STEM in the Fall (Preschool Edition): Pumpkin, Leaf, and Seed Science

Fall is a wonderful time for preschoolers to explore STEM! Pumpkins, leaves, and seeds provide natural materials that are perfect for hands-on learning about the world. Here’s how parents can support STEM exploration at home with experiments tied to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.

Why STEM & Fall Science Matter for Preschoolers 

Preschoolers are full of curiosity. STEM experiences help them ask questions (“Why does a pumpkin float?”), test ideas (“What if I put seeds in water?”), and learn how things work. These skills support vocabulary, observational thinking, early math (sorting, measuring, counting), motor skills, and confidence to try new things.

Using seasonal, natural objects brings in sensory learning by looking at smells, textures, and colors which helps children make deeper connections to what they learn.

Science Experiments & Ideas

Here are several fall-science experiments preschoolers will love, and ways you can build each component of STEM into them.

1. Pumpkin Sink or Float Experiment
   • Science: Talk about buoyancy, density, air, water. Test whole pumpkins, cut-open pumpkins, and pumpkin halves to see which float or sink.
   • Technology: Use a tablet or phone to take photos, record predictions, or use simple apps where the child can draw what they think will happen before the test.
   • Engineering: Challenge your child to figure out how to make something float more easily – maybe by hollowing out parts, or adding materials.
   • Math: Count seeds removed, measure pumpkin weight before/after scooping the insides, compare sizes of pumpkins.
2. Parts of a Pumpkin Investigation
   • Let your child help dissect a pumpkin: stem, skin, ribs, pulp, seeds, strand. Use magnifying glasses to observe. Label the parts. This is offered in many preschool STEM resources.
   • Vocabulary (Science), drawing or photographing (Technology), building a craft model of a pumpkin (Engineering), counting seeds or measurement (Math).
3. Leaf Color Change or Leaf Pigment Science
   • Science: Observe leaves of different colors; discuss chlorophyll and what happens when it fades. Do a chromatography experiment (separating pigments) to see hidden colors in leaves.
   • Technology: Use a camera to track leaf color day by day, or scan leaves via an app.
   • Engineering: Design a “leaf chamber” or box with clear lid where leaves are kept, and measure moisture or decay.
   • Math: Sort leaves by size, color, shape. Count veins, compare widths. Graph results (e.g. “how many red vs. yellow leaves”).
4. Seed Germination: Pumpkin Seeds
   • Soak seeds, then place in damp paper towels or potting soil. Watch as seeds sprout roots. Measure daily changes.
   • Science: biology, life cycle of plants.
   • Technology: take time-lapse photos or measure growth.
   • Engineering: build simple containers or greenhouses (clear plastic cup, plastic wrap).
   • Math: track days until germination; measure height; count root length.

How Parents Can Support at Home

• Gather materials: small pumpkins, leaves, seeds, containers, water, tools like magnifying glass, rulers.
• Set aside “science time” once or twice a week to make it a relaxed moment, not rushed.
• Ask open-ended questions: “What do you think will happen?” “Why is this leaf red?” “Can you make the pumpkin float more easily?”
• Record observations: draw, take photos, chart changes (this builds literacy + tech use).
• Encourage engineering thinking: “How can we make this setup better?” Let children test again.
• Celebrate mistakes or surprises as they’re part of science!

 

Schoolhouse Learning Center know just how fortunate we are to have the teachers and families that make up our early childhood center. Without the support of everyone involved, this season would not be as exciting and educational as it has been.  STEAM really is the way of the future generations to learn and grow beyond our daycare doors.

Don’t forget to thank a teacher but maybe skip shaking hands if they are covered in pumpkin goo at pick up today!