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Tina Robertson

Two Fun Candy Cane Hands-on Science Winter Experiments

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I have two fun candy cane hands-on winter experiments today. Be sure you grab more ideas for winter fun on my page winter season unit study.

Candy canes are plentiful right now and did you know that they make for a tasty, easy, and inexpensive item for science experiments? 

Your kids will love tasting and exploring the world of science with these two simple hands on science experiments in honor of National Candy Cane Day on December 26. 

Two Fun Candy Cane Hands-on Science Winter Experiments

These experiments are a great way to introduce all sorts of scientific terms like hypothesis and bonds.

You can encourage them to make educated guesses (hypothesis) document results, make observations, and learn about how experiments work in general.

Don’t forget to save some to munch on while you learn about them.

Cool Candy Cane Facts

  • They were first made in 1670 but didn’t make their way to American until 1847.
  • Candy canes were once white, no one is sure when the red stripe was added but looking at images prior 1900, they were always white.
  • The world’s largest candy cane was 63 feet tall and was created in 2011.
  • Candy canes have no fat or cholesterol.
  • Two billion candy canes are made each year.
  • The hooks were created by hand until 1921 when a machine was invented to do it.
  • The original candy cane flavor was originally used as a medicine for indigestion and nausea and then the oil was also used to help cover up the flavor of more unpleasant medicinal concoctions.

Furthermore, add some other hands-on candy cane activities.

Candy Cane Hands-on Activities

  • Before you begin investigating watch How Candy Canes Are Made on YouTube.
  • Here is another fun experiment you can do with candy canes Fizzing Candy Canes.
  • Make some Candy Cane Paint to add some art.
  • Use candy canes as counters and manipulatives for math, measure the length, grab various sizes and let your younger child arrange them in size order.

More Winter Unit Study Resources

Look at these other winter unit study resources.

Now, let’s have some candy cane fun.

For these two winter science activities, you’ll want to grab the supplies below.

Two Candy Cane Science Activities

Here are all the supplies you will need to gather so that you can complete both experiments:

Two Fun Candy Cane Hands-on Science Winter Experiments
  • Mini Candy Canes
  • Clear bowls or cups
  • 3-5 liquids-water, sprite, milk, vinegar, etc
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • paper/pen

Now, let’s make this first one which is bending candy canes.

1. Bending Candy Canes Science Activity

For the first experiment we are first going to let your child attempt to bend a candy cane fresh out of the package, it just breaks right? Ask them why they think that is? How were candy makers able to bend it in the first place?

Preheat oven to 250 degrees.

Line baking sheet with parchment paper.

Spread out several candy canes on parchment lined sheet.

Two Fun Candy Cane Hands-on Science Winter Experiments

Bake for 7-10 minutes. Start checking at 7 minutes because you want to pull them out before they begin to distort and melt.

Two Fun Candy Cane Hands-on Science Winter Experiments

Immediately remove parchment paper from pan and place on a flat surface away from the hot pan.

Your child can immediately pick them up and begin bending them into shapes.

Two Fun Candy Cane Hands-on Science Winter Experiments

You can make letters, shapes like hearts or knots, or even a cute little candy can make like this one.

Two Fun Candy Cane Hands-on Science Winter Experiments

You’re just a couple of minutes the candy cane will harden again into its new shape.

You can repeat the process in the oven with candy canes after they’ve hardened or with fresh ones to continue experimenting with what you can do.

2. Melting Candy Canes

Now we are going to test and see which liquid melts candy canes the fastest.

So, you will want to check this one often. We put ours in the bowls and forgot for about 45 minutes and came back to this.

Two Fun Candy Cane Hands-on Science Winter Experiments

First, choose your liquids, I would suggest no less than 3 to get a good reading and probably not more than 6 to keep it manageable.

Whatever number you choose to test, place that many clear bowls or cups on a surface where they will not be disturbed. Add a mini candy cane to each.

Two Fun Candy Cane Hands-on Science Winter Experiments

Measure exact amounts of each of the liquids and pour over the candy cane.

This is a good time to explain that when conduction an experiment like this you want to keep everything the same except for the one variable that you are testing, in this case the type of liquid.

Two Fun Candy Cane Hands-on Science Winter Experiments

Write each of the liquids onto a small slip of paper and place it in front of each container to keep track.

Check after 5 minutes to see how much they have dissolved; these ones were noticeably smaller.

Two Fun Candy Cane Hands-on Science Winter Experiments

After the first 5 minutes you want to change to every minute or two because it seems to go so much faster after that.

