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Tina Robertson

5 Tide Pool Facts and Create An Edible Tide Pool Diorama Ideas

July 20, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have five tide pool facts and you’ll love these edible tide pool diorama ideas. Also, look at this free Seashore Watching Unit Study and Beach Lapbook.

Not every diorama has to be cardboard. You’ll love these edible tide pool diorama Ideas that make a tasty new way to learn.

We are creating our own sea creatures that are found in a tide pool with moldable candy, add some fish, and top it with beautiful ocean water.

People love to visit tide pools when the tide is low to observe the fish and other sea life that is contained within, and every tide pool is a unique micro-habitat that is filled with life.

5 Tide Pool Facts and Create An Edible Tide Pool Diorama Ideas

A tide pool is an isolated water pocket that is formed in the ocean’s intertidal zone.

It is made when seawater gets trapped in shallow depressions along the shore as the tide recedes.

This can be on rocky ledges, sandy beaches, and even mudflats.

5 Tide Pool Facts

  1. Tide pools can be anywhere from a few inches to several feet deep and are a living petri dish of sea life with- snails, sea stars, barnacles, mussels, anemones, urchins, crustaceans, seaweed, and small fish.
  2. As ocean water flows outside the tide pool during low tide, the creatures are exposed to long hours in the sun, low oxygen levels, and warmer water temps, not to mention hungry wading birds. The creatures that live in the tide pool must cling fiercely to the rocks.
  3. On the other hand, the waves at high tide bring in fresh nutrients and microscopic organisms, such as plankton making nourishment plentiful for them to keep the cycle going.
  4. The water in tide pools can change temperature significantly because the volume of water is small.
  5. Most marine organisms don’t have to deal with large temperature fluctuations; intertidal organisms do.

Also, look at these books about tide pools.

Tide Pool Resources

Books and resources about tide pools for kids. Add one or two of these books to your unit study.

Tide Pool Secrets

Lift the flaps and discover the many hidden creatures of the tide pool.At first glance, there’s nothing much to see . . . but tide pools are full of secrets. What creatures can be found nestling among the rocks and hiding in the seaweed? Dive into these mysterious seashore habitats and learn how to spot the creatures concealed within. With big, easy-to-lift flaps and a glossary of the tide pool’s inhabitants, Narelle Oliver’s lush underwater primer introduces young readers to the wonders just waiting to be revealed in the tide pools of the world.

Life In A Tide Pool

The series Life in a Tide Pool explores the fascinating world of tide pools. Tide pools occur in rocky locations where the ocean meets the land. This zone is covered by water and exposed to air periodically throughout the day. The series explores the types of marine life that live in this harsh environment and looks at how these animals can survive.

National Geographic Readers: Tide Pools (L1)

Bright starfish, spiky sea anenomes, sea cucumbers, mussels, and colorful fish! Peek into these vibrant shoreline pools and discover amazing ocean habitats teeming with life!

Packed with beautiful and engaging photos, this new leveled reader will teach kids how tide pools work, what kinds of animals live in them, and even how to prepare for a tide pool visit of their own.

With expert-vetted text, brilliant images, and a fun approach to reading, National Geographic Readers have proved to be a winning formula with kids, parents, and educators. Level 1 text is carefully leveled for an early independent reading or read aloud experience, perfect to encourage the scientists and explorers of tomorrow!

What's in the Tide Pool?

What would you see if you sat at the edge of a tidepool, looked into the water and watched the changes taking place in this little world? What life would you discover there? In a charming hand-sized book, Anne Hunter illustrates the creatures that live in and around a tidepool, and describes each animal's characteristics and habits. The gorgeous artwork and simple sense of wonder will inspire children to explore their environment. Fans of Hunter’s two books, WHAT'S IN THE POND? and WHAT'S UNDER THE LOG? will want to add this new title to their collection.

Life in a Tide Pool (Rookie Read-About Science)

Explains how tidal pools form and the types of plants and animals that inhabit them

At Home in the Tide Pool

AT HOME IN THE TIDE POOL looks at the creatures and plants found in the mysterious and wonderful world of the tide pool. Children will be fascinated by the amazing creatures and the slippery seaweed. Did you know that crabs can re-grow missing limbs? Or that starfish eat by pushing their stomachs out of their bodies through their mouths. AT HOME IN THE TIDE POOL will entertain and educate readers about life in the tide pool from low to high tide.

What Do You Find in a Tide Pool? (Ecosystems Close-Up)

Tide pools form from water left on rocky shores when the tide withdraws. From seaweed and sea snails to shore crabs and seabirds, readers will discover some of the plants and animals that live in and around these ever-changing ecosystems.

Moreover, look at some hands-on ideas.

Whether you’re looking to craft or read about tide pools, you’ll find an idea.

