Halloween Science

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Photo: @LilianFNorris

Halloween time is a great time of the year to dig a little deeper and unearth more dimensions to the holiday by adding science education to the Hallow-theme. There are many science topics in themselves that are a perfect fit with Halloween and its eerie props, including anatomy, forensics, chemistry, and physics. While kids are already in the zone, use the following ideas to your advantage to slip in some science education in the Halloween spirit.

Skeletons

Since skeletons and skulls abound during this holiday, make the most of it with anatomy lessons or bone reviews. You can get great science models of skulls and skeletons for skeletal lessons which can double for Halloween decorations. Here are some nice free online resources to base bone lessons:

     skeletal activities

     interactive online skeleton

     skeleton worksheet

Forensics

There are a number of mystery and forensic kits on the market today. Use these or get creative and make your own "Who done it?". Here are some sites get a few ideas from:

     Forensic Detectives: Who Did It?

     Crime Scene Investigation Activities   

Fog

Adding fog to any Halloween program enhances the ambiance and experience. Fog is interesting in itself and can be a great starting point to discuss earth sciences, chemistry, or physics with topics on weather, the water cycle, or vortices. Here are a few resources:

     How Clouds and Fog are Formed

     How Fog Machines Work

     Creating  a Toroidal Vortex

Lights

An opportunity to dim the lights and shine a different kind of light on your subjects will open kids' minds. Lava lights, black lights (UV), and strobe lights open up the doors to activities in physics. These fun lights will liven up your kids because they not only set a different mood, but spawn so many possibilities for lessons. Here are just a few:

     Make an Easy Lava Lamp

     Lesson Plan for Lava Lamps


     Blacklights and Minerals

     Black Light

     Black Light Up My Life


     Free Fall Physics with a Strobe

     Levitate Water with a Strobe

     Measuring the Speed of Moving Objects with Stroboscopic Photography

Luminescence

Making things glow in the dark is so much fun for kids and adults. Learning about fluorescence and luminescence are fantastic topics for Halloween time. Below are some activities and products to get started:

     Luminescence activities

Gross Science

Last but not least, gross science will wake up your kids and keep them engaged. Whether the topic is slime, snot, gas, or other disgusting things, kids love learning and laughing about them.

And don't forget the creepy crawlies! It's not a proper Halloween celebration without spiders, insects, worms, leeches, and snakes! Here are some activities to inspire you:

     Gross Science

     Creepy-Crawly: A Life Science Lesson Plan

Hopefully these ideas will spark a little more fun in your science lessons or spark more cool insights and learning in your Halloween fun! Have a great and safe Halloween!

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