Pumpkin Investigations

Thank you for donating pumpkins to our science center.  We ended up with five very different looking pumpkins.  When the students were at the science center this week they had to pick a pumpkin and do several different investigations.  First, the scientists counted and recorded the number of lines on the pumpkins.

Next, the scientists measured.  They had to measure the height in cubes and the circumference.  To find the circumference, the children cut a ribbon to fit around the pumpkin then measured the length of the ribbon.  There were a few surprises!

Last, we did a sink and float test.  Even though we had read that pumpkins could float, many of the students predicted the pumpkins would sink.  Some of the pumpkins were very heavy!  To their amazement, all the pumpkins floated!  The experiment was a catalyst for a really interesting discussion.  These six and seven year old's were on the verge of some huge science concepts and I just LOVE their curiosity.  Have I told you before, I just think these kiddos are amazing!