Pumpkin Investigation Worksheet for Preschoolers

This pumpkin investigation worksheet gives preschoolers a simple way to observe, measure, count, and make predictions using a real pumpkin. If you’re looking for pumpkin activities for preschoolers that combine early math and science, this printable makes it easy to turn a seasonal favorite into a hands-on learning activity.

Children can explore their pumpkin’s size, texture, weight, lines, and seeds while also predicting whether it will sink or float. It’s an easy activity to use at home, in a preschool classroom, or as part of a fall learning theme.

What is a pumpkin investigation?

A pumpkin investigation is a hands-on preschool activity where children observe, measure, count, and make predictions about a real pumpkin. This printable helps them record details such as size, texture, weight, seeds, and whether the pumpkin sinks or floats.

What’s Included on the Pumpkin Investigation Worksheet

The worksheet guides preschoolers through a series of simple observations, measurements, and predictions using a real pumpkin. Each section gives children a clear way to record what they notice and discover.

• Compare the pumpkin’s size. Children decide whether their pumpkin is big, medium, or small.
• Describe the pumpkin. They can identify characteristics such as round, rough, smooth, hard, soft, orange, yellow, heavy, or light.
• Count the lines. Preschoolers count the visible lines or ribs around the pumpkin and record the number.
• Make a sink or float prediction. Before testing the pumpkin, children predict whether it will sink or float.
• Record the result. After placing the pumpkin in water, they mark what actually happened and compare it with their prediction.
• Count the seeds. Once the pumpkin is opened, children count the seeds and write down the total.
• Measure the height. Using linking cubes, children find out how many cubes tall their pumpkin is.
• Record the weight. With help from an adult, preschoolers weigh the pumpkin and record the measurement.
• Design a pumpkin face. The final section gives children space to draw how they would carve their pumpkin.

You can complete the worksheet from top to bottom, or work through the sections as you explore the pumpkin over several short sessions.

What’s Included on the Pumpkin Investigation Worksheet

This printable walks preschoolers through several simple ways to explore a real pumpkin. Children will observe, count, measure, predict, and record what they discover as they work through the page.

• Compare the size. Decide whether the pumpkin is big, medium, or small.
• Describe the pumpkin. Choose words that match its shape, texture, color, and weight, such as round, rough, smooth, hard, soft, orange, yellow, heavy, or light.
• Count the lines. Count the visible lines, or ribs, around the pumpkin and record the total.
• Predict sink or float. Make a prediction before placing the pumpkin in water.
• Test the prediction. Observe what happens and record whether the pumpkin sinks or floats.
• Count the seeds. After opening the pumpkin, count the seeds and write down the total.
• Measure the height. Stack linking cubes beside the pumpkin to see how many cubes tall it is.
• Weigh the pumpkin. Use a scale to find its weight and record the measurement.
• Create a carving design. Draw a face or other design in the space provided.

You can work through the entire page in one lesson or complete a few sections at a time as you investigate the pumpkin.

Skills Preschoolers Practice

This pumpkin investigation combines early math and science skills in one hands-on activity. Preschoolers practice:

• Counting and number sense as they count pumpkin ribs and seeds
• Measurement as they compare size, measure height, and record weight
• Observation and descriptive language as they notice color, texture, shape, and other characteristics
• Prediction and scientific thinking as they predict and test whether the pumpkin will sink or float

That version adds value without rehashing every step of the worksheet. I would not make this section any longer than that.

Tips for Using the Pumpkin Investigation Worksheet

You can easily adjust this activity to fit your preschooler, classroom, or small group.

• Use one pumpkin per child or group. Children can investigate their own pumpkin, work with a partner, or share one pumpkin in a small group.
• Break the activity into shorter sessions. Preschoolers do not need to complete every part of the worksheet at once. You can observe and measure one day, then open the pumpkin and count the seeds later.
• Let children answer verbally when needed. If writing numbers is still difficult, have your preschooler tell you the answer and record it for them.
• Use linking cubes for measuring. Stacking cubes beside the pumpkin gives children a concrete way to explore height before they are ready for standard measurement tools.
• Group seeds to make counting easier. If your pumpkin has a large number of seeds, sort them into groups of five or ten before counting the total.

Extend the Learning

Once you’ve completed the pumpkin investigation, you can use the same pumpkin to practice a few more early math skills.

• Compare two pumpkins. Look at two pumpkins side by side and talk about which is taller, heavier, larger, or has more lines.
• Graph pumpkin characteristics. If you’re working with several children, graph pumpkin colors, sizes, or sink-or-float predictions and compare the results.
• Practice counting seeds. Wash and dry the seeds, then use them with ten frames, number mats, or simple counting activities.
• Sort the seeds. Invite children to sort pumpkin seeds by size, color, or another characteristic they notice.
• Measure other fall objects. Use linking cubes to measure gourds, apples, pinecones, or other seasonal items and compare their heights.

These simple extensions give preschoolers more practice with counting, comparing, sorting, graphing, and measurement without needing to set up an entirely new activity.

More Pumpkin Activities for Preschoolers

If you’re planning a pumpkin theme, these related activities are easy ways to keep the learning going with preschoolers.

• Pumpkin printables for simple, low-prep learning activities
• Pumpkin STEM activities for more observing, predicting, and experimenting
• Pumpkin sensory bin for hands-on exploration
• Pumpkin paper plate craft for adding a creative activity to your theme
• Pumpkin books to pair with your fall lessons

Get the Pumpkin Investigation Worksheet

Ready to try this activity with your preschooler? Grab the pumpkin investigation worksheet, choose a real pumpkin, and let your child observe, measure, count, predict, and record what they discover.

Print the worksheet before your next pumpkin activity so everything is ready to go.

A pumpkin investigation is a simple way to turn a seasonal object into a hands-on preschool learning activity. With this pumpkin investigation worksheet, children can observe, measure, count, predict, and record what they discover using a real pumpkin.

It works well at home, in the classroom, or as part of a larger pumpkin theme, and it gives preschoolers plenty of opportunities to practice early math and science skills in a concrete way.