Can you make Rudolph Fly? A Christmas STEM Project

Can you make Rudolph fly? It’s actually more about making him fall and then fly. This STEM Project is a great lesson on buoyancy that goes slightly past the sink or float type tests!

Why STEM Projects are Important

STEM is such an important area for kids to learn about, engage in, and be exposed to. STEM teaches kids creativity, innovation, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.

I think it’s important to get kids invested in STEM fields and one excellent way to do that is to use fun themes.

Christmas and reindeer is a great theme for kids who are excited about Christmas.

Check out this flying reindeer stem activity for more themed STEM fun!

Can you make Rudolph Fly?

Materials Needed:

Ketchup packet (other packets work too, just test them out)
Small reindeer drawing on paper
Laminating Paper
Bottle (larger is better, 1lt or more)
Water
Hot Glue Gun and Glue

Start by filling up your bottle with water. Feel free to decorate if you wish! Our Rudolph definitely wanted to fly through the clouds.

Next, make your reindeer. Draw or print out a small reindeer. Cut it out, laminate, and then cut around it again. Make sure to cut twice. If you cut the image and the lamination at the same time, there will be a layer of paper exposed to the water. Then your reindeer will be waterlogged!

Use a glue gun to glue your reindeer to your ketchup packet. Then let it set.

Tell your reindeer to enjoy his trip and wave goodbye! Or just push him into the bottle without getting sentimental.

The ketchup packet should float at this point.  (If not, I’ve included some troubleshooting tips at the bottom).

I highly recommend testing your bottle, water, and ketchup pack before doing this with a kid! Some packets just don’t work.

Squeeze the bottle until your reindeer sinks to the bottom. Release to let him fly again. Continue this process to let him rise and fall as much as you please!

He should be able to sink all the way to the bottom!

Why does it work?

In short – buoyancy! Buoyancy refers whether objects sink or float. Something will float in water if it is less dense than the water.

So we can say the ketchup pack is less dense than water because it floats.

However, it also sinks. Why?

Ketchup packs have a little pocket of air in them. When the bottle is squeezed, the air pocket is condensed. This causes the ketchup packet to become denser than the water and it sinks.

Here is a great video on buoyancy for kids!

Troubleshooting tips

If your ketchup packet sinks at the beginning – add some salt to your water. It’ll make the water denser. Careful not to add too much salt or your ketchup pack won’t sink when you squeeze the bottle.

The ketchup pack won’t sink when squeezed – try different water (bottled instead of tap) or a different ketchup packet. Also, consider trying different temperatures of water or different amounts in the bottle.

Great more great Christmas STEM Ideas here:

Galaxy Snow Globes DIY :: Figment Creative Labs

Christmas STEAM for Kids | Wreath Activity :: Preschool Powol Packets

Holiday Magic Milk :: Science Kiddo

Building a Molecular Structure with Cranberries :: From Engineer to Stay at Home Mom