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Fall is a fabulous time of year to try some STEM activities with your kids. I’ve collected 16 fall science experiments that will really wow your kids. Get ready to have some serious fun!
Note: If you are living in the southern hemisphere you’ll find some spring science experiments here.
Looking for something fun and easy to do with your kids?
Why not try some fall science experiments?
If you’re a regular here you’ll know how much I love science. It’s such a fun way to HAVE FUN with kids.
I’m a BIG FAN of having fun!
Fall is the perfect time of year for a few science activities. The leaves are changing color, fall fruit is ripening, and bears are foraging in the backyard for food.
YEEK bears?!
Yup! Right now they need to fatten up for their winter sleep, so they are looking for food.
Download a free Science Activity Sheet from the library. The library is my gift to subscribers. It contains eBooks, printables, and inspiration to support you in your parenting journey. You’ll find the Activity Sheets in the free printables.
Are you ready to see your children’s faces light up with excitement?
Let’s get started.
Looking for signs of Fall
Searching for signs of fall is a great way to encourage observation skills.
Keep it simple by inviting your children to point out the signs they see, hear, smell when you are out and about.
If you want to go a little further try keeping a record of your observations in a homemade book
Set up an fall exploration table.
Have you ever wondered what causes the seasons to change? Pose the question to your kids and then discover how the tilt of the earth causes the seasons. Note: This experiment is for grades 4 and up
Leaves everywhere
Right now the leaves are changing and falling. This is the perfect time to try some science activities with leaves.
Learn about leaf colors and chlorophyll in this simple experiment.
Discover the hidden colors in fall leaves with some leaf chromatography.
Art meets science in this activity that looks at the parts of a leaf from KC Edventures.
“A leaf print is much more than just a pretty picture — it’s also a peek into the science of trees.” Jacquie Fisher
Leaf Detectives is a brilliant way to get kids to observe and keep a notebook while playing.
Apples galore
There’s lots of apples to be found at this time of year.
This experiment focused on how different liquids affect apples.
Make Toffee Apples and watch substances change from solid to liquid and back again. This is yummy science.
Try these apple science investigations from Finding the Teachable Moments. Includes free printables to download.
Pumpkins
Pumpkins and fall simply go together. Why not try some pumpkin science experiments?
Invite children to use their 5 senses to explore the insides of a pumpkin. I love this hands on approach to science and your kids will enjoy making a gooey mess!Try these great outdoor experiments & activities!
What happens to a rotting pumpkin? Read this young boy’s science journal on his own rotting pumpkin, and then observe your own. Kids will love this activity!
Trees and seeds
Use seeds and leaves to identify trees. Learn a little about the trees in your back yard with this fun hands-on project that brings trees up close!
Discover what make pine cones open and close. You can even encourage kids test out an hypothesis.
Great resources to help you identify leaves
Find some beautiful fall leaf identification charts at Look We’re Learning. Print these gorgeous leaf identification cards from Wildflower Ramblings.
One last activity
Squirrels store food ready for the winter. They need to have a good memory to find their secret hoards! Could you survive as a squirrel?
Collect 5-10 acorns or pine cones from the woodland floor. Find a good place to store or bury them. Now go off for a walk, then come back and see if you can find them!
Go one step further and store the acorns on one visit to the woodland, then look for them the next time you come! How did you do?
Some gentle encouragement
Kids love these kinds of activities. Don’t be intimidated by the words “Science experiment.” All of these activities are easy to set up and do.
Your kids will enjoy some hands on learning.
And you’ll get a reputation for being the coolest parent on the planet.
That can’t hurt can it?
Looking for more science activities?
Check out my science Pinterest board
Science Fun
Now it’s your turn
Have you tried any other fall science activities? Which one would you like to try? If you try one listed here I would love to hear how it went.
Love these ideas! There’s a couple we do anyway but I’ve never considered the science side, I feel extra good now ! #twinklytuesday
I love how you make all of these so doable! 🙂 Getting outdoors and savoring all the wonderful things of fall like the leaves, apples, and pumpkins are great ideas. God’s world is AMAZING! #twinklytuesday
A lovely selection! Thanks for featuring our toffee apple science!