Looking for a festive and fun STEM challenge to do with your kids? This Christmas Paper Chain Challenge will test their problem-solving and engineering skills! How long can they make a paper chain using just one piece of construction paper?
Christmas Paper Chain STEM Challenge
Modeled after our original Paper Chain STEM challenge, this Christmas Paper Chain STEM Challenge will get you into the holiday spirit! This simple yet exciting activity is perfect for kids who love to create and problem-solve.
Using only one piece of paper, tape, and scissors, they’ll be challenged to make the longest paper chain possible within a limited time. It’s an excellent way to introduce the basics of engineering and design while having some holiday fun. Plus, they’ll use the engineering design process to plan, create, and improve their paper chains!
💡Also, look at our paper grabber STEM challenge and adapt it to pick up a lightweight gift box!
Supplies:
- One piece of construction paper
- Scissors
- Tape
- Free Printable Below
Instructions:
Planning Phase: Before starting, have kids brainstorm and plan how to cut and use the paper to make the longest chain possible. Remind them they can only use one piece of paper, so planning is key!
Build Phase: Set a timer for 10 minutes. The kids will then work on cutting and forming their paper chains, using the tape to connect the loops.
Measure and Reflect: Once the time is up, measure the length of their paper chain. How long did they manage to make it?
Reflective Questions: After completing the challenge, ask them:
- What was the most challenging part of this activity?
- What would they do differently if they had the chance to try again?
Applying the Engineering Design Process:
This STEM challenge is perfect for spark creativity and critical thinking while entering the holiday spirit. Encourage kids to use the engineering design process to tackle the challenge, reflect on their strategies, and find ways to improve!
- Ask: How can we make the longest paper chain using only one piece of paper?
- Imagine: What designs or methods could help maximize the paper length for the chain? Should the strips be thin or thick?
- Plan: Draw a quick sketch or think about how to cut the paper for the best outcome.
- Create: Begin cutting and taping the paper to form the chain.
- Test: Measure the chain to see if it could be improved.
- Improve: Discuss what changes could be made for next time and how the chain design could be improved.
💡Learn more about the Engineering Design Process here and grab free printables.
Extension Activities:
More Fun Christmas STEM Challenges
Santa’s Chimney Challenge: Soft candy and toothpicks are a winning combination for building structures for STEM. Build a chimney for Santa. How high can you make it?
Christmas Card STEM Challenge: The best way to recycle all those Christmas cards! What kind of structures can you build with a heap of Christmas cards?
Jingle Bell STEM Challenge: This is our version of the classic egg drop challenge with a more Christmasy theme. Can you quiet a jingle bell so it doesn’t make any noise?
Santa’s Sleigh Challenge: Santa needs a sleigh in order to make his rounds. But what happens if Santa’s sleigh is down for repairs with no time to spare? It’s up to you to design and build Santa a new sleigh with this Christmas STEM challenge complete with free printable worksheets.
Printable Christmas STEM Project Pack
200+ PAGES OF HOLIDAY THEME STEAM, STEM, Science, and Art!
- 25+ Christmas theme science and STEM activities with printable sheets, instructions, and useful information all using easy-to-source materials perfect for limited-time needs. Includes a holiday theme engineering pack with fun, problem-based challenges for kids to solve! NEW observation sheets included.
- Try a Santa’s Letter airplane challenge or take the gingerbread house-building challenge!
- Explore the five senses with a specially designed Santa’s Lab pack.
- Try a mini nature study with your favorite type of Christmas tree.
- Try your hand at building shapes with gumdrop structure challenge cards or build shapes with jingle bells. Or try the Christmas-themed paper chain challenge!
- Christmas Screen-free Coding activities include algorithm games, binary code ornaments, and more!
- Explore 6+ Christmas Art Projects with famous artist-inspired activities that combine art history, process art techniques, and more with simple to-do ideas.
