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Writer's picturedeborahfagnan

October S.T.E.M. Storytime: Measuring Pumpkins

Updated: Oct 27, 2018

For Children kindergarten to second grade. First Friday of the month at 3:30 p.m.

Measuring Pumpkins


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Introduction: This S.T.E.M program has been developed to teach children three important concepts related to their understanding of measurement while developing skills in working in teams. Each team will be responsible in taking various measurements of different types and sizes of pumpkins and writing their answers on a chart. At the conclusion, teams will compare their answers with one another. The theme of pumpkins is Literature based. The program has been developed around a nonfiction and fiction book about pumpkins. The program will begin with the reading of the nonfiction book, and conclude with the reading of a picture book.

Citation of Image: Goodreads. (2018). Pumpkins in Fall. [Digital Image]. Retrieved from https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17723286-pumpkins-in-fall

Audience: Kindergarten - 2nd grade

Length: 1 hour

Number of Attendees: 20

Room Set-up:

Five tables set up for 4 children. Each table should have pencils, tape measures, and math charts.

6th Table with a large tub of water.

7th table with a balance scale




Material:

  • 20 assorted pumpkins

  • large tub of water

  • 10 tape measures

  • 20 Math Charts

  • pencils

  • large scale

  • balance scale

  • Pumpkin Pie

  • Plates and napkins




Instructions:

  • At the story rug, children listen to the nonfiction book, Pumpkins in Fall by Mari Schuh.

  • After the story, we talk about the different ways we measure things. We will look at three different pumpkins. We can make a visual comparison, what other ways can we compare these pumpkins?

We can measure the height? With what? a tape Measure. Show children how to measure a pumpkin using a tape measure. How tall in inches is the pumpkin?

We can measure the weight of the pumpkin using a scale. Just like you do when you go to the doctors for your physical. How many pounds does the pumpkins weigh?

We can measure the circumference. Turn the pumpkin upside down and show children how to measure the circumference.


  • Children will put themselves in teams of four. Each team will go to a table. They will be instructed to find the height, weight and circumference of each pumpkin and chart their answers on the Math chart.

  • When everyone is done, they will meet me back at the story rug. We will share our results. Each child will take one of the pumpkins home from their table.

  • Children enjoy a snack of pumpkin pie while I read the story Pete the Cat: The Five Little Pumpkins by James Dean.

Common Core Standards in Mathematics

  • Describe and compare measurable attributes.

  • Represent and interpret data.

  • Measure and estimate lengths in standard units.

  • Reason with shapes and their attributes.

AASL Standards Framework for Learners

  • Work effectively with others to broaden perspectives and work toward common goals.

  • Build new knowledge by inquiring, thinking critically, identifying problems, and developing strategies for solving problems.

Books Shared: Pumpkins in Fall by Mari Schuh and Pete the Cat: Five Little Pumpkins by James Dean.

Team Objectives:

  • Teams will be able to work collaboratively as they measure three different pumpkins.

  • Children will demonstrate the understanding of measuring the pumpkins height, circumference (bottom area), weight, and buoyancy.

  • Students will demonstrate the basic understanding of charting, and measuring the pumpkins.

Costs:

  1. Pumpkins - approximately $75.00 but some will be donated by ShopRite.

  2. Pumpkin Pie - $12.00

Total Budget: $82.00

 

References:


American Association of School Librarians (AASL). (2018). AASL Standards Frameworkd= for Learners. Retrieved from https://standards.aasl.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/AASL-Standards-Framework-for-Learners-pamphlet.pdf


Goodreads. (2018). Pete the Cat: Five Little Pumpkins. [Digital Image]. Retrieved from https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23460936-pete-the-cat


Goodreads (2018). Pumpkins in Fall. [Digital Image]. Retrieved from https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17723286-pumpkins-in-fall


The New State Department of Education. (2017). Common Core: Mathematics. Retrieved from https://www.state.nj.us/education/cccs/2016/math/


Pre K Pages. (2018). Pumpkin Measurement Activity fo Preschool. [Digital Image]. Retrieved from https://www.google.com/search?q=measuring+pumpkins&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwieoJ_b2PndAhUMnlkKHcEgDgUQ_AUIDygC&biw=1650&bih=803#imgrc=sAvnxcYxd5XnaM:


PunFunny. (2015). What do you get if you divide a pumpkin's circumference by its diameter? [clipart]. Retrieved from http://www.punfunny.com/articles/holidays/pumpkin_pi

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