At less than the 10-minute mark we had a clear winner when we came back, and the vinegar had completely dissolved it.

Two Fun Candy Cane Hands-on Science Winter Experiments

Be sure to have your child record their guesses (hypothesis), then list the types of liquids (variables), and finally their results.

Cardinal Birds in Winter and Birch Trees Easy Watercolor Kids Activity

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This easy cardinal birds in winter watercolor is a cute project. Be sure you grab more ideas for winter fun on my page winter season unit study.

And the watercolor painting of the cardinal birds in winter and fun birch trees makes a fun display to bring a pop of color.

In addition, you can create it as an art piece on its own or use it as part of a unit on winter birds or winter in general.

Cardinal Birds in Winter and Birch Trees Easy Watercolor Kids Activity

I have some great resources that will help you get started on your unit study.

Too, we are using two different kinds of paint on this cardinal project which are watercolor and acrylic

Also, you’ll learn a new technique to create a unique look to the bark of the birch trees.

But first look at these cardinal bird resources.

Cardinal Bird Hands-on Ideas

Next, add some fun books and resources about cardinals.

12 Northern Cardinal Bird Books and Resources For Children

Add a book or two to your unit study or to your learning day. Cardinals are fun to study anytime of the year.

Wild Bird Guide: Northern Cardinal

Packed with information, the writing is clear and direct and accessible to bird watchers at every level.

Backyard Birding for Kids

With bird facts, an identification guide, and how-to instructions, this is a perfect children’s introduction to bird-watching.

Albert

The morning begins like any other. Albert reaches out the window to check the weather. But from the moment a twig lands in the palm of his hand, life is never the same

Nature Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces of the Natural World

One of my go tos for nature study.

Explore the anatomy of a jellyfish, the inside of a volcano, monarch butterfly migration, how sunsets work, and much more.

Rothman’s whimsical illustrations are paired with interactive activities that encourage curiosity and inspire you to look more closely at the

Toy Bird Figures Kids

Because children's thinking is more visualized, the intuitive demonstration of the model can better help children construct in the brain. This birds playset can help children get a more direct understanding of real birds world and stimulate their interest in exploring nature.

Why Evergreens Keep Their Leaves

One autumn evening, Little Redbird settled down for one last sleep before flying south for winter. As he slept, a strong gust of wind shook him from his cozy nest . . .

. . . Little Redbird hurts his wing and misses his chance to fly south for the winter. As he searches for a new home amongst the trees, he begins to realize that not all trees are fit for the winter cold. As more and more trees refuse him shelter, too preoccupied with their preparations for the frost, Little Redbird fears the worst. That is, until he comes across a friendly bunch of evergreens.

In the spirit of Oscar Wilde's The Happy Prince, Why Evergreens Keep Their Leaves is a timeless story of kindness and why the fir, spruce, and juniper trees are evergreen all winter long. 

Backyard Birding Flashcards: 100 Common Birds

The Sibley Field Guide to Birds is now transformed into 100 easy-to-reference cards housed in one handsome pull-drawer gift box. Divided into one stack of 50 common Western and Eastern North American birds, and one stack of 50 common birds found across North America, each card features precise illustrations and text concerning habitat, behavior, and voice description necessary for easy identification.

Attracting & Feeding Cardinals

The vibrant red of the male Northern Cardinal is stunning any time of year—and nothing is more beautiful than the early spring duets of cardinals singing their hearts out. You love these beloved birds, and you want to see them visiting your backyard or garden. Professional naturalist and award-winning author Stan Tekiela teaches you all that you need to know about cardinals.

Cardinals (Backyard Bird Feeding Guides)

The vibrant red of the male Northern Cardinal is stunning any time of year. And nothing is more beautiful than the early spring duets of cardinals singing their hearts out.

Authentic Bird Sounds, Northern Cardinal, American Goldfinch, Chickadee

Kids and adults of all ages love these birds, and are captivated by their sounds. They also make great baby toys, and sensory toys for kids any age.

Includes 3 Realistically designed bird toys that produce authentic bird calls from the Cornell lab of ornithology archives of bird recordings.

The Burgess Bird Book for Children

The Burgess Bird Book for Children (1919) is a classic nature book by Thornton Burgess, who introduces young listeners to the subject of bird life by means of a series of interviews within a story. Peter Rabbit and Jenny Wren interview Slaty the Junco, Redwing the Blackbird, Melody the Wood Thrush, Spooky the Screech Owl, and many other common birds to learn about their appearance, their eating, mating and nesting habits, and their songs and calls. The text remains popular as an exceptional combination of information and entertainment.

