Halloween Chemistry
Learning chemistry doesn’t have to be scary. Well, except on Halloween! Pick your favorite link and celebrate October 31st with some spooky science! Look for creepy chemistry categories like dry ice, body parts, costumes, pumpkins, and food.
- Halloween Chemistry Costumes
It’s a chemistry Halloween masquerade. Can you identify the elements and compounds represented by these costumes? - Chemistry Costumes
Can’t think of a thing to wear to the Halloween party? Try one of these creative (and cheap!) chemistry-themed costumes. - Periodic Table Costumes
This could be one of the easiest chemistry Halloween costumes ever. Choose your symbol, grab a cardboard box, and personalize it to your element. - Science Geek Halloween Costumes
Do it yourself and dress it up for Halloween—science style.
- The Chemistry of Pumpkins
Pumpkins take front and center during this holiday. Learn about their chemistry before you carve. - Carving Nanopumpkins
These aren’t the perfect size to display on your front porch, but they’re some cool science. - Periodic Table of Pumpkins
Have a lot of pumpkins on your hands? See what a team of university students decided to do. - Keeping a Jack-O-Lantern Fresh
Looking for ideas on how to keep your cut pumpkin pristine? This pumpkin expert has some suggestions. - Magic Pumpkin Science
Orange candy color swirls to create a different kind of pumpkin. - Crystal Pumpkin Borax Science
These mini “pumpkins” grow overnight! - Math & Science Pumpkins
Will you pumpkin sink or float? Predict, then test.
- Halloween Treats
You’ll be happy to hear that pumpkins and chocolate have antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Now, which would you rather eat first? - Witches' Brew Recipe
Don’t forget a tasty beverage for your Halloween party! This brew carbonated with dry ice will quench the thirst of any ghoulish guest. - Halloween Science Treats
Add glowing Jell-O to your party menu with this recipe. - The Science Behind Halloween Candy
How long will your candy last? - Edible Googly Eyes
Look for these materials at local stores to make your own creepy treats.
- Dry Ice Crystal Ball Bubble
In my dry ice crystal ball I see… lots of great chemistry for your Halloween celebration this year! - Halloween Dry Ice Secrets
Nothing says Halloween like an eerie stream of “smoke” from a cauldron. This link promises “ooze” and ahhhs with these demos. - Singing Spoon
Singing? If it’s Halloween, some might say screaming. Listen up and you decide. - Spooky Halloween Drink
This bubbling brew can quench your Halloween night thirst.
- Laundry Detergent Glowing Skull
Your neighbors will be sure to admire your decorating skills when you create a glowing skull for your sidewalk or window. - Bag of Blood
Stab a bag of “blood” without spilling a drop in this super easy Halloween twist on a classic demo. - Fake Blood Recipe
Need to whip up a bowl or two of fake blood for the big Halloween night? Try these tips, and don’t be afraid to experiment! - The Chemistry of Blood
What makes your blood, blood? This chemistry really gets under your skin. - Frankenstein's Hand
Frankenstein called and can’t make it to the party. He’s sending his hand instead. An acid–base reaction makes it come alive. - Halloween Mystery Box Game
Feels like… brains! Try this creepy but fun way to hone your observational skills, without peeking in the box. - Zombie Brain Fluffy Slime
It’s so fluffy! Try this slime recipe in a brain-shaped mold. - Creepy Gelatin Heart
This Halloween heart is ready for some oozy experimentation.
- Molecules from the Crypt
Ah, the sweet smell of putrescine and cadaverine, ready for Halloween. Learn more about these compounds produced in decaying animals. - Halloween Chemistry Demonstrations
A collection of ideas for sharing some spooky science. - Genie in a Bottle
Rub the bottle and ask this chemistry genie to come out and give you a wish for Halloween. - Giant Smoke Rings
Send out these super-size smoke rings at your Halloween gathering. - A Halloween Story
Riddle me this… How can I combine a mysterious riddle with great chemistry demos? This story might be your answer. - Static-Powered Dancing Ghost
This ghost wants to dance but needs your help—your balloon’s help, that is. - Spooky Diving Ghost
Put the pressure on this ghost to make it sink, then float up to the top once again. - Flying Tea Bag Ghosts
What does it take to get this ghost to float away? - Ghost Rockets
These ghosts are powered with Alka Seltzer. Make them fly! - Creepy Density
Layer these substances, then float some creepy bits in between.
(all sites accessed September 2020)
About
The ChemClub program supports middle and high school science teachers who sponsor extracurricular chemistry clubs in their schools. This program provides students of these clubs with a unique opportunity to experience chemistry beyond the classroom. Learn more
Contact Us
Email: hschemclubs@acs.org
;void(0);){kind=link}