The Pumpkin Patch

A yearly visit to the local pumpkin patch with our church’s family ministry is a highlight this time of year. And a great nature study outing, too!

As a homeschool teacher, I don’t let my kids often get away with only carving their pumpkins! Although, since we’ve been so busy this season, I did let them get away with only carving them just this once. What do I usually make them do? Fun math and science/nature study, of course!

• Measure the circumference
• Calculate the diameter and radius using only the circumference measurement
• Weigh the pumpkins
• Compare weights
• Measure heights and widths
• Measure the volume
• Estimate the amount of seed
• Count the seeds
• Examine and open the seeds
• Observe the difference between the inner and outer pumpkin shell
• Measure the thickness of the shell
• Examine the stem
• Look for signs to see where the pumpkin touched the ground
• Follow a recipe to make roasted pumpkin seeds

If you have any questions about how to do any of the math tasks I’ve suggested, just ask! They’re all very easy really.

This is a wonderful activity to supplement the NaturExplorers study of Fruits and Nuts this season!