Nothing says “fall” like carving pumpkins! This annual event is a hallmark of the season and a time-honored tradition for many families. And while it’s definitely a fun activity for your kids, it can also be an opportunity to incorporate math learning into your family routine. This Halloween pumpkin math activity is perfect for elementary-aged children, and it’s a great way to help your children practice some basic math and critical thinking skills.
Step 1
First, you’ll need two pumpkins – one small and one large. How small and large is up to you, but make sure the size difference is substantial. You’ll also need a scale, pen and pencil, newspaper or cardboard, a spoon and a kitchen knife.
Step 2
To get started, spread out the newspaper or cardboard on a table, and arrange the two pumpkins and scale alongside each other. Next, draw up a chart like the one pictured below.
Step 3
Help your child to weigh the small pumpkin, and make note of its weight. Ask your child to predict (or guess) how many seeds they think it has, and make note of that number, too. Next, cut open the pumpkin and scoop out the pulp onto the newspaper or cardboard. Are they surprised by the number of seeds? Why or why not?
Step 4
Separate the seeds from the pulp, and take a look at them in a pile. Now that you can see them all, ask your child if they think their initial guess was close to the actual number of seeds. Ask them to make another guess, but not just any guess – an estimate!
The difference between a guess and an estimate is that an estimate uses facts to make an educated and logical prediction.
After explaining this concept to your child, let them make their estimate. Make note of their amended guess on the chart. Now it’s time to count the seeds and compare them to your child’s guess. Write down the exact number of seeds. How accurate was your child’s prediction? How accurate was their estimate?
Step 5
Now for the larger pumpkin. Weigh it and compare its weight to the small one. How much more does it weigh than the small one? How many times heavier is it? Encourage your child to do the subtraction and division necessary to find the answers to these questions, respectively.
Step 6
Next, it’s time to put your child’s critical thinking skills to the test. Based on the weights of the two pumpkins and the number of seeds the small pumpkin had, ask them to make a guess as to how many seeds the larger one will have.
Ask them what factors they took into consideration when choosing that number. Then write that number down, and repeat the process of cutting open the pumpkin, scooping out the pulp, and counting the seeds. How accurate were your child’s prediction and estimate? Was it more or less accurate than their guess for the smaller pumpkin? Are there any conclusions your child can reach based on the final numbers?
Bonus Learning Idea!
For an extra challenge, you can try this project with the addition of a medium-sized pumpkin. Weighing and estimating the seed count in a mid-size pumpkin will allow your child to have a better reference point when they are predicting and estimating the seed count for the larger one.
Step 7
Once you’ve finished with the math portion of this activity, your pumpkins are ready for carving! Work together with your child to make a design and carve it into the pumpkins. Letting their creative side shine is the perfect reward for all the brainwork they’ve done!