Fall Science Activities & STEM projects

As the leaves turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow, and a crisp breeze fills the air, fall presents the perfect opportunity to learn about the science of the season.

From building apple towers to experimenting with pinecones, fall-themed STEM activities are a fantastic way to engage kids with hands-on learning that captures the magic of autumn.

As leaves change color and the weather changes we can learn about the changes in nature and the world around us. Let’s explore!

Apple Oxidation Test

The Apple Oxidation Test is a fun and educational STEM activity that explores the chemical process of oxidation, commonly observed when apples turn brown after being cut.

Kids can learn about what can affect the rate of oxidation by testing how various liquids can slow down or speed up this process.

Materials Needed: – 1 apple – Knife (for adult use only) – Lemon juice – Water – Vinegar – Baking soda – Small bowls or cups (at least 5) – Timer or stopwatch – Pen and paper (for recording observations)

Instructions:

1. Begin by slicing the apple into several equal pieces.

2. Fill each bowl or cup with a different liquid: one with lemon juice, one with water, one with vinegar, one with a baking soda solution (mix baking soda with water), and leave one apple slice exposed to air as a control.

3. Submerge one apple slice in each bowl, guaranteeing they’re completely covered by the liquid.

4. Start the timer and leave the slices for about 10 minutes.

5. After 10 minutes, remove the apple slices from the liquids and place them on a flat surface.

6. Observe and record any changes in color or texture that have occurred in the apple slices.

7. Discuss which liquids slowed down the oxidation process and which ones did not.

Scientific Concepts: Oxidation is a chemical process that occurs when oxygen interacts with certain enzymes in apples, causing them to turn brown.

This activity demonstrates how acidity and other chemical properties of various liquids can alter the rate of oxidation.

Lemon juice, for instance, contains citric acid, which can help prevent oxidation by lowering the pH and denaturing the enzymes responsible for browning.

Extra Tips: When conducting the Apple Oxidation Test, it’s helpful to guarantee that all apple slices are of similar size and thickness for consistent results.

Encourage the kids to make predictions before starting the experiment about which liquids they think will best prevent browning.

Leaf Chromatography Experiment

Explore the hidden colors within leaves with a fascinating leaf chromatography experiment. This hands-on activity allows kids to discover the pigments that give leaves their vibrant hues, even beyond the dominant green from chlorophyll.

As you conduct this experiment, children will learn about the various pigments present in leaves and how these pigments are separated based on their solubility in different solvents. It’s an exciting way to blend art and science, providing a visual representation of the components within a seemingly simple leaf.

Materials Needed:

• Fresh leaves (variety of colors if possible)
• Rubbing alcohol
• Coffee filters
• Scissors
• Small glass jars or cups
• A spoon or stirring stick
• Pencils
• Tape
• Plastic wrap or foil
• A small plate
• Warm water

Instructions:

1. Gather & Prepare the Leaves: Pick some fall leaves and tear them into small pieces. Try to use different types of leaves for varied results.

2. Crush the Leaves: Place the leaf pieces into a glass jar, then use a spoon or stirring stick to crush them to release the pigments.
3. Add Rubbing Alcohol: Pour enough rubbing alcohol into the jar to cover the crushed leaves. Stir the mixture well with the spoon or stirring stick.
4. Cover and Warm: Cover the jar with plastic wrap or foil to prevent evaporation. Place the jar in a small plate of warm water to help the alcohol absorb the pigments more effectively. Let it sit for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Prepare the Coffee Filter: While waiting, cut a strip of coffee filter paper approximately 1 inch wide. Make sure it’s long enough to reach from the alcohol solution to above the rim of the jar.
6. Attach the Strip: Use a pencil and tape to suspend the coffee filter strip into the jar so that the bottom just touches the alcohol solution without submerging the pencil.
7. Observe the Chromatography: As the alcohol moves up the coffee filter, it will carry the pigments along. Observe as different colored bands form on the paper strip, indicating the presence of various pigments.
8. Record Results: After the colors have separated, remove the coffee filter strip and let it dry. Discuss the colors and patterns observed.

Scientific Concepts: Chromatography is a method used to separate mixtures into their individual components. In this experiment, the rubbing alcohol acts as a solvent that dissolves the pigments in the leaves. As the solvent moves up the coffee filter by capillary action, it separates the pigments based on their different solubility and affinity to the paper.

This separation creates bands of color, each representing a different pigment, such as chlorophyll (green), carotenoids (yellow/orange), and anthocyanins (red/purple).

Extra Tips: To get the best results, guarantee that the leaves are fresh and contain a variety of pigments. The use of warm water can help speed up the process by enhancing the solvent’s ability to extract pigments.

