So many families purchase pumpkins this time of year to decorate their homes for fall. We all know that these pumpkins do not last forever. But, did you know that you could make a simple science activity out of that pumpkin and that could have a big impact on out children.
Try out this decomposing pumpkin activity and more value out of your pumpkin this fall.
One of the new activities added to EducationalToyFactory this month is a pumpkin science activity. If you are like many other families you may have a pumpkin in your house or outside. That is all that you will really need to do this activity.
This science lesson is all about observing change. You child will observe what happens to your pumpkin over time. You can teach them about decomposition and why it happens.
To really enrich your child’s learning and understanding you can share the following books:
• Pumpkin Circle: The Story of a Garden
• Pumpkin Jack
I have always found that pairing books with any teaching activity really enhances the learning. You are able to read the books multiple times and every time you read your child will pick up new information. It also give another opportunity for both you and your child to ask and answer questions.
This is a craft that allows you to combine science and art. While the child is creating the spider you can talk with them about its body parts, how it collects food, different types and where they live.
Supplies: black construction paper, cotton balls or cotton stuffing, black pipe cleaners, small bowl or saucer, cup and a stapler
Directions:
1. Using black construction paper, trace around a small bowl or saucer twice to make the spider’s body. Trace one circle around the cup for the spider’s head.
2. Place stuffing or cotton balls on first, large circle. Lay second circle on top of cotton stuffing and staple half-way around.
3. Insert four 4 inch pipe cleaners on each, and then staple the second half of the circles together. Bend pipe cleaners to make the “legs” of the spider.
4. Attach the head with glue or another staple.
Things to talk about while creating the spider:
1. Spiders have two body parts, the head and body.
2. They have eight legs.
3. Spiders are not insects. They are arachnids. Other arachnids are mites, ticks and scorpions.
4. Spiders make webs to catch food and they are sometimes used as nests for their babies.
Many parents these days opt to have a Halloween party rather than let their children go out trick or treating. If this is your plan, here are some ideas to make your party a hit.
Bobbing for Apples – Fill a large tub with water and apples. Let kids take turns bobbing for apples.
Costume contest – A costume contest is always fun. You can let you guests know ahead of time that there will be a contest and that the categories will be. The more creative you are with your categories, the more creative the costumes will be at your party. Here are some ideas: scariest, best overall, best homemade, funniest and most creative.
Pin the Nose on Jack ‘o Lantern – This is based on the children’s party game Pin the Tail on the Donkey. Make a huge Jack ‘o Lantern, leaving off his nose. Let kids take turns being blindfolded, give them a spin and pin (or tape) the nose on Jack.
Make a mask – Give the kids at your Halloween party blank masks, scissors, markers, stickers, glitter, glue and other craft items. Let them make their own face masks for the party. Here are some different types of masks that you can use:
Make Believe Masks (pk/24)
Precut Eye Masks (pk/24)
Masks (pk/25) Guess how much candy corn – Place counted candy corn in a jar. Each party guest takes turns guessing how many there are. Whoever guesses closest to the correct numbers wins a prize. The prize could even be the jar of candy corn!Have your party activities all planned out and ready to go. The night will fly by and the kids will have some good, safe Halloween fun!