Free Resource
Zero-Waste Pumpkin Challenge
Turn carving night into a hands-on sustainability lesson for home or classroom.
A fun, step-by-step activity that teaches kids how to reduce waste by using the entire pumpkin—seeds, pulp, and all—while creating awesome carved designs.
Who It’s For:
If you’re tired of the howls of “I’m bored!” and the dead eyes of the doom-scroll, this Halloween-ready lesson will resurrect curiosity and keep your little goblins learning for more than 6–7 (6, 7, 6, 7, 6, 7) glorious minutes.
Teachers & Counselors looking for an engaging seasonal lesson (primary–middle years).
Parents & Caregivers wanting a meaningful family activity.
Clubs & After-School Programs needing a quick, low-cost project with big impact.
What You Get (FREE):
✅ Multi-page lesson plan (printable + digital) with timing, materials, and safety notes
✅ Step-by-step guide to zero-waste pumpkin carving (use seeds & pulp!)
✅ Recipe sheets: roasted seeds + “pumpkin scrap” cookies
✅ Assessment & reflection journal pages
✅ Cross-curricular links (science, maths, language arts, art)
✅ Extension ideas for home, school, and community
✅ Alignment to SDGs: 12 (Responsible Consumption), 13 (Climate Action), 4 (Quality Education), 11 (Sustainable Communities)
Why This Challenge?
Zero waste, zero guilt: learn to use every part of the pumpkin
Hands-on learning: cooking, crafting, and critical thinking in one
Ready in minutes: clear steps, easy supplies, flexible timing
Standards-friendly: includes objectives, outcomes, and assessment prompts
Joyfully seasonal: perfect for October–November events
How It Works
Sign up to get instant access to the PDF packet.
Print or project the lesson.
Let kids be curious. Enjoy a couple hours of screen-free fun. No guilt, all glory… and did we mention there’s cookies?
Inside the Pack
Teacher/Facilitator Guide
Material Checklist & Tips
Pumpkin Use-It-All Map (skin, pulp, seeds, stem)
Recipe Ideas
Reflection Journal + Exit Ticket
SDG Connections
SDG 12: We reduce waste by using all parts of the pumpkin.
SDG 13: Food choices and waste impact our climate.
SDG 4: Learning by doing helps us remember and share.
SDG 11: Strong communities celebrate traditions—sustainably.
*Stencils and carving tools not included.
“Easy to follow and the kids LOVED roasting the seeds.” — Grade 5 Teacher
“Great family night. We learned and ate cookies. :)” — Parent
What You’ll Need
Pumpkins, safe carving tools, bowls, baking tray, measuring cups/spoons, oven or toaster oven, paper towels/tea towels, markers/tape. (Full list in the pack.)
FAQ
What ages is this for?
Best for ages 6–13; stencils include beginner and challenge levels.
Can we do this without an oven?
Yes—run carving + seed drying demo only, or send the recipe sheet home.
Time needed?
Carving & Sorting, 60 mins. Baking, 60 mins. Split over two sessions if preferred.