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Tina Robertson

Dive Into STEM Learning With An Exciting Jello Earthquake Experiment

December 6, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

The Jello earthquake experiment is a great way to learn about earthquakes and how they can affect structures. Also, look at my page Free Earth Science Lapbook & Unit Study Ideas.

It can be used to teach children about the different types of earthquakes.

And use it to teach the causes of earthquakes, and the effects of earthquakes on people and property as well as the importance of earthquake preparedness.

Dive Into STEM Learning With An Exciting Jello Earthquake Experiment

Earthquakes are a natural hazard that can cause widespread damage and loss of life.

They occur when there is a sudden release of energy below the Earth’s surface, which creates seismic waves.

These waves travel through the Earth’s crust and can cause the ground to shake violently.

Earthquakes can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

  • Tectonic plate movement: The Earth’s crust is made up of several tectonic plates that are constantly moving. When two plates collide, one plate may be forced beneath the other, causing an earthquake.
  • Volcanic activity: Earthquakes can also be caused by volcanic activity. When magma moves beneath the Earth’s surface, it can create pressure that builds up and eventually causes an earthquake.
  • Landslides: Landslides can also trigger earthquakes, especially if they occur in areas with unstable soil or rock.

Look at earthquakes from different viewpoints from measuring them with a seismometer to learning about engineering.

You can build structures that can withstand them with all the activities I have included as well as videos and books.

Of course, we have some cool facts to share while you put together the Jello earthquake experiment.

EARTH SCIENCE BOOKS FOR KIDS

Next, add some fun books to this activity.

When possible I prefer to add living books when I can find them.

9 Books for Kids Who Love to Read About Earth Science Topics

Add these books to your learning day to learn about various earth science topics.

The Story Book of Science (Yesterday's Classics)

The wonders of plant and animal life told with rare literary charm by Uncle Paul in conversations with three children. Besides such stories as the ants' subterranean city, the spider's suspension bridge, and the caterpillars' processing, he unlocks the mystery behind thunder and lightning, clouds and rain, the year and its seasons, and volcanoes and earthquakes. Suitable for ages 9 to 12.

Earthquakes (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science 2)

Some earthquakes are so small that you don’t even feel them, while others can make even big buildings shake. Learn why earthquakes happen, where they are most likely to occur, and what to do if one happens near you. 

Now with updated text and art, this classic picture book describes the causes and effects of earthquakes (including a tsunami). This book features rich vocabulary and fascinating cross-sections of mountains, volcanoes, and faults in the earth’s moving crust.

This is a clear and appealing science book for early elementary age kids, both at home and in the classroom. The text and art were vetted by Dr. Roland Burgmann, Professor of the Department of Earth and Planetary Science at the University of California, Berkeley.

The First Book of the Earth

A republication of the 1958 book by Irene Sevrey with illustrations by Mildred Waltrip, The First Book of the Earth is an elementary level natural history book that was written during a time when children's books held a student's interest and imagination because they were "living" rather than simply based on factoids and vivid pictures. It is a wonderful introduction to the subject of geology and covers the earth as a planet in the solar system and the physics of how it circles the sun, thereby defining our days and years. It then moves on to describing the earth's origin as scientists understand it and takes up the topics of the earth's composition, its structure, molecular makeup, rock families, minerals, volcanoes and earthquakes, mountains and their formation, and how glaciers and rivers affect the shaping of the earth's surface. The book ends by briefly discussing dinosaurs and the possible aging techniques used to date the earth's age in terms of epochs or periods.

Rocks, Gems and Minerals: A Fully Illustrated, Authoritative and Easy-to-Use Guide (A Golden Guide from St. Martin's Press)

This handy identification guide to the most common kinds of rocks and minerals offers concise and fascinating information on:- Physical and chemical properties- Origins and geologic significance- Gems and semiprecious stones- How to find and collect specimens

Earth: An Intimate History

Beginning with Mt. Vesuvius, whose eruption in Roman times helped spark the science of geology, and ending in a lab in the West of England where mathematical models and lab experiments replace direct observation, Richard Fortey tells us what the present says about ancient geologic processes. He shows how plate tectonics came to rule the geophysical landscape and how the evidence is written in the hills and in the stones. And in the process, he takes us on a wonderful journey around the globe to visit some of the most fascinating and intriguing spots on the planet.

