By Shreyash Srivastava
With the New Year comes the chance to bring creativity, curiosity, and a spice of enthusiasm to STEM education. We set off on a trip into STEM activities designed for the New Year, celebrating exploration, discovery, and the limitless possibilities ahead.
Party Slime
Materials Required:
● 5 oz clear glue
● 1/2 cup water
● Jumbo glitter – gold and silver
● New Year’s Eve beaded necklaces
● Number Candles
● 1/2 tsp baking soda
● 1 tbsp contact solution
● slime container/slime jar
Procedure:
1. Cut a beaded necklace into small pieces to start.
2. Mix 5 ounces of transparent glue and 1/2 cup water thoroughly in a bowl.
3. Add 1/2 tsp of baking soda and stir.
4. Add a sprinkling of silver and gold glitter to the mixture.
5. Add 1 tablespoon of contact solution gradually while swirling the mixture until it
becomes slime.
6. Handle the slime to manipulate it.
7. After cutting the candle numbers, wicks, and sticks, incorporate the numbers into
your slime.
8. Lastly, put the slime in a suitable jar or container.
Students make a captivating slime by mixing clear glue, water, baking soda,
and contact solution in this hands-on experiment that incorporates chemical processes.
Precise measurements are made during the procedure, which develops mathematical
abilities. Furthermore, the creative element is enhanced by the use of glitter and the
handling of slime, which unites STEM and artistic fields. The engaging New Year's
theme of the activity not only draws students in but also skillfully incorporates STEM
ideas, encouraging an all-encompassing and dynamic approach to learning.
Confetti Eruptions
Materials Required:
● Baking Soda
● Vinegar
● Water
● Confetti
● Plastic Party Glasses
● Turkey Baster or Eyedroppers
Procedure:
1. Create a basic baking soda dough by combining 2 cups of baking soda with a
generous handful of confetti, sequins, or glitter.
2. Gradually add water to achieve a crumbly yet packable dough.
3. Arrange your plastic party glasses within a shallow tray or bowl to contain the
confetti science eruption, minimizing the potential mess.
4. Fill each party glass with 1/4-1/3 cup of the prepared baking soda mixture.
5. Prepare a separate bowl of vinegar and have it ready with a baster or eyedropper
for the experiment.
STEM concepts are also skillfully included in the Confetti Eruptions activity. Participants engage in a hands-on investigation of chemical reactions while creating confetti-infused baking soda dough. Mathematical abilities are needed to create the dough with precise measurements. The arrangement of plastic party glasses in a regulated setting illustrates engineering concepts by controlling the eruption and
displaying useful problem-solving. An example of technology application is the
introduction of vinegar using an eyedropper or turkey baster. This highlights how different
STEM components may be integrated into an engaging and dynamic learning
environment.
We are reminded that learning is an ongoing process through our STEM adventures as the clock counts down to the end of another year. These STEM activities for the new year not only pique curiosity but also develop an outside-the-classroom passion for learning. Let the combination of science, technology, engineering, and math guide us as we move forward and promise a year full of limitless discoveries and scientific marvels. To a year filled with inspiration and STEM investigation, cheers!
Works Cited
“DIY Party Slime – How to Make Homemade Sparkle Slime.” Kimspired DIY, 11 Dec. 2018,
kimspireddiy.com/diy-party-slime-how-to-make-homemade-sparkle-slime-easy-
fun-recipe-for-kids-new-years-slime-new-years-
eve-activities-party-favors-gold-silver-sl/.
McClelland, Sarah. “New Years Confetti Eruptions.” Little Bins for Little Hands, 17 Dec.
2023, littlebinsforlittlehands.com/confetti-science-eruptions-new-years-eve-
science-activity/.
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