Pumpkin Seed Counting
By Caroline Wyman
Objective: The students will be able to count and graph pumpkin seeds with their group in order to see which group has the most and least amount of seeds. Grades 2-5
Initiation: Have a couple of uncarved pumpkins to show the whole class. Make a couple of guesses or estimates as to how many seeds might be in each of the pumpkins. Have the class describe to you why they think that number is a valid one.
Development: After the class has had a discussion about the number of pumpkin seeds, split the class into 4 or 5 groups and hand out a pumpkin to each group. Have each child on previously made worksheet guess/estimate how many seeds are in their pumpkin. Let the students know that their hands are going to get a little slimy when they get their seeds out. Put newspaper on their desks to cut down on the mess. They love this part! Have each child from the groups take turns scooping out with their hands pumpkin seeds. Once all of the seeds are out have them count them in groups of fives or tens. Don't forget to tell them to keep track of their seeds and record the numbers on their sheets. See who came the closest in each group to their estimates and then make graphs of each group's pumpkin seed amounts.
Closure: Hang the completed graphs on the wall for all to see and end with a good Halloween story.
Materials: Pumpkins, worksheets, newspaper
Time: 30 min.-45 min.
Caroline Wyman has a degree in Sociology and a Masters in Elementary Education and is the administrator for TeacherNet.com.