First, we compared our pumpkins by size. Here are group representatives lining up our pumpkins from LARGEST to smallest.
Next, we predicted the number of lines on our pumpkins. As Ms. O'Neill reminds us, first we guess then we test! The difference between our predictions and actual results was minimal.
After everything was "in line," we discussed circumference. WOW!!! Here we are using terrific teamwork to measure with a string. We then used non-standard units (unifix cubes) and standard units (inches) to record the data. The results were a tad surprising, as the largest pumpkin did NOT have the largest circumference. We discovered that this was due to the fact that the largest pumpkin was skinnier than our medium sized pumpkins. Work those rulers!!
Then came the BEST part, also the messiest! Using child-safe carving knives, we cut the tops off our pumpkins so we could get down and dirty with the seeds and pulp. Is there a relationship between pumpkin size and seed count?? That was the basis of our inquiry-based exploration. Although many of us predicted the number of seeds inside each pumpkin would be less than a hundred, we quickly learned that pumpkins produce MANY more- hundreds actually! So, we devised a plan to more efficiently count our seeds. We grouped the seeds by tens! To assist us in our count, we drew directly on our tables to keep track of our data! Some of us were more reluctant, or flat out refused to touch the "guts," but nevertheless it was an exciting morning! Check us out!!!
This is what our tables looked like after all the hard work was complete! Ughhhh- what a mess!!!! It's all good though, because look at all of the mathematical thinking that was leftover!
Even though it wasn't a contest, we created a table on the dry erase board to more easily compare our findings. After combing through the data, we learned that there is NO relationship between pumpkin size and seed count! Our smallest pumpkin, Donald, did NOT have the fewest amount of seeds. It just so happened that today the largest pumpkin did in fact contain the most seeds. However, this is not always the case. We later learned through a read-aloud that the longer a pumpkin grows on the vine, the more lines of seeds it contains inside. There are some tricks to help tell how long a pumpkin has been on the vine just by looking at it too! The darker the orange color and the more lines on the outside are clues that the pumpkin has been growing on the vine for a longer period of time! Who knew?! Well now #class2h does! Oh, and if you ever want to make pumpkin pie, we learned that the smaller, darker pumpkins make for the sweetest desserts!
So the next time your family cuts open a pumpkin to carve a jack-o-lantern, first ask the family, "HOW MANY SEEDS IN A PUMPKIN?"
#class2h wishes you all a wonderful fall and happy Halloween!
