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Tina Robertson

10 Interesting Facts About Mesopotamia And Unit Study Outline

February 25, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have 10 interesting facts about Mesopotamia and a fun unit study outline if you want to dive deeper into learning about them. Also, look at my page Ancient Civilizations for more ideas.

Studying about Ancient Mesopotamia doesn’t have to be hard.

True, we call it the cradle of civilization.

Why? They created writing, formed governments and built huge cities.

10 Interesting Facts About Mesopotamia And Unit Study Outline

And I’m sharing more than just 10 interesting facts about Mesopotamia.

For example, studying about some of the fascinating cities like Ur, Babylon and Sumer and how they lived should be presented in hands-on lessons.

Besides, try cuneiform writing while you learn that it was one of the earliest forms of writing.

Using a wedge-shaped tool that was pressed into clay they recorded important dates.

And the story The Epic of Gilgamesh is a legend still told today and his quest to find the secret to immortality.

BOOKS ABOUT ANCIENT MESOPOTAMIA FOR KIDS

First, look at these books about Ancient Mesopotamia.

6 Books to Read About Ancient Mesopotamia

Mesopotamia is a region situated within the Tigris–Euphrates River system, in the northern part of the Fertile Crescent. Today, Mesopotamia occupies modern Iraq.  In the broader sense, the historical region included present-day Iraq and parts of present-day Iran, Kuwait, Syria, and Turkey.

Gilgamesh the King (The Gilgamesh Trilogy)

Gilgamesh, half-god and half-man, in his loneliness and isolation becomes a cruel tyrant over the citizens of Uruk. To impress them forever he orders a great wall to be built, driving his people to exhaustion and despair so that they cry to the Sun God for help.

The Golden Bull: A Mesopotamian Adventure

5,000 years ago in ancient Mesopotamia during a terrible drought, Jomar and Zefa's father must send his children away to the city of Ur because he can no longer feed them. At fourteen, Jomar is old enough to apprentice with Sidah, a master goldsmith for the temple of the moongod, but there is no place for Zefa in Sidah's household. Zefa, a talented but untrained musician, is forced to play her music and sing for alms on the streets of Ur.

Science in Ancient Mesopotamia

Describes the enormous accomplishments of the Sumerians and Babylonians of ancient Mesopotamia in every scientific area, a heritage which affects our own everyday lives

Ancient Mesopotamia: The Sumerians, Babylonians, And Assyrians

Explores Sumerian, Babylonian, and Assyrian cultures, discussing social structure, lifestyles, and the military in these societies.

Lugalbanda: The Boy Who Got Caught Up in a War: An Epic Tale From Ancient Iraq

Lugalbanda woke with a jolt. He opened his eyes and what did he see but the terrible Anzu bird beating its wings in its nest high above. . . . Did he quake? Did he quail? No. Lugalbanda the Brave sat and stared, and into his head came a brilliant idea.

Mesopotamia (A True Book)

Presents the history of ancient Mesopotamia, describing the different groups of people who lived there, and their government, cities, everyday life, religion, and writing.

Next, look at some hands-on activities to go with the facts learned about Mesopotamia.

ANCIENT MESOPOTAMIA ACTIVITIES

  • How to Make Unleavened Bread Ancient Mesopotamia Bread Recipe
  • Ancient Mesopotamian Ziggurat Activity
  • Hands-on Ancient Mesopotamia: Easy STEM Irrigation Activity
  • Ancient Mesopotamian Cuneiform Activity
  • Ancient Mesopotamia (Hands-on History): and Cook Sebetu Rolls
  • Epic of Gilgamesh for Kids
  • Hands-on Geography Mesopotamia: Fun Salt Dough Map
10 Interesting Facts About Mesopotamia And Unit Study Outline

Also, look at these interesting facts about Mesopotamia.

10 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT MESOPOTAMIA

  1. Mesopotamians were excellent farmers, growing barley, wheat, and dates.
  2. The wheel was first used in Mesopotamia for making pottery.
  3. Ziggurats were huge pyramid-like structures built as temples to the gods.
  4. One of the earliest sets of written laws, called the Code of Hammurabi, came from Mesopotamia.
  5. Mesopotamia means “the land between two rivers.” It was located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.
  6. Instead of one big kingdom, Mesopotamia had many small city-states.
  7. The Hanging Gardens is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
  8. Mesopotamians created a number system based on the number 60.
  9. Some more cool inventions by the Mesopotamians were the plow and sailboat.
  10. Rivers were important. For example, the Tigris and Euphrates rivers provided water for farming and helped with travel and trade.

