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Tina Robertson

Explore the World: Free Continent Printables to Color by Number

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Today I have some fun free continent printables to color by number. Also, look at my page Hands-On Simple And Best Homeschool Geography Ideas & Tips for more fun hands-on geography.

When studying geography with your elementary kids I find that working from an overview of our planet and the continents makes it easy to understand.

Also, if my kids showed an interest in a particular continent over the other one, we would start a study on that one for our unit study.

Explore the World: Free Continent Printables to Color by Number

Besides, teaching the names of the 7 continents kids will understand that each one has it own culture, characteristics and unique history.

And besides getting an overview of the land, kids love to learn about the unique animals in a place and the food local people eat.

Picture books are great for any age. I don’t think kids outgrow loving them.

So I’ve rounded up some beautiful picture books if you want to focus on one continent.

WORLD GEOGRAPHY BOOKS FOR ELEMENTARY KIDS

Additionally, I prefer living books.

And while it’s true that older living geography books have outdated information, the way the author speaks about geography is still a hook for kids.

So while teaching using older living books explain what we know now and continue with the story.

Living geography books teach geography in a way that they bring to life the world through the eyes of a child and not with boring facts.

World Geography Books For Elementary Kids

Add one or two of these fun world geography books. Besides pictures books are a great way to learn about geography.

Photo Credit: www.bfbooks.com

Around the World with Picture Books Part II

This brand-new follow up to Part I is designed to be an introductory course to world cultures and geography for the primary grade student through delightful children’s picture books. Along with award-winning literature, this course includes nature study, folktales, fables, music, art, poetry, and history. Gentle Socratic questions are designed to prompt discussion and discovery. Geographic elements include country maps and flags for students to cut out, paint or color, encouraging journaling of all the student is learning.

Each country visited features a selection of animals indigenous to those regions. 

Draw the World: An Outline of Continents and Oceans

Geography is essential to a child’s education. And basic to that study is a simple outline of states, countries and continents. In Draw the World, I have tried to give students an easy introduction to committing the map of the world to memory. Through simple, step-by-step instructions, kids learn to draw each continent as it connects to its neighbors and, with a little practice, will be able to draw the world as a whole.Education seeks to broaden a children's minds, to entice them to explore.

A Child's Geography of the World

Profusely illustrated with maps and drawings. A Child's Geography of the World is a general course in geography for juveniles. Hillyer was headmaster at the famed Calvert School and wrote a series of books as part of the curriculum for his students. This title was the result of many years of teaching the subject to young children and of several more years in authoring it. The books is now considered in a classic in homeschooling.

Hungry Planet: What the World Eats

The age-old practice of sitting down to a family meal is undergoing unprecedented change as rising world affluence and trade, along with the spread of global food conglomerates, transform eating habits worldwide. HUNGRY PLANET profiles 30 families from around the world--including Bosnia, Chad, Egypt, Greenland, Japan, the United States, and France--and offers detailed descriptions of weekly food
purchases; photographs of the families at home, at market, and in their communities; and a portrait of each family surrounded by a week's worth of groceries. Featuring photo-essays on international street food, meat markets, fast food, and cookery, this captivating chronicle offers a riveting look at what the world really eats.

Me on the Map

     Where are you? Where is your room? Where is your home? Where is your town? This playful introduction to maps shows children how easy it is to find where they live and how they fit in to the larger world. Filled with fun and adorable new illustrations by Qin Leng, this repackage of Me on the Map will show readers how easy it is to find the places they know and love with help from a map.

Next, look at a few fun facts about each of the 7 continents to go with the free continent printables.

FACTS FOR KIDS ABOUT THE 7 CONTINENTS

1. AFRICA QUICK FACTS FOR KIDS

  • Africa is home the Big 5 animals. They are lions, elephants, leopards, buffaloes, and rhinoceroses. But it’s also home to giraffes and zebras.
  • The Congo is the second biggest rainforest after the Amazon. It is home to endangered mountain guerillas.
  • The Sahara Desert, located in Africa, is the largest hot desert in the world.
  • Egypt a country in Africa is one of the earliest civilizations.
  • Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain in Africa. Look at my post How To Make A Mountain Volcano | Mighty Mount Kilimanjaro With Geronimo Stilton.
  • Each of the 54 countries have their own unique language and traditions.

Also, look at more activities about the continent of Africa.

2. ANTARCTICA QUICK FACTS FOR KIDS

  • Antarctica is the coldest continent. It is covered in ice and snow.
  • It is the least populated continent with no permanent residents. Only research teams stay there.
  • However, it is home to lots of penguins and seals.
  • With extreme cold temperatures it’s a frozen continent.
  • During summer, Antarctica experiences 24 hours of sunlight.
  • Mosses and lichens can survive in Antarctica but not trees or flowers.

