TeachersFirst Winter Solstice Resources
Bring the magic of the winter solstice into your classroom with activities that blend science, culture, and creativity! The shortest day of the year (December 21st in the Northern Hemisphere) offers a perfect opportunity to explore Earth's tilt and orbit through hands-on demonstrations with globes and flashlights, helping students visualize why we experience different amounts of daylight throughout the year. You can also take a multicultural approach by learning about how different societies have celebrated this astronomical event for thousands of years—from Stonehenge's ancient alignment with the solstice sunrise to festivals like Yule, Dongzhi, and Inti Raymi that honor the return of longer days. Creative activities might include graphing sunrise and sunset times throughout the year, writing poetry about light and darkness, creating winter solstice lanterns, or researching how animals and plants respond to changing daylight. These resources not only teach important STEM concepts about astronomy and seasons, but also foster appreciation for diverse cultural traditions and our shared human experience of observing the natural world.
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Celebrate the Winter Solstice with a STEM Challenge - Vivify System
Grades
3 to 6
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Celebrate the Winter Solstice with a STEM Challenge that provides a general overview of the event, including a YouTube video. Students can then participate in the STEM Challenge of...more
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Celebrate the Winter Solstice with a STEM Challenge that provides a general overview of the event, including a YouTube video. Students can then participate in the STEM Challenge of creating a light source. The site includes a YouTube video, directions, materials, and real-world connections.
In the Classroom
Students can participate in the STEM Challenge, and when complete, post one fact that they learned on Padlet, reviewed here. Students can watch one of the videos featured on the site to compare and contrast summer and winter using the Venn Diagram Creator by Canva, reviewed here. Finally, students can research more about the winter solstice using Kidrex, reviewed here.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
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15 Winter Solstice Activities For Kids - Little Bins for Little Hands
Grades
K to 5
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15 Winter Solstice Activities For Kids shares the history and symbols of the winter solstice along with activities. Some topics include: Build a Replica of Stonehenge, Burn a Yule Log,...more
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15 Winter Solstice Activities For Kids shares the history and symbols of the winter solstice along with activities. Some topics include: Build a Replica of Stonehenge, Burn a Yule Log, Make Ice Lanterns, and Create Decorations and Crafts. After scrolling through the activities, the website features information on the winter solstice, how it works, why people celebrate it, and more. There are many advertisements on the site; therefore, be careful what and where you click.
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tag(s): seasonal (34)
In the Classroom
Once students create the bird seed ornaments, they can use Seesaw, reviewed here to create a bird watching book to which birds visit. Students can listen to the book mentioned by having a Symbaloo, reviewed here of Winter Solstice books. Finally, students can use Figma, reviewed here to compare and contrast Winter Solstice celebrations around the world.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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5 Winter Solstice Activities - Teaching Channel
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K to 5
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5 Winter Solstice Activities features fun activities for children to learn about the winter solstice. The activities include: Learn How the Earth Moves, Seasonal Hot Potato,...more
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5 Winter Solstice Activities features fun activities for children to learn about the winter solstice. The activities include: Learn How the Earth Moves, Seasonal Hot Potato, Bullseye-based Activity, Study the Weather, and Build your own Stonehenge. Each activity contains a short description.
tag(s): seasonal (34), seasons (56), solar system (122), weather (166)
In the Classroom
Students can complete the activities that are listed on the website. Students can study the weather by keeping a weather journal by using Seesaw, reviewed here. Finally, students can create a step-by-step guide to their own Stonehenge creation using the Timelines Tool by Read Write Think, reviewed here,Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Teach Kids About the Winter Solstice - KidsKonnect
Grades
K to 6
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Discover tips on the best way to teach children about the winter solstice. This site features information on the winter solstice itself, history, resources, activities, and worksheets....more
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Discover tips on the best way to teach children about the winter solstice. This site features information on the winter solstice itself, history, resources, activities, and worksheets. Activities include: an art challenge, burning a yule log, decorating a tree, and more. To download the worksheets, you must be a site member, which is free.
tag(s): crafts (93), seasonal (34), seasons (56), solar system (122)
In the Classroom
Students can complete the activities that are listed on the website. Students can use Google My Maps, reviewed here to visit the places that are shared on the site, the day of the winter solstice. Finally, students can complete the art challenge by creating their own Stonehenge.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Winter Solstice for Kids - STEAM Powered Family
Grades
K to 6
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Winter Solstice for Kids shares information about the official beginning of winter. Some of the topics in the article include What is the Winter Solstice, the Yearly Cycle of...more
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Winter Solstice for Kids shares information about the official beginning of winter. Some of the topics in the article include What is the Winter Solstice, the Yearly Cycle of Seasons, When is the Solstice, Winter Solstice Traditions, Solstice Ancient Monuments, and Winter Solstice Activities. Some activities include: making ice lanterns, making a candle, creating Earth's circuit, and creating frozen bubbles.
