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The Easy Sink Or Float Orange Density Experiment For Kids

February 13, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

We’re doing an easy sink or float orange density experiment for kids. Also, look at my page 4 Weeks Free Physical Science Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas for more activities.

The sink or float orange density experiment is an easy activity that helps kids grasp important science concepts in a hands-on way.

Plus, it’s a hands-on way to introduce other scientific methods like predicting, testing, observing, and analyzing results.

The Easy Sink Or Float Orange Density Experiment For Kids

After the experiment, your child should be able to understand that the density of an object determines whether it floats or sinks.

But what is density? First, talk about the misconception that that heavy things sink and light things float.

There must be something more to sinking and floating than size or weight.

So density means the relationship between the mass of the substance and how much space it takes up (volume).

PHYSICAL SCIENCE BOOKS FOR KIDS

Next, look at the books for kid about physical science.

10 Books About Physical Science

Physical science varies in topic. It can cover states of matter, forces and motion like push and pull, forms of energy like simple circuits, light and sound to earth and space.

What Is the World Made Of?: All About Solids, Liquids, and Gases

Can you make an ice cube disappear? Put it on a hot sidewalk. It melts into water and then vanishes! The ice cube changes from solid to liquid to gas. This Level 2 Let's-Read-and-Find-Out picture book is a fascinating exploration of the three states of matter. This clear and appealing science book for early elementary age kids, both at home and in the classroom, uses simple, fun diagrams to explain the difference between solids, liquids, and gases. This book also includes a find out more section with experiments designed to encourage further exploration and introduce record keeping.

Matter: Physical Science for Kids

In Matter: Physical Science for Kids, kids ages 5 to 8 explore the definition of matter and the different states of matter, plus the stuff in our world that isn’t matter, such as sound and light! In this nonfiction picture book, children are introduced to physical science through detailed illustrations paired with a compelling narrative that uses fun language to convey familiar examples of real-world science connections. By recognizing the basic physics concept of matter and identifying the different ways matter appears in real life, kids develop a fundamental understanding of physical science and are impressed with the idea that science is a constant part of our lives and not limited to classrooms and
laboratories

The Disappearing Spoon: And Other True Tales of Madness, Love, and the History of the World from the Periodic Table of the Elements

Why did Gandhi hate iodine (I, 53)? How did radium (Ra, 88) nearly ruin Marie Curie's reputation? And why is gallium (Ga, 31) the go-to element for laboratory pranksters?The Periodic Table is a crowning scientific achievement, but it's also a treasure trove of adventure, betrayal, and obsession. These fascinating tales follow every element on the table as they play out their parts in human history, and in the lives of the (frequently) mad scientists who discovered them. The Disappearing Spoon masterfully fuses science with the classic lore of invention, investigation, and discovery.

Archimedes and the Door of Science (Living History Library)

Jeanne Bendick, through text and pictures, admirably succeeds in bringing to life the ancient Greek mathematician who enriched mathematics and all branches of science. Against the backdrop of Archimedes' life and culture, the author discusses the man's work, his discoveries and the knowledge later based upon it. The simple, often humorous, illustrations and diagrams greatly enhance the text.

Michael Faraday: Father of Electronics

Charles Ludwig retells Michael Faraday’s remarkable life story in fictionalized form. Here is the father of the electric motor, the dynamo, the transformer, the generator. Few persons are aware of the brilliant man’s deep Christian convictions and his determination to live by the Sermon on the Mount. For ages 12 to 15.

Junior Science Book of Electricity

Book about electricity for children.

Energy Makes Things Happen

Did you know that energy comes from the food you eat? From the sun and wind? From fuel and heat? You get energy every time you eat. You transfer energy to other things every time you play baseball.

Waves: Principles of Light, Electricity and Magnetism (The Secrets of the Universe)

Have you ever wondered why a prism turns ordinary sunlight into a rainbow? Isaac Newton knew why. How can a magnet be used to generate electricity? Michael Faraday could have told you. Can you explain how a toaster toasts bread? In this book, author Paul Fleisher answers these and many more questions as he looks at the laws that describe how waves behave. Through simple experiments, detailed illustrations and concepts that are easy to understand, readers are introduced to the basic principles of light, electricity and magnetism in a fun, exciting way.

Liquids and Gases: Principles of Fluid Mechanics (Secrets of the Universe)

Have you ever wondered why a 10-tonne boat floats but a tiny pebble sinks? Archimedes knew why. How does a basketball or tennis ball bounce? Robert Boyle could have described how! Can you explain why a hot-air balloon rises but a balloon you blow up drops to the ground? To answer these questions and many more, author Paul Fleisher explains the laws that define how and why liquids and gases behave the way they do. Through simple experiments, detailed illustrations and concepts that are easy to understand, readers are introduced to the basic principles of fluid mechanics in a fun, exciting way.

Marbles,Roller Skates,Doorknob

Explains the concepts of simple and complex machines and mechanical advantage, and describes how wheels, including gears and ball bearings, work

Also, look at some activities about physical science and density experiments for kids.

