As Halloween approaches, it’s the perfect time to combine the season’s excitement with hands-on learning. STEM activities (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) offer a fantastic opportunity to engage kids in interactive learning experiences that are both educational and entertaining. If you want to learn more activities, one of Jonah And Whale Activities and Easy STEM Activities for kindergarten.

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Halloween STEM activities

Before diving into the activities, it’s important to consider the materials and safety measures required. Many of these activities use household items or simple electronics, but some might involve chemicals or tools that need careful handling. Always supervise children during these experiments, ensure they wear appropriate protective gear like gloves and goggles when necessary, and choose age-appropriate projects to ensure a safe and enjoyable learning environment.

While traditional trick-or-treating and costume parties may come to mind, many enchanting team-building STEM activities can turn this spooky holiday into an unforgettable experience. Here are some Halloween activities mentioned below:

Spooky Science Experiments

  1. Ghost Rockets
  2. Erupting Jack-o’-Lanterns
  3. Oozing Pumpkins
  4. Spooky Density Experiment
  5. Fizzy Ghosts
  6. Witch’s Brew
  7. Glow-in-the-Dark Slime
  8. Invisible Ink Messages
  9. Magic Potion Lab

1. Ghost Rockets

Create ghost-themed baking soda and vinegar rockets that will shoot into the sky, simulating a ghostly ascent.

Ghost-Rocket
MomBrite
Ghost-Rocket
MomBrite
Ghost-Rocket
MomBrite
Ghost-Rocket
MomBrite

Material Needed:

  • Film Canisters: These small containers will act as the rocket’s base. You can find them online or in photography stores.
  • Baking Soda: This is the “fuel” for the reaction. Available in the baking aisle of most grocery stores.
  • Vinegar: The acid that reacts with baking soda. White vinegar works best and is easily found in grocery stores.
  • Toilet Paper: To hold the baking soda before the reaction. Available in any household or grocery store.
  • Ghost Decorations: Use white tissue paper or cloth to create ghost shapes. Craft stores or the crafts section of grocery stores should have these.

Instructions:

  1. Decorate the film canister with ghost decorations.
  2. Fill the canister halfway with vinegar.
  3. Wrap baking soda in a small piece of toilet paper.
  4. Quickly place the baking soda packet in the canister and seal the lid.
  5. Shake and place the canister on the ground, lid side down.
  6. Stand back and watch your ghost rocket take off!

Find more: MomBrite

2. Erupting Jack-o’-Lanterns

Make your carved pumpkin erupt with a foamy concoction using simple household items.

  • Erupting-Jacko-Lanterns

Materials Needed:

  • Pumpkin: Select a medium to large-sized pumpkin. Found at grocery stores, pumpkin patches, or farmers’ markets during fall.
  • Baking Soda: This will be the “lava” that erupts. Found in the baking aisle.
  • Vinegar: Reacts with baking soda to create the eruption. Any vinegar will work, white vinegar is commonly used.
  • Dish Soap: Enhances the foamy eruption. Available in the cleaning supplies aisle.
  • Food Coloring: For a colorful eruption. Found in the baking section of grocery stores.

Instructions:

  1. Carve a jack-o’-lantern face into your pumpkin.
  2. Place the pumpkin in a large tray or outside to contain the mess.
  3. Add a few tablespoons of baking soda inside the pumpkin.
  4. Squirt some dish soap over the baking soda.
  5. Add a few drops of food coloring for a spooky effect.
  6. Pour vinegar into the pumpkin and step back to watch it erupt!

More info: Discoverystation

3. Oozing Pumpkins

Create a fun and messy oozing pumpkin using homemade slime.

stevespangler
stevespangler
stevespangler
stevespangler
stevespangler

Materials Needed:

  • Pumpkin: A medium-sized pumpkin. Available at grocery stores or pumpkin patches.
  • Glue: The base for the slime. Found in the craft or school supplies section.
  • Borax Solution: To activate the slime. Found in the laundry aisle.
  • Water: To mix with glue and borax. From any tap.
  • Food Coloring: To make the slime colorful. Found in the baking section.
  • Plastic Bowl: For mixing the slime. Any household bowl will work.

Instructions:

  1. Carve a simple face into the pumpkin.
  2. In a bowl, mix equal parts glue and water.
  3. Add food coloring to the mixture.
  4. Slowly add borax solution until the mixture thickens into slime.
  5. Place the slime inside the pumpkin and let it ooze out of the mouth for a gross effect.

