Anatomy of a kiwi fruit: A Science Investigation

What's better than fresh fruit for snack? Performing an investigation first! Use this free Kiwi Investigation set as a guide for your exploration. 

Objectives: 

• The child will use descriptive language to discuss what fruit looks like inside and out
• Observe and sort the different parts of fruit
• The child will hypothesize, analyze, and record their findings

Materials:

• Fruit of choice, in this demonstration we used kiwi. You can choose to do one as a whole group, small groups, or individual. 
• Kiwi Investigation Set: Print and laminate the sheets you will be using for durability.
  
• Cutting board
• Writing and coloring materials
• A small knife (for adult use)
• A plate or dish for the fruit
• a child safe magnifying glass (optional)

Procedure:
*Allow the child to assist as much as safely possible.
1. Before you begin, consider reading a book about fruit (you can find book suggestions at the bottom of the page).

After reading the book ask students what type of fruit is their favorite. After listening and responding to their answers, ask if any of them have ever tried a kiwi. If anyone says they have, ask them to describe what a kiwi looks and tastes like.

2. Invite children to draw a picture of what they think the inside of the fruit looks like on page 6, before the dissection. 

3. Use the fruit anatomy posters to discuss the parts of the fruit. 
Questions to ask:

• What do you notice about the kiwi?
• What does the skin feel like?
• What does the skin smell like?

4. Conduct the dissection of the fruit by slicing it in half.

5. Encourage them to safely explore the fruit using their senses. 
Ask:

• What do you notice about the inside of the fruit?
• What part do you think has the seeds?
• Does the inside smell different or the same as the outside?
• What do you think the flesh feels like? Would you like to see?
• Do you know of any other fruit that has green flesh?

6. Use the sorting mat on page 7 to have the children sort the different parts of the fruit.

7. After investigating the fruit, invite children to record their findings on the fruit recording sheet. 

8.  Invite children to share their recording sheet with their friends and family! 

Extensions:

• Prepare the same fruit for a snack or meal the same day. Ask if anyone remembers what the name of the different parts of the fruit are. 
• Ask children what fruit they want to investigate next!
• Set up a Farmers Market for children to pretend to sell fruits and veggies. They can have an educational table where they teach customers about the fruit. 
  

Early Learning Standards:

• Approaches to Learning: Initiative and Curiosity
• Language and Literacy: Language
• Mathematics: Data Analysis
• Science: Exploration, Observations, and Hypothesis

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