MORE PHYSICAL SCIENCE & DENSITY EXPERIMENTS FOR KIDS

  • Quick Unit Study & Easy Salt water Density Ocean Science Experiments For Kindergarten
  • Hot and Cold Water Density Experiment
  • Learn about the layers of density in this How to Make a Cool Fibonacci Lemonade and 8 Things to Learn about Fibonacci activity.
  • Skittle Density Experiment
  • How Do Sharks Float STEM Activity Free Shark Unit Study & Notebooking Pages
  • Density Experiment for Kids
The Easy Sink Or Float Orange Density Experiment For Kids

Finally, look at this easy sink or float orange density experiment for kids.

ORANGE SINK OR FLOAT EXPERIMENT

First, look at this easy list of supplies for the wow factor.

  • 2 mandarin or naval oranges
  • 2 containers. Use glass for better visibility.
  • water

First, gather all supplies needed.

The Easy Sink Or Float Orange Density Experiment For Kids

Fill both containers with water but leave room at the top to prevent them from overflowing when the oranges are introduced.

The Easy Sink Or Float Orange Density Experiment For Kids

Peel one orange and leave the other orange unpeeled.

The Easy Sink Or Float Orange Density Experiment For Kids

Then place the unpeeled orange in one container.

The Easy Sink Or Float Orange Density Experiment For Kids

Place the peeled orange into the other container.

The Easy Sink Or Float Orange Density Experiment For Kids

What are the results?

The Easy Sink Or Float Orange Density Experiment For Kids

Why does this happen?

When an orange is placed in water with the peel still on it will float.

It floats because the peel has air pockets making it less dense than the water.

Imagine the peel as a little lifejacket for the orange.

A peeled orange will sink because the peel is removed making the orange denser than the water.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: density, earth science, earthscience, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, oranges, science

Free Printable Colorful Frog Diorama: Cool Frog Life Cycle Facts

February 12, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, we’re making a frog diorama and learning about the life cycle of our froggy friends. Also, look at my Free Toad and Frog Lapbook and Fun Homeschool Unit Study Ideas for more activities.

Whether they’re croaking in the pond or leaping through the forest, frogs are some of the most interesting animals around.

Frogs are amphibians, which means they can live both in water and on land.

They come in all shapes, sizes, and colors.

Free Printable Colorful Frog Diorama: Cool Frog Life Cycle Facts

Some frogs are tiny, like a penny, while others can be as big as a football.

There are over 6,000 species of frogs worldwide, each with its own unique life cycle and adaptations.

Frogs are sensitive to changes in temperature and environment, which is why they are great indicators of the health of their habitat.

You might spot frogs in ponds, marshes, or even your own backyard.

Frog Books for Kids

Next, look at some of these fun books about frogs.

I prefer living books in my home library when I can find them.

Then I add reference books. Add some of these fun books to your library.

14 Frog Unit Study Resources

Add a book or two or some fun hands-on resources to your unit study.

The Frog (Animal Lives)

Superbly detailed drawings capture the elusive frog in its watery realm, as it captures its prey with a sticky tongue, feeds its young, and leaps from place to place to escape from predators.

Tale of a tadpole

The natural world doesn't work the way fairy tales do, but it still has its fair share of enchantments. With text and pictures that are both scientifically accurate and totally true to the comedies of family life, this is a happily-ever-after tale of unexpected transformations

Rainforest Frogs

Rainforest Frogs Haiku by Caley Vickerman Illustrated by Mark Lerer Foreword by Franco Andreone Designed and Edited by Susan Newman Frogs Are Green, Inc is proud to announce… Rainforest Frogs Order your copy now! Free shipping in the USA if you order directly from us! $11.95 | 52 pages softcover | Full color Rainforest Frogs profiles ten exotic and endangered amphibian species. Table of Contents Foreword by Franco Andreone Blue Poison Dart frog Amazon Milk frog Yellow-Banded Poison Dart frog Northern Glass frog Tiger’s Tree frog Golden Mantella Red-Eyed Tree frog Flat-Head Bromeliad Tree frog Tiger-Leg Monkey Tree frog Rabbs Fringe-Limbed Tree frog (Toughie)

Frog (Life Cycle of a . . .)

Do tadpoles have legs? Why do frogs live in water? How do frogs catch food? Explaining concepts through stunning photographs and simple text, 'Life Cycle of a Frog' takes an in-depth look at this familiar but fascinating animal.

Ice King Bear Plush Giant Frog

Scientific name of this frog is Conraua goliath (The largest frog in the world).

  • Product size is 22 inches length from head to soles of the feet, big size.
  • Soft, huggable material built to high-quality standards and hand wash best.
  • Suit for kids toy, funny party props, early education animals, cute decorations in house.
  • Climbing Tree Frogs (Pull Ahead Books)

    Introduces the physical characteristics, behavior, and habitats of North American tree frogs

    Frogs

    How far can frogs jump? Why do their eggs look slimy? Answer these questions and many more in this illustrated introduction to amphibians, and learn about the unique role frogs play in the environment. With her signature bright, well-labeled diagrams and simple text, Gail Gibbons introduces the habitat and life cycles of frogs, and gives a brief overview of common frog behaviors. Important vocabulary is introduced, defined, and reinforced with kid-friendly language and clear illustrations—plus a page of intriguing frog trivia. 