5 Tide Pool Facts and Create An Edible Tide Pool Diorama Ideas

Tide Pool Diorama Ideas and Resources

  • Create a classic diorama like the FIAR Night of The Moon Jellies Tide Pool Diorama.
  • You could also make a Tide Pool Art Project for a different slant.
  • Here is a great simple backyard Tide Pool Science Experiment that your kids will love to explore if you don’t have your own nearby.
  • Watch The Secret Life of Tidepools for a peek into this unique habitat.
  • Free Oceans Unit Study and Lapbook.
  • Or check out Exploring Tide Pools for Kids.
  • I found this fantastic resource for Tidepool Math from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management which has resources for grades k-12.
  • Save your voice, grab a coffee, and play this read loud In One Tidepool on Youtube.
  • Free Seashore Watching Unit Study and Beach Lapbook.
  • Be sure to grab some Ocean Animal toys for making dioramas or just fun dramatic play, this set has plenty of tide pool items like crabs, sea stars, seaweed, and more.
  • Look at this beautiful two-page spread I found in Ocean Anatomy, besides that there are individual pages on individual creatures and things you would find in a tide pool, what a great resource.
5 Tide Pool Facts and Create An Edible Tide Pool Diorama Ideas

Finally, look how to make an edible tide pool diorama.

How to Make an Edible Tide Pool Diorama

Before you begin your activity, you will want to look up some tide pool creatures to help your child decide what to make in books or use Google as well.

5 Tide Pool Facts and Create An Edible Tide Pool Diorama Ideas

You will need:

  • Gummy fish
  • Airheads
  • Nerds
  • 3 oz box blue jello
  • Clear glass dish
  • Tan cardstock
  • Sanitized scissors
5 Tide Pool Facts and Create An Edible Tide Pool Diorama Ideas

First, trace the bottom of your clear glass dish using tan paper and cut it out, set aside.

5 Tide Pool Facts and Create An Edible Tide Pool Diorama Ideas

Cut open the airheads.

I chose this candy because it molds very nicely, like clay, especially when warmed slightly by your hands.

Pinch, pull, cut, and twist airheads into shapes like barnacles, anemones, seaweed, etc.

5 Tide Pool Facts and Create An Edible Tide Pool Diorama Ideas

How cute is this little crab we made?

5 Tide Pool Facts and Create An Edible Tide Pool Diorama Ideas

Tape tan paper to the underside of the dish to look like the ocean floor.

Warm the dish in the microwave for 30 seconds. And you just want it the slightest bit warm (not hot!), gently press your sea creatures onto the dish.

The heat will help melt the airheads and make them grip the plate a bit so they are not displaced when you pour in the jello. Add your jellyfish at this time too.

5 Tide Pool Facts and Create An Edible Tide Pool Diorama Ideas

Prepare jello according to package directions.

If you want a clearer view to the tide pool you may opt for yellow jello with the tiniest bit of blue food coloring,.

You will be able to see through the final product a little better.

5 Tide Pool Facts and Create An Edible Tide Pool Diorama Ideas

Allow jello to cool completely but not start to gel up in the refrigerator.

Also, pouring cooled jello over your candy makes it dissolve and lose color a lot less than hot would.

Pour carefully into the dish to fill it.

5 Tide Pool Facts and Create An Edible Tide Pool Diorama Ideas

You can still see your creatures very well at this point.

5 Tide Pool Facts and Create An Edible Tide Pool Diorama Ideas

Allow it to set for 3-4 hours or until “solid”.

Use sanitized tweezers, spoons, and a magnifying glass to move the water aside and find ocean life living in your tide pool.

5 Tide Pool Facts and Create An Edible Tide Pool Diorama Ideas

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschoolscience, life science, ocean, science, tide pool

8 Animal Camouflage Activities and Resources & Fun Camouflage Art

July 19, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Hands-on animal camouflage activities are the best way to teach young learners how and why many animals have that adaptation. Also, you’ll love my post Easy Hands-on Science: Animal Camouflage Activity Hunt.

There are several ways and reasons that animals use camouflage.

One important thing to explain to your child is that camouflage is not only used by prey for protection, but it is also helpful for predators to be able to sneak up on their food.

8 Animal Camouflage Activities and Resources & Fun Camouflage Art

Animals use their shapes, colors, and patterns, as well as the lighting and landscape around them to conceal themselves in the woods, savannah, arctic, and every other biome.

If you are looking for animal camouflage activities to do with your child, you will find lots of ideas and resources here.

Too, I am showing you a fun and simple animal camouflage art and sharing some books and more ideas.

4 Basic Types of Camouflage

First, let’s talk about the different types of camouflage and learn an example of each.

  • Concealing Coloration- A common camouflage tactic where a species tries to conceal itself by resembling its surroundings in color, form, or movements. Example: Squirrels, deer, and rabbits blend into the dull brown colors of the woods where they live.
  • Disruptive Coloration– Disruptive coloration is when an animal has a patterned coloring like spots or stripes that make it hard to see its outline. Example: Leopards lurk in lower branches and the spots help disguise them in the shadows and spots of light coming through.
  • Disguise -Disguise is when an animal has a coloration and shape that is designed to look like another non-food object in its environment. Example: Walking sticks look like a stick when they are not moving.
  • Mimicry- Mimicry is coloration in a harmless animal that is similar to another animal that is either dangerous, bad tasting, or poisonous. Example: The owl butterfly has large spots that look like an owl’s eye.
8 Animal Camouflage Activities and Resources & Fun Camouflage Art

Next, here are a few words to know.

Camouflage Vocabulary

Here are a few words with definitions that may come up in your learning.

  • Camouflage- A disguise that makes something look like the area around it.
  • Adaptation-The process of change where an organism or species becomes better suited to its environment.
  • Predator- An animal that hunts for other animals.
  • Prey- The animal that other animals hunt for.
8 Animal Camouflage Activities and Resources & Fun Camouflage Art

Next, look at some activities to learn about animal camouflage.

Animal Camouflage Activities and Resources

Now, I have some excellent books, activities, and video suggestions to help round out your camouflage lesson.

8 Animal Camouflage Activities and Resources

Add some of these animal camouflage activities and resources to your unit study about animals.

Natural World: A Visual Compendium of Wonders from Nature - Jacket unfolds into a huge wall poster!

NaturalWorld is a great reference to have on hand because it is full of all kinds ofnatural science info and illustrations.

Easy Hands-on Science: Animal Camouflage Activity Hunt

While animals may choose to migrate (leave a cold climate for a warmer one) or hibernate (sleep during the cold weather), many of them also take advantage of camouflage to keep themselves safe from predators during winter. After all, many predators need to fatten up for winter too!

Animal Camouflage (A True Book: Amazing Animals)

Some animals defend against predators by fighting toe to toe. Others rely upon armor and other physical defenses.

However, sometimes the best defense of all is to stay out of sight. Readers (Grades 3-5) will learn all about animal camouflage, from species that simply blend into the background to others that mimic more dangerous animals. They will also discover how these species have developed their camouflage over time and how even powerful predators sometimes rely upon this useful ability.

Photo Credit: www.stirthewonder.com

Animal Camouflage Hands-on Science Activity

If your kiddos are interested in learning about animals, this Animal Camouflage Hands-on Science Activity will sure to delight!

Secrets of Animal Camouflage: A Shine-a-Light Book

Bright, punchy artwork makes every page an adventure in the latest title in the best-selling Shine-A-Light series. A hidden world of snow-covered Arctic foxes, tree-trunk hiding owls, and perfectly camouflaged butterflies will be revealed as you hold the pages to the light.

Photo Credit: www.youtube.com

Learn How Animals Can Blend In With Their Environments

What is camouflage? Why do animals need to use it? Well, in Animal Camouflage, your kids and students will learn the answers to these questions! First off, there are many different kinds of camouflage, and we will discuss four of the main kinds that apply to animals in this video. Did you know that there is actually more than one reason that animals use camouflage?

Photo Credit: kidsactivitiesblog.com

Animal Camouflage Frog Scavenger Hunt

Animal camouflage is nature’s way to protect and hide creatures from predators.  Kids love a good scavenger hunt so I created a camouflage frog hunt to help my daughter understand how an animal’s coloring can help him hide in his surroundings and therefore stay safe.

Photo Credit: www.apologia.com

Animal Camouflage Activity

First, we lined the bottom of the laundry basket with some extra sheets of yellow, green, red, and orange construction paper so that the bottom of the stark white basket became part of the animal camouflage.

Finally, look at this animal camouflage activity.

Animal Camouflage Activities – Animal Camouflage Art

This activity combines using observation on a nature walk with creating simple camouflage art to better understand how animals use it to hide.

You will need:

  • Thick paper
  • Earth-toned craft paints
  • Paintbrush
  • Leaves, rocks, and sticks from outside
  • Plastic animals or hand-drawn animals
8 Animal Camouflage Activities and Resources & Fun Camouflage Art

First, take a nature walk and collect leaves of different colors, twigs, pinecones, small pebbles, and whatever you find on the forest floor or even in your own backyard.

See if your child can spot any critters among the leaf litter, on the bark of trees, or up in the foliage.

8 Animal Camouflage Activities and Resources & Fun Camouflage Art

Bring your nature treasures home and give your child paints in similar colors, have the paint leaves, dirt, twigs, or whatever they saw on their walk.

8 Animal Camouflage Activities and Resources & Fun Camouflage Art

Continue painting until the page is full of different sizes and shades of paint.

8 Animal Camouflage Activities and Resources & Fun Camouflage Art

Add found leaves and twigs.

8 Animal Camouflage Activities and Resources & Fun Camouflage Art

Finally, encourage them to hide plastic animals, printouts, or hand-drawn animals as well as they can, matching them to the colors and patterns as closely as possible.

8 Animal Camouflage Activities and Resources & Fun Camouflage Art

You can also paint a picture of a tree trunk and foliage and hide animals there also.

Compare it to arctic animals on a white background.

8 Animal Camouflage Activities and Resources & Fun Camouflage Art

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: animals, art, camouflage, elementary science, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, homeschoolscience, life science, science

Apple Themed Back to School Crafts & Fun Calming Apple Jar Craft

July 18, 2023 | 1 Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, I have some apple themed back to school crafts. Also, look at my page The Dynamics of How to Homeschool Easily and Smarter for more fun ideas and tips. and my Apple Lapbook and Apple Unit Study.

