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What We’re Using This Winter (Amazon Favorites)⭐ Snowflake Art Kit – My kids LOVE this one (Amazon)📚 Snow-Themed Kids Book (Amazon)🎨 Winter Stampers Set (Amazon)❄️ Winter Wonderland Sensory Bin (Amazon)🎲 Winter Learning Game (Amazon) Winter has a way of slowing everything down. The days are shorter, the weather is colder, and motivation can feel… well, frozen. If you’re homeschooling, you might notice your kids getting restless, bored, or resistant to worksheets and traditional lessons this time of year.
I’ve been there too.
That’s exactly why I started leaning into STEM challenges during the winter months. They saved our homeschool days—turning long afternoons indoors into moments of curiosity, problem-solving, and genuine excitement.
If you’re looking for low-prep, hands-on winter STEM activities that actually teach something, you’re in the right place. These challenges are designed to work for mixed ages, use simple supplies, and fit beautifully into a homeschool routine without adding stress.
Let’s make winter learning meaningful (and fun) again.
Why Winter STEM Challenges Are Perfect for Homeschooling
STEM—Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math—is more than a subject. It’s a way of thinking.
During winter, when outdoor time is limited, STEM challenges:
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Keep kids engaged without screens
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Encourage problem-solving and critical thinking
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Work well across multiple age levels
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Feel like play, not school
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Build real-life skills kids actually use
Best of all? You don’t need a science degree or expensive kits. Most of these use everyday household items.
How to Use These Winter STEM Challenges in Your Homeschool
Before we dive in, here’s how I recommend using this list:
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Choose 1–2 challenges per week
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Let your child lead (there’s no “right” answer)
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Encourage trial and error
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Ask open-ended questions
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Keep it fun and pressure-free
Now, let’s get into the good stuff.
30 Winter STEM Challenges for Homeschoolers
Science-Based Winter STEM Challenges
1. Build a Snowstorm in a Jar
Explore weather patterns using water, oil, and white paint to simulate a snowstorm.
Skills learned: Weather science, observation
2. Ice Melting Experiment
Test which materials melt ice the fastest—salt, sugar, sand, or baking soda.
Skills learned: Hypothesis testing, data collection
3. Frozen Bubble Investigation
Blow bubbles outside in freezing temperatures (or near a freezer) and observe crystal patterns.
Skills learned: States of matter, temperature effects
4. How Insulated Is It?
Wrap ice cubes in different materials and track which one melts last.
Skills learned: Heat transfer, insulation
5. Snowflake Symmetry Study
Cut paper snowflakes and examine symmetry and patterns.
Skills learned: Geometry, design
Engineering & Building Challenges
6. Build a Marshmallow Igloo
Use toothpicks and marshmallows to build a dome structure.
Skills learned: Structural engineering, stability
7. Winter Bridge Challenge
Build a bridge using popsicle sticks that can hold weight.
Skills learned: Engineering design, problem-solving
8. Design a Sled for a Toy
Create a sled using cardboard and test which design slides best.
Skills learned: Friction, design testing
9. Build a Snowplow
Attach a “plow” to a toy car to push cotton balls (snow).
Skills learned: Simple machines, mechanics
10. Tallest Tower Challenge
Use only paper and tape to build the tallest free-standing tower.
Skills learned: Balance, geometry
STEM Challenges Using Household Items
11. Frozen Egg Drop
Protect an egg from cracking when dropped—winter edition.
Skills learned: Impact absorption, engineering
12. Crystal Snowflakes
Grow crystals using borax or sugar water shaped like snowflakes.
Skills learned: Chemistry, patience
13. Balloon Thermometer
Create a thermometer using a bottle and balloon.
Skills learned: Air pressure, temperature changes
14. Snowball Catapult
Build a mini catapult using craft sticks and rubber bands.
Skills learned: Physics, force, trajectory
15. Frozen Water Expansion Test
Freeze water in different containers to see which cracks.
Skills learned: States of matter, expansion
Winter Math & Logic Challenges
16. Winter Pattern Challenge
Create repeating winter-themed patterns with beads or blocks.
Skills learned: Pattern recognition, sequencing
17. Hot Cocoa Math
Measure ingredients for cocoa and adjust quantities.
Skills learned: Fractions, ratios
18. Snowflake Angles
Measure angles in paper snowflakes.
Skills learned: Geometry
19. Winter Graphing
Track daily temperatures and graph them weekly.
Skills learned: Data analysis
20. Build a Winter Budget
Plan a pretend winter party with a set budget.
Skills learned: Financial literacy, math
Problem-Solving & Design Challenges
21. Keep the Snowman Cold
Design a container to keep an ice cube from melting.
Skills learned: Insulation, design thinking
22. Winter Shelter Challenge
Build a shelter using only paper, foil, and tape.
Skills learned: Engineering, creativity
23. Light Reflection Test
Use mirrors or foil to reflect light in a dark room.
Skills learned: Physics, light behavior
24. Snowy Maze Challenge
Design a marble maze using winter materials.
Skills learned: Spatial reasoning
25. Build a Windbreaker
Test which materials block wind the best using a fan.
Skills learned: Environmental science
STEM + Creativity Challenges
26. Design a Winter Robot
Draw or build a robot that helps in winter weather.
Skills learned: Innovation, design
27. Coding with Snowflakes
Create simple “codes” using symbols or patterns.
Skills learned: Logical thinking
28. Winter Invention Challenge
Invent something that solves a winter problem.
Skills learned: Entrepreneurship, creativity
29. Build a Weather Station
Create tools to track temperature, wind, and snowfall.
Skills learned: Meteorology
30. STEM Story Challenge
Write a winter story explaining a science concept.
Skills learned: Science communication
How Winter STEM Challenges Solve a Big Homeschool Problem
One of the biggest winter struggles in homeschooling is burnout—for both kids and parents.
These challenges:
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Reduce resistance to learning
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Increase engagement naturally
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Encourage independence
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Build confidence
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Turn “boring” days into discovery
STEM challenges don’t just fill time—they build thinkers.
Make Winter Learning Easier (and More Joyful)
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, start small. Choose one challenge this week. Let your child explore. Let things get messy. Let learning happen naturally.
And remember—you’re doing a wonderful job.
Want More Like This?
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✨ Save this post, share it with a homeschool friend, and come back whenever winter feels long.
I’d Love to Hear From You 💬
Which winter STEM challenge are you most excited to try?
Have a favorite STEM activity that works in your homeschool?
👉 Leave a comment below and let’s learn together.
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Thank you for reading my blog! Stay tuned for more tips, resources, and printable materials to help make your homeschooling experience enjoyable and effective. Check out my store for a variety of educational products and printables to assist you on your homeschooling journey.
~With love,
Nancy at Cleverly Kindred ❤️
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