Finally, look at this Mesopotamia Unit Study Outline.

ABOUT THE ANCIENT MESOPOTAMIA UNIT STUDY OUTLINE

My Mesopotamia Unit Study Outline is a handy tool to help you teach or for child led learning.

There are many advantages to a unit study outline instead of a fully fleshed out study.

For example, look at these ways an outline guides your study.

  • Outlines give you a clear structure.
  • They help break down big tasks into manageable steps.
  • Extensive lessons plans can make some kids lose focus.
  • And outline keeps the main topics to be learned on topic.
  • In addition, you can go down rabbit trails IF you want to. However, for some kids it can be overwhelming. You have the option to go deep or stay on topic with an outline.
  • Looking at the outline at a glance is a super roadmap. Again, you can go straight to your destination or facts or stay longer on an objective.
  • By listing an objective it guides you as the teacher to add your own slant.

For example, look at the topics covered in this outline.

  1. Introduction
  2. Geography and Environment
  3. Ancient Mesopotamian Civilizations
  4. Agriculture and Irrigation
  5. Writing and Communication
  6. Religion and Beliefs
  7. Science and Technology
  8. Trade and Commerce
  9. Arts and Crafts
  10. Exploration and Legacy
  11. Culminating Activity

HOW TO USE THE OUTLINE

Each topic has two or three topics or objectives for the subject. You decide which ones to use.

And if you stay on 1 topic per week and cover all 9 topics it would equal a 9 week unit study.

Additionally, only use the objectives on the topic your child is interested in and move on to other unit studies. This would make a shorter unit study.

For example, cover the introduction and perhaps the Persian culture for younger children.

Then save the other topics for when your children are older.

You will like this unit study outline if:

  • you want the freedom to flesh out topics and not be tied to day to day lesson plans
  • you prefer to flesh out day to day lesson plans or do not prefer them at all and
  • you want a guide for topics to study so you have a sweeping overview of the unit.

You will not like this unit study outline if:

  • you want to day to day lesson plans guiding each day and worksheets and
  • you don’t want to teach all your kids together.

HOW TO GET THE MESOPOTAMIA UNIT STUDY OUTLINE

You can download the printable Mesopotamia Unit Study Outline 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.

10 Interesting Facts About Mesopotamia And Unit Study Outline
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Leave a CommentFiled Under: My Unit Studies {Free Printables & Hands-on Ideas} Tagged With: ancient civilizations, hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, history, homeschool, mesopotamia, unit study outline

4 Weeks Free Spring Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas

February 24, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have a free spring unit study today. Also, look at my page Best Homeschool Unit Studies.

Spring marks the end of winter and the beginning of warmer weather.

It’s a time when animals get out of hibernation, flowers are blooming, and the days are getting longer.

So, I’m doing a 4 week free study and hands-on ideas.

4 Weeks Free Spring Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas

Too, it’s a time of the year when the weather can be very unpredictable.

And spring officially begins with the spring equinox. This normally happens around March 21.

The spring equinox is the day in spring when there are 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness.

As you can see there are many topics and subjects we can cover this spring unit study for multiple ages.

BOOKS ABOUT THE SPRING SEASON FOR KIDS

First, look at some of these books to use to learn about various spring topics.

10 Books About Spring for Multiple Ages

I’ve listed books for all ages in this list. Some you can read aloud and others be read anytime.

That's What Happens When It's Spring!

When is it spring?" a child wonders. "Come, I'll show you," Mommy answers. Out in the flower bed tiny green knobs are peeping out of the ground. "That will be a tulip and this a crocus!" Mommy says. That's what happens when it's spring! The signs, sounds, colors, and special feelings of spring come alive as they are experienced through the eyes of a youngster.

Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring

As days stretch longer, animals creep out from their warm dens, and green begins to grow again, everyone knows―spring is on its way!Join a boy and his dog as they explore nature and take a stroll through the countryside, greeting all the signs of the coming season. In a series of conversations with everything from the melting brook to chirping birds, they say goodbye to winter and welcome the lushness of spring.

