How to Make Geometry Fun in the Fall for Elementary Students

Carving the triangle eyes and nose of a pumpkin can make geometry fun for elementary students. Here’s how to turn pumpkin carving into a fun geometry lesson.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pumpkin
• Elementary student
• Ruler
• Black marker
• Knife
• Adult supervision

How to Make Geometry Fun in the Fall for Elementary Students

1. 
   Use a ruler to draw equilateral triangles for the eyes and nose.

   Draw three equilateral triangles on the pumpkin. Use a black marker and ruler to measure the lines and help keep them straight. Draw two for triangles for eyes and one a little lower and in the center of the two “eyes” for the nose. Allow the student to draw a fun zigzag smile freestyle.

2. 
   Cut outside of the lines

   Placing the knife outside of the marker line, cut out the two eyes, nose and mouth. If the student is old enough, allow them to do part of the cutting.

3. 
   Remove the top

   Cut off the top, making it similar to a hat so that it can be placed back on top.

4. 
   Scoop out all of the insides

   Scoop out the inside of the pumpkin.

Tips & Warnings

• Save the seeds in a plastic storage bag to be used in a science project at a latter time.
• The insides can be used to make pumpkin pie.
• If the triangles aren’t exactly equilateral, it’s all right.
• Supervise the student closely if allowing them to use the knife.