First up was reading 2 books. We chatted for a moment about the difference between fiction and non-fiction books and then I read one of each. First up:
Simple explanation of how a pumpkin grows from seed to pumpkin.
Cute story of a pumpkin on the loose. Run through a farm and everyone imagines what they can make with the pumpkin.
After stories, we set off to investigate what the inside of a pumpkin is all about. I had the top carved off ahead of time and the kids estimated how many seeds were in the pumpkin. We had guesses from 19 to a zillion (these are K-2nd graders). Next, they were invited to feel inside the pumpkin and squish the guts around to see if that changed their guesses. (Of course, some didn't want to).
Our first experiement was making Oobleck with the pumpkin guts. Found a simple recipe on Pinterest. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/203436108143596025/ It worked great. Simply added 1c. cornstarch and 1/2 c. water to guts and viola! Is it a solid or is it a liquid? It's a Newtonian fluid.
What else can we do with our pumpkin? Sink or float time! I cleared out a large bin and filled it with water. The kids had to guess which item would sink and which would float. Items used, pumpkin, apple, large rock, little rock, stick, straw, paper clip, rubber band ball, plastic toy. Pumpkin floats, paperclip sinks, kids amazed!
For my favorite part of STEAM, the art. We did a mini-lesson on negative and positive space making a jack-o-latern face. Fold paper in half, cut out half on folded edge. Cut paper in half, glue to background, then glue opposite items.
Then to top it off, we made pumpkin dip (inspiration: Aunt Roxie). It is yummy, easy and even bashful pumpkin eaters love it . Simple as can be: can of pumpkin pie puree, tub of cool whip, and small box of instant pie filling. Mix together. Serve with a variety of items including apples, pretzels, gingersnaps, vanilla wafers, graham crackers, etc.
What a great way to have a STEAM-y kind of day!
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