The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady

This beautifully packaged facsimile of Edith Holden’s original diary is filled with a naturalist’s masterful paintings and delightful observations chronicling the English countryside throughout 1906. As one of the few true records of the time in print, the handwritten thoughts and paintings contained in The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady transport readers to a more refined, romantic, and simpler time. Capitalizing on the current Downton Abbey–inspired appetite for Edwardian-era ephemera, fashions, and society, this reproduction brings readers back to a time in which propriety, civility, and an appreciation for the natural world reigned. This souvenir of a bygone era serves not only as a calming touchstone, but a reminder that as long as we choose to see it, we are still surrounded by beauty and grace. Presented to retain the charm and beauty of the original volume filled with Holden’s hand-drawn illustrations of the English countryside’s flora and fauna through the changing seasons of the year, as well as handwritten notes, observations, and quotations, The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady makes a lovely addition to any home’s library or side table.

Benny's Animals and How He Put Them in Order

Two boys, with the help of a professor at the museum, learn to divide their animal pictures into the proper groups.

The Tune is in the Tree

Annie Jo was a little girl like any other little girl. She was just about as big, too, as any other little girl her age. She had pigtails and for best occasions a plaid silk dress. Her father was an aviator (so the birds had a special feeling for him), and when he was delayed one day, and her mother went to hunt for him, and Mrs. Bunch, the sitter, sprained her ankle, the birds took charge of Annie Jo.Miss Ruby, the hummingbird, who understood magic, made her two and a half inches high. She learned to fly and visited the Robins, the Warblers, and the Thrushes. The perfidious Mrs. Cowbird was causing trouble as usual, laying her eggs in other birds' nests. (Mrs. Cowbird is a notable villainness.) And Annie Jo lost her plaid silk dress in a very curious way. But she got another one in time for Mrs. Oriole's ball, which occurred on the day Annie Jo returned to her normal size and home.

Springtime with Geraldine Woolkins (The Geraldine Woolkins Series)

Geraldine Woolkins has at last become a middle mouse, but navigating the waters of middle-mouse life isn’t easy. Her younger brother irritates her, her sparrow friend Penelope neglects her, and an elder mouse friend is becoming forgetful, making the entire Woolkins family anxious.

Everything is changing. And when Geraldine discovers that the best treasures of spring—fragrant spring flowers, a pond created by spring rainstorms—will one day disappear, she is heartbroken. Does nothing last forever? Does everything good change or fade?

Ten more stories follow the Woolkins mouse family—Papa, Mama, Geraldine, and Button—from April, a time of blossoming, to June, the month of long days.

How plants grow...

A simple introduction to botany.

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.

Trees, Leaves, Flowers and Seeds: A Visual Encyclopedia of the Plant Kingdom (DK Our World in Pictures)

Have you ever wondered which plants eat insects? Or how cacti store water? How about which flowers look like bees? Or where is the tallest tree in the world? If you find yourself seeking the answers to these quirky questions and so many more, then Trees, Leaves, Flowers & Seeds may be the book for you! Explore the incredible world of plants, from the smallest seeds to the tallest trees, whilst you discover all about the weirdest, smelliest and deadliest flowers on our planet, with this engaging encyclopedia for children aged 9-12. 

Flower Fairies of the Spring

First published in the 1920s, Cicely Mary Barker’s original Flower Fairies books have been loved for generations. Like the pre-Raphaelite painters whom she so admired, Barker believed in re-creating the beauty of nature in art and drawing from life. Her Flower Fairies watercolors have a unique combination of naturalism and fantasy that no imitators have matched. Now newly rejacketed in the style of bestseller Fairyopolis, this new edition makes a perfect gift for a new generation of Flower Fairy fans. The book features poems and full-color illustrations of over 20 flowers and their guardian fairies.

Now, look at some various activities that fit with the various topics below.

Begin first with some history and geography.

HISTORY & GEOGRAPHY SPRING UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 1

You can study a variety of topics from spring migrations to learning what farming is done in the spring

In addition, studying about how ancient civilizations welcomed spring is another topic.

And some more ideas are learn how ancient Egyptians grew gardens with flowers, herbs, and vegetables to celebrate spring and in ancient Greece, the arrival of spring was connected to the beginning of the Olympic Game.

Also, look at more ideas.

  • John Muir Spring Unit Study (and Hands-on Geography Ideas)
  • Free Bird Unit Study and Lapbook And Fun Edible Bird Nests. Learn about the birds’ habitats
  • Learn About Indigenous Animal Geography Fun Activity for Preschool to Elementary
  • Free Toad and Frog Lapbook and Fun Homeschool Unit Study Ideas
  • Famous and Historic Trees Fun Nature and History Homeschool Unit Study. Learn about famous trees while learning about the place they call home in the world.

NATURE & SCIENCE SPRING UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 2

Then, there are a variety of ways to learn about the nature and science of spring.