Hard to believe that summer is halfway over, isn’t it?

We are already working on back to school crafts over here and I have a fun calming apple jar for you.

It is a simple little craft that is perfect for children who need a fixed visual to help soothe and calm them when frustrated.

Apple Themed Back to School Crafts & Fun Calming Apple Jar Craft

Just give it a little shake and have them slowly breathe and watch the glitter as it falls and by the time it’s done falling most little frayed nerves are soothed.

You can use any jar you have on hand that has a screw-on lid- plastic or glass, jelly jar or mason jar.

We went with classic red, but you could make yours green, yellow, or go with all 3 for a complete set.

As soon as summer is over, we start jumping right into apple-themed everything, especially with the younger learners.

Books About Apples

And I also have some more apple themed back to school crafts, books, games, and other ideas to launch your new school year.

Fun Learning About Apples Books and Resources

You will of course need a few great books that not only teach but that your kids will enjoy, a fun game or two, and maybe a few other items to make a fun apple unit.

Apples (New & Updated Edition)

Discover the well-loved tradition of growing and picking apples - a fruit that has been in existence for about two million years. Explore the history of the apple but also the way that families and farmers grow and care for apple trees today, from planting to selling, to turning them into delicious treats and using them for classic games like "bobbing for apples" .

How Do Apples Grow?

This is a clear and appealing environmental science book for early elementary age kids, both at home and in the classroom.

Questions addressed in this book include:

  • Did you know that when you bite into an apple, you're eating part of a flower?
  • Why do apple trees need bees to make apples?
  • How does the tree feed the growing apples and make them ready to eat?

Read and find out in the proven winner How Do Apples Grow!

My Little Golden Book About Johnny Appleseed

In this simple yet lively book, preschoolers will be introduced to John Chapman, better known as Johnny Appleseed. Lyrical text and bright, appealing artwork capture the essence of this important American and early conservationist who traveled the country planting apple trees. Little ones will enjoy engaging anecdotes about Johnny Appleseed, beginning with the young John, who liked to walk barefoot in the cool, quiet woods.

Ten Apples Up On Top!

Don't let the apples drop! Three animal friends practice balancing apples on their heads in this hilarious introduction to counting, illustrated by Roy Mckie. The sturdy board book teaches all about numbers, with a dose of signature Seuss charm. Kids will learn to count to ten--and want to start all over again!

SmartGames Apple Twist Travel Puzzle Game with 60 Challenges

  • An "apple" game board with five twisting levels to create different puzzles!
  • Includes 60 challenges and is great for on the go fun.
  • Helps develop Spatial Insight, Problem Solving, Planning and Logic Skills
  • All SmartGames are made with the highest quality materials to ensure long product life
  • Set Includes twisting apple game board, 3 caterpillar puzzle pieces and challenge booklet

How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World (Dragonfly Books)

Bake a delicious apple pie--and take a trip with this culinary global adventure!An apple pie is easy to make...if the market is open. But if the market is closed, the world becomes your grocery store. This picture book takes readers around the globe to gather ingredients for a delicious apple pie. First hop a steamboat to Italy for the finest semolina wheat. Then hitch a ride to England and hijack a cow for the freshest possible milk. And, oh yes! Don't forget to go apple picking in Vermont! A simple recipe for apple pie is included.

LeapFrog Tad's Fridge Phonics Magnetic Letter Set

Choose a level and push the letter tiles into the letter slot to reinforce letter names, phonics and word skills
Magnetic back makes it great for fridge play in the kitchen
26 magnetic letter tiles stick to the fridge and help kids learn the shape of each letter
Three photo tiles can be customized with your own photos for a unique, personalized play experience.

Food Anatomy: The Curious Parts & Pieces of Our Edible World

Get your recommended daily allowance of facts and fun with Food Anatomy, the third book in Julia Rothman’s best-selling Anatomy series. She starts with an illustrated history of food and ends with a global tour of street eats. Along the way, Rothman serves up a hilarious primer on short-order egg lingo and a mouthwatering menu of how people around the planet serve fried potatoes — and what we dip them in. Award-winning food journalist Rachel Wharton lends her expertise to this light-hearted exploration of everything food that bursts with little-known facts and delightful drawings. Everyday diners and seasoned foodies alike are sure to eat it up. 

Then look at these hands-on activities.

Back to School Crafts and Apple Activities

I found a great selection of easy apple crafts to build a fun first week on, from tasty treats to paper crafts.

Apple Themed Back to School Crafts & Fun Calming Apple Jar Craft
  • Make Your Own Easy Paper Apple Craft with Free Printable Template.
  • Apples Unit How to Make a Fall Kids Garland Apple Craft
  • Homemade Kids Play Recipe: Apple Pie Play Dough.
  • Paper Plate Apple Lacing Craft.
  • Free Homeschool Volcano Unit Study and Fun Apple Volcano
  • Textured Art: Cinnamon Painted Apple Craft for Preschoolers.
  • Kids Fun Hands-on Apple Unit Make Dried Apple Slices
  • Easy Paper  Quilling  Apple Craft.
  • Chocolate-Covered Oreo Apples with Candy Worms.
  • Dried Apple Crafts: Hands-on Fun Shrunken Head Apple Craft for Kids
  • Apple Squeeze Balls Stacking Activity for Fall.
  • Scented Apple Sensory Bin Using Dyed Chickpeas.

Apple Themed Back to School Crafts & Fun Calming Apple Jar Craft

Finally, look how to make this fun apple calming jar.

How to Make An Easy Apple Calming Jar

You will need:

  • Jar with lid
  • Distilled water
  • Clear glue
  • Red glitter
  • Red food coloring
  • Green craft
  • Small wood piece or small stick
  • Hot glue/super glue
Apple Themed Back to School Crafts & Fun Calming Apple Jar Craft

First, you can make your glitter jars any size you like, 8 oz is a pretty good size and gives time for the calming part to kick in.

The key is to remember equal parts water and clear glue.

Heat water to hot but not quite boiling.

The water needs to be hot for the glue to melt into it, otherwise, they will stay separate and not give you the right effect.

Pour water into the jar, you can use plastic if you feel safer than using a glass mason jar.

Apple Themed Back to School Crafts & Fun Calming Apple Jar Craft

Add a couple of drops of red food coloring.

Apple Themed Back to School Crafts & Fun Calming Apple Jar Craft

Pour in a generous amount of red glitter, you measure this one with your heart.

Apple Themed Back to School Crafts & Fun Calming Apple Jar Craft

Replace the lid and give it a shake, happy with the color and amount of glitter?

If not, add more and then it’s time to move on to the next part.

Apple Themed Back to School Crafts & Fun Calming Apple Jar Craft

After painting (or using markers to color it brown with hot glue your stem on the top of the lid.

I used a small wooden spool I have for our stem, but you could also break off a small stick from the yard, or use just about any little wood scrap you have.

Apple Themed Back to School Crafts & Fun Calming Apple Jar Craft

Cut a leaf shape out of craft foam, bend it, and put a little crease in the middle.

Apple Themed Back to School Crafts & Fun Calming Apple Jar Craft

Glue the leaf to the stem.

Wipe off the lip of the jar and make sure there is no water or glitter on it.

Finally, you want to put some glue around the threads on the jar and put the lid into place, so your child doesn’t open it and pour glitter water everywhere. 

You could also use superglue instead.

Apple Themed Back to School Crafts & Fun Calming Apple Jar Craft

More Back to School Crafts

  • Fun Upcycled T Shirt Library Tote Back to School Kids Craft
  • Clever DIY Dollar Tree Desk Organizer Back to School Craft
  • DIY Easy Duct Tape Pencil Pouch Back to School Kids Craft
  • How to Make a Boys Duct Tape Wallet Back to School Craft
  • Cute Clay Pencil Earrings for Back to School Crafts For Kids
  • 15 Easy Back to School Crafts And Make A Yarn Wrapped Pencil
  • Back To Homeschool Student Notebook Covers
  • How to Create Easy Back to School Basket Ideas for Middle School (Anatomy)
  • Apple Themed Back to School Crafts & Fun Calming Apple Jar Craft
  • 8 Back To School Crafts For Middle Schoolers | How To Make Fun Literature Themed Shoes

1 CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: apples, back to school crafts, crafts, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling

Free Navajo Code Talkers Worksheet and How to Make Dog Tags Activity

July 17, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, I have a Navajo Code Talkers worksheet for you to use while studying World War II. Also, grab my Free World War II Unit Study Ideas and Fun Lapbook.

And of course, I have some other great activities, ideas, and resources.

Wondering exactly what the Navajo Code Talkers were? During WWII the Marine Corps leaders chose 29 Navajo men, the Navajo Code Talkers, who created a code based on the complex, unwritten Navajo language.

Free Navajo Code Talkers Worksheet and How to Make Dog Tags Activity

It was used to relay messages because the Japanese had broken every other code sent over the radio.

Navajo code was not able to be broken because the Navajo language has no definite rules and a guttural tone.

It was used to relay messages on Japanese troop movements and battlefield tactics, as well as other critical information.

How the Navajo Language Was Translated to Code

Code talkers first had to translate each Navajo word into its English equivalent. Then they used the first letter of the English equivalent. 

 Most letters had several Navajo words that represented them.

For instance, the Navajo word for “ant,” wo-la-chee was used for the letter “A”.

Some words did not have to be spelled out.

They assigned Navajo words to over 450 commonly used military terms such as Da-Ah-Hi-Dzi-Tsio for the word battle and Chay-Da-Gahi-Nail-Tsaidi for tank destroyer (which literally translated means, tortoise killer).

You can see why they were so important to the US military at the time.

Free Navajo Code Talkers Worksheet and How to Make Dog Tags Activity

Use my worksheet, you can get it at the bottom of the post to have your child learn more about these amazing men.