The First Book of Caves

A book about caves with drawings for young readers with a vocabulary list and definition at the end.

Rocks and Minerals: A Guide of Familiar Minerals, Gems, Ores, and Rocks (A Golden Nature Guide)

A guide to familiar minerals, gems, ores, and rocks enhanced by 400 full color illustrations. Provides much geological knowledge in how to look for surface forms, rocks, minerals etc. Includes information for the searcher and an useful list of clubs and organizations. Excellent bibliography and index.

A Whale of the Wild (A Voice of the Wilderness Novel)

For Vega and her family, salmon is life. And Vega is learning to be a salmon finder, preparing for the day when she will be her family’s matriarch. But then she and her brother Deneb are separated from their pod when a devastating earthquake and tsunami render the seascape unrecognizable. Vega must use every skill she has to lead her brother back to their family. The young orcas face a shark attack, hunger, the deep ocean, and polluted waters on their journey. Will Vega become the leader she’s destined to be?

Rocks, Rivers, and the Changing Earth: A first book about geology

A living book on the living earth. Told in a conversational style, the book discusses the topics of geology and provides ideas for investigations and demonstrations of the scientific principles. Illustrated throughout, this book is a favorite as an introduction to geology for young readers. This edition includes updated science information on plate tectonics and the structure of the earth.

Also, look at some facts about earthquakes.

6 EARTH SHAKING FACTS ABOUT EARTHQUAKES

  1. The point where an earthquake starts is called the focus or hypocenter and the Earth’s surface directly above the focus is called the epicenter.
  2. Earthquakes are measured using the Richter scale, which ranges from 1 to 10. This logarithmic, meaning that each whole number increase represents a tenfold increase in the amplitude of the seismic waves.
  3. The largest earthquake ever recorded was a magnitude 9.5 earthquake in Chile in 1960.
  4. Earthquakes can cause tsunamis, landslides, and other geological hazards which cause buildings and other structures to collapse.
  5. The deadliest earthquake in history was the Tangshan earthquake in China in 1976, which killed an estimated 242,000 people.
  6. Earthquakes are most common in certain areas of the world, such as along plate boundaries.
Dive Into STEM Learning With An Exciting Jello Earthquake Experiment

Also, look at these fun hands-on activities.

EARTHQUAKE EXPERIMENT ACTIVITIES

  • If you live in an area affected by earthquakes, talk about your plan during an earthquake, just like you would for fires, etc. Put together an earthquake kit with your child to have one hand should you ever need it.
  • Try a tasty lesson in How to Make an Edible Kindergarten Earth Science Tectonic Plate Activity to teach younger children.
  • Scientific America has simple lesson plans for Earthquake-Proof Engineering for Skyscrapers using LEGO, a favorite tool and toy in one.
  • Don’t forget to add in some great books like All About Earthquakes and I Survived the Great Alaska Earthquake, 1964 for a rich and full learning experience.
  • To learn more about the effect in and around the epicenter check out this Earthquake Epicenter Experiment.
  • Watch Earthquakes for Kids STEM | Learn why earthquakes happen and how to measure them.
  • Not only can you make your own model of an earthquake measurement device but you will find 10 Hands On Earthquake Activities | How To Make A Model Seismometer.
  • Check out this simple earth Science experiment on Plate Movement, Earthquakes to simply demonstrate the effects of earthquakes.

Finally, look at this fun Jello earthquake experiment.

JELLO EARTHQUAKE EXPERIMENT

You will need:

  • 1 box of Jello
  • 1 clear container
  • small objects, such as toy cars, buildings, or trees
  • A spoon
  • Mini marshmallows
  • toothpicks
Dive Into STEM Learning With An Exciting Jello Earthquake Experiment

First, prepare the Jello according to the package directions.

