10 STEM Experiments for Fall and Halloween

Yesterday on A Mighty Girl I read about Olivia Hallisey, a 15 year old from Connecticut who was awarded the Grand Prize at the Google Science Fair’s Finalist Ceremony earlier this week. Her research in developing a fast-acting, temperature-independent, and inexpensive Ebola test earned her the top prize of a $50,000 scholarship. Olivia told the Greenwich Time: “What affects one country affects everyone. We have to work together to find answers to the enormous challenges that threaten global health, our environment and our world.” Where did she get the idea for the basis of her project? Remembering an earlier science lesson about silk storage, Olivia wondered if silk could stabilize the reagents used in Ebola tests so they would be viable at room temperature. This story reminded me to track down some cool Halloween and Autumn STEM projects for my science (and Halloween) loving crew. Who knows what they could inspire in the future!?! Here’s what’s on our to-do list…

Glow in the Dark Slime: A Pumpkin and a Princess shares how to use a chemical reaction to create gooey glowing gack.

Mini Pumpkin Volcano Experiment: Much like our own Carbon Dioxide Project but in festive gourds!

5 Messy Ways to Play Brain Surgeon: Don’t be a afraid to dig in and learn with Left Brain Craft Brain, it’s just… BRAINS!!!!

Candy Pumpkin Construction: Take an engineering lesson with Lemon Lime Adventures that includes exposure to math, gravity, balance, and CANDY!

Pine Cone Weather Station: Did you knw that pinecones can predict the weather? We can’t wait to try this rainy day experiment from Science Sparks.

Dancing Frankenworms: Remember our own failed (but so fun) Beaker Babes Dancing Raisin experiment? This is like that, except it worked. OMG I just watched our Beaker Babes video again Jaime, I’m dying laughing.

Dry Ice Experiments: Of course no Halloween STEM round-up would be complete without a dry ice project or two. Here’s some from Crafting in the Rain.

Articulated Skeleton Hand: A little bit anatomy lesson, this cause and effect experimenting from All For The Boys will enthrall all the boys and girls. Think of all the hand gestures they will be able to recreate. sigh.

Static Electricity Ghosts and Bats: This hair-raising experiment from Inspirational Laboratories looks like a blast.

Scented Halloween Crystals: I think this one from STEAM Powered Family will be their favorite. Not only is this a lesson in crystallization, but the result is adorable Halloween trinkets!

by Jacinda