Make Halloween hands-on. Below are fun, low-prep STEM/STEAM projects with a little spooky flair plus a printable supply list, recording sheets, and challenge cards so you can run them at home or in class.
Quick downloads: Supply list • Recording sheets • Challenge cards
How to Use This Guide
Pick 1–2 projects per week (15–30 minutes each).
Print the recording sheet that matches your grade band (K–2, 3–5, 6–8).
After each project, ask 1–2 question stems and log what you learned.
Quick Picks (Age + Time)
Ages 5–7 (15–20 min): Dancing Ghosts (static), Pumpkin Oobleck, Candy Sink/Float
Ages 8–10 (20–30 min): Pumpkin Volcano, Spiderweb Bridge, Paper-Circuit Pumpkin
Ages 11–13 (30–40 min): Bat Glider Aerodynamics, Skeleton/Spiderweb Bridge Load Test, Binary “Boo!” Bracelets
Spooky Science (Hands-On Experiments)
Project | Materials | Do it | Learn |
Dancing Ghosts (Static Electricity) | Tissue ghosts, balloon, wool sweater | Rub balloon → hold near ghosts → they “dance.” | Static electricity: charges attract/repel. |
Pumpkin Oobleck (Non-Newtonian Slime) | Cornstarch, water, tray | Mix 2:1 cornstarch:water; press vs. let it drip. | Viscosity & force — behaves like a solid/liquid. |
Pumpkin Volcano (Safe Fizzy Reaction) | Small pumpkin, baking soda, vinegar, dish soap | Scoop pumpkin → add baking soda → pour vinegar + soap. | Acid–base reaction → CO₂ bubbles. |
Glow Density Jar (Layered “Potion”) | Corn syrup, water (tonic glows), oil, beads | Layer from heaviest → lightest; add trinkets. | Density & immiscible liquids. |
Halloween Engineering Challenges
Project | Materials | Do it | Learn |
Spiderweb Bridge (Tape + String) | Tape, yarn/string, two chairs; pennies, paper cup “spider” | Build a web between chairs and load-test with pennies. | Tension, triangulation, iteration. |
Bat Glider Aerodynamics | Cardstock template, paperclips, ruler/fan | Test wing shapes/weights; record flight distance. | Lift/drag, variables, data tables. |
Pumpkin Catapult (Mini & Safe) | Craft sticks, rubber bands, spoon, candy “pumpkins” | Build a lever; change angle/bands; measure launches. | Energy transfer, angles, fair tests. |
Halloween Tech + STEAM
Paper-Circuit Jack-o’-Lantern (LED Card)
Materials: copper tape, coin-cell battery, LED, cardstock
Do it: Lay copper tape path; attach LED and battery.
Learn: Circuits, polarity, troubleshooting.
Binary “Boo!” Bracelets (CS + Art)
Materials: two bead colors, binary key, string
Do it: Encode “BOO” or your name in binary.
Learn: Binary encoding, patterns.
Shadow Puppet Theater (Optics + Storytelling)
Materials: flashlight, cutouts, wax paper screen
Do it: Move puppets; test distance vs. shadow size.
Learn: Light/optics, scale, narrative.
Candy Science (After Trick-or-Treat)
Candy Sink or Float: Predict → test → explain (density/coatings).
Skittle Spread: Warm water + Skittles ring → watch diffusion.
Candy Chromatography: Separate marker “monster” inks (solubility).
Pumpkin Math (Fast & Visual)
Measure & Graph: seed counts; circumference vs. height.
Estimate & Check: weight; water displacement (older grades).
Recording Sheets (Free Printables)
K–2: Draw & label.
3–5: Question → prediction → steps → results → conclusion.
6–8: Variables, data table, evidence + explanation, next steps.
Safety First
Adult supervision. Eye protection for fizzing reactions.
No flames/dry ice. Use trays and protect surfaces.
Tape coin-cell batteries when not in use; keep away from small children.
Check for food allergies before candy activities.
Halloween STEM for Kids (People Also Ask)
What are easy Halloween STEM activities for classrooms?
Dancing Ghosts, Pumpkin Oobleck, and Candy Sink/Float set up in minutes and fit a 20–30 minute period.
How long do these take?
Most are 15–30 minutes; catapult and paper circuit are 30-40 with testing or decorating time.
What grades are they for?
K–2 can do simplified versions; 3–5 use the standard steps; 6–8 add variables, timing, and data analysis.
Are these safe?
Yes adult supervision, no fire or dry ice, clear battery safety, and mess contained in trays.
How do I assess learning?
Use the recording sheets and a quick rubric: Complete • Uses Evidence • Clear Explanation.
