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Tina Robertson

How To Make A Lime | Lemon Volcano Science Experiment

June 3, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Another fun messy summer science is how to make a lime and lemon volcano science experiment. Also, look at my page Free Homeschool Volcano Unit Study.

Also, look at my page Free Earth Science Lapbook & Unit Study Ideas.

This isn’t just messy fun, it’s also a cool science experiment. For example, you can learn chemistry, reactions, and even talk about what is the scientific method.

When you mix lemon or lime juice with baking soda, you get a fizzy eruption Actually, we’re using both lemons and limes.

How To Make A Lime | Lemon Volcano Science Experiment

We’re creating a chemical reaction between an acid and a base.

For instance, lemons and limes have citric acid and the base is baking soda. Its real name is sodium bicarbonate.

When these two mix, they form a gas called carbon dioxide.

BOOKS ABOUT VOLCANOES FOR KIDS

Next, add some fun science to your hands-on experiment today.

Add one or two of these living books I’ve rounded up.

12 Volcano Books & Resources

Add one or two of these books to learn about volcanoes and add some hands-on ideas to learn about the types of volcanoes.

Volcanoes

Did you know there are four main types of volcanoes? Or that volcanoes are classified as active, dormant, or extinct? The Devil’s Tower in Wyoming is an extinct volcano. It’s about 40.5 million years old!

Birth Of an Island

Simple explanation of how an island is formed. B/ W sketch illustrations.

R&R Games The Table is Lava Family Game

As Dawn breaks, mount kahlualualuau is spewing its fiery lava down onto meepleville. The natives are frantically trying to escape the rivers of lava and remain on safe ground. Whoever’s tribe survives the eruption with the most Meeples shall be the winner!

Volcano: Eruption and Healing of Mt. St Helen's

In this extraordinary photographic essay, Patricia Lauber details the Mount St. Helens eruption and the years following in Volcano: Eruption and Healing of Mt. St. Helen's.Through this clear accurate account, readers of all ages will share the awe of the scientists who witnessed both the power of the volcano and the resiliency of life.

The Kingfisher Science Encyclopedia

Science is vital for every inhabitant of today’s world, and being scientifically informed and literate is a crucial part of any child’s education. Science can seem daunting –- especially as scientific knowledge advances so quickly –- and this volume is the perfect purchase for any family. It will bear repeated use by all the family from 10+ through the teenage years.

All About Volcanoes (A True Book: Natural Disasters) (A True Book (Relaunch))

Conditions on Earth are becoming more and more extreme and kids want to learn about it!

Is it true that, at any given time, about 20 volcanoes are erupting somewhere on Earth? Yes! Sometimes volcanoes erupt with a big, dangerous bang. Other times they spit out lava so slowly that you could walk faster than it flows.

How to Dig a Hole to the Other Side of the World

‘[An] irresistible account of a child’s imaginary 8,000-mile journey through the earth to discover what’s inside. Facts about the composition of the earth are conveyed painlessly and memorably.’ —SLJ. ‘An exciting adventure. . . . Illustrations [by Caldecott Medal winner Marc Simont] explode with color and action.’ —CS.

Volcanoes! (National Geographic Readers)

The cool story of volcanoes will intrigue kids and adults alike. Hot melted rock from the middle of our planet forces its way up through cracks in the Earth’s crusts, exploding violently and sometimes unexpectedly in volcanic fury that can terrorize populations for months, even years.

National Geographic Readers: Erupt! 100 Fun Facts About Volcanoes (L3)

Kids will burst with excitement as they learn all about the science and wonder of volcanoes in this new National Geographic Kids Reader.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Ultimate Volcano Kit – Erupting Volcano Science

UNFORGETTABLE SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS – This is a great hands-on experiment kit for any science fair; the updated mold and instructions make it easy to assemble a sturdy volcano form and realistic paint colors give the volcano a lifelike look.

Natural and Earth Science Educational Flash Card

This set of 48 cards features a colorful illustration on one side and informational facts on the other side.

The Magic School Bus: Blasting off with Erupting Volcanoes

MIX YOUR OWN LAVA: Use the included mixture to form your own “lava” and experiment with explosions by making your own volcano erupt!