  • Middle School Homeschool Science 50 Free Spring Activities
  • American Robin Free Printables, Resources and Crafts
  • California Landmarks With Naturalist John Muir | How To Make A Poppy Craft
  • Rainbow In A Jar Science Experiment
  • STEM for Kids: Egg Drop Project
  • How to Teach Kids About Germination!
  • How to Make a Fun Kids Root Viewer
  • Free Carnivorous Plants Lapbook and Fun Homeschool Unit Study Ideas
  • Fascinating and Fun Honey Bees Unit Study and Lapbook for Kids
  • Fun DIY Felt Frog Dissection With Frog Insides Labeled Mess Free (Free Printables)
  • 4 Weeks Free Plant Unit Study And Best Hands-On Ideas
  • Homeschool Kindergarten Life Science – Hands-on Fun Nature Tree Study
  • Spring Science Activity for Kids: Chromatography Flowers
  • Coloring Carnations Science Experiment for Kids
  • 8 Peter Rabbit Garden Ideas | How To Make A Preschool Garden Box
  • How to Easily Make Fun Seed Tape With Kids
  • Free Printable Strawberries Lapbook and Fun Homeschool Unit Study Ideas
  • 7 Easy Cloud Crafts For Preschoolers | Types of Clouds Activity

In addition, create a spring weather map. Some places are warm and others are chilly.

Spring begins with a special event called the spring equinox.

4 Weeks Free Spring Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas

Experiment with shadows on the spring equinox.

MATH & LANGUAGE ARTS SPRING UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 3

Next, you’ll love the fun math and language art ideas.

And spring is an especially fun time to measure everything from shadows to the height of flowers. It’s a fun way to spend time outdoors learning.

Too, learn about geometry like hexagonal shapes of beehives and triangles of tree branches.

Challenge your kids to make patterns with pieces of nature bits.

Learn about grids through planting a garden.

  • The Tale of Peter Rabbit Printables for a Fun Spring Unit Study and Free Literary Terms Notebooking Pages and story die.
  • Spring File Folder Games (free)
  • Fun Mr Mcgregor’s Vegetable Garden Simple Frugal Math Activity
  • Flower Measurement Activities
  • Easy Spring Activities For Preschoolers Science And Fun Busy Book
  • Free Weather Unit Study for Kids Who Love Hands-on Learning
  • Homemade Rain Gauge

Too, there are many ways to add language arts too. For example, write an acrostic poem using the word spring.

Also brainstorm and write a spring word bank. Then, have your kids use some of the words for a fun spring poem.

For your kids who love to journal, keep a spring journal and be sure to include sketches of all spring writing.

In addition, focus on idioms. For instance, “April showers bring May flowers.”

ARTS & CRAFTS SPRING UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 4

  • Fun Groundhog Facts For Kids and Free Printable Games
  • How to Easily Make a Simple and Fun Kids DIY Flower Press
  • How to Make Easy DIY Bird Feeders With Kids
  • Learn about spring through watercolor art.
  • Create a spring flower crown for your littles.
  • 10 Egg Carton Crafts For 2 Year Olds and Fun Nature Color Match Activity
  • Facts About Wildflowers And a Fun Felt Texas Bluebonnet Craft
  • Fun Kids Activity How to Make Wildflower Seed Bombs
  • How to Make an Easy Jumbo Stick Bird Feeder with Kids
  • Perfect time to learn about the colors of the rainbow. Alphabet Letter R is for Rainbow Craft for Preschool | Fun Rain Mobile
  • Make a spring sensory bin.
  • Are Daisies Wildflowers | How to Make a Wildflower Pounding Towel
  • Hands-On Mixed Media Flower Art Fun Nature Study

MORE SPRING UNIT STUDY RESOURCES

  • 10 More Spring Study Free Resources for Middle and High School Kids
  • Free Wildflowers Unit Study & Lapbook
  • The World of Plants: The Educational Value of a Plant Lapbook
  • Quick Groundhog Day Unit Study and Fun Cupcake Activity for Kids.

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

4 Weeks Free Galileo Unit Study & How to Make a Telescope Craft

February 23, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have a 4 weeks free Galileo unit study and a fun telescope craft. Look at my other pages Best Homeschool Unit Studies and Exploring Space and Astronomy Free Unit Study for more ideas and topics for hands-on learning.

To make a Galileo unit study exciting we are crafting our own refracting telescope and look at some other great ideas to build it up.

A refracting telescope is a type of optical telescope that uses lenses to focus light and create an image of a distant object.

