demonstrations:dry_ice_jack_o_lantern

Dry Ice Jack-O-Lantern

Materials: ★★★ Requires materials not commonly found in school laboratories
Difficulty: ★★☆ Can be done by science teachers
Safety: ★★☆ Some safety precautions required to perform safely

Categories: Dry Ice, Special Occasions

Alternative titles: Dry Ice Jack-O'Lantern

Summary

Placing dry ice and water inside a jack-o-lantern creates thick fog that spills out of its carved face, producing a spooky Halloween effect.

Procedure

  1. Cut open the top of a pumpkin and scoop out the seeds and pulp.
  2. Carve a face or design into the pumpkin, keeping in mind that fog will sink and flow more easily through the mouth than the eyes.
  3. Place a plastic container filled with warm water inside the carved pumpkin.
  4. Add a chunk of dry ice into the water.
  5. Replace the pumpkin lid to trap the fog so it flows through the carved openings.
  6. Add more dry ice as needed to keep the fog effect going.

Make a Fogging Jack-O-Lantern - EH Productions Videos:


📄 How to use Dry Ice in a Pumpkin - Baker's Dry Ice: https://bakersdryice.com/blogs/news/dry-ice-in-pumpkin

Variations

  • Place a colored light or glow stick inside the pumpkin for a glowing fog effect.
  • Try carving different facial expressions or hole sizes to see how fog flows differently.

Safety Precautions

  • Always wear gloves when handling dry ice to prevent frostbite.
  • Do not touch dry ice with bare skin.
  • Use warm water for stronger fog, but avoid boiling water which can splatter.
  • Keep children and pets at a safe distance from dry ice.
  • Use in a ventilated space since carbon dioxide gas will accumulate.

Questions to Consider

  • Why does warm water make more fog than cold water?
  • Why does the fog flow downward instead of rising like steam?
  • How does dry ice produce fog without turning into liquid first?
  • What factors affect how long the fog effect lasts?