purposeful play

Pumpkin Volcano Science Experiment

stem activity for kids

These Pumpkin Volcanoes are a colorfully messy way for kids to explore science this Halloween! 

 

The erupting pumpkin volcanoes provide a hands-on way for kids to experiment with science while at home.

 

This Halloween themed stem activity is the perfect chilly Fall day activity and works well as a supplement to any Homeschool Science Experiment!

purpose

  • Builds new brain connections
  • Increases your child’s ability to absorb what they are learning
  • Helps develop memory skills
  • Develops fine motor and language skills
  • Experiments with cause and effect
  • Explores chemical reactions in a safe, colorful way
  • Screen-free fun!

directions

How to Make Pumpkin Volcanoes

  • Carefully cut a hole in the top of a mini pumpkin

  • This part should be done by an adult

  • Scoop out the flesh and seeds

  • Save the seeds to roast at another time!

  • Repeat the process with the other pumpkins 

  • Add several large scoops of baking soda to each pumpkin

  • Drop some food coloring onto the baking soda

  • We used a lot of food coloring to get vibrant results

  • Choose whatever colors you would like-we used Black, Purple and Green

  • Add several squirts of dish or hand soap to each pumpkin

  • This step is optional-it just creates a foamier reaction

  • Add Vinegar (or lemon juice) to a squirt bottle

  • Squirt vinegar into each pumpkin

  • Watch the foamy, erupting reaction!

  • Continue adding vinegar to create a reaction

  • This experiment can last as you long as you’d like

  • You can also add more baking soda and food coloring to keep the reaction going!

  • It’s a chemical reaction

  • Baking soda is the base

  • Lemon juice is the acid

  • When a base and an acid are mixed together- a gas called carbon dioxide is formed causing the bubbling reaction

  • Chemistry

  • Chemical reaction

  • Base

  • Acid

  • Carbon dioxide

  • Gas

purposeful play

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Hello there! I'm Sarah Britton and I am so excited you stopped by! Join me as we explore simple yet effective ways to create purposeful play opportunities for your child.

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