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Dec 2, 2015
Christmas Theme· PreK· Science· STEM and STEAM in Early Childhood· Winter Theme Activities

Winter STEM Activity for Preschool: Evergreen Tree Building Challenge

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STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) activities compel preschoolers to use cross-disciplinary tools and critical thinking skills to solve a basic problem.  By integrating STEM activities into normal daily routines, preschoolers can gain new knowledge that they can take with them beyond the classroom or home environment and apply to problems found in their everyday world.  Come explore the FUN of Winter STEM with an Evergreen Tree Building Challenge designed just for preschoolers!

Winter STEM for Preschool Christmas Tree Building Challenge

WINTER STEM ACTIVITY FOR PRESCHOOL:  Evergreen Tree Building Challenge

Objective:  To encourage preschoolers to use critical thinking skills and cross-disciplinary tools to gain new problem solving knowledge that can be applied to the everyday world.

STEM Skills Presented:

Science:  Preschoolers will use skills within the scientific method to solve a basic challenge inquiry.

Technology:  Preschoolers will watch a video of the life cycle of an evergreen tree.

Engineering:  Preschoolers will engineer a basic Evergreen tree (Christmas tree) using simple supplies.

Math:  Preschoolers will use mathematical skills (estimation, same/different, lines, patterns) to build the Evergreen tree and gain knowledge of mathematical relationships in the challenge.

Background Information for Parents and Teachers:

Christmas trees are conifers.  A conifer is a needle-leaved tree that produces cones.  Conifers are called EVERGREENS because when the needled leaves fall off, they are always being replaced with new green needles.  The usual 6-8 foot Christmas tree can take 10 years or more to grow.

Winter STEM Evergreen Tree Building Challenge for Preschool

STEM INQUIRY: Preschoolers are asked to build a simple Evergreen tree using only the simple supplies below.

  • Green Playdough
  • Craft Sticks
  • Stars or other decorations (optional)

The kids will ask HOW to build a tree.  Try to answer their questions with open-ended feedback to allow them to use critical thinking tools to solve the problem independently.  It is truly amazing to watch young kids creating, thinking, and learning through play.

Some of our own preschool designs:

Evergreen Tree STEM Building Challenge for Preschoolers

STEM Christmas Tree Building Challenge for Preschool
Christmas Tree STEM Activity for Preschool

Building Challenge Wrap-Up:  Have the kids come together to share their creations.  Invite the kids to explain why they decided to construct the tree in the manner they chose. If any of the kids made improvements to their initial designs, ask them to share why the improvements were necessary.  In the photo above, one 4 year old decided to “stabilize” the tree with another outside craft stick.  The reinforcement was a necessary improvement to allow the tree to stand independently.   Show the kids the video below on the Life Cycle of an Evergreen tree and discuss the stages from seed to adult tree.

Winter Theme

For playful learning with preschoolers this winter, see all the activity suggestions in the Christmas or Winter Thematic Units here on the blog.  All units come with literacy, math, science, art and craft activities, foods/food crafts, pretend play, and large motor suggestions for FUN and learning all winter long!

For more STEM activities for WINTER with kids, please visit other great suggestions from the #TeachECE team below:

Snowball Catapult Alphabet Activity by Mom Inspired Life
Winter STEM Activity – Build a Snowflake by Fun-A-Day
Winter Inspired Tinker Tray by Still Playing School
Make a Peppermint Stick Straw (and Sip Fresh Orange Juice!)by Capri + 3
Gingerbread House Construction Ideas by The Educators’ Spin On IT

14 Comments

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Previous Post: « Gingerbread Man Rhyme and Candy House Craft for Preschoolers!
Next Post: Snowman and Santa Handmade Ornament Crafts for Kids! »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Theresa says

    December 2, 2015 at 4:41 pm

    What a great engineering project! I love the stars that decorate the trees.

    Reply
  2. Danielle says

    December 3, 2015 at 2:35 pm

    Love this! We have all of the supplies already, so we will definitely try this out soon.

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Make a Peppermint Stick Straw (and Sip Fresh Orange Juice!) says:
    April 18, 2016 at 8:29 pm

    […] Activity – Build a Snowflake by Fun-A-DayWinter Inspired Tinker Tray by Still Playing SchoolWinter STEM for Preschool:  Evergreen Tree Construction Challenge by The Preschool Toolbox Blog Gingerbread House Construction Ideas by The Educators’ Spin On […]

    Reply
  2. Evergreens in the Snow | Blandford Nature Center says:
    December 19, 2016 at 6:07 pm

    […] INQUIRY from The Preschool Toolbox Blog: Ask your child to build a simple Evergreen tree using only the simple supplies […]

    Reply
  3. 60+ Play Dough Fall/Winter Centers and Activities for Preschool! • The Preschool Toolbox Blog says:
    August 19, 2017 at 7:13 pm

    […] Winter Christmas Tree STE(A)M Building Challenge from The Preschool Toolbox […]

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  4. 20 Amazing Christmas STEM Activities - Life Omelto says:
    December 5, 2017 at 4:29 pm

    […] Construct a Christmas tree: use playdough as well as arts and crafts sticks, things I bet yous already convey at home? […]

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  5. 20 Amazing Christmas STEM Activities - Advanced Omelto says:
    December 5, 2017 at 6:00 pm

    […] Construct a Christmas tree: use playdough as well as arts and crafts sticks, things I bet yous already convey at home? […]

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  6. Snowball Catapult Alphabet Activity says:
    February 12, 2018 at 10:03 pm

    […] Winter STEM for Preschool:  Evergreen Tree Construction Challenge by The Preschool Toolbox Blog […]

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  7. Winter Break Activities for Kids - Our Daily Craft says:
    March 14, 2018 at 10:29 am

    […] Build an evergreen tree — Preschool Toolbox […]

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  8. Over 20 Easy Winter STEAM Activities for Preschoolers - Sixth Bloom- Lifestyle, Photography & Family Blog says:
    September 11, 2018 at 11:47 am

    […] The Preschool Toolbox Engineering Activity – Evergreen Tree Building Activity […]

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  9. 20 Amazing Christmas STEM Activities - 123 Homeschool 4 Me says:
    October 30, 2018 at 8:41 pm

    […] Construct a Christmas tree: use playdough and craft sticks, things I bet you already have at home? […]

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  10. Winter Activities for Preschool says:
    May 28, 2019 at 1:05 pm

    […] Winter STEM Activity for Preschool: Evergreen Tree Building Challenge – The Preschool Toolbox […]

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  11. 12 Christmas STEM Activities Your Kids Will Love - Techie Homeschool Mom says:
    November 4, 2019 at 7:25 pm

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  12. 24 Of the Best Ideas for Christmas Projects for Preschoolers – Home, Family, Style and Art Ideas says:
    November 17, 2020 at 4:35 pm

    […] Best Christmas Projects For Preschoolers from Winter STEM Activity for Preschool Evergreen Tree. Source Image: thepreschooltoolboxblog.com. Visit this site for details: thepreschooltoolboxblog.com […]

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