Also, add more activities to do with lemons.

MORE VOLCANO ACTIVITIES

  • Amazing Volcano Facts For Kids & Awesome Lemon Volcano Experiment
  • Mini Volcano Book and Label Layers of Earth Mini Book
  • Celebrate National Vinegar Day With A Hands-on Study of Volcanoes
  • Free Homeschool Volcano Unit Study and Fun Apple Volcano
  • How To Make A Mountain Volcano | Mighty Mount Kilimanjaro With Geronimo Stilton
  • How to Make A Letter V For Volcano Handprint Craft
How To Make A Lime | Lemon Volcano Science Experiment

Finally, look at how to make this lemon volcano science experiment.

HOW TO MAKE A LIME AND LEMON VOLCANO SCIENCE EXPERIMENT

First, look at this easy list of supplies.

  • 1 Lemon
  • 1 Lime
  • Cutting Board
  • Kitchen knife
  • Spill Tray
  • Food coloring (green, blue, red, and yellow)
  • Dish soap
  • Baking soda
  • Measuring Spoon
  • Popsicle stick or tongue depressor

Gather all the supplies needed.

How To Make A Lime | Lemon Volcano Science Experiment

Cut the ends of each lemon and lime off to make them flat.

How To Make A Lime | Lemon Volcano Science Experiment

Then cut the lemon and lime in half, making 4 total halves.

How To Make A Lime | Lemon Volcano Science Experiment

Add 2-3 drops of food coloring to each of the lemons and limes.

How To Make A Lime | Lemon Volcano Science Experiment

Squeeze the dish soap onto each lemon and lime half.

How To Make A Lime | Lemon Volcano Science Experiment

Add a spoonful of baking soda to each lemon and lime.

How To Make A Lime | Lemon Volcano Science Experiment

Then, using the popsicle stick, poke into the lemon and lime to release the juice and create an “eruption.”

How To Make A Lime | Lemon Volcano Science Experiment

Why does this happen? The reason is the chemical reaction of acids and bases releasing carbon dioxide. Lemons and limes are full of citric acid.

How To Make A Lime | Lemon Volcano Science Experiment

The acid reacts with the baking soda to make the reaction. The dish soap helps capture the bubbles that we can see. The food coloring is for fun and makes the eruption more colorful.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool, lemon, lime, science, STEM, volcano

The Vanishing Of Queen Nefertiti Free Ancient Egypt Printable

June 2, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have a free and cool ancient Egypt printable about the vanishing of Queen Nefertiti. Also, look at my Ancient Civilizations page about Ancient Egypt for more ideas!

Too, look at my page Fun Pharaohs and Queens Ancient Egypt Lapbook and Activities for more ideas.

One of the most famous and mysterious figures from ancient Egypt wasn’t a pharaoh but a queen.

She was more than just a royal wife, she helped change Egypt in big ways and is remembered for her beauty, power, and mystery.

The Vanishing Of Queen Nefertiti Free Ancient Egypt Printable

Nefertiti lived over 3,000 years ago and was married to Pharaoh Akhenaten.

Nefertiti was deeply involved in her husband’s rule. In fact, some historians believe she may have ruled Egypt as a pharaoh herself after Akhenaten died.

They told the people to worship just one god, Aten, the sun god.

BOOKS ABOUT NEFERTITI

Also, here a few books to add to your reading list.

Too, use one or two alongside this free ancient Egypt printable.

Books and Resources About Nefertiti

Nefertiti lived over 3,000 years ago and was married to Pharaoh Akhenaten.

Nefertiti: Unlocking the Mystery Surrounding Egypt's Most Famous and Beautiful Queen

For over a decade, Nefertiti, wife of the heretic king Akhenaten, was the most influential woman in the Bronze Age world: a beautiful queen blessed by the sun god, adored by her family, and worshipped by her people.