More info: Stevespangler

4. Spooky Density Experiment

Create a spooky density tower with layers of Halloween-themed liquids.

Ronyes Tech
Ronyes Tech
Ronyes Tech
Ronyes Tech

Materials Needed:

  • Honey: The densest liquid. Found in the grocery store’s sweeteners aisle.
  • Corn Syrup: Slightly less dense than honey. Found in the baking aisle.
  • Dish Soap: Adds color and another layer. Found in the cleaning supplies aisle.
  • Water: Can be colored with food coloring. From any tap.
  • Vegetable Oil: Less dense than water. Found in the cooking oil section.
  • Rubbing Alcohol: The least dense liquid. Found in the pharmacy section.
  • Food Coloring: To color the water and alcohol. Found in the baking section.
  • Glass Jar: To create the density tower. Any clear jar will work.

Instructions:

  1. Slowly pour each liquid into the jar in the order listed, starting with honey.
  2. Use a spoon to gently pour each liquid to avoid mixing.
  3. Add food coloring to the water and rubbing alcohol for a colorful effect.
  4. Watch as the liquids layer on top of each other to form a spooky tower.

More info: Ronyes Tech

5. Fizzy Ghosts

Create ghost shapes that fizz and bubble when they come into contact with water.

Materials Needed:

  • Baking Soda: The main ingredient for the fizz. Found in the baking aisle.
  • Citric Acid: Creates the fizzing reaction. Found in the canning section of grocery stores.
  • Water: To activate the reaction. From any tap.
  • Ghost-Shaped Molds: To form the ghost shapes. Found in craft stores.
  • Plastic Bowl: For mixing. Any household bowl will work.

Instructions:

  1. Mix baking soda and citric acid in a bowl.
  2. Add a small amount of water to form a paste.
  3. Press the mixture into ghost-shaped molds.
  4. Let the shapes dry overnight.
  5. Place the ghost shapes in water and watch them fizz and dissolve!

More info: Chanafavors

6. Witch’s Brew

Create a bubbling cauldron effect using dry ice and warm water.

Materials Needed:

  • Cauldron or Large Bowl: To hold the brew. Found in Halloween stores or craft stores.
  • Dry Ice: For the bubbling effect. Found in some grocery stores or ice suppliers.
  • Warm Water: To activate the dry ice. From any tap.
  • Gloves: To handle the dry ice safely. Found in hardware stores.
  • Tongs: To handle the dry ice. Found in kitchen or hardware stores.

Instructions:

  1. Place the cauldron or bowl on a stable surface.
  2. Wearing gloves, use tongs to place dry ice into the cauldron.
  3. Pour warm water over the dry ice to create the bubbling effect.
  4. Watch as the cauldron bubbles and emits a spooky fog.

More info: Bellyfull

7. Glow-in-the-Dark Slime

Create slime that glows eerily in the dark using phosphorescent materials.

Materials Needed:

  • Glue: The base for the slime. Found in the craft or school supplies section.
  • Borax Solution: To activate the slime. Found in the laundry aisle.
  • Water: To mix with glue and borax. From any tap.
  • Phosphorescent Powder or Paint: To make the slime glow. Found in craft stores.
  • Plastic Bowl: For mixing the slime. Any household bowl will work.

Instructions:

  1. Mix equal parts glue and water in a bowl.
  2. Add phosphorescent powder or paint to the mixture.
  3. Slowly add borax solution until the mixture thickens into slime.
  4. Charge the slime under a light source and then turn off the lights to see it glow!

More info: Leftbraincraftbrain

8. Invisible Ink Messages

Write spooky messages with lemon juice that become visible with heat.

Invisible-Ink-Messages

Materials Needed:

  • Lemon Juice: The “ink” for writing. Found in the grocery store’s juice section.
  • Paper: To write the messages on. Any type of paper will work.
  • Cotton Swabs: To apply the lemon juice. Found in the personal care aisle.
  • Iron or Heat Source: To reveal the message. Found in the household section.

Instructions:

  1. Dip a cotton swab in lemon juice.
  2. Write your message on the paper using the swab.
  3. Let the lemon juice dry completely.
  4. Gently heat the paper with an iron or other heat source.
  5. Watch as the message appears!

More info: ScienceBuddies

9. Magic Potion Lab

Mix household ingredients to create colorful, bubbling potions.

