Pumpkin Pi: Seasonal STEM Activity

The Goal of the Pumpkin Pi unit is to use a variety of Makerspace and STEM activities to explore math and science concepts through hands-on learning. This lesson was created & modified for students who are blind or visually impaired to provide and accessible format for learning.

• Any Size Pumpkin (After doing the project, a smaller pumpkin would be more successful for the final experiment)
• Dawn Dish Soap
• Baking Soda
• White Vinegar
• Pumpkin carving kit
• Aprons
• Ruler or Tape Measure
• Calculator
• Pins (optional)
• Rubber bands (optional)
• Laser Cutter & Wood (optional)

Introduce the pumpkin to students in a tactile and exploratory way. Allow them to feel and understand their subject... the pumpkin!

• Introduce the concepts of Circumference + Height + Width + Weight
• Choose a slightly smaller handheld item (like a jar or cup) to do a test prediction and test measurement on so students can grasp the concept and perspective
• Break up into groups and record their estimates of Circumference, Height, Width, & Weight
• Allow students to measure the small item and do the math to find out their predictions
• Calculate the diameter and radius using only the circumference measurement. The formulas you need:

1. d=C÷3.14 (that means diameter = circumference ÷ π)
2. r=d÷2 (that means radius = diameter ÷ 2)

• Discuss the difference in their predictions vs. actual
• Repeat this step with the actual pumpkin as a subject and record the answers.

Based on what you've learned about the circumference, height, width, weight, now begin the carving process!

• Use the pumpkin carving kit to cut a hole in the top, and carve a design in the front. Make sure the design has a mouth.
• (Optional) Use makerspace mediums like 3d printers and laser cutters to add additional adornments
• (Optional) Use pins to create geodesic designs using rubber bands laced around the pins
• As you are carving, continue the tactile and exploratory process: What features does the pumpkin how? Have many ridges and seeds does it have, etc?

Now comes the fun! After carving your pumpkin with mouth, take the subject to an area easy to clean and begin the pumpkin volcano process. Have one student add the vinegar, dish soap, and baking soda into the pumpkin to watch what happens

• Have students document the explosion using cameras
• Ask sensory questions like what is the feel and smell of the materials and what do they think will happen once they are combined together.

Enjoy as a class watching your hard work pay off.