Celebrate the fall season and learn something new with these pumpkin science activities! Pumpkin fall fun is a great way to apply STEM and STEAM concepts to a hands-on activity. Check out these three
3 Pumpkin Science Activities to Try this Halloween
Pumpkin Seed Studies
Does a bigger pumpkin yield more seeds? Maybe—and there is one way to find out! Prepare to get messy as you slice a variety of pumpkins in half and count the seeds inside. Ask students to record the pumpkin’s weight and size before slicing, then work together to calculate the ratio of seeds per pound and find your answer!
Pumpkin Weights and Measures
For students learning how to observe and describe items, a selection of pumpkins can be examined and recorded. Looking at several different pumpkins and taking down data can help kids learn how similar objects can be differentiated. Pass out pumpkins and have kids weigh and measure them, then record the heaviest, lightest, tallest, and shortest. Some categories to check include:
- Height using a ruler
- Girth using a measuring tape
- Weight in grams, pounds, and ounces
- Volume via water displacement
- Shape via visual examination
- Texture via touch
Pumpkin Decomposition
Many pumpkin activities are designed for young children, but this one is ideal for middle and high school, too. By tracking the way a pumpkin behaves as it decomposes, kids can learn a variety of skills. Through observation and recording data, they’ll see how organic matter breaks down over time. This also makes an ideal post-Halloween fall project, as many families will be happy to part with their aging Jack-O-Lanterns in the name of science.
Choose a location for your pumpkin and watch and record the changes each week. The Gift of Curiosity blog has some great photos and examples of this experiment done at home. For younger grades, Pumpkin Jack is an illustrated book that chronicles the same type of experiment, as a young boy watches his carved pumpkin decompose and regrow into a fresh new plant.
There is a STEM or STEAM activity for every season, and students will love the opportunity to engage in hands-on concept application. Head over to the STEAM/STEM category to find more great activities for students of any age!
Read More: STEAM/STEM Activities
More Interdisciplinary Fall-Themed Activities
Are you looking to incorporate Halloween and fall activities into more subject areas? We’ve got some ideas to bring the magic of autumn colors and fall themes into your art, math, and language arts lessons. Then, head to our online fall specialty shop for all your fall decorations and craft needs!
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