    Frog and Friends

    Frog and Toad

    Frog & Toad The Complete Collection

    This collection brings together all of Arnold Lobel’s engaging, warm and funny stories about Frog and Toad, and features a special foreword by Julia Donaldson. A collectable classic treasury that every child should read and own. Julia Donaldson says “I hugely admire and envy Arnold Lobel; he is my hero”. Once upon a time there were two good friends, a frog and a toad… From writing letters to going swimming, telling stories to finding lost buttons, Frog and Toad are always there for each other – just as best friends should be.

    Frog Growth Cycle

    This Forg life cycle set is a fun for children with an interest in insects and nature explore. And also it is a great teaching and learning tool for homeschoolers and preschoolers teaching.

    Anatomy Lab Soft Cover Frog Dissection Guide Book

    Fully Illustrated Guide: Each study guide is fully illustrated and conveys the complete dissection through illustration.

    Visualize the Steps: the dissection guides depict anatomically correct step-by-step procedural illustrations helping the student visualize key organs and anatomy aiding in the overall dissection process.

    Frog-Development Paperweight Specimens

    The frog development paperweight specimen is a 100% natural insect incased in clear resin block, you can observe its development all life stages very clearly from any angle.

    Red-eyed Tree Frog (Scholastic Bookshelf)

    Category: NatureIn a tropical rain forest in Central America, a red-eyed tree frog spends the night looking for food while avoiding potential predators. Award-winning photographer Nic Bishop's larger-than-life, gorgeous images document the hunt, which ends happily with the frog settling down in the leaves to spend his daylight hours sleeping! Joy Cowley's simple, readable text makes the frog's story fun, interesting, and accessible to young readers. This is a nature tale like you've never seen before!

    Frogs Toy Mini Vinyl Realistic Frog

    Rich in style: the plastic frogs toys contain 12 different types and each type includes 3 pieces, allowing you to combine and match for beautiful and personalized decorations at your will, which can give rein to your imagination and creativity

    Quality material: the realistic frogs toy decorations are made of quality PVC material for safety and wearing, which are odorless; They are also easy to clean and can be applied many times, providing a comfortable touching experience for you

    Also, look at some fun features about frogs.

    Frog Features

    What makes frog so fun learn about is their features.

    For example, look at these features.

    Big Eyes: Frogs have large, bulging eyes that help them see in the dark and spot their prey.

    Sticky Tongue: Frogs use their long, sticky tongues to catch insects.

    When a frog sees a bug, its tongue shoots out super fast and sticks to the bug, pulling it back into the frog’s mouth.

    Slimy Skin: A frog’s skin is smooth and slimy, which helps keep them moist and healthy.

    Some frogs even have bright colors or patterns to warn predators that they’re toxic (poisonous).

    Hopping Legs: Frogs are excellent jumpers.

    Their powerful back legs help them leap from place to place, and they can jump up to 20 times their own body length.

    Additionally, learn about the frog life cycle with this diorama.

    4 Stages Frog Life Cycle

    They go through a fascinating transformation as they grow.

    They go through four stages.

    1. Egg

    A female frog can lay hundreds of eggs at once.

    These eggs are often grouped together in jelly-like clusters. They’re pretty small and look like tiny, transparent blobs.

    2. Tadpole

    Once the eggs hatch, out come the tadpoles.

    Tadpoles are like little fish with tails and gills.

    They live in the water and spend their days swimming around.

    At this stage, tadpoles don’t look much like frogs yet. They’re mostly focused on eating and growing.

    Cool Fact: Tadpoles feed on algae and tiny plants in the water.

    As they grow, they start to develop legs and their tails begin to shrink.

    3. Tadpoles with Legs

    As the tadpoles continue to grow, they start to change dramatically. This stage is called the “tadpole with legs” phase. Here’s what happens:

    Then tadpoles gradually lose their gills and start developing lungs so they can breathe air.

    First, the hind legs begin to grow, followed by the front legs.

    Thereafter, the tadpole’s tail gets shorter as the body transforms.

    4. Adult Frog

    Finally, the tadpole turns into an adult frog.

    This is when it’s ready to hop out of the water and start living on land.

    Adult frogs have strong legs for jumping and a different diet. They eat insects and other small animals instead of algae.

    Free Printable Colorful Frog Diorama: Cool Frog Life Cycle Facts

    Adult frogs have to stay moist to keep their skin healthy, so you might often see them in damp or wet places.

    Finally, do this fun printable colorful frog diorama together.

    How to Get the Free Printable Frog Diorama Life Cycle

    Now, how to grab the free diorama. It’s a subscriber freebie.

    That means when you sign up to follow me, you get my emails in your inbox and you get this freebie.

    1) Sign up on my email list.

    2) Grab the freebie now.

    3) Last, look for all my emails in your inbox. Glad to have you following me!

    Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: diorama, frog life cycle, frogs, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool, life science

    The World of Plants: The Educational Value of a Plant Lapbook

    February 11, 2025 | Leave a Comment
    This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

    I have an incredible plant lapbook. Also, look at my page Homeschool Lapbooks – Powerful Tools For Mastery Learning.

