4 Science-Focused Things to Do This October with Kids in the Fraser Valley
The air is crisp, the leaves are turning, and there’s a palpable sense of excitement as Halloween approaches. Here in the Fraser Valley, October is the perfect time to blend the magic of the season with the wonders of science. We’ve put together a list of five engaging, science-based activities that will turn your kids into little scientists, all while enjoying the best of our local autumn scene. Let’s dive in!
1. The Great Pumpkin Density Test
The Activity: Start your October with a classic Fraser Valley outing: a trip to a local pumpkin patch like Maan Farms or Hazelmere Pumpkin Patch. But before you carve your perfect pumpkin, turn it into a science experiment!
The Science: This is a hands-on lesson in physics and chemistry, focusing on the concept of DENSITY.
How to Do It:
- Have your kids predict whether their pumpkin will sink or float in a large tub of water.
- Gently place the pumpkin and a rock in the water and observe what happens.
How to Explain it to Your Kids: If the pumpkin floats, it means it’s less dense than water. In other words, it’s filled with lots of air pockets and isn’t super solid all the way through. If it or the rock sinks it means it’s more dense and really solid for its size. It’s a fantastic, visual way to demonstrate how an object’s weight relates to its volume!
2. Build an Electronic Jack-o'-lantern at one of our Halloween Workshops!
In this hands-on workshop, kids will design and build their very own light-up jack-o’-lantern using simple electronics and building blocks.
By the end of the session, each participant will take home their one-of-a-kind mini jack-o’-lanterns!
Join us for the ultimate kid-friendly Halloween activity in the Fraser Valley!
3. Ghostly Static Electricity
The Activity: This is a brilliantly simple and mess-free experiment that feels like magic, perfect for a chilly afternoon indoors.
The Science: You’ll be exploring the invisible forces of static electricity and electrostatics.
How to Do It:
- Give your child a white balloon and let them draw a spooky ghost face on it.
- Inflate the balloon and tie it off.
- Have them rub the balloon on their hair or a wool sweater for about 10-15 seconds.
- Now, the charged balloon will stick to walls, make their hair stand on end, or even mysteriously bend a gentle stream of water from a faucet!
How to Explain it to Your Kids:
You can tell them that by rubbing the balloon, they’re giving it a special power called a “static charge.” The rubbing creates invisible energy by moving tiny particles called electrons. This charge can attract light objects, making it seem like a ghostly force!
4. Decomposing "Mummy" Apple
The Science: Biology (Decomposition & Mummification)
The Activity: Take two apple slices. Leave one exposed to the air. Cover the other completely in a thick layer of baking soda (the “mummy wrapping”). Place both in a dark cupboard for a week. Observe the changes! The exposed apple will turn brown and rot, while the “mummy” apple will be preserved. The baking soda absorbs moisture, slowing down decay.
How to Explain it to Your Kids:
You can tell them that we used science to mummify an apple, just like the ancient Egyptians did! By removing the moisture that bacteria and mould need to grow, we can preserve the item.