Theo & Tilda’s
Christmas Science Adventure
A little science adventure for every day of December, and plenty more for the rest of winter. 51 cozy stories, 51 hands-on experiments with things from your kitchen, and a glowing map to stamp all the way to Christmas.
A little science adventure for every day of December: 51 cozy stories and 51 experiments with things from your kitchen.
- Instant download
- No printer needed
- Ages 3–9
- Made by a physicist
- Less than 50¢ a day
24 experiments for December+ 27 more for snowy winter days
Made with love for
- Parents
- Grandparents
- Homeschoolers
- Preschool teachers
- Kindergarten teachers
- Early elementary teachers
24 little doors, 24 little moments together
A story at breakfast, an experiment after preschool, and a value to talk about at bedtime. Tap a door to open it, then tap again to see Janka’s real photo of the experiment.
Flip through the real book
Turn the pages of the real book: Janka’s letters, the contents, the December plan, three full adventures, the real photos and the certificate. Click a page or swipe to turn it.
A 26-page peek into the 129-page book · A4 and US Letter
Swipe to flip through · tap a page to see it big
That was 26 pages. The other 103 are just as cozy.
One adventure, four cozy steps
Short enough for a weeknight, special enough for a weekend.
Read the story
Theo the Science Elf and his little sister Tilda face a real-life problem and a big feeling. Just a few minutes to read aloud.
Do the experiment
Everyday kitchen materials, clear numbered steps, and a “What’s happening?” box that explains the science in kid-friendly words.
Talk about it
Ready-made questions link the story’s value to your child’s own life. Then try the mini mission for the week.
Stamp the map
Each finished adventure lights up a bauble on the two-page adventure map: 51 glowing stops all the way to Christmas!
Every adventure is one spread: the story on the left, the experiment on the right.
No printer needed. Read it together on a tablet, phone or computer, and print only if you like.
Four small steps, one cozy evening, every day of December.
Every experiment, done for real
Janka tried all 51 experiments in her own lab, and these are the real results. Drag, swipe or tap a photo to see it big.
Every photo here is an experiment you can do at home.
Is it safe for little scientists?
Yes. Every adventure was designed for small hands, busy kitchens, and preschool tables.
36 of the 51 experiments need nothing but everyday kitchen and household items. Not even a candle or a match.
Every step that needs a grown-up is clearly marked, so you always know when to take over.
A Safety First page and safety notes on every experiment, written in plain, friendly words.
Designed and tested by a physicist who has run many science shows for children.
Want to see how it works in your own kitchen?
Why a brother and a sister?
Theo the Science Elf is curious, full of ideas and sometimes a little impatient. His little sister Tilda is quick, kind and often the one who finds the solution.
It matters a lot to me that girls get inspired by science too, and that children learn to care for each other and think as a team, even without noticing. So it was clear from the start that there would be two of them. I loved these two names: they sound lovely together and feel just right for Christmas.
Janka Sára Molnár, physicist and author
Which values will my child grow?
Every story is built around one of 14 values. Children see Theo and Tilda live it, then try it themselves with a mini mission for the week.
Perseverance“I don’t give up after the first try.”
Theo and Tilda live it in 4 adventures:
- 1Cola Geyser
- 11Floating Egg
- 34Sparkler in Water
- 40Balloon in a Glass
Cooperation“Together we can do more than alone.”
Theo and Tilda live it in 3 adventures:
- 24Oil Droplets
- 25Bubbling Swab
- 30Salt Snow Bubbles
Teamwork“Everyone has a job, and we work toward one goal.”
Theo and Tilda live it in 4 adventures:
- 7Tablet Rocket
- 15Smoke Waterfall
- 20Self-Filling Balloon
- 35Foam Mountain
Patience“I can wait and stay calm.”
Theo and Tilda live it in 4 adventures:
- 6Egg in a Bottle
- 12Magic Snow
- 27Giant Gummy Bear
- 42Bouncy Egg
Helpfulness“I notice when someone needs help, and I help.”
Theo and Tilda live it in 4 adventures:
- 5Bubble Snake
- 14Static Balloon
- 32Orange Lamp
- 36Balloon Fountain
Empathy“I imagine how someone else feels.”
Theo and Tilda live it in 4 adventures:
- 23Upside-Down Glass
- 28Cabbage Flowers
- 46Pepper Skaters
- 48Lava Lamp
Honesty“I tell the truth, even when it’s hard.”