Materials Needed:

  • Baking Soda: The base for the reaction. Found in the baking aisle.
  • Vinegar: Reacts with baking soda to create bubbles. Found in the cooking section.
  • Food Coloring: To color the potions. Found in the baking section.
  • Glitter: For a magical effect. Found in craft stores.
  • Clear Cups or Beakers: To mix the potions. Found in kitchen or party supply stores.

Instructions:

  1. Fill the cups or beakers with a few tablespoons of baking soda.
  2. Add a few drops of food coloring and glitter.
  3. Pour vinegar into the cups and watch the potions bubble and fizz!

More info: NotimeforFlashcards

Terrifying Technology Projects

  1. LED Jack-o’-Lanterns
  2. Halloween Light Circuits
  3. Spooky Sound Machines
  4. Pumpkin Robots
  5. Motion-Activated Ghosts
  6. Talking Pumpkins
  7. Light-Up Haunted Houses
  8. DIY Halloween Animatronics
  9. Ghost Drones
  10. Halloween Coding Challenge

1. LED Jack-o’-Lanterns

Light up your Halloween night with Jack-o’-Lanterns powered by simple LED circuits.

Materials Needed:

  • Pumpkin: Medium-sized, for easy carving. Available at grocery stores and pumpkin patches.
  • LED Lights: Small, battery-operated LEDs. Found in electronics or hobby stores.
  • Coin Cell Batteries: Power source for the LEDs. Available in electronics stores.
  • Copper Tape or Wires: To connect the LEDs to the batteries. Available in electronics or hardware stores.
  • Switch (optional): To easily turn the lights on and off. Found in electronics stores.

Instructions:

  1. Carve your pumpkin with a face or design.
  2. Attach the LED lights inside the pumpkin using copper tape or wires.
  3. Connect the LEDs to the coin cell batteries.
  4. Add a switch if you want to control the lights easily.
  5. Place the pumpkin outside and turn on the LEDs to light up your Jack-o’-Lantern!

More info: Instructables

2. Halloween Light Circuits

Teach kids about basic circuits by creating Halloween-themed light displays.

Materials Needed:

  • LED Lights: Available in various colors, found in electronics stores.
  • Copper Tape or Wires: For circuit connections. Available in electronics or hardware stores.
  • Coin Cell Batteries: Power source. Found in electronics stores.
  • Paper: For drawing Halloween designs. Any type of paper will do.
  • Tape: To secure the circuit components. Found in any household or office supply store.

Instructions:

  1. Draw Halloween designs (e.g., ghosts, pumpkins) on paper.
  2. Plan where you want the LEDs to light up your design.
  3. Use copper tape to create a circuit path on the paper.
  4. Place the LEDs at the desired spots and connect them with the copper tape.
  5. Attach the coin cell battery to power the LEDs.
  6. Tape the components down to secure them, and watch your design light up!

More info: Teachbesideme

3. Haunted House Automation

Use simple electronics to create automated effects for a haunted house.

Materials Needed:

  • Microcontroller (e.g., Arduino): To control the effects. Found in electronics stores.
  • Servos or Motors: To create movement. Available in electronics or hobby stores.
  • LED Lights: For lighting effects. Found in electronics stores.
  • Sensors (e.g., motion sensors): To trigger the effects. Found in electronics stores.
  • Wires and Connectors: To connect components. Available in electronics or hardware stores.
  • Power Source: Batteries or an adapter. Found in electronics stores.

Instructions:

  1. Plan your haunted house layout and decide on the effects you want to automate (e.g., moving ghosts, flickering lights).
  2. Connect the microcontroller to the servos, LEDs, and sensors using wires.
  3. Write a simple program to control the effects based on sensor inputs.
  4. Test the setup and adjust the program as needed.
  5. Set up the components in your haunted house and enjoy the automated scares!

4. Spooky Sound Machine

Create a machine that plays spooky sounds when triggered by motion.

Materials Needed:

  • Microcontroller (e.g., Arduino): To control the sound playback. Found in electronics stores.
  • Motion Sensor: To detect movement. Available in electronics stores.
  • Speaker: To play the sounds. Found in electronics or audio stores.
  • SD Card Module: To store the sound files. Available in electronics stores.
  • SD Card: To hold the sound files. Found in electronics or computer stores.
  • Wires and Connectors: To connect components. Available in electronics or hardware stores.
  • Power Source: Batteries or an adapter. Found in electronics stores.

