Description
Fun, no prep problem-solving Christmas activity for high school! Students use real-world physics (distance, speed, force, power, energy, and calories) to investigate whether Santa’s nine reindeer could actually complete their global Christmas Eve journey.
With step-by-step guided calculations, comparison charts, and critical-thinking questions, this resource is perfect for December lessons, early-finishers, or a high-interest holiday challenge!
Students will…
- Use provided data to calculate Santa’s total travel distance in meters.
- Determine Santa’s required average velocity using distance ÷ time.
- Calculate total mass of the sleigh and reindeer team, then convert it into force (Newtons) using gravity.
- Estimate total mechanical power (Watts) needed for Santa’s journey using a simplified physics model (Power = Force × Velocity).
- Convert power into horsepower (hp) and determine how much hp each reindeer must produce.
- Calculate the total energy (Joules) and food energy (Calories/kcal) each reindeer would need to sustain that output.
- Determine kilograms and metric tons of grain required to fuel one reindeer for the journey.
- Compare calculated reindeer horsepower to humans, horses, jet engines, and orca whales using reference charts.
- Solve ratio problems (e.g., how many times stronger is a reindeer than a working horse or jet engine).
- Use quantitative reasoning to evaluate the biological realism of Santa’s trip.
- Develop a creative scientific or pseudoscientific explanation for how Santa could ‘realistically’ complete the trip.
This is a print and go activity! No direct instruction needed. The question sheet walks students through the calculations step-by-step, guiding them from start to finish.
What is included:
- Student handout with all the information they will need to complete the assignment
- Question Sheet – four pages of questions that guide students step by step
- Full Key with calculations and answers to discussion questions
- Teaching Guide – with tips and ideas for how to use the resource in your classroom
Why Teachers Love This Resource:
- Seasonal learning! Perfect for December without passing up on instructional time
- Fully scaffolded. Students can complete independently, everything they need is included, no direct instruction or Google searching needed!
- Real data, simplified for classrooms
- Great for critical thinking!
Click here to see a preview of this fun Christmas high school activity!
See what some happy teachers are saying about this resource in our Teachers Pay Teachers store!
No reviews yet! This resource is brand new!
Thank you for shopping with Science of Curiosity! Here are a few of my favorite science resources:
- Foodborne Illness Case Study
- Science of Santa’s Reindeer – Christmas activity for high school
- Carbon Footprint of Christmas Trees: Real vs Artificial Trees
- No Prep Basic Genetics and Punnett Square Lesson
- Forensics Death Investigation: Accident or Murder?
- No Prep DNA Profiling Activity and Simulation
- Cell Membrane Transport Activity – digital and hands on versions
- No Prep Blood Typing Lesson and Digital Lab
*** Stay Curious! ***
