Dry ice is so much fun, and its smoky effect is perfect to create spooky fog for a Halloween themed lesson! 

So grab a coffee and sit back and relax while I give you 15 halloween experiments and display ideas to spook up your lessons this Halloween! 

dry ice halloween experiments and display ideas

Disclaimer: This blog post, ‘dry ice halloween experiments and display ideas‘, may contain links to resources that I have created for classroom use. Read full disclaimer here. activ

Background about Dry Ice:

Dry ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide (CO₂). It’s called ‘dry’ because it doesn’t melt into a liquid as regular ice does; instead, dry ice sublimates, meaning it turns directly from a solid into a gas at temperatures above -78.5°C (-109.3°F). This sublimation process produces a cold, dense fog, which is why dry ice is often used in fog machines for theatrical effects.

Solid carbon dioxide is much colder than regular ice, which makes it useful for preserving food, medical supplies, and other perishable items during shipping. However, because it releases carbon dioxide gas as it sublimates, it needs to be handled in well-ventilated areas to prevent the buildup of CO₂, which can be dangerous in high concentrations.

Additionally, due to its extremely low temperature, handling dry ice requires protective gloves to prevent frostbite.

dry ice halloween experiments and display ideas

dry ice halloween experiments / demonstrations:

Science experiments are a great way to engage students and take advantage of the wonder of dry ice!

1. Comparing Dry Ice and Regular Ice: Have students compare their observations of regular water ice and a small piece of dry ice.

2. Dry Ice In Water: Put a small amount of dry ice in some water.

3. Bubbles of Dry Ice: Add some dish soap to water and add some dry ice.

4. Floating Bubbles: Put some dry ice in water in a fish tank or large container. Blow some normal bubbles over the top and see them float on the top of the dry ice.

5. Balloon: Put water and dry ice in the bottom of a bottle and place a balloon over the top. Once the balloon is full of gas, tie it up and compare to a normal balloon.

6. Indicator: In a beaker of water place a squirt of universal indicator. Then add some dry ice and watch the color changes.

7. Trapped gas: Find a small bowl or cylinder with a round rim (no spout). Soak a paper towel in some detergent and water. In the bowl add water and the dry ice and then run the soaked paper towel over the rim of the dish of water to create a bubble that traps the dry ice.

8. Food Dye: Put food coloring in water and ask students whether or not the gas will be colored or not. Then add the dry ice and observe.

9. Compare steam and carbon dioxide gas: Have students compare the carbon dioxide gas and steam.

dry ice halloween experiments and display ideas

Halloween decoration suggestions:

The spectacular fog effects of dry ice make it perfect to create a spooky classroom atmosphere for Halloween festivities.

1. Jack O’Lantern: Cut out a pumpkin and put a beaker of water with dry ice inside to create a spooky halloween display using the dry ice fog effects!

2. Witch’s cauldron: Add green food dye to water and add dry ice in a witches cauldron for special effects

3. Smoking drinks: Our soft drinks are made up of carbon dioxide gas in water, there is no harm in having a little bit of dry ice in some smoking drinks! CAUTION: be sure no one ingests any solid carbon dioxide. Alternatively, use the double bowl method as described for the halloween punch below.

4. Smoking candy bowl: Place a smaller bowl inside a large one. Put the candy in the smaller bowl, and dry ice with water in the surrounding area. The spooky dry ice fog will flow out from under the candy, making it look like the treats are floating in mist.

5. Graveyard mist: Distribute dry ice in shallow dishes or trays hidden among tombstones or under faux grass in a graveyard scene. Add warm water when the fog starts to subside. The low-lying fog will create a extra spooky vibe.

6. Halloween Punch: Place a smaller bowl inside a larger punch bowl. Put the punch in the inner bowl and the dry ice in the water in the larger bowl. 

Who knew that plain old carbon dioxide could be so fun?!

dry ice halloween experiments and display ideas

Dry Ice Safety Tips:

While dry ice is great fun, it is important to take care when handling. 