Instructions:

  1. Load spooky sound files onto the SD card.
  2. Connect the SD card module, motion sensor, and speaker to the microcontroller using wires.
  3. Write a program to play the sound files when the motion sensor is triggered.
  4. Test the setup and adjust the program as needed.
  5. Place the sound machine in a spooky location and wait for unsuspecting visitors to trigger it!

5. Frankenstein’s Monster

Build a moving “Frankenstein’s Monster” using basic robotics.

Materials Needed:

  • Microcontroller (e.g., Arduino): To control the monster’s movements. Found in electronics stores.
  • Servos or Motors: To create movement. Available in electronics or hobby stores.
  • Cardboard or Plastic: To build the monster’s body. Found in craft or hardware stores.
  • LED Lights: For the monster’s eyes. Found in electronics stores.
  • Wires and Connectors: To connect components. Available in electronics or hardware stores.
  • Power Source: Batteries or an adapter. Found in electronics stores.

Instructions:

  1. Build the monster’s body using cardboard or plastic.
  2. Attach the servos or motors to the monster’s limbs for movement.
  3. Connect the servos, LEDs, and power source to the microcontroller using wires.
  4. Write a program to control the monster’s movements and light up the LEDs.
  5. Test the setup and adjust the program as needed.
  6. Display your moving “Frankenstein’s Monster” to impress (and scare) your friends!

6. Glowing Ghost Balloons

Create floating ghost balloons that glow in the dark.

Materials Needed:

  • White Balloons: To create the ghost shapes. Found in party supply stores.
  • Glow Sticks: To place inside the balloons. Found in party supply or dollar stores.
  • Black Marker: To draw ghost faces. Found in stationery or craft stores.
  • Helium Tank: To inflate the balloons. Found in party supply or hardware stores.

Instructions:

  1. Inflate the white balloons with helium.
  2. Activate the glow sticks and place them inside the balloons before tying them off.
  3. Use the black marker to draw spooky ghost faces on the balloons.
  4. Let the balloons float in a dark room for a glowing ghostly effect!

7. Monster Robot

Build a small robot that looks like a monster and can move around.

Materials Needed:

  • Microcontroller (e.g., Arduino): To control the robot. Found in electronics stores.
  • Small Motors: To drive the robot. Available in electronics or hobby stores.
  • Wheels: For movement. Found in electronics or hobby stores.
  • Cardboard or Plastic: To create the monster’s body. Found in craft or hardware stores.
  • LED Lights: For eyes or other decorations. Found in electronics stores.
  • Wires and Connectors: To connect components. Available in electronics or hardware stores.
  • Power Source: Batteries or an adapter. Found in electronics stores.

Instructions:

  1. Build the robot’s body using cardboard or plastic and attach the motors and wheels.
  2. Connect the motors, LEDs, and power source to the microcontroller using wires.
  3. Write a program to control the robot’s movements and light up the LEDs.
  4. Test the setup and adjust the program as needed.
  5. Decorate the robot to look like a monster and watch it roam around!

8. Bat Signal Projector

Create a projector that displays a bat signal on the wall.

Materials Needed:

  • Flashlight: To project the bat signal. Found in the camping or hardware section.
  • Black Paper: To create the bat signal cutout. Found in craft stores.
  • Scissors: To cut the paper. Found in any household or craft store.
  • Tape: To attach the cutout to the flashlight. Found in any household or office supply store.

Instructions:

  1. Cut out a bat signal shape from the black paper.
  2. Tape the bat signal cutout over the lens of the flashlight.
  3. Turn on the flashlight in a dark room and shine it on a wall.
  4. Watch as the bat signal appears, just like in the movies!

9. Trick-or-Treat Doorbell

Build a doorbell that plays spooky sounds when pressed.

Materials Needed:

  • Microcontroller (e.g., Arduino): To control the doorbell. Found in electronics stores.
  • Button or Doorbell Switch: To trigger the sound. Available in electronics or hardware stores.
  • Speaker: To play the sounds. Found in electronics or audio stores.
  • SD Card Module: To store the sound files. Available in electronics stores.
  • SD Card: To hold the sound files. Found in electronics or computer stores.
  • Wires and Connectors: To connect components. Available in electronics or hardware stores.
  • Power Source: Batteries or an adapter. Found in electronics stores.

Instructions:

  1. Load spooky sound files onto the SD card.
  2. Connect the SD card module, button, and speaker to the microcontroller using wires.
  3. Write a program to play the sound files when the button is pressed.
  4. Test the setup and adjust the program as needed.
  5. Install the doorbell on your front door for a spooky trick-or-treat experience!