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tag(s): crafts (93), cultures (259), experiments (60), seasonal (34), seasons (56)
In the Classroom
Students can complete the activities from the website. Students can learn more about the ancient monuments by using Kidrex, reviewed here. Students can use Stickies.io, reviewed here to share facts about how other places celebrate the Winter Solstice.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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7+ Wonderful Ways to Celebrate Winter Solstice with Kids - BackWoods Mama
Grades
K to 5
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Check out this article with activities to celebrate the winter solstice. The article begins with a short description of the winter solstice. It then shares the different activities,...more
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Check out this article with activities to celebrate the winter solstice. The article begins with a short description of the winter solstice. It then shares the different activities, including a stroll outside, a winter scavenger hunt, reading a picture book about the winter solstice, creating a lantern, decorating a tree with edible treats for winter animals, baking a Yule log cake, and eating a winter solstice feast by candlelight. Each activity includes a brief blurb explaining it, along with a list of picture books and directions for the lantern.
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In the Classroom
Students can complete the activities from the website. While taking a walk outside, students can list the sounds that they hear during winter. Finally, after decorating a tree with edible food, students can create a picture journal using Seesaw, reviewed here of all the animals that visit.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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What is Winter Solstice? - Educational Videos for Kids
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K to 6
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What is Winter Solstice? from Educational Videos for Kids is a short video from Big Sis and Lil' Bro Podcast. In addition to sharing about the winter solstice, it shares ...more
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What is Winter Solstice? from Educational Videos for Kids is a short video from Big Sis and Lil' Bro Podcast. In addition to sharing about the winter solstice, it shares the shadow trick, how the solstice was celebrated in Ancient Egypt, and how it is celebrated around the world.
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tag(s): cultures (259), moon (84), seasonal (34), seasons (56), sun (83)
In the Classroom
Students can create their own podcast about the winter solstice using Adobe Podcast, reviewed here. Students can create a comic about the winter solstice using Witty Comics, reviewed here. Students can compare and contrast the different ways the winter solstice is celebrated around the world using 2 and 3 Circle Interactive Venn Diagrams by ClassTools, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Exploring the Winter Solstice: Fun Facts and Secrets for Kids - Kidzoneer
Grades
K to 5
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Share this video that explains the winter solstice. It shares the history of the word "solstice," the relationship and mystery of Stonehenge and Newgrange, the rumored stories about...more
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Share this video that explains the winter solstice. It shares the history of the word "solstice," the relationship and mystery of Stonehenge and Newgrange, the rumored stories about gods/goddesses, the date of the winter solstice on Earth and the other planets in the solar system, and traditions.
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In the Classroom
Students can compare and contrast the winter and summer solstice using Google Drawing, reviewed here. Students can use Timeline JS, reviewed here to share the dates of the winter solstice on other planets. Finally, students can use Aha Slides, reviewed here to create a presentation about the winter solstice.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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What's the Winter Solstice? - National Geographic Kids
Grades
2 to 5
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Wonder what the Winter Solstice is? National Geographic Kids answers your question. The article also covers Season v. Solstice, Can you See the Solstice, Ancient Solstice Sites, Still...more
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Wonder what the Winter Solstice is? National Geographic Kids answers your question. The article also covers Season v. Solstice, Can you See the Solstice, Ancient Solstice Sites, Still Celebrating the Sun, and Winter Solstice Celebrations Around the World.
tag(s): cultures (259), seasonal (34), seasons (56), sun (83)
In the Classroom
Students can research more about the Winter Solstice Celebrations Around the World by using Kiddle, reviewed here. Students can compare and contrast a season versus a solstice using Venn Diagram Creator by Canva, reviewed here. Finally, students can share what they learned about the Winter Solstice by creating a virtual sticky board on Lino, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Learn About the Winter Solstice - Sierra Club BC
Grades
3 to 6
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If you want to deepen students' understanding of the winter solstice through nature, story, and science, the Educational Curriculum: Winter Solstice from Sierra Club BC offers...more
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If you want to deepen students' understanding of the winter solstice through nature, story, and science, the Educational Curriculum: Winter Solstice from Sierra Club BC offers a rich and thoughtful collection of lessons. This resource includes four interconnected modules that explore the solstice through physical science, cultural traditions, ecological rhythms, and sustainability-focused celebration. Each lesson encourages students to observe seasonal patterns, connect with the land, learn from Indigenous knowledge, and reflect on how humans and nature respond to winter. It is a meaningful way to blend science, social studies, storytelling, and environmental awareness in the classroom.
