Add a little STEM exploration to your pumpkin theme with this simple Pumpkin Balancing Challenge! CMake pumpkin science a little more exciting with this Dancing Pumpkin Seeds Experiment! Children will compare what happens when a pumpkin seed is placed in plain water and carbonated water. As bubbles collect around the seeds, they will watch them rise to the surface, sink and “dance” through the liquid.
Use club soda for a quick setup, or create your own carbonated water with baking soda and vinegar. After observing the experiment, children can draw the seeds and bubbles they saw on the included recording page.
This simple activity introduces children to making observations, comparing results and learning how gas bubbles can move an object through water. It works well during a pumpkin theme, fall science unit, small-group activity or whole-group demonstration.
Included
- Dancing Pumpkin Seeds instruction page
- Printable observation and recording page
- Simple explanation of the science behind the experiment
- Directions for using plain water as a control
Materials Needed
- Crayons or markers
- Plain water
- Club soda or another clear carbonated liquid
- Clean, dry pumpkin seeds
- Two clear cups or containers