And look at my post How to Make an Easy Antarctica Diorama With Your Kids.

3. ASIA QUICK FACTS FOR KIDS

  • Asia is the largest continent on Earth.
  • Asia is home to Mount Everest, the tallest mountain in the world.
  • The Great of Wall China is one of the most famous landmarks in the world is in China.
  • It has about 49 countries with each country having a diverse culture.
  • It is home to large deserts like the Gobi and Arabian Deserts.
  • Some of my favorite foods are found in Asia. For example, you can find sushi in Japan, curry in India, dim sum in China, and pho in Vietnam.
  • Asia has some of the world’s oldest civilizations. For example, Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley has history that dates back thousands of years.
  • Some of the amazing animals found there are the panda in China and the Bengal tiger in India.

Next, at these hands-on ideas about Asia.

4. AUSTRALIA QUICK FACTS FOR KIDS

Also, look at these facts about Australia.

  • Australia is home to fun kangaroos, koalas and the cool platypus. The platypus is the only mammal that lays eggs.
  • Also, the Great Barrier Reef which is the largest coral reef system in the world is there. It has thousands of marine species.
  • Australia is the only country that is also a continent,
  • Australia is home to the Aboriginal peoples.
  • Ayers Rock is a massive sandstone monolith in the heart of the Northern Territory.
  • The Sydney Opera House is one of the most famous buildings in the world.

Look at my post Free 4-Week Kid’s Australia Unit Study Who Love Hands-on Learning.

5. EUROPE QUICK FACTS FOR KIDS

In addition, Europe has a rich history and diverse culture.

  • The Eiffel Tower in France and the Colosseum in Italy are famous landmarks.
  • It has 44 countries each with unique traditions.
  • Some of the largest countries are Germany, France and Italy.
  • The ruins of the Colosseum in Rome and the Parthenon in Greece date back thousands of years.
  • If you want to do a study about castles, Europe has the Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany and Edinburgh Castle in Scotland.
  • Famous artists and musicians lived there like Leonardo Da Vinci, Mozart, and Beethoven.
  • Also, Vikings have a rich history in the Scandinavian countries like Norway, Sweden and Denmark.
  • Some of the languages spoken in Europe are English, French, German, and Spanish.
  • And more landmarks to learn about are Tower of London, the Acropolis in Athens, and the Berlin Wall in Germany.

Also, look at more hands-on ideas for learning about Europe to go with the free continent printables.

6. NORTH AMERICA QUICK FACTS FOR KIDS

Additionally, look at some fun facts about the North America continent.

  • Three countries make up North America. They are Canada, United States and Mexico.
  • One of the most famous waterfalls in the world, Niagara Falls, is located on the border between the United States and Canada.
  • The Appalachian Mountains stretch over 2,000 miles from Canada to the southern United States.
  • North America is home to the Great Lakes, the largest group of freshwater lakes in the world.
  • Mexico City is one of the largest cities in the world, with a population exceeding 9 million.
  • There are many extensive national parks and protected areas. For example, Yosemite was the first national park in the world. But there are also the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Banff in Canada.
  • Mammoth Cave in Kentucky is the longest cave system in the world.
  • It is home to the ancient civilizations of the Maya and Aztec.

And look at some hands-on activities about the continent of North America.

7. SOUTH AMERICA QUICK FACTS FOR KIDS

Finally, look at a few quick facts about South America.

  • South America is famous for its lush rainforests.
  • The Andes Mountains are the longest mountain range and Amazon rainforest are in South America.
  • Machu Picchu is in Peru.
  • The Amazon River is the largest river in the world.
  • The continent is rich with wildlife. For example, there are sloths, toucans, jaguars, and llamas.
  • The famous Galapagos Islands are unique for the wildlife.
  • Pampas which are in Argentina are known for their rich soil and cattle ranching.
  • The Iguazu Falls is one of the most breathtaking waterfall systems in the world.
Explore the World: Free Continent Printables to Color by Number

Then look at some of these hands-on activities.

HOW TO GET THE FREE COLOR BY NUMBER CONTINENTS PRINTABLE

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How to Make Mini Solar System Activity Sensory Bottles

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This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

This mini solar system activity is such a fun hand-on idea for multiple ages. Also, look at my Exploring Space and Astronomy Free Unit Study for Multiple Ages for more great ideas.

Especially if you have hands-on learners and minimal space in your home this is the perfect sized activity.

