Christmas Tree STEAM Activity for Preschoolers

Christmas-themed STEAM activities keep the fun and learning going all through the holiday season. This activity challenges kids to decorate a Christmas tree, then build a stand to support the tree. Kids love decorating a tree at Christmas time.

You can add some STEAM to the annual tree-trimming tradition by observing what type of tree (real or artificial) your use and how the tree is supported in your home.

Then kids can explore options for supporting a cardboard tree.

This activity uses simple craft or household materials that provide lots of choices for experimentation and observation.

Building materials

• blocks
• chenille stems
• thread spools
• scissors
• cardboard tree

Art materials

• crayons or markers
• glitter
• stickers

The materials you provide will depend on what you have available.

Cut your tree from cardstock or cardboard so it will not be floppy when standing up.

First, decorate the Christmas tree with crayons or markers, and stickers.

After the tree is decorated, kids can choose from the materials provided to make a stand.

Ask: Can you use some of these materials to make a stand for the tree so it will stand up?

Hypothesis: Invite kids to predict which materials will provide the best stand.

Experiment:

Encourage kids to use different combinations of materials to see what works and what doesn’t. Here are a few ways this tree could be supported.

1. Place the tree against a chenille stem that is pushed inside the center of the spool.

2. Stack small wood blocks on either side at the base of the tree.

3. Cut a slit in the top of the egg cup and insert the tree trunk.

4. Wrap a chenille stem around the trunk of the tree and let the ends stretch out behind the tree.

Conclusion: The wood blocks were the easiest to work with and held the tree securely, but they have to be rearranged each time the tree is moved. The egg cup made the best stand. It was very effective in supporting the tree, and it looked like a real tree stand when decorated with paint and glitter!

Integration of STEAM in this activity:

Science: experimenting with different materials to solve a problem

Technology: cutting with scissors, twisting chenille stems

Engineering: choosing and combining materials, planning and building structures

Art: decorating the tree, painting the tree stand

Math: measuring lengths, counting blocks

This holiday-themed STEAM activity provides a fun opportunity for kids to play and learn.

About the author: Heather is a former preschool teacher and founder of preschooltoolkit.com, a website providing early learning resources for teachers and parents. She focuses on creating fun crafts and activities that engage developmental skills while promoting hands-on learning through play. Follow her on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram, Google+ and Linkedin.