4 Weeks Free Galileo Unit Study & How to Make a Telescope Craft

It is the oldest and most common type of telescope.

And was first developed in the 17th century by Galileo Galilei.

Galileo Galilei was an Italian astronomer, physicist, engineer, philosopher, and mathematician who lived in the 16th and 17th centuries.

He is considered to be one of the most important figures in the history of science.

His work laid the foundation for modern physics as well as the development of calculus.

He was born in Pisa, Italy, in 1564 and he showed an early interest in science and mathematics, and he studied at the University of Pisa.

After graduating, Galileo taught mathematics at the University of Padua for the next 18 years.

While he was there, he made a number of important discoveries.

He developed a new theory of motion, which showed that objects fall at the same rate regardless of their weight.

Also, he also invented the telescope, which allowed him to make detailed observations of the planets and stars.

KIDS BOOKS ABOUT GALILEO

First, look at these fun books

4 Books About Galileo

Add these books to our home library. Use for a unit study or reading for the day.

Along Came Galileo

One of the most important figures to come out of the awakening world of the Renaissance was Galileo Galelei. Galileo was forever asking questions. Is it possible to measure heat? Can you weigh air? Does the earth stand still or does it move? How fast do objects fall to the earth? These questions, and his answers to them, led to some of the most important discoveries ever in astronomy, physics, mathematics, and the natural world.

Galileo and the Magic Numbers

Sixteenth century Italy produced Galileo, a genius who marked the world with his studies and hypotheses about mathematical, physical, and astronomical truths. His father, musician Vincenzio Galilei said, “Truth is not found behind a man’s reputation. Truth appears only when the answers to questions are searched out by a free mind. This is not the easy path in life but it is the most rewarding.” Galileo challenged divine law and the physics of Aristotle, and questioned everything in search of truths. And it was through this quest for truth that he was able to establish a structure for modern science.

Starry Messenger: Galileo Galilei (Caldecott Honor Book)

In every age there are courageous people who break with tradition to explore new ideas and challenge accepted truths. Galileo Galilei was just such a man--a genius--and the first to turn the telescope to the skies to map the heavens. In doing so, he offered objective evidence that the earth was not the fixed center of the universe but that it and all the other planets revolved around the sun. Galileo kept careful
notes and made beautiful drawings of all that he observed. Through his telescope he brought the starts down to earth for everyone to see.

Galileo's Daughter: A Historical Memoir of Science, Faith, and Love

Inspired by a long fascination with Galileo, and by the remarkable surviving letters of his daughter Maria Celeste, a cloistered nun, Dava Sobel has crafted a biography that dramatically recolors the personality and accomplishments of a mythic figure whose early-seventeenth-century clash with Catholic doctrine continues to define the schism between science and religion-the man Albert Einstein called "the father of modern physics-indeed of modern science altogether." It is also a stunning portrait of Galileo's daughter, a person hitherto lost to history, described by her father as "a woman of exquisite mind, singular goodness, and most tenderly attached to me."

Then look at these history and geography Galileo unit study ideas.

HISTORY & GEOGRAPHY GALILEO UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 1

He was the first person to observe the four largest moons of Jupiter and discovered the phases of Venus.

Galileo published his book “The Starry Messenger” in 1610 and described his observations of the solar system. His book provided strong evidence in support of the Copernican theory, which said that the Earth revolves around the Sun.

This important work has been translated into more than 100 languages.

Grab a map or atlas and help your child locate different NASA space center locations throughout the US and the world.

  • White Sands Test Facility-Cruces, NM
  • Ames Research Center-Moffett Field, CA
  • Armstrong Flight Research Center-Edwards, CA
  • Glenn Research Center-Cleveland, OH
  • Goddard Space Flight Center-Greenbelt, MD
  • Goddard Institute of Space Studies-New York, NY
  • IV and V Facility-Fairmont, WV
  • Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)-Pasadena, CA
  • Johnson Space Center-Houston, TX
  • Kennedy Space Center-FL
  • Langley Research Center-Hampton, VA
  • Marshall Space Flight Center-Huntsville, AL
  • NASA HQ-Washington, D.C.
  • Stennis Space Center-MS
  • Wallops Flight Facility-Wallops Island, VA

Then look at more hands-on ideas.