Her image and her name were celebrated throughout Egypt and her future seemed golden. Suddenly Nefertiti disappeared from the royal family, vanishing so completely that it was as if she had never been. No record survives to detail her death, no
monument serves to mourn her passing, and to this day her end remains an enigma—her body has never been found. Fully revising her classic biography of Egypt’s sun queen, historian Joyce Tyldesley draws on a wealth of scholarly and archeological evidence to investigate the truth behind the life, times, and mysterious disappearance of the legendary Nefertiti.

Nefertiti Lived Here

This is the first book written by archaeologist and broadcastor Mary Chubb about her adventures and experiences on various digs in the Near East and East Mediterranean. This story concerns her time at the site of Tell el Amarna in Egypt, the city of Akhenaten, in 1930. Written as a novel, but full of historical facts and real-life experiences.

Queen Nefertiti and the Magical Nile Adventure

Embark on a captivating journey to ancient Africa with "Nefertiti and the Magical Nile Adventure," a heartwarming story that
will enchant children ages 2-10 and their families. Join the wise and beautiful Queen Nefertiti on a whimsical adventure along the banks of the legendary Nile River, a magical land filled with life and surprises.

In this delightful storybook, children will:

Learn valuable life lessons: Queen Nefertiti, with the help of f the magical crocodile, teaches the importance of
sharing and caring. These timeless lessons will resonate with young hearts.

Explore the wonders of the Nile: Dive in into Africa's rich history and beauty as you follow Nefertiti's boat on a magical journey down the Nile River.

Additionally, look at these other Egyptian activities.

MORE ANCIENT EGYPT ACTIVITIES

  • Fun Pharaohs and Queens Ancient Egypt Lapbook and Activities
  • 11 Easy Hands-On Ancient Egypt Projects for Middle School
  • Hands-on Ancient Egypt: Israelite Mud Bricks for Kids
  • Fun and Easy Hands-On Ancient Egypt Craft: Create Canopic Jars
  • Ancient Egyptian Mathematics: Build a LEGO Math Calculator
  • Building Wonders: Create the Great Sphinx of Giza with LEGO
  • Egypt Crafts For Kindergarten Create a Fun Kid Sized Mummy
  • Make a beautiful Cleopatra Collar and Cuffs to wear.

Also, Nefertiti and Akhenaten even built a whole new city called Amarna for Aten.

The Vanishing Of Queen Nefertiti Free Ancient Egypt Printable

But the mystery begins. Nefertiti disappears from history.

Grab my free printable to study about her disappearance.

HOW TO GET THE FREE VANISHING OF QUEEN NEFERTITI FREE ANCIENT EGYPT PRINTABLE

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

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

1) CLICK HERE ON THIS LINK TO SIGN UP ON MY EMAIL LIST & TO GET THIS FREEBIE

2) Grab the freebie instantly.

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

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Ancient Civilizations Tagged With: ancient, ancient civilizations, ancient egypt, ancientegypt, egypt, hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, history, homeschool

Secrets Of Dancing Beads: A Sink Or Float Experiment

June 1, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

We’re doing a sink or float experiment to find out how the secret of dancing beads in water. Also, look at my page 4 Weeks Free Physical Science Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas for more activities.

This science experiment is colorful, fizzy, and super fun.

Besides by using water beads in this dancing beads experiment, your child that loves sensory play with love the squishy beads. Water beads are tiny, dry balls that grow into soft, squishy spheres when you soak them in water.

Secrets Of Dancing Beads: A Sink Or Float Experiment

Just remember if you have small children around that the beads should not be put in your child’s mouth.

Next, the best sink or float experiments are ones that involve a few items and are not too complicated.

You’ll want to introduce words like density, buoyancy and scientific thinking like predicting, testing, and observing.

PHYSICAL SCIENCE BOOKS FOR KIDS

First, add these books to your reading day.

I prefer living books when we find them.

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

Next, look at more sink or float experiments

MORE SINK OR FLOAT EXPERIMENTS

  • The Easy Sink Or Float Orange Density Experiment For Kids
  • Quick Unit Study & Easy Salt water Density Ocean Science Experiments For Kindergarten
  • Learn about the layers of density in this How to Make a Cool Fibonacci Lemonade and 8 Things to Learn about Fibonacci activity.
  • How Do Sharks Float STEM Activity Free Shark Unit Study & Notebooking Pages
  • Easy Kids Earth Day Activity & More Water Density Experiments
Secrets Of Dancing Beads: A Sink Or Float Experiment

Finally, look at how this beads appear to be dancing through this experiment.

