As the earth revolves around the sun, the amount of daylight or darkness we see changes, and so do the seasons. December 21st is the first official day of winter, and is marked by the Winter Solstice here in the Northern Hemisphere — better know as the shortest day of the year! This is when we get the least daylight hours of any other date on the calendar.
As wintertime kicks off, we can all get excited for what it brings. Snow forts, snow ball fights, and snowmen! And, of course, cuddling up with loved ones to enjoy a hot cider and seasonal stories read aloud on the coldest of days.
Celebrate the change of season with crafts, videos, and activities for indoors and out that the whole family will enjoy. Learn all about the Winter Solstice, explore what causes the seasons and other cold weather phenomena, and plan for fun classroom projects in the months ahead with the great resources below.
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Learn About Seasonal Science
Dinosaurs in the Snow
Grades PreK-K
In this episode of Dinosaur Train, the Pteranodon family visits the North Pole. They learn how snow is formed, that the North Pole is dark during the winter because the Earth is tilting away from the sun, and that creatures living there adapted to the climate with features such as feathers.
December Solstice | But Why Adventures! Northeast Nature
Grades 3-5
The winter solstice is the shortest day of the year in terms of sunlight…but why? Spend the solstice with us at an earth clock in Burlington Vermont, learning about how people across time and culture have marked the changing of the seasons. Host Jane Lindholm also pays a visit to a planetarium and learns about the astronomical significance of the solstice with meteorologist Mark Breen.
Weird Winter Phenomena | Spot on Science
Grades 3-8
A very cold winter brings wondrous icy objects! Did you know everyday bubbles can become hard ice bubbles? And, that Lake Michigan’s waves can roll ice balls? If that isn’t cool enough, learn how rivers and smaller lakes can produce spiraling ice circles when warm weather brings a thaw.
Seasonal Science: Frostbite
Grades 6-12
Why do your fingers, toes, and nose get frostbite first? This video and lesson explain how cold weather affects the body.
Why Seasons Make No Sense | It’s Okay to Be Smart
Grades 9-12
Day by day, country by country, we tend to measure seasons differently. This video explains why we divide the years into seasons here in the Northern Hemisphere, how it lines up with the weather, and where the practice has its roots.
Crafts, Activities & More
Elinor Wonders Why Science Notebook
Grades PreK-K
Encourage you child to be like a scientist and keep track of her winter season learning in this science notebook. Use the charts and tables to organize thinking, document findings, and record data from scientific investigations.
8 Children’s Books to Celebrate Winter
Grades PreK-5
Whether it’s snowing outside or simply a chill in the air, winter is coming. Grab your cozy blankets and fill your mugs with hot chocolate as you say goodbye to fall with these eight winter-themed picture books.
Stargazing and Other Astronomy Activities
Grades PreK-5
Space is a fascinating and sometimes confusing topic for kids. With the shortest day of the year comes a great opportunity to do some stargazing and start exploring the cosmos! Take your child’s curiosity further with a few simple ways to learn about the wonders of astronomy together.
Molly’s Winter Kitchen Game
Grades K-2
Help Molly and her mom prepare traditional foods to last all winter! Learn about different ways of preserving foods like moose stew and blueberry jam.
Five Physics Experiments for the Holidays | Physics Girl
Grades 6-12
These five holiday-themed physics experiments will keep you and your family busy with science during the winter holidays! All experiments involve materials found around the house. Parental supervision advised.