Ghost Pumpkin Halloween Experiment For Kids

Ghost Pumpkin Experiment

This fun baking soda reaction makes a great family Halloween science activity. Super simple: our ghost pumpkin science uses ordinary kitchen ingredients.

SUPPLIES:

• Ghost Pumpkin (white pumpkin) or an Orange Pumpkin
• Baking Soda
• Vinegar
• Dish Soap {optional but will provide a more dramatic visual affect of eruption}
• Food Coloring and Glitter {Optional but cool}
• Containers, Basters, Measure Cups, Spoons, Towels

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SET UP A FOAMING GHOST PUMPKIN:

STEP 1. Gather your supplies. I like to use a tray or storage container lid with high sides to catch the mess. Keep some towels handy, just in case.

STEP 2. Carve your pumpkin, adults only! I did not completely clean ours, but you can add the insides to make a pumpkin squish bag.

STEP 3. Pour vinegar into a separate bowl and have a baster or scoop ready.

💡 Remove the top if you don’t want to carve a face. You will still have an incredible Pumpkin Volcano.

STEP 4. Add a few scoops of baking soda.

STEP 5. Next, add glitter and food coloring if desired. Then add a few drops of dish soap if desired.

STEP 6. Finally, add vinegar and get ready to say WOW! Repeat the process until you run out of baking soda or vinegar. 

If it’s nice outside, why not try it outdoors? Finally, when you are all done, wash the mess down the sink.

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FREE HALLOWEEN STEM GUIDE AND CHALLENGE CARDS

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What’s the Science Behind the Ghost Pumpkin Eruption?

This spooky ghost pumpkin eruption is actually a fun and simple chemical reaction! When baking soda (a base) mixes with vinegar (an acid), they react and create a gas called carbon dioxide. The gas causes all the bubbling and fizzing action you see as the ghost pumpkin “erupts”!

But here’s where it gets even more exciting: adding a little dish soap makes the reaction look even more dramatic by creating lots of foamy bubbles! Try it both ways to see the difference. Without dish soap, you’ll get a clearer view of the chemical reaction in action—you can hear the fizzing, see the bubbling up close, and even feel the gas being released.

This experiment is a great way to explore basic chemistry while having some Halloween fun!

💡 YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Bubbling Brew Experiment

What happens when you add extra soap? You get an extra bubbly ghost pumpkin science eruption.

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Kids will love to repeat this simple ghost pumpkin science experiment because it’s fascinating to watch. We have tons of neat pumpkin science activities to explore this season.