Sorting Parts of a Pumpkin

When I find an activity that my kids enjoy, I reuse it over and over making slight adjustments for seasons and holidays. I mean, why reinvent the wheel?

A while back we did a Sorting Parts of a Flower Activity that was perfect for my hands-on learners. It was an easy science activity that also involved math (sorting is a great early math skill!)

Since that activity was such a success, I brought it back with a Halloween twist…

Sorting Parts of a Pumpkin

I’m almost embarrassed to admit that I totally had to google “what are the different parts of a pumpkin?” because I didn’t know what they were really called (turns out “pumpkin guts” is not an official scientific term 😉 ). We’re always learning around here, even me!

Setting up the Activity

I set out three bowls and a cut open pumpkin for my little pumpkin to explore. We talked about how we can sort the pumpkin into the three bowls. First, we worked together and I introduced the vocabulary (rind, seeds, and guts….ok, they are really called “fibrous strands” but calling them guts is way more fun!)

First, we worked together and I introduced the vocabulary – rind, seeds, and guts (ok, they are really called “fibrous strands” but calling them guts is way more fun!)

Next, I let my preschooler reach in and start sorting the pumpkin parts himself.

Separating the seeds from the gooey guts is quite the fine motor workout!

We just roasted pumpkin seeds last week, so my kids knew exactly what those seeds were going to be used for after our activity- yummmm!!!!

But what to do with the pumpkin rinds?

I suppose we can give them to my dog, since he apparently thinks jack-o-lanterns are fine cuisine (insert sad face here. Sorry Mr. Jack-o-Lantern! You were great while you lasted.)

More Pumpkin Ideas

Need some ways to extend your pumpkin lessons after this activity? Try some of these ideas:

Give an uncarved pumpkin a bath!

Do a Pumpkin STEM investigation

Explore ramps by Rolling Pumpkins!