5 Hands-On STEM Activities for Thanksgiving Break

Nov 13, 2023 / By Skyelar

This time of year, we’re grateful for the leaves changing, delicious food, and time spent with the people we love. With the kids home for Thanksgiving Break, what better way to celebrate their natural curiosity and creativity than by adding some awesome hands-on STEM activities into the mix? Read on to discover 5 of our favorite Thanksgiving-themed projects that explore big ideas like chemistry, engineering, innovation, and problem-solving that kids (and grownups) of all ages are sure to gobble up.

Cranberry Catapult (Ages 5-16)

Image of a DIY rubber band catapult.

Engineer a popsicle stick and rubber band catapult, then take turns launching cranberries at targets, into bowls, or even at each other! Warning: giggles and berry stains may occur.

Cranberry Invisible Messages (Ages 3-16)

Image of illustrations made with cranberry juice.

Concoct some cranberry spy juice and use it to reveal secret messages you draw on paper with this festive experiment that demonstrates the chemistry of acids and bases.

Fall Sensory Jar (Ages 3-4)

Image of a sensory jar filled with fall leaves.

Practice fine motor skills by creating a fall-themed sensory jar filled with leaves, pom-poms, glitter, and whatever else catches your preschooler’s eye!

Leaf Experiment (Ages 3-6)

Image of four test tubes with different colored leaves.

Explore the color-changing effects of chlorophyll and gain a new appreciation for the changing seasons with this fun and easy experiment that adds color to fall.

Turkey Math (Ages 3-8)

Image of foam turkeys with different numbers on them.

Play a turkey-themed counting game with numbered foam turkeys that you match the feathers to for a fun twist on building early math skills.


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