  • Galileo history lesson
  • Explore the Galileo Museum in Florence
  • Free Ancient Astronomy Notebooking Pages
  • Create a visual timeline showing the development of telescopes, from Galileo’s first telescope to the Hubble Space Telescope.
  • Constellations for Kids Free Cards
  • Solar System Unit Study and Hands-on Planets Activity

NATURE & SCIENCE GALILEO UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 2

  • Let your learning cover modern space explorers as well as the first ones in the field. Learn 5 Facts About The Moon Landing and Make Fun Astronaut Ice Cream for a tasty lesson.
  • You can purchase a basic Telescope but it is also fun to make your own refracting telescope and I have the easy instructions for making one below.
  • Conduct Galileo’s Famous Falling Objects Experiment
  • Galileo Discovery of Jupiter Moons and Fun Hands-On Moon Crater Experiment
  • Watch Galileo Galilei on Youtube to learn about the amazing scientist, physicist mathematician and more that contributed so much to today’s space knowledge and inventions.
  • Physical Science Experiments Swinging with Galileo
  • How to Make Mini Solar System Activity Sensory Bottles

MATH & LANGUAGE ARTS GALILEO UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 3

  • Simple Space Themed Addition and Subtraction is a solid way to learn basic math facts while keeping with the unit.
  • These Find The Letter Worksheets with a space theme are perfect for preschoolers and kindergarteners.
  • Learn about time and motion. Galileo famously discovered that objects fall at the same rate regardless of weight.
  • These Space Counting Mats can be laminated and used over and over with small treats like candies or crackers as well as other non edible manipulatives.
  • Teach kids about angles.
  • Learn about planetary distances.
  • Write a short biography about Galileo.

4 Weeks Free Galileo Unit Study & How to Make a Telescope Craft

Additionally, look at arts and crafts ideas for learning about Galileo.

ARTS & CRAFTS GALILEO UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 4

  • Look at this Space STEAM: How to Make Felted Ball Planets, a neat new handicraft to learn.
  • Focus on Venus as you talk about the fact that Galileo discovered its phases with this Venus Craft.
  • Galileo Learning Ideas & Star Viewer Craft
  • This space themed Galaxy Play Dough is good for building up fine motor skills and making an already fun theme even better.
  • Create an interactive Spinning Solar System with building blocks for an impressive piece that kids will enjoy building and putting on display.
  • 10 Moon Craft Ideas and Wrapped Crescent Moon Craft For Kids

Next, look at more best homeschool unit studies.

MORE BEST HOMESCHOOL UNIT STUDIES

  • 4 Weeks Free Homeschool Panda Unit Study & Best Hands-On Ideas
  • Make Science Exciting: Free Human Body Homeschool Unit Study
  • Free 4 Week Minn of the Mississippi Unit Study
  • 4 Week Free China Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas
  • 4 Week Free Shakespeare Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas
  • 4 Week Free Middle Ages Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas
  • Free 4-Week Kid’s Australia Unit Study Who Love Hands-on Learning
  • How to Incorporate Subjects into a Fun Homeschool Cooking Unit Study
  • Mushroom Unit Study and Kids Learning Activities
  • North American Robin Bird Lapbook and Fun Homeschool Unit Study Ideas
  • Ocean Lapbook and Homeschool Unit Study
  • Kids Dandelion Flower Unit Study and Easy Tea Recipe & Notebooking Pages
  • Chicken Unit Study and Anatomy of an Egg Felt Activity & Worksheet

HOW TO MAKE A TELESCOPE CRAFT

Finally, look at how to make a telescope craft.

You will need:

  • An empty paper towel roll
  • Masking, duct, packing tape
  • Markers, crayons, stickers
  • Old pair of reading glasses (can be purchased at Dollar Tree)
  • Scissors
4 Weeks Free Galileo Unit Study & How to Make a Telescope Craft

First, cut lengthwise down one of the paper towel tubes.

Squeeze it lightly together and slide it inside of the uncut tube.

4 Weeks Free Galileo Unit Study & How to Make a Telescope Craft

Before moving on let your child decorate the outside of their “telescope” with crayons or markers, you could also use space themed stickers like these.

4 Weeks Free Galileo Unit Study & How to Make a Telescope Craft

Pop the lenses carefully out of the glasses.

4 Weeks Free Galileo Unit Study & How to Make a Telescope Craft

Place one lens with the concave (curved outward) side face away from the tube, use duct tape or masking tape to secure it to the end, covering as little of the glass as possible.

4 Weeks Free Galileo Unit Study & How to Make a Telescope Craft

On the other end of the telescope tape the second lens with the curve facing the inside of the tube.

