Creepy, Crawly and Creative STEM!

It’s the season for scares, sweets and all things a little bit spooky! From the bugs and insects that become active in the fall to ooey gooey treats and spooky innovations, STEM is as prevalent as the chill in the air. To start the season in style, embrace all the messy and mysterious elements of STEM learning with some of our favorite facts, creations and innovations.

Fascinating Bug Facts

Have you noticed bugs and insects out and about as the weather cools down? It’s likely that they are seeking shelter and looking for a safe place to get cozy, just like people do when the air gets crisp. While they carry a frightening reputation, these critters play an important role in ecosystems. Plus, they can be really cool – just check out this video to dive into the world of wacky bugs and insects! Then, research the insects in your area and be sure to keep an eye out for small crawling friends throughout the season. What creatures will you discover?

Scarily Sweet Treats

Some of the best memories are made over a shared snack, but did you know the kitchen is also a perfect lab for STEM learning? It’s true. Jumpstart your creativity and practice important STEM skills with three scary good recipes for wiggling witches’ brew, monster munchies and chilly chocolate ghosts – oh my!

Startling Innovations

The over-the-top nature of the Halloween season has led to some impressive innovations. Whether you love having a terrifyingly good time or prefer the sweeter side of the season, there’s a good chance you’ve encountered one of these patented inventions. After reading about these spooky patents, take a minute to consider the innovations that are special to your family and research the inventors who make it possible for us to celebrate special days in exciting ways!

Glowing Experiments

As we enter the final months of the year, the sun sets early and nights stretch out longer. But there’s no need to be afraid of the dark – you can use that time to practice awesome glowing experiments! Mix and measure your way into sticky, squishy glow-in-the-dark slime with this simple recipe. When you set the slime under light, its chemical compounds absorb and store energy, which is released slowly over time, making it glow in the dark. This makes the slime a phosphorescent material! It contains electrons that get excited when exposed to light, and it will continue to emit excess energy as light until they return to their original energy level.

Keep Exploring

For more ways to bring STEM learning to life, check out our blog!