Pumpkin Investigation

Pumpkin Investigation

Last week, my students and I did a pumpkin investigation.  We read books about how pumpkins grow and learned that pumpkins come in all different sizes.  Here are some of the books that I read. 

During the week, we explore our own pumpkins.  I divide my class into four groups.  I give each group their own pumpkin that they will use the whole week.  I choose pumpkins that are all different sizes, color, and shape.  (I will always try to find one pumpkin that has bumps all over it because students have never seen one before)

The first day, I have the students be SCIENTIST and start collecting data about their pumpkin. 

1. Discuss what the pumpkin looks like, color, texture.

2. We count how many lines are on the pumpkin

3. Measure how tall our pumpkins are using cubes.

4. Compare the weight of the pumpkins

 5. Determine rather the pumpkin will sink or float

Students predict what they think will happen and then test it

6. Count how many seeds are in our pumpkin

After we have finished, each group came to the smartboard and recorded their findings on their group data sheet and then we compared each groups pumpkin. Who had the biggest/smallest pumpkin, most/least lines and seeds, sink/float, tallest/shortest, etc.

We had a lot of fun with this pumpkin investigation last week. I couldn't wait to share :)

Have a great week of School!