Spooky season is officially upon us, and it’s time to get ready to put the BOO in BOOtany, the AHH in AHHnerobic, and the FRIGHT in FRIGHTochondria. For the second year running, we’re pleased to announce our Chat Biology pumpkin carving contest!
Let’s get those creative juices flowing this half-term and carve a pumpkin with a biological twist. Enter yourself, a class effort, or share with your students (maybe even as a half-term challenge!) and submit their entries – just like last year, there will be a vote for the winning entry and a small prize for the winner!
🎃 What’s involved?
Carve a pumpkin based on one of the following biology-themed categories, take photos (preferably lit!) and submit them:
🧫 1. Methods and Materials for Studying Biology
Think microscopes, pipettes, lab coats, petri dishes—science tools reimagined in pumpkin form!
🧬 2. Molecular Biology
Your pumpkin must include at least 3 different elements. Think DNA helices, RNA strands, enzymes, ribosomes – get molecular with your carving!
🔬 3. Microscopic Life and/or Non-life
Bacteria, protozoa, viruses, or even prions – small things can be spooky too!
🌳 4. Terrestrial Ecosystems
Your pumpkin must include at least 3 vertebrates, 1 invertebrate, and 2+ plant species. Forests, deserts, grasslands – carve your favourite land-based habitat.
🌊 5. Marine Ecosystems
Think coral reefs or deep-sea scenes. Your pumpkin must include 3 vertebrate and 1 invertebrate marine species.
❄️ 6. Polar Ecosystems
Choose an Arctic or Antarctic scene featuring appropriate terrestrial and marine species—think polar bears, krill, seals, or snowy owls.
💡 Need inspiration? Here are pictures of some of last year’s entries and one from a few years ago (I wonder if you can tell which year….?)
How to Enter:
A Google Form for submissions (including the deadline) will be shared shortly. Keep an eye on your inbox and our socials!
Happy carving, we can’t wait to see your ideas!
Chat Biology 