• Home
    • About
    • Contact
    • Subscribe and Freebie!
  • Lifestyle
    • Momlife
    • Kid’s Activities
    • Gift Giving
    • Pets
    • Home Design & DIY
    • Travel
  • Recipes
    • Breakfast
    • Beverage
    • Main Dish
    • Dessert
    • Side Dishes
    • More Recipes
  • Fashion
  • Shop My Favorites
    • Shop My Favorites
    • Amazon Shop Homepage
    • LiketoKnowIt
  • Bare Strength LA
  • Media Kit
  • Nav Social Icons

  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
    • About
    • Contact
    • Subscribe and Freebie!
  • Lifestyle
    • Momlife
    • Kid’s Activities
    • Gift Giving
    • Pets
    • Home Design & DIY
    • Travel
  • Recipes
    • Breakfast
    • Beverage
    • Main Dish
    • Dessert
    • Side Dishes
    • More Recipes
  • Fashion
  • Shop My Favorites
    • Shop My Favorites
    • Amazon Shop Homepage
    • LiketoKnowIt
  • Bare Strength LA
  • Media Kit
The Southerly Magnolia Blog Logo

The Southerly Magnolia

  • Home
  • Blog
  • Category Index
  • About
  • Contact
  • Media Kit
  • Bare Strength LA

Pumpkin Carving and Science Fun: Dancing Seeds

September 27, 2017 · In: Kid's Activities, Lifestyle

It is that time of year again, everything pumpkin. The first day of fall is exciting for the thoughts of cooler weather around the corner and all those fun-filled fall activities. We decided to start out our fall with some pumpkin carving! Who doesn’t love to carve pumpkins?

Well my son is not too fond of gutting pumpkins. I think it’s a texture thing. It does get pretty slimy and stringy. Now that you will have all your kids sitting around the pumpkin during the carving, why not throw in some science fun? I think it is the perfect time! In this science activity, we will be having a dance off! Yep, you heard me right. There will be a dance off between a few pumpkin seeds collected and some raisins.

Items Needed:

1 pumpkin needing to be carved

1 bottle of carbonated water

3-4 raisins

Plastic cup to host the dance party

Science Activity Steps

The pumpkin carving should be done by an adult. I am not even comfortable with myself cutting up a pumpkin 😉 My daughter decided for a ‘vampire’ look for our pumpkin. Thankfully it wasn’t anything too difficult. She can come up with some pretty creative ideas for a 6 year old haha! As you are cleaning out the pumpkin, set a side 3-4 pumpkin seeds.

Once you have collected your pumpkin seeds, you can start setting up the dance party. Fill the plastic cup about 3/4 full with the carbonated water. Then add your pumpkin seeds one at a time. Tell your kids to observe their behavior in the cup. Do they sink? Are they moving around?

Next, add in the raisins one at a time. Observe their behavior. Do they sink? Are they moving around? It may take a minute or so for the ‘dancing’ to begin. Your kids should be able to see the raisins sink to the bottom and the pumpkin seeds float to the top. The raisins will begin to ‘dance’ by bouncing up and down in the cup. The only dancing you will see from the pumpkin seeds is a few bounces and a little side-to-side dancing (pretty much me at a dance party!)

Why did they behave this way?

The pumpkin seeds are less dense than the water, therefore they float. The raisins are more dense, so they will sink. If you are working with littles who don’t quite get the concept of ‘dense’, I usually just say that one is ‘heavier’ and one is ‘lighter’. Now for the dancing part. Since the pumpkin seeds are floating, they are not affected by the carbon dioxide bubbles. The only reaction they are having is the small bouncing or moving from the bubbles popping underneath them. The raisins are a different story. As the carbon dioxide bubbles surround the raisins, they make the raisins lighter for that brief amount of time until they reach the surface and the bubbles pop. Then the raisins become more dense, ‘heavier’, and sink back to the bottom.

 

Who knew pumpkin carving, let alone the seeds, could be apart of something ‘sciency’?! Happy Fall and Halloween!