tag(s): cultures (259), earth (188), seasonal (34), seasons (56), sun (83), sustainability (54)
In the Classroom
Read a winter-themed story that reflects cultural or seasonal traditions, then have students share a short reflection about a tradition or memory from winter in their own lives. After learning about seasonal cycles, have students design a simple "celebration of light" activity, such as creating lanterns from recycled materials or writing hopes for the coming season. Take students outside to observe signs of winter in plants, animals, and weather. They can record observations in a nature journal and write a few sentences about how living things adapt during this season, echoing the "Rhythms and Patterns" module.
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It's Winter in the Northern Hemisphere! - ReadWriteThink
Grades
3 to 8
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If you want to help students explore the meaning of the season, check out this ReadWriteThink page, which offers a creative, literacy-rich way to welcome winter. This resource guides...more
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If you want to help students explore the meaning of the season, check out this ReadWriteThink page, which offers a creative, literacy-rich way to welcome winter. This resource guides students in brainstorming winter words and images, reading a seasonal picture book, and using interactive tools, such as a Venn diagram or a postcard creator, to compare their own winter experiences with those in literature. It also encourages reflection on family and community traditions and invites the class to begin a new tradition of their own for the first day of winter. This page is an engaging way to blend ELA skills with seasonal awareness and personal connection.
In the Classroom
Start with a class brainstorming session where students list words, feelings, images, and sounds connected to winter. They can record ideas on sticky notes or a shared chart, just like the activity suggests, to build seasonal vocabulary. Have students design a "Winter in My World" postcard that includes an illustration on the front and a short message on the back describing a personal winter tradition or memory. Inspired by the website suggestion, have students brainstorm ideas for a new classroom tradition to celebrate the first day of winter. They can vote on one tradition, create posters announcing it, and write about why it represents the spirit of winter.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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But Why- Winter Solstice - Vermont Public / But Why: Adventures
Grades
2 to 5
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Step into the shortest day of the year with this engaging lesson plan for grades 3-5. The resource guides students in exploring the scientific phenomenon of the winter solstice, what...more
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Step into the shortest day of the year with this engaging lesson plan for grades 3-5. The resource guides students in exploring the scientific phenomenon of the winter solstice, what it is, why days get shorter, and how people around the world observe it. Through mindfulness exercises, outdoor nature walks, multimedia (video) prompts, drawing and research tasks, and cultural-tradition comparisons, the plan weaves together Earth science, geography, social studies, and reflection. Educators can use it to foster curiosity about seasonal change, connect students to nature, and spark discussions about how communities celebrate light, dark, and renewal. If your district blocks YouTube, then the video may not be viewable.
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tag(s): cultures (259), earth (188), seasonal (34), seasons (56), sun (83)
In the Classroom
After watching the short solstice video, have students draw a quick sketch showing the Earth's tilt and how it creates the shortest day of the year. Using the lesson's examples of solstice celebrations worldwide, have students create a simple chart comparing how three cultures celebrate light, darkness, or renewal. They can create the chart digitally with Vizzlo, reviewed here. Then have them choose one tradition to illustrate or describe in a short paragraph, or make a class slideshow presentation with Genially, reviewed here.
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How to Celebrate Winter Solstice With Kids-Tinkergarten
Grades
K to 5
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View this article, a warm and inspiring resource that offers educators and families a lively, nature-based guide to celebrating the winter solstice with children. It begins by explaining...more
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View this article, a warm and inspiring resource that offers educators and families a lively, nature-based guide to celebrating the winter solstice with children. It begins by explaining the astronomical basis of the solstice, the year's shortest day, and frames the moment as a joyful turning point toward more daylight ahead. The article then shares hands-on activities such as decorating with evergreens, exploring shadows, making pomanders, crafting ice lanterns, and lighting candles or lanterns to welcome the longer days to come. With its focus on outdoor exploration, sensory experiences, and rituals that build community, this resource easily supports lessons on science, seasonal changes, and shared classroom celebrations.
tag(s): crafts (93), earth (188), seasonal (34), seasons (56), sun (83)
In the Classroom
Take students outside to observe and trace their shadows at two different times of day. Have them compare lengths and direction, then discuss how the winter solstice relates to changing sunlight. Have students design and create an ice lantern using molds, natural materials, and freezing temperatures. They can record the steps, observe melting rates, and explain the science behind freezing and thawing. Connect this to solstice traditions involving light. Inspired by the article's ritual ideas, students can create paper lanterns, write wishes or hopes for the growing light, and participate in a short "lantern walk" around the classroom or hallway. Afterward, they write a reflection on why people celebrate the return of longer days.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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10 Crafts & Activities Winter Solstice - How Wee Learn
Grades
2 to 5
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Explore the simple, nature-inspired crafts and hands-on projects to help students understand the meaning of the winter solstice through art, observation, and play. From making icy sun...more
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Explore the simple, nature-inspired crafts and hands-on projects to help students understand the meaning of the winter solstice through art, observation, and play. From making icy sun catchers to creating themed journals or light-themed decorations, the activities encourage students to notice seasonal changes, reflect on light and dark, and connect outdoor learning with classroom discussions. It's an inviting collection for teachers looking to blend science, creativity, and seasonal celebration.
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tag(s): crafts (93), earth (188), seasonal (34), seasons (56), sun (83)
In the Classroom
Have students create simple ice sun catchers using water, natural materials, and a freezer or outdoor cold temperatures. Afterward, they can write a quick observation about how the changing light interacts with their artwork and what this reveals about the winter solstice. Using a solstice-themed journal (inspired by the page), have students write short entries describing what they notice about daylight, temperature, and nature during this time of year. For a digital version, use Book Creator, reviewed here. After learning about different cultural celebrations of light around the solstice, students can create a small craft (such as a lantern, candle silhouette art, or light-themed collage) and write a short explanation card that connects their piece to the meaning of the solstice.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Winter Solstice - Twinkl Educational Publishing
Grades
2 to 6
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This teacher-friendly resource explains what causes the winter solstice, why daylight changes throughout the seasons, and how different cultures have celebrated this moment for centuries....more
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This teacher-friendly resource explains what causes the winter solstice, why daylight changes throughout the seasons, and how different cultures have celebrated this moment for centuries. It also provides ready-to-use materials, including PowerPoints, reading passages, comprehension activities, and printable displays, that help students explore Earth's tilt, seasonal traditions, and wintertime observations in a meaningful, cross-curricular way.
In the Classroom
Use one of the provided reading passages about the solstice (myths, traditions, or science). Have students highlight key details, identify the main idea, and write a short summary explaining why the solstice is significant. After viewing Twinkl's content on places like Stonehenge, students can research how ancient monuments align with the solstice. They can create a one-page "Show What You Know" poster using paper or DesignCap Poster Creator, reviewed here illustrating the structure and its purpose. Using a pencil taped upright to a piece of cardboard, have students measure the length of its shadow at different times of day. They can compare their observations with Twinkl's explanation of Earth's tilt and discuss why shadows change as daylight increases or decreases.
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Storytime with Kate Meszaros- Winter Solstice Wish - Kate Ingersoll-Meszaros
Grades
K to 5
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This read-aloud video features a warm and engaging storytelling session of Winter Solstice Wish by Kate Allan Fox, where the narrator guides students through the meaning of the...more
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This read-aloud video features a warm and engaging storytelling session of Winter Solstice Wish by Kate Allan Fox, where the narrator guides students through the meaning of the winter solstice using vivid imagery and connections to real seasonal changes they can observe. The video highlights why the solstice occurs, what it feels like during the shortest days of the year, and how people around the world celebrate light, hope, and renewal during this time. Through rich descriptions of dwindling sunlight, growing shadows, and traditions like gathering firewood and making wishes, students gain a deeper understanding of both the science and the symbolism of the solstice. If your district blocks YouTube, then the video may not be viewable.
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tag(s): crafts (93), earth (188), seasonal (34), seasons (56), snow (22), sun (83)
In the Classroom
Have your students write or draw their favorite moment from the story and explain how it shows what the winter solstice feels like or why it is special. Inspired by the book's theme of hope and renewal, have students create a "winter wish" card or paper lantern expressing something they hope will grow brighter in their lives or their community. Students can choose a winter solstice or winter-light celebration (such as Yule, Dongzhi, or Soyal) and make a slide using Google Slides, reviewed here explaining one tradition. Compile these slides into a class presentation to share with the class.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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What Is the Winter Solstice? - Bozeman Public Library
Grades
3 to 7
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The video "What Is the Winter Solstice?" explores why the solstice marks the shortest day of the year by following host Jane Lindholm at an outdoor Earth clock and in ...more
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The video "What Is the Winter Solstice?" explores why the solstice marks the shortest day of the year by following host Jane Lindholm at an outdoor Earth clock and in a planetarium, where she and meteorologist Mark Breen explain Earth's tilt, daylight patterns, and the cultural meaning behind this seasonal milestone. It provides clear visuals and real-world demonstrations that help students connect scientific concepts with seasonal changes they can observe. If your district blocks YouTube, then the video may not be viewable.