Cardinals (Backyard Birds)

Whos that singing in the backyard? Its a cardinal! Find out where cardinals live, what they eat, and how to identify the birds and their eggs.

Cardinal Birds in Winter and Birch Trees Easy Watercolor Kids Activity

Furthermore, here are some cardinal facts.

Cardinal Facts

  • Northern Cardinals are mostly non migratory and stay in their habitat year round.
  • Their lifespan is about 3 years and the oldest recorded lived to be almost 16 years.
  • Cardinals are usually the first to visit backyard feeders in the morning and the last to visit at night.
  • Both male and female cardinals can sing unlike most other species of songbird. Male cardinals might sing up to 200 songs in just an hour.
  • Male cardinals are the bright red ones you see, females are a dull brown with just a bit of red on tail and wingtips.
  • Northern Cardinals are protected by the Migratory Bird Act, which means you can’t have one as a pet and it is illegal to kill them.
  • They get their red feathers from carotenoids in their food.
Cardinal Birds in Winter and Birch Trees Easy Watercolor Kids Activity

In addition, look at some more winters unit study ideas.

More Winter Unit Study Resources

Look at these other winter unit study resources.

Now, grab your art supplies and make this fun winter art project.

How to Make Cardinal Birds in Winter Watercolor

First, you will need:

  • Watercolor paper
  • Watercolors
  • Paintbrushes
  • Black acrylic paint
  • An old credit card
Cardinal Birds in Winter and Birch Trees Easy Watercolor Kids Activity

Next, here are the direction.

Use a watered down black or gray with a small paintbrush to outline a few general tree shapes and branches.

Cardinal Birds in Winter and Birch Trees Easy Watercolor Kids Activity

On as many branches as you would like, paint a red tear drop shape for your cardinals and add a little wedge at the base for a tail.

Cardinal Birds in Winter and Birch Trees Easy Watercolor Kids Activity

Fill in the blank spaces between the trees with various shades of blue; you don’t have to make it solid, whitespace looks great in watercolors.

Cardinal Birds in Winter and Birch Trees Easy Watercolor Kids Activity

Put a little black paint on a paper plate and tap the edge of a credit card into it, wipe off a little bit of excess.

Cardinal Birds in Winter and Birch Trees Easy Watercolor Kids Activity

Start on one side of the tree outline and set the edge of the card and then drag the card across the tree stopping halfway across.

This will give your bark the look of a birch tree. You can do this as much as you like up and down the tree.

Allow the black paint to dry fully.

Cardinal Birds in Winter and Birch Trees Easy Watercolor Kids Activity

Once paint is dry go back and add a little bit of black to the center of the bird’s face, black feet, and a bit of yellow for a beak.

When everything is dry your cardinals are ready to be displayed in a frame or as is.

What do you think? Ready to try this for a fun homeschool art, science, and hands-on lesson?

American History Game Fun U.S. President Go Fish Unit Study

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We enjoy the American history game U.S. President Go Fish for studying homeschool history.

And we love History For Kids Go Fish Game series a lot, and with a good variety of history topics we can easily add them to several studies.

American History Game Fun U.S. President Go Fish Unit Study

Today is all about the U.S. Presidents Go Fish and how to use it.

Also, we are going to take this game and build an entire presidents unit study around it with books, hands-on activities, and videos that will help you dive deep into it without cracking open a curriculum box.

About the U.S. Presidents Go Fish Game

Moreover, the U.S. Presidents Go Fish game is a simple game to add to a presidential unit study.

I like it because it is a quick play game that will pack a lot of educational punch.

Too, it comes with a little mini book that gives instructions and plays like traditional go fish but you collect all 4 presidents from each category (cold war, industrial revolution, reconstruction, etc.).

Or kids can collect presidents by guessing them correctly based on the hints on the card the other player gives.

You can take it on the road, use it in place of your lesson for the day or add it to your morning basket to help start the day.

The one drawback is that as of this date, it only includes the first 44 presidents.

American History Game Fun U.S. President Go Fish Unit Study

Additionally, look at this list of books to use as a unit study spine or for your learning day.

Books about U.S. Presidents

10 Resources about U.S. Presidents and The White House

Here are some books to add to a presidential unit study that cover a good variety of ages.

