Tina Robertson

Meteorology For Kids Made Fun: Amazing Potato Straw Experiment | Free Printable

December 16, 2024 | Leave a Comment
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I have a fun meteorology for kids amazing potato straw experiment sure to give you the eww and aww moment you need in your science day. Also, I have this fun Free Weather Unit Study for Kids Who Love Hands-on Learning post for more teaching ideas.

Learning about air pressure should be fun. When kids can’t see something like air, for example, show them what air can do.

First explain what is air pressure. Air pressure is the force that the air exerts on everything around us.

Meteorology For Kids Made Fun: Amazing Potato Straw Experiment | Free Printable

And it’s pushing on us all the time although we don’t really know it.

Too, air is made of tiny particles (molecules) that are constantly moving and bumping into things.

Although we can’t see, air is all around us.

Too, air has weight. It presses down on everything here on Earth.

WEATHER BOOKS & RESOURCES FOR KIDS

Also, here are a few weather and book related resources.

Add them to your home library.

10 Weather Unit Study Resources & Books

Add a few of these resources to your weather unit study for hands-on learning.

Eric Sloane's Weather Book

"Amateur weather forecasters (which includes just about everyone) will find this volume an informative and entertaining account of the why and how of the weather." — The Nation. In simple language, Eric Sloane explains the whys and wherefores of weather and weather forecasting — and does it in a style that's universally appealing.With humor and common sense shining through in a book that's also lively and informative, Sloane shows readers how to predict the weather by "reading" such natural phenomena as winds, skies, and animal sounds. This beautifully illustrated and practical treasure trove of climate lore will enlighten outdoorsmen, farmers, sailors, and anyone else who has ever wondered what a large halo around the moon means, why birds "sit it out" before a storm, and whether or not to take an umbrella when leaving the house.

You Wouldn't Want to Live Without Extreme Weather!

This series takes readers (Ages 8-12) on a historical journey, examining how people coped in the past and how they developed ingenious ways to make life safer and less unpleasant. Each book features full-color cartoon-style illustrations and hilarious speech bubbles to heighten interest, making the series attractive even to reluctant readers.It's a nuisance when it rains on a picnic. It's a tragedy when a tornado destroys a neighborhood. Some plants can grow only in hot, dry conditions; others require cold temperatures at certain times of year. And if the Arctic and Antarctic were less cold, melting ice would raise sea levels around the world and cause widespread flooding.

If You Were a Kid Surviving a Hurricane

If a hurricane was heading toward your home town, what would you do?

Readers (Ages 7-9) will enjoy the thrilling story of Carrie and Dan, two friends who find themselves caught in the path of a major hurricane. Along the way, they will learn how hurricanes form, how weather scientists track and study these storms, what people do to protect themselves from wind and flooding, and much more.

The Kids' Book of Weather Forecasting

With experiments, observations and activities children ages seven to thirteen will learn to predict the weather by understanding the science behind it. From foggy mornings to sunny afternoons to our changing seasons, weather forecasting is a year-round, practical science that children will have fun learning about.

Weather: Explore Nature with Fun Facts and Activities

How is a forecast predicted? What makes a rainbow? Packed with facts and activities, this book has these answers and more, and is a perfect introduction to the world of sun, snow, and rain for kids who are curious about nature.

With amazing facts about fun topics like thunder and lightning, Weather lets kids have fun and be innovative as they learn through simple activities like cloudspotting and making a barometer. It includes information on weather found in every season of the year, so kids can discover how weather works no matter what it's doing outside.

What Makes a Tornado Twist?: And Other Questions About Weather

Is each snowflake unique? What comes first: thunder or lightning? What causes the seasons? Charming illustrations, clever charts, and fun text help kids learn whatever they want to know about wild weather. No matter their question, the fascinating answers are right here!

Pet Tornado-Spin and Watch

Nature's most destructive force can be observed and enjoyed in the palm of your hand Hold Pet Tornado from top or bottom and rotate wrist form amazing funnel clouds Includes educational information aboutEF-0 to EF-5 tornados and is a perfect addition to a weather science curriculum or for your future meteorologist Great Stress reliever and the perfect desk toy.

Weather Science Lab 20 All Season Projects

Discover The Wonderful World Of Weather Science With This Scientific Weather Science Lab Kit Designed To Educate The Budding Meteorologist On The Mysteries Of The Climate And Teach Your Young Scientist How To Chart And Predict It.

Spark Your Kid'S Curiosity & Imagination: Including 20 All-Season Activities For All Climates, This Weather Project Kit Covers A Wide Range Of Weather-Related Subjects And Boosts Children'S Cognitive Skills.

Make A Cloud In The Bottle: Measure Temperature With A Real-Life Thermometer, Atmospheric Pressure With A Barometer, Keep Your Head In The Sky To Identify Clouds And Create Fluffy Snow Without Freezing Temps

Keep Children Busy Come Rain Or Shine: Let Your Kids Set Up Their Weather Station Indoors Or Pick The Right Spot For Their Experiments Outdoors. Encourage Them To Take Notes, For The Most Accurate Forecasts

Peaceable Kingdom Sunny and Stormy Day Game

LEARNING AND GROWING: Nourish your child’s social-emotional well-being through this matching-and-sharing game from Peaceable Kingdom that has three difficulty levels adaptable to your child’s age.

HOW TO PLAY: Read the book together, then use your memory skills to find the “sunny” and “stormy” matches from the book before the moon comes up. Use the sun, cloud and rainbow tokens to share the highs and lows of your own day as a family.

WE WIN TOGETHER: Talking about feelings in an age-appropriate way can nurture emotional health and encourage confidence, compassion and kindness. Sunny Stormy game and book help kick-off important conversations between kids and parents.

3 PART, 3 LEVELS: The game’s storybook, memory game and sharing activity can be done all together, or separately, and have three levels of experience to adapt to older and younger children.

INCLUDES: Full-color Picture Book, 24 Game Tiles, 1 Game Puzzle, Heart Pouch with 3 Sharing Tokens, Instructions (For ages 3 and up)

Board Game to Learn About Seasons and Weather

SMART GAMES FOR LEARNING ABOUT THE SEASONS: Easter in spring, Halloween in fall, Christmas in winter. You go sailing in summer and see butterflies in spring. Children love playing and learning about the seasons, holidays, activities, and events with our educational board game.

EASY GAMEPLAY FOR BOARD GAMES: Win the season card by matching different props with the correct season card. The first player to collect the 5 season cards wins the game. This game can be played in multiple ways. Watch the video to know more!

LEARNING OUTCOMES FOR KIDS GAMES: Review each picture card, have discussions, and guide kids to sort cards across categories. Gain knowledge about fruits, animals, activities, holidays across the different seasons. Build language, reasoning skills, season identification and categorizing, logical, creative, and critical thinking. "

Then, look at more hands activities to go with our meteorology for kids activity today.

METEOROLOGY FOR KIDS ACTIVITIES

Additionally, look at more facts about air pressure.

FACTS ABOUT METEOROLOGY AND AIR PRESSURE FOR KIDS

Look at these simple facts.

Air pressure can be high or low.
Low pressure can lead to clouds and storms
But high pressure is often associated with sunny skies and clear weather.
Air pressure decreases with altitude. That is why it’s hard to breathe at high altitudes because there is less oxygen.
Scientists use instruments like barometers to measure air pressure.

And look at these words to define.

pressure
atmosphere
molecules
vacuum
weather

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

GRAB THE FREE PRINTABLE BEFORE THE EXPERIMENT

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 now.

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

Finally, look at this fun experiment to learn about the power of air pressure.

AMAZING POTATO STRAW EXPERIMENT

In this activity, we’re going to explore how air pressure can create force and movement.

Look at this easy list to get the wow factor.

Gather all ages around, it really is that cool!

Supplies:

1 raw potato
1 paper straw (note we tried a flexible straw and used a jumbo smoothie straw for variables)

Directions:

Grab a raw potato and a paper straw.

Try to insert the straw into the potato.

Use the free printable to have your student write his observations and guesses.

Try again and hold a thumb over the end of the straw as you try to insert it. How is this possible?

Because of air pressure!

When a thumb is placed over the opening of the straw it traps air making the straw stronger.

This allows the straw to pierce into the raw potato without bending or breaking. Do it again!!

Make 2025 Colorful: Free Kids Artwork 12 Month 2025 Calendar

December 15, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have a fun diy kids artwork 12 month 2025 calendar for your kids. Also, look at my page DIY Student Planner, 7 Step Curriculum Planner, and Homeschool Planner which can easily be added to this fun calendar.