Besides this mini solar system sensory bottles activity is a fun and educational project that combines art, science, and sensory play.

How to Make Mini Solar System Activity Sensory Bottles

Anyone fascinated by space will love how the bottles visually represent the planets, moon, stars and sun.

And besides learning facts about the planets, you can expand this hands-on activity.

For example, have your child put the planets in order from the sun.

Also, you can have your child put them in order from the smallest to biggest.

And sort the planets by which ones have fewer moons and which one has less moons.

BOOKS ABOUT ASTRONOMY FOR KIDS

Also, look at some of these books about space, the planets and our solar system.

11 Astronomy Resources & Books

Add one or two books to your unit study or use one as a spine for studying about space.

The Planets

From the burning surface of Venus to the freezing darkness of Neptune, Gail Gibbons takes children on a tour of our planetary neighbors—which are very different from each other in size, shape, orbit, and even weather.

The Planets

With her bestsellers Longitude and Galileo's Daughter, Dava Sobel introduced readers to her rare gift for weaving complex scientific concepts into a compelling narrative. Now Sobel brings her full talents to bear on what is perhaps her most ambitious topic to date-the planets of our solar system. Sobel explores the origins and oddities of the planets through the lens of popular culture, from astrology, mythology, and science fiction to art, music, poetry, biography, and history. Written in her characteristically graceful prose, The Planets is a stunningly original celebration of our solar system and offers a distinctive view of our place in the universe.

Who Was Neil Armstrong?

On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong stepped on the moon and, to an audience of over 450 million people, proclaimed his step a "giant leap for mankind."

Find the Constellations

Containing star charts, a guide to the constellations, and details about seasons and the movement of the objects we see in the sky, this classic book makes H. A. Rey’s passion for astronomy evident on every page.

New updates concentrate on the planetary and solar system information in the latter part of the book. Facts and figures for each planet have been revised, and new scientific information has been added, such as Pluto’s reclassification as a dwarf planet.

Where Is Our Solar System?

Our solar system consists of eight planets, as well as numerous moons, comets, asteroids, and meteoroids. For thousands of years, humans believed that Earth was at the center of the Universe, but all of that changed in the 17th century. Astronomers like Nicolaus Copernicus, Galileo Galilei, Johannes Kepler, and Isaac Newton proposed the unthinkable theory that Earth and the other planets actually revolved around the Sun. 

Signs and Seasons Understanding the Elements of Classical Astronomy

Gorgeous. Worth every penny! Signs & Seasons is an introduction to “Classical Astronomy,” the traditional, historical approach to the sky, as had been practiced from ancient times. The biblical basis for astronomy

The Mysteries of the Universe: Discover the best-kept secrets

Space is so much bigger than young minds can fathom and there is always more to learn. The Mysteries of the Universe is a stunning space encyclopedia for young readers to explore, with reference pages packed with fascinating information, little learners will be captivated as they journey through the vastness of the Universe. 

Basher Science: Astronomy: Out of this World!

Like a Facebook for the universe, Astronomy gives every important celestial body and concept its own page, where readers can learn its behaviors, likes, and dislikes up close and personal. From the flashy stars to the shadowy and strange objects that hang out like loners at the edges of the universe, no player goes unnoticed. 

Stargazer's Guide to the Night Sky, The

The Stargazers Guide to the Night Sky offers everything you need to explore the remarkable beauty of the stars, moon, and planets. Dr. Jason Lisle, a research scientist with a masters and Ph.D. in astrophysics provides a very thorough, practical and easy to read resource to fuel the curiosity of amateur astronomers ages 10 to 100.

Solar System Puzzle Wooden Space Toys for Kids

【Planet Toys for Kids】Our wooden solar system puzzle is the PERFECT CHOICE for you and your kids as it is made from natural wood, vivid planet patten with well designed. This preschool learning activities is suitable for 3+ years kids and represents the perfect activity to learn through play!

Solar System Planetarium - DIY Glow In The Dark Astronomy Planet Model

The Solar System Planetarium set teaches children about the wonders of the solar system. Just assemble, paint and learn.

This set includes planets, stencils, squeeze glow paint pen, rods, string, a fact filled wall chart and 10 sets of Kidz Quiz questions.

Next, look at a few other hands on solar system and space activities.

MORE SOLAR SYSTEM ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS

How to Make Mini Solar System Activity Sensory Bottles

Then, look at these quick facts about our solar system.

QUICK FACTS ABOUT OUR SOLAR SYSTEM FOR KIDS

Sun – The Sun is a large ball of hot, burning gases, mostly made up of hydrogen and helium. It is the center of our universe.

