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Tina Robertson

How to Create a Creditworthy American History Course (& resources)

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

I’m showing you how to create a creditworthy American history course with resources. Also, look at my page How to Homeschool High School.

Whether you want to create a standalone creditworthy American history course for your teen or you want to enhance the interest level of your current American history curriculum, you’ll love these tips.

Here’s a seasoned veteran tip.

Use lower grade level resources to put important topics in a nutshell.

How to Create a Creditworthy American History Course (& resources)

To get a quick glimpse of major events, use what you have at the house or that you can get at a library to get a quick glimpse of major events.

Lower level resources can give you an easy starting point when teaching a new topic.

5 TIPS FOR CREATING A CREDITWORTHY HISTORY COURSE

Then, look at these 5 seasoned veteran tips that will make creating your own American History high school course easy.

1. KNOW YOUR STATE LAW.

Be familiar with your state homeschool laws so you can meet the requirements as you build an American history course.

A lot of states don’t have specific requirements, some do. Just be sure you know so that you can cover it.

2. TRACK YOUR TEEN’S TIME.

The rule of thumb is that one course credit is equal to 120 hours. Obviously one-half a credit is 60 hours.

What is not so obvious is deciding how to meet the hours requirement.

It also does not mean that all of the hours need to come from textbooks.

Also, look at my post Homeschool High School–How to Log Hours for High School to give yourself time to learn more about how to truly count hours.

3. FOLLOW YOUR TEEN’S INTEREST. THINK OUT OF THE PUBLIC-SCHOOL BOX STANDARDS.

Don’t hem in your teen’s creative expression on how to meet the hour requirement.

If you have the control in your state to determine how to fill the credit requirement, then think beyond what public school dictates as traditional learning.

Look at this list of ideas to add to your course and ways to meet the time requirement.

Mix and match these activities to meet the needs of an American history credit.

  • Read a textbook
  • Read living books
  • Essays
  • Hands-on projects
  • Prepare a speech
  • Review primary resources
  • Learn history through art
  • Learn history through geography
  • Learn about fashion of the period
  • Apprenticeships
  • Watch movies
  • Cook a period recipe
How to Create a Creditworthy American History Course (& resources). You'll love these EZ steps for creating your own curriculum @Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

The fun part begins when you and your teen decide if he will cover only history for the whole 120 hours or if you’ll mix and match with other subjects.

4. DETERMINE IF THE COURSE WILL BE HALF-CREDIT, FULL YEAR CREDIT OR SOMEWHERE IN BETWEEN.

The beauty of homeschooling is that you can adjust a course to a teen’s likes and passions.

For example, if a teen is a writer, then he can focus on writing while learning history.

So history could be a .60 credit and creative writing about history a .60 credit.

Alternately, if you want to add a literature element, then history may be a full 1 credit and literature could be a one-half credit.

If your teen is a budding artist and doesn’t like history so much, then he can cover history while doing art. You and your teen determine how to divide up the hourly credit.

5. IF YOU BEGIN IN MIDDLE SCHOOL YOU CAN STILL COUNT IT AS HIGH SCHOOL AS LONG AS YOU USE HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL RESOURCES.

By starting in middle school, your teen can go slower or take his time and dig deeper if there is a passion for history.

As long as the resource you’re using is high school level, then you can count the credit on the transcript.

American Homeschool History Outline

Although my teens had some say in the topics, they didn’t have the final say.

I wanted to be sure my teens were exposed to a wide variety of topics.

But it’s not necessary to cover all the events, people, or topics at the same depth.

I find that looking at the table of contents of any American History textbook can serve as a beginning point for an outline.

You can easily use it as a reference or make your own course outline.

AMERICAN HISTORY EVENTS AND PERIODS TO COVER

Look at one I created to get you started.

