil, paper towels and anything else suitable you have to hand.

    DUPLO sleigh and a selection of waterproof materials for an elf on the shelf STEM challenge

    Help the Elf Reach the Shelf

    Which materials would work well for this? You could try candy canes, pipe cleaners or maybe some velcro?

    hook for an elf

    This cheeky elf is refilling an advent calendar using his hook.

    Lost the Jingle Bells

    Jingle bell STEM Challenge

    An easy way to make a noise maker is to put small items into a cup or tin can and cover with a balloon with the end chopped off.

    What type of item do you think will make a good jingly noise? Which is better a cup or can?

    Elf sat behind a cup filled with noisy items

    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 is available from Amazon now!

    We’ve also searched out some of the best science gifts around so you don’t have to!

    If you enjoyed these science activities try more of our awesome Science Experiments for Kids.

    I also have some more Elf science ideas you might like! The idea behind these is that the elf arrives with everything children need to complete the investigation.

    Picture of four elf themed STEM challenges on A4 paper.

    Contains affiliate links

    Last Updated on November 15, 2021 by Emma Vanstone

    « Join the fight against Superbugs #AD
    Thank a Teacher this Christmas »

    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.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Joni Craig

      December 04, 2019 at 11:55 pm

      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?

      Reply
      • Emma Vanstone

        December 05, 2019 at 8:42 pm

        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

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Primary Sidebar

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    What are you looking for?

    JOIN US!

    Get new experiments straight into your inbox every week!!

    Thank you!

    You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

    .

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Science Sparks - FREE science experiments for kids

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Services
    • Media Kit
    • FAQ

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2022 Science Sparks - Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd