Sensory Science: Pumpkin Explorations
In this activity, children will use sensory science to make observations and explore pumpkins!
Learning Objectives/Opportunities
Build basic knowledge about pumpkins
Science process skills: sensory science, observation
Developmental skills: gross motor
Materials:
Pumpkin
Knife or carving tool
Activity Instructions
Place pumpkin on the table
Use your senses to explore the pumpkin.
How does the pumpkin look? Is it big or small? What shape is your pumpkin? What color is your pumpkin?
Does your pumpkin smell like anything?
How does your pumpkin feel? Is it smooth or bumpy? Does your pumpkin have ridges? How does the stem feel compared to the pumpkin? Is your pumpkin heavy?
Record your observations in your STEMSpark Pumpkin Observation Sheet
Cut off the top of the pumpkin
What does the inside of the pumpkin look like? Is it hollow (empty) or full? Is the inside a different color than the outside? Do you see anything inside of the pumpkin?
What does inside the pumpkin smell like?
What does the inside of the pumpkin feel like? Is it smooth or bumpy? Dry or wet?