Six Spooky Science Experiments for Kids

‘Tis the season to get creepy!  These fun activities will keep your kiddos entertained, and will teach them a little something about the mysterious power of science! Talk about how these experiments work to learn new things together, and get excited for the spookiest time of year at the same time.

1. Oozing Pumpkin –This cool experiment is a great way to give your jack-o-lantern a little extra something spooky!  Materials:

• Hydrogen peroxide - 12% (Found in the hair care section.)
• Liquid dish soap
• Food coloring
• Package of dry yeast
• Small cup (make sure it's small enough to fit all the way in your pumpkin)
• Don't forget... a small carved pumpkin

For full experiment instructions visit Steve Spangler Science.

1. Ghost Plasma (Glow Water) – Illuminate the night with glow water made from a highlighter marker! Add the glow water to vinegar and pour over baking soda for an even ghostlier experiment. Materials:

• Water
• Yellow highlighter (other colors will work but will not give off the glow like yellow does)
• Black light

For complete glow water and experiment instructions, visit Play at Home Mom.

1. Candy Potions – Set up a potion mixing station for your little mad scientists and watch as they explore different combinations of candy, water and food coloring. Materials:

• Assorted candy (recommend skittles, nerds, gummy bears, smarties, poprocks, candy corn, etc.)
• Water
• Food Coloring
• Glitter (if you dare)

To see the full setup and get more ideas visit Housing A Forest.

1. Pumpkin investigation – Keep it simple and explore pumpkins together! Find out if pumpkin float or sink, guess how many seeds are inside, measure the circumference and talk about the science of pumpkin together! Another fun variation is to cut a pumpkin open and make observations about what happens to it as days go by. Materials:

• Pumpkins of various sizes
• Bucket (or sink/tub) and water
• Tape measurer
• Notepad and pencil for observations and guesses

For a list of questions to ask and things to discover about your pumpkins, visit Coffee Cups and Crayons.

1. Bubbling Witches Brew – Create an eerie effect with household items and impress others with your magical brew! Materials:

• A clean glass jar
• White Vinegar – half a jars worth
• Washing up liquid – just a dash
• Bicarbonate of Soda – a teaspoonful is quite enough
• Food coloring
• Glitter

For a complete explanation of the experiment visit Se7en.

1. Spooky Lava Lamps – This super easy and fun experiment look really creepy and is endlessly entertaining! Materials:

• A clear plastic bottle or jar
• A bottle of vegetable oil
• Water
• Alka Seltzer
• Food colouring (a spooky colour

For full experiment instructions visit Science Sparks.

Happy experimenting, and Happy Halloween!