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Pumpkin Math

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The GIANT Encyclopedia of Monthly Activities For Children 3 to 6

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The GIANT Encyclopedia of Monthly Activities For Children 3 to 6

Materials

pumpkin

plastic tablecloth

scale

white board and marker

string

scissors

sharp kitchen knife (adult only)

pens

Instructions

1. Spread a plastic tablecloth on the floor with the pumpkin in the middle,
and have the children sit around it.
2. Weigh the children and tell them how much they weigh. Encourage
them to estimate how much the pumpkin will weigh. Write their
estimations on the white board.
3. Weigh the pumpkin and refer back to the children's weight as a
comparison.
4. Cut a piece of string the height of each child. Encourage the children to
put their strings around the of the pumpkin. See whose string is closest
to the pumpkin's size.
5. Ask the children what is inside the pumpkin. Have them estimate how
many seeds are inside. Write down the estimations.
6. Cut off the top of the pumpkin (adult only). Let volunteers reach in and
bring out the seeds. Use descriptive words such as slimy and soft to
describe the touch of the pumpkin's insides. Note: Let children know
that it is okay if they do not want to reach in and touch the seeds.
7. When the seeds are out, wash them off. Spread them out to dry.
8. When the seeds are dry, count them by using small paper cups. Put ten
seeds into each cup to count by tens. Refer back to the children's
estimates. See who was closest.
More to do Snack: Bake the pumpkin seeds. Add salt and eat them as a snack.

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