Peltzer Farms - Grow Your Own Pumpkin

PUMPKIN EXPLORATION

Pumpkins are fun! Their size and color, smell and taste them perfect for children's
observation and exploration. In this activity students in groups search, suggest, questions,
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.

MATERIALS:
1. (3) Pumpkins
2. Copies of the chart below.
3. String to measure around pumpkin.
4. Yardstick to translate measurements.
5. Knife to cut pumpkin.
6. Scoop for pumpkin seeds.
7. Pan or flat surface to dry seeds.

DIRECTIONS:

Divide the students into groups. Each group will examine 3 pumpkins and record their
observations on the chart below.

**PUMPKIN EXPLORATION CHART**
Peltzer Farms	Pumpkin 1	Pumpkin 2	Pumpkin 3
1. What color?
2. How big around?
3. How tall?
4. What is the weight?
5. How many lines are on the outside?
6. 1st seed count (Prediction)
7. 2nd seed count (Estimation)
8. 3rd seed count (Exact total)

Brainstorming:
To introduce this activity, have the whole class discuss what the pumpkins look like from
the outside and what they may look like on the inside. Talk about roasting and eating
pumpkin seeds as snacks.

The Mission: Determine what characteristics, if any, would help predict the number of
seeds within. Let the students discuss the characteristics of the pumpkins and the various
ways they could measure and describe them.

Data Gathering:
Individual groups will decide on the answer to the questions in the chart. (In groups of five,
each group member is responsible for 1 question.) Use the string to make the measurements,
then plot the string length on a yardstick. Translate the findings to the group's chart.

Predictions and Estimation:
When data collection is completed and recorded, each group will predict the number of seeds
in each pumpkin and discuss possible connections between the number of seeds and the pumpkins'
characteristics. Cut the pumpkins open, scoop out the seeds and pulp and let the seeds dry. At this
point each group can estimate each pumpkin's seed total. Then, for the exact total, count the seeds.

Post all the group's charts and compare the exact number of pumpkin seeds with the predictions and
estimations. How different are the totals? Do pumpkins with similar characteristics have similar seed counts?
Is their a relationship between pumpkin characteristics and seed counts.