Teaching children can be fun if we look at all experiences as learning situations. Here are ideas using an object that is very common – an apple. Look at the following variety of activities and you will discover many educational subjects will be covered while exploring an apple.

Apple Math

• A simple idea is to estimate how many seeds are in an apple. After a child has given their estimate cut the apple horizontally across the middle, looked for the star shape and count the seeds. An apple usually has 5 seeds with a seed in each point of the star.
• Make a graph of number of seeds in all the apples that are eaten for the month. Across the bottom of a piece of graph paper write Number of Apples Consumed and on the side of the graph paper write Number of Seeds Found in Apple. Use a colored pencil or marker to fill in the graph.
• Weigh an apple on a scale. See how many apples make a pound. Now figure how many apples it would take to make 5 pounds, 7 pounds. Find the apple that weighs the most.
• Look at the diameter of the apple. The distance across a circle through the center is called the diameter. In stores, apples are labeled large – 3 ¾ inches in diameter, medium 2 ¾ inches in diameter and small 2 ¼ inches in diameter. Give a child a variety of apples to measure and sort as small, medium or large.
• Compare the apples and find the largest in circumference. The distance around a circle is called the circumference. Use a piece of yarn or twine and place around the middle of the apple tightly. Cut the yarn to fit and measure the length of the yarn on a ruler to find the circumference. If child needs more information on diameters and circumference go to: www.mathgoodies.com
• Cut an apple in half, in quarters, in eighths. Ask for a ¼ of an apple and let a child give that amount to you.

• Another apple website www.nyapplecountry.com

Apple Reading

Fingerplays are wonderful memorization tools for children. Memory skills are necessary and strengthen the power of the mind and teaches articulation. Put apple stickers on your fingers for added fun.

Way up high in an apple tree
2 red apples looked down at me.
I shook that tree as hard as I could
Down came the apples MMMMMMMM they were good!!!

Older children can think of 10 words that relate to apples. Write the words onto two pieces of different colored index cards cut in half with the beginning of the word written on one color and the end of the word in a different color. Mix up the cards and see if all 10 words can be found. Here are some apple words to use but depending on a child’s ability easier or more difficult words could be selected.

root – blossom – stem – orchard – apple – Chapman – plant – fruit - deciduous - variety

Read books together about apples. Try:

• Johnny Appleseed by Stephen Kellogg
• A TRUE book Apples by Elaine Landau
• Down the Road by Alice Schertle

Print apple stationary and write a story or a poem about apples.

Apple Research

Children need encouragement in using encyclopedias, dictionaries, and the internet for research. Here are 30 Apple Questions to research. Place one question on an index card and each day during a month select and together with a child look for the answer. Decorate the cards with apple stickers or an apple stamp. Writing skills can be practiced by having the child write down the questions. Try these web sites to look for easier or harder questions depending on a child’s ability.

• www.dole5aday.com
• http://www.bestapples.com/kids/index.html

Apple Questions

1. How many calories are in a medium size apple? (60 calories)
2. What is the name of the natural gas produced by apples? (ethylene gas)
3. How many grams of fiber are in a medium apple? (5 grams)
4. How many days or hours below 45 degrees Farenheit does an apple tree need to rest in order to flower and fruit properly? (900 to 1000 hours or 37 to 42 days)
5. What was Johnny Appleseed’s real name? (John Chapman)
6. When did Johnny Appleseed live, where was he born and where is he buried? (1774 – 1844 born in Leominister, Massachusetts and buried in Fort Wayne, Indiana)
7. Apples get minerals and water from the ground using what part of their body? (roots)
8. Apples get energy from what object? (sun)
9. What can you put on fresh apple slices so they won’t turn brown? (lemon, orange, or pineapple juice)
10. What kind of natural sugar do apples contain? (fructose)
11. How many years does it usually take for an apple tree planted with root stock take to bear fruit? (2 to 3 years)
12. How much fat does an apple contain? (none)
13. A favorite saying states “An apple a day keeps the _______ away. Fill in the blank. (Doctor)
14. What vitamins are found in apples? ( Vitamin A and Vitamin C)
15. About how many varieties of apples are grown in the world? (over 7,000 varieties)
16. What state grows the most apples? (Washington)
17. What is the most popular variety of apple in the United States? (Red Delicious)
18. Americans eat an average of how many pounds of fresh apples a year? (18 pounds)
19. Do apples float? (Fresh apples float)
20. Do apples contain antioxidants? (Yes)
21. Find a recipe using apples.
22. Find a poem about apples.
23. What is controlled atmosphere storage? (It is storage that controls temperature, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and humidity)
24. What does it mean to “pare” an apple? (peel)
25. Before apple growers harvest their apples they check firmness, flesh chlorophyll, skin color, seed color and one other quality. Name that quality. (sugar level)
26. What is applied to apples to keep apples fresh looking during transporting and marketing? (wax)
27. What two government agencies regulate safety and use of pesticides for apples? (United States Food and Drug Administration – FDA and United States Environmental Protection Agency –EPA)
28. How many seeds in an average apple? (5 seeds)

