Get Excited for Fall with this STEM Activity!

STEM activities are a great way to introduce Cloverbuds to the world of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. By participating in hands-on STEM activities, children can learn problem- solving skills, creativity, and decision making skills.

Using the season to build activities around a theme engages Cloverbuds and connects them to real world experiences. Try this favorite Fall-themed STEM activity with your Cloverbuds at your next meeting.

Mini Pumpkin Volcano

Materials Picture of a Mini Pumpkin Volcano made with baking soda, food coloring, and vinegarNeeded:

  • Mini Pumpkin
  • Baking Soda
  • Vinegar
  • Dish soap
  • Food Coloring
  • Spoon
  • Measuring Cup
  • Tray or paper (for the mess)

What to Do:

  1. Cut the stem area of the pumpkin, keeping the opening smaller.
  2. Clean out the seeds.
  3. Place the pumpkin on the tray or paper.
  4. Add 3 to 4 spoons of baking soda to each pumpkin. Add a few drops of dish soap, and a few drops of food coloring.
  5. Pour vinegar into a bowl and have the Cloverbud use a measuring cup to pour vinegar into the pumpkin. Watch as the pumpkin erupts!

To make your pumpkin volcano even more interesting, carve the pumpkin like a jack-o-lantern and watch the eruption from different angles of the pumpkin.

Check out the Cloverbud Connections Pumpkin STEM and the Pumpkin Ideas for Autumn 4-H Cloverbud Activities blogs for more pumpkin and fall ideas to use with your Cloverbuds.

 

Pile of mini pumpkins

Sources:

https://littlebinsforlittlehands.com/mini-pumpkin-volcanos-fall-science-experiment/

https://www.kindergartenworksheetsandgames.com/pumpkin-volcano-science-experiments/

Photos from Adobe Stock

 

STEM and Cloverbuds

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) activities have a large impact on children. STEM focuses on hands-on learning which helps children develop STEM skills including problem solving, critical thinking, creativity, curiosity, decision making, and many more. It is never to early to teach these skills which are important not only now, but in the future. Try this STEM activity at your next meeting!

Important Information to consider before doing this activity.

  • Neodymium magnets are extremely strong! Fingers can easily get pinched when trying to separate the magnets. Be sure to keep the magnets away from cell phones, computer, and other electronics.
  • Iron oxide powder is not good to breathe. Therefore, the iron is mixed in with the glue.  Wear a mask when working with this powder.
  • Iron oxide powder is available from a variety of online sources.
  • Neodymium magnets are available from a variety of online sources.

                                   Magnetic Slime

You will need:

  • Liquid starch
  • Elmer’s glue
  • Iron Oxide powder (wear a mask)
  • Mixing bowl
  • Plastic spoons
  • ¼ Cup for measuring
  • 1 Tablespoon for measuring
  • 1/8 cup for measuring
  • A neodymium (rare earth) magnet, regular magnets aren’t strong enough

What to do:

  • In a mixing bowl add ¼ cup glue and 2 Tbsp iron oxide powder. Stir.
  • Pour in 1/8 cup liquid starch.
  • Stir the mixture well, the starch will react with the glue and slime will form.
  • Use your hands to knead the slime. If it is too sticky add more starch.
  • Use your magnet and play with the slime.