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Learning chemistry doesn’t have to be scary. Well, except on Halloween! Find creepy chemistry ideas using dry ice, glow-in-the-dark, pumpkins, and more.
Sections
Activities
- Dressing for (Chemical Success) from ACS Chemical Education Today
Students dress in costume to represent an element from the periodic table.
- Make Glow-in-the-Dark Jell-O from Mom Advice
Add glowing Jell-O to your party menu with this recipe.
- Laundry Detergent Glowing Skull from ThoughtCo
Create a collection of glowing skull Halloween decorations.
- Static Powered Dancing Ghost from Science Bob
This ghost wants to dance but needs your help—your balloon’s help, that is.
- Halloween Mystery Box Game from The Spruce
Feels like… brains! Try this creepy but fun way to hone your observational skills, without peeking in the box.
Demos
- Halloween Chemistry Demonstrations from C&EN
Halloween twists on several common chemistry demonstrations make for spooky excitement, including the puking pumpkin, ectoplasmic drool, and the dark-side pumpkin.
- Genie in a Bottle from Flinn Scientific
When sodium iodide is dropped into a flask containing 30% hydrogen peroxide, a “magical” genie appears in the form of water vapor and oxygen.
- Using Dry Ice to make a Spoon Sing (Scream!) from ThoughtCo
Listen carefully for the sounds of Halloween screams.
- Amazing Bag of Blood from Kitchen Pantry Scientist
Stab a bag of “blood” without spilling a single drop in this easy Halloween demo.
- Frankenstein’s Hand from Mom it Forward
Frankenstein’s hand comes alive in this acid–base reaction.
Labs
- Math & Science Pumpkins from Oregon Agricultural in the Classroom Foundation
Do pumpkins sink or float? Students engage in several lab activities using pumpkins.
- Spooky Diving Ghost from STEAMsational
Put the pressure on this ghost to make it sink, then float up to the top once again.
- Fluffy Zombie Brain Slime from Little Bins, Little Hands
Create this extra fluffy slime recipe in a brain-shaped (or Halloween themed) mold. - Crystal Pumpkin Suspension Science from Little Bins, Little Hands
Students can grow borax crystal pumpkins overnight!
Articles
- Science Project Runway, Farming Fashion, Chemistry Costumes from C&EN
Can’t think of a thing to wear to the Halloween party? Try one of these creative (and cheap!) chemistry-themed costumes.
- Periodic Graphics: The Chemistry of Pumpkins from C&EN
Pumpkins take front and center during this holiday. Learn about their chemistry before you carve.
- Carving Nanopumpkins, Slicing Fingers, Cutting Water from C&EN
These aren’t the perfect size to display on your front porch, but they’re some cool science.
- How to Keep Your Jack O’Lantern Looking Dapper Longer, from Smithsonian Magazine
Looking for ideas on how to keep your cut pumpkin pristine? This pumpkin expert has some suggestions
- Halloween Treats, Support your Favorite Element from C&EN
Both pumpkins and chocolate have antimicrobial and antioxidant properties—which would you rather eat first?
- The Science Behind Halloween Candy from Science Meets Food
Learn how long you can expect all that candy to last.
- Halloween Special: The Chemistry of Blood from Compound Interest
What makes your blood, blood? This chemistry really gets under your skin.
- Molecule of the Week Archive: Putrescine and Cadaverine from ACS
Learn more about the foul smelling odors associated with the dead.
Videos
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The Chemistry of Hollywood Fake Blood from ACS Reactions
A historical and chemical overview of fake blood—and learn how to make your own.
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How Much Candy Would Kill You? from ACS Reactions
Learn about the LD50 related to some sweet, sugary science.