STEM Investigation: Pumpkin
Recommended Grade Level:
Type of Resource: PDF
Number of Pages: 4
Coordinating Activities
STEM Investigation: Pumpkin
- 2 pumpkin investigation recording sheets
Kids write or draw a hypothesis, do the investigation and record what happened.
Required Materials:
- Paper, printer and ink
- A pumpkin
- Bowl or tub of water
- Measuring tape
- Scale
- Pencils or crayons
Standards for Science Investigation
This pumpkin investigation supports early science standards connected to asking questions, making predictions and recording observations.
NGSS and Common Core State Standards
- NGSS K-2-ETS1-1: Ask questions, make observations and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool. Kids ask questions and make predictions.
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.MD.A.1: Describe measurable attributes of objects, such as length or weight. Kids measure and weigh their pumpkin.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.K.8: With guidance and support from adults, recall information from experiences or gather information from provided sources to answer a question. Kids record what they observe.
Texas Prekindergarten Guidelines
- PK4.VI.A.1: Child observes, investigates, describes and discusses characteristics of common objects. Kids describe how their pumpkin looks and feels.
- PK4.VI.A.3: Child uses simple scientific tools to learn about objects. Kids use a scale and a measuring tape.
Virginia Science Standards of Learning
- K.3: Physical properties of an object can be described. Kids describe what they observe during the investigation.
STEM Investigation: Pumpkin gives preschool and kindergarten kids a simple, hands-on science experiment where they explore a pumpkin with their senses and simple tools.
Kids describe their pumpkin as big or small and smooth or bumpy, then weigh it, measure around it and test whether it sinks or floats.
Kids make a hypothesis, try the experiment and record their observations on the recording sheet. It is a great first step into the scientific method.
How to Use STEM Investigation: Pumpkin
- Gather the materials listed above.
- Read the instruction sheet together.
- Kids look at, feel and describe the pumpkin.
- Kids weigh and measure the pumpkin and test whether it sinks or floats.
- Kids record their observations on the recording sheet.
- Talk about what happened and why.
Small Group: Do the investigation together and take turns with each step.
Science Center: Set out the materials and recording sheets for kids to explore.
Easy Ways to Differentiate This STEM Investigation
Every group has a mix of science, language and writing skills. These simple changes keep the activity familiar while meeting each child where they are.
For Children Who Need More Support:
- Do each step together.
- Draw a picture of what happened.
- Use picture cues for each step.
- Dictate the hypothesis to an adult.
For On-Level Practice:
- Make a hypothesis before starting.
- Record what happened in words or pictures.
- Compare the result to the hypothesis.
- Share the results with a friend.
For an Extra Challenge:
- Change one thing and try again.
- Write a sentence about why it happened.
- Make a new prediction.
- Plan your own experiment.
For Speech, OT, ELL or Special Education Support:
- Talk through each step together and give plenty of wait time.
- Accept pointing, gestures, AAC or any communication method the child already uses.
- Use the experiment to build science words.
- Repeat the investigation on another day.
STEM Investigation: Pumpkin Is Perfect For:
- Preschool and pre-K
- Kindergarten
- First grade
- Pumpkin and fall themes
- Science centers
- STEM centers
- Small-group instruction
- Homeschool
