Pumpkin Math Lesson Plan

In this lesson, students will work in small groups with pumpkins in a variety of ways (scooping seeds, counting seeds, completing a taste test of cooked pumpkin seeds, and collecting and graphing data). It is an engaging way to help students meet a number of outcomes in Math and science. The worksheets attached to this lesson are editable to meet the needs of your classroom (e.g. number of pumpkins/tables in your room). They also provide a single place to record all of their findings. These could be printed on both sides of a single sheet and placed on a clipboard for ease of use (and to keep away from the messy insides of the pumpkins!)

Math outcomes – students will:

· Estimate number of seeds in a pumpkin and record estimate

· Count seeds and record actual amount of seeds

· Place seeds in groups of ten, and skip count by tens

· Place remaining seeds in a group, and count on by ones

· Represent numbers by drawing groups of ten seeds and remaining seeds

· Collect data – find out how many seeds are in other pumpkins in the class, and record the numbers

· Order numbers of seeds in each pumpkin in the classroom from least to greatest

· Collect data with tallies – favourite pumpkin seed flavours

· Complete a bar graph – Favourite pumpkin seed flavours

Science outcomes – students will:

· Make predictions

· Confirm predictions

· Collect and record data

· Make observations

After students have had an opportunity to separate and count the pumpkin seeds, the seeds can be collected, rinsed, dried, and then baked with a variety of flavours. Then students will complete a taste test, record their preferences, and choose a favourite. Then they will find out the favourite flavours of their classmates and record this information with tallies. Then they will complete a bar graph to represent this data.

Baking directions – preheat oven to 325°F. For every two cups of seeds, add 1 tbsp of vegetable oil and toss until coated. Add flavours of choice, toss again until seeds are evenly coated, spread on a baking sheet with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, turning 2-3 times while baking.

Flavour suggestions – In addition to the vegetable oil, toss seeds with the following:

· Kettle corn – 2 tbsp granulated sugar, ¼ tsp salt

· Cinnamon sugar – 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon

· Salt and pepper – ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp pepper

· Plain