Halloween Spooky Science Experiments | Pumpkins, Fall, STEM, October

Boo! Halloween is an exciting time-- keep kids engaged and learning with four spooky science labs using pumpkins, glow sticks, candy corn, and balloons. Your class will love the labs and YOU can rest easy knowing your students are learning about force, energy, matter, mixtures, and variables.

Study physical science concepts while focusing on identifying variables, collecting and recording data, and drawing conclusions. Most students need a lot of practice with variables and this is such a fun way to hone those scientific process skills.

4 Investigations

• Pumpkin Plummet

Force & Motion

How does the type of pumpkin dropped affect the size of the crater formed?

• Glow Ghosts (my personal favorite)

Forms of Energy

How does the temperature of the water affect the brightness of the glow stick after 3 minutes?

• Witch's Brew

Matter

How does the amount of vinegar mixed with baking soda affect the amount of gas produced?

• Disappearing Candy Corn

Mixtures

In which type of liquid does candy corn dissolve the fastest?

Each Investigation Includes

→ Set-up Info

→ Investigation Photos

→ Teacher Directions

→ Student Sheet Sample Photo

→ Discussion Questions

→ Student Directions Page

→ Student Sheet Options (printable and Google Slides)

→ Non-Halloween student printables included if needed

Time

Depending on your students and your teaching style, it will likely take 45-60 minutes to complete each investigation. I would plan for 4 class periods to complete all of the labs.

➕ Add to cart and get started with the best week of science EVER!

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Product Notes

1. Learn more in the preview to make sure this product is right for you!

2. The materials needed are affordable and easy to find.

◻Mini pumpkins

◻Plastic bins

◻Flour

◻Rulers

◻Plastic cups

◻Glow bracelets

◻Timing device

◻Vinegar

◻Baking soda

◻Balloons

◻Plastic bottles

◻Candy corn

◻Clear soda

◻White vinegar

◻Timing device

◻Spoons

◻Cups

◻Measuring tape

3. This file is not editable.

4. Alignment Information

4th Grade TEKS

While the 4th grade TEKS focus on descriptive investigations rather than experimental investigations with variables, it is a good idea to expose 4th grade students to the idea of identifying the tested variable in an investigation and communicating valid conclusions.

4.2B collect and record data by observing and measuring, using the metric system, and using descriptive words and numerals such as labeled drawings, writing, and concept maps

4.2C construct simple tables, charts, bar graphs, and maps using tools and current technology to organize, examine, and evaluate data

4.2D analyze data and interpret patterns to construct reasonable explanations from data that can be observed and measured

4.2E perform repeated investigations to increase the reliability of results

4.2F communicate valid oral and written results supported by data

4.5B compare and contrast a variety of mixtures, including solutions

4.6A differentiate among forms of energy, including mechanical, sound, electrical, light, and thermal

4.6D design a descriptive investigation to explore the effect of force on an object such as a push or a pull, gravity, friction, or magnetism

5th Grade TEKS

5.2A describe, plan, and implement simple experimental investigations testing one variable

5.2C collect and record information using detailed observations and accurate measuring

5.2E demonstrate that repeated investigations may increase the reliability of results

5.2F communicate valid conclusions in both written and verbal forms

5.5C identify changes that can occur in the physical properties of the ingredients of solutions such as dissolving salt in water or adding lemon juice to water

5.6A explore the uses of energy, including mechanical, light, thermal, electrical, and sound energy

5.6D design a simple experimental investigation that tests the effect of force on an object

6th Grade TEKS

6.2B design and implement experimental investigations by making observations, asking well defined questions, formulating testable hypotheses, and using appropriate equipment and technology

6.2C collect and record data using the International System of Units (SI) and qualitative means such as labeled drawings, writing, and graphic organizers

6.2E analyze data to formulate reasonable explanations, communicate valid conclusions supported by the data, and predict trends

6.5C identify the formation of a new substance by using the evidence of a possible chemical change such as production of a gas, change in temperature, production of a precipitate, or color change

6.9C demonstrate energy transformations such as energy in a flashlight battery changes from chemical energy to electrical energy to light energy

Next Generation Science Standards

4-PS3-2 Make observations to provide evidence that energy can be transferred from place to place by sound, light, heat, and electric currents

4-PS3-3 Ask questions and predict outcomes about the changes in energy that occur when objects collide.

5-PS1-4 Conduct an investigation to determine whether the mixing of two or more substances results in new substances

5-PS1-3 Make observations and measurements to identify materials based on their properties.

5-PS2-1 Support an argument that the gravitational force exerted by Earth on objects is directed down