Mercury – Mercury is the hottest and coldest planet. It is the planet closest to the Sun but can’t trap heat. So during the day it’s super hot and at night it’s freezing cold. It’s also the smallest planet.

Venus – It is similar to earth in size and shape and sometimes called Earth’s twin. It has no moons and rotates backwards.

Earth – The only planet known to have life. It has the perfect balance of air, temperature, and water to sustain. It’s also called the Blue because a large amount of water covers the earth.

FACTS ABOUT THE 8 PLANETS

Mars – Mars is known as the Red Planet because its surface is covered in rusty red colored rocks. Also, Mars has the largest volcano in the solar system. It is the Olympus Mons which three times as high as

Jupiter – Jupiter is the largest planet in the solar system. It has many moons – at least 79. It does not have a solid surface like Earth but is gas giant.

Saturn – Saturn is the second largest planet and it is famous for its amazing rings. The rings are made of rock, dust and ice. It too is a gas giant and does not have a solid surface like Earth.

Uranus – Uranus is a giant ice and one cool fact is that it spins on its side unlike the other planets which spin upright.

Neptune – Neptune is the farthest planet from the sun and it is has the fastest winds in the Solar System. It has at least 14 moons.

Moon – Our moon is Earth’s only moon and it is the only natural satellite of Earth. It goes through phases from new to full moon as it orbits earth.

Galaxy – Galaxies can take many shapes. For example, there are spirals and elliptical. Our Solar System is part of the Milky Way Galaxy. And a galaxy is basically a group or cluster of stars, gas and matter that are held together by gravity.

How to Make Mini Solar System Activity Sensory Bottles

Stars – A star is a giant ball of hot, glowing gases. Our Sun is a star and it is the center of our universe and they come in many different colors.

Finally, look at how to make these mini solar system activity sensory bottles.

MINI SOLAR SYSTEM ACTIVITY SENSORY BOTTLES

Here is a list of supplies:

How to Make Mini Solar System Activity Sensory Bottles

Apply stickers to each bottle spelling out:

Sun, Moon, Galaxy, Stars, Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.

How to Make Mini Solar System Activity Sensory Bottles

Add water to each bottle, filling them about ¾ of the way.

How to Make Mini Solar System Activity Sensory Bottles

Fill each bottle to the neck with clear glue, leaving room for the glitter.

How to Make Mini Solar System Activity Sensory Bottles

Add glitter to each mini sensory bottle until all 12 colors are complete.

How to Make Mini Solar System Activity Sensory Bottles

Close the top tightly.

Shake and enjoy.

How to Make Mini Solar System Activity Sensory Bottles

Also, look at this list of colors we went with for the glitter.

  • Sun: yellow
  • Moon: light and dark gray
  • Galaxy: black, purple, and gray
  • Stars: gray and star confetti
  • Mercury: silver
  • Venus: red and orange
  • Earth: blue and green
  • Mars: red
  • Jupiter: brown and gold
  • Saturn: yellow and gold
  • Uranus: light blue and silver
  • Neptune: dark blue and light blue

13 Easy Legos To Build When Bored & DIY Idea Jar

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This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

There are so many easy LEGOS to build when bored.

Today I have not only gathered 13 of those ideas for you but I also have a simple tutorial for a LEGO prompt jar.

Then I also want to share the limitless benefits of LEGO.

13 Easy Legos To Build When Bored & DIY Idea Jar

While they can be quite the investment, I really feel that it is worth it for the quality.

Dare I even call it a “toy” that offers so many ways to use them.

Bricks can also be used as manipulatives, game pieces, uses for sorting, to learn fractions, to create a unique diorama, building landmarks, on and on.

If you still need convincing why LEGO is such a necessary add to your homeschool supplies look at my list.

8 BENEFITS OF USING LEGOS

  1. Creativity and Imagination: LEGO bricks allow children to build whatever they can think up. This encourages their creativity and imagination.
  2. Problem-Solving Skills: Building with LEGO bricks requires problem-solving skills, as kids have to figure out how to connect the bricks together to create their desired structures. This helps them develop logical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
  3. Fine Motor Skills: Manipulating and building with small LEGO bricks helps children develop their fine motor skills, which is important for tasks such as pre-writing, drawing, and buttoning clothes. 
  4. Patience and Persistence: Building with LEGO bricks can be challenging, but it is also very rewarding. Teaching children the importance of patience and persistence, as they have to keep trying until they achieve their desired results.
  5. Social Skills: LEGO bricks are a great way for kids to socialize and learn how to work together. They can build together on collaborative projects or play games with each other using LEGO bricks. They are also just wonderful for parallel play.
  6. Storytelling: LEGO bricks can be used to tell stories and create scenes. This encourages children to use their imagination and develop their storytelling skills.
  7. Relaxation and Stress Relief: Building with LEGO bricks can be a relaxing and stress-relieving activity for kids. It allows them to focus on something creative and enjoyable, which can help them forget about their worries for a while, something we all need now and then right?
  8. Heirloom Potential: LEGO sets can be passed down from generation to generation, making them a cherished heirloom that can be enjoyed by multiple family members. They really do not lose much of their value either for resale later, and some sets skyrocket in value.
13 Easy Legos To Build When Bored & DIY Idea Jar

