Winter Mystery Maker Missions Snow STEM Challenges and Activities

Winter Mystery Maker Missions is a set of low-prep winter STEM challenges created specifically for elementary STEM teachers who want easy, high-engagement science and engineering activities.

These 8 winter STEM activities turn simple classroom materials into exciting “mystery bag” maker missions that build problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration.

Perfect for K–5 STEM labs, science blocks, early finishers, or sub plans, this winter STEM resource is designed to be flexible, fun, and teacher-friendly.

What’s included:

• 8 Winter Mystery Maker Missions using a “mystery bag” format
• Printable challenge cards for each mission
• Suggested materials lists using easy-to-find classroom supplies
• Teacher directions for setup, timing, and facilitation
• Engineering Design Process posters to reinforce STEM vocabulary
• Sample student challenges and ideas
• Makerspace supply lists (consumable and non-consumable) to support year-round STEM

How it works:

• Prep each challenge in minutes by placing materials in a paper bag or bin.
• Hand out the mystery bags and reveal the challenge card.
• Students work in teams to plan, build, test, and improve their designs.
• Use the included prompts to guide reflection and share-outs.

Whether you teach in a dedicated STEM lab or a regular classroom, Winter Mystery Maker Missions make it easy to add meaningful, hands-on winter STEM challenges without hours of prep.

Just print, gather supplies, and you’re ready for engaging, standards-supporting STEM learning all winter.