  • Columbus
  • The First People of America
  • The American Colonies
  • The American Revolution
  • Creating the Constitution
  • The Age of Jefferson
  • The Age of Jackson
  • Religion and Reform
  • Manifest Destiny
  • The Civil War
  • Reconstruction
  • Industrial Growth
  • The Gilded Age
  • World War I
  • The 1920s
  • The Great Depression
  • Truman and the Cold War
  • The Eisenhower Years
  • The 1960s and Vietnam
  • Present

5 American History Enhancements

As you can see you quickly can draft a diy American History course that your teen will be passionate about.

After doing American History several times with each of my grads, I mixed and match different resources.

Key to keeping it easy is to have a variety of resources at your fingertips.

Look at these 5 American history resources that you can use to enhance or flesh out your course. It’s not that hard, I promise.

I’ve listed living books, a hands-on history resource and even a book to us a spine in a story form which is how we prefer to learn.

5 History Resources for Teens

Laid out resources can help you put together an easy creditworthy American history course for teens.

America: Ready-To-Use Interdisciplinary Lessons & ActivitIes for Grades 5-12

Use this as a springboard for ideas. I loved this resource because it helped me to have ideas to include my younger kids while teaching my high school kid.

Too, I could expand an idea in the book to a high school level. Like it says, it’s a great big book of ideas to teach about American history.

A History of US: Eleven-Volume Set (A ^AHistory of US)

Whether it's standing on the podium in Seneca Falls with the Suffragettes or riding on the first subway car beneath New York City in 1907, the books in Joy Hakim's A History of US series weave together exciting stories that bring American history to life. Readers may want to start with War, Terrible War, the tragic and bloody account of the Civil War that has been hailed by critics as magnificent. Or All the People, brought fully up-to-date in this new edition with a thoughtful and engaging examination of our world after September 11th. No matter which book they read, young people will never think of American history as boring again. Joy Hakim's single, clear voice offers continuity and narrative drama as she shares with a young audience her love of and fascination with the people of the past.

The World of Captain John Smith

Genevieve Foster wrote this nearly fifty years ago. It resonates with perhaps more truth today. As a result of this clarion call we have sold many of her enduring "World" titles because of the timeless nature of her books. Her writing style is clear, concise and fluid with her greatest strength as a storyteller being her ability to bring her readers right into the minds and times of her characters.Abraham Lincoln's WorldGeorge Washington's WorldWorld of William PennWorld of Columbus and SonsWorld ofCaptain John Smith.

The Yanks are Coming: The United States in the First World War

Use living books which bring history to life.

One of my son’s favorite authors is Albert Marrin. His books make it easy to cover
topics using a story format and avoiding boring textbooks.

Look at all of the ones for American history.

A History of the American People

Paul Johnson’s History of the American People is like a history form of American History and covers major events and times. We used it like a spine or main resource. Then dig into further topics after that.

In addition, hands-on games bring a different element to the day and keep teens from taking all so seriously.

Add in hands-on games and fun if your kid loves hands-on.

Hands-on history is not just for the young.

If your teen learns best by hands-on then assign one or two projects as a grade.

I used Home School in the Woods projects to help me come up with ideas for my teens.

Include your younger kids too and the day can be fun while your teen gets his credit hours.

I love this format because if you have to teach American History a few times over, there is always room for a unique slant or perspective.

How to Create a Creditworthy American History Course (& resources). You'll love these EZ steps for creating your own curriculum @Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

Avoid the boredom and blahs by using different resources.

What else do you like to include for your teen?

MORE CREDITWORTHY AMERICAN HISTORY COURSE ACTIVITIES

Free Color By Number Penguin And Penguins Antarctica Habitat

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

Exploring the amazing Antarctica habitat and the penguins that live there make for a fun hands-on unit study. Also, look at my Free Winter Lapbook and Unit Study for more ideas.

Antarctica may seem like a frozen desert but it’s home to some incredible wildlife.

So, beyond the icy sheets and frigid waters, it is home to fascinating penguins.

Free Color By Number Penguin And Penguins Antarctica Habitat

Antarctica’s penguins are adaptable and resilient despite one of the most extreme environments on earth.

