Pumpkin Math

Mathematics/Science                                                       Grade 5

Lesson Summary:

The students will weigh small pumpkins on a triple beam balance scale.  They will record the measurement in grams.  They will weigh them whole, with the lid off, and with the insides scooped out.  Then they will graph their results using Microsoft Excel.

Objectives:

§        Students will make predictions of data.

§        Students will learn how to use the triple beam balance scale.

§        Students will learn to enter data and create a graph using Microsoft Excel.

§        Students will compare data.

§        Students will manipulate the pumpkins to determine circumference, height, and stem size.

Materials:

Small/medium sized pumpkins

Computers with Microsoft Excel and a printer

Triple beam balance scale

Carving knife and scoops

Measuring tapes

Procedures:

1.      Students will each have a pumpkin.  They will measure the circumference of the pumpkin, the height of the pumpkin, and the stem length using a measuring tape.  They will record their data on the attached worksheet.

2.    Students will weigh their whole pumpkin using the triple beam balance scale.  They will record their data on their worksheet.

3.    Students will cut the lid off their pumpkins, then weigh the pumpkin again, this time without the lid.  They will record their data on their worksheet.

4.    Students will scoop out the innards of their pumpkins, then weigh the pumpkin again, this time without the lid and the innards.  They will record their data on their worksheet.

5.    Students will transfer their data from their worksheet on to the computer using Microsoft Excel.  Then they will graph their results.

6.    The culminating activity for this lesson is to cut the pumpkins into Jack-O-Lanterns.

Core Curriculum Content Standards:

Standard 2:  All Students Will Use Information, Technology, And Other Tools

Standard 4.5:  All Students Will Regularly And Routinely Use Calculators, Computers, Manipulatives, And Other Mathematical Tools To Enhance Mathematical Thinking, Understanding, And Power

Standard 4.9:  All Students Will Develop An Understanding Of And Will Use Measurement To Describe And Analyze Phenomena

Standard 4.10:  All Students Will Use A Variety Of Estimation Strategies And Recognize Situations In Which Estimation Is Appropriate

Additional Activities

§        Students can research pumpkins: different types, where they grow best, history of the pumpkin, etc.  They can research using the Internet or Encarta. 

§        Students can plant pumpkin seeds and chart growth.

§        Students can locate a variety of recipes using pumpkins and make a “Pumpkin Cookbook.”

§        Students can visit the following web sites for pumpkin information:

§        netscape.com/society/festivities/halloweengreetings

§        www.education-world.com/a_lesson/lesson028.shtml  (visit this site for lots of great pumpkin ideas and activities)