Autumn STEM Choice Board Pack

A 4-page independent extension kit on fall foliage chemistry, dry ice physics, pumpkin genetics, and tryptophan. Perfect for October/November sub plans.

Looking for a seamless way to differentiate learning, manage early finishers, or grab a high-value sub plan during October and November? The Volume 5: Autumn, Halloween & Thanksgiving STEM Choice Board Pack provides a complete, zero-prep activity set centered on fall foliage chemistry, seasonal food science, dry ice physics, biological navigation, and agricultural genetics.

Designed with 9 open-ended, student-centered tasks organized by learning style (Create & Design, Analyze & Evaluate, Write & Communicate), this flexible choice board builds directly on seasonal real-world science without requiring complicated lab equipment or complex prep!

What Is Included in This 4-Page Pack?

Page 1: Teacher Implementation Guide: Detailed setup instructions for 3 classroom uses (Early Finisher Anchor Activity, 1-Day Emergency Sub Plan, or Unit Summative Assessment) along with point breakdown guidelines.

Page 2: Master 3x3 Choice Board Grid: 9 distinct student tasks covering chlorophyll breakdown, seed dispersal aerodynamics, bird migration navigation, dry ice sublimation, pumpkin genetics Punnett squares, tryptophan metabolism myths, food waste reduction proposals, candy sucrose chemistry, and crop frost damage.

Page 3: Student Task Worksheet: A clean, printable response and planning template where students outline, sketch, or write their completed tasks.

Page 4: Universal 100-Point STEM Rubric: A single-page teacher rubric assessing Scientific Accuracy (40%), Depth of Response (30%), Clarity & Effort (20%), and Problem Solving (10%).

The 9 Choice Tasks at a Glance:

Foliage Pigment Breakdown Blueprint: Diagram chlorophyll, carotenoids, and anthocyanins.

Bio-Inspired Seed Dispersal Model: Design wind/burr dispersal technology.

Migratory Navigation Map: Infographic on geomagnetic and celestial bird orientation.

Dry Ice Sublimation vs. Evaporation: Matrix comparing solid CO2 vs. H2O.

Selective Breeding & Pumpkin Genetics: Punnett squares for giant crop traits.

Tryptophan & Post-Feast Physiology: Flowchart debunking holiday food coma myths.

Post-Holiday Food Waste Policy: Proposal for composting and carbon reductions.

Candy Chemistry Op-Ed: Analyze sugar concentrations and enamel erosion.

Letter from a Crop Scientist: Journal entry on cell membrane damage during fall freezes.

Key Features Teachers Love:

Zero Prep & Copy-Friendly: Clean, plain-text layout with no dark backgrounds or heavy ink usage. Print as a paper packet or upload directly to Google Classroom/LMS!

Differentiated Learning: Gives students voice and choice across visual, analytical, and ELA writing modalities.

Perfect Pairing: Designed to align with Volume 5: Autumn, Halloween & Thanksgiving STEM Daily Bell Ringers & Exit Tickets—use this choice board as your seasonal extension or wrap-up project!