Pumpkin Math

I had several teachers ask me to post the things I do for pumpkin math day.  Here they are... enjoy!

I like to have a pumpkin for every student.  If that is not possible, one pumpkin per group of students works well too!

• Measure the circumference of the pumpkin using yarn, then take the piece of yarn and use it to create a graph.
• Measure the height of the pumpkin using unifix cubes.  Graph the results.
• How much does the pumpkin weigh?  Have students stand on the scale with the pumpkin and record the weight.  Then have them stand on the scale without the pumpkin and record that weight.  Complete the subtraction problem to find the weight of the pumpkin.  Graph results.
• Will the pumpkin sink or float?  Graph predictions and then graph outcomes.
• Choose one pumpkin to cut open.  Have each student reach in a grab a handful of "guts."  Have them graph the number of seeds they were able to grab.
• After you have one pumpkin carved out complete the science experiment.  Place a candle in the pumpkin and light it.  Place the top back on the pumpkin.  The flame goes out because there is no oxygen.  Then carve a face on the pumpkin and light the candle again, replace the lid and the flame still goes because of the air going through the face holes.  Graph predictions and outcomes of the science experiment.
• Let students paint their pumpkin or place fun foam shape stickers on their pumpkin to create a face.

Variations for Unequal Sign Games

Equal Speed

• Instead of using the equal and unequal sign cards, students could use a label sticker with an = sign placed on their hands. 
• Students could also wear a glove with the = sign on it, this would eliminate the = sign cards.

Domino Draw

• Instead of playing this game with dominos, students could roll dice and complete addition or subtraction problems.
• To help students get = more often, let them know they can combine addition and subtraction.  If you add one partners domino and subtract the other partners, they may be equal - definitely a higher level game.

Variations for Addition/Subtraction Games

Teachers,
Thank you for your patience!  I didn't forget to post these variations I have just been having too much fun with my boys for the remainder of the summer!  I hope you have all been enjoying your summer as well!

Target Sum Variations

• Instead of having your students draw four cards, have them draw five cards and choose four of the five cards to use.  This helps eliminate the problem of going over the target sum.

Hundred Chart Connect Four Variations

• This game can be played together, instead of partners working against each other to win they work together to connect four.
• This game can also be played using place value.  Have students roll two dice.  If they roll a three and a five then they can cover up 35 and also 53. 

Domino Addition and Subtraction Variations

• Instead of drawing dominos, students an roll two dice and complete addition or subtraction problems.
• Instead of drawing two dominos to create a double digit addition or subtraction problem they could draw one domino and have a more basic addition or subtraction problem.