What Presidents Are Made Of

See America’s presidents as never before—made of objects! Using everything from blue jeans to boxing gloves, Hanoch Piven “builds” the characters of eighteen of our nation’s leaders. Revealing anecdotes accompany the creative collages and lend insight to the charismatic personalities of prominent presidents from George Washington to Barack Obama, resulting in an irresistible resource.

Our Country's Presidents: A Complete Encyclopedia of the U.S. Presidents

Revised and updated to include the winner of the 2020 presidential election, this photo-filled and fact-packed book is a timely must-have reference.National Geographic presents the 45 individuals who have led the U.S. in this up-to-date, authoritative, and lavishly illustrated family, school, and library reference.

A Kid's Guide to U.S. Presidents: Fascinating Facts About Each President

Concise and Interesting Guide to the U.S. Presidents Updated to Include President Biden

A Kid’s Guide to U.S. Presidents contains a concise and interesting summary of each president’s background and accomplishments from George Washington to Joe Biden.The role of the president has been an important one throughout the history of the United States. This engaging look at each president and their impact on the country is the perfect introduction to get kids interested and excited about learning about history and politics.

Politics for Beginners

While it isn't specifically about the presidency, this book offers a lot of good information on political parties, elections, and the presidents relationships with other people who hold important political careers.

Fandex Family Field Guides: Presidents

Fandex Family Field Guides: Presidents is a chronological field guide to all 45 of America's chief executives, from George Washington to Donald J. Trump. A hands-on reference, it includes more than 50 grommeted, die-cut cards featuring a full-color image of each president along with facts about his personal and political life.Which President made the Louisiana Purchase? Which President won a Nobel Peace Prize? Which President also served as justice of the Supreme Court? Who was in office during the Teapot Dome scandal, and who endured the childhood nickname “Useless”?

Toobs: USA Presidents

8 PROFESSIONALLY SCULPTED FIGURINES – This themed collection is perfect for U.S. History buffs. It includes 8 professional sculpted busts of some of the most influential presidents, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Quincy Adams, Andrew Jackson, Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Roosevelt, and JFK.

Who Was George Washington?

In 1789, George Washington became the first president of the United States. He has been called the father of our country for leading America through its early years. Washington also served in two major wars during his lifetime: the French and Indian War and the American Revolution. With over 100 black-and-white illustrations, Washington's fascinating story comes to life - revealing the real man, not just the face on the dollar bill!

Where Is the White House?

The history of the White House, first completed in 1799, reflects the history of America itself. It was the dream of George Washington to have an elegant "presidential mansion" in the capital city that was named after him. Yet he is the only president who never got to live there. All the rest have made their mark--for better or worse--on the house at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Megan Stine explains how the White House came to be and offers young readers intriguing glimpses into the lives of the First Families--from John and Abigail Adams to Barack and Michelle Obama.

The First Book of presidents

This book is good to use as a beginner spine.

George Washington and the Founding of A Nation

A full account of George Washington's role in building the early U.S. republic explores his life, focusing on the assets he brought to public life.

Furthermore, add hands-on activities.

Hands-on Ideas for a President Unit Study

For example, use the Safari Ltd US Presidents busts to introduce and build excitement to the start of a new topic or for art inspiration.

American History Game Fun U.S. President Go Fish Unit Study

Create your own bust with Crayola Air Dry clay and a flashcard of a president for a model.

All you need is some clay and a toothpick and craft stick to carve and add detail.

American History Game Fun U.S. President Go Fish Unit Study

Any age can use these but I like that the scrabble tiles are so versatile and don’t seem babyish like some letter tiles might for older kids.

Instead of writing out spelling and vocabulary words use letter tiles. Call out words you would like your child to learn and let them do it with the letter tiles instead of paper.

This activity is easy to modify for any age level by simply using easier or more difficult words.

American History Game Fun U.S. President Go Fish Unit Study

 In addition, here are some vocabulary/spelling words to get you started and let your younger children put them in alphabetical order.

  • President,
  • election,
  • politics,
  • republican,
  • democrat,
  • ballot,
  • veto,
  • federal,
  • constitution,
  • monument, and
  • executive.
American History Game Fun U.S. President Go Fish Unit Study

Besides playing the U.S. Presidents Go fish according to the directions you can also use them to create a timeline by pulling 5 or 6 random cards and having your child place them in order.

American History Game Fun U.S. President Go Fish Unit Study

More Fun History Games

Look at them below.

Furthermore, add some American Presidents board games.

4 American Presidents Board Games

Play a fun board game like one of these below to learn about presidents, elections, and politics.

