Halloween STEM challenge activities are probably my favorite fall days in the classroom! You’ve survived the first several weeks of school! Your procedures are in place. The students know your high expectations. Once October rolls around, a little fun is in order, don’t you think? But not just any kind of fun — fun with substance! Fun you can feel good about in your classroom because it’s collaborative, hands-on, brain-busting work (disguised as fun)!
If you’re a STEM Challenge enthusiast, you know any challenge can be used for any age with just a few modifications. If you’re new to the game — or just tired of doing all the heavy-lifting yourself — check out the video walk-throughs linked next to each challenge below as well as teaching resources for modifications for grades 2-8.
Here’s a very quick visual of each of the 5 Halloween STEM Challenge Activities in action:
If you hadn’t already picked up on it, I 😍 Halloween! I have an entire playlist of video walk-throughs on YouTube with the STEM Challenges you see below and others I think are a natural fit for Halloween. Check out the entire Halloween STEM Challenge playlist from YouTube if you’re looking for inspiration.
You’ll find the original video walk-throughs there as well as modifications to use in virtual environments (look for the pandemic era videos).
And there’s more where this came from! Over the years, I’ve continued to add to my Halloween STEM activities resources. You may want to check out this post where I’ve amassed 20 Epic Halloween STEM Activities, including the 5 mentioned below.
Here’s a quick description of 5 of my favorite Halloween STEM activities, plus links to their video walk-throughs and teaching resources for each one:
Table of Contents
Halloween STEM Challenge Activity 1: Bone Bridge®
Bone Bridge®– students build a bridge for length, strength, or capacity. Connect it to your lessons on the skeletal system, bridges/transportation, and/or forces!
Get all the details including materials needed & a video walk-through on the Bone Bridge® blog post.
Or, grab the teaching resource.
Halloween STEM Challenge Activity 2: Wings Wanted
Wings Wanted — students design a new set of bat wings, with the goal being to achieve maximum flight distance and/or accuracy. It’s a paper airplane challenge with a twist!
Get all the details including materials needed & a video walk-through on the Wings Wanted blog post.
Or, grab the teaching resource.
Halloween STEM Challenge Activity 3: Creature Catcher
Creature Catcher — students design a device to catch as many “creatures” as possible. While spider web designs come to mind, there are many ways to catch a creature. Let your students’ imagination and creativity shine by leaving the challenge open-ended.
Get all the details including materials needed & a video walk-through on the Creature Catcher blog post.
Or, grab the teaching resource.
Halloween STEM Challenge Activity 4: Treat Toss
Treat Toss — students build a low-energy machine to toss treats without spreading germs. Build for maximum launch distance and/or target-accuracy. Perfect introduction to simple machines, particularly levers!
Get all the details including materials needed & a video walk-through on the Treat Toss blog post.
Or, grab the teaching resource.
Halloween STEM Challenge Activity 5: Ghosts in the Graveyard
Ghosts in the Graveyard — students create a ghost transporter that lifts cotton ball “ghosts” from the ground to the top of a pulley. Use grapes instead of ghosts if Halloween is a no-go at your school.
Get all the details including materials needed & a video walk-through on the Ghosts in the Graveyard blog post.
Or, grab the teaching resource.
Grab the entire bundle and make this the best October ever! 🥰
Or, if you didn’t see just the right thing for your kids, check out this recent blog post where I’ve added 15 more ideas for a total of 20 epic Halloween STEM activities!
Related Blog Posts:
- 20 Epic Halloween STEM Activities
- 30 STEM Activities in 30 Minutes or Less (with freebies)
- 5 Apple STEM Activities for Fall
- 5 Easy Halloween Costumes for Teachers
Pin me & come back to visit any time for STEM activity inspiration!
