Learning about Pumpkins

Last week, we completed several pumpkin activities including a science experiment.  The children were  curious to find out if pumpkin seeds float or sink.  So on Tuesday, we conducted an experiment.  Most of the children thought the seeds would sink because the apple seeds had sunk.  However, we learned that the seeds float, but only when the seed coat (white outer shell) is on.  The children were curious to know what would happen when the coat was peeled off and the seed inside was placed in the water. After sharing our predictions, we conducted the experiment.  We learned that the inside of the pumpkin seed (the green part) sinks!

After reading and discussing the life cycle of a pumpkin, the children illustrated the life cycle of a pumpkin through drawings.  After each section of the life cycle was illustrated, the children labeled their drawings.

Lastly, the children created pumpkin heads using painted paper, which I love as each pumpkin is unique.  The children also wrote a sentence sharing what pumpkins have, can, or are.  Listen to the Voicethread below to hear what the children had to say about pumpkins.  Feel free to comment on the children's pictures.