Fall is the perfect time to bring the delightful aroma of apples into your classroom with fun and educational apple activities like making crockpot applesauce! This hands-on project engages students and teaches them about cooking, sequencing, and teamwork. Here’s how you can create a memorable experience for your students.
Apple Activities – Crockpot Applesauce
There’s something magical about the smell of apples and cinnamon filling the classroom. Making crockpot applesauce is a fantastic way to celebrate the fall season while incorporating various educational elements. This activity is simple, interactive, and delicious!
Preparing the Apples
To make the process smoother, start by preparing the apples at home. Here’s what you’ll need to do:
- Wash and Peel the Apples: Choose a variety of apples for a richer flavor. Wash them thoroughly and peel off the skins. Or, don’t peel the apples, and it will still be delicious!
- Core and Chop: Remove the cores and chop the apples into small pieces. To save time, this step can be done the night before.
Once the apples are ready, please bring them to school in a sealed container.
Making the Applesauce
Now, it’s time to get your students involved:
- Fill the Crock Pot: Pour the chopped apples into the crock pot. Let the students help with this step to make them feel part of the process.
- Add Ingredients: Have the students measure and add the ingredients. I loosely followed this recipe. You’ll need:
- 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/2 cup of sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup water
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Set the Crock Pot: Turn the crock pot on high for 3 hours. Explain to the students how the heat will help break down the apples into a smooth sauce. I used a potato masher to make the applesauce a little smoother.
As the apples cook, the classroom will be filled with a wonderful aroma. This is a great time to discuss the science behind cooking and how heat transforms food.
Serving the Applesauce
After a few hours, the apples will have broken down into a delicious applesauce. To make the experience even more special, you can:
- Serve in Pie Crusts: Spoon the applesauce into small individual pie crusts. I got mine at Target.
- Add Whipped Cream: Top with a dollop of whipped cream for a fancy touch.
This not only makes for a tasty treat but also introduces students to the concept of presentation in cooking.
Sequencing Skills Activity
To reinforce the learning experience, use a free crock pot applesauce sequencing worksheet. This worksheet will help students practice their sequencing skills by arranging the steps of the applesauce-making process in the correct order. It’s a fun and educational way to wrap up the activity.
If you would like a free copy of this sequencing worksheet, fill out the info below:
Additional Apple Activities Resource
For even more apple-themed fun, check out the Apple Activity Resource. This comprehensive resource includes a variety of hands-on activities that will keep your students engaged and learning. Some highlights include:
- Making Apple Slime: A sensory activity that combines science and play.
- Patterns with Apples: Teach patterns and sequencing using apples.
- Apple Taste Test: Explore different types of apples and their flavors.
- Building a STEM Apple Tower: Challenge students to build a tower using apples and other materials.
- Cross-Curricular Worksheets: These worksheets cover phonics, math, and science skills, all with an apple theme.
This resource is designed to provide a well-rounded educational experience, incorporating various subjects and skills. It’s perfect for keeping students engaged and excited about learning.
Incorporating these activities into your Apple unit will create a rich and engaging learning experience for your students. Happy teaching!
Apple Activities – Hand-on Fun!
You can also find more apple unit resources on the blog post below: