A Fall Family Guide to Pumpkin Science

Fall in Minot is full of cozy sweaters, crunchy leaves, and, of course, pumpkins! But pumpkins aren’t just for carving! They’re full of science and discovery that the whole family can enjoy together. At the Magic City Discovery Center, we believe that learning can be playful and seasonal, which makes pumpkins the perfect tool for family exploration this autumn.

Pumpkin Life Cycle: From Seed to Jack-o’-Lantern

Every pumpkin begins as a tiny seed. Plant it on hills spaced 4 to 5 feet apart in the spring, and soon vines stretch across the ground, sprouting big green leaves and bright yellow flowers. When those flowers are pollinated, pumpkins begin to grow. Families can explore this process by cutting open a pumpkin to see how many seeds are inside. Try saving a few seeds to plant in your own garden next year!

Pumpkin Math: Estimation & Measurement Fun

Pumpkins come in all shapes and sizes, which makes them a natural fit for math games. Grab a tape measure and scale, then challenge your kids to guess:

• How much does the pumpkin weigh?

• How tall or wide is it?

• How many seeds are inside?

Count, measure, and compare pumpkins side by side. It’s hands-on math that’s engaging, seasonal, and fun for every age.

Pumpkin Chemistry: The Science of Decomposition

If your family carves pumpkins, you’ve already started a science experiment! Watch as your jack-o’-lantern slowly changes over time. It softens, shrivels, and eventually breaks down. This is decomposition, nature’s way of recycling nutrients back into the soil. Encourage kids to observe the changes each day and record their findings, just like real scientists.

Pumpkin Play: Floating, Rolling & Creating

Here are some simple experiments and activities to encourage learning through play:

• Do Pumpkins Float? Place one in water and see what happens. (Spoiler: they float!)

• Pumpkin Bowling: Line up some empty bottles or cans and roll a small pumpkin to knock them down.

• Art Meets Science: Paint pumpkins, create collages with pumpkin seeds, or build pumpkin towers.

Play sparks curiosity, and curiosity leads to discovery.

Celebrate Pumpkins in the Community

Looking for a way to enjoy pumpkin fun beyond your backyard? Don’t miss Minot Parks’ Sixth Annual Pumpkin Walk on Friday, October 10th & Saturday, October 11th, 2025, from 6:00 – 9:00 pm at Woodland Trail. Stroll along a path lined with glowing jack-o’-lanterns, created by community members of all ages. The event is free and offers the perfect blend of seasonal magic, creativity, and outdoor play.

Why Pumpkins Matter at the Discovery Center

Pumpkin science shows kids that learning doesn’t just happen in classrooms, it happens everywhere! Whether they’re counting seeds, testing buoyancy, or strolling among glowing jack-o’-lanterns, children are connecting science with creativity, discovery, and play. This fall, let pumpkins be your family’s guide to curiosity and wonder.