Watermelon & "Rotten Turtles" :)

We used a watermelon last week to practice our scientist skills on.  We had learned earlier that scientists observe, predict, measure, and compare. To put this to the test, we predicted and measured the circumference & weight of our melon.  Later, we predicted and tested to find out if the watermelon would float or sink.  Seeing it float was a big surprise for most of the class, as 20 students predicted it would sink.  After reading up on a few interesting watermelon facts, we cut that baby open to observe the inside.  The kids collected and saved all of their seeds for a class project, and I believe a few seeds slipped into pockets to be planted at home.  We also predicted the number of seeds inside, but the actual count is still being determined.

After enjoying our juicy treat on Friday, the kids also got to experience first hand putting their watermelon rinds into the school compost bin.  This was the first time that they had ever seen that part of our Earth-friendly, green school.  That, my friends, was a burst of  unexpected excitement!  I never dreamed the kids would be so interested in and enthusiastic over "the box that smells like three rotten turtles."  They cracked me up trying to figure out what was in there!  Amazed at the concept behind a compost pile, the kids couldn't wait to do their part and toss in the watermelon rinds.  I even got to do my part and "go in" after a few misplaced paper plates and baby wipes.  I believe that is a step above dumpster diving...compost bin diving...but it was all worth it watching the kids' faces..relieved that they had saved the Earth..one correctly composted bin at a time. ;)