Theo and Tilda live it in 4 adventures:
- 10Melting Race
- 19Jumping Flame
- 31Turmeric Gold
- 33Flour Detectives
Courage“I can say when I’m scared and face my fears.”
Theo and Tilda live it in 4 adventures:
- 3Unpoppable Balloon
- 21Sugar Snake
- 37Flash Paper
- 49Fireproof Balloon
Responsibility“I take care of myself and others.”
Theo and Tilda live it in 3 adventures:
- 9Golden Caramel
- 29Glowing Wires
- 47Blue Flame
Learning from Mistakes“Mistakes are okay. I can learn from them.”
Theo and Tilda live it in 4 adventures:
- 4Cabbage Colors
- 16Water’s Skin
- 45Liquid Tower
- 51Marbled Swirls
Acceptance“Everyone is different, and that’s a good thing.”
Theo and Tilda live it in 3 adventures:
- 8Candy Rainbow
- 22Fizzy Lemons
- 39Bright Snowflakes
Generosity“I’m happy to share what I have.”
Theo and Tilda live it in 3 adventures:
- 2Fizzing Mustard
- 41Walking Water
- 50Yeast Balloon
Gratitude“I notice the good things and say thank you.”
Theo and Tilda live it in 4 adventures:
- 13Thirsty Candle
- 17Milk Fireworks
- 26Lemon Sparkles
- 44Golden Snowfall
Forgiveness“I say sorry, and I can forgive.”
Theo and Tilda live it in 3 adventures:
- 18Foam Rocket
- 38Invisible Firefighter
- 43Pink Snow Cloud
Meet the values for freeGratitude, Patience, Empathy, Acceptance and Teamwork are all in the free 5 days.Plus 14 science topics
Tap a topic to see which experiments explore it. The numbers match the baubles on the adventure map.
Chemical reactionsWhen two things mix and something brand-new is made.15 experiments
Find it in experiments:
- 2Fizzing Mustard
- 7Tablet Rocket
- 9Golden Caramel
- 18Foam Rocket
- 20Self-Filling Balloon
- 21Sugar Snake
- 22Fizzy Lemons
- 31Turmeric Gold
- 33Flour Detectives
- 34Sparkler in Water
- 35Foam Mountain
- 42Bouncy Egg
- 43Pink Snow Cloud
- 48Lava Lamp
- 50Yeast Balloon
Acids and basesSour acids meet baking soda: they fizz, foam, and change colors.7 experiments
Find it in experiments:
- 2Fizzing Mustard
- 4Cabbage Colors
- 22Fizzy Lemons
- 31Turmeric Gold
- 35Foam Mountain
- 42Bouncy Egg
- 43Pink Snow Cloud
Air and gasesAir is real stuff: it pushes, fills, and lifts.14 experiments
Find it in experiments:
- 1Cola Geyser
- 3Unpoppable Balloon
- 5Bubble Snake
- 6Egg in a Bottle
- 13Thirsty Candle
- 15Smoke Waterfall
- 18Foam Rocket
- 20Self-Filling Balloon
- 23Upside-Down Glass
- 25Bubbling Swab
- 36Balloon Fountain
- 38Invisible Firefighter
- 40Balloon in a Glass
- 50Yeast Balloon
Density and floatingWhy some things float while others sink.8 experiments
Find it in experiments:
- 8Candy Rainbow
- 10Melting Race
- 11Floating Egg
- 15Smoke Waterfall
- 24Oil Droplets
- 30Salt Snow Bubbles
- 45Liquid Tower
- 48Lava Lamp
Surface tensionWater’s stretchy skin and how soap breaks it.6 experiments
Find it in experiments:
- 5Bubble Snake
- 16Water’s Skin
- 17Milk Fireworks
- 24Oil Droplets
- 46Pepper Skaters
- 51Marbled Swirls
Mixing and dissolvingWhat disappears in water, and what never will.6 experiments
Find it in experiments:
- 1Cola Geyser
- 8Candy Rainbow
- 17Milk Fireworks
- 27Giant Gummy Bear
- 30Salt Snow Bubbles
- 39Bright Snowflakes
Melting and freezingIce, water, and vapor: matter changing state.5 experiments
Find it in experiments:
- 9Golden Caramel
- 10Melting Race
- 19Jumping Flame
- 25Bubbling Swab
- 47Blue Flame
Heat and temperatureWhat warmth does to air, water, and treats.8 experiments
Find it in experiments:
- 6Egg in a Bottle
- 9Golden Caramel
- 25Bubbling Swab
- 26Lemon Sparkles
- 29Glowing Wires
- 40Balloon in a Glass
- 47Blue Flame
- 49Fireproof Balloon
Fire and safe burningWhat a flame needs, and how to keep it safe.11 experiments
Find it in experiments:
- 13Thirsty Candle
- 19Jumping Flame
- 21Sugar Snake
- 26Lemon Sparkles
- 29Glowing Wires
- 32Orange Lamp
- 34Sparkler in Water
- 37Flash Paper
