Oh I love everything about fall! The crisp air, the corn mazes, straw rides, warm colors, cool sweaters…everything!
Fall is the PERFECT time to combine the season with art and science.
Which brings us to the Pumpkin Life Cycle Watercolor Project. Instead of a cut-and- paste worksheet, let’s paint our pumpkin’s life cycle.
It’s a fun and creative way to learn about the life cycle of a pumpkin along with a bit of watercolor technique.
Materials You’ll Need for the Pumpkin Life Cycle project:
Before we dive into the life cycle of the pumpkin project, here’s what you’ll need:
- Watercolor paints
- A medium round paintbrush
- Watercolor paper ideally or any thick paper
- Water
That’s it. Your ready to watch the pumpkin life cycle video lesson.
Connect Art to Nature
You can use your art as decor, as something fun and nothing more, or you can use it as part of a unit study.
Use this art as a way to discuss how pumpkins grow from a seed planted in the soil to a full-grown fruit, ready to be harvested and carved into a cozy fairy pumpkin house.
Although the sky is nearly the limit when it comes to pumpkin options in the fall, here are a few more activities that go well.
1. Visit a Pumpkin Patch
After you’ve painted your pumpkin life cycle, why not go see them in the wild? I’m not sure why, but pumpkin patches continue to be one of my favorite activities, even as an adult.
At the time of writing, pumpkinpatches.com has a fairly comprehensive list of pumpkin patches throughout the United States and Canada.
2. Pumpkin Measurements and Math
Turn your perfect pumpkin hunt into a hands-on math lesson. Have your student measure the circumference, height, and even weight of various pumpkins. They can compare their findings, practice estimating, and work on basic arithmetic by adding and subtracting measurements.
3. Decomposition Diary
You can focus on the science of decomposition. Observe a pumpkin over time, documenting changes as it decomposes. Let them take pictures, make drawings, or write observations in a diary. Launch conversations about composting, harvesting, food waste, etc.
4. Seed Germination Experiment
Students can explore plant life cycles first-hand by germinating pumpkin seeds. Each student plants a few seeds in a cup of soil or a ziplock bag with a damp paper towel and watches the germination process. This can lead to discussions about plant biology, needs for growth, and the conditions that affect germination rates.
5. Pumpkin Volcanoes
A fun and slightly messy science experiment that combines chemistry with the spirit of fall. Carve out small pumpkins and use them as the container for a classic baking soda and vinegar reaction. This activity can lead to discussions about chemical reactions, gases, and the science behind why the mixture fizzes and overflows.
YouTube Videos for Pumpkin Life Cycle Unit Studies
I don’t know about you, but I have a few favorite YouTube channels that are my go-to resource for read alouds and fun science videos. Here are a few of my favorite pumpkin-related videos:
- A Pumpkin Grows from Scholastic
- Life Cycle of a Pumpkin for Kids from Twinkl Teaching Resources
- Pumpkins for Kids by Homeschool Pop
Create Fall Magic With Your Pumpkin Life Cycle Art
From pumpkin painting to carving, the possibilities are endless! If you’re looking for more fall fun, you’ll love our themed art units! From Autumn-themed art magic like Pumpkin Fairy Houses, to Under the Sea wonder with watercolor seahorses and charmingly sweet literature-themed dinosaur art…homeschool art just got easier!
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