Carving Our Class Pumpkin

This week we learned about Apples and Pumpkins (foods that are ripe in the fall).  To end the unit we carved are own pumpkin.  On Wednesday morning we studied the outside of the pumpkin-- color, sound made when hitting it, texture, etc.  That afternoon we cut the top off the pumpkin and studied the inside of the pumpkin-- color, smell, texture, contents, etc.  Everyone got to help pull out the seeds and clean the pumpkin.

 

First we explored the outside of our class pumpkin.   Lennie and Daiza are using magnifying glasses in the Science Lab to look at the bumps on the pumpkin.

Then we explored the inside of the pumpkin.  We discovered that the pumpkin is mostly hollow inside.  We felt the pulp and looked at the seeds.  

Now we are pulling out the seeds to prepare to bake them for our afternoon snack.

On Thursday morning we talked about what kind of face we want to carve in our pumpkin.  The kids drew pictures of jack-o-lanterns and we hung them on the wall.  During the day we looked at all the pictures and decided what face to carve.  That afternoon we carved the pumpkin.  The kids had a great time.  

Recess in the snow.  This is what the sun looks like at 11 am.

Dorris and Logan

The snow that accumulated on Sunday morning is still on the ground.  Each night a small amount of snow has fallen.  I believe the snow will continue to accumulate until April or May when it melts.  This  week the temperatures remained in the mid to high 20s.  However, the temperature doesn't feel as cold as it sounds.  In fact, I am still wearing a fleece and a thin jacket everyday.  I haven't even started wearing my ski coat from home.  I think the difference between Oregon 20s and Alaska 20s is the moisture.  The air here is very dry and when the wind isn't blowing the temperature feels mild.  

The first week of November the temperatures predicted fall to the teens.  Before the winter is over the temperature will fall to -20 or lower.   I will be very thankful for my parka when that weather arrives.