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Pumpkin Populations and Limiting Factors
Submitted by: Rocco M.
Recommended Grade Level(s):
Appropriate for: AP Environmental Science
Time Requirements:
Activity Time: 50 minutes
Teaching Topics & Concepts:
Exponential Growth, k vs r strategists, limiting factors
National Science Standards Alignment
AP College Board ERT 5–3.2, ERT 6–3.5
Materials:
• 1 small pie pumpkin per group of 3–4 students ($2.99–4.99)
• Safety pumpkin cutting tool, 1–2 per group ($2.99–5.99)
• Old newspaper
• Printed lab sheet
• Pencil
Background Information, Activity Setup:
Students should have a working understanding of the different patterns of population growth (exponential, logistic), population
survival strategies (k-strategist, r-strategist), and environmental limiting factors.
Teaching Notes:
Include a blank printed graph grid in the student handout.
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Safety
• Exercise caution while using safety pumpkin cutting tools.
!