Are you looking for a fun Halloween science activity? What about a way to turn that trip to the pumpkin patch into an educational adventure? Why not enjoy some Halloween science with a pumpkin investigation activity?
Every year, we try to make Halloween as educational and hands-on as possible. This year, we plan to bring the kids outside for a pumpkin investigation! This activity is easy to do and will help the kids learn about science and pumpkins – all while having a ton of fun!
Bonus – you can also do this activity around Thanksgiving! It’s not really a Halloween-themed activity per se as pumpkins are not exclusively linked to Halloween. Consider this a harvest activity and enjoy some learning all season long!
And if you’re looking for some science activities you can eat, be sure to try these Edible Halloween Science Experiments on for size.
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Observing the Physical Properties of Pumpkins
Have you ever noticed that pumpkins come in different shapes, sizes and colors? There is so much to be learned just by observing a simple pumpkin. Pumpkins are one of the great wonders of fall!
Visits to the pumpkin patch can be fun, but did you know they can also end in some pretty exciting educational adventures? Whether you buy your pumpkins or grow your own, this year after everybody has picked one out, go home and get ready for some pumpkin investigation science!
Print out the free pumpkin investigation printable activity for a super cute way to track your pumpkin’s results.
Here are some pumpkin observation activities to add to your Fall unit studies..
Pumpkin Investigation Activity: Number of Lines
Take a look at the outside of your pumpkin. See those vertical lines? How many do you see?
Count the vertical lines on your pumpkin. Compare the number of lines to the size of each pumpkin. Is there a correlation between size and the number of lines? Why do you think that is the case?
What about overall shape? Do wider pumpkins have more or fewer lines than taller pumpkins?
Pumpkin Investigation Activity: Measurements
Kids can learn about measurements while observing their pumpkins. Get a tape measure and a scale and observe your pumpkin. How tall is it? How wide is it? How much does it weigh?
Is there are correlation between height and weight? What about width and weight? Why do you think that is? Are there ever exceptions to this rule, do you think?
After you’re done making official measurements, try measuring your pumpkin with other things. How many apples high is your pumpkin? How many apples will it take to equal the same weight as your one pumpkin? Explore with all kinds of household or harvest items!
Pumpkin Investigation Activity: Will it Float?
This is a fun activity for kids! Will pumpkins float or sink?
Fill a tub or a bucket with water. Toss in your pumpkin and observe what happens. Does your pumpkin sink or float?
Perform this experiment with other pumpkins. Do all of them produce the same results? Why or why not?
What’s Inside a Pumpkin?
Wonder what’s inside a pumpkin?
Inside a pumpkin, you’ll find three main parts:
- Seeds: Pumpkins have lots of seeds inside. These seeds can be taken out, cleaned, and roasted to make a tasty snack.
- Pulp: The pulp is the orange, gooey stuff inside the pumpkin. This is what you usually scoop out when you’re making pumpkin pie or carving a pumpkin for Halloween. You can use it in cooking, like making pumpkin soup or pie.
- Fibrous Strings: Along with the pulp, there are some stringy, fibrous bits inside the pumpkin. These aren’t usually eaten and are often removed when cooking or carving.
So, in a nutshell, a pumpkin has seeds, pulp, and some stringy stuff inside. And each of these parts can be used in different ways, from making delicious treats to creating spooky decorations!
In this investigation, we’re going to not only observe the inside of the pumpkin, but we’re going to dig it all out and count the seeds.
For seed counting, start by scooping out the pumpkin seeds and pulp. This is easy if you use a large, sharp spoon. Since this activity is extremely messy, I recommend you do this outside or with a thick covering of newspaper!
Once the seeds and pulp have been removed from the pumpkin, wash the seeds in clean water and toss the pulp. (The pulp is great for livestock or compost bins, or you can throw it away.)
Kids can count pumpkin seeds and sort them into piles by similar numbers of pumpkin seeds.
Try to predict if there will be more pumpkin seeds or fewer pumpkin seeds than one hundred.
When you’re all done playing with the seeds, wash them again and then set them aside to dry. You might consider a pumpkin seed recipe for extra deliciousness.
To keep pumpkin seeds safe, store them in a small container. Place pumpkin seeds in a plastic bag once they are completely dry.
Kids will enjoy some harvest time science by observing pumpkins. Kids can observe the number of seeds, the number of lines, the weight, and the height of the pumpkin.
Free Printable Pumpkin Investigation Activity
Do you want to fully observe and investigate your pumpkin? You could do this activity on a normal sheet of paper. Or you could download and print this super cute (and free) 16-page printable pumpkin investigation project guide.
This free pumpkin printable makes it easy to observe everything about your pumpkin. Follow the instructions and record your results in a nice, neat place that you can refer back to again and again throughout your lessons and adventures.
You’ll also enjoy a reading passage, word search, and more! Feel free to use this printable worksheets again and again!
Grab your pumpkin investigation project guide for free now!
Observing Other Fall Harvest Produce
This investigation activity is not just limited to pumpkins. Kids can observe other pieces of produce as well!
Get up close and personal with other items that are eaten this time of year. Use the same sheet of paper or make your own!
Examples of Harvest Produce You Can Observe and Investigate
- Apples
- Squash
- Gourds
- Carrots
- Peppers
- Corn
- Cantaloupe
- Etc
Have fun and enjoy combining science with seasonal adventures!
More Pumpkin Resources
Enjoy these other pumpkin, harvest, and Halloween related learning resources!
- Halloween and Homeschooling
- Free Halloween Printables
- Thanksgiving and Homeschooling
- Pumpkin STEM Activities
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