Christmas Unit Study 1 - Science

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Science Lesson Plans for Christmas

A Christmas Unit Study (Science) ~Christmas is such an amazing time of year to celebrate the birth of the blessed baby, Jesus. While parents and teachers who are teaching about the events of the Bible, and the events of the seasons, why not turn it into a fun unit study? Add some math, science, social studies, language arts, art, and music to your lesson plans with some of these ideas.

**In order to make it easier for you to find resources that are helpful, I have broken the math and science sections into two pages. The math lesson plans that were on this page have been moved to "Christmas Unit Study 6 - Math". Please see below for the link.

A Christmas Unit Study 

There was so much information, I couldn't fit it all in one lense. Please visit the others for other areas of the unit.

The Biblical Story 

Archaeology & the Bible
Find out what archaeological evidence has been found to support Biblical stories. Scroll down about three-fourths of the way down the page to find Chrsitmas information.
The Biblical Account of the Birth of Christ
Matthew ~ Chapter 1: The Geneology of Jesus, The Birth of Jesus Christ
Matthew ~ Chapter 2: The Visit of the Magi, The Escape to Egypt, The Return to Nazareth
Luke ~ Chapter 1: The Birth of John the Baptist Foretold, The Birth of Jesus Foretold, Mary Visits Elizabeth, Mary's Song, The Birth of John the Baptist,
Zechariah's Song
Luke ~ Chapter 2: The Birth of Jesus, The Shepherds and the Angels, Jesus Presented at the Temple

Animals at the Manger? 

People often think of the animals that may have been surrounding Jesus at His birth. Christmas cards often depict Mary riding a donkey into Bethlehem, although it does not directly tell us that she rode a donkey, or walked, or rode in or on something. The Bible tells us that Mary laid baby Jesus in a manger, but we do not know which, if any, animals were nearby. Most likely, animals were not far away, but it should make us consider how popular interpretations leave an impression as to what the Bible actually says. ~ Please read the passage from the Bible carefully for yourself.

 

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Zoology ~ Study of Animals 

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Ideas for a secular animal unit for Christmas: a study of the deer family (reindeer, caribou, elk, moose, etc.) or polar animals (polar bears, snow fox, etc).

"So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.
He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born,
and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn."
Luke 2:4-7

Genesis 1:20-25 

~ "And God said, "Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the sky."
~ So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living and moving thing with which the water teems, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.
~ God blessed them and said, "Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the water in the seas, and let the birds increase on the earth."
~ And there was evening, and there was morning-the fifth day.
~ And God said, "Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: livestock, creatures that move along the ground, and wild animals, each according to its kind." And it was so.
~ God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good."

 

God Created the Animals
The children and I worked on an enormous animal unit last spring, and will continue a bit this fall. Check our school blog for games, lapbook minis, notebook pages, charts, worksheets, and links to about a million animal websites!
The Scripture Alphabet of Animals
Check here for an alphabetized list of Biblical animals, their descriptions, and verse references.
Animals in the Bible
Look at pictures,read about Biblical animals of Israel, and learn their names in Hebrew and English.
Animals of the Bible
Search over 130 animal and related terms in this WebBible Encyclopedia from Christian Answers.
List of the Animals in the Bible
Find an alphabetical listing of Biblical animals, brief descriptions, and Bible references here.
Animals of the Bible Crafts
Create some cute animal projects with these directions from DLKT's Growing Together!
Animals of the Bible Quiz
Test your knowledge with this 20 question quiz.
God & Animals
Find lessons plans about Balaam's donkey, Sampson's lion, Daniel and the Lions, and sheep in the Bible.
No Room in the Inn ...
Christian Answers suggests a possible birth place for the Holy Baby.

Shepherds & Sheep 

The Shepherds and their sheep play an important roll also at the time of the birth. Jesus is many times referred to as the "lamb" or "shepherd" in the Bible.

