Pumpkin Day

Objective:
The students will dissect a pumpkin and record data regarding the parts of the pumpkin.

Materials

• Pumpkin Dissection Guide
• Scales
• 5 medium sized pumpkins.
• Measuring tape
• "The Story of Pumpkin" by Frank Fiorello, or another book that discusses how pumpkins grow and the parts of a pumpkin.
• Metal spoons and vegetable peelers

Procedure

1. Read the book about growing pumpkins.
2. Divide the class into small groups sitting around tables or desks that are pushed together to form a table.
3. Each dissection team will receive; * one pumpkin (top should be on but pre cut off), *several metal spoons, *one vegetable peeler ( be sure it is not too sharp )
4. Lead the class through the steps on the Dissection Guide.
5. Give each group one dissection guide or one to each person.
6. At the end of this exercise the students will have completed their dissection guide.
7. For younger children, the entire class may work together to fill out one dissection guide under the leadership of the teacher.

Other Lesson Ideas

1. Have the students plant a pumpkin seed and observe its growth over time. This activity will not be finished in one day.
2. Compare the pumpkin to other fruits. Compare it to other vegetables. Decide if it is a fruit or vegetable. Suggested reading for this activity: "It’s a Fruit, It’s a Vegetable, It’s a Pumpkin" by Allan Fowler.
3. Have the students trace a pumpkin seed's journey to become a ripe pumpkin.