Fun and Educational Science Activities for Children in Autumn

Discover the wonders of fall with a series of engaging life science activities designed for children in grades K-5. These activities, offered by the Gläserne Labor in cooperation with the German Center for Child and Youth Health (DZKJ), provide a hands-on approach to learning about animal adaptations, seasonal behaviour, seed dispersal, plant changes, decomposition, and environmental observation.

Nature Walk Observation Activity

Start your fall adventure by going on a nature walk. Collect signs of fall – leaves, seeds, and animal tracks – and sort them into living and nonliving. This simple exercise will help children understand the difference between living and nonliving things.

Build a Habitat STEM Challenge

Design and create animal shelters using natural or recycled materials. This activity encourages creativity while teaching children about the importance of habitats for various animals.

Composting and Decomposition

Start a mini compost pile with fallen leaves and scraps. This activity demonstrates the process of decomposition and introduces children to nutrient cycles.

Fall Life Science Printables & Packs

Pair these activities with ready-to-use printable science pages. Resources include the Fall Temperature Tracker, Animal Adaptations Pack, Hibernation Activities, Migration Printables, Vertebrates & Invertebrates Sorting Pack, Diurnal vs. Nocturnal Animal Pack, Anatomy of Fall Coloring Pages, and Fall 5 Senses Printable Craft.

Hibernation, Migration, and Adaptations

Make a "Who hibernates, who migrates, who adapts?" chart to learn about the seasonal behaviour of various animals. Design your own seed that can travel far using paper, tape, and imagination, to understand seed dispersal.

Fall Science Experiments

Explore science experiments related to fall, such as Fall Science Experiments, Pumpkin Science Projects, and Apple Science Experiments. These experiments offer a fun and interactive way to learn about the science behind fall.

Seed Counting with Fruits and Leaf Color Change Science

Record daily temperatures throughout the season and discuss how colder weather impacts plants and animals preparing for winter (Fall Temperature Tracker). Graph the number of seeds in fall fruits and compare results. Learn about how leaves change colour and understand how leaves breathe with simple experiments.

Build a Simple Decomposition Station

Build a simple decomposition station with pumpkin scraps or leaves. This activity will help children observe the process of decomposition and understand its role in the ecosystem.

Create a Fall Observation Journal

Create a fall observation journal with sketches and data from nature walks. This journal will serve as a record of your fall adventures and a tool for further learning.

These activities cover plant and animal biology, habitats, life cycles, seasonal changes, and environmental observation, making them an excellent resource for children to learn about the fascinating world of fall. So, get ready to embark on a journey of discovery this fall!