Pumpkin Math

Suggested Grades

K-2

Objective

Students will examine a pumpkin and make several estimations based on the number of lines around it, its circumference and the number of seeds it has.

Materials

• 1 pumpkin
• chart paper
• 3 pieces of paper
• string
• scissors
• tape
• markers
• knife
• big spoon for gutting

Method

• Display the pumpkin. Have students estimate the number of vertical lines on the pumpkin, and record their estimations on chart paper.
• Count all of the lines with the class and record this 'actual' amount. Whose estimation was most accurate?
• Trace your finger around the circumference of the pumpkin, and explain that this is the circumference.
• Label the pieces of paper with the titles "too short", "just right" and "too long".
• Get children to cut a piece of string based on their estimate of what will be necessary to go around the pumpkin.
• Have each child come up with their piece of string and let them try to wrap it around the pumpkin.
• Place a piece of tape on the end of their string, and let them tape it to the appropriate paper- "too short"...
• Cut out the top of the pumpkin and have students come up, look inside, and estimate how many seeds are in it.
• Record estimations.
• Gut pumpkin, dry out seeds, and count them the next day with the class. Whose estimate was the closest?

Additional Resources

Books

Here are two non-Halloween pumpkin books that you may want to tie in:

Pumpkin Pumpkin, Jeanne Titherington, Pub. Green Willow Books, 1986, ISBN: 0688099300

The Mare's Egg, retold by Carole Spray, Pub. Camden House, 1981, ISBN: 0920656072