Pumpkin Predictions

In our K/1 classroom, we are always learning.  On this day, we were learning how to make observations based on our five senses.  Our subject was a pumpkin. 


Our subject.

Each student made predictions as to how big around the pumpkin would be.  Each student cut off a piece of yarn to represent how big around the pumpkin was and then we displayed our predictions on a strip of paper to compare.  Then, we took the yarn and measured the pumpkin around the middle to see what the actual measurement was and who was the closest. 


Students made predictions about how big
around they thought the pumpkin would be.

Next, students made observations by feeling the pumpkin's outside and looking at the pumpkin to use descriptive words and tell what they felt and saw.  We began a list of descriptive words on a chart.  Then, we opened the pumpkin to continue observations.  Students used their sense of smell to smell the pumpkin and describe what it smelled like.  We added those words to our list. 

Students smelled the inside of the pumpkin. 

Next, we got to look at the insides and describe what we saw.  Students then felt the insides of the pumpkin with their hands and described what they felt. 

Here students got to feel the insides of the
pumpkin and describe what they felt.

Each student pulled out a seed and
described how the seed felt and looked.

While making their observations, students did a tremendous job using descriptive language.  Check out their long list of descriptive words below.    

Our list of descriptive words during our observations.