Besides Antarctica is located at the South Pole surrounded by the Southern Ocean.

And the temperatures in wintertime can drop below -70°F.

However, during the summer the sun in the Antarctica region shines nearly 24 hours a day.

But in winter it can be completely dark for months.

Also, look at some of these books about Antarctica.

ANTARCTICA BOOKS FOR KIDS

I prefer to use living books when I can find them instead of dry boring textbooks.

11 Antarctica Books & Resources for Kids Who Love to Read and Be Read To

Add some of these books for different ages and resources to your study about Antarctica.

Antarctica: The Heart of the World

Named a "Best Book of the Year" by Science Books & Films

"Librarians acquiring this book, a must-have for any scientific collection, can be assured that it will contribute to some reader's decision to visit or work in Antarctica."—VOYA

"This is an eye-catching book packed with gems for browsing, and the presentation makes it suitable for reports."—School Library Journal

A Trip to the Bottom of the World with Mouse:

Join a young explorer and his best friend, Mouse, on a sea journey to Antarctica, where they make new friends with penguins and a whale – and have all kinds of fun. Young readers won’t stop grinning as they’re swept away by the strange and magical world created by Frank Viva, the bestselling author of Along a Long Road. As kids TOON into Reading, they will want to circle back to the beginning – again and again.

The Real Book About the Antarctic

The exploration of the Antarctic has been undertaken for five centuries in the name of many nations. Challenged by the mystery of its formidable, icy regions, they have used dogs, sleds, and above all the weapon of human endurance to cut down the barrier which isolates it from the developed world. In this history of the centuries of exploration, of the men who risked and often gave life to penetrate its secrets, the achievements of many great figures are reviewed

Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage

In August 1914, polar explorer Ernest Shackleton boarded the Endurance and set sail for Antarctica, where he planned to cross the last uncharted continent on foot. In January 1915, after battling its way through a thousand miles of pack ice and only a day's sail short of its destination, the Endurance became locked in an island of ice. Thus began the legendary ordeal of Shackleton and his crew of twenty-seven men. When their ship was finally crushed between two ice floes, they attempted a near-impossible journey over 850 miles of the South Atlantic's heaviest seas to the closest outpost of civilization.

Antarctica Toob - Toy Figurines Penguins, Whales, Seals, & More

Explore Antarctic Wildlife: This Toob includes 10 diverse figures from the freezing landscapes of Antarctica: emperor, chinstrap, and rockhopper penguins, blue, humpback, and sperm whales, an orca, a crabeater seal, an Antarctic fur seal, and a wandering albatross.

Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World: The Extraordinary True Story of Shackleton and the Endurance

The extraordinary true story behind Ernest Shackleton's harrowing expedition to Antarctica on the Endurance—the ill-fated ship that became trapped in ice and sank to the ocean floor. Defying the odds, the crew made it back alive, bringing with them the astounding collection of photographs included in this critically acclaimed, timeless book.

Antarctic Journal: Four Months at the Bottom of the World

It is the windiest, coldest, most forbidding region on earth, and I am heading straight for it.

Sketchbook in hand, an artist leaves home to spend four months in Antarctica. She hikes up glaciers, camps on deserted islands, and sees mirages of castles in the air. She sails past icebergs and humpback whales. And she fills her sketchbook with drawings of penguin chicks huddled in their nests and seals basking in the sun. Jennifer Dewey's sketches, photographs, journal entries, and letters home let you see the last great wilderness on earth through the eyes of an artist at work.

Ice Trap! : Shackleton's Incredible Expedition

In August 1914, during the height of the heroic age of Antarctic exploration, Sir Ernest Shackleton set off from England with a team of explorers to walk across the Antarctic and study the icy depths of this new and forbidding continent. Sailing through some of the most perilous seas, the Endurance becomes trapped in the deadly pack ice of the Weddell sea. When the Endurance is eventually crushed between the vast bulk of two floating icebergs, the men are forced to abandon ship and make the dangerous journey across the crushing sea in lifeboats,

Where Is Antarctica?