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In the Classroom
Using a globe and a flashlight, have students recreate Earth's tilt and shine the light at different angles to see how daylight changes. Have students look up the sunrise and sunset times for your location on the solstice and calculate total daylight. Then have them repeat this for an area in the Southern Hemisphere and compare the results. Have students measure the length of a shadow at the same time multiple days leading up to and after the solstice. Then have them graph the results using ChartGizmo reviewed here to observe how the angle of the sun changes over time.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Winter Solstice Activity for Kids - Treehouse Schoolhouse
Grades
3 to 7
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Celebrate the magic of the year's shortest day with this engaging winter solstice activity from Treehouse Schoolhouse. The website offers a clear and teacher-friendly explanation of...more
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Celebrate the magic of the year's shortest day with this engaging winter solstice activity from Treehouse Schoolhouse. The website offers a clear and teacher-friendly explanation of the winter solstice. It provides a free "Winter Solstice Daylight Tracker" worksheet that guides students in recording sunrise and sunset times, calculating daylight hours, and graphing the changes. The activity supports scientific inquiry, observation skills, and simple data analysis, and it can be paired with nature walks, journaling, or seasonal crafts to deepen students' understanding of how Earth's tilt affects daylight. This resource is easy to integrate into lessons on seasons, natural cycles, or winter traditions and works well for a wide range of classroom settings.
tag(s): crafts (93), cultures (259), data (158), earth (188), seasonal (34), seasons (56), sun (83)
In the Classroom
Have students use the Winter Solstice Daylight Tracker to record sunrise and sunset times for several days. They can calculate total daylight hours and create a simple line graph that shows how the amount of daylight changes. Assign students to keep a short journal on paper or using Write Reader, reviewed here where they note outdoor observations during the week of the solstice. After learning about the winter solstice, students can create a piece of art that represents the "longest night" or the "return of the light," such as a watercolor sunrise, paper lantern, or nature collage.
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December Solstice - PBS LearningMedia
Grades
2 to 6
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This PBS LearningMedia resource features a winter solstice-themed video that helps students understand why the solstice occurs, how the Earth's tilt affects daylight, and what seasonal...more
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This PBS LearningMedia resource features a winter solstice-themed video that helps students understand why the solstice occurs, how the Earth's tilt affects daylight, and what seasonal changes people notice during the darkest time of the year. The short, engaging video is paired with easy-to-use lesson plans and extension activities that support visual, auditory, and hands-on learning. Although it is designed for the Northeastern United States, the concepts are applicable anywhere and can be adapted for use in classrooms in other regions. Teachers can use the video as a hook to introduce a science or social studies lesson on seasonal patterns, guide students in observing local daylight changes, or incorporate art and writing activities to explore winter traditions and the natural world.
tag(s): cultures (259), earth (188), seasonal (34), seasons (56), sun (83)
In the Classroom
Have students track sunrise and sunset times for a week before and after the winter solstice, then graph the changes using LiveGap Charts reviewed here to visualize how daylight shifts over time. Using a stick or pencil placed upright outside, students can measure the length and direction of shadows at different times of day. They can compare results to understand why shadows are longest near the solstice. After watching the video, have students research how different cultures recognize or celebrate the winter solstice. They can create a simple poster, mini-presentation, or journal page in Canva for Education, reviewed here about a tradition they find interesting.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Solstice and Equinox - Sixty Symbols
Grades
6 to 12
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Solstice and Equinox is a video explanation tracking the sun's passage through the sky to explain the changing of seasons. Narrators demonstrate and discuss video tracking of the sun...more
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Solstice and Equinox is a video explanation tracking the sun's passage through the sky to explain the changing of seasons. Narrators demonstrate and discuss video tracking of the sun by day, week, and year to show the position of the sun over time. If your district blocks YouTube, then the video may not be viewable. Created in the UK, the video may have some pronunciations and spellings that are different from those in American English.
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tag(s): seasons (56), solar system (122), sun (83)
In the Classroom
Have students share what they know about solstice and equinox using Padlet, reviewed here, before viewing this video. The Padlet application creates free online bulletin boards. Use Edpuzzle, reviewed here, to add questions and comments to this video. Embed on your class webpage for students to view at home, then bring answers to class for discussion. Use an online flashcard maker, like Flashcard Stash, reviewed here, to work on any new vocabulary or information learned. Have students take pictures of the sun outside of your classroom at the same time daily for an extended period (a month or more), then put images together to view these changes in progression.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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