Waterproof a Christmas Stocking STEM Challenge

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This very simple STEM challenge is great for younger children to start to learn how different materials have different properties.

The idea is to cover each stocking with a different material, spray it with water and then check to see if the stocking is still dry.

Children can also spend time designing the stockings before starting the investigation.

We kept our designs quite simple, but you can make yours much fancier.

Materials for a simple waterproof investigation. Template with 4 stocking shapes, tape, plastic bag, parchment paper and scissors

You’ll need

Felt tip pens

Different materials to test – kitchen foil, paper towel, plastic bag, paper, parchment paper, wax crayon etc

Tape – masking tape peels off nicely

Scissors

Stocking printable sheet ( or draw your own )

Water

INSTRUCTIONS

Colour each stocking image with felt tip pens. The ink needs to be non-permanent or it won’t run when water is sprinkled on top.

Ask the children to feel and look at the different materials. It’s good to think about how each one is used in daily life. Make predictions as to which will be the most waterproof and write them down.

Cut out a rectangle big enough to fit over each stocking image.

Tape a different material over each stocking. Leave one uncovered, this is the control stocking and shows what happens when nothing is added over the top.

Drop a little water on each stocking. A water sprayer or pipette can be used or just sprinkle water with your fingers.

Look at each material. If it is waterproof, the water will be visible in beads on the surface. If the material isn’t waterproof it will absorb the water.

Carefully uncover the stockings to see if they are still dry.

waterproofing investigation. 4 stocking shapes on A4 paper are covered in different materials and secured in place with masking tape. One is left uncovered.
Results of a waterproofing activity. Stocking shapes on a4 have been covered with different materials and sprayed with water to test

We found the plastic bag and the parchment paper protected the stocking more than the gift wrap-covered stocking.

Questions to ask

Which stocking is the driest?

Was it the one you expected?

Why do you think that one stayed dry?

Can you think of any other materials to test?

EXTENSION TASKS

Use your findings to design and create a food bag for Santa to keep his sandwiches dry on Christmas Eve.

If you enjoyed this, I also have a very similar dinosaur waterproofing experiment you might like!

More science for little ones

Staying on the waterproof theme, this design and build an umbrella for Incy Wincy Spider project is fun for a nursery rhyme topic.

Mini umbrellas made for Incy Wincy Spider for a STEM challenge

Try one of my other easy science ideas for preschoolers.

If you’re looking for an activity for older children, give these Santa STEM challenges a go!

4 images of a Christmas stockings on an A4 sheet of paper for a waterproofing experiment. Each image is covered with a different type of material which then has water sprinkled on it.

Last Updated on December 3, 2022 by Emma Vanstone