Antarctica, the earth's southernmost continent, was virtually untouched by humans until the nineteenth century. Many famous explorers journeyed (and often died) there in the hope of discovering a land that always seemed out of reach. This book introduces readers to this desert--yes, desert!--continent that holds about 90 percent of the world's ice; showcases some of the 200 species that call Antarctica home, including the emperor penguin; and discusses environmental dangers to the continent, underscoring how what happens to Antarctica affects the entire world.

Ocean Anatomy: The Curious Parts & Pieces of the World under the Sea

The Anatomy series by Julia Rothman is always a go-to resource, ocean Anatomy contains plenty of information on the animals that live in Antarctica, icebergs Polar Ice, and glaciers.

Penguin's Way

With a new children’s book imprint, the Bodleian Library brings beloved classics back into print, beginning with a beautiful storybook about the life of a fascinating Antarctic species. Originally published in 1962, Penguin’s Way by Johanna Johnston tells the surprising story of these creatures, complete with colorful artwork by award-winning illustrator Leonard Weisgard. In Penguin’s Way, a playful colony of emperor penguins lives on the edge of a faraway secret sea. During the summers, the penguins are content to fish and swim in the icy waters. But, when the seasons change, they must travel more than one hundred miles to the snowy lands surrounding the South Pole. All across the snow plain, the penguins sing songs to welcome newly hatched chicks into the world, but how will the fluffy newborns survive the freezing winter?

Also, look at some of these features of the Antarctica habitat for penguins.

FEATURES OF THE ANTARCTICA HABITAT FOR PENGUINS

Besides having 24 hour daylight and darkness, penguins are suited to life in their Antarctica habitat.

It’s also a dry region and has unique dry valleys.

It is also rich in marine life. For example seals are the main predators of penguins.

But penguins are birds suited to their Antarctica habitat because they live in colonies.

These colonies provide safety in numbers.

Additionally, besides having a thick layer of waterproof feathers, they have a layer of blubber below their skin.

This provides ;penguins with an additional insulation to the cold.

Glaciers flow from the ice sheets.

So during extreme cold, penguins huddle together to preserve body heat.

And they rotate so that every penguin has a chance to get warm.

Also, they have streamlined bodies which helps them to reduce drag while swimming.

In addition, their strong flippers help them to be agile and fast.

Free Color By Number Penguin And Penguins Antarctica Habitat

Finally, look at how to download this free color by number penguin page.

MORE ANTARCTICA HABITAT ACTIVITIES

How to Get the Free Color by Number Penguin Antarctica Page

Now, how to grab the free color by number 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) Sign up on my email list.

2) Grab the freebie now.

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

10 Fun Facts About Kapok Trees You’ll Love

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

Today is all about fun facts about Kapok trees. Also, look at my pages Rain Forest – Amazon, Rain Forest – Animals of the Amazon, and Rainforest Activities for Kids for more ideas, crafts and activities.

 And this is a super easy learning activity with things you should already have on hand.

For preschoolers you will want to keep this activity very simple.

10 Fun Facts About Kapok Trees You’ll Love

But older kids can add more detail and even label the different layers of the rainforest.

Rainforests are like giant, green umbrellas that cover about 6% of the Earth’s land surface.

They’re found near the equator in South America, Africa, and Asia.

They are full of tall trees, lush plants, and amazing animals.

In fact, over half of the world’s plant and animal species live in rainforests.

Kapok trees are towering, important parts of rainforests.

They have been brought to our front door by wonderful classic books like The Great Kapok Tree.

The beautiful images make it more real to children and show how they are a central part to the flora and fauna there.

I love using literature as a base for unit studies.

While we cover a lot of great rainforest information we are going to focus on Kapok trees with our chosen story.

BOOKS ABOUT THE RAINFOREST FOR KIDS

First, look at some of these fun books about the Amazon to add to your reading day.

I choose living books when I can find them.

21 Rain Forest Animals For Kids Books and Resources

Add these rain forest animal books, games, and toys to round out your study of the animals of the rain forest.

