Week 2 of the WinterKids Winter Games focused on the theme of precipitation. In spite of some of the lowest temps of the season, students bundled up and headed outdoors to gather data for their weather charts. This week’s activities focused on taking accurate measurements – be it temperatures, snowfall amounts, or the size of a snow angel!
The 8th Annual Winter Games are taking place from January 13 through Feb 7, 2025. 16 Maine schools are competing in physical activity and academic challenges as part of our Competitive Track, earning points and hoping to come out on top to win the $5000 gold medal prize, while 80+ schools are participating in our Play Along track. In all, 10,000 children are taking part in the Winter Games.
Winning Moment of the Week Submission:
Each week throughout this year’s Winter Games, Competitive Track schools can submit a Moment of the Week entry to win one bonus point. This week, students created weather memes.
Congratulations to Rangeley Lakes Regional School in Franklin County for winning with this funny yet accurate take on the weather in Maine!
Transforming Winter into a Learning Experience
From measuring snowfall to exploring the albedo effect with snowmen, students applied STEM principles while connecting with nature. This hands-on learning has turned cold weather into an exciting outdoor laboratory, proving that education is best when it’s active and outdoors!
Overcoming Challenges with Resilience
“We faced below zero temperatures all week, but we still bundled up to dash outside to check temperatures, and measure precipitation.”
Erin T., Woodland Consolidated School, Aroostook County
Maine’s winter threw its typical curveballs this week, from icy conditions to fluctuating snow levels. Yet, schools adapted brilliantly. Harrison Elementary demonstrated resourcefulness by creating artificial snow for their activities, ensuring students could still participate in the week’s challenges. Meanwhile, Woodland Consolidated School brought their community cookout indoors without losing the warmth of togetherness.
That’s one of the popular features of the Winter Games: teachers can adapt the activities based on conditions at their school!
Community at the Heart of the Games
The Winter Games are about more than outdoor activities—they’re about fostering connection. This week, schools like Community Regional Charter School welcomed families and local organizations, creating a sense of unity. These events showed that winter becomes a season to celebrate, not just endure when communities come together.
“Our Family Luncheon was a HUGE hit! We had 40-50 families attend from the school-wide invitation (we lost track as it got busier!) and provided a free lunch of shepherd’s pie from the Maine Meal in Skowhegan. Families were able to visit their learner’s classrooms after and even braved the cold to play outside for a bit!”
Casey G. Community Regional Charter School, Somerset County
Creativity in Action
Learning to measure accurately is an important scientific skill. The Winter Games turns a commonplace activity like measurement into a fun outdoor experience. Making and measuring snow angels makes learning FUN! When students are engaged in an activity, the experience offers a lasting memory.
A Love for Winter That Grows Stronger
By the end of Week 2, it is clear: the Winter Games are cultivating a new appreciation for winter. Students are not just learning about weather—they’re living it. Whether making discoveries about precipitation or sharing laughs over snow-themed activities, the Winter Games remind us all to embrace the beauty and possibilities of the cold season.
Stay tuned for Week 3, where we’ll explore the theme of wind. From building wind turbines to creating colorful windsocks, the adventures continue!
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