DANCING WATER BEADS (ORBEEZ)

First, heads up:

Prepare water beads by placing the new beads in water and soaking them for at least 12 hours.

Then look at this list of supplies:

  • Wide-mouthed clear jar or cup
  • Water
  • Water beads (orbeezs – prepared 12 hours before)
  • Alka-Seltzer tablets

After soaking beads, proceed with the experiment.

Secrets Of Dancing Beads: A Sink Or Float Experiment

Fill a wide-mouth jar ¾ of the way full.

Secrets Of Dancing Beads: A Sink Or Float Experiment

Pour ½ cup of water beads into the water.

Secrets Of Dancing Beads: A Sink Or Float Experiment

Let the water beads settle to the bottom of the jar.

Secrets Of Dancing Beads: A Sink Or Float Experiment

Break 1 Alka-Seltzer into pieces.

Secrets Of Dancing Beads: A Sink Or Float Experiment

Drop all the pieces into the jar at once.

Secrets Of Dancing Beads: A Sink Or Float Experiment

Watch the water beads dance!

*This experiment can be done over and over again by just dropping another Alka-Seltzer in!
*You can also add oil to the water before dropping in the water beads for more of a “lava lamp” appearance.

Why does this happen?

Alka-Seltzers produce a carbon dioxide chemical reaction when added to water.

The carbon dioxide (CO2) bubbles attach to the water beads and lifting them up.

This gas forms bubbles in the liquid — and those bubbles can actually lift and move the water beads, making them dance up and down!

Floating and Sinking: The bubbles make the beads float. When the bubbles pop at the surface, the beads sink again — and the cycle continues.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, science, sink or float

Why Does A Rainbow Appear After A Drizzle | Magic Rainbow Experiment

May 31, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

We’re learning why does a rainbow appear after a drizzle and doing a fun growing rainbow STEM experiment.

After a light rain or drizzle, a beautiful rainbow can appear. Although rain has a lot to do with it but so does the sunlight. Then after the rain slows down or stops, the clouds often move. And the sun peeks out.

Next, the sun shines through the leftover rain drops.

Why Does A Rainbow Appear After A Drizzle | Magic Rainbow Experiment

That is when amazing color happens.

You’d think the sunlight may look white, but actually it’s made of many different colors.

For example, there are colors like red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet.

ROYGBIV is a fun way to remember the colors of the rainbow. However, there is more science going on.

BOOKS ABOUT RAINBOWS FOR KIDS

First, add some of these fun books about rainbows to your study.

I choose living books first when I can find them.

8 Rainbow Books

R is for rainbow. Add some books and resources for a fun unit study rainbow theme.

A Rainbow of My Own

A small boy imagines what it would be like to have his own rainbow to play with.

Rainbows (Amazing Sights of the Sky)

One of the best things about a rainy day is the possibility of seeing a rainbow, but there's more to rainbows than meets the eye! Simple text introduces readers to the science behind rainbows. Including why rainbows occur and what they are made of.

What Makes a Rainbow?: A Magic Ribbon Book

A rainbow of ribbons magically appear when you open the pages of this innovative book! Toddlers will love listening to the charming story and seeing a different colored ribbon with the turn of each page. The last page is sure to delight with all the colors of the rainbow. What a fun way to learn colors!

Rain!

One rainy day in the city, an eager little boy exclaims, “Rain!” Across town a grumpy man grumbles, “Rain.” In this endearing picture book, a rainy-day cityscape comes to life in vibrant, cut-paper-style artwork. The boy in his green frog hat splashes in puddles—“Hoppy, hoppy, hoppy!”—while the old man curses the “dang puddles.” Can the boy’s natural exuberance (and perhaps a cookie) cheer up the grouchy gentleman and turn the day around?