The Jello represents the ground which moves during an earthquake.

Dive Into STEM Learning With An Exciting Jello Earthquake Experiment

Pour the Jello into the clear container and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.

Dive Into STEM Learning With An Exciting Jello Earthquake Experiment

Once the Jello is set, place the small objects on top of it.

Dive Into STEM Learning With An Exciting Jello Earthquake Experiment

Use the spoon to gently shake the container.

Observe what happens to the Jello and the small objects.

As you shake the container, the Jello will begin to jiggle and wobble.

This is similar to what happens to the ground during an earthquake.

The small objects on top of the Jello will begin to move and may even fall over.

This is because the earthquake waves are causing the ground to shake.

Dive Into STEM Learning With An Exciting Jello Earthquake Experiment

Now, our goal is to build a structure from marshmallows and toothpicks that will hold up to that movement.

Have your learner design and construct buildings out of toothpicks and marshmallows, allow this to be an open ended activity so they can work out for themselves which holds up better- a shorter or taller structure? A square or a more tapered one? At which height is the structure no longer stable?

Dive Into STEM Learning With An Exciting Jello Earthquake Experiment

Offer different sized toothpicks and marshmallows to give your child more variety for building.

Dive Into STEM Learning With An Exciting Jello Earthquake Experiment

Be sure to have your child record their findings in their science notebook from the variables to the results of the jello earthquake experiment.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: earth science, earthquakes, earthscience, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool, Jello, science

Feudal System In Japan: How To Make A Colorful Fan Craft

December 5, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

The Feudal System in Japan was a complex system of government and social organization that lasted for over 700 years, from the 12th to the 19th century. Also, look at more ideas on my page Medieval Japan Unit Study and Lapbook 1185 – 1600 A.D.

While we learned about it, I thought it would be fun to create a beautiful craft.

Feudal System In Japan: How To Make A Colorful Fan Craft

The Japanese fan had historical significance, was used for communication, as a part of court culture, in ceremonies, and religious rites.

And fans feature beautiful artwork, such as flowers, animals, and scenes from nature.

You will also find additional resources like videos, books, and hands-on activities to help you create a fun unit on Ancient and/or modern Japan.

BOOKS ABOUT JAPAN FOR KIDS

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.

Now let’s find out exactly how the feudal system in Japan worked, who was involved, and how it came to an end.

THE FEUDAL SYSTEM IN JAPAN

The feudal system was based on the idea that the emperor was the supreme ruler of Japan.

But in reality, power was held by the powerful feudal lords called daimyo.

The daimyo were samurai warriors who controlled large areas of land.

They had their own armies and could make their own laws.

Also, they had their own castles, where they lived and ruled.

The daimyo were not all equal. Some were more powerful than others.

The most powerful daimyo was called the shogun. The shogun was the military leader of Japan and the emperor’s chief advisor.

The peasants were the lowest class in the feudal system.

In addition, they worked on the land and paid taxes to the daimyo. They also had to provide labor for the daimyo’s projects, such as building roads and castles.

The feudal system was a very hierarchical system. The emperor was at the top, followed by the daimyo, the samurai, and the peasants. Each class had its own rights and responsibilities.

The feudal system was a time of great violence and warfare. The daimyo were constantly fighting each other for power and control. The peasants were often caught in the middle of these wars.

This system eventually came to an end in the 19th century due to a number of factors, including the rise of the Meiji Emperor and the introduction of Western technology and ideas.

The feudal system had a profound impact on Japanese culture and society.

Feudal System In Japan: How To Make A Colorful Fan Craft

It helped to create a strong sense of national identity and a deep respect for tradition.

It also led to the development of several important cultural institutions, such as the samurai code of bushido and the tea ceremony.

HANDS-ON 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.

WATCH: Shoguns, samurai and the Japanese Middle Ages on Khan Academy to learn even more about the feudal system.

Follow these simple steps to learn How to Fold an Origami Koi Fish in this beautiful Japanese artform.