Be patient and allow enough time for the chromatography process to complete. For added educational value, try using leaves from different types of trees and compare the resulting chromatographs to see the variety of pigments present in different species.

Always supervise children when working with rubbing alcohol and guarantee the area is well-ventilated.

Leaf Classification

Kids can collect leaves from various trees and classify them by their physical characteristics, such as shape, size, and color.

You can create leaf rubbings to better observe the leaf details, learning how scientists use classification to study plants and the environment.

Materials:

• Leaves of different shapes, sizes, and colors (collect from outdoors)
• Paper (white or light-colored for better contrast with rubbings)
• Crayons (with the paper removed)
• Notebook or worksheet for recording observations
• Magnifying glass (optional)
• Pencil and eraser

Steps:

1. Leaf Collection: Take a nature walk to gather different types of leaves. Try to find leaves that vary in shape, size, and color for more variety in classification.
2. Observe the Leaves: Look at each leaf closely. Note its color, shape, edges (smooth, jagged, or lobed), and size. If available, use a magnifying glass to examine the leaf’s surface texture, veins, and structure.
3. Create Leaf Rubbings:
   • Place each leaf under a sheet of paper.
   • Use a crayon to gently rub over the leaf. The leaf’s veins, edges, and overall shape should start to appear on the paper.
   • Repeat for each leaf you’ve collected.
4. Classify the Leaves:
   • Group the leaves by shared characteristics. For example:
     • Shape: Oval, heart-shaped, lobed, needle-like, etc.
     • Edge Type: Smooth, toothed, lobed, etc.
     • Size: Small, medium, large.
     • Color: Green, yellow, brown, red.
   • Record each group and the characteristics that define it.
5. Create a Leaf Classification Chart:
   • On a large piece of paper or in a notebook, make a chart with different classification categories (shape, edge type, color).
   • Write each leaf’s details on the chart, along with a leaf rubbing for visual reference.
6. Discuss Leaf Patterns and Variation:
   • Discuss with the kids why leaves might vary between different trees. You can talk about how leaves adapt to their environment (e.g., broad leaves in rainforests for capturing sunlight vs. needle leaves on conifers to prevent water loss).
   • Talk about why scientists classify plants and how it helps in understanding ecosystems.
7. Identify the Leaves

• Once you’ve grouped and classified the leaves by their characteristics, use a tree identification guidebook, app, or website to determine the type of tree each leaf belongs to.
• Compare each leaf’s shape, edges, and other features to pictures and descriptions in your identification resource. Label each leaf with the tree’s common name and, if possible, its scientific name.
• Record this information next to your leaf rubbings or on your classification chart for reference.

STEM Concepts:

• Biology: Learn about plant anatomy, leaf structures, and adaptation.
• Classification: Practice grouping items by characteristics, an essential skill in biology and science.
• Observation Skills: Develop attention to detail by looking closely at natural items.
• Data Recording: Practice documenting findings and creating organized records, similar to scientific research.

Pumpkin Volcano Eruption

The Pumpkin Volcano Eruption is a perfect fall-themed science experiment is for engaging kids with hands-on learning.

By combining the seasonal charm of pumpkins with the classic baking soda and vinegar reaction, children will be amazed as their pumpkin “erupts” with colorful foam. It’s a delightful way to explore chemical reactions while incorporating a bit of autumnal fun.

Materials Needed:

• Small to medium-sized pumpkin
• Baking soda
• Vinegar
• Food coloring (optional)
• A small cup or container
• Spoon
• Knife (for adult use)
• Tray or large dish (to contain the mess)

Instructions:

1. Begin by carving a small hole in the top of the pumpkin, similar to how you’d for a jack-o’-lantern. Make sure the hole is large enough to fit a small cup or container inside.

2. Scoop out the insides of the pumpkin, leaving it clean for the experiment.
3. Place the small cup or container inside the pumpkin, resting it at the bottom.
4. Add a few tablespoons of baking soda into the container inside the pumpkin.
5. If desired, add a few drops of food coloring to the baking soda for a colorful eruption.
6. Move the pumpkin to a tray or large dish to catch any overflow.
7. When ready, pour vinegar into the container with the baking soda and quickly step back to watch the eruption!
8. Enjoy the foamy “lava” as it spills out of the pumpkin.

Scientific Concepts: The Pumpkin Volcano Eruption activity demonstrates a chemical reaction between baking soda (a base) and vinegar (an acid). When these two substances mix, they undergo an acid-base reaction, producing carbon dioxide gas.

The gas creates bubbles in the vinegar, causing it to foam and overflow like lava from a volcano. This experiment visually illustrates the concept of chemical reactions and gas production.

Extra Tips: To enhance the educational value, try experimenting with different amounts of baking soda and vinegar to see how it affects the eruption’s intensity.