The Rain Came Down

"On Saturday morning, the rain came down. It made the chickens squawk. The cat yowled at the chickens, and the dog barked at the cat. And still, the rain came down."The barking dog wakes the baby, the dog barks louder, and a policeman comes. His police car blocks traffic, and a woman in a taxi yells, so the taxi driver honks his horn. The truck driver in front of him gets mad and starts honking back. The beauty parlor owner comes out to look, and she bumps into the barber, and they begin to argue. A painter bonks the barber on the head with a can of paint, and then the baker opens up his umbrella and pokes the pizza man. On and on and on until suddenly . . . . . . the rain stops!The sun comes out, everything shimmers, and all of the bickering townspeople make amends–even the arguing children, who get free ice cream cones.

Who Likes Rain?

With spring come April showers. It's time to put on a raincoat, grab an umbrella, and head outdoors. The worms like rain, and so do the fish and frogs. But what about the cat and dog? In this lyrical picture book, one spunky little girl discovers just who likes rain―and who doesn't―as she explores the rainy-day habits of the world around her.

Newton's Rainbow: The Revolutionary Discoveries of a Young Scientist

Famed for his supposed encounter with a falling apple that inspired his theory of gravity, Isaac Newton (1642–1727) grew from a quiet and curious boy into one of the most influential scientists of all time. Newton's Rainbow tells the story of young Isaac―always reading, questioning, observing, and inventing―and how he eventually made his way to Cambridge University, where he studied the work of earlier scientists and began building on their accomplishments. This colorful picture book biography celebrates Newton's discoveries that illuminated the mysteries of gravity, motion, and even rainbows, discoveries that gave mankind a new understanding of the natural world, discoveries that changed science forever.

Quiet Bunny's Many Colors

Quiet Bunny loves the bright colors of spring: the yellow ducks, green frogs, and blue jays —everything but his own mousy-brown and wintry-white fur. It takes the help of a wise old owl for Bunny to realize that it's the rainbow of colors, including his own, that makes the world so beautiful.

In addition, when sunlight hits those tiny droplet it bends, splits and bounces inside them.

This process is called refraction, dispersion, and reflection.

ACTIVITIES TO PAIR WITH WHY DOES A RAINBOW APPEAR AFTER A DRIZZLE

Next, look at more rainbow crafts.

  • Alphabet Letter R is for Rainbow Craft for Preschool | Fun Rain Mobile
  • Frozen Rainbow Science Experiment for Kids
  • Colorful Chemistry: Exciting M&M Science Experiment To Try At Home
  • How To Make A Rainbow – Simple Science Experiments
  • Easy Science for Kids: A Rainbow Eruption
  • Rainbow Unicorn Toothpaste Science Experiment
Why Does A Rainbow Appear After A Drizzle | Magic Rainbow Experiment

Finally, look at how to do this growing rainbow science experiment.

HOW TO DO A GROWING RAINBOW STEM EXPERIMENT

First, gather these easy supplies:

  • paper towel (1 select a size, cut in half lengthwise, or a full-size paper towel cut into a 1/4)
  • scissors
  • 2 glasses of water (glass or clear plastic)
  • washable markers (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple)
Why Does A Rainbow Appear After A Drizzle | Magic Rainbow Experiment

Gather all the supplies needed.

Cut a piece of paper towel in half if using the select-a-size.

Why Does A Rainbow Appear After A Drizzle | Magic Rainbow Experiment

Color a rainbow pattern at the ends of the paper towel about 1-2 inches long with washable markers.

Fill both glasses with water.

Why Does A Rainbow Appear After A Drizzle | Magic Rainbow Experiment

Place the end of the rainbow into each glass of water.

Why Does A Rainbow Appear After A Drizzle | Magic Rainbow Experiment

Watch as the rainbow grows and meets in the middle!

Why Does A Rainbow Appear After A Drizzle | Magic Rainbow Experiment

*Why does this happen? The colored water climbs up the paper towel by capillary action. The fibers within the paper towel act like capillary tubes and draw the rainbow upwards.

