What are Christmas chemistry experiments? Simple chemistry science experiments with a fun Christmas twist!
These science experiments make the holiday season a bit more fun and educational at the same time!
Before we get to the chemistry experiments, a little background on the study of chemistry.
And don’t forget to check out our complete list of Christmas STEM challenge ideas.
What is Chemistry?
The dictionary says that chemistry is:
“The branch of science that deals with the identification of the substances of which matter is composed; the investigation of their properties and the ways in which they interact, combine, and change; and the use of these processes to form new substances.”
Basically, much of the science done in the elementary years is chemistry (without the complicated formulas). For kids, chemistry is learning how things mix and work together, and what happens when some things combine and some things separate.
Chemistry is a super-fun branch of science to explore, and kids LOVE it when they get to do hands-on chemistry experiments.
Why Do Chemistry Christmas Experiments?
A Christmas chemistry experiment is a science investigation with a Christmas twist!
The Christmas season has a lot of natural chemistry in it, with the changing of the season, holiday baking, and crafts.
Transforming everyday Christmas activities into an exploration of chemistry is easier than you might think!
And if your kids want to go farther, these low-prep Christmas chemistry experiments have been a hit at our house!
Low-Prep Christmas Chemistry Experiments for the Classroom or Home
Remember that to be a “true” science experiment, your experiment has to include 4-5 parts:
- Question
- Hypothesis
- Test (this is the experiment)
- Record data and answer
- Re-test (not always required)
You don’t always have to do every step for every project- a lot of times kids get just as much benefit from playing and exploring materials and reactions without asking questions.
But if you can, try to get children to think of questions as you go along.
The questions can be as simple as “what do you think will happen when we mix X and Y?”
Or, “now that we’ve added Y, how is the mixture changing?”
If you’re doing these experiments at home, these simple and natural questions will provide the most benefit to your kids.
In the classroom, ask questions that will help children meet the learning objectives of the lesson.
Now that you have a bit of background information, on to the Christmas chemistry experiments!
Christmas Chemistry Experiments Exploring Chemical Bonds
These chemistry experiments focus on chemical bonds. There is a lot to explore here, so let’s get started!
Learn about molecular bonds when you make Santa Suit Slime.
In this chemistry experiment, Christmas Lights Slime, learn how light affects chemical bonds!
Does adding a scent to this Peppermint Slime recipe change how the chemical bonds form?
Learn about polymer chains when you make Grinch Slime.
When kids make Salt Crystal Candy Canes, they learn about solutions and ionic bonds.
Explore how changing the temperature of a liquid changes how molecular bonds change when you make Edible Taffy Slime!
Did you know that when you make static electricity it’s the chemical bonds that help a balloon stick to your head? Learn more in the Static Electricity Experiment.
Christmas Experiments Exploring Chemical Reactions
These chemistry experiments focus on chemical reactions.
What happens when you trap carbon dioxide in a bubble? Find out when you try the Bubbling Christmas Lights experiment.
When you add salt to ice, what can happen? Find out in the frost in a can experiment!
Can a chemical reaction also paint something? The Fizzing Painted Ornaments experiment will answer this question.
Make a Bubbling DIY Snow Globe that bubbles using chemical reactions!
The ultimate chemistry experiments happen in the kitchen! Make Kitchen Chemistry Gingerbread Ornaments and learn about kitchen chemistry.
What happens when you mix vinegar and baking soda and then reduce it? It doesn’t just fizz, it makes something completely new! Learn what in the hot ice science experiment.
Remember, if kids are having hands-on fun in the science classroom, they are learning how to be problem solvers, innovators, and critical thinkers!
Even if it doesn’t look like they are “getting” the science. research suggests that hands-on exposure to scientific concepts is more valuable through the years than learning science facts.
So keep that in mind and let your kids have fun exploring Christmas chemistry science!
Christmas STEM Activities by Grade
Christmas STEM Activities for Preschool
Christmas STEM Activities for Kindergarten
Christmas STEM Activities for 1st Grade
Christmas STEM Activities for 2nd Grade
Christmas STEM Activities for 3rd Grade
Christmas STEM Activities for 4th Grade