Ancient Japan for Kids: Fun and Simple Handwriting Activity

Get some pretty paper and learn How to Make Easy Paper Lanterns.

Keep your prep to a minimum by using my Medieval Japan Unit Study and Lapbook 1185 – 1600 A.D. that has already done a lot of the work for you.

If you want to make a big impression on your child when digging deep into a topic like Japan, the military stronghold in the form of a LEGO Himeji Castle is the way to go.

Finally, look at how to make this Japanese fan.

HOW TO MAKE A COLORFUL FAN CRAFT

You will need:

  • 2 sheets 12×12 patterned paper
  • Two large popsicle sticks
  • Embroidery thread
  • Hot glue gun/sticks
  • Rubber band
Feudal System In Japan: How To Make A Colorful Fan Craft

First, make even accordion folds all the way across your paper, press in crease firmly with your finger or the edge of the craft stick to make the pleats sharp.

Repeat with the second sheet.

Feudal System In Japan: How To Make A Colorful Fan Craft

Next, bend both in half.

Feudal System In Japan: How To Make A Colorful Fan Craft

Hot glue center of each of the bent fans to the other side of the same fan to create two bigger fans.

Feudal System In Japan: How To Make A Colorful Fan Craft

Now hot glue both of those fans together along the centerfolds, hold together or place something heavy on them until the glue cools and they are firmly stuck.

Feudal System In Japan: How To Make A Colorful Fan Craft

This next part is optional but adds such a fun touch.

We’re making a tassel for the fan from embroidery thread.

Wrap the thread around your hand 25-30 times.

Feudal System In Japan: How To Make A Colorful Fan Craft

Slip another piece of thread under one end and tie it off, cut the loops on the other end.

Feudal System In Japan: How To Make A Colorful Fan Craft

Finish it off by slipping a longer thread under the top fold and tying a knot below that about  ½” from the top. Trim off excess

Feudal System In Japan: How To Make A Colorful Fan Craft

Hot glue the long string in place by attaching it to one side of the fan near the bottom.

Feudal System In Japan: How To Make A Colorful Fan Craft

Hot glue the oversized popsicle sticks to either side of the ends of the fan lined up with the bottom, you want the excess of the sticks to stick out over what is the top of the fan.

Again, hold into place until glue has set.

Be sure to pull the tassel forward out of the center before pressing everything together.

Feudal System In Japan: How To Make A Colorful Fan Craft

To open the fan simply pull open the wooden handles.

Feudal System In Japan: How To Make A Colorful Fan Craft

And secure with a rubber band, to close go the opposite direction and keep closed with the rubber band.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: Ancient Japan, hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, history, Medieval Japan

Free Winter Copywork for Middle School: Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening

December 4, 2024 | 9 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have some free winter copywork. Also, grab more ideas on my pages Winter Season Unit Study Free Lapbook & Hands-On Ideas and Homeschool Middle School.

I’ll share soon all that I have been up to, but today I wanted to kick off the winter months by sharing some beautiful poetry or free winter copywork.

I wouldn’t want you to think that copywork is only for the younger grades because middle and high school kids still benefit from copywork and especially when it’s poetry.

Free Winter Copywork for Middle School: Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening

So today, I have a free download for winter copywork which is Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost.

It’s such a beautiful poem that can be deciphered many ways if you want to, but there is no denying the lure of the cold, snow and long wintry days.

Free Winter Copywork for Middle School: Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening

I just thought it would be a great way to kick off the change in the season. It is three pages and it is in cursive.

It is not babyish, so it can be used for a variety of ages.

It is one of Robert Frost’s most famous poems and was first published in 1923.

What we loved about it is that it described a peaceful winter scene in the countryside.

Also, reading the poem together allows time with your middle school to explain his feelings.

For example, you can discuss the serenity of winter, taking time to be in the moment and observe nature.

Even talking about how the winter season can make some feel lonely.

Next, look at some of these books to read during winter and chase away the doldrums.