5 Navajo Code Talker Facts

  1. Aug. 14, 1982, was declared by our then-President Ronald Reagan as Navajo Code Talkers Day.
  2. The reason Navajo was first chosen was because of its complexity and because it wasn’t a written language.
  3. Because of its great success, the military started recruiting from Native nations all over the United States and they served in every single branch of the military. 
  4. The Navajo Code was the only military code, in modern history, that was never broken by an enemy.
  5. Three code talkers that were part of the U.S. Marine Corps. are still alive today. They are Peter MacDonald, John Kinsel Sr., and Thomas H. Begay.
Free Navajo Code Talkers Worksheet and How to Make Dog Tags Activity

Also, add some hands-on activities to your study.

Activities To Go With Navajo Code Talkers Worksheet

  • Free World War II Unit Study Ideas and Fun Lapbook
  • World War II Hands-On History – Make Ration Cakes
  • World War II Hands-On History – Make a Secret Message Deck
  • 8 World War II Historical Fiction Books for Middle School
  • World War II Free Resources For a Middle School Unit Study & Make Victory Garden Soup
  • World War II Homeschool History-Manhattan Project, Vocabulary & A. Frank
  • World War II Homeschool History: Life During the War & Pearl Harbor Minibook
  • World War II Homeschool History: Minibooks Causes & Great Depression

Also, look at sone of these books to add to your study about World War II and the Navajo Code Talkers.

15 Books and Resources for Studying About World War II

Add some of these books about World War II and the time in history when there has been no other war before or after that killed so many people.

Number the Stars: A Newbery Award Winner

Through the eyes of ten-year-old Annemarie, we watch as the Danish Resistance smuggles almost the entire Jewish population of Denmark, nearly seven thousand people, across the sea to Sweden. The heroism of an entire nation reminds us that there was pride and human decency in the world even during a time of terror and war.

Great World War II Projects: You Can Build Yourself

From spy maps and victory banners to spotter planes and ration cakes, Great World War II Projects You Can Build Yourself brings one of the most defining periods of American and world history to life through hands-on building projects and activities. Detailed step-by-step instructions for creating each project combine with historical facts and anecdotes, biographies, and trivia about the real-life models. Together they give kids a first-hand look at daily life at home and on the front lines during America's war years.

Snow Treasure

In the bleak winter of 1940, Nazi troops parachuted into Peter Lundstrom's tiny Norwegian village and held it captive. Nobody thought the Nazis could be defeated—until Uncle Victor told Peter how the children could fool the enemy. It was a dangerous plan. They had to slip past Nazi guards with nine million dollars in gold hidden on their sleds. It meant risking their country's treasure—and their lives. This classic story of how a group of children outwitted the Nazis and sent the treasure to America has captivated generations of readers.

The Tuskegee Airmen Story

A grandfather reminisces about his service as a Tuskegee Airman.

Voices of Pearl Harbor (Voices of History)

December 7, 1941-the day a sleeping giant awoke. Japan's surprise attack devastated the American Naval Fleet at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and forced the Americans into WWII. These moving accounts of the lives affected by the assault capture the scope of the day's emotions and repercussions. Viewpoints of both historical and imagined characters include the mother of a Japanese pilot, officials from both countries, and the grandchild of a WWII veteran.Powerful illustrations accompany every tale.

The Book Thief

It is 1939. Nazi Germany. The country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier, and will become busier still. Liesel Meminger is a foster girl living outside of Munich, who scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist–books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement. 

Who Was Anne Frank?

In her amazing diary, Anne Frank revealed the challenges and dreams common for any young girl. But Hitler brought her childhood to an end and forced her and her family into hiding. Who Was Anne Frank looks closely at Anne’s life before the secret annex, what life was like in hiding, and the legacy of her diary. Black-and-white illustrations including maps and diagrams provide historical and visual reference in an easy-to-read biography written in a way that is appropriate and accessible for younger readers.

The Chestry Oak

As he watches his homeland of Hungary being taken over and run by invaders from Nazi Germany, young Prince Michael of Chestry strives to retain his identity and integrity during one of the most dangerous seasons in human history.

Michael carries an acorn all the way from his castle home in Chestry Valley to the warm soil of
the Hudson Valley farm in the USA where he makes a new home after WWII.

Enemy Brothers

British airman Dym Ingleford is convinced that the young German prisoner, Max Eckermann, is his brother Anthony who was kidnapped years before. Raised in the Nazi ideology, Tony has by chance tumbled into British hands. Dym has brought him back, at least temporarily, to the family he neither remembers nor will acknowledge as his own. As Tony keeps attempting to escape, his stubborn anger is whittled away by the patient kindness he finds at the White Priory. Then, just as he is resigning himself to stay with this English family, a new chance suddenly opens for him to return home-to Germany!

