STEAM with Pumpkins

Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math are all components of STEAM, an initiative to get kids excited about science. The Robbinsville Branch started our own STEAM class this past year. It is called Little Explorers and is for children ages 3-5. We have explored topics like lightning, the solar system, and fireworks. This month one of our classes is going to focus on pumpkins. I cannot wait to explore this topic with my Little Explorers!

Here are a few fun and seasonal STEAM projects that you may want to try:

Before going to pick your pumpkin, learn about its life cycle by reading Pumpkin, Pumpkin by Jeanne Titherington, From Seed to Pumpkin by Jan Kottke, or The Pumpkin Book by Gail Gibbons.
Read How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin by Margaret McNamara and guess how many seeds are in your own pumpkin before you carve it. When you count the seeds you could also count by 2, 5, and 10. As a bonus activity you could try roasting the seeds.

Can you guess how many seeds are in this pumpkin? Scroll to the end to find out!

After reading Five Little Pumpkins by Iris Van Rynbach build a gate or fence that would hold 5 pumpkins (or even just 1). You could try using Legos, paint sticks, or any other materials that you may have around the house.

Once you have finished with your pumpkin or Jack O’Lantern for the season, you could turn it into a volcano! Put a few teaspoons of baking soda into your pumpkin along with a little bit of dish soap and food coloring. Pour in some vinegar and wait for the reaction (and the mess)!