What is inside the pumpkin?

After predicting there might be seeds inside the pumpkin, we quickly cut the top of the pumpkin to find out what was inside. Julian and Talia were eager to get their hands inside and discovered there were seeds and also squishy pulp. They asked if we could eat the seeds, so we decided to roast the pumpkin seeds. Julian and Talia worked together to separate the seeds from the pulp. They washed the seeds and then mixed the seeds with a teeny bit of oil and a sprinkle of salt. After 20 minutes in the oven, we enjoyed a delicious snack of pumpkin seeds! Roasting pumpkin seeds allowed us to follow a recipe and engage in a sensory experience. 

Observational Drawings of our Pumpkins

When we returned form the pumpkin patch, Julian, Talia, and Evan used markers, paper, and clip boards to make observational drawings of their pumpkins. Just like scientists do, the children carefully observed the pumpkins and represented the shape, colors, and parts of the pumpkin. After drawing their pumpkins, the children added labels. The children used labels to identify the important parts of the pumpkin, such as, pumpkin, stem, ribs, skin, and even seeds. When asked if they could see the seeds, the children explained they were inside the pumpkin and that if we opened up the pumpkin we would be able to see them. This led us right to our next exploration- what is inside a pumpkin? 

What's inside a pumpkin?

Today many children in the Levana class spent some time exploring the inside of some pumpkins. We touched them with our hands and used forks to explore the seeds and interior of the pumpkin. Hannah said the insides felt, "Slimy." Eli said the outside felt "like an apple."  At one point Eli asked me, "Why did I put the seeds inside?" It made me realize that they may not understand that this is what is in the inside each and every pumpkin! We then found a whole pumpkin and I cut it open. This drew a large crowd of children and they were all ecstatic to see that there were seeds inside! It was a very engaging station this morning and allowed children to have a sensory experience with their hands , develop fine motor skills with the forks, explore science and communicate with each other.  I enjoyed hearing their thoughts and ideas and hopefully we can do it again soon!

Pumpkin Pancakes

 

Avi smiles in anticipation of making pumpkin pancakes.
Samantha adds a cup of pumpkin to the mix.
Ellen watches while Samantha stirs the batter.
Olivia dips her pancakes in maple syrup and enjoys snack.