In the Fall you see pumpkins everywhere. Here are some websites that offer fun ideas for how to learn Science and other subjects with pumpkins. In fact, there is so much material at the websites listed below, you
can create an entire pumpkin curriculum that will last for weeks to come!
Recommended Websites:
Pumpkin Curriculum! If you would like to develop a “Pumpkin Unit Study” or a pumpkin-themed curriculum, check out this remarkable educational website from
the University of Illinois:
Pumpkins & More
Here you will find:
- Pumpkin History
- Pumpkin Education – including tons of free lesson plans for pumpkin
math, science, language arts, and more! - Pumpkin Facts
- Pumpkin Fun
- And a directory of pumpkin farms and festivals throughout the U.S.!
Pumpkins for Preschoolers!
Read my article “Pumpkin Fun!” with all kinds of ideas for learning
with pumpkins (along with a recipe for my family’s favorite pumpkin
bread). While I created this with preschoolers in mind – many of the
activities I suggest will be fun for the whole family. :)
Virtual Tour of a Pumpkin Farm!
This website offers a virtual tour of a pumpkin farm – where you can
see how the land is prepared, seeded, maintained, and how the
pumpkins are grown and harvested. When you get to the site, you will
see two pictures. Click on the PUMPKIN PICTURE to open a new window
and begin your virtual field trip. Then, click on the “next” button
at the bottom of each photograph to see the pictures and read
the simple descriptive text.
Note: They also offer a virtual tour of how they make evergreen
wreaths that they sell and ship. Just click on the picture of the
wreaths on the homepage.
Your virtual field trip may inspire you to take a real tour of a
pumpkin patch.
Local Harvest: Pumpkin Patch
To find a pumpkin farm near you visit this website. When you get to
the site you’ll see a picture of pumpkins with a search box under it.
Simply enter your zip code, city and state and a new screen opens
with pumpkin farms and patches near you. Click on any one listed and
a new page opens with information on that farm, visiting hours,
directions, any fees, etc.
For another resource to locate a pumpkin farm or festival near you
try: http://www.pumpkinpatchesandmore.org/
Enjoy!