- 38Invisible Firefighter
- 47Blue Flame
- 49Fireproof Balloon
ElectricityInvisible charges that make things jump, and currents that make wires glow.2 experiments
Find it in experiments:
- 14Static Balloon
- 29Glowing Wires
Light and colorColor mixing, glowing colors, and hidden pigments.3 experiments
Find it in experiments:
- 39Bright Snowflakes
- 41Walking Water
- 44Golden Snowfall
Water on the moveHow water climbs, walks, and travels.4 experiments
Find it in experiments:
- 27Giant Gummy Bear
- 28Cabbage Flowers
- 36Balloon Fountain
- 41Walking Water
Forces and motionPushes, pulls, and rockets on the move.4 experiments
Find it in experiments:
- 7Tablet Rocket
- 12Magic Snow
- 18Foam Rocket
- 23Upside-Down Glass
Amazing materialsBouncy, gooey, stretchy: how materials behave.3 experiments
Find it in experiments:
- 3Unpoppable Balloon
- 12Magic Snow
- 37Flash Paper
One story, one experiment and one value to talk about, every evening.
The Activity Pack: 60+ pages of FUN
Games, coloring pages and cut-outs starring Theo and Tilda, for ages 3–9. Perfect for quiet afternoons, classroom centers, and the long wait until Christmas.
- 17 coloring pages
- Mazes and word searches
- A crossword and dot-to-dots
- True or false and matching games
- Stick puppets, ornaments and bookmarks
- A 24-day kindness advent calendar
- Science word cards and value talk cards
- Adventure badges and a printing guide
A peek into my life
Hi, I’m Janka!
I’m a physicist and award-winning science communicator from Hungary, and the founder of FUNtastic Christmas Science. My mission is to show children and grown-ups that science is lovable, understandable, and part of everyday life.
My first really cool experiment happened around St. Nicholas Day, at a physics competition. We stuck gummy bears onto different metal wires with a little wax, heated the wires, and watched which gummy bear dropped first. I would love for as many children as possible to feel that magic this December.
I’ve run hundreds of science shows for children in Hungary, and by the end the grown-ups are always just as excited as the little ones, because deep inside every one of us lives a curious child. When you experiment together, it’s quality FUN time for both of you.
Would you like me at your kitchen table this December?
Which grown-up are you?
Every family and every classroom does December a little differently. Find yourself below. Yes, you can be more than one. Tap a card to see why it fits you.
The Last-Minute Hero“It’s December 1st? Since when?”
Is Christmas Science good for last-minute parents?
No shopping trip and no planning. Download tonight, print what you need, and every day tells you exactly what to do, with things you already have in the kitchen.
Janka’s tip: Grab the free 5-day sampler right now, so Day 1 is ready before the kids wake up. Then get the book before Day 6.
Know someone just like this? Send them a little smile.
The Color-Coded Planner“My Advent calendar has its own spreadsheet.”
Does Christmas Science have a day-by-day Advent plan?
A 24-day plan with a box to tick for every day, a “You will need” list on every experiment, and printing tips. You’ll love ticking the boxes almost as much as the kids love the fizz.
Janka’s tip: Choose the bundle. The kindness Advent calendar and the adventure map turn December into one beautifully planned project.
Know someone just like this? Send them a little smile.
The Tired-After-Work Parent“I love science. I also love the sofa.”
Is Christmas Science doable for busy working parents?
One short story, one small experiment, one question to talk about. Cozy enough for a weeknight, special enough to feel like a tradition.
Janka’s tip: Read the story at bedtime and save the experiment for the weekend. The book’s 27 bonus adventures carry you into January too.