Making Bombs for Hitler

Lida thought she was safe. Her neighbors wearing the yellow star were all taken away, but Lida is not Jewish. She will be fine, won't she?But she cannot escape the horrors of World War II.Lida's parents are ripped away from her and she is separated from her beloved sister, Larissa. The Nazis take Lida to a brutal work camp, where she and other Ukrainian children are forced into backbreaking labor. Starving and terrified, Lida bonds with her fellow prisoners, but none of them know if they'll live to see tomorrow

World War II for Kids: A History with 21 Activities

This book is packed with information that kids will find fascinating—excerpts from actual wartime letters written to and by American and German troops, personal anecdotes from people who lived
through the war in the United States, Germany, Britain, Russia, Hungary, and Japan, and gripping stories from Holocaust survivors—all adding a humanizing global perspective to the war.

Who Were the Navajo Code Talkers? (Who Was?)

Learn how this heroic group of American Indian men created a secret, unbreakable code and helped the US win major battles during World War II in this new addition to the #1 New York Times bestselling series.By the time the United States joined the Second World War in 1941, the fight against Nazi and Axis powers had already been under way for two years. In order to win the war and protect its soldiers, the US Marines recruited twenty-nine Navajo men to create a secret code that could be used to send military messages quickly and safely across battlefields. In this new book within the #1 New York Times bestelling series, author James Buckley Jr. explains how these brave and intelligent men developed their amazing code, recounts some of their riskiest missions, and discusses how the country treated them before, during, and after the war.

Tales of the Mighty Code Talkers

Written and illustrated by Native Americans from various tribal nations, these graphic novels detail the deep emotions of leaving one's homeland to fight in a war far away, the comfort and benefit in finding those who speak our native language, and the pride in knowing you served your country while honoring your people. A high percentage of Native Americans serve in the U.S. military and bring special talents that have aided their fighting units during wartime, including the famed code talkers of World War I.

World War II Inspiring Stories for Kids: A Collection of Unbelievable True Tales About Goodness, Friendship, Courage, and Rescue

Note: This book does not give any content about torture & distortion stories, kidnapping, burn, or any negative events that had a relationship with killing,

This book is a collection of stories based on real-life events during World War II. A selection of 10 inspiring stories, introduces us to unique characters with different characteristics.

Great Battles for Boys: WW2 Europe

Now you can, with these exciting tales of World War II written especially for reluctant readers.

In his highly acclaimed middle-school class “Great Battles for Boys," author Joe Giorello has ignited a love of military history in hundreds of boys. Now with this engaging non-fiction book written specifically for boys ages 8-14, your son can experience that same thrilling adventure in learning.

Finally, look at this fun hands-on activity to learn more about the Navajo Code Talkers.

Free Navajo Code Talkers Worksheet and How to Make Dog Tags Activity

Navajo Code Talkers Worksheet and Dog Tags

We used this site to get the Navajo Code Talkers’ Dictionary and choose our words.

We then made 2 dog tags, one with the word in English, and the other with it in Navajo.

Your child can choose their word or words from the list and create one for everyone in the family.

You will need:

  • Blank Dog Tags
  • Metal Stamping Kit
  • Small Hammer
  • Enamel Stamping Marker or Sharpie
  • Masking or painter’s tape.
Free Navajo Code Talkers Worksheet and How to Make Dog Tags Activity

First, you will want to practice first to determine how hard and how many times you need to hit to get a good depth to your stamping in the metal.

Tape your dog tag down to the metal bench block.

That is the piece that absorbs the impact with minimal noise and gives you a solid surface for making the impressions.

I had some tape that is designed for spacing letters on stamped jewelry.

You don’t have to use this.

Just make marks on your masking tape, or let your child have free reign with imperfections-perfectly imperfect.

Free Navajo Code Talkers Worksheet and How to Make Dog Tags Activity

Be sure that you have enough room on your tag for all your letters.

Then hold each stamp in place.

For the correct positioning my stamps had an engraved letter on one side that needed to be facing me.

Tap firmly 2 or 3 times on the stamp with the hammer.

Free Navajo Code Talkers Worksheet and How to Make Dog Tags Activity

Continue until your entire word is spelled out.

Free Navajo Code Talkers Worksheet and How to Make Dog Tags Activity

Cover the stamped word with the enamel marker or Sharpie and allow it to sit for about 1 minute.

Free Navajo Code Talkers Worksheet and How to Make Dog Tags Activity

Take a paper towel or soft cloth and buff off the excess, you don’t want to pull it out of the grooves, this is going to help your lettering stand out more.

Free Navajo Code Talkers Worksheet and How to Make Dog Tags Activity

Add your tags to the chain and it’s ready to wear.

Free Navajo Code Talkers Worksheet and How to Make Dog Tags Activity

Moreover, grab this Navajo Code Talker worksheet. It’s one page two different ways.

One page is blank for your student to research and the second page has a few facts if you simply want to add it to a lapbook or a notebook.

How to Get the Free Navajo Code Talker Notebooking Page

Now, how to grab the free printable. This is a subscriber freebie.