U.S. Presidents Go Fish

FUN AND EDUCATIONAL GAME FOR KIDS – memorize basic facts painlessly as you compete to collect most cards.

FACT-FILLED BOOKLET: Set includes a booklet explaining facts about each card, as well as ideas for other games to play with the deck.

MONOPOLY House Divided Board Game

WIN THE PRESIDENCY: The Monopoly House Divided board game is about U.S. Elections. Buy states, earn votes, and take over the White House as the new president

IT'S PARTY TIME: In this Monopoly game, players choose a Candidate token and get assigned to the red or blue party. Players vote with their party -- unless it's better for them not to

Election Night! A Super Fun Way to Learn Essential Math, Geography and Civics While Strategizing Your Way to The White House.

A home learning home run that teaches kids to think big things while mastering the hardest to learn addition and multiplication facts, U.S. state geography, and the mechanics of the Electoral College.

Double-sided gameboard includes addition and multiplication game versions to keep kids sharp on math skills, with varying levels of complexity based on player skill level.

Professor Noggin's Presidents of The United States Trivia Card Game

PLAY & LEARN: Professor Noggin’s series of educational card games encourages kids to learn interesting facts about their favorite subjects.

FUN FACTS: Since the time of George Washington, important leaders have ruled from the Oval Office. Learn about the first 44 Presidents of the United States, the times in which they served their country, and the challenges they faced as leaders of the world's most powerful nation.

Finally, videos are always a great way to present information in a fresh new way as well as take a little of the teaching responsibility off your shoulders.

Daniel Boone Activities Cooking Easy and Delicious Johnny Cakes on the Trail

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Today, I’m sharing some Daniel Boone activities and we’re making delicious Johnny cakes. You’ll love my unit study and other ideas on my page Daniel Boone – North American Explorer.

Have you ever wondered what it was like to live like early settlers and explorers?

What about when Daniel Boone was forging the Wilderness Trail through the forest from the mountains of Eastern Tennessee to the Kentucky River which is about two hundred miles? 

This legendary man led a group to create the first path that would lead to exploration of the west from his part of the country.

Daniel Boone Activities Cooking Easy and Delicious Johnny Cakes on the Trail

If you want to explore one of the most famous trailblazers of the time, here are some fantastic resources for learning about Daniel Boone.

And I am sharing a simple and tasty recipe for Johnny Cakes to give you a taste of what the man who became a folk legend would have enjoyed.

Activities for Learning about Daniel Boone

Then, here are some fun books.

Daniel Boone Activities Cooking Easy and Delicious Johnny Cakes on the Trail

The books are for multiple ages.

Books About Daniel Boone

10 Resources for A Daniel Boone Unit Study

Whether you want to add a hands-on unit study or are looking for a few resources, you'll love one of these.

1. Daniel Boone: The Life and Legend of an American Pioneer

Struggle against the Shawnee defenders of Kentucky. Drawing from popular narrative, public record, documentation from Boone's own hand, and recollection gathered by 19th-century antiquarians, the author employs the methods of the new social history to produce a portrait that defines Daniel Boone and the times he helped shape.

2. Who Was Daniel Boone? (Who Was?)

Called the "Great Pathfinder", Daniel Boone is most famous for opening up the West to settlers through Kentucky. A symbol of America's pioneering spirit Boone was a skilled outdoorsman and an avid reader although he never attended school. Sydelle Kramer skillfully recounts Boone's many adventures such as the day he rescued his own daughter from kidnappers.

3. The Dangerous Book for Boys

The bestselling book—more than 1.5 million copies sold—for every boy from eight to eighty, covering essential boyhood skills such as building tree houses, learning how to fish, finding true north, and even answering the age old question of what the big deal with girls is—now a Prime Original Series created by Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad) and Greg Mottola (Superbad).

In this digital age, there is still a place for knots, skimming stones and stories of incredible courage. This book recaptures Sunday afternoons, stimulates curiosity, and makes for great father-son activities. The brothers Conn and Hal have put together a wonderful collection of all things that make being young or young at heart fun—building go-carts and electromagnets, identifying insects and spiders, and flying the world's best paper airplanes.

4. Willy Whitefeather's Outdoor Survival Handbook for Kids

From treating a bee sting to building an overnight shelter, kids will gain the knowledge and confidence they need to survive outdoors.All ages

5. Daniel Boone: Frontiersman (Heroes of History)

Written for readers age 10 and up -- enjoyed by adults!In search of open spaces and land to call his own, Daniel Boone fearlessly led a band of brave settlers into the bountiful Kentucky wilderness. Daniel's expert hunting ability, incredible outdoor survival skills, and courage under fire helped his companions stay alive in a dangerous and unknown land despite threatening encounters with soldiers, Indians, and even other settlers.