Know someone just like this? Send them a little smile.
The Screen-Time Negotiator“Just one more episode…” said every child ever.
Is Christmas Science a good screen-free activity for kids?
Hands-on beats hands-on-the-tablet. Kids pour, mix, predict and watch real things happen, and suddenly they ask for one more experiment instead.
Janka’s tip: Start with the Cola Geyser or the Magic Snow from the free sampler. Real fizz, zero screens.
Know someone just like this? Send them a little smile.
The Dad of Big Fizz“If it doesn’t fizz, foam or fly, why bother?”
Are there exciting experiments for kids who love big reactions?
Geysers, rockets, foam mountains and self-filling balloons, with goggles on and every grown-up step clearly marked. Big fizz, real science, safe hands.
Janka’s tip: Get the book and save the Cola Geyser for a snowy afternoon outside.
Know someone just like this? Send them a little smile.
The Sibling Referee“One is 3, one is 8, and both want to pour.”
Can siblings of different ages do Christmas Science together?
Every adventure works for ages 3 to 9. Little ones watch, pour and color, big siblings measure, predict and explain. Some adventures even say “Big siblings love it too!”
Janka’s tip: Choose the bundle. Coloring pages and mazes keep the little one busy while the big one reads the science.
Know someone just like this? Send them a little smile.
The Grandparent on Duty“The kids are coming over. All day.”
Is Christmas Science good for grandparents?
Ready-made adventures with simple kitchen materials, a story to read together, and questions that start real conversations between generations.
Janka’s tip: Print three adventures before they arrive. The free sampler is the perfect test run.
Know someone just like this? Send them a little smile.
The Crafty One“There is glitter in places glitter should never be.”
Are there Christmas crafts and coloring pages too?
The Activity Pack adds coloring pages, science ornaments to hang, stick puppets, bookmarks and a kindness Advent calendar, all starring Theo and Tilda.
Janka’s tip: The bundle, of course. Hang the science ornaments on the tree.
Know someone just like this? Send them a little smile.
The Values-First Parent“Kind kids matter more than clever kids. But why not both?”
Does Christmas Science teach values as well as science?
Every story carries one of 14 values, like patience, courage and empathy, with talk-about-it questions and a weekly mini mission. No lectures, just stories.
Janka’s tip: Get the book, and add the kindness Advent calendar from the Activity Pack.
Know someone just like this? Send them a little smile.
The Circle-Time Pro“I can keep twenty four-year-olds listening. At once.”
Is Christmas Science good for preschool and kindergarten teachers?
Short read-aloud stories, talk questions, story words and science words, and experiments that work as a demonstration or in small groups. One price for everyone: your copy covers you and your own group or class.
Janka’s tip: Try the free 5 days with your group, then get the book for the whole of December.
Know someone just like this? Send them a little smile.
The Monday-Morning Planner“My lesson plan was due yesterday.”
Does Christmas Science include learning goals for the classroom?
Every adventure says what children will learn, and the What We Learn index sorts the experiments by science topic. Print and go, no prep marathon.
Janka’s tip: Use the book’s 24-day plan, and the Activity Pack for early finishers.
Know someone just like this? Send them a little smile.
The First-December Teacher“Brand new classroom, brand new nerves.”
Is Christmas Science suitable for new teachers?
Clear steps, a Safety First page, and every step that needs an adult clearly marked. Start with the gentlest adventures and build your confidence.
Janka’s tip: Begin with the Candy Rainbow or the Pepper Skaters: simple, calm and lovely to watch.
Know someone just like this? Send them a little smile.
The Homeschool Scientist“Our kitchen table is a lab, a classroom and a dining table.”
Is Christmas Science good for homeschooling?
51 experiments with the science explained in kid-friendly words, a learning index by topic, and enough bonus adventures to carry you past Christmas.
Janka’s tip: Choose the bundle. The crossword, the word searches and the experiment journal make great follow-ups.
Know someone just like this? Send them a little smile.
How much does it cost? Less than a hot cocoa.
Launch prices until December 24. Your files are ready the moment you check out.