    This plant lapbook is colorful, interactive, and loads of fun to build along with plenty of resources to make this study amazing.

    Lapbooks are such a great way to submerge yourself in a topic.

    The World of Plants: The Educational Value of a Plant Lapbook

    And they encourage hands-on, interactive learning and allow your child to organize the information in a creative way.

    From the life cycle of a plant to the parts of a plant and what it needs, I have gathered up some hands-on activities to make it fun and educational.

    Of course, I am sharing some wonderful books and other resources.

    First, look at these fun books.

    PLANT BOOKS FOR KIDS

    9 Plant Books for Kids Who Read and Love to Be Read To

     Add a few of these books about plants to your home library or to your unit study.

    Living Sunlight: How Plants Bring The Earth To Life

    Living Sunlight shows children, teachers, and parents the remarkable magic of what makes us human.This informative yet dramatic book will mesmerize readers and help further a child's understanding of the energy we share with all living things in nature. We are all dancing sunlight. The book is co-authored by award-winning M.I.T. professor Penny Chisholm, a leading expert on ocean science. A perfect addition to any library!

    Rooting for Plants: The Unstoppable Charles S. Parker, Black Botanist and Collector

    In 1882, Black botanist and mycologist Charles S. Parker sprouted up in the lush, green Pacific Northwest. From the beginning, Charles’s passion was plants, and he trudged through forests, climbed mountains, and waded into lakes to find them. When he was drafted to fight in World War I, Charles experienced prejudice against Black soldiers and witnessed the massive ecological devastation that war caused. Those experiences made him even more determined to follow his dreams, whatever the difficulties, and to have a career making things grow, not destroying them.As a botanist and teacher, Charles traveled the United States, searching for new species of plants and fungi. After discovering the source of the disease killing peach and apricot trees, Charles was offered a job at Howard University, the famed historically Black college where he taught the next generation of Black scientists—men and women—to love plants and fungi as much as he did.

    Gregor Mendel: The Friar Who Grew Peas

    How do mothers and fathers—whether they are apple trees, sheep, or humans—pass down traits to their children? This question fascinated Gregor Mendel throughout his life. Regarded as the world’s first geneticist, Mendel overcame poverty and obscurity to discover one of the fundamental aspects of genetic science: animals, plants, and people all inherit and pass down traits through the same process, following the same rules.

    Out of School and Into Nature: The Anna Comstock Story

    This picture book biography examines the life and career of naturalist and artist Anna Comstock (1854-1930), who defied social conventions and pursued the study of science. From the time she was a young girl, Anna Comstock was fascinated by the natural world. She loved exploring outdoors, examining wildlife and learning nature's secrets. From watching the teamwork of marching ants to following the constellations in the sky, Anna observed it all. And her interest only increased as she grew older and went to college at Cornell University. There she continued her studies, pushing back against those social conventions that implied science was a man's pursuit. Eventually Anna became known as a nature expert, pioneering a movement to encourage schools to conduct science and nature classes for children outdoors, thereby increasing students' interest in nature. In following her passion, this remarkable woman blazed a trail for female scientists today.

    In the Garden with Dr. Carver

    Sally is a young girl living in rural Alabama in the early 1900s, a time when people were struggling to grow food in soil that had been depleted by years of cotton production. One day, Dr. George Washington Carver shows up to help the grown-ups with their farms and the children with their school garden. He teaches them how to restore the soil and respect the balance of nature. He even prepares a delicious lunch made of plants, including "chicken" made from peanuts. And Sally never forgets the lessons this wise man leaves in her heart and mind. Susan Grigsby's warm story shines new light on a Black scientist who was ahead of his time.

    A World of Plants

    Covering more than twenty-five subjects, from photosynthesis and permaculture to the hidden world of Victorian plant hunters, this stylish illustrated guide is packed with scientific insight into the critical role plants play in the drama of life on Earth. Did you know that some plants steal while others defend themselves against attack? That the largest cacti can reach sixty-six feet tall and weigh more than a car? That there are meat-eating plants the size of footballs? Readers young and old will marvel at the wondrous diversity and adaptability of plants, from trees and tropical species to those that have evolved to master extreme conditions. A brisk narrative bursting with facts—all carefully organized with maps and charts in richly patterned vintage-style illustrations—make for a vivid guide to all that grows . . . and a beautiful gift book for anyone interested in the environment.

    Notes on Plants and Flowers: The Nature Notebook

    Originally published in the early 1900's by Anna Comstock. This book, Notes on Plants and Flowers, contains the following information: How to Understand a Plant, How to understand a flower; along with multiple forms to fill in while in the field, to aid in the identification of plants and flowers.

    Anna Comstock intended that the pupil would use these notebooks to create their very own field guides by observing local flora and fauna with which they should be very familiar.

    This is an 8.5x11 workbook for students, featuring short illustrated chapters on identifying parts of plants and flowers along with multiple forms for the pupil to complete.

