Christmas STEAM: Grow a candy Christmas tree

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Last year we magically “grew” Christmas wreaths using candy. This year we decided to do the same activity, but with a slightly different twist. This year we decided to magically “grow” candy Christmas trees.

This Christmas STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) activity combines art and science, and your kids will love it!

As your children make their candy Christmas trees, they will work on their fine motor skills (hello, pincer grasp!) and get to witness a bit of holiday “magic” (or, science disguised as magic).

Enjoy!

Note: For more Christmas activities your kids will love, see my Christmas Activities for Kids page.

To grow a candy Christmas tree, you will need the following materials:

A plate
Green and brown M&Ms, plus other colors if desired
Water

Begin by using the green and brown M&Ms to make the outline of your tree with a trunk.

Next, fill in your tree with the colors you want, based on your favorite decorations.

Then grab a cup of water. Slowly pour water over the M&Ms until water is touching all of the M&Ms on the plate.

To see what happens next, check out this short video:

Pretty cool, right?

What’s the science behind growing a candy Christmas tree?

The hard shell of the M&Ms is made with water soluble colors. When the water touches the M&Ms, the colors begin to dissolve off of the M&Ms and run into the water, filling in the candy Christmas tree with beautiful Christmas colors.

Looking for more Christmas ideas that incorporate Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM)? Then you’ll love STEAM Kids Christmas.This e-book includes 25 days of holiday projects that will wow the boredom right out of kids!