DIY Snowman - STEAM Lesson

STEAM activities use hands-on learning—like building, experimenting, and exploring—to boost critical thinking and creativity. For children and siblings facing pediatric cancer, these activities are more than just schoolwork; they bring back a feeling of normalcy, success, and confidence during a difficult time.

STEAM education helps kids learn vital skills, connect with others, and have fun! These at-home STEAM activities let children and siblings facing pediatric cancer explore Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math in a fun, comfortable setting.

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Age Group Best Served: K-8

Child/Adult Ratio: 6 to 1

Take Away Artifact: No

Approximate time: 45 minutes

Divisions Covered: All

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Materials:

Per group of 3-4 students: 1 can of shaving cream, 4-5 cups of baking soda, a variety of materials to decorate a mini snowman (buttons, mini carrots, fabric, rocks, sticks…)

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Skills Required for Completion of Task:

Motor skills

• Bilateral upper extremity coordination
• Ability to manipulate small objects
• Hand-eye coordination
• Ability to grip objects
• Ability to stabilize objects/task

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Process/Cognitive skills

• Ability to attend to task for greater than 5 minutes
• Follow multi-step directions
• Ability to sequence steps
• Ability to understand safety precaution
• Ability to organize or keep materials organized for task
• Ability to adjust to different workspace requirements

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Social skills

• Ability to communicate and share equipment with peers/staff appropriately

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K-8 Standards:

3.PS1: Matter and Its Interactions. 2) Construct an explanation about the effects of heating and cooling a substance differentiating between changes that can be reversed (i.e., freezing & melting) and those that cannot (e.g., baking a cake or burning fuel).

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Simple Science:

The “snow” feels cold due to an endothermic reaction, where the mixture absorbs heat from its surroundings, including your hands. This absorption of heat is what causes the snow to feel cool to the touch without needing to be refrigerated.

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This activity would be appropriate completed by the following disciplines:

Occupational Therapy, LCSW, Family Services, Industrial Arts

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Instructions:

Add shaving cream to 3 cups of baking soda. Mix well. Add additional baking soda until you reach a snowlike consistency. Ask students if they notice a change in the temperature of the snow.

Build and decorate your snowman.

For smaller amounts 1:1 baking soda and shaving cream and then make adjustments to get a clumping snowlike consistency 

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Precaution: Baking Soda can irritate eyes. Use caution.

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The Austin Hatcher Foundation is a nationally recognized leader in psycho-oncology care, providing innovative, evidence-based services for families facing pediatric cancer. Through a holistic approach, the Foundation supports the emotional, mental, and social well-being of children, siblings, and parents—ensuring families have the resources to heal and thrive during and after treatment. 

Through programs like STEAM Club and at-home resources like these, we encourage creativity, build confidence, and strengthen connections through hands-on learning. To learn more about our programs or to request comprehensive support, visit https://www.hatcherfoundation.org/resources/request-an-appointment