Math Resources

Pumpkin Patch

NCSCOS Competency Goal 1- Number Sense

Fill-in Numbers on the pumpkin 100 Number Chart.
Extend: Odd Even Patch (color odd numbers orange, even numbers yellow)

Estimate # of seeds inside of a large, medium and small pumpkin. Place seeds in groups to count (2s, 5s, 10s etc).

Number Recognition: Write numbers on pumpkins made of cardstock. Students glue or draw that number of seeds. Pair two or more students together to add or subtract. This same concept of using pumpkin seeds can also be used to multiply or divide (share equally in lower grades).

Pumpkin Perimeter

NCSCOS Competency Goal 2- Measurement

Choose a pumpkin to measure. Cut a string that wraps around the center of the pumpkin. Use standard and non-standard units of measure to determine the pumpkin’s circumference by measuring the string. Compare and sequence various pumpkins (least to greatest).

*This same concept can be used in weighing pumpkins on a balance or scale.
Have students estimate a pumpkins weight. Measure to confirm. To determine the weight in pounds, students may choose to weigh themselves without and while holding their pumpkin, then subtract to find the weight.

Pumpkin Profile

NCSOS Competency Goal 3- Geometry

Use a map of the pumpkin patch to calculate distance. Give this activity various levels of difficulty to accommodate students’ abilities.

Use pattern blocks to create a jack-o-lantern. Graph the various shapes used on the attached bar graph. Answer graphing questions.

Carve or color a jack-o-lantern. Identify the various shapes used.

Pumpkin Probability

NCSCOS Competency Goal 4- Probability

Graph students’ favorite type of pumpkin food (pie, bread, roasted seeds, cheesecake etc). Answer graphing questions.

Estimate # of candy pumpkins in a jar. Count to confirm.

Place various colors of pumpkin cut-outs (orange, white, yellow, green) in a bag. Have students use words such as “Certain, Impossible, More likely or Less likely” to describe the probability of choosing each color:
For Example:
Place 5 orange, 2 yellow in bag
“It is more likely to choose an orange pumpkin.”
“It is less likely to choose a yellow pumpkin.”
“It is impossible to choose a green pumpkin.”
*Take out the yellow… “It is certain that I will choose an orange pumpkin.”

Pumpkin Patterns

NCSCOS Competency Goal 5-Patterming

Use the attached pumpkin patch coloring sheet to designate various patterns: (For example color the pumpkins to show an ABB pattern etc).

Venn Diagram: Use a Venn diagram to compare and contrast a pumpkin and an orange. (May also be used to compare pie pumpkin and mini pumpkin etc).