6. History Pockets: Explorers of North America, Grades 4-6+

The book includes the following pockets:

  • Introduction to Explorers of North America
  • Christopher Columbus
  • John Cabot
  • Hernando Cortes
  • Jacques Cartier
  • Sir Francis Drake
  • Henry Hudson
  • Daniel Boone
  • James Cook
  • Lewis and Clark
  • John Wesley Powell

7. Daniel Boone: Trailblazer

Born in Pennsylvania in 1734, Daniel Boone cut a path west, carving his name into trees. Although he endured repeated property losses, he became a household name and was greatly admired for his surveying skills and the many claims he laid, opening the west for further settlement.

8. Survive & Thrive: A Pocket Guide To Wilderness Safety Skills, Plus 16 Quick-Check Skill Cards

Gear up for outdoor adventure, learn to stay alive, and help yourself thrive – feeling confident that you can handle whatever comes your way!

Accidents happen and nature can be unpredictable, which is why this ultra-portable survival kit is a must-have for casual nature explorers and slightly more adventurous campers in need of essential outdoor guidance that they can carry along with them.

9. Bear Grylls The Complete Adventures Collection 12 Books Set

Titles In This Set:The Blizzard ChallengeThe Desert ChallengeThe Jungle ChallengeThe Sea ChallengeThe River ChallengeThe Earthquake ChallengeThe Volcano ChallengeThe Safari ChallengeThe Cave ChallengeThe Mountain ChallengeThe Arctic ChallengeThe Sailing Challenge

10. Daniel Boone: Young Hunter and Tracker (Childhood of Famous Americans)

A general account of the life of the prominent American frontiersman who is especially remembered for helping to settle Kentucky

Also, look at some of these fun facts about the time during the life of Daniel Boone.

What was Life Like During Daniel Boone’s Life

Also, you’ll love these fun tidbits about life during Daniel Boone’s life.

Too, it’s fascinating to learn about is the foods that were eaten by the men and women who explored and pushed westward.

A food that was popular were Johnny Cakes.

And they are thin, fried cakes made of cornmeal. They were eaten sweet or as a savory dish.

Daniel Boone Activities Cooking Easy and Delicious Johnny Cakes on the Trail

Further, they were created by early Native American, specifically believed to have been called

“Shawnee Cakes” by the Pawtuxet Indians and mispronounced by settlers as Johnny cakes.

Johnny cakes are known as: Johnny bread, hoe cakes, journey cakes, and Jonakin depending on the region of the country they are from. Shawnee cake was a favorite diet among Shawnee Indians.

Additionally, Daniel Boone was captured by the Shawnee.

He led a rescue attempt to retrieve his daughter and two other girls who had been captured by them.

They admired his bravery so much they made him one of them. After being captive from February 1778 to June 1778, he escaped.

About Corn

Moreover, Johnny Cakes were cooked and eaten hot right at the fire and they made excellent traveling food as it carried well.

Originally, the cake was made of maize which was ground into a very fine meal.

The resulting corn meal was then mixed with water and baked on a flat stone that had been heated in a fire.

Corn is one of America’s oldest foods, used by Native Americans in bread, cakes, and porridge.

It became a very popular staple with settlers and explorers as well because it was much easier to grow, grind, and less expensive than wheat and rye seed.

Without a mill to grind corn into flour it was often ground with a mortar or in earliest times with a hollowed stone, then sifted through finely woven basket.

Now, we can skip the extra work and pick it up already ground from the store to make this Daniel Boone inspired treat to get a taste of what he would have eaten.

How to Make Easy and Delicious Johnny Cakes

Before I get started, I admit this is our favorite Johnny Cakes recipe.

It’s really good. Start your unit study by making these for breakfast.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cups ground cornmeal (white or yellow)
  • 3 teaspoons granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 1/2 cups water
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Oil for frying
Daniel Boone Activities Cooking Easy and Delicious Johnny Cakes on the Trail

First, combine cornmeal, sugar, and salt in a bowl and combine well.

Daniel Boone Activities Cooking Easy and Delicious Johnny Cakes on the Trail

Bring water to a boil and slowly stir in cornmeal mixture. Whisk quickly until well combined.

Daniel Boone Activities Cooking Easy and Delicious Johnny Cakes on the Trail

Remove from heat and stir until smooth and creamy.

