April 16, 2026
Pumpkin activities aren’t over yet! Grab a copy of Pumpkin Jack and take a journey with a boy and his favorite pumpkin. Put observation skills to use as you examine the life cycle of a pumpkin with your students. Check out this AMAZING science experiment for Pumpkin Jack in the classroom.
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This favorite fall read aloud follows the journey of a pumpkin after it is tossed out after Halloween. Students will discover what happens as the pumpkin decomposes and spreads its seeds. Take a deeper look at the life cycle of a pumpkin plant through the seasons and bring science to life in the classroom.
Halloween is over and it’s the perfect time to implement this activity. Students will experience a pumpkin decaying and continuing the life cycle with this exciting (and EWWW) experiment.
What you will need:
Cut the top off a plastic container that is large enough to fit the pumpkin. Fill the bottom of the container with soil. Spray or pour a small amount of water and mix in the soil. You want the soil damp; not saturated. Carve a face or shape in the pumpkin. Place the pumpkin on top of the soil. Place the lid back on the jar and tape in place. You want the jar as airtight as possible. You will need to secure the lid of a glass jar as well.
Place the jar in a warm, sunny place. A classroom window works well. The warmth and moisture in the jar will cause the pumpkin to decompose. Do not open the container! Students will make observations as the pumpkin slowly decomposes through fall and winter.
The pumpkin will eventually grow a spreading fungus. The fungus will cause the pumpkin to decompose and go through changes in shape & color. Your pumpkin will eventually become part of the soil as it disappears. This will be both fascinating and ewww!
It’s time to grow a new pumpkin. Remove the lid and cover the seeds with fresh soil. Dampen the soil with fresh water and replace the lid on the container. Wait a week or so and you will begin to see new life poke through the soil.
You can remove the lid and continue to care for the young plants once the sprouts are visible. Keep the container in a sunny spot and water as needed. The plant will continue to grow and can be transplanted to a school or home garden if you wish to continue observing the plant. This experiment will carry you right into spring.
Notice how the glass is covered in condensation? We have a solution for that!
You have to get a magnetic Glass Cleaner. It’s so easy (and fun). Just place the cleaning part in the jar, and the base on the outside. Then you can easily swipe that condensation away so your students can see all the magic happening with Jack!
If you are looking to take a deeper look at the life cycle of a pumpkin, grab Simply Kinder’s Interactive Pumpkin Life Cycle Book HERE. This interactive learning journal will guide you through activities that explore everything from planting a pumpkin to talking about the life cycle. Decide which activities you want to do, staple them into a fun book and go!
Check out the activities that are included:
This resource is an ideal companion when completing Pumpkin Jack in the classroom!
Have you experimented with Pumpkin Jack in your classroom? Please make sure to tag us on Instagram here or share inside the Simply Kinder Teacher Facebook Group here.
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