With all of the sensory overload that fall brings, the season is a great time to really dig into the ways of the world. Exploring nature, foods and other things associated with fall is not only fun, but educational! You might even learn a thing or two yourself. If your children are imaginative and love trying new science experiments, you’ve got to check these out!
source: Playdough to Plato
1. Leaf Chromatography
The first thing that comes to mind when I think of fall is the changing colors of leaves. It’s one of my favorite things about fall (I’m a bit of a multi-color fanatic)! I’ve always been fascinated with how leaves are able to change colors, and here in the south, it happens as if someone suddenly flipped a switch. Once fall hits, the leaves instantaneously change.
Want to learn more about leaf chromatography? Head over to Playdough to Plato and get the details on this super amazing science experiment!
source: Frogs Snails And Puppy Dog Tails
2. Apple Volcanoes
If you’re planning to hit the apple orchard this fall, grab a few “bad apples” to set aside for this experiment. You’re not going to want to eat them after this! With some food coloring, baking soda, dish soap and vinegar, you can show your kids what happens when all of these ingredients mix. I’ll give you a hint…there will be foam, and there will be fizz, and there will be fun!
Get the step-by-step instructions over at Frog Snails And Puppy Dog Tails. You’ll find tons of other fun ways to explore science this fall!
source: Coffee Cups And Crayons
3. Candy Corn 3 Ways
I still have candy corn in my pantry from last year. I probably won’t be eating it now, but at least I can use it to teach my toddler a few things about science. All you need for this experiment is a few glass jars. Then, see what happens when you do three things to the candy corn- dissolve it, freeze it and heat it.
Get over to Coffee Cups And Crayons to find out what usually happens during this experiment, and check out a few other fun activities to try while you’re there!
source: Preschool Powol Packets
4. Pumpkin Bubbles
You know those cute, small, decorative pumpkins you see on store shelves? They are also great for science experiments! Snatch one up for your tot, and then grab your dish soap and make some bubbles. My little guy loooves bubbles, and most kids will enjoy this pop-tastic experiment.
You’ll find all the info you need at Preschool Powol Packets, which is a great site for preschool learning.
source: TinkerLab
5. Corn Cob Popcorn
Wow, wow, wow! Did you know you can make popcorn using a dried corn cob? Yep. Many farms have lots of dried corn during the fall, but if you don’t live near any farms, you can also find dried corn cobs online. Besides the cob, you just need a brown paper bag and a microwave.
Take a look at the way this experiment works by visiting TinkerLab, where mom Rachelle shares her love of all things creative.
source: Little Bins For Little Hands
6. Nature Sensory Bottles
Get the kids out and explore everything fall has to offer with sensory bottles that help your little ones practice fine motor skills. Collect whatever natural items they love, like leaves, acorns or berries. Add some water to the bottles and watch what happens!
If you head over to Little Bins For Little Hands, there are tips on customizing this experiment based on your children’s ages, as well as suggested questions to ask your kids about their scientific theories.
source: I Can Teach My Kids
7. Fizzy Jack-O-Lantern Balloons
For whatever reason, kids are fascinated with balloons. So imagine how awesome it’ll be for them to watch fizzy balloons inflate! Grab some empty water bottles, baking soda, vinegar and a funnel, and watch your kids have a blast with this experiment.
Head over to I Can Teach My Kids for the instructions on this, and take a look at the other seasonal ideas there too!