10. Floating Ghosts

Create floating ghost decorations that move with the help of a fan.

Materials Needed:

  • White Fabric or Cheesecloth: To create the ghosts. Found in fabric or craft stores.
  • Balloon or Styrofoam Ball: To form the ghost’s head. Found in party supply or craft stores.
  • String: To hang the ghosts. Found in any household or craft store.
  • Fan: To create movement. Found in appliance stores.
  • Black Marker: To draw ghost faces. Found in stationery or craft stores.

Instructions:

  1. Inflate the balloon or use a Styrofoam ball for the ghost’s head.
  2. Drape the white fabric or cheesecloth over the head to form the ghost body.
  3. Use string to hang the ghosts from the ceiling.
  4. Draw spooky faces on the ghosts with the black marker.
  5. Place a fan nearby to gently blow the ghosts, making them appear to float and move.

Pumpkin Volcano

Turn an ordinary pumpkin into a bubbling volcano with this explosive experiment. Start by carving out the top of a pumpkin and scooping out the insides. Place the pumpkin on a tray or in a shallow container to catch any overflow. Mix vinegar, red food coloring, and a squirt of dish soap in a separate container. Fill the pumpkin halfway with baking soda. When ready for the eruption, pour the vinegar mixture into the pumpkin and watch as it foams and fizzles over the sides like a volcanic eruption.

Material Needed:

  • Pumpkin: Select a medium to large-sized pumpkin for your volcano. During the fall season, you can typically find pumpkins at grocery stores, pumpkin patches, or farmers’ markets.
  • Baking Soda: This will be the “lava” that erupts from your volcano. Baking soda can be found in the baking aisle of most grocery stores.
  • Vinegar: Vinegar will react with the baking soda to create the foaming eruption. Any type of vinegar will work, but white vinegar is commonly used for this experiment.

Ghostly Balloons

Use chemistry to create spooky self-inflating ghost balloons by combining white balloons, baking soda, vinegar, and a funnel. Spoon baking soda into the balloon, attach it to a bottle filled with vinegar and watch as the reaction produces carbon dioxide gas, inflating the balloon with a ghostly effect.

Material Needed:

  • White Balloons: Choose white balloons to resemble ghostly figures. You can find these at party supply stores, online retailers, or many department stores’ party sections.
  • Funnel: A funnel will help you add the baking soda to the balloons without making a mess.
  • Plastic Bottle: You’ll need a plastic bottle to hold the vinegar and create the chemical reaction.

Candy Corn Catapults

Put a Halloween twist on the classic catapult experiment using candy corn as projectiles. You’ll need craft sticks, rubber bands, a plastic spoon, and candy corn. Stack two craft sticks and secure them together at one end with a rubber band, leaving a gap between them. Attach another craft stick perpendicular to the stacked sticks, forming a lever. Place a plastic spoon at the end of the perpendicular stick, creating a launching platform. Load a piece of candy corn into the spoon and press down on the lever to launch the candy corn across the room.

Material Needed:

  • Craft Sticks: Gather several craft sticks, commonly available at craft stores or online. These will serve as the main structural components of your catapult.
  • Rubber Bands: You’ll need rubber bands to secure the craft sticks together and create the necessary tension to launch the candy corn.
  • Plastic Spoon: A plastic spoon will serve as the launching platform for the candy corn. Make sure to choose a spoon with a sturdy handle that can withstand the force of the launch.
  • Candy Corn: The star of the show! You’ll need plenty of candy corn for ammunition. You can find candy corn at most grocery stores or shops, especially during Halloween.

Spider Web Engineering

Challenge kids to design and build spider webs using common household materials like yarn, tape, and craft sticks. Encourage them to experiment with different shapes and patterns, discussing the structural integrity of their designs as they work. Once the webs are complete, test their strength by gently placing plastic spiders or other lightweight objects on them. This STEM activity fosters creativity, problem-solving skills, and an understanding of engineering principles.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these easy Halloween STEM activities offer a thrilling blend of learning and fun, providing children with memorable experiences that stimulate their minds and spark their creativity. So, gather your young scientists and engineers, and let the spooky experimentation begin.

Randy Russell
Randy Russell

Hi, I am the editor and founder of STEMGames, an expert in STEM education with a background in developing online courses, climate science education, and professional development workshops. He is passionate about using simulations and games for kids.

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