It doesn’t get much easier than pumpkin rolling on homemade ramps. And what makes it even better is that it’s also a simple physics experiment for kids. This rolling pumpkins science activity is easy to set up and perfect for a crisp fall day. Take it outdoors for easy gross motor play! We have been diving head first into pumpkin STEM activities this fall. What can you learn from rolling pumpkins? See for yourself!

Rolling Pumpkins Science Ramps Activity for Fall PhysicsPin

Explore Pumpkins For Fall STEM

Seriously, this simple physics activity with rolling pumpkins is easy to set up because you have what you need already or it’s time to take a trip to the pumpkin patch anyway! Makes a great weekend activity and definitely will entertain kids of all ages. Possibly adults too!

TIP: You can also pair it with the book Roll -Away Pumpkin by Junia Wonders.

So after a trip to the pumpkin patch and a nice day to be outside, you will have learned a little bit about forces and motion for simple physics. But most of all, the whole family will have had fun!

This can also be a fun idea for a pumpkin themed classroom science activity. Since you already have the pumpkins, try turning it into a pumpkin bowling activity {use empty soda bottles} or add paint for an interesting pumpkin art activity.

Roll Away Pumpkin Physics Activity for KidsPin

What Is STEM For Kids?

STEM sounds complicated, but it isn’t! Once you get how science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) mingle, you can see how it applies to many science and STEM activities you already love.

The best STEM activities encourage your kids to use at least 3 of the 4 pillars of the STEM acronym (science, technology, engineering, and math) to tackle their projects head-on, challenge what they know, and build character. The lessons STEM can teach our kids are priceless!

Have you played around with science with your kiddos? If you haven’t, you are in for a real treat. And if you have, you already know how fun STEM activities are…

Unlock your kids’ curiosity and spark their inner inventor! The world of science and STEM is AMAZING with these hands-on science experiments and STEM activities!

You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to share STEM with your kids. We have everything you need: simple-to-follow activities, low-prep ideas, easy-to-digest science information, and inexpensive supplies.

Helpful STEM Resources To Get You Started

Here are a few resources to help you introduce STEM more effectively to your kiddos or students and feel confident when presenting materials. You’ll find helpful free printables throughout.

Get your free pumpkin STEM activities!

Rolling Pumpkins

This is a great “use what you have” kind of activity. We recently took a trip to Ikea and returned with some nice cardboard boxes. Yes, there was a bookcase inside one! In our house, cardboard rules!

You can also use plastic rain gutters. No really! We bought some at the hardware store, and they are excellent for so many kinds of activities. We used them for apple races. Wood planks work, too.

Do you want to pair this rolling pumpkin activity with a pumpkin-themed book? Check out this list of Pumpkin Book STEM Activities.

Supplies:

  • Small Pumpkins
  • Materials To Make Ramps
Rolling Pumpkins Ramp Set Up Cardboard Box RampsPin

Instructions:

STEP 1. Set up your ramps. (See our suggestions above.) You will want to have the option to change the height of the ramp.

STEP 2. Grab a pumpkin and place it at the top of the ramp.

I am pretty sure your kids have this next step covered! My son did. Start rolling pumpkins! Make sure to ask your kids why pumpkins roll.

Pumpkin Rolling with Homemade Ramps for Kids Physics Pin

You may find your pumpkins rolling off the edge. Challenge your kids to find a way to keep the pumpkins on the ramp. 

What happens when you change the angle of the ramp? Does the pumpkin pick up speed? Read more about simple science below.

Rolling Pumpkins Explores Force and Motion for PhysicsPin

You can also grab a tape measure and check out the distance your pumpkin traveled to include some pumpkin math.

What happens when you roll a pumpkin uphill or downhill? How do force, motion, and gravity play a part?

Gravity is also a force, and the angle of our ramps plays a part in the pull of gravity on the pumpkin. We put our pumpkin into motion!

The Science Of Rolling Pumpkins

This is an excellent opportunity to talk about force and motion. For something to move, it needs a force. This force can be a push or a pull.

The amount of force will determine how something moves and at what speed. Here we are getting the pumpkin rolling and gravity pulling them down the ramp.

Want to learn more about “What is Gravity?”

The laws of motion tell us that an object will stay at rest until a force is presented and that every force creates an equal force. If we need to push the pumpkin to get it rolling, our push is the force. The size of the push will also determine the distance traveled or the speed.

Pumpkin Rolling Outdoor Science ActivityPin

Friction plays a part in all of this, too! Rolling pumpkins on the grass differs from rolling pumpkins on the pavers. The friction between the grass and the pumpkin will slow it down.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Toy Car Friction Experiment

Rolling your pumpkin over a thick towel, will it also slow down? Do you need to apply a greater force to get your pumpkin moving?

Outdoor Pumpkin SciencePin

Try rolling pumpkins on different surfaces. See what happens?

Pumpkin Rolling STEM Activity Pin

More Fun Science With Pumpkins

You don’t need to celebrate Halloween to enjoy pumpkin science experiments. Try one or all of the ideas below!

Printable Pumpkin STEM Pack

Perfect for K-2/3rd Grade and homeschool! Many activities can be modified for preschool and older kiddos as well.

Pumpkin is a festive and classic theme for fall and this pack is perfect for exploring pumpkins with a non-Halloween theme! Includes science, STEM, engineering, early math, and art projects.

100+ pages of “totally doable” projects the kids will have a blast trying! Read more here.

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Printable Pumpkin Preschool Pack

Need a younger version of our Pumpkin STEM Project Pack? Perfect for older toddlers and preschoolers to explore pumpkins this fall season. 14+ Pumpkin theme activities include instructions, templates, and a great book list.

6 Comments

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  5. I have been using many of your pumpkin ideas for my co-op k-3rd grade science class. We’ve been having so much fun! Thank you

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