By: Clair · In: Kid's Activities, Lifestyle · Tagged: halloween, kids, pumpkin, pumpkin carving, science, science activity

you’ll also love

how to grow geodes at homeHow To Grow Gorgeous Geodes With Kids
Kids Spring Break Fun boxKids Spring Break Fun
Moving Checklist at new homeMoving Checklist for Those with Kids

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jaclyn Musselman says

    September 27, 2017 at 8:03 pm

    What a great project! We usually just gut the pumpkin and then eat the seeds but we will have to save a few to do this experiment. I don’t like gutting the pumpkins either! Usually my husband does it:)

    • thesproutingminds@gmail.com says

      October 4, 2017 at 3:03 pm

      The cleaning out of the pumpkin is kind of gross haha! Thank you!

  2. Toni says

    September 29, 2017 at 6:20 pm

    This looks like so much fun! I love the way you break down the why behind the dancing seeds. For a second I was wondering what to tell my four year old, but you got me covered. 🙂 Thanks for sharing!

    • thesproutingminds@gmail.com says

      October 4, 2017 at 3:03 pm

      Thank you!

  3. Brittany says

    September 29, 2017 at 7:41 pm

    Love this idea!! This is such a unique spin on the class pumpkin carving. So fun for any age group!

    • thesproutingminds@gmail.com says

      October 4, 2017 at 3:03 pm

      Thank you!

  4. Macy says

    September 29, 2017 at 9:30 pm

    Oh how fun! My son doesn’t like digging the pumpkin guts out of the pumpkin either. But he would get a kick out of a pumpkin seed and raisin dance party.

    • thesproutingminds@gmail.com says

      October 4, 2017 at 3:02 pm

      Yes! My kids loved watching the ‘dance’ 😉

  5. Shann Eva says

    September 29, 2017 at 11:03 pm

    Such a cool activity! I can’t wait to try this with my boys. I think my oldest, who is almost 8, will love it the most. He’s all about experimenting. Thanks for the great idea!

    • thesproutingminds@gmail.com says

      October 4, 2017 at 3:02 pm

      Your so welcome! My kids loved watching the ‘dance’ 😉

  6. Mary Abbott says

    September 30, 2017 at 6:59 pm

    Some great ideas, thanks!

    • thesproutingminds@gmail.com says

      October 4, 2017 at 3:01 pm

      Thank you!

Next Post >

Top Kid Games Perfect for Christmas

Primary Sidebar

Meet Clair

Meet Clair
hello!

Welcome to The Southerly Magnolia, where I share all things that make up my southern motherhood: recipes, mom style, kids' activities, DIY projects, and some insights into my motherhood. Glad to have you along for the ride!

Read more

Connect

Featured Posts

Simple Spring Porch Upgrade

Sometimes it only takes a few things for an upgrade, including a WaterHog Doormat. Spring is officially here, and I’m getting that front porch ready with a simple spring porch…

Read More

Shrimp Coconut Rice

A weekday recipe that brings the flavor with convenience. This Shrimp Coconut Rice has a Thai-twist, making it perfect to be paired with Minute Instant Basmati Rice! Shrimp Coconut Rice,…

Read More

Easy Jasmine Jambalaya

Laisse les bons moments rouler with this Easy Jasmine Jambalaya, made possible with Minute Instant Jasmine Rice. An easy jambalaya ready on the table in less than 40 minutes! I…

Read More

Categories

  • Lifestyle
  • Momlife
  • Recipes
  • Kid’s Activities
  • Dessert
  • Bare Strength LA

Archives

Follow Along

@thesoutherlymagnolia
Clair Cook

thesoutherlymagnolia

Hey y’all! Bringing y’all style inspo on a budget, easy & family friendly recipes, and most of all-what the Lord places on my heart! ✨

When those bowl recipes are just 🤌🏼 Stay tun When those bowl recipes are just 🤌🏼 Stay tuned for some new recipes coming up!
Looking for a stress free summer? The @aiperoffici Looking for a stress free summer? The @aiperofficial Scuba S1 Pro Cordless Robotic Pool Vacuum has all the awesome features to make keeping your pool clean this summer a breeze! 