Allow cornmeal batter to rest for 10 minutes. Stir in butter.

Daniel Boone Activities Cooking Easy and Delicious Johnny Cakes on the Trail

Add oil to a nonstick or cast-iron pan and heat over medium low.

Drop batter by heaping spoonful or form patties by hand and place in a hot pan.

Daniel Boone Activities Cooking Easy and Delicious Johnny Cakes on the Trail

Fry for 8-10 minutes.

The waiting part is hard but if you mess with them too much while they cook you will find that they fall apart. 

Daniel Boone Activities Cooking Easy and Delicious Johnny Cakes on the Trail

Just pick up the edge gently and check to see that the edges are golden brown, it will look like this when perfectly browned.

Daniel Boone Activities Cooking Easy and Delicious Johnny Cakes on the Trail

Flip and cook for about 5-6 minutes on the opposite side.

You can eat your Johnny cakes as is or top with syrup. Delicious!

What do you think? Are you including this in your unit study?

Homeschool Kindergarten Life Science – Hands-on Fun Nature Tree Study

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Homeschool kindergarten life science is one of the most fun sciences to teach. Grab my other kindergarten tips on my kindergarten homeschool curriculum page.

Too, with a fun nature tree study you don’t need expensive equipment or curriculum.

Add a few interesting books, a fun item or two. a backyard or a great tree filled park.

Homeschool Kindergarten Life Science - Hands-on Fun Nature Tree Study

From books to videos, I’m sharing some of my favorite resources for introducing simple botany lessons to your preschooler or kindergarteners day.

Books are always the best place to start with any unit study whether you purchase them or grab a few from the local library.

Books about Trees

Look at these beautiful books for young learners.

9 Tree Books & Resources for Kids Who Love Reading and Being Read To

You'll love using one of these books as a science reference or to use for art to inspire life science lessons.

Celebritrees: Historic & Famous Trees of the World

Some trees have lived many lifetimes, standing as silent witnesses to history. Some are remarkable for their age and stature; others for their usefulness. A bristlecone pine tree in California has outlived man by almost 4,000 years; a baobab tree in Australia served as a prison for Aboriginal prisoners at the turn of the twentieth century; and a major oak in England was used as a hiding place for Robin Hood and his men (or so the story goes…).

The fourteen trees in this book have earned the title "Celebritrees" for their global fame and significance. Both in fact and in legend, these fascinating trees remind us not only how much pleasure trees bring, but what they can tell us about history.

The Busy Tree

Spectacular illustrations rendered in oil paint, and a rhyming text that describes a tree’s activities from its roots to its branches, introduce young readers to the amazing activities that go on in a tree. Acorns nibbled by chipmunks, ants scurrying across a trunk, a spider spinning a web, leaves “breathing out air for all to breathe in”—everything adds up to a “busy tree” for all to “come and see.”

The Tree Book for Kids and Their Grown-Ups

This is a fantastic reference book to have on hand for tree studies.

It has great illustrations and covers everything from how a tree “eats and drinks” to types of trees, seeds, how they change in the seasons, why we need them and more

Nature Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces of the Natural World

Acclaimed illustrator Julia Rothman combines art and science in this exciting and educational guide to the structure, function, and personality of the natural world.

Trees, Leaves & Bark (Take Along Guides)

An introduction to the world of insects, caterpillars, and butterflies including identification information, educational activities, and fun facts.Invites young naturalists to spot wildlife. 

Tree Full of Wonder: An educational, rhyming book about magic of trees for children

Tree Full of Wonder is a vibrant, rhyming, educational and unique picture book showing the unbreakable bond between people and trees. For children ages 3-8. Kids will fall in love with nature and will become Protectors of the Trees.

The Magic and Mystery of Trees (The Magic and Mystery of Nature)

From the highest branch and leaf down to the complex “wood wide web” of roots, it’s no wonder every part of a tree plays an important role in its own growth and the habitat of the whole forest or woodland. The Magic & Mystery of Trees is a nature book that takes children on a fascinating journey of exploration, showing them just how special these mighty organisms are.

Figurines of Pine, Elm, Juniper, Monkey Puzzle, Topiary, Petticoat, Aspen, Two Maples

Learn and Play: These figurines provide a fun and educational way to learn about different tree species, promoting environmental awareness and appreciation.

