It’s time to plan the Halloween school party. Talk about a challenge! Many times, these parties can be stressful and nothing more than a chaotic afternoon with a classroom of kids pumped full of sugar. But there is good news. It doesn’t have to be this way. Halloween is a perfect time to incorporate science activities that have been put on the back burner. Halloween and science go together like peanut butter and jelly, a hand in a glove, or trick-or-treating and candy. Why not have fun and make this a teachable moment?
Halloween and Science make a spooky combination!
While we realize not all schools, families, or teachers celebrate Halloween, know these concepts can be done without a Halloween reference. But for schools who do host a party, we’ve got you covered!
There is nothing better than a little blood to get the party rolling. Create vampire blood using the recipe (Yawning Yolanda’s Blood Candy) from the Quirkles series’ book More Quirkles Experiments. Kids will learn about the components of blood while being grossed out at the same time. Then calm the kiddos down and learn more about blood by reading the Fuddlebrook story Freddie Plays a Joke.
Learn more about blood by reading the Fuddlebrook story Freddie Plays a Joke.
Teach a lesson about force and motion while launching a ghost (small marshmallow) with a catapult from the Fuddlebrook book, Freddie’s Dance Lesson. Kids will have a blast as they try to hit Frankenstein’s nose, a monster’s belly, or any fun target.
Halloween is a perfect time to teach the properties of polymers. Children can create green, gooey monster snot from the Fuddlebrook book Snots, Sniffles, and Sneezes. The more gross it is…the better kids like it! Kids can use a straw and blow a snot bubble. Another cool demonstration of polymers can be seen on our video “Wanda the Melting Witch.”
Of course, every Halloween party needs a potion. There is no better way to teach chemical reactions. All you need is a little baking soda, vinegar, dishwashing soap, and food coloring to make the party a hit! Students can give the potion a name and tell the class what the potion is created for. For another variation, watch as we make the Spewing Pumpkin
So don’t be a scaredy cat about Halloween. Look at it as an opportunity to teach science in a very engaging way. Grab your costume, make your jack-o-lantern, and start planning that Halloween party today. Let the learning and fun begin!
Happy Halloween!