7 Books for Middle School Students to Read in the Winter

These books also make for a great read aloud, even older kids would enjoy piling up on the couch in the morning for a good story together.

Julie of the Wolves (HarperClassics)

Julie of the Wolves is a staple in the canon of children’s literature and the first in the Julie trilogy. The survival theme makes it a good pick for readers of wilderness adventures such as My Side of the Mountain, Hatchet, or Island of the Blue Dolphins.

This edition, perfect for classroom or home use, includes John Schoenherr’s original scratchboard illustrations throughout, as well as bonus materials such as an introduction written by Jean Craighead George’s children, the author’s Newbery acceptance speech, selections from her field notebooks, a discussion guide, and a further reading guide.

To her small village, she is known as Miyax; to her friend in San Francisco, she is Julie. When her life in the village becomes dangerous, Miyax runs away, only to find herself lost in the Alaskan wilderness.

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

Four adventurous siblings—Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy Pevensie—step through a wardrobe door and into the land of Narnia, a land frozen in eternal winter and enslaved by the power of the White Witch. But when almost all hope is lost, the return of the Great Lion, Aslan, signals a great change . . . and a great sacrifice.

The Call of the Wild (Reader's Library Classics)

The domesticated life of a powerful St. Bernard-Shepherd mix named Buck is quickly turned on end when he is stolen away from his master and put to work as a sled dog in Alaska. His once life of luxury turns into a life of survival and adaptation as he learns the ways of the wilderness.

Sweet Home Alaska

    It's 1934, and times are tough for Trip's family after the mill in their small Wisconsin town closes, leaving her father unemployed. Determined to provide for his family, he moves them all to Alaska to become pioneers as part of President Roosevelt's Palmer Colony project. Trip and her family are settling in, except her mom, who balks at the lack of civilization. But Trip feels like she's following in Laura Ingalls Wilder's footsteps, and she hatches a plan to raise enough money for a piano to convince her musical mother that Alaska is a wonderful and cultured home. Her sights set on the cash prize at the upcoming Palmer Colony Fair, but can Trip grow the largest pumpkin possible--using all the love, energy, and Farmer Boy expertise she can muster?

The Winter King

Ever since Cora's father disappeared through the ice, whispers about her family's "curse" have grown increasingly louder. Desperate to help her mother and siblings survive another bleak season in the Winter King's frozen grasp, Cora begins to bend (and even break) the rules she has kept since she was a little girl. But when she discovers a secret that's much bigger than herself, she realizes too late that she has put herself--and those she loves--in even greater peril.

Winterhouse (Winterhouse, 1)

Orphan Elizabeth Somers’s malevolent aunt and uncle ship her off to the ominous Winterhouse Hotel, owned by the peculiar Norbridge Falls. Upon arrival, Elizabeth quickly discovers that Winterhouse has many charms―most notably its massive library. It’s not long before she locates a magical book of puzzles that will unlock a mystery involving Norbridge and his sinister family. But the deeper she delves into the hotel’s secrets, the more Elizabeth starts to realize that she is somehow connected to Winterhouse. As fate would have it, Elizabeth is the only person who can break the hotel’s curse and solve the mystery. But will it be at the cost of losing the people she has come to care for, and even Winterhouse itself?

Northwind

When a deadly plague reaches the small fish camp where he lives, an orphan named Leif is forced to take to the water in a cedar canoe. He flees northward, following a wild, fjord-riven shore, navigating from one danger to the next, unsure of his destination. Yet the deeper into his journey he paddles, the closer he comes to his truest self as he connects to “the heartbeat of the ocean . . . the pulse of the sea.” With hints of Nordic mythology and an irresistible narrative pull, Northwind is Gary Paulsen at his captivating, adventuresome best.

Beat Winter Homeschooling Burnout

The benefits of copywork go beyond learning how to write, which is why it’s a great tool to use for older kids too.

Copywork is a super way of rekindling the love for language arts for either a middle or high school kid.

