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