DIY EASY LEGOS TO BUILD PROMPT JAR

Next, look at this fun diy easy LEGO jar.

I am giving you two sets of instructions for this.

The first one is a simple tutorial for using your Cricut Machine.

The second is for those who want to simplify it even further using ready-to-go stickers from the store.

You will need:

  • A clean empty jar
  • Paper towels
  • Rubbing alcohol

For Cricut:

  • Cricut machine
  • Cricut software
  • Vinyl
  • Mat
  • Weeding tool
  • Transfer tape
13 Easy Legos To Build When Bored & DIY Idea Jar

Check out this bundle if you have been on the fence about getting a Cricut, they are fantastic for kid made projects, t shirts, signs, and so much more.

Start with a clean dry jar.

You want something that doesn’t have a lot of raised writing on it so that you can decorate the smooth signs easier.

Pasta jars and instant coffee jars work great for this.

Rub the entire outside of your jar down with alcohol or Windex and dry well.

This will help remove any oils or dust left on the outside of the jar so that the stickers will adhere better.

13 Easy Legos To Build When Bored & DIY Idea Jar

So that you cut the proper size stickers measure the width of your jar and decide how large you would like your writing to be.

13 Easy Legos To Build When Bored & DIY Idea Jar

Open up your Cricut design space, choose your font and adjust the size to your needs.

 I also found these fun brick outlines by searching LEGO under the image tab.

LEGO BUILD IDEAS FOR KIDS

I thought “I’m bored! LEGO Prompts” was a fitting title for our jar.

Tip- change the color on design space fore each element and you can do it all at once.

The machine will prompt you to change out vinyl/mat with each different color.

13 Easy Legos To Build When Bored & DIY Idea Jar

Hit the make button and follow the onscreen prompts to cut out your vinyl lettering.

Carefully peel the excess vinyl from around the cut-out portion, use a weeding tool to pick out the smaller centers of letters and shapes.

13 Easy Legos To Build When Bored & DIY Idea Jar

Apply transfer tape or clear contact paper, rub it down well with a credit card.

13 Easy Legos To Build When Bored & DIY Idea Jar

Press letters/shapes where you would like them and rub the design firmly with the edge of a credit card to transfer, peel slowly to be sure that it has adhered.

13 Easy Legos To Build When Bored & DIY Idea Jar

To use store bought stickers follow the directions up to wiping the jar down with alcohol and allowing it to dry and then skip down to here.

Simply apply your letters and shapes to the jar.

The next thing you are going to do is print off or handwrite prompts onto paper or cardstock, cut them out in strips.

13 Easy Legos To Build When Bored & DIY Idea Jar

Fold into small bundles and fill up your jar.

13 Easy Legos To Build When Bored & DIY Idea Jar

Next time you hear “I’m bored” or “I don’t know what to build!” send them to the jar for an challenge. 

EASY LEGO BUILD PROMPTS

Additionally, look at a few of these prompts to put in your jar.

First, grab this large bucket of LEGOS to keep separate from the others with the jar tucked inside.

  • Blindly choose 20 LEGO pieces, build a tower.
  • Grab 4 wheels and 10 bricks, build a car.
  • Build an animal that you would find in the ocean.
  • Build your favorite book character out of LEGO.
  • Build a replica of any family member (including family pets).
  • Use only 1 color of brick to build something.
  • Create a tic tac toe board out of LEGO and challenge someone to a game or two.
  • Build something to represent the current season you are in.
  • Set up scenes for a minifig or two and practice your photography skills with a camera or smart phone.
  • Roll two dice, choose that many LEGO and build something amazing using just those pieces.
  • Build a robot that moves in some way.
  • Build your name out of LEGO pieces.
  • Make something that floats.
  • Build a Nerf Target and practice knocking it over from further and further away.
  • Design and build a tool that could make your life easier.
  • Create an art piece using only flat LEGO pieces.
  • Recreate a famous landmark…Eiffel Tower, Taj Mahal, Sphinx, etc.
  • Make a LEGO marble maze.
  • Make something with your eyes closed the entire time (or blindfolded) from choosing bricks to building.
  • Build something that is delicious to eat.
  • Make a picture frame to hold a favorite photo.
  • Build the tallest tower you can without it falling over, measure and note it, see if you can beat it with some changes.