    First Studies of Plant Life (Yesterday's Classics)

    A guide to discovery of the forces at work in the world of plants. Through germinating seeds and varying their growing conditions, students learn by observation the different ways seeds germinate and young plants respond to moisture and light. Further experiments shed light on the manner of nourishment, respiration, and reproduction. The reader is given plenty to ponder since the text often poses questions without supplying answers. The life stories of the sweet pea, oak, ferns, moss, and mushrooms and an account of some of the forces plants have to contend with in their struggle to survive encourage students to continue to read and interpret their surroundings. An engaging introduction to botany for middle school and beyond.

    Wicked Plants: The Weed That Killed Lincoln's Mother and Other Botanical Atrocities

    A tree that sheds poison daggers; a glistening red seed that stops the heart; a shrub that causes paralysis; a vine that strangles; and a leaf that triggered a war. In Wicked Plants, Stewart takes on over two hundred of Mother Nature’s most appalling creations. It’s an A to Z of plants that kill, maim, intoxicate, and otherwise offend. You’ll learn which plants to avoid (like exploding shrubs), which plants make themselves exceedingly unwelcome (like the vine that ate the South), and which ones have been killing for centuries (like the weed that killed Abraham Lincoln's mother). Menacing botanical illustrations and splendidly ghastly drawings create a fascinating portrait of the evildoers that may be lurking in your own backyard. Drawing on history, medicine, science, and legend, this compendium of bloodcurdling botany will entertain, alarm, and enlighten even the most intrepid gardeners and nature lovers.

    Also, look at these characteristics of a plant.

    CHARACTERISTICS OF A PLANT

    Autotrophic- Plants are autotrophic, meaning they can produce their own food through photosynthesis.

    Multicellular- They are  multicellular organisms, which simply means they are made up of many cells.

    Eukaryotic- As eukaryotic organisms their cells have a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.

    Cell Walls- Plant cells have cell walls made of cellulose, which gives them a rigid structure.

    Chloroplasts- Plants contain chloroplasts, which are organelles that contain chlorophyll and are responsible for photosynthesis.

    Vascular Tissue- Plants have vascular tissue, which transports water and nutrients throughout the plant.

    Reproductive Structures- Plants have reproductive structures, such as flowers and seeds, which allow them to reproduce.

    Growth and Development- Plants grow and develop through a process called metamorphosis, which involves the differentiation of cells and tissues.

    Response to Stimuli- Plants can respond to stimuli, such as light, touch, and gravity, through a process called tropism.

    Adaptation- Plants can adapt to a wide variety of environments, from deserts to rainforests.

    The World of Plants: The Educational Value of a Plant Lapbook

    Next, look at the value of doing a plant lapbook.

    EDUCATIONAL VALUE OF DOING A PLANT LAPBOOK

    One of the best reasons to do a plant lapbook is that hands-on projects help learning be cemented.

    Too, when I first started homeschooling I though lapbooks were for young children or were a craft. The truth of it is that it can be that but it is so much more.

    It is for ALL ages, and it can be as creative as your child wants it to be.

    Next, lapbooks help a child organize is thoughts and information. For example, you can use all the minibooks in this lapbook or add and subtract minibooks to make it very unique.

    Now I don’t really hail to the mindset young kids can work on their fine motor skills like cutting and folding but that is a benefit.

    Also, another big reason I love lapbooks is that they make a great reference tool. When your child does one, he can come back later to review it or use it as a tool for other subjects he is working on.

    Too, it is a great compact reference tool. And if you need proof that your child is learning the lapbook is a stunning visual representation of his unique interest.

    HOW TO GET THE PLANT LAPBOOK

    You can download the printable plant lapbook now!

    All my products are digital. You will not receive a physical product for anything in my store.

    Downloads are INSTANT. When you pay, you will receive an email with a download link INSTANTLY. Depending on your internet connection, the email could be just 30 seconds or so, or a bit longer. The point is it will be soon, not a week later,etc.

    The World of Plants: The Educational Value of a Plant Lapbook

    The email with the download link will go to the email you used for paypal. If you used your husband’s paypal, your downloads will go to that email. Please check that email and your spam before emailing me telling me you can’t find it.

    Please put my email tina @ tinasdynamichomeschoolplus dot com (take out the space and substitute the right symbol for dot) in your address/contact list so that your product does not go to spam.

    • Dynamic and Fun Plant Lapbook for Multiple Ages

      Dynamic and Fun Plant Lapbook for Multiple Ages

      $4.00
      Add to cart

    MY GUARANTEE: To treat you like I want to be treated which means I know at times technical problems may cause glitches, so I will do everything possible to make your experience here pleasant.

    Leave a CommentFiled Under: Lapbook Tagged With: hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, life science, science

    Easy Desert Animal Crafts And A Scorpion Creation

    February 10, 2025 | Leave a Comment
    This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

    Today we are creating desert animal crafts including a pipe cleaner scorpion while we learn all about them and their habitat.

    Desert animals have amazing adaptations that help them survive the harsh conditions they live in.

    From thick fur to protect their skin and large flat feet to distribute their weight over the hot sand to long thick eyelashes and eyebrows to protect their eyes from sand.

    Easy Desert Animal Crafts And A Scorpion Creation

    And there are a variety of animals that make their home in the desert.

    For example, camels have humps to store fat and water.

