25 Fall Stem Activities For Kids Who Appreciate The Science

Hold onto your hats because fall is not just about pumpkin spice and everything nice—it’s also a science wonderland! As leaves change color and the air gets crisp, it’s the perfect backdrop to explore science and math with fall stem activities.

Fun Fall Stem Activities For Kids

Fall is the perfect time to combine crisp air, colorful leaves, and cozy vibes with engaging STEM learning. Whether your child loves chemistry, engineering, nature, or design, these activities offer something for every interest. From pumpkin-powered catapults to leaf chromatography, here are 25 ways to make autumn educational and exciting.

1. Experiment with Fall Leaf Chromatography

Ever wonder why leaves change color in the fall? This experiment uses rubbing alcohol, coffee filters, and freshly picked leaves to reveal the pigments hiding inside. Kids learn about chromatography and the chemical makeup of plants. It’s a beautiful way to explore biology and chemistry through seasonal science.

2. Build a Pumpkin Catapult

Launch fall fun with a DIY pumpkin catapult made from PVC pipes and bungee cords. Kids explore physics concepts like potential energy, kinetic energy, and velocity as they test their designs. You can measure distance, adjust angles, and compare results. It’s a thrilling way to combine engineering and experimentation.

3. Create a Fall-themed Lava Lamp

Mix oil, water, food coloring, and Alka-Seltzer tablets to make a bubbling lava lamp in autumn hues. Kids learn about density, polarity, and chemical reactions while watching the mesmerizing motion. Customize the colors to match fall leaves or Halloween vibes. It’s science with a seasonal twist.

4. Go on a Fall Nature Scavenger Hunt

Head outdoors with a checklist of fall items—acorns, pinecones, colorful leaves, and mushrooms. Kids sharpen observation skills and learn about ecosystems, plant identification, and seasonal changes. You can turn it into a photo challenge or nature journal entry. It’s a simple way to connect STEM with the natural world.

5. Build a Candy Corn Catapult

Use wooden skewers, rubber bands, and a spoon to build a mini catapult that launches candy corn. Kids explore mechanical engineering, trajectory, and force as they test different designs. You can measure distance and accuracy for a fun competition. It’s a sweet way to learn about motion and design.

6. Construct a Spider Web Geometry Challenge

Create spider webs using popsicle sticks and yarn to explore angles, symmetry, and geometric shapes. Kids learn how spiders use math to build their intricate homes. You can compare designs and discuss patterns found in nature. It’s a creative blend of math and biology.

7. Investigate Pumpkin Preservation Techniques

Test different methods—like coating with Vaseline, soaking in bleach, or spraying with vinegar—to see which keeps a pumpkin fresh the longest. Kids learn about decomposition, mold growth, and preservation science. Track changes over time and record observations. It’s a real-world experiment with spooky relevance.

8. Design a Fall-themed Paper Airplane Challenge

Use fall-colored paper and themed decorations to design and test paper airplanes. Kids explore aerodynamics, stability, and velocity as they tweak their models. You can measure flight distance and analyze what makes a plane fly farther. It’s a seasonal spin on a classic STEM challenge.

9. Grow a Pumpkin Seed STEM Garden

Plant pumpkin seeds in small pots and observe their growth over time. Kids learn about germination, photosynthesis, and plant anatomy while caring for their seedlings. You can track progress in a garden journal and discuss environmental factors. It’s a hands-on way to explore life science.

10. Build a Fall-themed LEGO Maze

Challenge kids to design a maze using fall-colored LEGO bricks. They’ll practice spatial reasoning, problem-solving, and design thinking as they build and test paths. Add a marble or mini figure to navigate the maze. It’s a creative way to combine engineering and seasonal flair.

11. Explore the Science of Slime

Make slime from scratch using glue, borax, and food coloring in fall-inspired shades. Kids learn about polymers, chemical reactions, and non-Newtonian fluids. You can experiment with texture, stretch, and color combinations. It’s messy, satisfying, and packed with science.

12. Create a Pumpkin Boat Engineering Challenge

Hollow out small pumpkins and add sails or stabilizers to create floating boats. Kids explore buoyancy, surface tension, and fluid mechanics as they test their designs in water. You can race the boats or measure how much weight they hold. It’s a festive way to dive into engineering.