And here are a few of our boredom builds.

13 Easy Legos To Build When Bored & DIY Idea Jar

Don’t you love our creative picture frame?

13 Easy Legos To Build When Bored & DIY Idea Jar

Finally, look at these easy lego builds.

EASY LEGOS TO BUILD

13 Easy Legos to Build When Kids are Bored

You’ll love these fun LEGO builds for kids.

A Simple Geronimo Stilton LEGO Tutorial For Mouse Loving Kids

Create a simple Geronimo Stilton LEGO to commemorate your child’s love of the mouse.

Too, this activity encourages the skills of creativity, fine motor skills, and following directions.

Photo Credit: frugalfun4boys.com

How to Build Puppies with LEGO Bricks

Build some LEGO® puppies with their own doggy bed and food bowl! These are such adorable little puppies. You can swap out the bricks in the legs to make them either lying down or standing up.

Building Wonders: Create the Great Sphinx of Giza with LEGO

It stands in front of the pyramids on the west bank of the Nile in Giza, Egypt. And it was created in a quarry to build the pyramids and other structures nearby.

By now you probably know what a fantastic resource LEGO is in your homeschool.

Photo Credit: frugalfun4boys.com

LEGO Superhero Building Cards - Frugal Fun For Boys and Girls

We are back with more LEGO® mosaic building cards, and this time they have a superhero theme!

Photo Credit: frugalfun4boys.com

Build the Monarch Butterfly Life Cycle with LEGO Bricks

Build the 4 stages of the Monarch butterfly life cycle –with LEGO® bricks!

How to Easily Garden Plan With Kids Using LEGO

How to garden plan with kids using LEGO is a way to sneak in some learning. My kids, like so many others, love to create and build with LEGO so it is just a great hands-on natural extension to learning.

Photo Credit: littlebinsforlittlehands.com

Lego Duck Spring Lego Building Ideas for Kids

Welcome Spring with a cute and easy little LEGO duck building challenge! Make your own pons of LEGO ducks with a simple Spring themed building activity for multiple age and ability levels. Create a whole pond scene too! 

Photo Credit: thesecretlifeofhomeschoolers.com

Lego Balloon Cars A Fantastic Way to Teach STEM

I decided one week for a “Fun Friday Activity” to build Lego balloon cars with my kids. They are simple, fun, and educational. I use this formula when planning our weekly fun activities. Lego balloon cars are a great way to have some STEM fun.

Photo Credit: www.icanteachmychild.com

Simple LEGO Flower

Little Brother loves making creations with LEGOs. He created this flower on his own and then I took it apart and reassembled it for these photos. 🙂  

Photo Credit: littlebinsforlittlehands.com

LEGO Marble Run You Can Make

 It is so fun to build a LEGO marble run and it is a perfect example of a STEM activity using basic bricks. Combine design and engineering for a STEM idea that will provide hours of fun and laughs! We love simple LEGO building ideas!

Labeling Parts of a Honey Bee LEGO Fun Activity For Kids

Your kids will love labeling the parts of a honey bee lego activity. Also, look at my Fascinating and Fun Honey Bees Unit Study and Lapbook for Kids.

Bees are fascinating little creatures from how they create their honeycombs to maximize space, to how they know to fan the hive to keep it cool.

Photo Credit: www.instructables.com

Lego Candy Dispenser

The Lego Candy Dispenser is a super simple build and doesn't take a bunch of crazy pieces but still results in an impressive way to share your candy with friends. 

Photo Credit: frugalfun4boys.com

LEGO Unicorn Building Instructions

In our boy-heavy house, no one is into unicorns, actually. Janie loves all things girly, but she is not really a fan of unicorns. Maybe she’s too young? She’s 3. We do, however, love the unicorn in Despicable Me, and I thought it would be fun to build a unicorn out of LEGO® bricks!

How to Craft Cinnamon Slime and 8 Cool Slime Ideas

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This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have some cool slime ideas. Be sure you grab more ideas for winter fun on my page Winter Season Unit Study.

And there are amazing benefits of playing with what otherwise seems like just a fun activity.

But there is more to slime than just the mess and thrill of sensory play.

It can be used in your homeschool to build lots of skills.

How to Craft Cinnamon Slime and 8 Cool Slime Ideas

Putting together a slime supply kit is fun for rainy days or days when your child just can’t think of something to do.

