Math

This is Halloween, this is Halloween, Halloween, Halloween, Halloween, Halloween!

This post will focus on our Pumkin Caper, a tradition begun by Manila and that continues to present us with hands on, real math curriculum at this time of year.

Third and Fourth grade were assigned partnerships using popsicle sticks.  Each partnership selected a pumpkin and proceeded to name it, predict its weight, circumference, number of lines, number of seeds, and whether or not it would float.  They then measured, weighed, counted, and scooped out their pumpkin seeds and pulp.  I love assigning partnerships randomly because it helps to build connections between students.  This year, they were old enough to be very independent and responsible, as well as really great partners.  

This should be a slideshow, so you can scroll through the images.  Please let me know if it does not work.  

All of these activities provide practice in collaboration, creativity, communication, literacy, hand eye coordination, estimation, and counting.  

Students then recorded their data on a large chart and copied down this data onto a recording sheet in their math activity books.  We used the data to review the concepts of maximum, minimum, range, and mean (average).  Thank you to Katy, Shay, Liz, and Matt for support during this messy time.