Thanksgiving Science Experiments for Middle School STEM & Gratitude SEL Activities

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Are you searching for Thanksgiving-themed STEM activities that resonate with middle school students on an emotional level? These SEL + Science Thanksgiving Activities combine the fun of hands-on experiments with the profound concepts of gratitude and instant gratification, and personal potential. These versatile lesson is ideal for students in public and private schools, homeschooling environments, scout troops, and friendship circles.

In Kernel Vision, students will make biodegradable plastic from corn products and learn about pilgrims, corn, popcorn and modern uses for corn. Students will also make the connection between the potential in a kernel of corn and the vision for which the Pilgrims sacrificed. This SUPER easy activity just requires corn starch, corn oil, food coloring and water. You will also need access to a microwave. Students who enjoy making slime (your sensory kiddos!) will love this.

This engaging, hands-on, social-emotional learning lesson is perfect for middle school students at public schools, homeschoolers, friendship groups, and youth group. Includes ink-saving black and white instructions PLUS instructions with step-by-step color photos (see example in preview).

Activities included Kernel Vision:

⭐Learn about popcorn’s “potential” by learning how popcorn kernels pop

⭐Discuss the purpose behind the sacrifice the Pilgrims made when they moved to North America

⭐Make biodegradable plastic from corn oil for a hands-on lesson on the potential corn has to be used as a green alternative to synthetics

⭐Social-Emotional Learning discussion questions that give students the opportunity to reflect on the activities

In Marshmallow Gratitude students will use marshmallows as an object lesson to learn the differences between gratitude and gratification.

Activities Included in Marshmallow Gratitude:

• Marshmallow Roasting Experiment: A delightful, interactive activity where students roast marshmallows while diving into discussions about instant gratification and gratefulness.
• Marshmallow Expansion Experiment: This activity explores the principles of balanced and unbalanced forces with marshmallow expansion. It’s a hands-on way to bring physics concepts to life!
• Gratitude vs. Gratification Discussion: An insightful discussion session that encourages students to reflect on the concepts of gratitude and gratification, linking them to everyday experiences and the science activities they’ve just completed.

Why You and Your Students Will Love These Thanksgiving Activities:

• Integrates STEM with Social-Emotional Learning: Combines scientific principles with important life lessons, fostering both intellectual and emotional growth.
• Promotes Group Interaction: Ideal for group settings, encouraging teamwork, communication, and shared learning experiences.
• Comprehensive and Easy-to-Follow: Detailed instructions and discussion guides included, ensuring a smooth and engaging educational experience.

Bring a Unique Twist to Your Thanksgiving Lessons! These Thanksgiving STEM Activities for Middle School are more than just a science lesson; they are an opportunity to teach valuable life lessons in a fun and engaging way. Perfect for sparking curiosity and encouraging thoughtful discussions among middle school students.

What educators are saying…

“This was a great activity to do just before Thanksgiving break. My students loved doing this, and I loved the comparative discussion of gratitude and gratification. The only glitch was that several students complained of a chemically taste from the candles even though I bought unscented ones.”
— Benetta W. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“THIS WAS SO MUCH FUN! I used it not only in class but also for our kids at our church. My students thought roasting marshmallows inside at their desk was the coolest. Plus it connected with our gratitude chapter so well.”
— Heather W. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Looking for more fun Science Activities…. Check out these resources:

• Thanksgiving Forensic Science Activity DNA Extraction and Fingerprinting
• Thanksgiving Science BINGO
• Thanksgiving Science Two Truths and a Lie
• Thanksgiving Gratitude STEM and SEL Activities
• Thanksgiving Science Crossword Puzzle
• Thanksgiving Corn Plastic STEM and SEL Activities

SAVE $$ With Thanksgiving Bundles:

• No Prep Thanksgiving Bundle
• Thanksgiving STEM + SEL Activities Bundle
• Thanksgiving Easy, Fun Science Bundle (all Thanksgiving Resources!)