Give your students a structured and fun way to explore physics with this Santa vs Physics Investigation assignment. Students work in groups to research, estimate, and calculate just how “physically possible” Santa’s annual journey would be.

They begin by gathering key information: number of houses, distances traveled, speeds, and other critical variables. Then, using principles of kinematics, dynamics, work, energy, and power, students perform calculations, analyze results, and make evidence-based conclusions about the feasibility of Santa’s trip.

✅ This resource combines hands-on problem-solving, physics calculations, and scientific reasoning—making it a perfect addition to any unit on Newton’s Laws, motion, forces, or energy.

✅ The assignment includes a detailed grading rubric and a suggested presentation format, allowing students to present their findings in 3–5 minutes while demonstrating their calculations and conclusions.

What’s Included

• Santa Investigation Worksheet & Calculation Template
• Step-by-step student instructions
• Detailed Grading Rubric for Calculations, Conclusions, and Presentation

Your Students Will Gain an Understanding of:

• How to estimate and calculate real-world distances, speeds, and time
• Applying kinematics to a creative scenario
• Using dynamics to analyze forces acting on Santa and his sleigh
• Calculating work, energy, and power in a fun, applied context
• Translating data and calculations into clear, evidence-based conclusions
• Presenting scientific findings effectively to peers

How This Santa Investigation Resource Helps Teachers

• Provides a ready-to-use, holiday-themed physics assignment, saving you prep time
• Works over 2-3 class periods depending on presentation time
• Supports NGSS-aligned instruction through calculations, modeling, and scientific communication
• Includes a full rubric and templates to easily evaluate both calculations and presentation
• Encourages independent and small-group learning with minimal teacher direction

How This Santa Investigation Resource Helps Students

• Engages students with a creative, real-world scenario they find fun and motivating
• Strengthens application of physics concepts to estimate and solve problems
• Supports multiple learning styles: research, math, writing, and presentation
• Encourages collaboration and communication skills during group calculations and presentations
• Provides an opportunity to make connections between classroom physics and imaginative, applied scenarios

The Resource is Perfect For:

• Units on Newton’s Laws, forces, energy, or motion
• Middle school or high school physics classes
• Sub plans, early-finisher assignments, or review days
• Group-based or independent problem-solving tasks

I have other resources as well as a range assignments and lessons/units from other grade levels at my store. Please come, have a look around and don’t forget to follow if you like what you see.

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