Just because summer camp is over doesn’t mean the creativity, curiosity, and outdoor learning have to stop! Fall is a perfect time to dive into hands-on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) activities that feel like camp. Whether you’re a parent, homeschooler, or educator looking to add a little extra learning to your fall days, these fall-themed STEM activities are great for kids of all ages. 

Fall naturally lends itself to STEM exploration: leaves change color, temperatures shift, animals prepare for winter, and there’s a whole world of natural materials just waiting to be gathered and experimented with. By bringing in a summer camp-style approach that is outdoorsy, hands-on, and low-pressure, these activities become more than just lessons; they become experiences.

 

#1 Leaf Chromatography Experiment 

Did you know leaves don’t just “turn” red or yellow? Those colors are in there all along! This experiment helps kids see the pigments hiding in green leaves. 

How to do it: Collect green leaves, crush them up, and place them in a cup with rubbing alcohol. Use a coffee filter strip dipped into the cup to let the colors separate and rise. The result? A mini “rainbow” of leaf science! 

Campy tip: Turn it into a nature walk where you challenge kids to collect different leaves to compare pigments.

 

#2 Mini Pumpkin Catapults 

Engineering + fall fun = the ultimate combination. Kids can build simple catapults using craft sticks, rubber bands, and a spoon, then launch mini candy pumpkins! 

Campy tip: Set up a target range outdoors. You can even add a point system for each hit, or create a “team pumpkin challenge.”

 

#3 Build a Bird Feeder with Natural Materials 

Explore engineering while helping local wildlife. Using pinecones, string, peanut butter (or a nut-free alternative), and birdseed, kids can build hanging feeders and learn about birds prepping for winter. 

STEM connection: Talk about balance, weight distribution, and the food chain.

 

#4 Apple Oxidation Science

Grab a few apple slices and experiment with how different substances (like lemon juice, saltwater, or baking soda) prevent browning. It’s simple chemistry kids can see with their eyes. 

Campy tip: Create a science station with clipboards and “scientist badges” for added excitement.

 

#5 Nature Structure Challenge 

Use sticks, leaves, pinecones, bark, and more to build a tiny “cabin,” teepee, or bridge. Kids can work in teams or solo, then test the stability of their structure (can it hold a pinecone or small rock?). 

STEM concepts: Engineering, design thinking, problem-solving.