Sculpey Christmas Ornament - 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.

‍

Age Group Best Served: K-8

Child/Adult Ratio: 6 to 1

Take Away Artifact: No

Approximate time: 20 minutes

Divisions Covered: All

‍

Materials:

White and desired colors of sculpey clay, rolling pin, ruler, parchment paper, a variety of Christmas shaped cookie cutters, a pencil, air fryer

‍

Question to ask:

Why does sculpey clay become hard in the air fryer?

‍

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

‍

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

‍

Social skills

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

‍

K-8 Standards:

3.PS1: Matter and Its Interactions 1) Describe the properties of solids, liquids, and gas and identify that matter is made up of particles too small to be seen. 2) Differentiate between changes caused by heating or cooling that can be reversed and that cannot

‍

Simple Science:

Sculpey Clay is made of PVC (hard plastic) and plasticizers to keep it soft. The plasticizer is permanently removed by exposure to high heat.

‍

This activity would be appropriate completed by the following disciplines:

Occupational Therapy, LCSW, Family Services

‍

Instructions:

Preheat the air fryer to 275. Start with about 1 oz of white sculpey clay, add in bits of color as desired (for a mixed marbled effect), or leave white for decorating with paint or markers later. Roll out a pancake with ¼ inch thickness. Using the selected cookie cutter, cut out your ornament. Reroll sculpey again until all material has been used.  Use a pencil to poke a hole in the ornament. Bake in the air fryer on the parchment paper for 10-15 minutes at 275 degrees.

‍

Precaution: Will be hot coming out of the air fryer.

‍

‍

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