I feel it’s an underused tool for the older kids because we think of using copywork to teach writing. However, for older kids copywork is a way for older kids to learn how to organize their ideas and thoughts.

Sometimes, even our older kids need a visual model for writing and copywork can be one solution.

MORE WINTER ACTIVITIES

  • Homeschooling – Activities and Free Downloads. 5 Days of Look Alive. Day 1- Look to the Sea.
  • Homeschooling – Look to the Sea. 17 Hands-on Activities for Two to Teens.
  • Fun Winter Craft Ideas for Middle School Homeschool
  • 50 Keep Me Homeschooling Activities During the Long Cold Winter Days
  • Put A Little Spring In Your Winter Weary Homeschool Step
  • Colorful Winter Bird: Northern Cardinal Lapbook & Unit Study
  • Nature Craft: How to Make Easy DIY Bird Feeders
  • Winter Craft Ideas How to Make Fun Pinecone Flowers
  • 3 Fun Cocoa Winter Hands on Science Activities
  • Winter Craft Ideas for Kids Animals in Winter Fun Snow Slime
  • Cardinal Birds in Winter and Birch Trees Easy Watercolor Kids Activity
  • Easy Hands on Snowflake Winter Craft for Kids Who Don’t Have Snow
  • Two Fun Candy Cane Hands-on Science Winter Experiments
  • Winter Season Unit Study. Free Lapbook & Hands-On Ideas
Free Winter Unit Study and Lapbook for homeschooled kids @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus-1

Finally, look at how to grab the free winter copywork.

HOW TO GET THE FREE WINTER COPYWORK FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL: STOPPING BY WOODS ON A SNOWY EVENING

Now, how to grab the free copywork. 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!

Did you see these other posts about copywork?

Free History Copywork
French Revolution Copywork

Also, if you’re looking for more winter hands-on ideas, check out the ideas below:

5 Days of Look Alive Winter Homeschooling. Day 1 Look to the Sea. @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus featured
Free Winter Copywork for Middle School: Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening
Free Winter Copywork for Middle School: Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening
Free Winter Copywork for Middle School: Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening
Free Winter Copywork for Middle School: Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening

Follow Tinas Dynamic Homeschool ‘s board Winter ♥ on Pinterest.

 

9 CommentsFiled Under: 1. My FREE Learning Printables {Any Topic}, Middle School Homeschool Tagged With: copywork, freecopywork, homeschoolinginwinter, language arts, middle school, middleschool, winter season

Lewis & Clark Free Mighty Mississippi Book and Easy Sediment Activity

December 3, 2024 | 3 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have a Lewis and Clark Mighty Mississippi book and hands-on sediment activity. Also, look at Lewis and Clark Fun Homeschool Unit Study and Lapbook and Hands-On Simple And Best Homeschool Geography Ideas & Tips for more ideas.

This past week we have bee reading about the Great River, The Big Muddy, Father of Waters, Old Man River, and an American Treasure otherwise known as the Mighty Mississippi River.

Lewis & Clark Free Mighty Mississippi Book and Easy Sediment Activity

Today, I have the Lewis & Clark – Mighty Mississippi book & sediment activity to tell you about.

After digging into this topic, the Mississippi River alone could be a super fun and awesome unit study on its own. It has just been a fascinating topic and more than I planned for this past week.

Ojibwe – Big Muddy

We got bogged down (corny pun intended) on this study because we just didn’t want to move on too quick.

Mississippi River Guide

What sidetracked us was finding this really super helpful and well-laid out fun downloadable packet from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Download this awesome and free 352 page pdf. from the Corps of Engineering. Super resource!

At first glance, it said it is about 5/6th grade level, but after looking at it, there were also activities for lower grades and for 7th to 12th grade.

It is truly a multiple age unit study.

Lewis and Clark Mighty Mississippi @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

It is a unit study with science, geography and even history tied in together on this download.

There are game cards, lots of hands-on activities and I love the writing suggestions for high school.

We just couldn’t resist reading over it and doing some of the activities.

