This is the rubric for the Rotting Pumpkin Lab Presentation. You will need to download and have students complete the NGSS - Designing and Investigating Factors Affecting Decomposition Rate lab first before using this rubric. After students design and complete the investigation, they are to present their findings to the class in the form of Google Slides or PowerPoint presentation.

This document allows students to design and investigate a factor (light, air, water, etc.) that accelerates the decomposition rate of pumpkins. Students collect data for 30 days, and present the results at the end to their class in the form of a presentation and final lab report. Note: It is strongly recommended that you download the Anchoring Phenomena - Decomposition video and questions and it is recommended you also download the Decomposition Modeling Activity before moving onto this lab activity. Doing so, will give your students the necessary background and foundation needed to succeed in designing and implementing this lab activity.

Students model in groups of 3-4 on large poster paper the decomposition process of a pumpkin. Download to see the requirements and details of this modeling activity. Note: It is strongly recommended that you download the anchoring phenomena video and questions on decomposition before moving onto this modeling activity.

This “anchoring phenomena” activity is meant to grab the students’ attention, develop interest in decomposition, and probe their background knowledge. The students begin by watching a time-lapse video of pumpkins rotting while answering questions that spark their curiosity of decomposition.

Use this PowerPoint to introduce yourself to the students on the first day of class! The slides give you an idea of what students should know about you, about the class, and your expectations for them academically and behaviorally. The slides encourage you to include pictures that relate to your life, that relate to former students, that showcase upcoming activities they will do in your classroom, and that relate to your teaching philosophy and vision for the classroom. Feel free to tweak the slides and background color to better suit you.

On the first day of school, you want to get to know your students better by having them in engage in this brief activity. Begin by telling students to find someone in the classroom to interview. Once all of the students are finished interviewing one another, have them share their responses with the class. This is a great icebreaker activity that I have used with my students in three various schools.

On the first day of school, you want to get to know your students better by having them in engage in this brief activity. Begin by telling students to find someone in the classroom to interview. Once all of the students are finished interviewing one another, have them share their responses with the class. This is a great icebreaker activity that I have used with my students in three various schools.