Apple Crafts

Use apples as place cards for holidays or special family meals. Write each name on a small card and use a decorated pin to attach to apple. Ask a child to place at each person’s selected seat.

Make an apple candle holder by coring an apple and placing a taper or tea light candle in the opening. You could group the apple candle holders on a plate with leaves to make a centerpiece.

Apple Science

Try this website for illustrating the Digestive System as a child eats an apple.
Apples are often grown using pesticides. Discuss the types of chemicals used and how organic apples are different.

Apple Cooking

Cooking and baking are the easiest way to review science, measuring, math, motor skills and a variety of other necessary skills. Here are 30 Apple A Day Recipes that are quick for snacks, breakfast, lunch or dinner. Try different varieties of apples as you go through a month of apple treats.

An Apple A Day Recipes

1. #1 Blender Applesause

   Blender applesauce. Peel and core 6 large apples, add ¾ cup water, sugar and cinnamon to taste and add to blender. Blend and eat quickly.
2. Dip apple slices in dry powdered jello and eat. Try orange, raspberry, or lime flavors.
3. Dip cinnamon graham crackers into applesauce.
4. Make Apple Butter by filling a large crockpot with unsweetened applesauce. Add 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon ground cloves, ½ teaspoon all spice, 1 cup white sugar, 1 cup brown sugar. Cook overnight in crockpot with lid loose for steam to escape.

5. #5 Apple Crunch Toast

   Make Apple Crunch Toast by buttering a slice of bread, place thin apple slices on bread and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar. Place in toaster oven.
6. Dip apple slices in warm caramel sauce
7. Make fresh apple juice by adding to a blender ½ cup peeled and seeded apple, 1 cup of cold water, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Blend till smooth and drink immediately.
8. Spread graham cracker with peanut butter and sprinkle with sliced apples.
9. Make Apple Rings by peeling and coring apple. Slice horizontally into rings and spread with peanut or almond butter.

10. #10 Baked Apple

    Make a Baked Apple in the microwave. Core the apple and cut apple in half around the middle. Spread cut sides with butter and sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon. Put halves together and put butter, raisins, and brown sugar down the core opening. Place on microwave safe plate in microwave for about 3 minutes. This makes a quick and fun breakfast too.
11. Make Apple Crisp. Select about 6 apples, peel, core, and slice and place in greased 2 quart baking dish. Stir apples with ¾ teaspoon cinnamon and some sugar. Cover with 2 cups of granola cereal and add ½ cup butter sliced on top. Bake at 375 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes until apples are tender.
12. Apple Ice Cream Sundae – Scoop vanilla ice cream in a dish and add apple slices. Add walnuts or peanuts and cover with caramel sauce.
13. Spread sliced apples with Gorp Spread. Combine ¼ cup peanut butter, 2 teaspoon honey, and 1 tablespoon of raisins and/or chocolate chips.
14. Serve sliced apples with slices of cheese – cheddar, brie or other favorites.
15. Lettuce Roll ups are made by combining ½ cup plain yogurt and ½ cup mayonnaise. Add 1 apple cored and chopped, 1 stalk of celery chopped and ¼ cup hazelnuts. Stir in 4 cups of shredded cooked chicken and add salt and pepper to taste. Put into lettuce leaves and roll up or serve with crackers.
16. Applesauce Pizza is made by spreading an English Muffin with cream cheese. Place applesauce on top and sprinkle with cinnamon. Add raisins and toast in oven.
17. Make your favorite apple pie or bake a frozen one for dinner.

