I Wonder... Pumpkins.... Wrap Up (KA & KB)

Over the past two days we finished up our research into our wonders about pumpkins. Throughout this research, the Kiddos have been presented 3 distinct ways in which to learn information: 1) Look in a book. 2) Look on a computer. 3) Ask an expert. We began by re-visiting our wonders and seeing if we could now answer them. We had a wonderful discussion remembering how the books we read taught us about life-cycles (enabling us to answer why pumpkins are different colours), how we used to the internet to discuss why pumpkins are unique shapes, but... we still couldn't answer why we usually only see pumpkins in the fall, and why they are different sizes. The Kiddoes quickly pointed out we should use our third strategy and 'ask and expert'! I asked them if a doctor would be a plant expert? "No", they shouted. " "How about a firefighter?" "No", they again answered. When I finally asked, "Well, who would be an expert about pumpkin plants?", many answered, "a farmer!" Right away, a couple of Kiddos pointed out to me we should ask Myles (my husband) as he is a farmer. I brought over the iPad and we used Facetime to call Myles. We were in luck as he was able to answer the phone! We asked Myles our questions and he was able to answer them all for us!

However, here is where our wrap up took a significant twist. In our conversation with Myles, he told us even though pumpkins are planted in the spring, grow through the summer and are harvested in the fall, some people are able to grow pumpkins inside during the winter. Well... you can only imagine the excitement that came with this revelation! "Ms. S. We need to grow pumpkins in our room!" I let the Kiddos know that gardening is not one of my 'gifts', but Ms. Leach next door has a garden in her room. We headed over to the Gr. 2 room and she answered all our questions about how we could go about planting pumpkin seeds. After she gave us a couple of seed trays and some soil, we headed back to our room to plant some pumpkin seeds. We cut open one of our ripe pumpkins and everyone had a chance to pull out a seed from the pulp, plant it, and water the soil in the tray. During this time, we discussed the difference between soil and dirt, and compared how plants need the same love and care that we do in order to survive (water, food, sun). The seed trays are presently under a grow light, so we will see what becomes of this emergent learning! My initial plan was to journal about our favourite fact that we learned, but this twist ended up being way more exciting!

 

 

 

 
KA

 

 

 
KB