4 Weeks Free Galileo Unit Study & How to Make a Telescope Craft

To focus, slide the inner paper towel tube in and out as you look through the end.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: My Unit Studies {Free Printables & Hands-on Ideas} Tagged With: astronomy, Galileo, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool, science, space

Rising Water with a Candle Easy Hands-On Science Experiment

February 22, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, I have a cool rising water with a candle easy hands-on science experiment. Also, look at my page 4 Weeks Free Physical Science Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas for more activities.

I think this hands-on experiment is great for showing science principles such as fire, oxygen and air pressure for kids in k- 6th grade.

This is one of my favorite simple science experiments because it is easy to pull together with common household items and has a dramatic effect.

Rising Water with a Candle Easy Hands-On Science Experiment

The rising water experiment involves a burning candle in a jar with water and demonstrates the concept of air pressure difference.

So, this experiment demonstrates principles of air pressure and temperature change.

And it shows how the temperature of air inside the jar affects its volume and the surrounding air pressure

PHYSICAL SCIENCE BOOKS FOR KIDS

First, look at these books about physical science for kids.

When possible, I prefer to use living books if we can find them. It’s not always easy.

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 a few more physical science hands-on experiments.

PHYSICAL SCIENCE HANDS-ON SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS

  • How to Make a Homemade Electrical Switch
  • 5 Facts About Inertia And Easy Coin Drop Inertia Experiment
  • How To Make A Newton’s Cradle With Popsicle Sticks | 5 Sir Isaac Newton Facts
  • Easy Atom Model Project: How To Create A Fun Lego Version
  • How to Make an Edible Kindergarten Earth Science Tectonic Plate Activity
  • 40 Awesome Earth Science Movies for Kindergarten
  • EASY Hands-on Earth Science: Fun Water Testing Kit
  • Rock Activities For Kindergarten And Fun Edible Rock Cycle
  • 8 Earth Day Facts | How to Make a Recycled Robot
  • Dive Into STEM Learning With An Exciting Jello Earthquake Experiment
  • Galileo Discovery of Jupiter Moons and Fun Hands-On Moon Crater Experiment
  • Space Science Experiment ~ Exploring one of Jupiter’s Moons
  • Dynamic Astronomy Lapbook for Multiple Ages
  • How to Create A Stunning Night Sky Paper Roll Display
  • How to Create A Stunning Night Sky Paper Roll Display
  • Easy Study Of The Solar System Fun Interactive Worksheets
Rising Water with a Candle Easy Hands-On Science Experiment

Finally, look at the rising water with a candle science activity.

RISING WATER WITH A CANDLE HANDS-ON SCIENCE EXPERIMENT

Just a quick recap, as the candle burns it heats up the air inside the container, causing it to expand and escape. 

When the candle goes out the air cools rapidly and creates a lowered pressure inside the jar compared to the outside air, which results in the water rising to equalize the pressure.

You will need:

  • Mason jar or clear glass
  • A small candle.
  • Clay, Play-Doh
  • Lighter or matches
  • Water
  • small saucer
  • Food coloring – optional
Rising Water with a Candle Easy Hands-On Science Experiment

First, roll up a little bit of Play-Doh or clay and place in the center of your plate then press the candle into it.

This will hold your candle up in position for the experiment.

Rising Water with a Candle Easy Hands-On Science Experiment

Now you can use plain water, but if you add a drop or two of food coloring, you can really see what happens with the water a lot better.

Carefully pour your water into the saucer.

Rising Water with a Candle Easy Hands-On Science Experiment

Light the candle and make sure that it has caught on well.

Rising Water with a Candle Easy Hands-On Science Experiment

Slowly lower the mason jar over the candle until it is resting on the plate in the water.

Rising Water with a Candle Easy Hands-On Science Experiment

Watch what happens as the candle burns for just a bit and then burns out.

Kids find this absolutely amazing.

Rising Water with a Candle Easy Hands-On Science Experiment

We let the jar stay for a while in the water that remained inside the jar.

Once we moved the jar a bit and released the pressure, the water quickly flooded out.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: candles, elementary science, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool, homeschoolscience, physical science, science, water

How to Make Goodnight Gorilla Craft Puppets for Storytime

February 21, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Making puppets for a Goodnight Gorilla craft is a wonderful way to introduce learning through play for favorite stories.

Goodnight Gorilla is written by Peggy Rathmann and tells the story of a zookeeper who says goodnight to the animals in his care before going to bed.

He makes his way through the gorillas, giraffes, elephants, lions, and even an armadillo but a mischievous gorilla grabs the keys and decides to play a trick on the zookeeper.