Not only is it fun, but this calendar encourages creativity and fosters time management.

Besides, teaching about the year, a printable artwork calendar done by your child encourages routine.

It is a product of self-expression.

Make 2025 Colorful: Free Kids Artwork 12 Month 2025 Calendar

Also, through the year your child can track his artistic ability.

For instance, to encourage creativity, not only is there a space above each month to draw, I included a simple tutorial.

There are 12 pages of easy fun drawings of animals for your child to use a guide.

In addition, they should have their own fun supplies to make the calendar theirs.

ART CALENDAR FUN SUPPLIES LIST FOR KIDS

They can create their own designs, drawings, and artwork.

Each day can be personalized.

List of Art Supplies for an Artsy Calendar for Kids

Mix and match these art supplies for a fun way to decorate and use a kids calendar.

72 Count Colored Pencils

72 pack vibrant color pencils.

【Premium Colored Pencils】: Each pencil body has a unique number and
color name for easy color identification.color pencil is made of
high-quality basswood, which is very easy to sharpen.

【Soft Core】: Colored pencils have soft Core,The silky smooth,velvety
soft pencil leads lay down lots of vivid color,the colored core are
highly

Glitter Gel Pen Set,

A fantastic array of glittery gel pen colors ignites the imagination with brilliant shades of rainbow. There is nothing quite like glitter pens to add that extra oomph to your coloring pages.

Anxiety Sensory Stickers Mindfulness Sticker

Love this such positive messages!

Stamp/Kids Stamp Set/Funny Plastic Stamps, 26 Count

26 pcs per unit, in five different colors, Each one is different.

Many fun designs(flowers, smiles, insect,kiss,heart etc.)

48 Colors Washable Watercolor Paint Set

Fun for creating small art pieces on the calendar.

Washi Masking Tape Set

Kids can use washi tape to make a border o their calendar or to mark important dates.

Glitter Colorful Sea Animals Shapes Foam Stickers Self Adhesive Kid's Arts

Easy for kids to peel and stick for decoration

Whether your child uses a fun glittery pen or just adds a border to a date, the calendar becomes uniquely theirs.

Too, look at the benefits of using this calendar.

BENEFITS OF KIDS USING AN ARTWORK CALENDAR

Whether kids are art phobic or an art lover, this calendar nurtures creativity.
By using the stickers or their own drawing they develop a sense of routine and ownership of time.
I especially love it for visual learners. It fosters organization for visual learners because they see the day, month and year.
It encourages fine motor skills in a fun setting. Even older kids can use help with fine motor skills. For instance, kids draw, water color small parts of it, and even stamp important dates.
Encourages memory skills as kids look forward to dates. It helps kids to be mindful.
In addition, children comprehend a year better when they follow along throughout the seasons. They get a better grasp of how time flows.
Too, as I mentioned it nurtures self-expression. Let’s face it. Children love to make all things theirs. Each child can create their own self-expression calendar.
The calendar becomes a fun learning tool and not a cold boring math tool.

OTHER FORMS TO USE WITH THE KIDS CALENDAR

If your child is older, make a simple planner. If not, just use the calendar and a few fun pages.

A calendar is the first step in learning how to use a planner. Make a simple planner.

Keep in mind, although I geared this calendar toward younger children, your older kids can use it.

Ignore the simple drawing pages and have them create their own.

Look at my DIY Student Planner page for fun pages to add to the calendar.
If your child is older, grab my free 2025 to 2029 Colorful Printable List Of Major Holidays (5 Years One Page) to encourage long range planning.
Encourage your older child to look at the year at a glimpse. Grab my School Year 2025 Homeschool Planning Schedule Beautiful Form.

Finally, look at how to get this fun calendar.

HOW TO GET THE FREE DIY ARTWORK 12 MONTH 2025 CALENDAR

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 now.

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

How Do Mollusks Breathe | Easy Pipe Cleaner Snail Craft

December 14, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

We’re learning how do mollusks breathe and making a fun snail craft.

Mollusks are one of the largest groups of animals.

For example, they include octopus, snails, clams, and squid.

And they are soft bodied creatures. Because they do not have a backbone, they are called invertebrates.