Grab your Aiper products on Amazon: 
  https://amzn.to/3EQfwfx
or on Aiper Official: 
  https://bit.ly/4db6Fl0
and don’t forget to use the 5% off code: CLAIRX62405

#Aiper #AiperScubaS1 #AiperPoolCleaner
#aiperscubas1pro #pool-vacuum #outdoorpool #ingroundpool #summerpool
Year 2 loading… Tryout Day 1 🩵🖤 Year 2 loading… Tryout Day 1 🩵🖤
#7BrewPartner Who’s ready for the summer?! I kno #7BrewPartner Who’s ready for the summer?! I know we are more than ready, and @7brewcoffee ‘s Featured Menu is the perfect way to kick off all the summer fun ☀️ 

We took a girls’ trip to 7 Brew and gave the Pink Mermaid 7 Fizz and the Banana Bread Mocha a try. Let’s just say they were more than good 👌🏼 Head over to 7 Brew and check out their new featured menu and kick off all the out of a school / summer fun that is ready to be had! 

#Summerwith7Brew #sponsored
Summer porch upgrade .. Only takes a few changes ☀️💙🩵 I was able to grab these 2 white rocking chairs from @Walmart as well as the outdoor pillows.

As for the wreaths, updated them by adding the blue Berry Bush pieces and the wired floral ribbon from Michael’s! Come on summer ☀️! 

Comment SHOP below to receive a DM with the link to this post on my LTK ⬇ 
https://liketk.it/5dbVT 

#ltkhome #ltkseasonal #summerfrontporch #frontporchdecor #walmarthome #louisianablogger
#ad Spring is here in Louisiana meaning this weath #ad Spring is here in Louisiana meaning this weather is absolutely beautiful and time to get going! I grabbed these @Atkinsnutritionals STRONG High Protein Bars from @Walmart to help me stay motivated on-the-goal with keeping those protein goals and satisfying my sweet tooth. Did you know each bar contains 20g of protein plus 8g of prebiotic fiber with only 1-2g of sugar? 

I can stay on top of my post-workout muscle recovery as well as keep my gut health in check. This is game changing when we need something quick and convenient! The Birthday Cake and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough flavors are so delicious. Hard to believe they are protein packed! 

Head over to Walmart and grab these Atkins STRONG High Protein Bars 🫶🏻❤️ 

#AtkinsSTRONGBAR #ShopAtkins #StrongBar #WalmartSTRONGBAR #Walmart #Shop
#ad We all know every pet is a hog at heart, and @ #ad We all know every pet is a hog at heart, and
@waterhogmats.usa mats know just as much! WaterHog Mats are built to tackle the wet, dirty, and gross. They meet their match to protect your floors from whatever your furry family member throws at it! WaterHog Mats won’t rot or crack, no matter how much they are disrespected. Easy to clean and ready for whatever your pet brings to the mat! 🐶 🫶🏻

Link in bio to check out these mats! Don’t forget to use the discount code THESOUTHERLYMAGNOLIA10

#doyourworst #theOG #waterhogmats #springiton #waterhogmats #waterhogpetmats
How about an easy family night dinner with @keysto How about an easy family night dinner with @keystonemeats ?! This King Ranch Casserole is not only simple, but Keystone Meats is built on quality-offering fully cooked, all-natural meats with no preservatives or additives. Yep! They are just pure, premium meat and salt. It is a pantry staple trusted by both busy families and preparedness pros.

This May, Keystone Meats is celebrating National Beef Month!  Enter for your chance to win a year’s supply of Keystone Beef! Link in Bio 🫶🏻

For this recipe: 
1 can of Keystone Meats Chicken or Beef
3 tbsp butter
1 cup of Trinity ( diced onion and green bell pepper)
1 fresh jalapeño, diced
2 cans rotel
1 can of cream of chicken soup 
16 oz shredded Four Cheese Mexican, plus 1 1/2 cups for topping 
1/2 cup milk
6 tostada shells 
1 cup crushed tortilla chips 
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp cumin 

Bake covered at 400 for 30 minutes, uncovered for 5!

Grab your Keystone Meats from Walmart, Kroger, Giant Eagle, Meijer! 

#BringtheBeef! #StockUpWithKeystone #QuickMeals #ShelfStable #PreppersUnite #BusyMomMeals #KeystoneMeats #PantryStaple #HighProtein #ReadyWhenYouAre
Load More Follow on Instagram

Footer

  • Private Policy
  • Bare Strength LA

Copyright © 2025 · Theme by 17th Avenue