Connecting STEM to a read aloud is a great way to set up the problem for students to solve. It is also a great way to engage students in reading and writing by making it hands-on.
The following are our top 4 Christmas read alouds and STEM challenges!
1.) Mooseltoe
In the story Mooseltoe by Margie Palatini, the father moose is getting ready for Christmas. He is checking things off his list and trying to make everything perfect for his family. Unfortunately, he forgets to get a Christmas tree, so he lets his family decorate himself for Christmas.
After reading the book, challenge your students to solve the problem by designing a moose Christmas tree.
2.) How Santa Got His Job
How Santa Got His Job by Stephen Krensky, tells the story of how Santa became Santa Claus and all of the problems he had to overcome along the way. Unfortunately, even after getting his job Santa still had problems to overcome. At the end of the story he gets stuck on the moon.
Challenge your students to build a catapult to help launch Santa over the moon.
3.) The Carpenter’s Gift
The Carpenter’s Gift by David Rubel , is the true story about the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. Each year at the end of the season the wood from the tree is donated to Habitat for Humanity to help build houses for a family in need.
After reading the book, challenge your students to build a tree and a house out of building bricks.
4.) Auntie Claus
The story Auntie Claus by Elise Primavera, is about a young girl named Sophie and her aunt. When Sophie sneaks along on her aunt’s business trip she finds herself at the North Pole. The moral of the story is that it is far better to give than it is to receive.
Challenge your students to use their coding skills to create a binary coding ornament to give as a gift.
Are you ready to engage students in hands-on STEM and coding challenges that integrate reading and writing standards?
We have prepared teacher instructions with full lesson plans and student journals to make these activities easy to implement in your classroom! Grab the bundle of Christmas Read Aloud STEM and STEAM challenges HERE!
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