18. #18 Apple Chips

    Apple Chips are made by bringing 2 cups of unsweetened apple juice to a boil with 1 cinnamon stick added. Core 2 apples and with a knife, slice off ½ inch from top and bottom of each apple. Cut apple crosswise into very thin rings and add to boiling juice. Cut until slices are translucent and lightly golden about 4 to 5 minutes. Heat oven to 250 degrees. Remove apple slices from juice and pat dry with paper towels. Arrange slices on a cake cooling rack single layer with no overlapping. Place rack on middle shelf of over and make till slices are browned and dry to touch about 35 minutes. Cool slices completely before storing in airtight container.
19. Apple Oatmeal is yummy for breakfast. Begin by combining in a small pot, ½ cup diced apple, 1/3 cup apple juice, 1/3 cup water, 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/8 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil and add 1/3 cup quick cooking oatmeal and cook about 1 minute. Cover and let stand a few minutes before serving. Add apple yogurt or milk on top when serving.
20. Microwave Applesauce is made with 8 medium apples that are pared, cored and cut into chunks and combined with ½ cup water in 2 quart microwave safe dish. Cover and cook on high until apples are tender around 10 minutes. Stir in ¼ cup sugar, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon and dash of nutmeg. Cover and microwave for 4 minutes. Stir well. Serve hot or cold.

21. #21 Apple Pizza

    Apple Pizza uses refrigerated biscuits that are flattened on a foil lined cookie sheet. Sprinkle each biscuit with grated cheddar or colby cheese. Place chopped apples on top. Mix 1 cup brown sugar, 4 tablespoons flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon in zipper plastic bag. Add dry mix on top of each biscuit and place pat of butter on top. Bake 350 degrees for 15 minutes.
22. Make a cup of packaged instant hot cider or buy fresh cider.
23. Apple Peach Smoothie – Add to blender 1 cup frozen peaches, ½ cup frozen apple juice, and 2/3 cup milk. Blend until smooth and serve immediately.

24. #24 Hot Caramel Apple Drink

    Hot Caramel Apple Drink – Bring 1 cup of apple juice to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon of cinnamon syrup to bottom of large mug. Add hot apple juice. Top with whipped cream and add caramel syrup over whipped cream. Sprinkle with nutmeg and cinnamon. CINNAMON SYRUP = 1 cup sugar, 1/8 teaspoon salt, 2 tablespoons flour, ½ teaspoon cinnamon 2/3 cups water. Mix and boil until thickened. Add 2 tablespoons butter.
25. Apple Orchard Punch – Combine in pitcher, 12 ounces chilled apple juice, 1/3 of frozen cranberry juice concentrate, and 1/3 cup orange juice. Stir and add ½ liter ginger ale.
26. Apple Banana Smoothie – Add to blender, 1 pared and cored apple chopped, 1 large banana broken into chunks, 1 cup frozen strawberries, 8 ounces vanilla yogurt, ¾ cup milk. Blend until smooth. Serve immediately.
27. Add chopped apples to prepared pancake mix and cook on griddle.

28. #29 Apple Ladybugs

    Easy Apple Crunch Pie – Put rack in lowest oven position and preheat to 425 degrees. Into deep dish unbaked pie shell add 21 ounce apple filling and bake for 15 minutes. While baking, melt ¼ cup butter, beat in 14 ounce can of Sweetened Condensed Milk, 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon maple flavoring, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg. Pour over apples when they have baked 15 minutes. Combine ½ cup brown sugar and ½ cup flour with ¼ cup butter. Add ¼ cup granola and sprinkle over pie. Reduce oven to 350 degrees and bake 30 minutes until set in center. Cool. Serve warm and refrigerate remaining pie.
29. Apple Ladybugs – Core an apple and cut in half from top to bottom. Dab peanut butter onto raisins and stick onto apple to look like ladybug spots. Use raisins to make eyes and dab 2 thin pretzel sticks to use as antennas.
30. Apple Milk Shake – In blender combine 1 cup cold milk, 1 large scoop vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt, 2 tablespoon frozen apple juice concentrate, ½ pared and cut apple. Blend until smooth and sprinkle with cinnamon.