    And the pronghorn has a unique digestive system that allows it to extract the maximum amount of nutrition from the sparse vegetation of its habitat.

    Now onto a variety of great books, facts, and activities to supplement your desert animal study.

    BOOKS ABOUT SCORPIONS FOR KIDS

    First, look at these books about scorpions.

    4 Books About Scorpions

    Add a few of these fun books to your home library.

    Everything You Should Know About: Scorpions Faster Learning Facts

    Are your children curious about Scorpions? Would they like to know if they really glow in the dark? Have they learnt how they digest their food or what a fat-tailed scorpion looks like? Inside this book, your children will begin a journey that will satisfy their curiosity by answering questions like these and many more!

    Scorpions!: Strange and Wonderful

    We have been taught to fear scorpions in any form. But scorpions usually sting either to subdue their prey or to protect themselves. In fact, Earth has two thousand scorpion species, but only a few dozen are deadly to humans. With vivid descriptions of scorpions' life cycle, body structure, habits, and habitat and beautiful, realistic illustrations, this new entry in the popular Strange and Wonderful series explores one of nature's feared and misunderstood creatures.

    Drawing Scorpions - How to Draw Scorpions For the Beginner

    Drawing tools Parts of a Scorpion Body Posture Black Emperor Scorpion Striped Bark Scorpion Amblypygi Whip scorpion

    Curiositree: Natural World: A Visual Compendium of Wonders from Nature

    Discover the interconnectedness of the natural world and learn why living things look and behave the way they do in a series of visually compelling information charts, maps, and cutaways, all illustrated in a nostalgic, vintage style. Packed with incredible facts about the natural world and the animals that populate it, the whole family will enjoy the full-page spreads grouped into the categories of habitats, species, and adaptations.

    Also, look at these facts about scorpions.

    5 SCORPION FACTS

    1. There are over 1,500 species of scorpions that are most common in deserts and other hot, dry regions but can also live in grasslands, savannas, forests, caves, and intertidal zones.
    2. Scorpions are arachnids and are related to spiders, mites, and ticks.
    3. Scorpions use their pincers to capture and crush prey, and their stinger to inject venom into their victims. The venom is a powerful neurotoxin that can cause pain, swelling, and even paralysis in humans. However, most scorpion stings are not fatal.
    4. Scorpions are nocturnal predators that feed on insects, spiders, and other small animals.
    5. They are capable of glowing under ultraviolet light, a phenomenon known as fluorescence, but scientists are still not sure exactly why. It could be as an aide in finding mates, navigating by night, or possibly detecting potential threats by sensing UV light in the environment.

    Another fantastic resource is Curiositree Natural World.

    Easy Desert Animal Crafts And A Scorpion Creation

    Also, look at these easy desert animals crafts.

    EASY DESERT ANIMAL CRAFTS

    Explore 3 completely different desert habitats and learn How to Make A Desert Triorama About the Gobi, Sahara, & Antarctica to display the flora and fauna of each.

    Popsicle Stick Camels are an adorable and easy craft for younger children.

    While it is not a craft, multisensory ideas like this Desert Sensory Bin not only look like a piece of art but they also are good for building fine motor skills, imagination, and language development.

    How precious is this Paper Mache Fennec Fox as a desert animal model? Great for presentations in co-op the deserts of Arizona, New Mexico, Southern California, and Mexico or just as a final project for a desert unit study.

    Snakes in The Desert is another sweet craft for younger kids to explore the reptiles that reside in a desert habitat.

    The creepy crawly tarantula, specifically the Desert blonde tarantula can be found in the deserts of Arizona, New Mexico, Southern California, and Mexico Tarantula Printable Craft

    This step by step guide on How to Draw a Scorpion will turn your child into an artist.

    This video shows you the steps for Making Cardboard Armadillo, a resident of the deserts and semi deserts of north and south America.

    Easy Desert Animal Crafts And A Scorpion Creation

    Finally, look at how to make a pipe cleaner scorpion creation

    PIPE CLEANER SCORPION CREATION

    You will need:

    • 6 pipe cleaners
    • 2 small black beads
    • Pencil or dowel rod
    • Hot glue/tacky glue
    • scissors

    First, bend one pipe cleaner in half.

    Easy Desert Animal Crafts And A Scorpion Creation

    Attach a second one by wrapping one end around the bend in the first like this.

    Easy Desert Animal Crafts And A Scorpion Creation

    Form a circle at the end of the 3 pipe cleaners to form the tail by twisting each side around once to hold it in place.

    Easy Desert Animal Crafts And A Scorpion Creation

    Repeat these steps all the way down the length of the pipe cleaners until you reach the end.

    Easy Desert Animal Crafts And A Scorpion Creation

    Wrap the end of another pipe cleaner around the base of the tail on the excess.

    Hold a pencil or dowel against the excess pipe cleaner and wrap the one you just added around it, creating tight coils to the end.

    Easy Desert Animal Crafts And A Scorpion Creation

    Repeat with another pipe cleaner, overlapping your coils to create a thick portion for the head of your scorpion, remove the pencil by sliding it out.

    Take the end of the pipe cleaner and bend it into two small mouth parts called the chelicerae which are the claw-like mouthparts then cut off the excess.

