Halloween

Learning chemistry doesn’t have to be scary. Well, except on Halloween! Find creepy chemistry ideas using dry ice, glow-in-the-dark pumpkins, and more.

Activities

Dressing for (Chemical Success) from ACS Chemical Education Today
Students dress in costume to represent an element from the periodic table.
Make Glow-in-the-Dark Jell-O from Mom Advice
Add glowing Jell-O to your party menu with this recipe.
Laundry Detergent Glowing Skull from ThoughtCo
Create a collection of glowing skull Halloween decorations.
Static Powered Dancing Ghost from Science Bob
This ghost wants to dance but needs your help—your balloon’s help, that is.

Demos

Halloween Chemistry Demonstrations from C&EN
Halloween twists on several common chemistry demonstrations make for spooky excitement, including the puking pumpkin, ectoplasmic drool, and the dark-side pumpkin.
Genie in a Bottle from Flinn Scientific
When sodium iodide is dropped into a flask containing 30% hydrogen peroxide, a “magical” genie appears in the form of water vapor and oxygen.
Using Dry Ice to make a Spoon Sing (Scream!) from ThoughtCo
Listen carefully for the sounds of Halloween screams.
Amazing Bag of Blood from Kitchen Pantry Scientist
Stab a bag of “blood” without spilling a single drop in this easy Halloween demo.
Frankenstein’s Hand from Mom it Forward
Frankenstein’s hand comes alive in this acid–base reaction.Watch others cook, taste, and smell in these videos. Then, connect chemistry to what you see.

Labs

Math & Science Pumpkins from Oregon Agricultural in the Classroom Foundation
Do pumpkins sink or float? Students engage in several lab activities using pumpkins.
Spooky Diving Ghost from STEAMsational
Put the pressure on this ghost to make it sink, then float up to the top once again.
Fluffy Zombie Brain Slime from Little Bins, Little Hands
Create this extra fluffy slime recipe in a brain-shaped (or Halloween themed) mold.
Crystal Pumpkin Suspension Science from Little Bins, Little Hands
Students can grow borax crystal pumpkins overnight!

Articles

Science Project Runway, Farming Fashion, Chemistry Costumes from C&EN
Can’t think of a thing to wear to the Halloween party? Try one of these creative (and cheap!) chemistry-themed costumes.
Periodic Graphics: The Chemistry of Pumpkins from C&EN
Pumpkins take front and center during this holiday. Learn about their chemistry before you carve.
Carving Nanopumpkins, Slicing Fingers, Cutting Water from C&EN
These aren’t the perfect size to display on your front porch, but they’re some cool science.
How to Keep Your Jack O’Lantern Looking Dapper Longer, from Smithsonian Magazine
Looking for ideas on how to keep your cut pumpkin pristine? This pumpkin expert has some suggestions.
Halloween Treats, Support your Favorite Element from C&EN
Both pumpkins and chocolate have antimicrobial and antioxidant properties—which would you rather eat first?
The Science Behind Halloween Candy from Science Meets Food
Learn how long you can expect all that candy to last.
Halloween Special: The Chemistry of Blood from Compound Interest
What makes your blood, blood? This chemistry really gets under your skin.
Molecule of the Week Archive: Putrescine and Cadaverine from ACS
Learn more about the foul smelling odors associated with the dead.