Science Resources

Life Sciences

The life cycle of a pumpkin can be studied in many ways. Several of the books listed in the literacy section explain each phase of a pumpkin. Great video clips can be found at www.unitedstreaming.com.
Students can create a Flow Map (first, next, then, last) to describe the cycle.
You may also want to visit www.enchantedlearning.com to find the “pumpkin life cycle printout” for students to complete.

Earth Sciences

Soil provides us with a vital resource: our food. Discuss the effects of weather and the seasons on pumpkin growth. The book The Pumpkin Circle is an excellent resource for investigating earth science regarding a pumpkin.

Visiting the farm provides an excellent opportunity to discuss a variety of ways our Earth is vital to life. (animals, vegetables, weather etc.) Check out this website for great ideas on integrating farming into your classroom: http://www.theteachersguide.com/onthefarm.htm

Physical Sciences

When studying the physical attributes of pumpkins, students can describe and compare colors, size, and weight of various pumpkins.

Sink or Float: Pumpkin season provides an excellent opportunity to experiment with flotation! (ALL PUMPKINS FLOAT!)
Gather a variety of items, including several pumpkins of various sizes. Have students predict if each item will sink or float.

Investigation and Experimentation

Create a KWL chart about pumpkins. Add to the chart as you continue studying pumpkins.

Grow pumpkins in your classroom:
http://www.sadako.com/pumpkin/activities.html
This website provides excellent details for preparing and executing this exciting task at school or home!

Pumpkin Decay: Place a hollowed pumpkin outside of your classroom window. Have students monitor and journal about the pumpkin as it changes each week.
You may also choose to cut up a pumpkin and place it in a sealed jar in your classroom observe the decomposition process.