    Easy Desert Animal Crafts And A Scorpion Creation

    Take the ends of another pipe cleaner into a claw, slip it through the base of the head and repeat making a pincher on the other end too.

    Easy Desert Animal Crafts And A Scorpion Creation

    Cut the last pieces of pipe cleaner into 4 pieces.

    Easy Desert Animal Crafts And A Scorpion Creation

    Bend and then slip each one along the body, if you like you can secure the pieces with a dab of hot glue to help them stay in place better.

    Easy Desert Animal Crafts And A Scorpion Creation

    Put a dot of hot glue on the beads. And press them inside the curled pipe cleaner of the face area.

    Easy Desert Animal Crafts And A Scorpion Creation

    Bend the tail portion so it arches over the body. Give the pedipalps (pincers) a little curve inward as well.

    Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: desert, elementary science, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool, homeschoolscience, life science, science, scorpions

    Discover the Best Science Fiction Books for 4th Graders | Millenium Falcon Craft

    February 9, 2025 | Leave a Comment
    This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

    Let’s explore some new and classic science fiction books for 4th graders that both boys and girls will love. Also, you’ll love my page Homeschool Curriculum for more ideas and grade level curriculum.

    Science fiction for kids is a genre of literature that explores themes of science, technology, and the future in a way that is engaging for young readers. 

    Science fiction books for kids often feature elements such as space travel, time travel, alien encounters, and futuristic technology.

    Discover the Best Science Fiction Books for 4th Graders | Millenium Falcon Craft

    These books can be a great way to spark a child’s imagination.

    Too, it can get them interested in science and technology when they might not otherwise be while improving reading, vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking skills.

    Check out this list of 10 of the best science fiction books for 4th graders.

    And I will even throw in some hands-on ideas for multi-sensory learning and fun.

    I have a tutorial for a paper plate Millenium Falcon.

    You do know it did the Kessel Run in 12 parsecs right?

    From robots to time travel and alien invasions, there is something fun for everyone here.

    IDEAS TO GO WITH SCIENCE FICTION BOOKS FOR 4TH GRADERS

    First, check out these hands-on ideas.

    This is a list of Science Fiction books for middle schoolers but you will also find a simple How to Make a Time Travel Craft Inspired by The Time Machine Book.

    Wow look at this robot kit that comes with everything your child needs to build and learn code to program their own robot.

    Since Star Wars is a great topic for today’s theme here you can Make Cool Star Wars Soap and 15 Star Wars DIY Projects.

    I just love this Wild Robot Mini Unit, we enjoyed these books so much, even as an adult I thought it was a wonderful story.

    Let your child grab their favorite super hero figure and try this physics experiment Hands-On Super Hero Gravity for Kids.

    Discover the Best Science Fiction Books for 4th Graders | Millenium Falcon Craft

    Too, look at this post The Best Fourth Grade Homeschool Curriculum | Tips and Recommendations for more fourth grade ideas.

    Next, look at how to make this paper plate Millenium Falcon.

    PAPER PLATE MILLENIUM FALCON

    You will need:

    • 3 paper plates
    • Grey craft paint
    • Markers
    • Paintbrush
    • Glue stick
    • Tissue paper or paper towels
    • Scissors
    Discover the Best Science Fiction Books for 4th Graders | Millenium Falcon Craft

    First, paint the convex side of 3 paper plates grey, or you can leave them white and just brush some grey on to rough up the exterior of the Falcon. Set aside to dry.

    Discover the Best Science Fiction Books for 4th Graders | Millenium Falcon Craft

    Once the paint is dry you are going to take the second plate and draw some of the distinctive features of the Millenium Falcon on it like the cockpit, the forward mandibles, and concussion-missile tubes 

    This fandom site has some great inspiration photos including a schematic of the ship or you can just use one of your own models.

    Discover the Best Science Fiction Books for 4th Graders | Millenium Falcon Craft

    Cut the drawings out of the paper plate.

    Discover the Best Science Fiction Books for 4th Graders | Millenium Falcon Craft

    Glue each piece into place on the plate.

    Discover the Best Science Fiction Books for 4th Graders | Millenium Falcon Craft

    Use markers to draw more details on the ship, it is mostly a dirty grey, some red, blue, a little black, and silvery colors for the most part.

    Discover the Best Science Fiction Books for 4th Graders | Millenium Falcon Craft

    Place tissue paper or paper towels in the center of the 3rd plate, making sure it stays inside the inner part of the plate

    Discover the Best Science Fiction Books for 4th Graders | Millenium Falcon Craft

    Glue the top portion that you decorated on top of this one.

    Hot glue dries the fastest but you can use whatever type of tacky glue you like.

    Discover the Best Science Fiction Books for 4th Graders | Millenium Falcon Craft

    Finally, look at these science fiction books for 4th graders.

    SCIENCE FICTION BOOKS FOR 4TH GRADERS

    Science Fiction Books For 4th Graders

    Add these books to your reading day or to a unit study to learn science fiction.

    The Wild Robot (Volume 1)

    A robot named Roz opens her eyes for the first time on a remote, wild island and must learn to survive and navigate the world around her.

