Ice lantern Winter Activity For Kids

If you’re looking for a fun winter STEM activity for kids, ice lanterns are just what you need! Beautiful and fairy-tale, ice lanterns are very easy to make and are perfect for cold days when the kids have to stay indoors.

Ice lanterns are one of the most wonderful holiday activities for preschoolers, elementary school children, and older children. They are perfect for Christmas and look like they came straight from a magical land.

Classes on making ice lanterns for children

Children of all ages love making ice lanterns. The beauty of the winter ice lantern craft is its simplicity and the magical glow that comes from them, transforming the frozen landscape into an almost magical winter wonderland!

But before we start this easy winter STEM activity for kids, here’s a fun fact about ice lanterns: Ice lanterns are believed to have been invented in cold arctic countries and placed on the decks of ancient ships to help them see and be seen.

Materials needed to make an ice lantern

• 1 large paper cup (soda glass)
• 1 small paper cup (for coffee)
• Water
• Decorations such as pompoms, beads, darts
• Food coloring – optional
• Water
• Stones
• Tea candle – on batteries
• Scissors

How to make an ice lantern

Step 1: Place the smaller cup inside the larger one. Pour pebbles into a small coffee cup so that it becomes heavier and does not float.

Step 2: Slowly pour water into the large cup, the one between the cups, until it is almost half full.

Step 3: Add a few drops of food coloring and decorations to the water. You can use natural materials such as fallen flowers, twigs or leaves.

Step 4: Add water to the large cup again until the water rises 2.5-5 cm above the rim of the small cup. Do not fill the cup to the brim, as water expands as it freezes and needs that extra space.

Step 5: Place the cups in the freezer or outside if you are doing this in the winter when it is snowing. It is best to leave them outside overnight or for 6 hours in the freezer until they are completely frozen.

Step 6: When the water freezes, take out the cups. Using scissors, remove the outer paper cup.

Step 7: Pour warm water into a smaller paper cup and carefully pull it out. The warm water will melt the ice around the cup, making it easier to remove.

Step 8: Finally, place a battery-operated candle or a regular tea light (or garland) into the cavity of the ice lantern. You can also use a wax candle, but for safety reasons we recommend using a battery operated candle if there are children around.

Step 9: Turn on the battery-powered candle to give the ice lantern a warm glow.

This ice experiment is a must-have for creating a hygge atmosphere at home, and it looks like it’s straight out of a Disney movie. It is perfect with a cup of hot chocolate, a winter picture book and a cozy blanket to create unforgettable memories with the children.

Quick tip: while you enjoy the light of this ice lantern, entertain the kids with a Disney quiz and test their knowledge.

Turn them into Christmas ice lanterns by replacing the pom-poms and pipe cleaners with Christmas red and green decorations such as stars, pine leaves and cinnamon sticks. They make great holiday decorations and have a special place in the winter solstice celebrations in Scandinavian countries.

This simple STEM activity combines history, engineering, science, and art, making it the perfect winter STEM activity for both school and home. Combine this activity with fun winter activities for kids that are easy to organize and sure to keep them entertained.

If you want to make a weatherproof flashlight, we recommend making a Luminary. This is a simple origami for kids that is just as beautiful and perfect for the winter solstice and any time of the year.

More winter scientific classes

1. Crush the bottle

This is a fun winter activity for toddlers, preschoolers and kindergarteners that subtly introduces them to the world of science. The simple and fun game “Break the bottle” will amaze your children.

2. Ice fishing

While outdoor ice fishing isn’t always an option, this Ice Fishing game combines fun with winter science. This is a fun experiment with ice and salt that is sure to delight children.

3. Scientific experiment “Find the warmest room”

Find the warmest room in your house without using a thermometer with this fun winter STEM experiment for kids.

This simple winter game will not only keep your kids busy, but also make them think and develop their curiosity.

4. Experiment with winter habitat

Immerse yourself in learning how climate change affects habitats with this hands-on winter STEM activity. This is a great follow-up activity for SDG-15 study plans, habitat and climate change.

This winter activity will help children objectively understand the challenges and threats of climate change, encouraging them to think about solutions and steps they can take to protect and conserve endangered species.

For more activities, go to 42 Winter STEM Activities for Kids.

Source: Ice Lantern – Easy Winter STEM Activity for Kids