FIRST GRADE HIP HIP HOORAY | FALL CLASSROOM IDEAS

There is something magical about bringing a real pumpkin into the classroom. Students immediately want to touch it, examine it, and, of course, find out what’s inside!

But what if that excitement could become two days of meaningful learning?

That’s exactly what inspired my How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin? resource. Using the wonderful book by Margaret McNamara, students become pumpkin investigators as they make predictions, explore pumpkins, collect data, and discover whether their theories are correct.

And yes, things might get a little messy—but that’s part of the fun!

Three pumpkins. Two days. One exciting investigation that brings literacy, science, and math together!

Start With Three Pumpkins and One Big Question!

Place three pumpkins—one large, one medium, and one small—where students can see them.

Ask: Which pumpkin do you think has the most seeds?

Invite students to examine the pumpkins and explain their reasoning. Does a bigger pumpkin always have more seeds? Could a smaller pumpkin surprise us?

Begin With a Little Pumpkin Knowledge!

Before diving into our investigation, I like to find out what my students already know.

The Pumpkin Expert morning opener is a fun way to get everyone thinking. Students describe pumpkins, sequence the pumpkin life cycle, draw a jack-o’-lantern face, and share their favorite pumpkin treat. Ideal for assessing prior knowledge.

As students finish, invite them to place a sticky note on our morning poll:

Would you rather scoop out a pumpkin or count its seeds?

Save those sticky notes! We’ll return to them on Day Two and turn our responses into a meaningful math lesson.

A Read-Aloud With a Purpose

Now it’s time to introduce How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin? by Margaret McNamara.

I love using this story because it gives students a reason to listen carefully. We’re looking for clues that might help us with our own investigation!

As you read, pause to discuss Charlie’s feelings, why Mr. Tiffin brings pumpkins to school, and how the children investigate their pumpkins.

After reading, students complete one of the three differentiated comprehension pages.

Younger students can circle answers, sequence three events, and draw their favorite part. Older students identify story details, sequence four events, and explain Charlie’s feelings.

Teacher Tip: Review the sequencing activity together. The steps in the story provide a natural transition into our own scientific investigation.

Let’s Look for Clues!

Now we’re ready to become pumpkin investigators!

Display the Pumpkin Clues anchor chart and revisit the information from the story.

Could the pumpkin’s color, number of ribs, or time spent growing provide clues about its seeds?

These are possibilities to investigate, not guarantees!

Students use the prediction page to ask eight classmates which pumpkin they think will have the most seeds. They record their responses using tally marks.

I also include large, medium, and small pumpkin display pages. Hang these in the classroom and invite students to place a sticky note on their predicted winner.

Ask students to explain their reasoning rather than simply guessing.

Teacher Tip: Have students put their names on their sticky notes if you plan to let them change their predictions after investigating.

It’s Time for Some Messy Business!

This is the part students have been waiting for!

I recommend sending home the included parent letter several days before your investigation. Families are asked to send an old shirt or apron and a large spoon.

If possible, invite a parent or grandparent to help.

Divide your class into three groups, assigning one pumpkin to each group. Cover the tables with newspaper and have an adult cut open the pumpkins.

Students scoop out the insides, separate the seeds from the pulp, and examine what they discover.

Don’t count yet!

We’re saving that exciting discovery for tomorrow and allowing the seed to be rinsed and dried.

A Little Vocabulary and Writing Before We Finish

After students have explored the pumpkins, gather everyone to share their observations.

Create a class list of descriptive words such as slimy, stringy, gooey, sticky, and slippery.

Then use the included Inside the Pumpkin activity. Students label the seed, pulp, skin, and flesh.

This is a wonderful opportunity to connect firsthand scientific observations with vocabulary and writing.

Before leaving, return to our predictions.

Would anyone change their prediction after seeing inside the pumpkins?

Students explain their thinking and complete the prediction exit ticket.

Tomorrow we’ll find out!

DAY TWO: COUNT, DISCOVER & PROVE IT!

Good Morning, Pumpkin Scientists!

Begin by displaying yesterday’s predictions.

Students complete the Good Morning activity, reviewing what they discovered inside the pumpkins and coloring the pumpkin they think will have the most seeds.

Ask students whether they’re sticking with their original predictions.

Then review the experiment steps.

It’s finally time to count!

Let’s Count Those Seeds!

Return students to their investigation groups and distribute the dried seeds from their assigned pumpkin.

Give each student a portion to count.

Encourage students to organize their seeds into groups of five or ten. The included counting mat provides a place to record individual totals, group totals, and the counting strategy used.

Record the totals for all three pumpkins on the investigation chart. Compare our predictions with the actual results and discuss what the evidence tells us.”

Let’s Bring Back Our Morning Poll!

Remember our question from yesterday?

Would you rather scoop out a pumpkin or count its seeds?

Now that students have experienced both activities, ask whether they would make the same choice.

Count the original sticky notes and use one of the differentiated data-collection pages to graph the results.

Students compare which activity received more votes, fewer votes, and the difference.

You might even conduct the poll again to see whether anyone changed their mind!

A Little Guided Reading and Informational Writing

Our investigation provides the perfect opportunity to extend the learning into literacy.

The included pumpkin mini reader revisits the investigation steps and clues from the story.

Read it together during guided reading, or send it home for additional practice.

Then display the Pumpkins: Are, Have, Can organizer.

Brainstorm facts from the story and our investigation. Students use these ideas to complete their informational writing.

I’ve included differentiated options for younger students, developing writers, and independent writers.

Finish With a Pumpkin Craft!

End the investigation with the included smiling pumpkin craft.

Students add the stem, leaf, eyes, and silly smile.

Create a classroom display titled:

We Are Pumpkin Scientists!

Include the students’ writing and experiment results so everyone can share what they discovered.

What a wonderful way to celebrate two days of learning!

Why I Love This Resource

One story and three pumpkins create so many opportunities for meaningful learning!

Students practice reading comprehension, scientific observation, prediction, counting, data collection, vocabulary, informational writing, and art.

Best of all, the activities are connected. Each lesson builds on what students discovered the day before.

The two-day lesson plans help organize the investigation, and the additional literacy and math activities can be used during guided reading, centers, or throughout your pumpkin unit.

You don’t have to complete every page to have a successful investigation. Choose the activities that best meet your students’ needs.

Three pumpkins. Two days. One exciting investigation!

Explore How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin?

Happy Pumpkin Investigating!

Michele

First Grade Hip Hip Hooray