Smashing pumpkins was part of a science lesson in Copiague.

Fourth-graders at Deauville Gardens West Elementary School designed mini-pumpkin catapults. They tested out their creations by launching tiny candy pumpkins.

Their teacher says the holiday-themed competition makes learning about physics fun.

This is just one way teachers at the school are piquing students' interest in STEM -- science, technology, engineering and math -- education.