10 Hands- On Halloween Science Activities For The Classroom
1. Elephant Toothpaste: The King of Eruptions
Kids love this reaction. It gives off heat and creates a soft, thick foam. For little ones, perform it as a demo. 4th grade and up can take part in the experiment. We always perform the kid-friendly version, and it never disappoints.
2. Baking Soda and Vinegar: Always a Classic
Vinegar and baking soda are affordable, and this experiment can be a great last-minute activity. Children of all ages can participate. Older students can create their own reactions. Adding a little soap gives it a fun effect.
3. Glow Sticks: The Power of Chemiluminescence
A trip to the dollar store, and you are ready for some fun. Glow sticks are low-mess and always interesting. You can find them in many sizes. Our favorite activity is to place them in different water temperatures. They also make great first-time science fair experiments.
4. Alka-Seltzer Fun: Explore Effervescence
If vinegar and baking soda are too messy, try experiments with Alka-Seltzer tablets. It is the same concept, but you only need water and tablets. We love placing the tablets in hot water. Students will enjoy writing their own experiments. Add some food coloring and oil to make it look spooky for Halloween.
5. Sensational Slime: Discover Non-Newtonian Fluids
You can't go wrong with slime at Halloween. Students will get to measure, mix, and feel it ooze between their fingers. Below is a free recipe for a class of up to 30 students. We recommend having groups try different types of glue. The results are surprising.
6. Let's Get Fizzy with POP ROCKS Candy.
The story behind Pop Rocks will entice students. Pop rocks are a wonderful way to learn about physical changes and dissolving. Let's face it: Candy is the star of Halloween. It is always fun to add candy science experiments during the month of October.
7. Glow Powder Crafts: Explore Fluorescents
Glow Powder is fun and easy to use. We like to mix it with glue for crafts. For older students, you could get more technical and label the bones. It is a great station for the class' Halloween party.
8. Dry Ice: Discover Sublimation
It is worth it if you can find some dry ice. Our local superstore sells it. There are so many things you can demonstrate with it. Students will be amazed. We love the condensation it creates for that foggy effect. Add some soap, and students can pop the foggy bubbles. Awesome!
9. Colorful Flames: Which Salts Make Which Colors?
We have some tricks for performing this experiment. Many students have probably seen the packets you can buy to make your campfire different colors. This activity allows students to discover that many of the chemicals can be found in their kitchen.
Halloween is really about bubbling fun and concoctions. Why not go out with a bang. You can go beyond Mentos and try other candies. We like to shop the day after Halloween for candy sales. Most Halloween candies are 50-75%. What would candy corn do?
