As the weather cools and the leaves change color, fall becomes a perfect time for kids to explore the wonders of science through fun, hands-on experiments. Whether you’re looking for indoor activities for rainy days or projects to do outside, these science experiments are not only educational but also engaging for young minds.

Here’s a list of easy and exciting fall-themed science projects you can try at home or at camp!

 

Leaf Chromatography: Discover Hidden Colors

Fall is known for its vibrant foliage, but have you ever wondered why leaves change color? This experiment allows kids to explore the science behind it.

What You Need: Fresh green leaves, rubbing alcohol, coffee filters, a jar, a spoon

Steps: Tear the leaves into small pieces and place them in a jar. Add enough rubbing alcohol to cover the leaves. Crush the leaves with a spoon to release the pigments. Place a strip of coffee filter paper in the jar so one end touches the alcohol. Watch as the different pigments from the leaves travel up the paper, separating into bands of green, yellow, and orange.

What They’ll Learn: Kids will see firsthand that leaves contain several pigments, and the fall colors emerge as chlorophyll breaks down.

Pumpkin Volcano: A Fall Twist on the Classic Eruption

Turn a pumpkin into a fizzing, foaming volcano for a fall-themed chemistry lesson!

What You Need: Small pumpkin (hollowed out), baking soda, vinegar, food coloring (optional)

Steps: Carve out a small pumpkin and hollow it. Place a few spoonfuls of baking soda inside the pumpkin. Add a few drops of food coloring for a colorful effect. Pour in vinegar and watch the pumpkin “erupt” with a foamy fizz.

What They’ll Learn: This classic acid-base reaction demonstrates chemical reactions and the power of gas expansion.

Apple Oxidation: Explore the Science of Browning

This simple experiment helps kids understand how and why apples turn brown when exposed to air.

What You Need: Apples, lemon juice, water, salt, various liquids (vinegar, milk, etc.)

Steps: Cut the apples into slices. Soak different slices in various liquids (one in lemon juice, one in saltwater, one in plain water, and leave one in the open air). Observe how quickly each slice turns brown over a few hours.

What They’ll Learn: Kids will discover that the process of oxidation causes apples to brown, and certain substances (like lemon juice) can slow it down.

 

Acorn Sink or Float: A Buoyancy Experiment

This simple experiment helps kids understand the concept of buoyancy while using fall’s favorite seed: the acorn.

What You Need: A bowl of water, acorns, avariety of small fall objects (leaves, pinecones, rocks)

Steps: Ask the kids to predict whether the acorns and other objects will sink or float. Drop each object into the water and observe what happens.

What They’ll Learn: Through this activity, kids will understand the concept of density and how it relates to whether an object sinks or floats.

These simple and fun fall science experiments offer an engaging way for kids to learn while embracing the beauty of the season. For more science fun, check out Happy Camper Live’s on-demand science camp!