Our Pumpkin Investigation 2016



Every year in kindergarten we take the time to learn about pumpkins.  This year it was our first mini-investigation.  Because living and non-living things are part of our science standards- it's a great way for us to learn about living things in a fun way! 

 

We started off this year with a visit to Bonnybrook Farm in Clarksville.  This was the first time I had ever taken a trip to this farm but it was great!  I really liked this trip because the kids got to learn a lot.  They started off by picking the pumpkin they wanted to take home.



 

We also got to take a tractor ride around the farm and stop along the way to see many different things.

 

Ms. Pam-our tour guide- took us to the stables where they take care of the horses.  She told us all about how to take care of horses and showed us the tools that they use. We got to ask a lot of questions.

 

We also got to pet the animals in the barn. 

 

There was a large display of various pumpkins that Ms. Pam showed us.  We were able to learn the names of the different types of pumpkins and squash and learn about what made them special.

 

Ms. Pam also took us back out to the patch so we could see what the pumpkins looked like at different stages of the life cycle.

 

After the trip we were exhausted!

 

When we got back students drew pictures of the pumpkin they chose.

We also chain sawed a pumpkin in half so we could explore and label the parts.  Ms. West used the chainsaw and cut it right down the middle!  Then we got to scoop our the insides.  Students then used labels (toothpicks with words at the top) to label the pumpkins parts.

We also did observational drawings of the pumpkin or squash that we liked the best.  Students practiced looking for details and coloring it to match the real pumpkin.

 

Because pumpkins and squash are related- we also explored spaghetti squash.  I warmed it up so that students could "fork" out the inside and see how it shreds into noodle like shapes.  Students helped me dig everything out.

 

They also wanted to know if ALL pumpkins and squash were orange on the inside so of course we had to cut open some of the different pumpkins/squash to find out.  The answer was yes! 

 

Ms. West also had the students help to make chocolate chip pumpkin bread by following a recipe.  It was delicious!

 

Students were able to explore independently during centers.  Here are some of the play-based centers that students were able to work in:

 

Math Area

Students used pumpkin and squash cards to create patterns.

 

Students used the balance scale to see which pumpkins or squash were heavier/lighter.

 

Students used numeral cards and pumpkin stones to practice counting.

Students used GEO pumpkins and rubber bands to make shapes.



Clay-Play Area

 

Students used modeling clay to make mini-models by looking at real photographs and making a small replica of the pumpkin or squash.

 

Building Area

 

Students used blocks, natural materials, pumpkins and farm animals to make their own pumpkin patch like the one we visited at Bonnybrook Farm.  You can see how each group made such a different but creative pumpkin patch.

 

Loose Part Area

 

Students made decorative pumpkins and jack-o-lanterns using loose parts.  Some made faces while others just made beautiful pieces.

 

Writing Area

 

In the writing area, students were able to read and write about pumpkins.  This student wrote about the 5 Little Pumpkins!

 

Science Area

 

In the science area, students were able to explore different pumpkins and squash with science tools as well as our light table. 

 

Sensory Table

 

In our sensory table, students used soap and water to wash pumpkins and squash.

Art Area

 

In our art area, students painted and drew different representations of pumpkins and squash.

 

Hallway Display

 

This is our hallway display for our pumpkin investigation.  So much of what we did was hands-on we have a large picture display.  We also hung up students observational drawings.  Students also drew and labeled the inside and outside of their pumpkin and wrote about something they could see (using our sight word for that week SEE!)

 

We had a great first investigation!  We learned that our group this year likes to explore by touching... we will keep that in mind for our next investigation.