We all know that October is synonymous with pumpkins, but did you know that October 26 is National Pumpkin Day? Yup, that’s actually a thing. And we see it as just another excuse to bring all things fall into the classroom, because let’s face it, we’re obsessed with the season and the endless classroom lessons that go along with it.
So here are 10 of our favorite classroom pumpkin activities that will have you running to your nearest pumpkin patch to stock up on fall’s most beloved icon.
1. Pumpkin volcano – Kids love anything that bubbles, erupts, and fizzes, which is why this pumpkin science experiment is always a huge hit.
Wish List Items:
- Small or medium pumpkins
- Small aluminum pie plates (to contain the mess)
- Baking soda
- Dish soap
- Food coloring (optional)
- Vinegar
- Spoons, basters, or measuring cups (enough for each student)
2. Pumpkin slime – The slime craze is far from over, and what better way for teachers to embrace it than to incorporate it into a science lesson?
Wish List Items:
- Small baking pumpkin
- Liquid starch {laundry detergent aisle}
- Clear Elmer’s Washable School Glue
- Water
3. Pumpkin lifecycle activity – This is a great activity that can span the whole month of October and beyond. Just carve a small pumpkin as a class in early fall, then put it in a covered jar and watch nature take itscourse over the next few weeks.
Wish List Items:
- Pumpkin (any size, but smaller will be easier to contain)
- Jar or container to fit the pumpkin (or cut the pumpkin into small pieces)
- Book titled Pumpkin Jack by Will Hubbell (optional)
Via giftofcuriosity.com
4. Pumpkin measurement – Pumpkins are a great way to introduce math concepts, particularly measurement. Kids will love to see whose measurement prediction comes out closest.
Wish List Items:
- Pumpkins (various sizes, one for each student)
- Kitchen scale
- String
Photo credit: arinahabich/Thinkstock
5. Pumpkin papier mache – This is a collaborative, hands-on activity for younger kids who are still mastering their ability to follow multi-step instructions (and also love to get their hands dirty!).
Wish List Items:
- Balloons (1 per student)
- Flour
- Mixing bowl
- Lots of newspaper, cut into strips, plus some for lining table
- Tempera paint(orange, green, and black)
- Paintbrushes
- Cup of water for rinsing
Photo credit: weblapfoto/Thinkstock
6. Pumpkin catapults – A popular event used to celebrate National Pumpkin Day is called “Punkin Chunkin.” It involves teams building different mechanical devices to throw a pumpkin as far as possible. This activity lets you hold your own Punkin Chunkin contest in your classroom (using pumpkin candy or pom-poms, of course). You can do this activity using just craft sticks and masking tape, or give students a bag of different supplies and see what they come up with!
Wish List Items:
- Orange craft pom-poms
- Plastic spoons
- Plastic cups
- Toilet paper rolls
- Jumbo craft sticks
- Elastic bands
Photo credit: Jupiterimages/Thinkstock
7. Pumpkin seed count – A good one for older elementary students, this activity involves estimation and introduces the greater than/less than symbols.
Wish List Items:
- Book titled How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin? by Margaret McNamara (optional)
- Large or medium pumpkin
- Knife (for teacher use only)
- Newspaper
- 3 index cards
Photo credit: KarpenkovDenis/Thinkstock
8. Positive and negative space paper jack-o’-lantern – A great way to discuss positive and negative space as well as symmetry, this activity can be made simple for younger students or more detailed for the older elementary grades.
Wish List Items:
- Black 12×18” construction paper
- Orange 8×12” construction paper
- Scissors
- Pencils
- Elmer’s glue sticks
Via buggyandbuddy.com
9. Exploring the parts of a pumpkin – This is a great observational science project. Get exploring those pumpkins and have your students write about colors, texture, and more!
Wish List Items:
- Orange, yellow, and green construction paper
- Yellow yarn
- Scissors
- Glue
- Labels
Via simplykinder.com
10. Bubble pumpkins – Bubbles are a favorite among kids! Bring them together with the spirit of Halloween, and you have a STEM activity every student will love!
Wish List Items:
- Straws for each student
- Dish soap
- Mat to catch the mess!