Fandex Family Field Guides: Trees

Bringing the world of TREES to your fingertips, FANDEX presents a foolproof field guide. Four visual keys--die-cut leaf, bark pattern, flower, nut or seed, and photo of the full tree--plus descriptions of habitat and more combine to give a complete picture of North America's forest and backyard trees.

In addition, TREES is a cultural history--of the mighty White Oak, California Redwood, Aillanthus, the tree that grows in Brooklyn, and the stately White Ash, as important for the bows of early Native Americans as for the baseball bats of today.

However, the best part of any science for young children are the hands-on activities.

And children this age learn best through hands-on activities.

Hand-on Activities for a Tree Unit Study

Investigate, touch, experiment, draw, and play your way through learning.

First, study each of the trees parts. Study the leaves, their shape, color, and size, use an app or book to help you identify the tree.

Homeschool Kindergarten Life Science - Hands-on Fun Nature Tree Study

Second, investigate the rings on a stump or cut of wood.

Then talk about how the rings indicate how old a tree is and every knot and scar in it tells a story of fires, storms, etc.

Homeschool Kindergarten Life Science - Hands-on Fun Nature Tree Study

Look at what is growing on it.

Next, check out the different types of bark, peek in knot holes, and let them touch and investigate every part they can.

Homeschool Kindergarten Life Science - Hands-on Fun Nature Tree Study

Third, create a science shelf in your home on a designated shelf, coffee table, or even a little wooden crate.

Make it a place your child can store his collections of leaves, pinecones, birds’ nests, and any other items of interest he finds on nature walks or in the yard.

More Homeschool Science K – 2 Ideas

Fifth, make this Hands on Literature Nature Study Simple Tree Craft

Sixth, create a leaf collection book to gather specimens.

Seventh, Safari Ltd. Toob Trees are the perfect size for little hands and have a variety of uses that make them worth the investment.

They can be used along with blocks and cars in small world play, to create a themed sensory bin, or in a little diorama to give it some dimension.

On a rainy day when you can’t make it outdoors, research the type of trees each one is and learn about it.

Homeschool Kindergarten Life Science - Hands-on Fun Nature Tree Study

Eighth, work in some math by measuring the diameter of smaller trees with a flexible measuring tape.

Too, sort sticks and pinecones into sizes or measure them with a ruler.

Further, use acorns and leaves as counters and manipulatives for simple math problems.

Lastly, make a leaf rubbing by placing leaves under thin copy paper.

Rubbing the side of the crayon across it to bring out the detail for the drawing.

Also, this can be done also do this on the bark of the tree as well.

Homeschool Kindergarten Life Science - Hands-on Fun Nature Tree Study

In addition to this, add videos to your learning day.

Historic Trees Nature Study

However, include your older kids too when you’re doing this kindergarten life science lesson.

Famous and Historic Trees Fun Nature and History Homeschool Unit Study

I have this fun and free unit study Famous and Historic Trees Fun Nature and History Homeschool Unit Study

Kindergarten Life Science Videos

Not only can videos help a child learn a topic you may be nervous about teaching, but it can give you 10 minutes to work on something else. Your child gains independence.

As well here are some questions to help you teach kindergarten life science.

Because kids are always full of questions, a good place to start with a unit study is ask them a lot of questions like

  • For example, what kind of tree is it. Use your books, apps, and google to help you figure it out.
  • What do the seeds look like? Are they acorns, pinecones, a pit, a pod, husk, wings, or seed inside a fruit?
Homeschool Kindergarten Life Science - Hands-on Fun Nature Tree Study

Then, what grows on it?

Moss, leaves, fungi, fruit and what kind of things are on the tree including its own parts as well as those that attach themselves to it, why do they do that?

Is it a good thing or bad? Find out together.

Homeschool Kindergarten Life Science - Hands-on Fun Nature Tree Study

Another one is who lives in it.

A tree study can easily take a lot of rabbit holes learning about the birds, bugs, and other creatures that make trees their home.

Ask your child who lives in a tree and let them dictate a list to you, seeing their words written down is a powerful language learning tool.

Lastly, what do we get from trees.

This is another important question that you can ask your child and write down their answers.

Homeschool Kindergarten Life Science - Hands-on Fun Nature Tree Study

Paper, wood, apples, bananas, nuts, gum, wax, and dye just to name a few things. 

Draw a tree on a piece of paper or better yet let them draw it and write down your child’s answers all around it.

Moreover, look at some more tips for homeschooling kindergarten. What do you think? Ready to give this lesson a try.

Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum And Crafts

Homeschool Kindergarten Life Science - Hands-on Fun Nature Tree Study