Pumpkin Investigation Activity For Fall Science

Pumpkin Investigation Tray

This pumpkin investigation tray for pumpkin science is an awesome STEM activity for young kids! It has so much to see, smell, and feel. Roast the pumpkin seeds like we did to taste science, too! Get kids thinking and exploring with the five senses.

Supplies:

• Pumpkin
• Tray
• Tweezers or Tongs and Plastic Knife {if appropriate}
• Magnifying Glass
• Small Bowls
• Water
• Pumpkin Life Cycle Worksheets (see below)

Instructions:

STEP 1. On a large tray add pieces of the insides of a pumpkin for kids to explore. Provide simple science tools to aid them.

STEP 2. Set out small bowls of water, and test tubes if using. Anything with water is fun for a science activity.

Optional: We worked on knife cutting skills with a plastic knife. Perfect fine motor practice for this pumpkin investigation science activity.

Want a mess free way to explore the insides of a pumpkin? Make a Pumpkin Sensory Bag.

He used tongs to separate parts of the pumpkin and to place parts of the pumpkin in the water. What sinks and what floats? Can you estimate how many pumpkin seeds are in the pumpkin? Tongs like these also provide an opportunity to practice fine motor skills.

Sit with your kids or use the pumpkin investigation tray for independent exploration. I love to ask my son simple, open-ended questions. There are so many ways to encourage curiosity during the pumpkin investigation.

• What do you see?
• What does it feel like?
• What happens when…?

Get your free pumpkin STEM printable!

Pair This Activity With A Pumpkin Book

These pumpkin-themed books are sure to captivate kindergarteners and preschoolers’ imaginations and get them excited about pumpkins and the fall season! (I am an Amazon Affiliate.)

Pumpkin, Pumpkin by Jeanne Titherington
Follow a little boy’s journey as he plants a pumpkin seed, nurtures it as it grows, and watches it transform into a big, orange pumpkin. This book beautifully captures the life cycle of a pumpkin from seed to harvest.

“Too Many Pumpkins” by Linda White
In this fun and colorful story, Rebecca Estelle discovers a bumper crop of pumpkins in her garden after a pumpkin falls off a truck and smashes on her driveway. At first annoyed, she eventually finds creative ways to use her pumpkins with the help of her neighbors.

“The Biggest Pumpkin Ever” by Steven Kroll
Two adorable mice, Clayton and Desmond want to grow the biggest pumpkin ever. Without realizing it, they end up nurturing the same pumpkin vine. This book teaches cooperation and friendship sweetly and engagingly.

“It’s Pumpkin Time!” by Zoe Hall
Follow along as a brother and sister plant, care for, and eventually harvest pumpkins. This book not only covers the growth of pumpkins but also includes a simple pumpkin recipe at the end for some hands-on fun.

“Five Little Pumpkins” by Dan Yaccarino
This classic counting rhyme comes to life with colorful illustrations and playful rhymes. Follow the journey of five little pumpkins as they roll out of sight in this engaging and interactive book. Fun to pair with our 5 Little Pumpkins STEM Challenge.

💡 Also, try these Pumpkin STEAM-inspired books with hands-on activities.

More Fun STEM Activities With Pumpkins

You don’t need to celebrate Halloween to enjoy pumpkin science activities. Try one or all of the ideas below!

• Pumpkin Volcano
• Pumpkin Oobleck
• Crystal Pumpkins
• Fall Sink or Float
• Pumpkin Geoboard
• Pumpkin Clock
• Pumpkin Seed Investigation

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