Opening Thoughts
Well, well, well, it’s that time again! Daddy has put up the holiday decorations, and I just can’t contain my excitement. I mean, I’ve already started my song: “Santa Paws is coming to town!” I’m hoping he brings lots of treats, maybe even some hot meat broth. A dog’s dream, right?
Now, I have to admit, Daddy’s had a bit of an off week. He’s been dragging, struggling to stay motivated, and, well, taking paw steps forward has been a bit of a challenge. But hey, he’s doing the best he can. He even took Thursday off because he was just feeling “blah.” I’m trying to cheer him up with my wagging tail, but you know, sometimes it’s just tough and snuggles are better.
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Winter STEM Fun
We’ve got a cool theme this week: “Winter STEM Challenge!” I mean, who doesn’t love a challenge that involves science, technology, engineering, and math, right? It’s the perfect way to get the Scouts thinking critically while still having tons of fun out in the cold. And I’m all about fun!
Our activities this week include building a snow catapult (I bet you can launch those snowballs farther than ever), and testing ice-melting experiments with different materials. It’s like being an engineer and a scientist all in one!
Jokes and Riddles
Alright, let’s lighten the mood a bit with some fun:
Joke 1: Why did the snowman call for a meeting?
Because he wanted to discuss the “cold” hard facts!Riddle: What do you call an ice sculpture that keeps breaking?
A “chill” failure!Brain Teaser: I’m tall when I’m young and short when I’m old. What am I?
A candle!Quick Challenge: Can you guess how many snowflakes it would take to cover a single Scout’s hat if they were made of ice? Think about the surface area and how tiny those snowflakes can get!
Recruitment and Fundraising Ideas
Looking for some fresh ideas to recruit new Scouts and fundraise for your unit? Here are a few unusual ones that are sure to spark creativity:
- Hold a “Winter Wonderland” STEM fair where Scouts can showcase their snow catapults, ice experiments, and problem-solving projects. Charge a small entry fee or ask for donations to participate.
- Offer “Winter Survival” kits with a fun badge and a patch for everyone who attends a winter camp. You could fundraise through kit sales or have a friendly competition between units.
- Host a “Snowball Relay Race” fundraiser event, where Scouts can pay to participate or cheer from the sidelines. Offer fun prizes for the best team or fastest time!
- Get crafty! Hold a snowflake ornament-making contest and invite the local community to buy a handmade ornament. You could even sell them at local holiday markets.
Craft Ideas for Scouts
Need a creative winter craft for your next meeting? Check out these ideas:
- Make “paracord winter survival bracelets”—perfect for teaching Scouts about knots and survival skills.
- Create pinecone owls or snowflake animal decorations that will help brighten up your meeting space while celebrating winter.
- Design and assemble your own snowflake ornaments using geometric patterns. It’s a fun way to practice precision while adding some holiday cheer!
- Start a winter-themed scavenger hunt where Scouts find and identify common winter animals' tracks. They can craft a quick ‘track book’ to identify the creatures they encounter.
Scouting Resources
15 Wonderful Winter STEM Projects
15 Wonderful Winter STEM Projects for Kids
Winter is here, and it's time to engage little minds with exciting STEM activities! Artsy Crafty Mom offers a blend of winter-themed crafts and STEM learning, perfect for both creativity and education. Activities include growing crystal snowflakes and building snowflake tinker trays, designed to keep kids curious and engaged. Whether you're looking for hands-on experiments or crafty creations, these ideas will have your Scouts thinking scientifically while enjoying the winter chill. So bundle up, grab hot cocoa, and dive into some winter wonderland STEM fun!
How Big Is Your Jar?
This science experiment offers a thought-provoking metaphor about growth and potential. It compares plants growing in different-sized jars to individuals who place limits on themselves. The student in this experiment planted seeds in jars of varying sizes to observe how root space affects growth. Similarly, we often limit our potential through self-imposed constraints. The lesson encourages us to "transplant" ourselves to a bigger jar, metaphorically speaking, to unlock our full potential by overcoming mental barriers. A great resource for encouraging Scouts to push past their own boundaries.
The Endangered Hoppit
This energetic game is perfect for Cubs and Beavers to get moving and learn about resilience. Hoppits are imaginary creatures that gather materials to build their homes, but when bad weather arrives, they must hop on one leg and continue gathering. The game teaches perseverance and adaptability when conditions change. It also serves as a fun way to introduce Scouts to the challenges of survival and conservation, all while burning off some of that extra energy. The challenge is to keep hopping despite adversity—much like overcoming obstacles in real life!
Scientist - Seeing is Believing
Scientist - Seeing is Believing
Optical illusions provide a fun, hands-on way for Scouts to understand the science behind vision. This activity introduces Scouts to how our brains process visual information and sometimes deceive us. Through a series of optical illusions, Scouts will discover how what they see might not always match reality, teaching them to question assumptions and explore the science of perception. This activity not only sparks curiosity but also builds critical thinking skills that are essential in both science and everyday life.
Science Class
This skit is a hilarious and educational way to teach Scouts about space and astronomy. With witty exchanges between the teacher and students, it covers topics like gravity, planets, and even starfish in space! It's a fun way to introduce basic science concepts, while also keeping the Scouts engaged and entertained. The lighthearted nature of this skit makes complex scientific topics more accessible and memorable, offering a great blend of humor and learning for any troop meeting.