"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night."
Luke 2:8

Hands - On Animal Study 

ANIMALS OF THE BIBLE SUNDAY SCHOOL

This Sunday school kit includes lesson ideas, 8 activities, and Wikki Stix for your class.

BIBLE STORIES AND CRAFTS ANIMALS

Create animals from Creation, Noah, Christmas, and other Bible stories.

Sunsout Animal Alphabet Floor 48 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle

Enjoy putting together this 48 piece jigsaw puzzle!

Animals of the Bible [VHS]

Watch a video about God's amazing animals.

Solomon Says Bible Trivia for Kids Volume 2: Amazing Animals

Play this exciting Bible animal trivia game with over 500 questions with your family or friends!

"The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told."
Luke 2:20

Christmas Botany ~ Study of Plants 

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Gorgeous Christmas trees, poinsettias, holly, and Christmas cactus give students the opportunity to learn about plants as part of your Christmas unit study.

 

Real Trees for Kids
"The story and science of real tree farming" written for children. This website has wonderful unit studies for grades K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12. It includes lesson plans, worksheets, and online research materials all in one spot.
Christmas Tree Safety
Observe a video of a Christmas tree on fire and learn how to properly care for live trees to help avoid this type of disaster.
A Christmas Science Fair Project
How can you preserve your Christmas tree to live way beyond the season? Try this experiment to find out.
The Christmas Poinsettia
Read this article to know how and when to care for your poinsettia throughout the year.
Euphorbia pulcherrima
Huh? What? Read about this beautiful plant at this link. :)
Holly Plant Study
Use this study to learn about form, color, fragrance, botanical family, environment, growth pattern, daily and seasonal sequences, the four elements, biochemistry, medicinal uses, relationship to other kingdoms, herbal lore, and beautiful pictures of a holly's ant's life cycle.
Christmas Cactus
"Flower Expert" teaches plant classification, facts, growth, and care about this very pretty plan.

O Christmas Tree ... 

Wilton Christmas Tree Pretzel Mold

Make some chocolate pretzel pops for family and friends ~ kids love to make these and give away as teacher gifts and to friends!

Wilton Cookie Tree Cutter Kit

The cookie tree will stand approximately 8-inch by 11-inch high when finished. The kit contains 10 Plastic star cookie cutters, 3 disposable decorating bags and round decorating tip, cookie and icing recipes, baking and decorating instructions.

O Christmas Tree (Sing-It!)

Lovely pictures accompany the lyrics to this popular holiday song!

Who Would Like a Christmas Tree?: A Tree for All Seasons

Amazon review ~ "Who would like a Christmas tree?
That all depends on when you ask.
In January, in February, in March, in April . . .
the black-capped chickadees, the field mice, the white-tailed deer, and the woodcock, come to claim the tree.
They want it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, for shelter and protection, for a place to start a new family.
Can a Christmas tree be all that?
Yes, and even more . . .
The year has just begun!"

O Christmas Tree, It Came Upon A Midnight Clear, The Coventry Carol For Easy Piano

Christmas sheet music to easily play on piano.

Consider a Live Tree for Christmas! 

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Watch the video series for tips about live trees:
How to Choose a Christmas Tree
Caring for a Living Christmas Tree
Planting Your Living Christmas Tree

 

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Christmas Cactus, Poinsettia, Holly, or Evergreen Tree? 

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Meteorology ~ Study of Weather 

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What is the weather like at Christmas time where you live? Christmas is many times thought of as a time of snow and cold weather. (Consider the songs "White Christmas", "Let it Snow", "Frosty the Snowman" and others.) But the truth is, of course, that every kind of weather may exist during December depending on several factors.

Let it Snow ... 

All About Snow
Find out everything about snow at the National Snow and Ice Data Education Center.
Snow Crystals
Discover the incredible complexity of these unique, miniscule crystals that God has created. Beautiful pictures, snowflake physics lessons, and snow / ice activities will peak your interest, also.
Crystals, Christmas, and Science
The lesson plan contains directions to create a piece of crystal artwork.

