Grade:
Appropriate for third through fifth grades.
Objective:
In this activity students in cooperative groups search,
suggest, question, predict, and estimate the number of seeds
in a set of pumpkins. They will combine mathematical procedures
and scientific observation to learn more about this seasonal
delight.
Subjects:
Math, Science
Pumpkins are fun! Their size and color, smell and taste make
them perfect for children's observation and exploration.
Divide
the students into groups of 5 that reflect the diverse abilities
of your classroom. Each group will examine 3 pumpkins and record
their observations on a chart (see sample below). A local farmer
or grocery store may be willing to donate pumpkins for this
activity.
|
Pumpkin
1
|
Pumpkin
2
|
Pumpkin
3
|
| 1.
How tall? |
|
|
|
| 2.
How big around? |
|
|
|
| 3.
What color? |
|
|
|
| 4.
What is the weight? |
|
|
|
| 5.
How many lines on the outside? |
|
|
|
| 1st
seed count (prediction) |
|
|
|
| 2nd
seed count (estimation) |
|
|
|
| 3rd
seed count (exact total) |
|
|
|
Brainstorming
To
introduce the activity, have the whole class discuss:
- What
the pumpkins look like from the outside and what they might
look like on the inside.
- Talk
about roasting and eating pumpkin seeds as snacks.
- If
they were going into the grocery story and looking for a
pumpkin with many seeds, how would they know which one to
choose?
- Characteristics
of the pumpkins and the various ways they could measure
and describe them. Some examples might be: How tall? How
big around? What about the color, the shape? What is the
weight? Does the number of outside grooves tell anything?
What about the smoothness of the pumpkin's skin?
The
mission: Determine what characteristics, if any, would help
predict the number of seeds within. Let the students discuss
the results.
Data
Gathering
Individual
groups will decide on 5 questions to investigate; each group
member is responsible for 1 question.
If
the group decides to measure the pumpkins, the students can
use string to make the measurements, plot the string lengths
on a yardstick and translate the findings to the group's chart.
Prediction
and Estimation
When
data collection is completed and recorded, each group will
predict the number of seeds in the pumpkin and discuss possible
connections between the number of seeds and the pumpkins'
characteristics.
Cut
the pumpkins open, scoop out the seeds and pulp, separate
the seeds and pulp and let the seeds dry. Each group should
estimate each pumpkin's seed total, then count the seeds for
an exact total.
Post
all the groups' charts and compare the exact number of pumpkin
seeds with the predictions and estimations.
- How
different are the totals?
- Do
you need an exact total to plan a snack?
- What
about a farmer who will harvest the seeds of pumpkins in
a field?
- Do
pumpkins with similar characteristics have similar seed
counts?
-
Do there appear to be any relationships between pumpkin
characteristics and the seed counts?
Source
Illinois
State Extension
