With fall just around the corner, students in Shana Biddison’s kindergarten class at Oak Ridge Elementary spent last week learning all about one of autumn’s most beloved fruits: apples.

Utilizing their senses, the students participated in a variety of experiments. First, they studied the apples with magnifying glasses trying to point out differences between them. Then they tasted different types of apples, from red to green and even yellow, as they decided which ones they liked best. Additionally, the students sampled various apple juices and listened for sounds as they were poured into the cups.  

Each school year, Biddison uses the apple-themed lessons to promote hands-on learning with her kindergarten students.  

“It brings it to life for them,” said Biddison. “I want my students to have a hunger for learning. This is just one of the many ways I try to achieve this.” 

In class, the students listened to a few apple-oriented read-aloud books, both fiction and nonfiction. While reading nonfiction books, students learned about the apple life cycle and the different uses of apples. After reading Ten Apples on Top by Dr. Seuss, a book where animals stack apples on their heads as they count from one to ten, the students attempted to see how many apples they could stack on their own heads.  

Additionally, Biddison’s class gathered around for a virtual video field trip to an Apple Orchard where they learned how apples are harvested for produce.  

To end the week with a perfect treat, the students made homemade applesauce to enjoy as a class. While preparing the applesauce, Biddison’s students reflected on the core lessons they had learned throughout the week. They watched as the apples were sliced, listened to the sizzling as they cooked, smelled the goodness from the crockpot, and finally tasted the sweetness of fresh applesauce.