Which Might Sprout First?

On Wednesday, students created a bracelet to help them better understand the life cycle of a pumpkin.
The bracelet was made out of a chenille stem and some coloured beads. Students began by learning that the brown chenille stem was representative of the rich soil needed to grow the pumpkin. Next, a tan coloured bead was placed onto the chenille stem to represent the seed being planted down in the soil. Afterwards, a light green bead was strung onto the chenille stem to represent the sprout and tender stem that emerges from the soil. Then, a peach coloured bead was placed next on the stem to remind us of the blossom that forms on the vine. Another dark green bead was then placed on the chenille stem to signify the 'knob' or baby pumpkin as it begins to form and take shape. Finally, a bright orange bead was strung onto the chenille stem to represent the fully ripened pumpkin. The bracelets were sent home in each child's Zippy Bag at the end of the day. Be sure to review the stages with him/her when you have time.

Following the bracelet lesson, an idea was raised that we might want to do our own 'pumpkin growing experiment.' Mr. Pickett cut open one of the larger field pumpkins and scooped out many, but not all, of the seeds inside. Several cups of potting soil were placed into the bottom of the pumpkin and it was taken over and set on the Science Table for ongoing observation. Wonderings were shared among the group as to whether the seeds could be grown in other mediums. The experiment took on greater complexity as suggestions were made to try growing pumpkin seeds in a cup of water, in a cup of soil, in a cup of rice, in a cup of moist cotton balls and in a cup of play dough. Several seeds were placed in each different growing medium and placed beside the pumpkin at the Science Table. Students were asked to go home and talk about what we had done with their parents. Tomorrow, the children will be asked to respond to the question, 'Which of our containers of seeds do you think might sprout first?' Stay tuned for updates on our pumpkin growing investigation.