The Science of Halloween

The original jack-o-lanterns were not pumpkins. They were vegetables that came from this part of the plant:

• flower

• leaf

• root

• stem

Modern jack-o-lanterns are carved from pumpkins. A pumpkin is scientifically classified as a ___.

• fruit

• protein

• vegetable

On November 2nd, Dia de los Muertos, families honor adults who have died and place orange marigolds on grave sites. Marigolds are a common vegetable garden plant because they:

• attract bees for pollinating

• keep away slugs from tomatoes

• repel moths and beetles

• all of these are true

Sugar rationing during World War II halted trick-or-treating. Which type of sugar is found in candy?

• fructose

• glucose

• lactose

• sucrose

There's a traditional Halloween bread in Ireland called "barmbrack" that contains dark and golden raisins, as well as a small hidden toy or ring. Yeast makes bread rise. What is yeast?

• bacteria

• dairy

• fungus

• plant

Harry Houdini died on Halloween in 1926.

The famous magician, illusionist and entertainer died from peritonitis, a disease caused from the rupturing of this organ.

• appendix

• liver

• small intestine

• stomach

Halloween is the focus of many fall festivals. What is the official name of the first day of fall?

• autumnal equinox

• Halloween

• Labor Day

• vernal equinox

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Leaves lose their green chlorophyll in the fall and turn many colors. Which of the following is NOT one of the three most common fall leaf colors?

• orange

• red

• purple

• yellow

The word "witch" comes from the Old English wicce, meaning "wise woman." What is the study of word origins?

• epidemiology

• entomology

• etymology

• linguistics

The world's heaviest jack-o'-lantern weighed 2,350 pounds. That is over a ton! Which of these is NOT a real measurement of weight?

• dram

• grain

• scruple

• slug