This Apple Unit includes a variety of activities across subjects including literacy, math, research, cooking, and graphing.

Grade Levels: 1–2
By: Tamara Allgaier

🍎Table of Contents

1. Apple Fractions

2. Apple Commercials

3. Apple Facts – Bulletin Board Activity

4. Cooking: Apple Crescents

5. Apple Graphing

6. Apple Words

7. Johnny Appleseed Day Research Activity

🍏 1. Apple Fractions

Students learn about fractions using different apple varieties.

Objectives

Students will:

• practice identifying and understanding fractions

• compare different apple varieties

Materials

• various types of apples

• knife

• plates

Plan

1. Provide several varieties of apples. Slice them into halves and quarters.

2. Discuss fractions and show how each apple can be divided into equal parts.

3. Let students observe, compare, and taste the apples.

4. Students record or discuss their observations.

🍏 2. Apple Commercials

Students learn about apples, then create a commercial.

Objectives

Students will:

• learn facts about apples

• practice creativity, writing, and oral presentation

Materials

• chalkboard/whiteboard

• paper and pencils

Plan

1. Discuss different types of apples and their characteristics.

2. Students work individually or in groups to create a commercial promoting an apple variety.

3. Students write, rehearse, and present their commercials to the class.

🍏 3. Apple Facts – Student-Created Bulletin Board

A bulletin board activity that displays what students know about apples.

Objectives

Students will:

• recall facts about apples

• contribute to a class display

Materials

• bulletin board space

• construction paper

• markers or crayons

Plan

1. Students brainstorm facts about apples.

2. Each student writes one fact on a piece of paper or cutout.

3. Facts are displayed on a classroom bulletin board.

🍎 4. Cooking: Apple Crescents

Students follow a recipe for apple crescents.

Objectives

Students will:

• practice measuring

• follow step-by-step directions

• participate in a real-life cooking task

Materials

• sliced apples

• crescent rolls

• cinnamon

• sugar

• water

• butter

• muffin pans and liners

• pan and heat source

• oven access

Plan

1. Melt butter in a pan. Add cinnamon, sugar, and apple slices. Cook until tender.

2. Place muffin liners in a pan and unroll crescent dough.

3. Place a crescent in each liner. Spoon apples inside and fold the dough, crimping the edges.

4. Prick each with a fork twice.

5. Bake at 300°F for about 15 minutes, watching carefully to avoid over-browning.

6. Cool and enjoy.

🍏 5. Apple Graphing

Students make graphs about apple preferences.

Objectives

Students will:

• practice basic graphing skills

• make personal choices and compare data

Materials

• several varieties of apples (in labeled Styrofoam cups)

• graph paper

Plan

1. Provide students with 3–4 samples of different apples in labeled cups.

2. Students taste each sample and rate them on a scale of 1–5.

3. Students create either a line graph or bar graph using their ratings.

🍏 6. Apple Words

Students use letters to make words.

Objectives

Students will:

• generate words

• spell them correctly

• follow activity rules

Materials

• chalkboard/whiteboard

• paper and pencils

Plan

1. Write A P P L E O R C H A R D on the board.

2. Students write words under each letter on their own paper.

   • Words may relate to apples, orchards, cooking, or general vocabulary.

   • Words must be real and spelled correctly.

   • Students write at least two words per letter.

3. Time students based on grade level.

🍏 7. Johnny Appleseed Day Research Activity

Students research, then design a holiday for a special person.

Objectives

Students will:

• learn about Johnny Appleseed (John Chapman)

• consider people who contribute to society

• select a person and design a holiday in their honor

Materials

• reference books, library books, Internet access

• paper and pencil

• optional props related to their holiday

Plan

1. Introduce students to the story of Johnny Appleseed.

2. Students choose a person they believe deserves a holiday and explain why.

3. Students plan their holiday, individually or in groups.

   • What is the holiday called?

   • What activities are included?

   • When is it celebrated?