If you can get a microscope for your home, your kids will have endless opportunities to explore! Kids can observe water samples, skin cells, food scraps, and even a snowflake (if they’re lucky enough to get fresh snow). Observing a snowflake under a microscope takes a lot of patience, but it pays off! You can read the full directions for preserving a snowflake on Science Direct’s website. Before you get started with the activity, have your kids watch this video from PBS to learn how snowflakes are shaped by physics. 

This activity is great for aspiring engineers. Kids can build a terrarium, a guitar, a ramp and track, a sundial, a converter belt, and more. The easiest way to do this is by purchasing a builder kit online. There are plenty of STEM kits to choose from so you can find something for all ages. Order one and your child can work on it throughout the winter break. STEM builder kits are a great way to use project-based learning to foster a love of engineering and curiosity. 

Here’s a chemistry lesson with a winter spin on it: create your own crystal snowflake using borax and other items you may have laying around the house. Martha Stewart’s website has the full directions for this STEM activity. Making borax crystals is a simple science and a fun craft activity for kids. It’s a great way to introduce important concepts like saturated solutions, solubility, and the re-crystallization process. Depending on your child’s age, you can make this activity more educational by further exploring the concept of crystallization. 

Take this classic holiday activity and turn it into an educational STEM activity. Begin by brainstorming the structures of houses in real life and ask your kids to make some mock-up drawings. Then, plan out the materials they’ll need. This helps kids practice the concept of developing models. Once you have the plan and all of the materials, your children can begin building their dream gingerbread home! You might ask them to keep a journal along the way to document anything that went wrong and ideas for next time. 

While your kids take a break from school this winter, make sure they have opportunities to keep their minds sharp and explore their curiosity at home. When kids stay engaged during time off school, they have an easier time transitioning back to the school schedule after the break. Balance is important, so get some rest but don’t forget to stay engaged and explore STEM! 

Club Z! Tutoring in Glenbrook specializes in providing individualized, in-home, and virtual tutoring for students K-12 in Northbrook and Glenview. If you want your child to work on developing skills that will translate to improved grades and self-esteem, contact us today at: bbalatsos@clubztutoring.com.