Don’t know what to do for your classroom holiday party this year? Or do you need something to keep the kiddos occupied over the winter break?  With a little imagination, a story with a holiday twist, and a science activity, you’re sure to have the makings for a fun, memorable, and educational event.

Here are some ideas from our two series, the Quirkles® and Fuddlebrook School® Science series to help you become the hit of the holidays.  First, from the Quirkles Pressure Pete, try Pressure Pete’s Vacuum, or a variation we show on our video, the egg in a bottle.  Explain that Santa’s gained a little weight this year (maybe too much Thanksgiving turkey and pumpkin pie???) and you’re going to have to figure out a way to help him down the chimney.

Want another idea? Try a variation of Andy Acid’s Amazing Color Changing Paper from More Quirkles Experiments to create a Naughty or Nice test.  Watch our video as Ms. Terri and Hailey take the test.

Finally, an inexpensive container of FLARP!® Noise Putty makes for a fun relay game (and tons of laughs) plus a lesson on polymers that ties to Zany Science Zeke.

But that’s not all. In the Fuddlebrook series, use Herman’s Rocket Launch (from The Case of the Vanishing Moon) and pretend you’re watching the reindeer fly across the sky pulling Santa’s sleigh.  Or, watch the “elves” on our video catapult ornaments on to the Christmas tree (Freddie’s Marshmallow Launch from Freddie’s Dance Lesson).  If you need more help visualizing how to make your catapult, check out our blog post that explains it in more detail.

These are just a few ways to turn everyday science into holiday science. You’re really only limited by your own imagination. Tell a story and have fun! On a serious note, however, make sure to take time to explain the science behind these activities. Don’t overlook a teachable moment!

Want more ideas? Check out all our videos on YouTube for more than 100 activities and variations of many of our experiments.  And from all of us to you, we wish you the brightest and best of the holiday season!

In addition to the turkey and all the other fixings, if you’re like us, one of the favorite holiday dishes on your Thanksgiving table will be a gooey concoction of yams or sweet potatoes covered in melted marshmallows. Yum! While we certainly don’t recommend these activities at the dinner table, (although it may make for a more memorable event), here’s a couple of fun ways to burn some after-dinner calories and learn science concepts, too.

This month we offer from the Quirkles®, “Friction Fred’s Magic Spoon,” and from the Fuddlebrook Science Series®, “The Fuddlebrook Marshmallow Launch” (see video).

To demonstrate friction, wipe off any oil on your face or nose with a washcloth or paper towel. Touch the curved part of the spoon to the end of your nose. Move the spoon around until it sticks. Let go of the spoon very slowly. What happens? You’ve created friction that holds the spoon to your nose! This may take more than one try.

Now after that warm-up, let’s go for the big event! In the book, Freddie’s Dance Lesson, the concepts of motion and force are explored. With some wooden craft sticks and rubber bands, and a plastic spoon, kids can make their own catapult and launch the leftover marshmallows. Have a contest to see which marshmallow goes the furthest. Try other projectile objects (preferably not the leftover mashed potatoes). Which goes further? Why? And you thought football was the main competitive sport of the day!

In all seriousness, during this month of giving thanks, we would be remiss not to thank all of those who have supported us—by buying our books and materials and offering guidance, encouragement, and support. We have been incredibly blessed by you and for that we give thanks

Try the Quirkles "naughty or nice" tests with a study of acids and bases.Try the experiment and follow along on the YouTube video for two fun activities that teach a great science lesson too!

Marshmallows are for more than just dessert! Burn some after-dinner calories and learn about the science concepts of force and motion, too.