Why Does A Rainbow Appear After A Drizzle | Magic Rainbow Experiment

Capillary action: The ability of water to flow in narrow spaces and resist gravity along the way.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, rain, rainbow, science

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

May 30, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

If you wanted to take a zoology unit study and condense it into a 4-week study I have got you covered. Also, look at my page Best Homeschool Unit Studies for more unit studies.

I have topics broken down to cover different areas each week.

Instead of a boxed curriculum you will need only a notebook and to follow along with what I did in my planning.

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

For example, I used The Anthology of Intriguing Animals, access to the internet for research and then added a few more good resource books.

You’ll want to create your own zoology notebook. The beauty of doing everything in the notebook is that it is full of your child’s own investigations, experiments, observations, drawings, and notes. It becomes a cherished keepsake.

And it can be used for records, and helps you keep some of the loose paper problems down.

Besides, it can be customized to fit your kids needs, ages, and even their style. Because it is so open ended it can be done with preschoolers right through high school.

ZOOLOGY BOOKS FOR KIDS

First, look at some of these other zoology resources.

8 Resources for Multiple Ages Who Love Learning About Zoology

I have listed curriculum help to fun hands-on manipulatives for little kids to games and books which even older learners will enjoy.

Realistic Mini Zoo Animal Figurines

This jungle animal figures set was made by hand painted with high realistically detailed appearance, cute face and childish eyes. Their uniquely molded textures and richly painted details make the animals vivid. Children would like to spend more time to observe and play with them.

Safari Ltd. Nature TOOB

THE BEST OF NATURE: Bring the wonder of the great outdoors into your home with the Nature Toob! Including a rabbit, beaver, doe, cardinal, gray wolf, fox, raccoon, black bear, moose, mountain lion, bald eagle, and a bison, this Toob has all kinds of unique animals that fly, hop and saunter!

Professor Noggin's Wildlife of North America Trivia Card Game

FUN FACTS: Journey through the Wildlife of North America discovering facts about our continent’s most interesting animals. From Polar Bears to Pronghorns, from Alligators to Bald Eagles, this game is perfect for young nature lovers.

Professor Noggin's World of Pets Trivia Card Game

Use Professor Noggin Pets card game as a fun way to learn about animals and as an opportunity to discuss the responsibility of owning a pet.

Books and

Photo Credit: campfirecurriculums.com

Through the Eyes of | A Zoologist

A unit study done really well if you want something put together.

All About Oceans - Marine Biology Handbook: 350 Activities - A Creative Unit Study Science, Research, Geography, Drawing & Language Arts

For kids interested in Marine Biologist and learning about interesting sea creatures like the Brittle Stars and aquatic mammals like the Fur Seal.

Endangered, Extinct & Legendary Animals | A Science & Research Handbook: Zoology & Cryptozoology

This is a creative research handbook for students ages 8-17 and up who love earning about extinct, endangered, and mysterious animals. This curriculum handbook is designed to help students study each animal using books, videos, internet, encyclopedias, and any other parent-approved learning tool.

The 100 Series: Biology Workbook—Grades 6-12 Science, Matter, Atoms, Cells, Genetics, Elements, Bonds,

Give your students the reinforcement they need with the 128-page comprehensive Biology Workbook for grades 6–12. Designed to aid in the review and practice of biology topics such as matter and atoms, cells, classifying animals, genetics, plant and animal structures, human body systems, and ecological relationships, this book includes realistic diagrams and engaging activities to support practice in all areas of
biology.

We also couldn’t do a zoology study without Nature Anatomy, Ocean Anatomy, and Wildlife Anatomy.

The photos alone are a treasure but they are also full of great information.

Then, look at how we planned each week.

Introduction to Zoology and Classification: Week 1

Vertebrates: Week 2

Invertebrates: Week 3

Animal Habitats and Adaptations: Week 4

INTRODUCTION TO ZOOLOGY AND CLASSIFICATION: WEEK 1

What is zoology? It is the scientific study of the behavior, structure, physiology, classification, and distribution of animals.

History of zoology: Learn about the development of zoology from early observations of the natural world to more formal scientific disciplines.

Highlight key figures and their contributions, and discuss how technological advancements have changed the field. Here is a wonderful list of Zoology Careers.

