It’s possible to celebrate the fall season and learn something new, and these pumpkin activities are a great way to apply STEM/STEAM concepts to a hands-on activity. Check out these 3 pumpkin-themed STEM activities to try this fall with learners of any age.
3 Pumpkin Science Activities to Try this Halloween
There is a STEM/STEAM activity for every season, and students are sure to 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
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 to answer the question.
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 orange pumpkins and taking down data can help kids learn about the different ways similar objects can be differentiated. Pass out pumpkins and have kids weigh and measure them and record the heaviest, lightest, tallest and shortest. Some possible 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 aimed at young children but this one is ideal for both middle and high school, too. By tracking the way a pumpkin behaves as it decomposes, kids can learn a variety of skills, from observation to recording data, and see how organic matter breaks down over time. This also makes an ideal post-Halloween fall project, since most families will be happy to part with their aging Jack-O-Lantern 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, the book Pumpkin Jack is an illustrated book that chronicles the same type of experiment, as a young boy watches his carved pumpkin die and regrow into a fresh new plant.
More Fall-Themed Activities and Classroom Crafts
Every season offers its own unique learning opportunities and applicable topics. If you’re looking for more ways to bring the fall season into your classroom, check out the other blogs on the Celebrations & Seasons category page. Also be sure to stop by the online store to find thousands of arts & crafts supplies, seasonal decorations, and tools for your favorite educational games and activities.
Read More: Celebrations & Seasons
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