Holiday STEAM Projects to Make and Give

Here's how.

By Amy Cowen on December 5, 2019 8:00 AM

These 10 projects combine creativity, science, and engineering for STEAM gifts students can make to keep or to give!

Make and Give STEM: Example of marbled art cards

Make and Give STEM: Example of bath bombs project

Make and Give STEM: Example of paper circuit project to make light-up greeting cards

Make and Give STEM: Example of crystals activity ornaments

Make and Give STEM: A bird feeder from recycled and craft materials

Make and Give STEM: Example of marker tie-dye activity used to make ornaments

Make and Give STEM: Example of light-up LED patch from wearable electronics project

Make and Give STEM: Example of casein beads made from milk

Make and Give STEM: Example of cell phone stand engineering activity

Science Projects to Keep or Give

Do your students like to do projects that give them a take-away at the end? Whether they finish with something to use or to display, many students especially enjoy projects that result in a finished product they can display, keep, or share.

Try One of These 10 Creative STEM Projects

These STEM projects and activities combine creative "making" with hands-on science and engineering. With these projects, students will be learning, exploring, and practicing important STEM concepts while creating colorful, unique, and custom items they can keep or give away!

Make Marbled Cards Using Science!: use food coloring to fit the season for these easy-to-make marbled cards.
Making Homemade Bath Bombs: bath bombs are fun to make and fun to use.
Make a Paper Circuit: see our holiday-inspired greeting card version.
How to Grow the Best Crystals: experiment with changing the shapes and colors of the crystals you make.
Turn Milk into Plastic: make special beads or small sculptures from milk plastic.
Build a Bird Feeder to Study Birds: a bird feeder can be used at any time of the year in a backyard.
Make Tie-Dye T-shirts with Permanent Markers: see our seasonal ornament version.
LED Dance Glove: see our patch example to get inspired about ways to turn wearable electronics into a unique personalized gift.
Cosmetic Science: Testing Lip Balm Recipes: make your own custom lip balm formula.
Design a Cell Phone Stand: design a functional cell phone stand with simple materials.

More STEM Fun for the Holidays

For additional hands-on STEM inspiration, see the following examples of science projects that students can do with the holidays in mind:

Share Your Science Buddies Story!

Have you used a science project, STEM activity, or Lesson Plan from Science Buddies in your class or program? We would love to hear your story! Email us at scibuddy@sciencebuddies.org and tell us how you use Science Buddies with students.

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Holiday STEAM 10 creative projects from Science Buddies to Make and Give