Animal classification (vertebrates vs. invertebrates): Introduce the division of the animal kingdom into vertebrates (animals with a backbone) and invertebrates (animals without a backbone).

Explore the characteristics of each group and provide examples of each. Discuss the importance of classification systems in organizing and understanding the relationships between different animal species.

Kingdoms of life: Broaden the scope to encompass the five (or sometimes six) kingdoms of life, emphasizing the place of animals within this larger biological framework.

INTRODUCTION TO ZOOLOGY AND CLASSIFICATION ACTIVITIES

Briefly describe the characteristics of each kingdom (Monera/Bacteria, Protista, Fungi, Plantae, Animalia) and discuss the relationships between them.

  • Begin a zoology notebook to track everything your child learns, see below for how to put one together easily.
  • Create an animal kingdom chart: Include a hands-on activity where learners create a visual representation of the animal kingdom. This could include classifying different animals based on their characteristics and placing them within a hierarchical chart.
  • Research famous zoologists: Assign research projects on notable zoologists throughout history. Encourage learners to explore their contributions to the field, the challenges they faced, and the impact of their work on our understanding of animals. Presentations or short reports can be used to share findings.
  • Dissect owl pellets:This provides a first hand opportunity for hands-on exploration of animal diets and food webs through the dissection of owl pellets. Explain the process of how owls produce pellets and guide learners in identifying the bones and other remains of prey animals.
  • Play Zoology games to increase their exposure to terminology, characteristics, and facts. We love the Professor Noggin line of games even for middle school.
  • How to Create a Homeschool Zoology Unit Without a Curriculum and Cute Fox Craft (notebooking pages)
4 Weeks Free Zoology Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas

Next, look at vertebrates week.

VERTEBRATES WEEK 2

Mammals: Explore the defining characteristics of mammals, including the presence of fur or hair, mammary glands, and warm-bloodedness. Discuss the diversity of mammalian orders and provide examples of animals in each group, highlighting their unique adaptations and habitats.

Birds: Investigate the features that characterize birds, such as feathers, wings, and the ability to lay hard-shelled eggs. Discuss the adaptations that enable flight and explore the variety of bird species, and their behaviors. Incorporate art projects like this How to Paint a Cardinal Bird With Kids

Reptiles: Examine the characteristics of reptiles, including scales, cold-bloodedness, and egg-laying (though some give birth to live young). Discuss the major groups of reptiles (such as snakes, lizards, turtles, and crocodiles) and their adaptations to different environments. Make a realistic looking How To Make A Fake Snakeskin Snake Craft.

Amphibians: Study the unique life cycle of amphibians, which typically involves both aquatic larval and terrestrial adult stages. Discuss their characteristics, such as smooth, moist skin and their dependence on water for reproduction. Explore the different types of amphibians, including frogs, toads, and salamanders.

Fish: Explore the world of fish, aquatic vertebrates with gills and fins. Discuss the different classes of fish (such as jawless fish, cartilaginous fish, and bony fish) and their adaptations to various aquatic environments, including freshwater and saltwater habitats.

VERTEBRATES ACTIVITIES

  • Study local birds: Encourage learners to observe and identify birds in their local environment. Provide resources such as field guides and binoculars. Discuss birdwatching techniques and the importance of respecting bird habitats.
  • Bird Unit Study and Lapbook And Fun Edible Bird Nests
  • Visit zoo’s, farms, aquariums: Organize a field trip to provide opportunities for observing a wide variety of vertebrate species. Encourage learners to take notes, sketch animals, and ask questions about their characteristics and behaviors. Take pictures and use them in their zoology journals.
  • Black Bear Unit Study and Fun Edible Bear Poop
  • Create animal fact sheets: Assign research projects on specific vertebrate animals. Learners can gather information on their physical characteristics, habitat, diet, behavior, and conservation status, and present their findings in the form of fact sheets.
  • Learn How do Fish Breathe Underwater Fun Activity & Animal Science Homeschool Curriculum
  • Beautiful Bald Eagle Fun Facts And Torn Paper Bird Craft
  • From Egg to Sea Turtle Nature Unit Study & Lapbook
  • Horse Unit Study for Your Horse Loving Kids
4 Weeks Free Zoology Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas

INVERTEBRATES WEEK 3

Insects: Explore the most diverse group of animals on Earth – the insects. Discuss their key characteristics, including a three-part body (head, thorax, abdomen), six legs, and often wings. Examine the different orders of insects and their adaptations to a wide range of terrestrial and aquatic habitats.

