Granted, some people don’t celebrate Halloween and that is fine. There’s plenty to celebrate during this beautiful time of the year without ghosts, goblins, or trick-or-treat candy. However, we love Halloween and find it to be a great time to celebrate not only the holiday, but all of the wonderful things that go along with fall.  

It’s also a good time to sneak in science. A carved pumpkin, some baking soda, vinegar, food coloring, and a little dishwashing liquid makes your everyday jack-o-lantern now ooze deliciously gross stuff from its mouth, nose, and eyes. It’s also the perfect opportunity to discuss chemical reactions and how the baking soda and vinegar combine to create something altogether different: carbon dioxide.

This month we also demonstrate how acetone will “melt” plastic (Styrofoam®). We found a Styrofoam® skeleton to melt in to oblivion, but you can also draw a funny face on a Styrofoam® cup and do the same thing. Make up an outlandish story or create your own version of the Wizard of Oz, complete with the melting witch. In all the excitement, make sure to explain polymers (the plastic/Styrofoam®) and the many ways polymers are used in everyday life. 

Yes, a great science lesson is right in front of you, on Halloween or any other day of the week. With a little science knowledge (we’ll help there), some basic experiments/activities (we’ve got plenty of those, too), and imagination, you can get your kids abuzz with the adventures of science. Check out all of our Quirkles stories and activities (and know we’ll be adding more with the Fuddlebrook series soon). We want your Halloween (or fall festivities) to be the coolest and most educational ever!