In November 2024, the 8th grade girls at St. Wenceslaus School kicked off the holiday season with a creative and tech-infused project: Lighted Resin Christmas Ornaments. This hands-on experience combined science, art, and a whole lot of sparkle!
At the heart of the project was something many of the students had never done before: soldering. Each girl learned how to safely handle a soldering iron to connect wires and build a working circuit that would light up her ornament. From learning the basics of electronics to understanding how current flows through a simple LED setup, they quickly discovered that STEM can be both exciting and beautiful.
Throughout the process, the students experimented with a range of techniques using paint, glitter, metallic powders, and different resin layers to bring their designs to life. Some created marbled effects, while others used strategic color layering and sparkles to capture the magic of the season. Each ornament was unique, showcasing their creativity and growing confidence with artistic materials.
The highlight of each ornament? A glowing LED embedded inside, powered by the circuit they soldered themselves. Once cured, the ornaments came to life with a warm, festive glow—ready to hang on a tree or gift to someone special.
This project taught more than just soldering and resin pouring. It taught patience, perseverance, attention to detail, and the rewarding feeling of bringing an idea to life with your own hands.
We’re so proud of the St. Wenceslaus 8th grade girls for lighting up their classroom with not only their ornaments but also their curiosity, creativity, and confidence. The future looks bright!