Arachnids: Investigate the characteristics of arachnids, such as spiders, scorpions, ticks, and mites. Discuss their eight legs and their adaptations for predation and survival. Explore the different types of arachnids and their ecological roles.

Mollusks: Study the diverse phylum of mollusks, which includes snails, slugs, clams, oysters, and squid. Discuss their soft bodies, often protected by a shell, and their various adaptations for feeding, locomotion, and respiration in marine, freshwater, and terrestrial environments.

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

Crustaceans: Examine the characteristics of crustaceans, such as crabs, lobsters, shrimp, and barnacles. Discuss their hard exoskeletons, segmented bodies, and multiple pairs of appendages. Explore their diverse aquatic habitats and their importance in food webs.

Worms: Investigate the different phyla of worms, including segmented worms (like earthworms), roundworms, and flatworms. Discuss their basic body plans and their diverse roles in soil ecology, parasitism, and aquatic ecosystems.

INVERTEBRATES ACTIVITIES

  • Bug hunt in the garden: Organize a “bug hunt” in a garden or natural area. Provide learners with magnifying glasses and containers to collect and observe insects and other small invertebrates. Emphasize the importance of gentle handling and releasing the animals back into their habitat.
  • Build an ant farm (optional): Provide instructions and materials for building a simple ant farm to observe the behavior and social organization of ants. Discuss the different castes of ants and their roles within the colony. Ensure ethical treatment of the ants and proper disposal after observation.
  • Study different types of shells: Collect or provide a variety of mollusk shells for learners to examine. Discuss the different shapes, sizes, and colors of shells and how they relate to the animals that produced them and their environments.
  • Make a pitfall Insect Trap to capture and observe them in your yard.

ANIMAL HABITATS AND ADAPTATIONS WEEK 4

Deserts: Explore the characteristics of desert habitats, including low precipitation, extreme temperatures, and sparse vegetation. Discuss the remarkable adaptations of animals that live in deserts, such as nocturnal behavior, water conservation strategies, and specialized physical features.

Younger children will love to learn How To Create An Engaging Desert Sensory Bin For Hands-On Play.

Rainforests: Investigate the characteristics of rainforest habitats, including high rainfall, warm temperatures, and dense vegetation.

Discuss the incredible biodiversity of rainforests and the adaptations of animals that live in these complex ecosystems, such as camouflage, arboreal lifestyles, and specialized diets.

Oceans: Explore the vast and diverse marine environment.

Also, discuss the different zones of the ocean and the unique challenges and adaptations of animals that live in saltwater habitats, including adaptations for buoyancy, pressure tolerance, and different feeding strategies.

ANIMAL HABITATS AND ADAPTATIONS ACTIVITIES

Arctic regions: Examine the characteristics of Arctic and other cold-climate habitats, including low temperatures, ice cover, and seasonal changes in daylight. Discuss the adaptations of animals that live in these harsh environments, such as thick fur or blubber, hibernation, and migration.

Animal adaptations: Focus on the general concept of adaptation – the evolutionary process by which animals develop traits that enhance their survival and reproduction in specific environments. Discuss different types of adaptations, including structural, physiological, and behavioral adaptations, and provide examples across various animal groups and habitats.

  • Create dioramas of different habitats: Engage learners in creating three-dimensional models (dioramas) of different animal habitats. Encourage them to research the specific characteristics of each habitat and the animals that live there, and to use various materials to represent the environment and its inhabitants.
  • Research animal camouflage: Assign research projects on animal camouflage as a specific type of adaptation. Learners can explore different forms of camouflage, such as crypsis, mimicry, and disruptive coloration, and provide examples of animals that use these strategies for protection or predation.
  • Write a report on an endangered species: Assign research projects on endangered animal species from different habitats.

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