Low-Prep Christmas STEM Activities for First Grade

For first grade teachers and parents, it doesn’t get more fun than these low-prep Christmas STEM activities for first grade!

If you like these holiday STEAM activities, you’ll also want to check out all our Christmas STEM activities, Christmas science experiments, and Christmas Chemistry experiments!

We even have a list of Christmas science you can do in jars!

Christmas STEM Activities for 1st Grade

We’ll get to the Christmas STEM activities for 1st grade in a bit, but first, read about why it’s important to do STEM activities in 1st grade, and make sure you have all the supplies you need for your STEM projects!

Why are Christmas Experiments in 1st Grade Important?

First graders are starting to put the pieces of their education together in a cohesive whole. First graders are learning to read sentences and do basic math functions beyond counting.

This is a wonderful time to start establishing a love of exploration and learning through the fun of hands-on science.

Although first graders won’t always understand the ins-and-outs of each experiment, what they are learning is that it’s OK to explore, ask questions, and draw your own conclusions.

These skills are vital for children to learn how to become innovators, critical thinkers, and problem solvers as they grow up.

The benefits of a firm understanding of science from the early years cannot be overstated!

Supplies for Christmas STEM Challenges for 1st Grade

Shop the list below to make sure you have everything you need for your 1st grade holiday STEM activities!

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The Mason Jar Scientist: 30 Jarring STEAM-Based Projects Ball Regular Mouth Mason Jars with Lids and Bands, 16-Ounces (4-Pack)Crisco Pure Vegetable Oil, 32 Ounce Barbasol Soothing Aloe Thick & Rich Shaving Cream 10 Oz (2 Pack)Alka-Seltzer PFY BXAS50 80659297 Antacid and Pain Relief Medicine, Two-Pack (Pack of 50)Kadaon 10X Handheld Magnifier Antique Mahogany Handle Magnifier Reading Magnifying Glass for Reading Book, Inspection, Coins, Insects, Rocks, Map, Crossword Puzzle BORAX 20 Mule Team Laundry Booster, Powder, 4 Pounds Fine Ground Celtic Sea Salt – (1) 16 Ounce Resealable Bag of Nutritious, Classic Sea Salt, Great for Cooking, Baking, Pickling, Finishing and More, Pantry-Friendly, Gluten-Free McCormick Assorted Food Color, 1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)Food Coloring – 12 Color Vibrant Cake Food Coloring Set for Baking, Decorating, Fondant and Cooking – Upgraded Liquid Concentrated Icing Food Color Dye for Slime Making, DIY Crafts – .25 fl. oz. Each 30% Pure Vinegar – Home&Garden (1 Gallon)Arm & Hammer Pure Baking Soda, 5 lb Argo Corn Starch 16 oz. Box (Pack of 4)

Christmas STEM Activities for First Grade

Click on your favorite STEM activity below to get the full directions for that activity. Most of these activities have 2 or more STEM elements, but I’ve divided them by the main focus below.