Which One Is an Apple? Lesson Plan

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What We Are Learning
 

Science Focus:

characteristics of apples

 

Theme Vocabulary:

smooth, prickly, pineapple, sweet, sour, lemon, round, curved, banana, orchard

 

Skills We’re Practicing:

group discussion, critical thinking, vocabulary, counting/number recognition

  • The Apple Pie that Papa Baked by Lauren Thompson details nature’s contribution to a delicious apple pie. As you read the story aloud, draw students’ attention to the beautifully descriptive words, like cool, fresh, crooked, and juicy.

Materials: Apple Investigation skill sheet, apples in various colors (one for each student), knife, math cubes, crayons

  • Observation and recording gets a fun and yummy twist!
  • Tell students that they will be apple scientists. They will choose and explore an apple, and record what they learn.
  • First, have students look at the outside of their apple. What do they see? Have them make and color an observational drawing in the first box.
  • Next, let students measure their apple with math cubes, and write the number in the bottom left box.
  • Then, carefully halve the apples and remove the seeds. Have each student count their seeds and record the number.
  • Have each student try a piece of their apple. Is it yummy or yucky? Have them record their response in the final box.
  • Finally, gather everyone together to share their scientific data! observation and recording

Materials: small paper plates, brown and green construction paper, red tempera paint, paintbrushes, glue, assorted red craft supplies (ribbon, yarn, buttons, paper), hole punch (optional)

  • Let students express their creativity with this fun apple craft!
  • To prep, cut leaves from green paper and stems from brown paper.
  • Have each student cover one side of a small paper plate with red paint. Then have them glue on red craft materials. You can also punch holes in the outside rim and have students practice sewing using red yarn, if you’d like.
  • When students have finished decorating, guide them as they attach a leaf and stem to the top. Ask students about their creations. What materials did they use?
  • You can also have students make yellow, pink, or green apples using this same creative technique. fine-motor skills/art