How Do Mollusks Breathe | Easy Pipe Cleaner Snail Craft

In addition mollusks can be divided into 3 main groups.

They are Gastropoda (snails and slugs), Bivalvia (clams, oysters, and mussels), and Cephalopoda (octopuses, squids, and cuttlefish).

Gastropods make up the largest group of mollusks.

SNAIL BOOKS FOR KIDS

Next, look at some of these books about snails.

We love to read living books when we can find them.

6 Books About Snails

Add some of these books to your home library or to your unit study for the day.

Matisse's Magical Trail

A young snail's artistic trail inspires a whole class of children to be creative too!

The snail's spell

"Brilliant illustrations and a short text invite an unnamed sleeping, pajama-clad child into a garden teeming with wildlife. The boy gradually shrinks until he is so small he experiences things as a snail would. The incredibly detailed drawings and the idea of shrinking to enter another world should capture children's imaginations

Escargot

Escargot is an adorable French snail who only wants two things: 1) To be your favorite animal, and 2) To eat the delicious salad at the end of this book. Except this delicious salad has a carrot in it. And Escargot hates carrots. But when he finally tries one―with a little help from you!―he realizes that it’s not so bad after all.

The Snail House

Here is the story Grandma tells one evening on her wide veranda steps. It has Michael and Hannah and the disappearing baby in it, a tigerish bird, raindrops like sacks of water, and the hugest apple you ever saw. Oh yes . . . and the Snail House. So gather round, climb up now into Grandma’s lap. Darkness is falling, the air is still, and the story is just about to begin.

Snail in the woods (A Nature I can read book)

A snail's life from the time it is hatched to the time it lays its own eggs.

The Biggest House in the World

A young snail dreams of having the biggest house—or shell—in the world. Then one day, his wise father tells him the story of another snail with the same dream. He grew and grew, adding bright colors and beautiful designs, until he found that his house came at a terrible cost. The young snail decides that a small, easy-to-carry shell might be best for a life of adventure and exploration.

Also, look at these facts about how do mollusks breathe.

HOW DO MOLLUSKS BREATHE

Most mollusks live in water. For instance, clams, oysters, and snails use gills.

However, land snails breathe through a lung-like organ called a “pallial cavity,” which works kind of like our lungs.

The majority of mollusks live in marine environments.

Additionally, two groups, the bivalves and the gastropods, contain freshwater species.

And only the gastropods have animals that live on land (snails and slugs).

For breathing, the gills or lung-like organ is located inside their bodies.

Water or air flows through an opening in their body called the mantle cavity.

So mollusks have different ways of breathing depending on where they live.

Look at more activities about mollusks.

MORE ACTIVITIES TO GO WITH HOW DO MOLLUSKS BREATHE

Finally, look at how to make this adorable pipe cleaner snail.

HOW TO MAKE A PIPE CLEANER SNAIL WITH KIDS

First, look at this short list of supplies.

Colorful pipe cleaners
Googly eyes
Craft glue
Round object (pen or marker or sharpie)

Step 1:

Select 3 pipe cleaners, 2 of the same color and 1 different color.

Step 2:

Take that one pipe cleaner and a round object such as a pen or a sharpie.

Step 3:

Coil the pipe cleaner around the round object firmly and evenly.

Step 4:

Coil the entire pipe cleaner.

Step 5:

Take out the coiled pipe cleaner carefully.

Step 6:

Now, place the 2 other pipe cleaners adjacent to each other.

Step 7:

Insert both pipe cleaners through the coil and draw out about 1.5” of their length from the other end of the coiled pipe cleaner.

Step 8:

Bend that 1.5” to 90 degrees.

Step 9:

Twist the longer sides of the pipe cleaners evenly.

Step 10:

Start by making a small coil at the open end of the longer end.

Step 11:

Continue to coil the twisted pipe cleaners.

Step 12:

Coil and bring them near the 90-degree bent part.

Step 13:

Bent the open ends of the 1.5” sides by a cm. Select 2 googly eyes.

Step 14:

Use craft glue to join the googly eyes to the bent parts. Allow the glue to dry.

Facts About Japan | How To Make Kids Easy Origami Fish

December 13, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today we’re making kids easy origami fish. Also, look at more fun ideas on my page Medieval Japan Unit Study and Lapbook 1185 – 1600 A.D.