30 Wonderful Winter STEM Activities
30 Wonderful Winter STEM Activities for Kids
Wintertime is the perfect opportunity to dive into STEM activities, and this resource is packed with 30 different projects to keep kids engaged. From creating snowstorms in a jar to growing giant crystal snowflakes, these activities offer hands-on ways to learn while having fun. Each activity is designed to inspire curiosity and spark a love for science and problem-solving. Whether you're looking to do some experiments indoors or head outside for winter fun, these activities will keep your Scouts learning through play.
Trading Post
Disclaimer: The items listed below are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you purchase through them. It costs you nothing extra but helps us keep our lights on and continue providing scouting resources!
Santa's Christmas Science Workshop - Holiday STEM Kit
Price: $14.49 (limited time) | Ratings: 40 reviews / 4.1 stars
This holiday-themed STEM kit is perfect for keeping kids engaged while learning about science! Featuring five magical experiments like making instant snow and creating bouncy "snowballs," the kit also includes 20 bonus activities to extend the fun. Ideal for kids 8 and up, the easy-to-follow instructions ensure that no extra materials are needed. It's an award-winning product from Blue Marble, combining creativity, science, and fun all in one kit!
The Shortest Day: Celebrating the Winter Solstice
Price: $8.36 | Ratings: 4.7 stars / 743 reviews
This beautifully illustrated book explains the science, history, and cultural significance of the Winter Solstice—the shortest day of the year. Perfect for Scouts, it explores how different cultures have celebrated the solstice throughout history. The book includes simple science activities and ideas for observing the solstice, making it a great resource for Scouts interested in learning about astronomy and ancient traditions.
LEGO Santa's Sleigh - Building Toys for Kids
Price: $27.99 (30% off) | Ratings: 4.8 stars / 931 reviews
Bring holiday cheer to your home with LEGO's Santa's Sleigh set. This festive building set includes a Santa minifigure, reindeer, gifts, and other accessories. It’s perfect for kids and adults alike who enjoy a creative challenge and want to add a touch of holiday magic to their room. The set makes for a fun indoor decoration and a great gift for the holiday season!
Happyyami Handheld Altimeter Mountaineering Thermometer
Price: $20.59 | Ratings: Not rated yet
This portable altimeter and thermometer is a must-have for Scouts and outdoor enthusiasts! It helps track weather conditions and altitude, making it perfect for winter camping or hiking. The keychain design makes it easy to carry, while the handheld barometer helps predict weather in the next 12 to 24 hours. Whether you're exploring the outdoors or just need a handy tool, this weather predictor is both practical and convenient.
SM Minute Winter Challenge
As winter settles in, we often think of colder days and longer nights. It’s easy to forget how many opportunities the winter season offers for growth, both outdoors and in our minds. This week’s theme—Winter STEM Challenge—invites us to embrace the chilly air while engaging our problem-solving skills and creativity. As scouts, we don’t just camp, hike, and serve—we also explore, learn, and challenge ourselves to think differently.
Winter can be a challenging time for outdoor activities, but it also presents unique opportunities to explore science, technology, engineering, and math. Think about how we can use the cold to our advantage: How can we create a snow catapult that works in freezing temperatures? What materials melt ice the fastest? It’s all about asking questions and using what we already know to find answers.
STEM activities don’t just teach us how things work—they inspire us to keep experimenting and problem-solving in real life. A good scout is always thinking critically and applying knowledge to solve real-world challenges. Whether it's through building, designing, or testing, every project is a chance to learn something new. And even when things don’t go as planned, those moments are often the most valuable. The key is to keep trying, learning, and enjoying the process.
As we embark on this week’s Winter STEM Challenge, remember that success isn't just about getting things right on the first try. It's about persistence, teamwork, and having fun while discovering how things work. Just like in nature, there are no shortcuts to success—each experiment, each challenge, and each mistake is part of the journey.
So, bundle up, get outside, and let your curiosity lead the way! Whether you're building a snowcatapult, solving a winter challenge, or testing out some cool experiments, take the time to enjoy the season and celebrate the learning that happens when we embrace new ideas and challenges. The world is full of wonder, and scouts like you are ready to explore it all!
Jacks closing, wintery STEM, thoughts
Well, looks like another week is winding down, and I gotta say, all this talk about winter STEM challenges has gotten me thinking. You know, I might be three-legged, but I’m always curious about how things work. If I had opposable thumbs, I’d be all over that snowcatapult experiment! Maybe I could launch some treats into the air... mmm, treats!
Anyway, it's been great watching all of you dive into these fun and challenging activities. Remember, just like we get our paws wet (or cold!) trying new things, supporting our troop and this awesome scouting community keeps the wheels—and paws—turning. So if you want to help keep our lights on this season, why not make a donation through PayPal? Or maybe grab a Wacky Scouter patch from our shop? You can even contribute monthly through Ko-fi to keep this going strong, all without leaving your comfy chair!
So, keep building, experimenting, and learning, but don’t forget to give back so we can continue providing these fun activities for your scouts. Oh, and don’t forget to shop through our Amazon affiliate link! That’s like making a donation, but you get to buy cool stuff too. Talk about a win-win!
Keep on Wacky Scouting!