Saturday, September 20, 2014

Pumpkins, Pumpkins, and more Pumpkins!!!



Ask this question for creating a science experiment:  Does the largest pumpkin have the most seeds?


I do not give my students spoons.  I like that they have to touch the inside and truly get to "experience" the pumpkin.  All the seeds go on a large baking sheet where I have taped a piece of their paper as a label to identify the group.  Pulp goes on the paper, then it all goes in the trash.  I don't worry about bits of extra pulp.  BUT.....trust me, let the seeds dry overnight before trying to count them.  They won't be totally dry, but they will be significantly less slimy and easier to count.



We always take time the first day to talk about what we saw, smelled, felt, and heard (we save tasting for another day) as we were observing our pumpkins.  We record our describing words on an anchor chart and use that to write about pumpkins too.



Every time I have done this activity it has gone smoother with parent volunteers, one for each group.  Even second and third graders have a hard time keeping track counting.

If you liked this bright idea consider following me on TpT, facebook, and here on this blog, KinderKapers.  There will be more tips on what to do with your leftover seeds and how to keep your pumpkin from molding (not forever....but longer)

For more BRIGHT IDEAS, check out the link-up below.  More than 100 bloggers are sharing their bright ideas today.  Browse through and find a grade level/topic that interests you.  Thank you for visiting!




7 comments:

  1. I love this!! What a great way to incorporate place value into our fall unit. I can't wait to try this! :)

    Kelly
    First Grade Fairytales

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  2. Now that's what I call Hands-On! :) Who knew there were sooo many math activities you could do with a pumpkin! Thank you for sharing!

    Not Just Child's Play

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  3. It's so hard to believe that it is almost pumpkin time, Terri! Thank you for sharing your ideas and getting my head ready for it!

    Cindy

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  4. great ideas! I am looking to start a pumpkin theme with my kinders next month and this is certainly full of good ideas!

    ​MissVerickersAdventures​

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  5. I can smell the pumpkins.... (or maybe it's my husband making a smoothie =)

    Jennifer with Simply Kinder

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  6. Great ideas...looks like a lot of fun

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  7. Thanks for sharing, nice post! Post really provice useful information!

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    ReplyDelete