Origami is the art of folding paper. It’s about using your creativity, imagination, and hands.

And with the most minimal of supplies, you can craft and create fun objects like frogs, boats, flowers, cranes and even jumping frogs.

It’s not clear of the exact origins of origami but it has a long history.

The Chinese invented paper but origami can be traced back to ancient Japan.

Facts About Japan | How To Make Kids Easy Origami Fish

For instance, it’s thought during the Edo period people of all ages enjoyed the art of paper folding.

Eventually paper became more affordable and was available to everyone.

Further, the Japanese word “origami” comes from two words: “ori” meaning fold, and “kami” meaning paper.

So origami became much more than a hobby, it’s part of Japanese culture.

BOOKS ABOUT JAPAN FOR KIDS

First, look at some of these books if you’re learning about ancient Japan.

We prefer to read living books when I can find them.

11 Books and Resources for Studying About Japan

You'll love these resources and books for studying about Japan. Add them to my Medieval Japan Unit Study or just fun for the day.

Samurai: An Illustrated History

This Japanese history book traces the story of a unique historical phenomenon: a period of 700 years--equivalent to the entire stretch of Western history between the reigns of the Crusader king Richard the Lionhearted and of Queen Victoria at the height of the British Empire--during which an enclosed civilization was dominated by a single warrior caste.

The historical narrative of samurai history is supported by explanations of samurai armor, weapons, fortifications, tactics, and customs, and illustrated with nearly 800 fascinating color photographs, maps, and sketches, including ancient scroll paintings and surviving suits of armor preserved for centuries in Japanese shrines.

Samurai Arms, Armour & the Tactics of Warfare

Part of the acclaimed Book of Samurai series, which presents for the first time the translated scrolls of the historical Natori-Ry samurai school of war, this volume offers an exceptional insight into the weaponry and armour of the samurai era, as well as tactical advice for use on and off the battlefield.

Life in Old Japan Coloring Book

More than 40 handsome, ready-to-color illustrations depict samurai warriors, the imperial villa at Kyoto, a Shinto shrine, a tea ceremony, a Noh play, a typical city street, a restaurant, music makers, more. Introduction and detailed captions describe Japanese culture and provide detailed information on art, government, costume, and daily life.

Japanese Picture Dictionary Coloring Book: Over 1500 Japanese Words and Phrases for Creative & Visual Learners of All Ages

Learning a new language is a new way of meeting new people, opening doors in your professional career and attracting fresh opportunities when traveling around the world, as you may know. The great thing is - whether you want to learn Japanese to visit Japan’s precious historic landmarks, watch anime and movies or simply meet wonderful Japanese people - we’ve got you covered!

All About Japan: Stories, Songs, Crafts and Games for Kids

A cultural adventure for kids, All About Japan offers a journey to a new place--and ways to bring it to life! Dive into stories, play some games from Japan, and learn some Japanese songs.

The Inch-High Samurai

The brave little boy who sailed to the Capital in a teacup and fought a demon with a needle to win the love of a Lady is a Japanese cousin to Tom Thumb.

The Crane Girl

In this magical retelling of a Japanese folktale, a mysterious girl weaves silk to help repay the kindness of a boy and his father until the father's greed finally exposes her secret.

While gathering firewood, Yasuhiro comes upon an injured crane hidden in the snow. He rescues and comforts the bird, then watches as it flies away over the wintry hills.

The next night, a mysterious young girl arrives at Yasuhiro's home seeking shelter from the cold. The boy and his father welcome the girl, named Hiroko, to stay with them. When Hiroko notices that Yasuhiro's father is struggling to earn money, she offers to weave silk for him to sell. After the fabric fetches a good price, the boy's father becomes impatient for more silk, and his greed has a life-changing effect on them all.

Lyrical storytelling deftly interwoven with original haiku create a magical adaptation of a popular Japanese folktale--an inspirational story of friendship and the power of kindness to transform lives.

Commodore Perry the Opening of Japan (Landmark Series, #56)

For more than 200 years Japan had isolated herself from the world - now Commodore Perry, representing the US government had arrived on the shore of Japan. Perry's mission was to open a door into Japan so US ships might stop for fuel & water on their route to China.

3D Puzzle Wooden Craft Kits DIY Model Building Kit

This 3D wooden Puzzle is the oldest tower in Japan and one of the iconic buildings, ancient and elegant.