 1) Sign up on my 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: hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, world history, world war II

How to Make Fun DIY Kinetic Sand And Easy Sand Art

July 16, 2023 | 1 Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

In honor of Global Kinetic Sand Day on August 11th, I have an easy sand art DIY kinetic sand for you to make and enjoy. Also, look at ideas on my post Desert Sand Art: Day 2 Hands-on Learning (Colors of the Desert).

I have 12 other fun sand art activities.

Summer just gets you thinking about sand and everything that it entails.

So, even if you can’t make it to the beach there are lots of ways to enjoy playing with sand.

How to Make Fun DIY Kinetic Sand And Easy Sand Art

We all remember the cool activity of layering sand in a bottle, and we know there are many ways to create art with it.

Kinetic sun is a super fun sensory activity, but that stuff can get crazy expensive.

 Making it yourself saves a lot of money and allows you to customize it with fun colors.

Besides the fun of making it, you can then use it for fun layered creations, in sensory bins or trays, and with cookie cutters and mold.

5 Sand Facts

What exactly is sand anyway?

The definition of sand is any material made up of grains within a certain size range. Sugar and salt can qualify as sand.

  1. The most common material to make up sand is silica,  which is made of quartz crystals that have broken down as far as they naturally will.
  2. Beach sand is silica sand mixed with fragments of coral, shell, and other materials.
  3. Sand is commonly used in making concrete, glass, mortar, paint, and brick.
  4. In over 3 dozen deserts around the world, there’s a phenomenon known as “singing sand.” As wind passes over the dunes or when the sand is disturbed, it creates a deep, humming sound. It is believed to be the vibrations of the grains of sand.
  5. The recommended ratio for the perfect sandcastle is 8:1, that is 8 parts dry sand and 1 part water.
How to Make Fun DIY Kinetic Sand And Easy Sand Art

Then, here are some fun art ideas.

12 Easy Sand Art Ideas

Here are 12 more easy sand art activities to try for kids of all ages and their parents.

  1. I remember having something similar to this Easy Aqua Sand Recipe and it was a blast, like a sand lava lamp that you customize.
  2. I love the pretty layering in this Colored Sand Art, I also like that it will be a unique art piece every time you make it.
  3. Desert Sand Art: Day 2 Hands-on Learning (Colors of the Desert).
  4. We had to include a simple DIY Colored Sand tutorial for you to make your own and do whatever you want with it. It works great with several of the activities here or make up your own ideas.
  5. Create Sand Castle Sand Art during a beach study, for summer fun, or to mark a family beach trip.
  6. This Ocean Sand Art For Kids has limitless possibilities to create beautiful ocean scenes with colored sand.
  7. Faux sand still counts right? Make your own Sand Art With Salt, salt is very inexpensive and easy to find, making it a good alternative to sand.
  8. Doubling as a pretty art piece and a planter the Rainbow Sand Art Terrarium is a really fun sand art piece.
  9. How Accurate is a Sand Clock? 
  10. These DIY Sand Art Candles are unique and would make a great handmade gift anytime or a colorful addition to a teen’s bedroom.
  11. This Glow in The Dark Sand will no doubt be a big hit with everyone for creating sand art.
  12. Of course, I had to include something tasty, how about this Edible Sand Art Recipe? What a fun party favor or co-op activity this would be.
How to Make Fun DIY Kinetic Sand And Easy Sand Art

There are so many good ideas here, unique ways I never thought to use sand to make art.

How to Make DIY Kinetic Sand

You will need:

  • 2 cups fine white sand (dollar tree)
  • 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 Tablespoon clear dish soap
  • ½ cup white school glue
  • Food coloring
How to Make Fun DIY Kinetic Sand And Easy Sand Art

First, combine the sand and the cornstarch until thoroughly mixed, I find it is easier to get a better mix when you don’t stir everything in all at once.

How to Make Fun DIY Kinetic Sand And Easy Sand Art

Next, stir in dish soap and glue, mixing them in for several minutes until all ingredients are well combined.

How to Make Fun DIY Kinetic Sand And Easy Sand Art

Separate sand into as many containers as you would like to make different colors.

How to Make Fun DIY Kinetic Sand And Easy Sand Art

Add food coloring until satisfied with the color, we left one natural. A fork makes a great tool for mixing color into the sand.

How to Make Fun DIY Kinetic Sand And Easy Sand Art

Spread out the sand in a container as much as you can for drying.

Allow mixture to “dry” for 15-30 minutes until it becomes a texture that is not super sticky and flows well in your hands.

You want to be able to squeeze it into a solid mass that slowly flows out of shape.

How to Make Fun DIY Kinetic Sand And Easy Sand Art

Transfer to containers with a lid (or you can use baggies).

Add a tray to keep the mess contained and cookie cutters.

You can press through the kinetic sand with cookie cutters, but it is also fun to lay down the cutter and add sand, watching it “ooze” to fill in the entire space.

How to Make Fun DIY Kinetic Sand And Easy Sand Art

Even after the colors become mixed up, it is still a pretty and fun kinetic sand.

Store in a sealable container like a zipper baggie or mason jar with a lid.

How to Make Fun DIY Kinetic Sand And Easy Sand Art

1 CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: art, crafts, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, sand

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