Who says it has to be October to cook a pumpkin?! Nope… not me! As long as you can still find a pumpkin in the store, it is never too late to have FUN! Especially when a science project is about to happen.
Science is very important for children. At an early age children are able to plan, conduct, and gather information to see what’s going to happen to what they are doing. Some of the skills children are able to learn are taking turns, teamwork, and communication; just to mention a few. It’s always very important not to forget to ask open-ended questions such as, “What do you think is going to happen?” “What do you think it’s going to smell like?” “Will it turn out to be soft or hard?” Etc. etc. etc.
Cooking can be thought of as science experiments that children can eat. In the following cooking experiment children will get a chance to see what is inside a pumpkin, how it feels, will be able to see it being cooked, and will find out if it changes colors once it’s cooked. Most importantly, they will be able to eat it and find out if they like it or not.
Aside from the learning opportunities, most important of all is to have FUN and make MEMORIES that will last a lifetime!!
Please follow the following steps:
1.- Choose a big pumpkin and ask the children what they think is inside? Or what they think it looks like inside?
2.- Let them feel the inside of the pumpkin and ask them to describe how it feels. Once the have predicted what is inside and felt it, have the children help you scoop the seeds out of the pumpkin. Show them what was inside it. Remember there is no right or wrong answers.
3.- Cut the whole pumpkin into small and big pieces and ask the children to help you count how many pieces they think will fit in the tray.
4. - In a small pot add sugar and water, mix it and pour over the pumpkin squares that have been cut. Have the children take turns doing this. Have them pour the sugar water on the pumpkin squares and ask them what they think is going to happen, once the pumpkin cooks.
5.- With your help, have the children carry the pumpkin trays to the oven.
6.- Place them in the oven for 45 min to an 1 hour at 350 degrees.
7. - Viola! Have them try it and ask them if they like It or not.
Check out the slideshow below for more photos of the step-by-step process!