December 3, 2025 •Dr. Julie Sessions, Curriculum Consultant
December is the perfect month to blend the magic of winter with hands-on STEAM learning and environmental action. This blog is packed with creative activities — from snowy science to energy-saving art — that spark curiosity, connect to real-world science and engineering, and foster responsible citizenship. Each hands-on experience encourages investigation, ties into wintry themes, and helps students become responsible stewards of their world by supporting conservation and sustainability through creativity, experimentation, and fun.
Classroom Activities for a STEAM-Powered December
Ready to take on the ice like a seal? Dive into this chilly, hands-on experiment where you’ll discover the secret to how arctic animals stay warm in freezing waters — blubber! With just some zipper bags, a scoop of shortening, and a bowl of ice water, you’ll create your own “blubber glove” and feel the difference real insulation makes. This activity is the perfect blend of science and fun: you’ll collect data, make predictions, and connect what you feel to how seals survive in the wild. Along the way, you’ll see how animal adaptations inspire human solutions for conservation and staying cozy in the cold. Get ready to experiment, observe, and think like a scientist — no arctic expedition required!
Thermal Energy Transfer: Hot Chocolate Test
Get ready for a cozy science challenge — can you keep your “hot chocolate” the hottest? In this experiment, you’ll put your engineering skills to the test by wrapping cups in different materials and discovering which one keeps the heat in best. You’ll collect real data using thermometers and timers, just like scientists do, and see firsthand how insulation works. This activity blends science, math, and a dash of creativity, showing how smart material choices can help us conserve energy and design more sustainable products. Who knew staying warm could be so cool?
Light up your holidays with the power of the sun! In this creative STEAM activity, you’ll become both an engineer and an artist as you design your very own solar-powered LED holiday decoration. You’ll build a simple circuit, test your creation in sunlight, and see firsthand how clean, renewable energy can make your celebrations sparkle — no batteries or plugs required! Along the way, you’ll learn how solar panels turn sunshine into electricity and discover how sustainable choices can brighten up the season (and our planet). Ready to shine with science?
Add some sparkle to your classroom science with a holiday crystal-growing adventure! In this activity, students become chemists, shaping pipe cleaners into festive ornaments and watching them transform as dazzling crystals form overnight. Along the way, they’ll learn about how crystals grow — connecting chemistry to real-world wonder. This project also encourages sustainability by using simple, reusable materials and creating decorations that can be enjoyed year after year. Get ready for a STEAM experience that makes science shine!
Who says you need freezing weather to have snow day fun? In this hands-on STEAM activity, you’ll whip up your own “snow” using just a few simple ingredients from home. As you mix, mold, and test your snowy creation, you’ll explore the science of matter by observing changes in texture, temperature, and shape. This playful experiment encourages curiosity and resourcefulness, showing how we can use everyday materials to learn about the world around us while making sustainable choices. Get ready to compare, experiment, and let your imagination snowball!
Water Droplet Coloring Conservation and Electricity-at-Home Coloring Pages
Coloring can be more than just creative fun — it’s also a clever way to teach real-world science and sustainability! With our water droplet and lightning bolt coloring pages, students explore how everyday household items use water and electricity, while learning simple tips for saving these precious resources. As they color, discuss, and reflect, students connect art with environmental awareness, discovering how small choices at home can make a big difference for our planet. These activities blend STEAM learning with practical conservation, inspiring kids to become thoughtful stewards of energy and water, one crayon at a time!
Ready to Walk Through a STEAM Wonderland?
Winter Science & Sustainability brings the excitement of hands-on learning to your classroom all December long. Each activity is designed to ignite curiosity, connect science, technology, engineering, art, and math, while inspiring students to care for our planet through fun, meaningful experiments. By blending winter themes with eco-friendly practices, this collection empowers students to think creatively, solve problems, and discover how their actions can make a positive impact on the environment. Let your classroom become a hub of discovery, creativity, and stewardship this season!