Halloween STEM Activities
By MARISSA DESPINS Updated Oct 6, 2023
Halloween STEM Activities for Elementary
Looking for ways to engage your learners this October? STEM activities hold a unique allure for students, making them an ideal choice for classroom activities leading up to Halloween. Halloween STEM activities are inherently hands-on and interactive, tapping into students’ natural curiosity and desire to explore. This engagement is heightened during the Halloween season, as students are already captivated by the mystery and excitement surrounding the holiday.
On the hunt for engaging Halloween STEM activities that you can use in your classroom this October? Click on the image or link below to download a COMPLETE Halloween STEM Challenge!
Why should I teach STEM activities in my classroom?
In today’s rapidly evolving world, it’s imperative that educators harness the power of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) activities in their teaching methodologies. STEM activities offer a multifaceted approach to learning that goes beyond textbooks and traditional lectures, providing students with hands-on experiences that foster critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and creativity.
By incorporating STEM activities into the classroom, teachers not only prepare their students for the challenges of the 21st century but also ignite a passion for discovery and innovation. These activities enable students to see the real-world applications of what they’re learning, making the subject matter more engaging and relevant.
STEM activities also promote teamwork and collaboration, essential skills in today’s collaborative work environments. As we continue to advance in technology and science, teachers who embrace STEM activities are equipping their students with the skills and mindset needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
For more information on the importance of incorporating hands on learning opportunities in the classroom, check out our guide featuring 6 Ways to Boost Classroom Engagement.
Halloween STEM Activities – CREEPY CARROTS
These fun Halloween STEM activities begin with a read aloud of “Creepy Carrots” by Aaron Reynolds. I must confess, it’s easily one of my top choices for a Halloween-themed read-aloud. Aaron Reynolds has a knack for crafting narratives that resonate particularly well with young learners, and this humorous tale certainly lives up to expectations. If you do not happen to have a copy of the story, there is a great version on YouTube that you can play for your students.
After listening to the story read aloud, students get to work on their STEM challenge: Using only yarn, craft sticks, scissors, and tape, students must build a fence that can contain their “Creepy Carrot.
I love using real carrots for these Halloween STEM activities. I attach some eyes to each one, which really adds to the spooky fun!
As students work through the challenge, they fill out the pages in their STEM Challenge Notebook. These notebooks are great because they can be used for ANY STEM challenge. This means you can use the notebooks again and again with different challenges all year long! The notebook includes a variety of planning and refection pages, and is a great way to add some literacy to the STEM activities you complete with your learners.
Interested in trying out these Halloween STEM activities with your learners? Click the image or button below to download a copy oft he activity!
For more fun STEM Challenges you can use in your classroom, check out our Thanksgiving Stem Challenges and Christmas Stem Activities.
Interested in reading more about Halloween Activities you can use in your classroom?
Check out these related blog posts!
Spooky Short Stories for Middle School
More Spooky Short Stories for Middle School
Halloween Activities for Upper Elementary
Halloween Close Reading Activities for Middle School
Halloween Worksheets to Engage Your Learners
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