The Book
129 printable pages
less than 50¢ a day in December
Get the book- 51 stories and 51 experiments
- 24-day December plan
- Story words and science words
- Stampable two-page adventure map
- Contents, learning index, and certificate
Book + Activity Pack
Everything in the book, plus 60+ pages of FUN
less than 60¢ a day in December
Get the bundle- The complete book
- Coloring pages, mazes, and word games
- Puppets, ornaments, and bookmarks
- Kindness advent calendar
- Word cards and value talk cards
One price for everyone. A parent can print it for Advent at home, and a preschool teacher can bring it to her group. One purchase covers one family, or one teacher with their own group or class.
Prices in US dollars. Any sales tax or VAT is calculated at checkout.
Can teachers use it in the classroom?
Yes! The book was made for preschool, kindergarten and early elementary groups too. Read the story at circle time, vote on what will happen, then do the experiment together.
Flip through 18 kinds of pages
Pages marked “In the Activity Pack” come with the bundle.
No extra licenses and no fine print. Your purchase covers you and your own group or class. Print as many pages as your children need, all December long.
Share it with your team
Know a colleague who plans December circle time? Send them the free 5 days first.
Look what I found for December! Theo and Tilda’s Christmas Science: every day a short read-aloud story, a simple experiment with things from the kitchen and a few questions to talk about, for ages 3–9. It was made by a physicist, and every grown-up step is clearly marked. The first 5 days are free to try. I hope you’ll love it as much as I do!christmas-science.com
Sending a note home?
If your setting allows it, copy this into your class app or newsletter:
Dear families, this December our group is going on a Christmas science adventure with Theo the Science Elf and his little sister Tilda: a short story, a simple experiment and a value to talk about together. If you’d like to continue at home, the first 5 days are free at www.christmas-science.com. We hope you enjoy it together!
Can we try it first?
Of course! The first 5 days of the December plan are yours for free. Try them at home or with your group, and see if your little scientist asks for Day 6.
- 5 cozy stories
- 5 kitchen experiments
- 5 activity pages
- A note from Janka
- A cover with your name and the 5 experiments
Where should we send your 5 free days?
We never share your email. Unsubscribe anytime with one click.
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5Questions grown-ups ask first
Everything parents and teachers ask before they start. Tap a question to open it.
Write to Janka. She reads every email herself.
molnar.janka.sara@funtasztikus-tudomany.huIs this a printed book?
No, it’s a printable PDF that you download right after purchase. Print the pages you need at home, at school, or at a print shop.
Do I have to print it?
No. You can read every story and experiment straight from a tablet, phone or computer, and do the experiments together. Printing is optional. Many families like to print the adventure map, the activity pages and the certificate, but you can enjoy the whole book on a screen.
Do I need to know any physics?
Not at all. Every experiment comes with a simple explanation you can read aloud, so you can tell your child what is happening and why. You also get a story, a value to talk about, questions to ask and fun facts. Janka puts everything in your hands, from A to Z.
How does the December plan work?
The book includes a 24-day plan that picks one easy, flame-free adventure for each day from December 1 to 24. Follow it in order, or choose any adventure you like on any day.
What paper size is it?
The pages are designed for A4 paper. On US Letter paper, choose “Fit to page” in your print settings and everything prints neatly.
What ages is it for?
The stories are written for children aged 3–9. Each experiment shows a recommended age. In “Adult needed” experiments, a grown-up does every risky step while children watch from a safe distance.
Do I need special supplies?
Most experiments use things you probably have at home, like baking soda, vinegar, food coloring, balloons, cups, and jars. Each experiment lists exactly what you need.
Can I use it with my class?
Yes. One purchase covers one family, or one teacher with their own group or class. There are no extra licenses, and the price is the same for everyone.
Are the experiments safe?
Yes, they were designed for families and early-years groups. 36 of the 51 experiments need nothing but everyday kitchen and household items, not even a candle or a match. Every experiment is meant to be done with a grown-up, the steps that need a grown-up are clearly marked, and every page has its own safety notes.
When will I get my files?
Right away. You’ll see a download link as soon as you check out, and we’ll email it to you as well.
A little note
For tired grown-ups
You don’t need to build a particle accelerator at home. Walk into your kitchen while you cook or bake for Christmas, open the pantry or the fridge, and everything you need is already there. In five minutes you have something wonderful to do together, instead of another cartoon.
I hope it fills up your tired heart a little, pulls you out of the shopping-baking-visiting rush of December, and gives you a slower, calmer moment and lots of shared FUN.
Make this December the most curious one yet
51 stories, 51 experiments, and one glowing map, ready to print tonight.