    The Giver: A Newbery Award Winner

    Life in the community where Jonas lives is idyllic. Designated birth mothers produce new children, who are assigned to appropriate family units. Citizens are assigned their partners and their jobs. No one thinks to ask questions. Everyone obeys. Everyone is the same. Except Jonas.

    Not until he is given his life assignment as the Receiver of Memory does he begin to understand the dark, complex secrets behind his fragile community. Gradually Jonas learns that power lies in feelings. But when his own power is put to the test—when he must try to save someone he loves—he may not be ready. Is it too soon? Or too late?

    Told with deceptive simplicity, this is the provocative story of a boy who experiences something incredible and undertakes something impossible. In the telling it questions every value we have taken for granted and reexamines our most deeply held beliefs.

    Star Wars Jedi Academy Series 7 Books Collection

    Series: Star Wars Jedi Academy 7 paperback books - Star Wars Jedi Academy: Jedi Academy, Return of the Padawan, The Phantom Bully, A New Class, The Force Oversleeps, Revenge of the Sis, and The Principal Strikes BackSummary: This set includes all seven books from the NY TIMES BESTSELLING SERIES Star Wars: Jedi Academy. Created by award-winning author/illustrator Jeffrey Brown, this series is a hit for readers of all ages. Whether you're familiar with Star Wars or if you're new to the galaxy, this heartfelt and hilarious adventure follows middle grader Roan as he navigates being a Jedi and dealing with bullies, aliens, robots, and even school dances.At Jedi Academy, students learn how to design droids, fight with a lightsaber, and use the Force!

    Time Travel Inn (Choose Your Own Adventure)

    Acclaimed children's humor author Bart King takes readers ages 8-12 on an interactive science fiction mystery adventure. Battle gladiators and escape from dinosaurs in this funny romp through time and space.

    Your adventurous Grandmother Dolores makes you and your family the unlikely stewards of her Time Travel Inn in rural Wisconsin. You move from Florida to Wisconsin with hopes of investigating more about the inn, and your grandmother’s disappearance, but quickly learn the inn is an epicenter for time travel research gone awry.

    Choose Your Own Adventure is the bestselling gamebook series of all time. Empowering generations of children through choice, it is widely commended for its appeal to reluctant readers.

    Frank Einstein and the Antimatter Motor

    In Frank Einstein and the Antimatter Motor, an uneventful experiment in Frank's garage/lab, a lightning storm, and a flash of electricity bring his inventions—the robots Klink and Klank—to life!Not exactly the ideal lab partners, the wisecracking Klink and the overly expressive Klank nonetheless help Frank attempt to perfect his inventions . . . until Frank’s archnemesis, T. Edison, steals Klink and Klank for his evil doomsday plan.Integrating real science facts with wacky humor, a silly cast of characters, and science fiction, this uniquely engaging series is an irresistible chemical reaction for middle grade readers. With easy-to-read language and graphic illustrations on almost every page, this chapter book series is a must for reluctant readers.The Frank Einstein series encourages middle grade readers to question the way things work and to discover how they, too, can experiment with science. In a starred review, Kirkus raves, “This buoyant, tongue-in-cheek celebration of the impulse to ‘keep asking questions and finding your own answers’ fires on all cylinders," while Publishers Weekly says that the series “proves that science can be as fun as it is important and useful.”

    Ricky Ricotta's Mighty Robot

    Meet Ricky Ricotta, a little mouse with a big problem!Ricky Ricotta lives in Squeakyville with his mom and dad. Ricky has a hard time making friends at school, and the neighborhood bullies are always picking on him. If only Ricky could find someone to be his best buddy and keep those creepy bullies away!Meanwhile, on the other side of town, a mad scientist named Dr. Stinky McNasty has created a Mighty Robot who is as gentle as he is powerful. Dr. Stinky plans to make the Robot destroy Squeakyville, but there's one little thing in his way: Ricky Ricotta! When Ricky rescues the Robot, an unlikely friendship begins. And Ricky discovers that a little mouse can be a BIG hero -- with some help from his new best friend!

    Menace from the Deep

    Emmet moves to Florida with his biologist father to investigate a strange, genetically engineered animal found dead in the Everglades, a creature that is the first of a new breed of man-made, apex predator that is about to be turned loose.

    Space Case (Moon Base Alpha)

    Like his fellow lunarnauts—otherwise known as Moonies—living on Moon Base Alpha, twelve-year-old Dashiell Gibson is famous the world over for being one of the first humans to live on the moon.And he’s bored out of his mind. Kids aren’t allowed on the lunar surface, meaning they’re trapped inside the tiny moon base with next to nothing to occupy their time—and the only other kid Dash’s age spends all his time hooked into virtual reality games.Then Moon Base Alpha’s top scientist turns up dead. Dash senses there’s foul play afoot, but no one believes him. Everyone agrees Dr. Holtz went onto the lunar surface without his helmet properly affixed, simple as that. But Dr. Holtz was on the verge of an important new discovery, Dash finds out, and it’s a secret that could change everything for the Moonies—a secret someone just might kill to keep...

    Leave a CommentFiled Under: Book Lists Tagged With: 4th grade, book lists, books, science, science fiction

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