Japan Tokyo Skyline Famous Architecture Model Block Set

The iconic landmark you love,Build this detailed Japan skyline model!Features an elaborate façade with Tokyo Tower,Tokyo SKYTREE, Mount Fuji,Sensoji Temple,Osaka Castle and more.

Japanese Flower Pavilion Cherry Blossom Bonsai Tree Bricks Kit

Japan Sakura Tree House Building Set consists of 1810pcs + mini-blocks. It includes detailed step-by-step color instructions, and exquisite details of various sizes and color componentsand.

Also, look at a few facts about Japan.

FACTS ABOUT JAPAN

Emperor Jimmu was the legendary first emperor of Japan.
Samurai were Japan’s warriors and followed the code of Bushido.
Traditional Japanese homes are called minka.
There are three writing systems. These three systems are called hiragana, katakana and kanji. Ancient Japan used mostly kanji which are symbols representing ideas.
Ninjas were secret spies and assassins who were skilled in stealth and trickery and hired mostly by hired mostly by daimyōs.
In ancient Japan, the people practiced Shinto. Shinto is one of the oldest religions in Japan.
Japanese medieval society was divided into classes.
The ancient tea ceremony was done with care and respect and is an ancient ceremony where they gathered to drink powdered green tea or match.

Next, add a few more hands-on Japan activities to your day.

MORE MEDIEVAL JAPAN ACTIVITIES

Perfect for Ancient Japan studies or modern times, this Simple Homemade Sushi: Hands on Japan Activity for Kids is a great way to bond and learn at the same time.
Ancient Japan for Kids: Fun and Simple Handwriting Activity
How to make an origami crane
Feudal System In Japan: How To Make A Colorful Fan Craft
Fun Flowering Cherry Tree Activity.

Finally, look at how to make this fun origami fish.

HOW TO MAKE AN ORIGAMI FISH

First, look at this short list of easy supplies.

Colored craft papers
Pencil
A pair of scissors
Craft glue
Googly eyes

Step 1

Prepare a square paper (of any color of your choice). We’re using a 4” x 4” piece of orange paper.

Step 2:

Fold the paper in half, vertically and horizontally; and then unfold both.

Step 3:

Turn the paper to the other side.

Step 4:

Now, make diagonal half-folds along both sides. Unfold both folds.

Step 5:

Push the vertical and horizontal folds inwards and make mountain folds along the diagonal creases.

Step 6:

Flatten the paper along the creases. This is called a square base.

It has 2 open sides and 2 closed sides. Place it on a flat surface with its closed corner towards the top.

Step 7:

Fold in the right closed side along the middle crease.

Step 8:

Fold in the left closed side along the middle crease.

Step 9:

Turn the pattern to the other side and similarly, fold that side.

Step 10:

Open any one side/ flap (let’s start with the left side) of the current pattern.

Step 11:

Open the side from its top-open end.

Step 12:

Draw it to the opposite side (as far as it can be folded flat).

Step 13:

Flatten in neatly.

Step 14:

Similarly, fold and flatten the right side.

These 2 are the fins of the origami fish.

Step 15:

Cut out a small square shape for the tail fin.

Fold the square shape in half to form a triangle.

Step 16:

Attach the triangle paper to the back end of the origami fish to complete the fish pattern.

Step 17:

Attach a googly eye to the head part to complete the origami fish craft.

Electricity Hands-On Homeschool Science Activity

December 12, 2024 | 4 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have a fun electricity hands-on science activity. We’re making a low voltage circuit. Also, look at my post 4 Weeks Free Physical Science Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas.

We have been getting all science-y around here because Tiny has been loving the book Air Is Not Oxygen: Essential Science You Should Have Learned … But Probably Didn’t.

We have been reviewing it, but I accepted it because it is chock-full of easy hands-on science for all ages.

Electricity Hands-On Homeschool Science Activity

Did I mention it is a quick read and for adults too?

As I got some of my organization projects done this past month (where did the month go), Tiny has been reading Air Is Not Oxygen: Essential Science You Should Have Learned … But Probably Didn’t and planning the easy hand-on activities he wanted to try.

Next, look at some of these books about electricity.

BOOKS ABOUT ELECTRICITY FOR KIDS

I prefer living books when I can find them.

