Download Pumpkin Math

Pumpkin Math
Mathematical Investigations
• Has multidimensional content
• Is open-ended, with several acceptable
solutions
• Is an exploration requiring a pull period or
longer to complete
• Is centered on a theme or event
• Is often embedded in a focus or driving
question
Mathematical Investigations
Involves process that include the following.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Researching outside sources
Collecting data
Collaborating with peers
Using multiple strategies to reach
conclusions
NCTM Content Standards
Involves the following content standards.
1. Algebra: represent, analyze, and generalize a
variety of patterns with tables and graphs.
2. Data Analysis and Probability: formulate
questions that can be addressed with data and
to collect, organize, and display relevant data
to answer them.
3. Measurement: appropriate use of measuring
tools.
The Investigation
Gabbard, G. (September, 2006) A Mathematical
Cornucopia of Pumpkins. Teaching Children
Mathematics, 68-78.
Article provides objectives, needed materials,
details of each day’s lesson.
Investigation used in 3rd, 4th and 6th grades
Four Day Investigation
Day One
Brainstorm:
What Measurements
can we gather from
the pumpkins?
Mass v. Weight
What is the
difference?
At this Point
Five interesting Questions
about Pumpkins.
Day Two
1. Volume of the Pumpkin
2. Cubing the Pumpkin
Volume
1. Archimedes
2. What can we do?
Cubing the Pumpkin
1. What is the smallest box that
would hold your pumpkin?
Lining Up the Pumpkins
Attributes are written on the
pumpkin. Pumpkins are
arranged in order according to
an attribute (usually mass or
volume). Descriptive statistics
are determined.
Day Three
Counting Seeds
What method will you use?
Relationships
Find the following ratios
EC to diameter
PC to height
EC to PC
Day Four
Exploring with MS Excel
Examining scatter plots
EC to PC
Questions and Thoughts