1. Never touch dry ice with your bare hands or let it touch bare skin. Always use tongs or heavy duty gloves to avoid frostbite or terrible burns.

2. Keep the dry ice in the styrofoam container until ready to use.

3. Use small pieces of dry ice. 

4. Use in a well-ventilated area. The carbon dioxide gas that is produced as it sublimates can cause suffocation in small spaces.

5. Store dry ice in a well-insulated container but do not seal it tightly, as the pressure build-up from sublimating CO₂ could cause the container to burst.

6. Never ingest dry ice or place it directly in your mouth, as it can cause severe internal burns.

7. For disposal – allow dry ice to sublimate in a well-ventilated area, away from people and pets. Do not dispose of dry ice in sinks, toilets, or trash cans, as it can cause damage.

8. Teach your students the risks of touching dry ice.

9. Always keep out of reach of small children and follow proper safety precautions.

Note: Because dry ice sublimates, you will need to use the dry ice on the day or day after you get it delivered or it will disappear quickly.

RISK ASSESSMENT: 

Make sure you follow your school’s protocol and carry out your own risk assessment.

dry ice halloween experiments and display ideas

Conclusion

Dry ice halloween experiments are a great way to engage students and create a spooky atmosphere!

So make your Halloween lesson spooky with the above dry ice halloween experiments and demonstrations, and don’t forget to order some extra dry ice to create some spooky decorations!

Note: Always consult your school’s specific safety guidelines and policies, and seek guidance from experienced colleagues or administrators when in doubt about safety protocols.

dry ice halloween experiments and display ideas

About the Author

Spring break guide for teachers

I always felt like such a bad teacher when I would pull out the textbook or more boring worksheets for my class to complete.

So… I designed, trialled, re-designed, trialled, and re-designed my own 7th grade scientific method worksheets until I had some that I was both proud to hand out and that my students actually enjoyed completing!

In this blog post, you will be introduced a range of engaging 7th grade scientific method worksheets and activities to help students learn and consolidate understanding of the scientific method.

7th grade scientific method worksheets and activities

Why teach the scientific method in 7th grade?

So, why do we teach the scientific method to seventh graders? Well, let’s break it down. Picture yourself back in seventh grade – awkward, curious, and trying to make sense of the world. That’s where the scientific method swoops in like a superhero to save the day!

First off, the scientific method isn’t just some boring formula scientists use; it’s a mindset, a way of thinking. It’s about asking questions, making observations, and testing ideas to find answers. And trust me, in the chaos of adolescence, having a structured approach to figuring things out is like having a secret weapon.

Seventh grade is this magical time when kids start to really question things. Like, why is the sky blue? How do plants grow? Why do cats always land on their feet? Teaching the scientific method at this age gives them the tools to investigate these mysteries on their own. It’s empowering, you know?

Plus, let’s not forget about critical thinking. In today’s world, where information comes at us faster than ever, being able to sift through the noise and separate fact from fiction is crucial. The scientific method teaches kids to be skeptical, to ask for evidence, and to draw their own conclusions based on data – skills that’ll serve them well for life, not just in science class.

And let’s not overlook the hands-on aspect. Seventh graders are all about getting their hands dirty (literally sometimes), so why not let them dive into experiments and see science in action? Whether it’s mixing chemicals in a lab or planting seeds in the garden, the scientific method makes learning tangible and, dare I say, fun.

7th grade scientific method worksheets and activities

What needs to be taught for the scientific method in 7th grade?

7th grade scientific method worksheets and activities

In seventh grade, introducing the scientific method involves focusing on its core components in a way that’s engaging and accessible to students. Here’s a breakdown of the key aspects that should be taught:

1. Observation: Teach students how to keenly observe the world around them. Encourage them to use their senses to gather information and notice patterns or anomalies. Simple exercises like observing the behavior of animals or changes in weather can kickstart their observation skills.

