The leaves are falling. The sweaters are out. Football is on TV. YES! Autumn is here!

Whether you’re sad about summer leaving or getting bundled up for all the cozy days to come, we want this season to be bushels of fun by bringing fall into your classroom. Autumn has several holidays, specifically food-related ones, for you to celebrate. Why not observe those by getting some hands-on learning AND munching on some food? I mean, could it get any better?

Check out these a-maze-ing fall holiday activities below for your kiddos!

National Pumpkin Day 

You heard that right. National Pumpkin Day is October 26! When October hits, there’s madness for pumpkin on EVERYTHING – coffee, decorations, dessert, and more – I for sure am guilty of it. But why stop there? Carve out some time for these pumpkin-inspired STEM activities:

1. Pumpkin Geoboard – Create some gourd-eous designs with this one. All you need are a few pumpkins, finishing nails, and some rubber bands to incorporate an interactive math and art activity into your classroom. This is a great way for kids to think about different shapes, patterns, and colors. After they’re done, put them around the classroom to spice up the room and show off your students’ work.
2. Erupting Pumpkins – Willing to create a little mess in the classroom? This experiment brings together science, creativity, and loads of excitement. Carve out your pumpkin into any design you desire – be sure to get crafty with it! When they’re done students will have some bubbling fun by adding baking soda and vinegar to create a reaction that makes the pumpkin erupt! Try adding some food coloring for more amusement!

Check out my version of carving out a pumpkin:

Don’t forget to save the seeds from the pumpkin to make a healthy snack!

National Candy Corn Day

Oh yes, the candy with the biggest debate of history has its own holiday. Candy corn is celebrated on October 30 to celebrate the treat made out of sugar, corn syrup, and confectioner’s wax. Whether you love it or not, this candy is a significant part of fall and a treat that your kids will love.

1. Candy Corn Catapult – Want to go back into the medieval days with this activity? Check out our catapult products to throw some candy with. Build the catapults and use candy corn to demonstrate force, motion, vectors, trajectory, and more! Trust me, it will be a hit!
2. Candy Corn Tower – Put your hard hats on and get to building. This activity challenges students to build the tallest tower possible with toothpicks and candy corn. Follow this link to get a free PDF of the instructions. OR try it without toothpicks and pile the candy corn on top of each other in a circle to make it look like real corn!

National Caramel Apple Day

October 31 is Caramel Apple Day! Whether it brings back childhood memories, fair memories, or just messy memories, nothing can beat an old-fashioned caramel apple. And fall wouldn’t be complete without at least one caramel apple, so check out these ideas to wrap up your fall festivities:

1. Make your own! What better way to wind down and build relationships with your students than making tasty treats after a long day of learning? If an apple a day keeps the doctor away, then what can a little caramel on top hurt? Pile it on!
2. Grow a Candy Apple – If you don’t want to make a mess in the classroom, this one’s for you! This might not be what you typically think of when someone mentions caramel apples, but it doesn’t mean it’s not just as fun! And it makes for a cool science experiment.

Make this season one to remember! However you celebrate these holidays, make sure to tag us on social media or leave us a comment to share your fun! Happy Fall-y Days!

PS: Want more fall fun? Check out our STEM & the Holidays Pinterest board!