It may only be November, but the Christmas lights are already
up. Time to start thinking about how to introduce a little of
the festive spirit into your lessons. What better way to do it than
with some Christmas-themed science resources?
Here are our favourites:
Snapshot science - It's
Christmas!
Two great festive activities for 7-13 year olds. The first is a
'make a Christmas buzzer' game, where students use their knowledge
of circuits to build a game in the shape of a Christmas tree.
In the second activity, students compete to see whose balloon
sleigh can travel the furthest.
Science Spot -
Christmas Chromatography
Explore chromatography with your students by making a string of
chromatography Christmas lights. It even comes with a science-y
Christmas carol, "Deck the halls with science"! You can download
instructions and light bulb patterns for your class. The activity
can be made easier for younger students.
ARKive's
Disappearing acts in the snow
ARKive presents some amazing winter disappearing
acts with some of the best snowy camaflage you've ever
seen.
UPD8
UPD8's topical resources include Just one
Father Christmas - are all British Mr Christmases descended
from one 'Father' Christmas? Students use genetics to work the
problem out. Pupils can also use a Christmas trifle to find out
about colloidal mixtures and the importance of a balanced diet.
Christmas
taste test - sprouts!
Planet Science explains why some people like sprouts and other
people find them repulsive! You could taste test sprouts with your
class - how many students like them? Is it the same number as the
general population? What does this suggest about their taste
receptors?
Ehow
Ehow has a few suggestions for using Christmas as a starting
point to discuss science. How about using the Star of Bethlehem to
spark a discussion about astronomy? Or using Christmas lights to
teach about electricity?