2. Questioning: Foster a culture of curiosity by encouraging students to ask questions about what they observe. Teach them how to formulate clear and testable questions that can be investigated scientifically. For instance, why does a candle flame flicker? How does the amount of sunlight affect plant growth?

3. Hypothesis: Help students understand the concept of a hypothesis – a tentative explanation or prediction based on observations and prior knowledge. Show them how to make educated guesses about the outcomes of their investigations. Encourage them to use “if…then” statements to articulate their hypotheses.

4. Experimentation: Introduce the idea of designing experiments to test hypotheses. Teach students how to identify variables (independent, dependent, and controlled), how to include a control group, and how to set up fair tests to collect data. Hands-on activities and simple experiments can bring this aspect to life, allowing students to see the scientific method in action.

5. Data Collection and Data Analysis: Guide students in collecting data using appropriate tools and methods. Teach them how to record their observations systematically and accurately. In particular, it is important that students know how to graph results in an appropriate style of graph for the data collected. Show them how to organize data in tables or charts and analyze patterns to draw conclusions.

6. Conclusion: Emphasize the importance of drawing conclusions based on evidence gathered during experimentation. Encourage students to reflect on their findings and assess whether they support or refute their hypotheses. Teach them to communicate their conclusions clearly and objectively.

7. Iteration: Highlight that science is an ongoing process of inquiry and discovery. Teach students that it’s okay if their hypotheses are not supported by initial experiments – that’s how science works! Encourage them to revise their hypotheses and design new experiments to further investigate their questions.

7th grade scientific method worksheets and activities

Check out these awesome 7th grade scientific method worksheets that incorporate fun scenarios, colorful clipart and challenging activities to keep students engaged.

7th grade scientific method worksheets and activities

7th grade scientific method worksheets 

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1. Scientific method booklet (teacher & student) – This is a great way to structure your lessons and work your way through the scientific method.

2. Scientific variables worksheet (dragon themed) – students often have trouble identifying the different types of variables. This is a fun way for students to practice this skill.

3. Scientific variables worksheet (valentine’s day themed) – this worksheet has 10 fun valentines day scenarios for students to identify the dependent, independent and controlled variables.

4. Scientific variables worksheet (halloween themed) – practice identifying variables with these spooky scenarios!

5. Scientific method color by number – this is an easy activity to print and give your students for review or to have as an early finisher activity.

6. Scientific method crossword – this is another easy activity to print and give your students for review or to have as an early finisher activity.

7. FREE scientific method posters – Free printable posters to put up around your room!

​7th grade scientific method worksheets and activities

7th grade scientific method activities 

8. Scientific method escape room – review key terms and skills for the scientific method with an escape room!

9. Scientific method 2-player racing game – get your students’ competitive nature going with this two player racing game!

10. Lab safety escape room – a key component of the scientific method, and being able to carry out their own experiments, is that they can work in the lab safely. Make it fun with this escape room!

11. Graphing skills escape room – review key skills for graphing in science with an escape room!

12. Following instructions rainbow lab – this is a great way to introduce the scientific method and the importance of following instructions and measuring accurately.

​13.Scientific Method Bundle –grab a heap of the scientific method resources with a huge discount in this bundle!

Note: ​the above resources are suitable for 6th grade, 7th grade and 8th grade.

7th grade scientific method worksheets and activities

Conclusion

 Knowledge of the scientific method is crucial for students to be able to conduct their own scientific investigations in order to answer a scientific question.

These 7th grade scientific method worksheets and activities are a far stretch from the normal, boring classroom resources.

Using these types of activities also play a part in helping students develop understanding of the real world applications of the scientific method. 

7th grade scientific method worksheets and activities

Note: Always consult your school’s specific safety guidelines and policies, and seek guidance from experienced colleagues or administrators when in doubt about safety protocols.

About the Author

Station activities for middle school