Christmas STEM Activity - Candy Cane Calamity STEM Challenge
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Description
Christmas STEM Activities are perfect to engage your students in brain-busting work disguised as fun this winter!
Candy Cane Calamity Christmas STEM Challenge Activity Premise:
Working against a criteria/constraints list individually or in partners, students will design and build a way to safely “mail” two candy canes in one paper bag package without breakage. (Note: cookies can be substituted for candy canes.)
Note: This is the printable version, though you can upload the editable handouts to Google Slides™ if desired. However, if you are in a 1:1 / paperless classroom, you may prefer the digital option designed specifically for use with GOOGLE SLIDES™ instead.
If you have questions about which version is right for you, please feel free to leave me a question using the product Q&A below.
Resource includes:
✅ NGSS aligned standards, Grades 2 – 8
✅ Teacher Tips
- Links to my 5-part video series on getting started with STEM challenges
- Materials and timing
- Criteria & Constraints (including modifications to increase difficulty for older students)
- Measuring results
- Universal STEM Challenge Notes & How to Use Student Handouts Post-design extension activities list
- Link to a video walk-through of the challenge
✅ EDITABLE Student Handouts
- Criteria & Constraints List (in color and black & white)
- Design Analysis Handouts (2-page regular spacing and 4-page expanded spacing for primary students included) (in color and black & white)
- Discussion Questions (in color and B&W)
✅ Extension templates
- Shipping research activity (editable)
- Physical vs. Chemical changes notes & activity (editable; answer key provided)
- Process Flow Map
- Math Extension
This is one of five Winter / Christmas STEM Challenge Activities. They can be purchased in a bundle at a discount:
Winter and Christmas STEM Challenge Activities Bundle (2nd – 8th)
This resource is also available in the STEM CHALLENGE YEAR-ROUND MEGA-BUNDLE at an even greater discount!
Sample/suggested materials for each student or group:
(Materials you’ll need to do the activity are easily modified.)
- Candy canes (2) [Cookies can be substituted for candy canes]
- Paper bag
- Pipe cleaners (5 – 10)
- Popsicle/craft sticks (5 – 10)
- Tape (12 in.)
- Scissors
- Scale (to measure weight criterion)
Optional:
• Tissue paper, coffee filters, or cotton balls
• Balloons
• String, cable ties
• Cardboard
❤️ What do teachers have to say about this resource?
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “My students loved completing this challenge! They enjoyed the friendly competition in creating a package that would withstand the bumps and I appreciated the reflective pieces included to spark some meaningful conversation. Thanks!”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This was so much fun!! It made our Christmas party memorable!!”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Another easy to use STEM activity that my kids loved!”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “My students really loved this activity. It was a great real world issue for them to solve.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I can't wait to use this with my first graders! They love STEM and this is one project that is completely accessible to them. LOVE IT! :)”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "This was an excellent resource to use with my 5th graders! They absolutely loved it and it was a perfect activity to use before Winter Break!"
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "I love everything by this teacher! So easy to set up, uses supplies you more than likely already have, very engaging and challenging. My gifted 3rd grade stem class loved this activity."
You might also like these resources:
STEM Challenges & Bundles (grades 2 – 8):
STEM CHALLENGE YEAR-ROUND MEGA-BUNDLE
Winter and Christmas STEM Challenge Activities Bundle (2nd – 8th)
Snow Scoop Winter STEM Activity
Frosted Forest Winter STEM Activity
Thanksgiving STEM Challenge 5-in-1 Bundle
Valentine’s Day STEM Challenge 5-in-1 Bundle