Encourage kids to make predictions and observe changes. Be prepared for some mess, so it’s best to conduct this activity outdoors or in an easy-to-clean area.

For added fun, consider decorating the pumpkin with a face or other designs to enhance its volcanic transformation.

Pine Cone Weather Station

The Pine Cone Weather Station activity is a fun and educational way for kids to explore the natural world and learn about how certain plants respond to humidity and weather changes.

By observing pine cones, children can predict whether it will rain or stay dry. Pine cones open and close depending on the moisture level in the air, making them a natural weather predictor.

In this activity, kids will collect pine cones and monitor their opening and closing over a period of days to determine the weather conditions.

Materials Needed:

• Several pine cones
• A small basket or container
• Notebook or journal
• Pen or pencil
• Optional: magnifying glass

Instructions:

1. Collect Pine Cones:Take a walk in a park or forested area and collect several pine cones. Make sure they’re dry and fully opened when you collect them.
2. Set Up Your Weather Station:Place the pine cones in a basket or container and find a place outside where they’ll (hopefully) not be disturbed, such as a porch or windowsill. We have an abundance of squirrels roaming the backyard, so sometimes having tamper-proof experiments outside is a challenge.
3. Observe and Record:Each day, observe the pine cones and note whether they’re open or closed. Use a notebook to record your observations and any other weather conditions you notice, such as rain, humidity, or sunshine.
4. Analyze Patterns:Over several days or weeks, look for patterns in how the pine cones respond to different weather conditions.

Do they close when it’s rainy or humid? Do they open when it’s dry and sunny?

5. Optional Exploration:Use a magnifying glass to closely examine the scales of the pine cones and observe any changes as they open and close.

Scientific Concepts:

Pine cones open and close in response to changes in humidity.

The scales of the cone are made of two layers: the outer layer contracts when dry, causing the cone to open, and the inner layer expands when wet, causing the cone to close.

This mechanism helps protect the seeds inside from moisture that could cause them to rot.

By observing these changes, children can learn about plant adaptation and natural weather indicators.

Extra Tips:

To maximize the learning experience, encourage kids to predict the weather based on the pine cone observations each morning and check if their predictions come true.

Discuss the results and explore why the pine cones behave the way they do.

This activity can also be a great starting point for discussing broader topics such as plant biology, weather patterns, and the importance of adaptation in nature.

Be patient, as weather changes may not be immediate, and remind kids that science often requires observation and patience.

Harvest Moon Observation

The Harvest Moon Observation activity is a simple way to get familiar with the night sky and learn about lunar phases.

During the fall, the Harvest Moon is the full moon closest to the autumnal equinox. This activity involves observing the moon over several nights, noting its changes, and learning about its significance.

Children will create a moon journal to record their observations, which will help them understand the lunar cycle and the unique characteristics of the Harvest Moon.

Materials Needed: – Notebook or journal – Pen or pencil – Binoculars or telescope (optional) – Camera or smartphone (optional) – Calendar – Flashlight

Instructions: 1. Begin the activity a few days before the expected date of the Harvest Moon. 2. Use a calendar to identify the full moon date and plan your observations around this time. 3. Each night, go outside to observe the moon. Choose a clear spot with minimal light pollution for the best view. 4. Take a few minutes to observe the moon, noting its position, brightness, and any visible features. 5. Encourage children to draw the moon in their journals and write down any observations or thoughts. 6. Use binoculars or a telescope for a closer look at the moon’s surface if available. 7. Capture images with a camera or smartphone to compare changes over time. 8. Continue observing for a few nights after the full moon to note the waning phases.

Scientific Concepts: The Harvest Moon is significant because it rises shortly after sunset, providing more light during the evening. This phenomenon occurs due to the moon’s orbit around the Earth and the angle at which it rises during this time of year.

The Harvest Moon isn’t only a cultural symbol but also a great opportunity to learn about lunar phases and the relationship between the Earth, moon, and sun. Observing the moon over several nights helps children understand the cycle from new moon to full moon and back.

Extra Tips: When planning your observations, check the weather forecast to confirm clear skies. If conditions are cloudy, you might need to adjust your schedule.

Encourage children to share their moon journal with friends or family to foster discussion and curiosity. If using a flashlight, consider covering it with red cellophane to maintain night vision.

DIY Rain Gauge Construction

Building a DIY rain gauge is a fun and educational STEM activity that allows kids to learn about weather and precipitation.

By constructing their own rain gauge, kids can observe and measure rainfall in their local area, gaining a practical understanding of how meteorologists collect data.

This hands-on project is perfect for a fall day, combining creativity with scientific inquiry as kids watch the changing weather and learn to record and analyze their findings.

