Sensory Science: Pumpkin Explorations

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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

  1. Place pumpkin on the table

  2. Use your senses to explore the pumpkin.

    1. How does the pumpkin look? Is it big or small? What shape is your pumpkin? What color is your pumpkin?

    2. Does your pumpkin smell like anything?

    3. 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?

  3. Record your observations in your STEMSpark Pumpkin Observation Sheet

  4. Cut off the top of the pumpkin

    1. 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?

    2. What does inside the pumpkin smell like?

    3. What does the inside of the pumpkin feel like? Is it smooth or bumpy? Dry or wet?

Pumpkin LabNatasha Chlebuch