How to Make Goodnight Gorilla Craft Puppets for Storytime

The gorilla quietly follows the zookeeper, unlocking the cages of the other animals and letting them out.

Kids just think this is so hilarious and love being part of the joke.

GOODNIGHT GORILLA BOOK

Good Night Gorilla

 Picture books bring stories to life for the littles. Add this picture book to your home library.

Good Night Gorilla

'Good night, Gorilla', says the night watchman as he finishes his rounds at the zoo. But Gorilla has other ideas, deftly pick-pocketing the watchman's keys and letting himself, Elephant, Lion, Hyena, Giraffe and Armadillo out of his cage. The watchman makes his way home and into bed, unaware that the zoo has followed him home!

The zookeeper makes his way home and crawls into bed only for his wife to find that all the animals followed him home.

So she leads them all back and puts them all away, except for one.

HOW TO USE THE STORY TIME PUPPETS

These fun little craft stick puppets that go with a book allow your child to recreate the story or make a new one.

Use them for new vocabulary and language skills, develop fine motor skills as they help make the puppets, and foster their imagination.

How to Make Goodnight Gorilla Craft Puppets for Storytime

From a mom’s point of view, it is fun trying to recreate their favorite characters into a learning toy with simple drawings.

We are going to turn Good Night Gorilla and some of its most memorable characters into puppets using craft sticks and markers or crayons.

MORE GOODNIGHT GORILLA CRAFT IDEAS

  • Make a Simple and Fun Wildlife Craft Mountain Gorilla Layered Art Project to take a simple storybook to the next level of learning.
  • These Story Blocks- Goodnight Gorilla are another great way to retell this favorite story while they rearrange and build.
  • Yet another way to add a level of learning to a simple story book is the Alphabet Letter G is for Gorilla Fun Paper Plate Preschool Mask which is full of gorilla themed learning ideas.
  • Goodnight Gorilla Handprint Zoo Craft
  • Grab this free Goodnight Gorilla Zoo Animal Patterns Printable to teach your preschooler patterning and fine motor skills as they cut and paste.
  • Here is a cute idea for making shoebox cages for zoo animals along with matching keys that will lead to hours of dramatic play.
  • This craft, Zoobook Activity: Matching Eyes is fun and
  • Encourage your child to get creative with LEGO or Duplo and recreate Goodnight, Gorilla: Building the Story with Lego.

If you want to make it more than just a simple craft you can include some simple facts and look at pictures of the animals in the story.

Wildlife Anatomy is a wonderful reference for a variety of ages and includes gorilla, lion, and elephant.

How to Make Goodnight Gorilla Craft Puppets for Storytime

Think about taking a trip to a local zoo to see if you can find all the animals mentioned in the story.

And as well as a zookeeper or two to make it come even more alive for your child.

It will be a fun scavenger hunt mixed in with a simple science activity. It is a great way to bond with your child.

Grab a container of zoo animals and let your child build their own zoo with LEGO, wood blocks, pipe cleaners, or sticks gathered from the yard.

HOW TO MAKE GOODNIGHT GORILLA CRAFT PUPPETS

You will need:

  • Jumbo craft sticks
  • Cardstock
  • A pencil with eraser
  • Markers, crayons, or colored pencils

First, the illustrations in Goodnight Gorilla are very simple.

And that makes them easy to recreate with pencil and a little color. 

Draw very simple outlines in pencil of the zookeeper and the animals you wish to include on thick cardstock.

How to Make Goodnight Gorilla Craft Puppets for Storytime

If you do just their heads it is easier than drawing the entire body if you are intimidated by drawing.

Next, make your drawings pop by coloring them in, keep it simple with just a couple colors.

How to Make Goodnight Gorilla Craft Puppets for Storytime

Add details like hair, eyes, etc… to give your drawings a little depth.

And if you outline everything in black they really pop.

How to Make Goodnight Gorilla Craft Puppets for Storytime

Cut each one out of the cardstock.

How to Make Goodnight Gorilla Craft Puppets for Storytime

Use a glue stick to attach them to the back of the craft stick.

How to Make Goodnight Gorilla Craft Puppets for Storytime

Store in a cup or sandwich bag when not in use.

How to Make Goodnight Gorilla Craft Puppets for Storytime

If you want to make them more durable for longer play, laminate them before gluing them to the craft sticks.

You can do this for whatever your toddler or preschoolers favorite books are and get quite a fun collection going.

Picture a set of Goodnight Moon, The Very Hungry Caterpillar and more on their bookshelves promoting imagination and literacy skills.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: crafts, gorilla, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool

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