Sediment Activity 1 @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus1Sediment Activity 2 @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus1
We did this easy activity to show sediment as we talked about hydrologist and what they used to measure water temperature, ph, dissolved oxygen and salinity.

Pretty cool stuff to read about considering I didn’t know there was so much stuff to learn about water.

For the sediment bottle, we gathered sticks, dirt, different size rocks, twigs and even some litter and Tiny made a paper funnel to put it in the bottle.

Add water and shake it well.

We took a picture right after doing the activity and then about an hour afterward, we looked at the bottle again to see the difference.

Sediment Activity 3 @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus   Sediment Activity 4 @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus
It was a quick activity for things we had around the house.

And easy as the activity was to do, it really makes the point of helping Tiny to remember how sediment is the stuff that gets swept along by the river and then settles to the riverbed when the flow slows down.

Big Muddy free minibook about the Mississippi River @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus1Big Muddy free minibook about the Mississippi River 2 @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus1
Learning about legends surrounding the river, the many people who traveled alongside it and stories told about the Mighty Mississippi, which covers a huge part of the states, it’s a great geography topic to spend some time on.

We stayed on it, like I mentioned, longer than I planned, but then again you know that is why we do unit studies. We don’t want to be told to move on.

MORE LEWIS AND CLARK ACTIVITIES

  • Lewis and Clark Expedition – The Ultimate Guide
  • Lewis and Clark Louisiana Purchase Edible Map
  • How To Make An Easy Ink pot & Quill Pen with Berry Ink
  • 7 Fun Sacagawea Facts For Kids | How To Make Lewis & Clark & Sacagawea Peg Dolls
  • Lewis and Clark: Hands-on History. Make a Char Cloth
  • Lewis and Clark:Cooking on the Trail
  • Spectacular Lewis And Clark Plants Drawings | 7 Quick Botany Art Lessons
  • Lewis and Clark Free Botany 1 and 2 Minibooks
  • What Plants And Animals Did Lewis And Clark Discover on their Famous Trek & Bitterroot Craft

Next, look at the Lewis and Clark lapbook.

LEWIS AND CLARK LAPBOOK

Lewis & Clark Free Mighty Mississippi Book and Easy Sediment Activity

You can purchase this lapbook now.

  • Dynamic Lewis and Clark Lapbook for Multiple Ages

    Dynamic Lewis and Clark Lapbook for Multiple Ages

    $4.00
    Add to cart

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.

HOW TO GET THE FREE MIGHTY MISSISSIPPI RIVER MINIBOOK

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!

Don’t forget to follow BOTH of my Pinterest accounts for more AWESOME pins.

Visit Tina Robertson’s profile on Pinterest.


Visit Tinas Dynamic Homeschool ‘s profile on Pinterest.

3 CommentsFiled Under: 1. My FREE Learning Printables {Any Topic}, Geography, Geography Based, Hands-On Activities, History Based, Science Based Tagged With: geography, hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, homeschoolgeography, lewisandclark

Best Tools To Organize Homeschool Easily and Stress-Free

December 2, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have a list of the best tools to organize homeschool. Also, look at my page The Dynamics of How to Homeschool Easily and Smarter for more tips and ideas.

Homeschooling can be a rewarding experience, but it can also be challenging to keep track of everything.

The right tools can help you stay organized and on top of your homeschooling goals.

Best Tools To Organize Homeschool Easily and Stress-Free

To be the most successful homeschool teacher you can be and keep kids engaged and excited to learn, keeping your workspaces organized is a priority.

While being organized is a state of mind and takes intention, there are some wonderful tools out there that can help you achieve it more easily and keep things on the right track.

I think the most important areas of organization in your homeschool are planning, student records/transcripts, and supplies.

The beginning of a new school year, or of the calendar year, or even a random Tuesday is a great time to take a look at where you may need a little extra sorting and organizing.

BEST TOOLS TO ORGANIZE HOMESCHOOL

Also, look at these other activities.