But it also makes a wonderful gift for them or a friend.

Honestly, making slime is also a great way to teach your child money and entrepreneur skills.

Kids love slime.

And you could set your child up with a small slime business helping to create logos, slime recipes, figure out costs, profit, and reinvesting back into the business.

This would be a fantastic lesson for upper elementary or middle school kids.

BENEFITS OF KIDS PLAYING WITH SLIME

Next, look at some of the benefits of playing with slime.

Stress relief and relaxation- The act of squishing, stretching, and molding slime can be a great way to relieve stress and promote relaxation.

Repetitive motions and tactile sensations can help to calm the mind and body, making slime a popular tool for stress management and mindfulness.

Improved fine motor skills- Playing with slime can help to strengthen fine motor skills, such as hand-eye coordination, finger dexterity, and bilateral coordination.

As children manipulate and mold the slime, they are exercising the muscles in their hands and fingers, which can lead to improvements in handwriting, drawing, and other fine motor tasks.

Enhanced creativity and imagination- Slime can be a great tool for fostering creativity and imagination.

Children can use slime to create various shapes, objects, and scenes, allowing them to express their artistic abilities and develop their imaginations.

Sensory stimulation: The unique texture and properties of slime can provide sensory stimulation that is enjoyable and calming for many individuals.

The tactile experience of playing with slime can be particularly beneficial for children with sensory processing disorders or autism spectrum disorder.

Improved focus and concentration- The repetitive and calming nature of playing with slime can help to improve focus and concentration.

By engaging in slime play, children can develop better self-control and the ability to stay focused on a single activity for longer periods.

How to Craft Cinnamon Slime and 8 Cool Slime Ideas

Social interaction and bonding- Slime can be a fun and interactive activity that children can enjoy with friends and family members.

Playing with slime together can help to promote social interaction, cooperation, and bonding.

MUST HAVE SLIME SUPPLIES

Also, if I were to put together an awesome slime kit with various items for making a variety of slimes here is what I would put in it.

8 COOL SLIME IDEAS

  1. There are plenty of Winter Craft Ideas for Kids Animals in Winter Fun and Snow Slime, give your kids a great hands-on activity to support a unit on winter animals.
  2. The Colorful Blue Jays Winter Food | Make Fun Seed Slime is the perfect addition to a winter or bird unit study.
  3. Turn candy into fun with this 2 Ingredient DIY Miniature Skittles Slime, this one is not edible though!
  4. Another yummy slime that IS safe to eat  is this Edible Gummy Bear Slime.
  5. Head on over to find out how to make How to Make Gingerbread Slime For Play, perfect for fall and winter.
  6. Make The Best Fluffy Slime Recipe for Kids with a fresh recipe that slightly changes slime texture and gives a new experience.
  7. Good clean fun is ready to be had with a Hand Soap Slime recipe.
  8. For a simple and quick slime recipe try The Best 2 Ingredient Slime here.
How to Craft Cinnamon Slime and 8 Cool Slime Ideas

Finally, look at how to make the cinnamon and icing slime. Yum!

HOW TO CRAFT CINNAMON SLIME

You can make just the cinnamon slime or add a batch of the ‘icing’ slime to vary the texture, it is so fun to drizzle over your ‘cinnamon roll’.

You will need:

Cinnamon Roll Slime:

  • 1 4 oz bottle of school glue ( ½ cup)
  • ½ cup water
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 Tablespoon contact solution
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Cinnamon essential oil-optional
How to Craft Cinnamon Slime and 8 Cool Slime Ideas

HOW TO CRAFT CINNAMON SLIME

Icing Slime:

  • 1 4 oz bottle of school glue ( ½ cup)
  • ½ cup water
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 Tablespoon contact solution
  • Generous squirt of sensitive shaving cream
  • Vanilla or marshmallow essential oil

First, mix the glue and water together in a bowl.

How to Craft Cinnamon Slime and 8 Cool Slime Ideas

Add the cinnamon, baking soda, and contact lens solution to the bowl.

How to Craft Cinnamon Slime and 8 Cool Slime Ideas

Stir until the mixture is well combined.

Knead the slime for 1-2 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.

Depending on the brands of items used you may need to add a little more contact solution, add just a few drops at a time and stir well with each addition until it pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

Store the slime in an airtight container.

Now if you want to go the extra step and create an ‘icing’ for a cinnamon roll slime, repeat the process of making another batch of slime.

This time omit the cinnamon and instead stir in vanilla or a marshmallow scent.

Then fold in some sensitive shaving cream to give the slime a fluffy different appearance from the cinnamon slime.

