Students will learn about the effects of chemical reactions while making an exploding snowman in this fun, science experiment for kids. In this activity, students will use the theme of Christmas to make a card model of a snowman and mix the bicarbonate and vinegar to see the effects of the reaction. This is one of a series of free STEM resources designed to allow learners to use the theme of the Christmas period to develop their knowledge and skills in Science and Engineering. This activity could be used as a main lesson to teach learners about chemical reactions when one or more substances are changed to a different substance. It could also be used to explain foams as liquids or solids containing gas bubbles. Small 50g containers are best for this activity. The teacher may either bring in small plastic bottles or get the learners to bring in the bottles/containers. Teachers should ensure that covers are placed on work surfaces, or trays are used to prevent spills and catch the exploding liquid. The products of the reaction are relatively safe, though caution should be taken not to get splashes in the eyes, and clothes should be protected. The exploding mixture produced can be disposed of by washing it down the sink with plenty of water. Equipment required A zip-lock bag (sandwich bag size is great to start off with) Permanent markers Baking soda White vinegar Kitchen roll The engineering context Engineers use chemical reactions to help solve a number of problems. For example, rocket engineers mix chemicals together to make a reaction that powers a space rocket. Suggested learning outcomes By the end of this activity, students will be able to make an exploding snowman using bicarbonate and vinegar, and they will be able to understand that a reaction is when one or more substances are changed to a different substance. Download the Make an exploding snowman activity sheet for free! All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Oh ho ho, and please do share your experiment highlights with us @IETeducation! #SantaLovesSTEM.

Investigate the salinity of different water samples Water is crucial to human life, but it can also be a killer. Drinking or cooking water contaminated with micro-organisms or chemicals is a leading cause of disease and death across the world. Poor facilities for the disposal of sewage and other waste water can quickly lead to the spread of dangerous diseases. Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links In this practical activity students investigate the salinity of three different water samples using a multimeter. Students first calibrate their salination probe and test the salinity of their solutions. Students can be asked to suggest how errors might have appeared in their results and what could be done to minimise or eliminate them. This activity can be used as an extension to the ‘Filtering water’ activity. The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Download the activity sheets for free! All activity sheets and supporting resources (including film clips!) are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. And please do share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation

Find out about the carbon cycle and what Land Rover BAR are doing to be as sustainable as possible This STEM activity looks at the meaning of sustainability and how the team at Land Rover BAR use material technology, design and engineering to ensure that every aspect of the team’s operation is fit for use, designed for purpose and is as sustainable as possible. Activity sheets are used to support and ensure students’ understanding of sustainability and the importance of design and technology when achieving sustainability goals within sport. This chemistry exercise covers the meaning of the term sustainability and what this means in terms of the carbon cycle. Watch our film below and hear how sustainability experts at Land Rover BAR work to make every aspect of the team’s operations sustainable. After you have watched our film, complete our worksheets to find out about the carbon cycle and what Land Rover BAR are doing to be as sustainable as possible! The engineering context Sustainable engineering is the process of designing systems in such a way that they use energy and resources sustainably. Sustainable engineers make a huge impact on society. The carbon cycle refers to the process where carbon dioxide travels from the atmosphere into the Earth and then back into the atmosphere. Most carbon is stored in rocks and sediments, while the rest can be found in the ocean, atmosphere and living organisms. Land Rover BAR Land Rover BAR is the British Challenger for the 35th America’s Cup – the oldest international sporting competition in the world. There are only six crew on the race boat, but dozens of experts are back at the team base working hard to help Land Rover BAR design the most technically advanced and innovative racing catamaran to win the America’s Cup. The Land Rover BAR team also aims to be as sustainable as possible. They monitor how they create carbon emissions that add to global warming and find ways to reduce these emissions. Please share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation

This is a craft activity that all children can enjoy. Using an empty jam jar, children can make a snow globe with biodegradable glitter and a few other items from around the home or classroom. Our step-by-step guide is simple to follow, making it a great STEM project for children. It is an enjoyable hands-on activity promoting creativity and stimulating imagination. It can be used as a craft project for the home or as a main lesson activity in school for the festive season. As well as teaching design creativity, there are potential curriculum links with the Art department and STEAM-based activities. What you will need Clean jam jar or mason jar (no labels) with a tightly fitting lid Biodegradable glitter Christmas decoration or festive ornament – make sure it’s waterproof and small enough to fit in the jar Water Glue gun and glue stick (or waterproof glue – a tube of clear, silicone sealant will do) Glycerine or light corn syrup The engineering context Building a snow globe is a hands-on learning experience that combines art and science. It’s not only a fun winter craft activity for children, but it can also help to develop their STEM skills. While making a snow globe, children will develop their practical skills and learn about science and engineering concepts such as viscosity. Suggested outcomes This STEM craft activity will teach creativity and problem-solving skills. Children can experiment with different arrangements of objects, types of jar, and glitter distribution to create their desired scene. This process encourages them to think critically, make aesthetic choices, and find solutions if things don’t go as planned. It’s also an opportunity for them to express their individuality and explore their artistic side. The use of biodegradable glitter can also teach learners about sustainability and environmental issues. The activity sheets are available to download for free. All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. You can download our step-by-step instructions below as either a classroom lesson plan or PowerPoint presentation. You can also watch our video tutorial to find out how to make a snow globe. If you’re up for an extra activity, try our number fun activity as well. And please do share your handmade snow globes with us on social media on Facebook and Twitter using our #SantaLovesSTEM hashtag. You can also send them via email to IETEducation@theiet.org to be featured in our online gallery.

Make a non-alcoholic family friendly eggnog this Christmas, and learn about science and mixtures in this quick and easy festive recipe. Learn some amazing scientific facts while making this delicious, creamy Christmas treat - the magic of science is real-life fun! More recently, non-acholic eggnog has become a staple of Christmas celebrations, with Americans drinking over 58 million kilograms each year and Christmas Eve now being named National Eggnog Day. Ingredients needed: 500ml whole milk (swap for unsweetened almond milk if dairy-free or vegan) 200g caster sugar 100ml double cream (swap for full-fat coconut milk if dairy-free or vegan) 100ml water 4 egg yolks (swap for vegan vanilla pudding mix if vegan) 1 teaspoon vanilla paste (remove this ingredient if you are following the vegan recipe) Ice The engineering context Baking is engineering. It is using science, maths and technology skills to engineer and create solutions and new tasty products. Engineers need all these skills – precision in weighing out ingredients, the safety required in the kitchen and product design and quality engineering to test, taste and improve with each delicious creation! Download the free recipe and template! All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Oh ho ho, and please do share your experiment highlights with us @IETeducation #SantaLovesSTEM

Learn how to create colourful, edible stained glass and discover the science of light in this fun experiment for kids. What ingredients will you need? • 790g white, granulated sugar • 475ml water • 240ml light corn syrup • ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar • Food colouring (red or green) Download the free Edible stained glass activity sheet to learn the science behind this experiment! All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Don’t forget to take photos of your edible stained glass and share them with us @IETeducation

Work out the density of materials This activity for primary kids gives them an opportunity to work out the density of a material using Archimedes’ principle, an ancient Greek mathematician. Combining maths and science, students will learn how to collect data through experimenting and understand the properties of materials. This activity will test students’ number abilities and teach them historical facts about ancient Greece. Resources are provided for teachers. And please do share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation

This resource will tell you how to make your own marshmallow. But not only that, we will be learning about the science of baking, and how a small change to the mixture can make a big difference. Have you ever tried a marshmallow? They’re delicious! You will be surprised by the amount of maths and science that goes into making these lovely little treats. Working out what works well, what doesn’t, how many ingredients to use and ratios, are all packed into one fun resource. All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. You can download our step-by-step instructions as a classroom lesson plan or to follow at home. Please do share your highlights with us @IETeducation. Oh ho ho, and please do share your poetry highlights with us @IETeducation! #SantaLovesSTEM

Learn the science of snowflakes and why they always have 6 sides in this fun Christmas STEM activity Our free resource designed to allow learners to use the theme of the Christmas period to develop their knowledge and skills in Mathematics, Design and Technology and Science. This lesson focuses on the science behind snowflakes and polar charge. Oh ho ho, and please do share your snowflake highlights with us @IETeducation! #SantaLovesSTEM