Pumpkin Math

Today was our annual pumpkin-carving activity, although the actual carving is the culmination of a math lesson. While first graders have been focused on single-digit addition with sums up to 12, second graders have been working on double-, triple-, and quadruple-digit addition. Once the second graders understand the concept of regrouping, there is no limit to the number of digits a student can add.

The students began today’s math lesson by estimating the height and weight of their pumpkins. Each student recorded their estimates in their pumpkin math book. Each student then estimated the number of seeds inside their pumpkin. Comparisons were made at each table. Once all the estimates were recorded, the actual measuring began. The weighing of pumpkins proved to be quite exciting. Not only did we have a digital scale, but
Dr. Yanagihara actually brought a baby-weighing scale from her office! Students were able to weigh their pumpkins to the nearest ounce!

Next came the messy part, the removal and counting of seeds. Students were able to count their seeds in piles of 10, and then counted the entire table of seeds. We had a grand total of 2,164 seeds in our room. Be sure to look at your child’s pumpkin math book to see how accurate their estimates were and the specifics of their particular pumpkin.

Once the math portion was complete, the classroom was all abuzz with the anticipation of the carving. Some tables chose rather elaborate designs, while others chose the traditional jack-o'-lantern. Thank you, Mrs. Eng, Mrs. Fife, Mr. Konikson, Mr. & Mrs. Ong, Mr. Siegfried, and Dr. Yanagihara for all of your assistance this morning. I could not have done this activity without you.

Monday’s homework sheet will include some Spooktivity tips. Happy Halloween to all!

Posted on October 26, 2006 2:43 PM | Permalink