Halloween Class Party

This party was so much fun!!!  We initially did it for my son's first grade class, but I have since done it at a friend's Halloween party, and also at my daughter's preschool class (age 4).  The experiments are good for all ages.  Adults and kids alike are fascinated by them, and I absolutely love helping that fascination come about!  Seriously, I don't know who has more fun - me or the kids!    

We divided up the kids into 4 groups, and had them rotate between 4 different stations.  Each station was about 20 minutes long.

First Station:  Boo Bubbles & Crystal Balls...  Oh, My!

The Boo Bubble Experiment requires some preparation, but it is SO worth it because the kids get to hold and bounce fog-filled bubbles that form slowly, and literally in their hands.  It is beyond cool.  Click on the image below for step-by-step instructions...

We followed the 'Boo Bubble' experiment with the Crystal Ball Bubble experiment.  This experiment involves a bubble which grows and grows out of a bowl, and stays around for at least 30 seconds before it bursts into a cloud of fog.  It gets so big, it ends up looking like a crystal ball.  Oh, and the good news is, unlike the last experiment, it does not involve building your own generator (phew!), and you should have all the rest of the materials (other than the dry ice) around your house.  Click below to get the step-by-step instructions...

Second Station:  Ghost Marbles & Expanding, Screaming Ghosts... 

I'll start with the ghost marbles.  I love this experiment because it pretty much works like a magic trick while really being based on science.  It is also nice and easy (the only thing you might not have on hand are the jelly marbles), and the sensory aspect of this is something kids of all ages (and I mean all ages!) absolutely love!

Next, there is the familiar and basically foolproof, expanding balloon experiment, with a simple Halloween twist...  

And if you still have time left on this station, here is a quick and easy bonus experiment that goes well with the previous two...

Third Station:  Photo Booth & Photo Prop Craft

I have step-by-step instructions on how to build a photo booth backdrop for less than $10 in the post below.  I also have some pretty cool photo prop printables in the same post.  The idea is for the kids to make their own photo props.  They can draw, color, add designs, use stickers, glue...  you get the idea.  When they're done, you just attach some wood dowels to the back, and you're ready to take some pics!

Fourth Station:  Popcorn Ghost Hands 

These are so cute!  I don't have a post on this, as it was the awesome idea of my friend, Tanya, but here is a quick link for you guys:  Popcorn Ghost Hands

Good luck and have fun!  Happy Halloween!!