  • 100 BEST Ideas to Organize Your Homeschool Area – Storage, Spaces, and Learning Places
  • Homeschool Room Organizing + Organizing Tools
  • Clever DIY Dollar Tree Desk Organizer Back to School Craft
  • Homeschool Organization – 12 Unconventional Ideas for Storage
  • DIY Homeschool Organizing With Duct Tape
  • Homeschool Organization Where Do You Easily Begin?
  • Must-Haves for the Organized Homeschooler: What to Keep & What to Skip
  • Homeschool Organization Motivation – 11 Gadgets To Get You Going
Best Tools To Organize Homeschool Easily and Stress-Free

I have come up with a list of organizational items and where and how to use them to help you out.

MORE HOMESCHOOL ORGANIZATION RESOURCES

  • Homeschool Room Organizing + Organizing Tools
  • 100 BEST Ideas to Organize Your Homeschool Area – Storage, Spaces, and Learning Places
  • Best Tools To Organize Homeschool Easily and Stress-Free
  • Free & Easy DIY Home Management Binder
  • Homeschool Organization Motivation – 11 Gadgets To Get You Going

10 TOOLS TO ORGANIZE HOMESCHOOL

Here are some of the best tools for homeschool organization.

Homeschool Planner

Because a homeschool planner should be the life blood of your day, I’ve created many different ones here. Whether you are using a planner to track lesson plans, or just journaling, you’ll love the choices here.

{Planners should be organized for the children you’re teaching this year. So, do not try to make your unique lifestyle adjust to something made for a classroom.

°Rotating Desk Organizers Homeschool

MULTIPURPOSE LAZY SUSAN STYLE ORGANIZER! Forget boring storage trays, our Rotating desk organizers is truly multipurpose with 9 deep bins, a super smooth 12” turntable & great colors – perfect for serving snacks, office and school supplies,
organizing makeup & transforming messy desktops into mess free order

File Organizer Box,Filing Box with Lid

  • Clear Sliding Bars: Every file storage box has two Clear sliding bars, Easy to slide
    file folders with no friction, and protecting the edge of the box, Make your file box beautiful and durable.
  • Space-Saving: Manage files, work papers around your desk, make your
    office more nicer, organized, and safer. The storage container collapses
    down simply for easier storage when not in use.
  • Large Cork Bulletin Board

    A cork board is a great way to display your homeschooling schedule, assignments, and other important information. It can also be used to post reminders, encouragements, photos of fun homeschool field trips, chore lists, and even some seasonal bulletin board decorations

    Mesh Zipper Pouch Bags

    These bags have become so popular in recent years; they save space and keep anything with small multiple parts together and tidy. I have seen them used the most for unboxing games and storing the contents in, they take up much less space this way. You can also use them for drawing markers, flashcards, manipulatives, pocket sized learning games, science items, etc.

    3 Tier Metal Utility Rolling Cart with Table Top and Side Bags

    This one item is so useful from homeschooling on the couch to the dining room table or in an entire homeschool room. You can move it from place to place and change out what is on the shelves as easy as pie. Fill it with art supplies, themed activities, or anything else you like.

    Magnetic Dry Erase White Board

    A whiteboard is a great way to brainstorm ideas, take notes, and solve problems. It can also be used for presentations and games. If you don’t have a dedicated homeschool room consider a smaller portable whiteboard that can be tucked away
    when not in use.

    Magnetic Wall Chalkboard Monthly Calendar, Large Wooden-Framed Chalkboard Calendar

    A good-sized wall calendar is a great way to keep track of your homeschooling schedule, appointments, and other important dates. It can also be used to track your child's progress and set goals. I love a fun chalkboard calendar that can be used as a creative outlet too, don't forget to grab some chalk markers to use with it.

    Handy Label Maker

     A label maker can be used in so many ways, from creating labels for file folders to labeling storage bags and containers, water bottles for co-op outings, and just about anything else you can think of.

    Bookshelves and Bookcases Set of 2

    Do I need to say more?

    Leave a CommentFiled Under: Organization Tagged With: home organization, organization, organize, organizedhomeschool, organizedkids

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