Materials Needed:

• A clear plastic bottle (2-liter soda bottle recommended)
• Scissors or a craft knife
• Ruler
• Permanent marker
• Small stones or marbles
• Water
• Notebook and pen (for recording data)

Instructions:

1. Begin by cutting the top third off the plastic bottle. This will become the funnel for your rain gauge.

2. Turn the top portion upside down and place it inside the bottom part of the bottle. This will help prevent evaporation and catch the rain effectively.
3. Add a few small stones or marbles to the bottom of the bottle to add some weight soit’s less likely to tip over.
4. Fill the bottom of the bottle with a small amount of water until it just covers the stones, so the stones’ mass doesn’t throw off the measurement. Mark this water level, as this is our baseline measurement.
5. Use the ruler to mark measurements on the side of the bottle, starting from the water baseline. Make sure to use the permanent marker to label the increments in centimeters or millimeters.
6. Place the rain gauge outside in an open area, away from any obstructions like trees or buildings.
7. After it rains, check the water level and record the amount of rainfall in your notebook, subtracting the baseline amount.

Scientific Concepts: This activity demonstrates principles of meteorology and hydrology. A rain gauge is a simple tool used by meteorologists to measure the amount of precipitation over a set period.

By measuring the amount of rain that falls, kids learn about weather patterns and the water cycle, which includes processes like evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.

This experiment helps develop skills in data collection and analysis, as children observe how different weather conditions affect rainfall amounts.

Extra Tips: Guarantee the rain gauge is placed on a flat, stable surface to get accurate readings.

Keep an eye on the weather forecast so you can prepare to measure after a rain event.

Encourage kids to make predictions about how much rain will fall and compare these predictions with the actual measurements.

This activity can be extended by having children create a weather journal to track rain over weeks or compare results with rain gauges placed in different locations.

Seed Dispersal Exploration

In this simple experiment, kids can learn about seed dispersal and how plants spread their seeds to grow new plants.

By investigating different methods of seed dispersal, kids will gain an understanding of the various strategies plants use to guarantee their seeds reach suitable environments for germination.

This hands-on exploration will involve creating simple models to mimic the ways seeds travel, such as by wind, water, or animals.

Through observation and experimentation, children will learn about the importance of seed dispersal in plant reproduction and ecosystem diversity.

Materials Needed:

• Assorted seeds (e.g., dandelion, milkweed, sunflower)
• Small lightweight objects (e.g., feathers, cotton balls)
• Paper towels
• Small containers or bowls
• Water
• Fan or hairdryer
• String or yarn
• Scissors
• Tape
• Large sheet of paper or cardboard
• Markers/Sharpie

Instructions:

1. Begin by discussing with the children how plants disperse their seeds.

2. Explain that seeds can be spread by wind, water, animals, and other methods. If you’re doing this with a class, divide the kids into small groups and assign each group a method of seed dispersal to explore (e.g., wind, water, animals).

3. Provide each group with the materials needed to create a model of their assigned seed dispersal method.
4. For wind dispersal, have the children attach feathers or cotton balls to seeds using tape and then blow them with a fan, hairdryer, or -if you want some heavy storms – a leaf blower to see how far they travel.
5. For water dispersal, place seeds in small containers or bowls of water and observe how they move across the surface.
6. For animal dispersal, use string or yarn to attach seeds to small objects and simulate how animals might carry seeds on their fur or feathers.
7. Ask each group to test their models and record their observations on the large sheet of paper or cardboard.
8. Gather the groups together to share their findings and discuss which methods were most effective and why.

Scientific Concepts: Seed dispersal is a vital process for plant reproduction and ecosystem diversity.

This activity demonstrates how different plants have evolved various mechanisms to spread their seeds.

Wind dispersal relies on lightweight seeds that can be carried by the breeze, while water dispersal involves seeds that float and travel with water currents.

Animal dispersal occurs when seeds attach to the fur or feathers of animals or are ingested and later excreted.

Each method guarantees that seeds can reach new locations with favorable conditions for growth.

Extra Tips: Encourage kids to think creatively about how seeds might be dispersed in their everyday environment and ponder factors like wind strength, water flow, and animal behavior.

You can expand the activity by taking a nature walk to observe real-life examples of seed dispersal in action.

Guarantee the children understand the importance of recording their observations and encourage them to use their imagination in designing their seed models.

Wrap Up – Fall STEM Activities

Fall is a season of change and discovery, making it an ideal backdrop for hands-on STEM activities that spark curiosity and creativity. Through these fun and educational projects, kids have the chance to explore science, experiment with engineering, and investigate the wonders of nature—all while enjoying the beauty of autumn.

These activities provide some seasonal opportunities to learn, create, and explore. Grab some pumpkins, leaves, and a little imagination, and let this fall be filled with learning adventures that will inspire young minds all season long!