The Science Behind Christmas

Christmas is a magical time of year, but behind the sparkle and traditions lies fascinating science. From the intricate design of snowflakes to the mystery of Santa’s sleigh, these festive phenomena provide excellent opportunities for classroom exploration. Here are Developing Experts’ suggestions for keeping up your class’s scientific intrigue in the run-up to the Christmas holidays. 

Investigating snowflakes

Snowflakes form when water vapour freezes onto a speck of dust in the atmosphere, creating a hexagonal ice crystal. As the crystal falls, it grows into the intricate shapes we see, with no two snowflakes being exactly alike. This process links to the KS2 topic of states of matter, particularly the water cycle, and KS3 chemistry topics on particle theory.

Activity idea: Ask your pupils to create paper snowflakes to explore symmetry (EYFS & KS1). Older pupils (KS2 & KS3) can investigate how temperature and humidity affect the formation of ice crystals using salt and water freezing experiments.

Physics and Santa’s sleigh

Santa’s sleigh might seem magical, but even magic needs a little science! To deliver presents around the world, the sleigh would need to travel faster than the speed of sound. While Santa’s method is a mystery, understanding forces and motion is key to grasping how sleighs - or rockets - might achieve high speeds.

Activity idea: At KS2, challenge your pupils to design and test their own sleighs or rockets using balloons and string to explore how forces act on moving objects. For KS3, discuss Newton’s laws of motion in the context of high-speed travel.

Evergreens and Christmas trees 

Evergreens like firs and pines are popular Christmas trees because they retain their green needles all year. Unlike deciduous trees, evergreens have needle-like leaves with a thick, waxy coating that helps reduce water loss. Their slow metabolism also enables them to survive in cold conditions, linking to KS2 plant adaptations and KS3 biology topics on photosynthesis.

Activity idea: EYFS and KS1 pupils can identify evergreen and deciduous trees using pictures or real examples. KS2 pupils might investigate how different conditions (light, water) affect plant growth.

Lights, electricity and Christmas

The twinkling of Christmas lights depends on electrical circuits. Early lights used incandescent bulbs, but modern LEDs are more energy-efficient. Teaching about electricity aligns with KS2 and KS3 physics topics.

Activity idea: KS2 pupils can create simple circuits to light up a bulb, while KS3 students could explore the energy efficiency of different types of bulbs, connecting to environmental science.

The science of hot chocolate 

A Christmas favourite, hot chocolate teaches pupils about dissolving, mixing and temperature. This aligns with KS1 and KS2 properties of materials and KS3 thermal energy transfer.

Activity idea: Have pupils investigate how stirring, temperature or powder type affects the dissolving process. Younger children can make and compare hot chocolate recipes!

These activities not only link to curriculum objectives but also make learning festive and fun. Let us know if you have a go at any of these activities by tagging us on social media - you can find us at the handles listed below. 

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