5 Electricity Books for Kids Who Love to Read and Be Read To

Learning about electricity is a fascinating subject for kids to learn about. Add one or two of these books to your home library.

Electronics for Kids: Play with Simple Circuits and Experiment with Electricity!

Why do the lights in a house turn on when you flip a switch? How does a remote-controlled car move? And what makes lights on TVs and microwaves blink? The technology around you may seem like magic, but most of it wouldn’t run without electricity. Electronics for Kids demystifies electricity with a collection of awesome hands-on projects.
In Part 1, you’ll learn how current, voltage, and circuits work by making a battery out of a lemon, turning a metal bolt into an electromagnet, and transforming a paper cup and some magnets into a spinning motor. In Part 2, you’ll make even more cool stuff as you:–Solder a blinking LED circuit with resistors, capacitors, and relays–Turn a circuit into a touch sensor using your finger as a resistor–Build an alarm clock triggered by the sunrise.

Switch On, Switch Off (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science 2)

Read and find out about electricity in this colorfully illustrated nonfiction picture book.

It seems like magic! It's not—it's electricity. But how does a light actually work? In this clear and simple book learn all about electricity, how it's produced, and how it can be used.

At the end you'll learn how to conduct safe, fun experiments that will let you generate electricity yourself!

Electrical Circuit Experiment Kit White

Size: Battery case: ( L X W X H): 57 x 30 x 13 / 2.24 x 1.18 x 0.51inch.
Material: The mini bulb is a kind of tungsten wire bulb, made of glass, metal, insulation materials.
Application: Used for electrical experiments in primary and middle schools/home DIY circuit test.

Oscar and the Bird: A Book about Electricity (Start with Science)

Start with Science books introduce kids to core science concepts through engaging stories, fresh illustrations, and supplemental activities. When Oscar the kitten finds a tractor in a field and accidentally turns on the windshield wipers, he is full of questions about electricity. Luckily, Bird knows the answers! With the help of his friend, Oscar finds out how electricity is made and stored, which machines need electricity to work, and why we always need to be careful around wires, batteries, plugs, and sockets. Back matter includes an index and supplemental activities.

Nikola Tesla, Electrical Genius

Electrical engineer and inventor Nikola Tesla (1856–1943) was indeed an electrical genius. In language suitable for both young and old, author Arthur J. Beckhard describes all aspects of Tesla’s personal and professional life, including Tesla’s childhood and his education at primary school, at the Higher Real Gymnasium, and at the Polytechnic Institute; his years working for the telegraphic engineering department of Austria, then as an engineer in Paris, and then as an employee of Thomas Edison in America; his substitution of alternating current for direct current—a simpler and more economical method of converting electrical into mechanical energy; his rotary magnetic field, which was used in transmitting the power of Niagara Falls to nearby cities; his independent research at his own electrical laboratories in New Your City; and much more. Originally published in 1959 as part of Messner Publications' "Men of Science" series.

First, Tiny read about the different forms of electricity.

I thought there was just one kind, the kind that comes from the outlet. (you know I run from science).

Anyway, thank goodness the kid knows more than his mother.

But then again, this book has been making it easy for me him to learn about the different forms of electricity.

MORE ELECTRICITY HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS

Look at what he did today that he thought was pretty cool and look at how what we used as we changed this activity a bit to make a low voltage circuit:

Electricity Hands-On Science Activity

Rayovac 6 volt batter from a lantern (because Dad had it). The original activity called for a simple D cell battery.
1 red alligator clip
1 black alligator clip
red side light from a trailer (because its way cooler than a tiny flashlight bulb, which the original activity called for. The trailer light was cheaper too)
bread tie (connected as a ground wire to light)

This is pretty easy with a fun wow factor. First, take the bread tie and wrap it around the metal part of the light fixture to make a ground wife.

This wasn’t on the original activity but it made for a bit more ingenuity for Tiny.

Then, Tiny hooked the black alligator clip wire to the negative side of the battery and then hook the red alligator wire to the positive side of the battery.

Then connect them to the wire feeding the light bulb. Easy peazy and I can do this.

It’s better to do than to just read about this quick and easy activity that really any kid or adult can do to understand what is a circuit.

When it comes to science, me and Tiny are all hands-on instead of worksheet. A little bit of thrill goes a long way with us.

I have another activity or two coming on this book that we are lapping up!