Seasons of the Year 

A season is a division of the year, marked by changes in weather.

Seasons result from the yearly revolution of the Earth around the Sun and the tilt of the Earth's axis relative to the plane of revolution. In temperate and polar regions, the seasons are marked by changes in the intensity of sunlight that reaches the Earth's surface, variations of wh...

Climate & Seasons 

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Astronomy ~ Study of the Stars 

The Wise Men & The Star of Christmas

Who were these Wise Men of the East? Astronomers, scientists, scholars, kings? What were they following? When did they find the Christ Child? It is interesting to note when they arrived according to the Bible versus popular notions.

The Visit of the Magi

* * * * * *
After Jesus was born
in Bethlehem in Judea,
during the time of King Herod,
Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked,

"Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?

We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."

Matthew 2:1-2

Follow the Star ... 

The Star of Bethlehem, also called the Christmas Star, is a star in Christian tradition that revealed the birth of Jesus to the magi, or "wise men", and later led them to Bethlehem. According to the Gospel of Matthew, the magi were men "from the east" who were inspired by the appearance of the star...

 

What was the Star of Bethlehem?
Research scientific theories of the star in this article.
The Star of Bethlehem
"Was the Star of Bethlehem a real astronomical event? A myth created by the early church? Explore the history and science for yourself..."
Zoom Astronomy
Enchanted Learning is a very thorough, well organized, fun website for children to learn a variety of topics. Research planets, the sun, moon, stars, and other celestial bodies. You will find informative articles, charts, astronomy dictionary, worksheets, activities, crafts, quizzes, and other materials to make your unit exciting and complete. Access to many of the resources are free, or you can join for a inexpensive yearly membership to access even more fantastic stuff!
Gold
Research gold's characteristics, uses, history, and monetary value of this precious metal.
Frankincense
So, what is this special gift given to the Christ Child? Where does it come from and how is it used?
Frankincense
Read the definition from the WebBible Dictionary.
Myrrh
Why is this herb considered a wonderful gift?
Myrrh
Read the definition from the WebBible Dictionary.

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Jesus brought us the gift of eternal life! 

What gift would you want to bring the Christ Child?

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Light up your Christmas with Electricity! 

Light has always been a symbol of Christ, the Light of the World! Candles have provided light for centuries, and now after Edison invented electricity, we love to decorate with beautiful electric lights!

Electricity 

Category: File - :Lightning3.jpg|right|thumb|250px|alt=Multiple lightning strikes on a city at night|Lightning is one of the most dramatic effects of electricity.

Electricity (from the New Latin ?lectricus, "amber-like") is a general term that encompasses a variety of phenomena resulting from the presence and flow of electric charge. These include many easily recognizable phenomena, such as lightning and static electricity, but in addition, less familiar concepts, such as the electromagnetic fi...

Light Bulbs 

Christmas Tree Light Up!
This fun game really makes you thick about electrical connections as you try to light all the bulbs on the tree!
Who Invented Electric Christmas Lights?
Find out from the Library of Congress' Everyday Mysteries!
Christmas Bulb Chromotography
Christmas lights and electricity are cool to explore. What a bright idea! Sorry, I couldn't help the bad pun!)

 

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A special thank you to one of my favorite artists,
Mr. Phillip Martin,
whose beautiful clipart is adorning this page!

Other Science Topics to Explore 

Christmas Science
Read an article about possible Christmas science experiments.
Christmas Science
Check out these interesting engineering and chemistry pages.
The Case of the Christmas Cookie Mystery
Use clues about chemistry to solve this mystery!
The Chemistry Carols
Very clever!

The Most Important Thing about Christmas 

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Jesus, the Son of God, was born as a baby, grew up, and gave His life for our sins.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
John 3:16-17

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May God bless you every Christmas season :) 

I hope you have a wonderful CHRISTmas!

I hope you have a wonderful CHRISTmas!

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