Make a Spooky “Smoking” Pumpkin
In this science experiment, kids observe carbon dioxide bubbles made by dry ice "melting."
Dry ice is frozen carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is the same gas that we humans breathe out; it is all around you. As frozen carbon dioxide warms, it goes from being a solid to being a gas without ever becoming a liquid; this is called sublimation. The resulting carbon dioxide gas sinks down instead of floating up into the air because it is heavier than air.
Safety Notes
Dry ice is dangerous and should only be handled by an adult. If touched, it can cause burns. If enclosed in an air-tight container, it can also cause the container to pop open unexpectedly. Always keep children out of reach of the dry ice, always use tongs or thick leather gloves when moving the dry ice, always store it in a container with ventilation, and never attempt to chop or break it in a way that bits could fly up into someone’s face or eyes.
Instructions
Place a chunk of dry ice into the carved pumpkin. Add a bit of water to speed sublimation (melting). Try adding a glow stick to make it even more spooky in the dark. Enjoy!
Don't miss these other great dry ice experiments:
Make Metal Objects Sing and Shake
