Turn these inverting spinning tops into “breakdancing” jack-o’-lanterns or pumpkins in this fun Halloween science activity for kids! Children can paint these wooden tops to resemble pumpkins or jack-o’-lanterns and then use them to explore physics in action!

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This Halloween science activity is super simple and provides all kinds of fun and learning through play. In this physics project, kids will paint or color inverted wooden tops to resemble pumpkins or jack-o’-lanterns and then watch them spin and flip! Perfect for a classroom Halloween party!

Be sure to check out our CD spinning top activity too!

Breakdancing Jack-O’-Lantern Spinning Top Halloween Science

Materials for Pumpkin Spinning Tops

• Inverted wooden spinning tops
• Acrylic paint in orange and green (or orange and green permanent markers)
• Black Sharpie marker
• Optional: Green ribbon

Directions for Making Pumpkin Spinning Tops

1. Paint the top or stem of the wooden top green and the bottom of the top orange and let dry. (To simplify the project, kids can color the tops with permanent markers.)

2. If making jack-o’-lanterns, use a black Sharpie to draw a jack-o’-lantern face on the top.

If making pumpkins, tie a small piece of green ribbon to the stem to make leaves.

3. Practice spinning the tops on a flat surface and try to get your pumpkins to invert and flip and spin on the stem. This may take some practice!

I love how it looks like the jack-o’-lanterns are breakdancing!

Ways to Extend the Activity

• Try spinning a hard-boiled egg. Can you spin it on its side and cause it to rise up to spin on its end?
• Decorate your top with different designs. How do they look when spinning?
• Do different surfaces affect the way the top spins? Try it out!
• Ask kids for tips on how to successfully get the tops to invert. Have them describe their findings and observations.

Check out all kinds of fun Halloween STEM ideas in our STEAM Kids Halloween Ebook!