13. Experiment with Apple Volcanoes

Carve out apples and fill them with baking soda, then pour in vinegar to create fizzy eruptions. Kids learn about chemical reactions, pressure, and gas formation. You can compare different apple types or add food coloring for extra flair. It’s a seasonal twist on a classic experiment.

14. Build a Fall-themed LEGO Bridge Challenge

Use LEGO bricks in autumn colors to build bridges that span a gap and hold weight. Kids explore structural engineering, load distribution, and design principles. Test with coins or small toys to see how strong each bridge is. It’s a hands-on way to learn about architecture.

15. Investigate Leaf Symmetry

Collect fall leaves and examine their shapes to explore symmetry and measurement. Kids can fold leaves, trace them, and use rulers to analyze balance and proportion. You can turn it into an art project or math journal entry. It’s a beautiful way to connect geometry with nature.

16. Build a Candy Corn Catapult

Yes, it’s so fun it deserves a second mention! Try different designs or materials to compare results. Kids can explore how tension, angle, and weight affect trajectory. It’s a playful way to reinforce engineering concepts with a seasonal treat.

17. Conduct a Sink or Float Fall Experiment

Gather fall items—like apples, mini pumpkins, leaves, and gourds—and test whether they sink or float in water. Kids learn about density, buoyancy, and material properties. You can make predictions, record results, and discuss why certain items behave differently. It’s a simple experiment with big learning potential.

18. Create a Fall-themed Rube Goldberg Machine

Design a chain-reaction machine using marbles, dominoes, toy cars, and fall-themed props. Kids explore energy transfer, momentum, and gravity as they build and test their creations. You can set a goal like ringing a bell or popping a balloon. It’s a fun way to combine creativity and physics.

19. Build a Fall Leaf Structures Challenge

Use fall leaves, toothpicks, and glue to build towers, bridges, or sculptures. Kids learn about structure, stability, and design while working with natural materials. You can test how much weight each structure holds or how tall it can go. It’s architecture meets autumn.

20. Create a Leaf Stained Glass Window

Arrange colorful leaves between sheets of wax paper and glue to create a stained glass effect. Kids explore light, transparency, and color mixing as they design their windows. Hang them in a sunny spot to see the magic. It’s a creative way to learn about optics and art.

21. Explore DIY Fall Instruments

Make simple instruments using acorns, pinecones, sticks, and other fall finds. Kids learn about sound waves, vibration, and resonance as they shake, tap, and strum. You can create a mini concert or sound experiment. It’s music and physics rolled into one.

22. Investigate Animal Adaptations in Fall

Research how animals prepare for winter—like migration, hibernation, or growing thicker fur. Kids can go on a nature walk to observe wildlife or create posters about different species. This activity teaches biology, ecology, and environmental science. It’s a thoughtful way to connect STEM with seasonal change.

23. Create a Fall-themed Weather Station

Set up tools like a thermometer, rain gauge, and windsock to track fall weather. Kids learn about meteorology, data collection, and climate patterns. You can chart daily changes and make predictions. It’s science in action—right in your backyard.

24. Design a Pumpkin Catapult

Yes, again! Try a new design or challenge—like launching for distance or accuracy. Kids can compare results and refine their builds. It’s a repeat-worthy activity that reinforces physics and engineering in a festive way.

25. Experiment with Apple Oxidation

Slice apples and observe how they change over time when exposed to air. Kids learn about chemical reactions, enzymes, and oxidation. You can test different methods to slow the browning—like lemon juice or salt water. It’s a tasty way to explore chemistry.

🍁 Final Thoughts

Fall is full of color, change, and inspiration—and it’s the perfect season to dive into STEM learning. These 25 activities help kids ages 10 to 16 explore science, technology, engineering, and math through hands-on fun and seasonal themes. Whether you’re launching pumpkins, crafting leaf art, or building bridges, you’re nurturing curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking.

In conclusion, fall is a season of fun, and engaging in STEM activities can be an excellent way for kids to learn, grow, and have fun. With the 25 fall STEM activities listed above, your kids will learn about different STEM concepts like chemical reactions, physics, biology, and engineering.

So, grab your kids, choose an activity, and start exploring the fascinating world of STEM this fall.