Smashing Pumpkins isn't just an alternative rock band—in Chemistry class, it's an art form! Watch chemists work to destroy pumpkins in the most scientifically interesting ways with an engaging video. 

Concepts

halloween, pumpkins

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Pause the video before the end of each part for learners to make hypotheses about what will happen
• Have class members vote on their favorite ways to smash the pumpkins, or come up with their own (chemistry-based) ideas

Classroom Considerations

• Emphasize that these techniques should not be performed by amateurs
• The speakers are British and pronounce some words (i.e. aluminum) differently than American audiences would expect

• This video is hosted on YouTube

Pros

• Applies science concepts 
• Perfect for a secondary class during the fall or Halloween season
• Chemists employ safety measures such as goggles, gloves, and fire extinguishers

Cons

• None