We love pumpkins, we love Fall, and we LOVE SCIENCE! These pumpkin science experiments and activities are a fun take on classic science experiments with a bit of a twist. What’s the twist? You add a pumpkin! Classic baking soda and vinegar, homemade slime, oobleck, bubbles and more! Plus, we have also included some hands-on activities for exploring the parts of a pumpkin!
Explore Pumpkin Science For Fall
Fall themed science experiments are awesome, and pumpkin theme science lessons are perfect for this time of year. I love repeating simple science experiments with fun twists. Doing simple science activities with different themes really allows young kids to practice what they are learning in a fun way!
Below you will find easy pumpkin science experiments and pumpkin projects for preschool, kindergarten, and elementary.
The great thing about these science activities is that they use simple materials, most of which you will already have on hand! Science learning really doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive.
Grab a few pumpkins, big and small, and get ready for some hands-on fun and learning this Fall!
Check out our list of PUMPKIN BOOKS & STEM ACTIVITY IDEAS
Using the Scientific Method
The scientific method is a process or method of research. A problem is identified, information about the problem is gathered, a hypothesis or question is formulated from the information, and the hypothesis is tested with an experiment to prove or disprove its validity.
Sounds heavy… What in the world does that mean?!? It means you don’t need to try and solve the world’s biggest science questions! The scientific method is all about studying and learning things right around you.
As children develop practices that involve creating, gathering data, evaluating, analyzing, and communicating, they can apply these critical thinking skills to any situation.
Learn more about:
More Helpful Science Resources
Here are a few resources that will help you introduce science more effectively to your kiddos or students and feel confident yourself when presenting materials. You’ll find helpful free printables throughout.
- Best Science Practices (as it relates to the scientific method)
- Science Vocabulary
- 8 Science Books for Kids
- All About Scientists
- Science Supplies List
- Science Tools for Kids
Get your FREE printable Pumpkin Science Guide
Grab this free pumpkin science guide and pumpkin STEM challenge cards to plan a complete pumpkin lesson!
Pumpkin Science Experiments & Activities
Click on all the links in orange or individual photos below to read all about set up and play!
Pumpkin Investigation
Set up this pumpkin investigation tray to explore the insides of a pumpkin. Alternatively, make a pumpkin sensory bag.
>>> Pair with our printable parts of a pumpkin worksheet
Pumpkin Slime
Kids love to play with slime and making slime is an awesome science experiment! Homemade slime is always fun especially when you make it inside a pumpkin.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Orange Fluffy Slime
Pumpkin Volcano
Chemistry and pumpkins combine for a unique volcano science activity!
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Mini Pumpkin Volcano
Pumpkin Jack
I love the story about pumpkin Jack. If you are going to carve a pumpkin this year then you are already a good part of the way there to setting up your own rotting pumpkin science experiment.
Pumpkin Oobleck
Classic 2 ingredient Oobleck science experiment inside a pumpkin!
Preschool Pumpkin Ideas
Explore whether pumpkins sink or float, what are the parts of a pumpkin and more with these simple, fun preschool pumpkin activities.
Crystal Pumpkins
Make your own crystal pumpkins with a fun twist on a classic borax crystal experiment.
Pumpkin Clock
Make your own clock using pumpkins to power it. Really? Yes, find out how you can make your own powered pumpkin clock.
Bonus: Pumpkin Art & Crafts
Click on each image below to enjoy pumpkin art and craft projects this season. Each pumpkin activity includes a free printable too!
- Try mess-free pumpkin painting in a bag.
- Make pumpkin bubble wrap prints.
- Create texture art with yarn wrapped pumpkins.
- Explore black glue art and pumpkins.
- Make pumpkin dot art.
- Create 3D paper pumpkins.
- Explore mindful art with our printable zentangle pumpkins.
Explore More Fall Science
Click on the images below for more Fall theme science activities.
Printable Pumpkin STEM Pack
Perfect for K-2/3rd Grade and homeschool! Many activities can be modified for preschool and older kiddos as well.
Pumpkin is a festive and classic theme for fall and this pack is perfect for exploring pumpkins with a non-Halloween theme! Includes science, STEM, engineering, early math, and art projects.
The kids will have a blast trying 100+ pages of “totally doable” projects! Read more here.
Printable Pumpkin Preschool Pack
Need a younger version of our Pumpkin STEM Project Pack? Perfect for older toddlers and preschoolers to explore pumpkins this fall season. 14+ Pumpkin theme activities include instructions, templates, and a great book list.
Or grab our Growing Preschool Themes Bundle with 6 packs and counting…
What a great round-up of pumpkin science experiments. So fun! Thank you for sharing at Sharing Saturday and congratulations on being tied for most clicked this week!
Thank you so much for sharing these amazing experiments! Can’t wait to try them out!
Those look like fun experiments.
Thank you! There are so many fun ways to play and learn with pumpkins. Makes science extra cool this time of year.