Try these Halloween STEM challenges for middle school and bring some spooky factor into the middle school classroom!
Middle schoolers sometimes get the short end of the stick when it comes to STEM activities for kids.
You see tons of preschool STEM activities and elementary STEM activities, but far fewer middle school STEM activities.
But when it comes to seasonal science experiments, like Halloween STEM activities, usually the experiments are targeted at elementary students.
Not so these Halloween STEM challenges for middle school!
Finally, middle schoolers can get the spooky STEM activities they deserve with this list of Halloween experiments for middle school.
If you need even more Halloween middle school fun, check out these middle school STEM activities!
NGSS Themes for Middle School
Middle schoolers build on the same NGSS concepts that were started all the way back in kindergarten.
However, middle schoolers have an expanded range of topics and themes that they explore. You can find a list of middle school NGSS concepts and topis here.
However, most of the experiments in this list fall under these standards:
- MS-PS1 Matter and its Interactions
- MS-PS3 Energy
- MS-LS1 From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes
- MS-LS3 Heredity: Inheritance and Variation of Traits
- MS-LS4 Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity
- MS-ETS1 Engineering Design
Supplies for Middle School Halloween STEM Challenges
You’ll want some classic lab equipment when doing middle school STEM activities. Equipment like a microscope, safety goggles, and beaker set, are essential.
You may also find these science products helpful:
You’ll want to have either large plastic trays (I use this kind), a sensory table, or official STEM bins to put your activities in.
For Halloween specifically, you will probably want some Halloween figures like plastic bugs, eyeballs, or Halloween mini toys.
For the activities listed below, you’ll also want to have on hand:
- Elmer’s glue
- Liquid laundry starch
- Play dough
- Vinegar
- Baking soda
- Jello
- Plastic straws
- Soap coloring
- Craft supplies
- Science flasks/beakers
- Plastic jars
- Mason jars
- LEGO bricks
And of course, spooky Halloween supplies are also fun when doing a Halloween theme, like glow in the dark powder, or skulls.
You’ll also find that a pumpkin is essential for many of these middle school Halloween experiments!
On to the Halloween STEM Activities for Middle School!
If you love these Halloween STEM activity, you’ll also want to check out:
- Spooky Halloween STEM Activities for Middle School
- 100+ Fun and Not-Too-Spooky Halloween STEM Experiments
- Halloween Science Experiments in a Jar
- Halloween Science Experiments
Make a model of blood
A lot of middle schoolers start learning about blood and the parts that go into the makeup of blood.
This fun 3D blood model project is a fun way for middle schoolers to learn more about how blood works in the body.
Explore molecular bonds with witch-themed salt crystals
Who says learning about molecular bonds has to be boring?
Not this Halloween Salt Crystallization Experiment making witch crystals that’s for sure!
Middle schoolers will love doing this variation on crystal formation and molecular bonding.
Make a spooky ghost cartesian diver
With middle schoolers, I like to show them the science behind “trendy” sort of activities.
The cartesian diver is a fun experiment that is often used as a magic trick.
With this ghost cartesian diver, kids can learn the science behind the magic!
Create your own edible bacteria
Middle school kids are gross, so why not embrace that fact and let them explore the composition of bacteria in edible form?
They will love making and eating this edible bacteria candy.
Put a ghostly twist on chromatography
Chromotography is an essential tool in chemistry for helping to identify what chemicals are in a compound.
Middle schoolers can explore this concept first-hand and in a safe way with this fun ghost chromatography experiment for kids.
Explore osmosis with an egg
Osmosis and cell formation and identification is often a big part of middle school science.
But it’s not usually as fun as it is with this osmosis egg experiment. Plus it’s red, which is delightfully gross!
When it comes to middle school STEM challenges, there is a fine balance between hitting core concepts and making the lessons hands-on and fun.
These Halloween STEM challenges for middle school really hit that line really well!
What STEM challenges do your middle schoolers really love?
More Middle School Halloween Activities
Spooky Halloween STEM Activities for Middle School
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