Fun FALL Research Project (Pumpkins, Thanksgiving, Apples) + Rubric

It’s Fall Ya’ll – Why not engage your 4th-8th grade students with this comprehensive, yet fun and engaging, Fall Research Project, complete with a very simple rubric!

Autumn FALL Research Project Template, RUBRIC FUN Informational Writing Activity

Get the COMPLETE LESSON PLAN HERE

Perfect for upper elementary, middle school and even early high school ELA, Science, and Social Studies classes, this hands-on project based learning activity deepens understanding of all things related to the fall season.

Fall Research Project

Students will explore the many interesting topics related to the fall or autumn season including: Pumpkins, Apples, Thanksgiving, Football and More.

Hi there, it’s so great to meet you! I’m Mrs. T. (Love 2 Teach and Learn) or you can call me Jen – a Michigan mom, wife, new grandma (aka “Jemma”) and K-12 PE teacher who has also taught Kindergarten, 3rd, and 6th grades.

And as a teacher in today’s kinda crazy world, I’m on a serious mission to MAKE SCHOOL FUN AGAIN!

Let’s dive in and break this Super Fun Fall Research Project down in just 4 easy steps.

Research Project Step #1 – Choose a Topic

FIRST, ask your students to choose a “Fall Research Project TOPIC” that interests them.

Here are a few topic and theme suggestions for you:

PUMPKINS – Examine the growth stages of pumpkins from seed to harvest
BEES – Study how bees prepare for winter and their importance in pollination during the fall harvest season
LEAVES – Why leaves change color and the science behind photosynthesis
CIDER MAKING – Learn about the process of making apple cider and its historical significance
ACORNS & NUTS – Learn about different types of nuts produced in fall and their importance to wildlife
HIBERNATION & MIGRATION – Learn about how animals adapt to the changing season, including migration and hibernation
THANKSGIVING – Traditions, Pilgrims, The Very First Thanksgiving, etc.
FOOTBALL – Explore the Rules, History of the Game, etc.
APPLES – Examine the different varieties, Life Cycle, Parts of an Apple, etc.

Research Project Step #2 – Gather the Facts

Fall Research Project - Love 2 Teach and Learn

NEXT, have your students spend some time gathering 5-8 facts related to their topic. This project can be assigned as homework or you can give them some time to work during class if you want.

Research Project Step #3 – Choose a Project Type

THEN, have your students choose a creative and engaging way to organize and share their information.

I always tell my students that this is the really fun part of the Fall Research Project because they get to relax and let their creative juices run wild.

Here are a bunch of creative ideas and suggestions for you to share with your students:

SONG or a RAP
DIORAMA
PAMPHLET
POSTER
VIDEO or a SKIT
REPORT
“FALL/AUTUMN” Seasons BOOK
BOARD GAME

Although I give my students the FALL RESEARCH PROJECT Guide/Template with step-by-step directions and suggestions, I do allow my students to choose a different way to present their information if they have other project ideas that they would like to do.

Research Project Step #4 – Complete Your Project

FINALLY, the last step is the best step. Encourage your students to JUST HAVE FUN and Complete their Projects!

This project encourages critical thinking, research skills, ELA and presentation abilities in a fun and engaging way.

Research Project RUBRIC

I highly recommend using a simple rubric or expectation checklist when assigning this project to your students.

Additionally, I require my students to write about two interesting things they learned during this project experience.

I keep my rubric and project checklist very simple and straightforward for my students.

My Fall Research Project Checklist includes the following:

My name is included on my project
I included a title for my project
My project includes at least 5 facts related to my topic
My final project is neat and visually appealing
I wrote two important things I learned below

This is a very interesting and fun research project that provides student ownership over their learning, allowing students to use their creativity while learning about the FALL SEASON and related topics that interest THEM.

FALL Research Project TIPS

There are so many possible ways that this simple yet versatile resource can be used.

INDIVIDUAL PROJECT – Creative and Meaningful way to provide student learning surrounding the importance and traditions of the fall season
GROUP PROJECT – Create groups of students and use to assess student knowledge at the beginning or end of a fall unit of study.
ONLINE or ALTERNATIVE (or Opt-Out) ASSIGNMENT – This project can easily be used for students who are sick or injured and can’t participate in or are absent from class, due to vacation or other reasons.
END-OF-UNIT ASSESSMENT (Exit Ticket)
HOMESCHOOL PARENTS – a great way to teach your child about the fall season and the exciting events that are related to it

But most importantly – JUST HAVE FUN!

This is such a fun and interesting research project that empowers students to creatively reflect and take ownership over their learning.

Save yourself some serious planning time and snag my NO PREP 2-Page FALL RESEARCH PROJECT complete with easy-to-follow student instructions, creative project options, and simple rubric with checklist.

It’s all done for you – just hand to your students and let them get busy!

You can get your own Fun FALL RESEARCH PROJECT RIGHT HERE!