How to Craft Cinnamon Slime and 8 Cool Slime Ideas

To gift your slime place in two separate containers.

How to Craft Cinnamon Slime and 8 Cool Slime Ideas

Stack them and attach with a small dab of hot glue or double sided strong tape.

Tie on a ribbon and tuck a cinnamon stick inside the ribbon. Make a label or tag to identify the scent.

How to Craft Cinnamon Slime and 8 Cool Slime Ideas

When added together the slime will of course change color and texture slightly but it is still really fun to make and work them together to create a new one.

Explore The Science Of Candy: Easy Peppermint Science Experiment

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It is the perfect season for a peppermint science experiment. Be sure you grab more ideas for winter fun on my page Winter Season Unit Study.

Besides peppermints are plentiful in the stores and can be found in canes, discs, and even spoon shapes.

This dissolving candy cane experiment is a simple and fun way to demonstrate the process of dissolution.

Dissolution is the process by which a solid substance dissolves into a liquid.

Explore The Science Of Candy: Easy Peppermint Science Experiment

Dissolution is an important process in nature and is responsible for a variety of phenomena, such as the formation of caves and the weathering of rocks.

In this experiment, you will observe how a candy cane dissolves in different liquids over time, record your hypothesis, variables, process, and results in your science notebook.

You can use any shape and size of peppermint candies that you like for your experiment.

But you will want to keep them uniform throughout so that your results are more accurate.

For today’s purpose we used a fun candy cane shape.

Too, I am not just going to show you a single activity and move on.

I have lots of fantastic peppermint science experiment ideas for you as well as some crafts, facts, and videos to make it a fun little unit for you and your child.

5 PEPPERMINT FACTS

  1. Peppermint is a hybrid mint, a cross between watermint and spearmint and the scientific name for it is Mentha × piperita.
  2. Peppermint grows to a height of 1-3 feet and is native to Europe and Asia but has become cultivated in many parts of the world including North America.
  3. In early history peppermint was mentioned throughout Greek mythology, by Roman philosophers, and Monks in the Middle Ages.
  4. Peppermint is used in a variety of products, including candy, gum, toothpaste, tea, and is also used in traditional and holistic medicine to treat a variety of ailments, such as indigestion, nausea, and headaches.
  5. Handmade striped red and white candy canes were first introduced in 1900 while the first machine to make candy canes was invented in 1921 by Brasher O.

PEPPERMINT SCIENCE EXPERIMENT AND ACTIVITIES

Explore The Science Of Candy: Easy Peppermint Science Experiment

Too, look at more candy science.

MORE FUN CANDY SCIENCE

Finally, look at how to do this peppermint science experiment.

PEPPERMINT SCIENCE EXPERIMENT

The results of the experiment will show which liquid dissolves the candy cane completely the fastest. You can simplify the experiment by simply timing how long it takes for one candy cane to dissolve in water.

You will need:

  • Candy canes
  • Clear glasses
  • Water and at least 3 other liquids
  • Stopwatch or timer
  • Ruler
  • Science notebook
Explore The Science Of Candy: Easy Peppermint Science Experiment

First, have your child make a hypothesis on which liquid they think will melt the candy canes the fastest and record it in their science journal or on a sheet of paper for just this experiment.

Fill the glasses with water, and your other liquids.

Some ideas are milk, vinegar, hot water, cold water, room temperature water, rubbing alcohol, clear soda, oil, etc.

Explore The Science Of Candy: Easy Peppermint Science Experiment

List each of your liquids in the science journal as well.

Measure the length of the candy cane, record it.

Explore The Science Of Candy: Easy Peppermint Science Experiment

Place each of the  candy canes into different liquids. Make a label for each one so similar ones don’t get confused.

Explore The Science Of Candy: Easy Peppermint Science Experiment

Start the stopwatch or timer.

Observe the candy canes as they dissolve. You will notice almost immediately the red begins to dissolve and your liquid turns pink.

The hot water especially creates changes so quickly.

Every minute or two, measure the length of the candy canes and record your observations.

Explore The Science Of Candy: Easy Peppermint Science Experiment

Continue observing the candy canes until they are completely dissolved. Don’t forget to record your findings.

As the candy canes dissolves, you will observe the following changes:

Explore The Science Of Candy: Easy Peppermint Science Experiment
  • The candy canes will become smaller in size.
  • The water will become colored.
  • The candy canes  will become softer and more pliable.
  • The candy canes will eventually disappear completely.

By varying the conditions of the experiment- using different brands of peppermint, different liquids, and various shapes you can learn more about the process of dissolution and the idea of variables in an experiment.