Wildlife Animal Model Toy Red Eye Tree Frog Figure

It is a great way to expand the growth with children through physical science.

All the Way Down: Amazon Rainforest

This book explores the rainforest layer by layer and the creatures that make their home in each part of the rainforest.

Rainforest Animals (Who Am I?)

Which rainforest animal is a frog that uses its eyes to help it swallow its food? Which rainforest animal is a bird with a big, colorful bill? Let's learn more about rainforest animals such as sloths, poison dart frogs, toucans, and more! Read With You's Who Am I? series encourages children to be more curious about the world around them as they learn fun facts about animals from across the globe.

Over and Under the Rainforest

Part of the critically acclaimed Over and Under series that includes Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt and Over and Under the Snow!Under the canopy of the rainforest hundreds of animals make their homes, but up in the leaves hides another world. Turn the pages of this beautiful and educational book to discover in words and mesmerizing illustration:

Animals like the slender parrot snake and the blue morpho butterfly.

The canopies where toucans and pale-billed woodpeckers chatter and call.

Capuchin monkeys who swing from vines and slow-moving sloths who wait out daily thunderstorms.

Wild Animal Jungle Sloth Toy Figurine

Sloth Toy Figurine

In the Rainforest (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science 2)

The rainforest is home to millions of plant and animal species. Some animals live high up in the trees, some crawl across the forest floor, and some tunnel underground, but they all depend on one another and the rain to survive. With colorful illustrations and fascinating diagrams from author-illustrator Kate Duke, In the Rainforest is a lively look at the most vibrant ecosystem on our planet. 

Anacondas (Rain Forest Animals)

This book introduces readers to the largest snake in the world: the anaconda. Readers learn about the life cycle, behavior, physical characteristics, and habitat of anacondas

Learn to Draw Rainforest & Jungle Animals

Expanding the popular collection of animal books in the Learn to Draw Series, Learn to Draw Rainforest & Jungle Animals will teach kids how easy it is to draw a variety of exciting and exotic creatures from around the world. Each project starts with a basic shape and progresses with simple-to-follow steps to a finished realistic final colored artwork. While they’re learning, kids will also discover fun facts about each featured animal.

The Rainforest Grew All Around

Imaginations will soar from the forest floor, up through the canopy and back down again, following the circle of life in this clever adaptation of the song “The Green Grass Grew All Around.” The jungle comes alive as children learn about a wide variety of the animals (jaguars, emerald tree boas, leafcutter ants, sloths, poison dart frogs, toucans, and bats) and plants (kapok trees, liana vines, and bromeliads) living in the lush Amazon rainforest. Delve even deeper into the jungle using sidebars and the three-page “For Creative Minds” educational section.

Wildlife Anatomy: The Curious Lives & Features of Wild Animals around the World

While it covers more than just the rainforest this is a fabulous resource to have on your shelves. You will find plenty of great pictures and information on many animals that live there- crocodiles, harpy eagles, monkeys, tapir , sloths,Jaguarundi, and the food web.

Rainforest Glow-in-The-Dark Puzzle, Rainforest Animals, Birds, Plants and More

COLORFUL ARTWORK: Kids will love the colorful puzzle artwork showing the animals, plants, trees and birds that call the rainforest home. The storage box shows the completed puzzle artwork and is an ideal place to keep pieces safe and free from damage.

The Great Kapok Tree: A Tale of the Amazon Rain Forest

Tells a story of a man who came to cut down a kapok tree and encounters many of the beautiful and exotic native creatures who make their home in the Amazon Rainforest.

Professor Noggin's Reptiles and Amphibians Trivia Card Game

FUN FACTS: How about Reptiles versus Amphibians?!  That's just one of the topic cards in this kids card game.  Find out more fun facts from Eggs to the Komodo Dragon!

Rainforest Gummi Frogs Candy

How fun!

FRESH & FRUITY: Fruidles single-flavor gummies pack giant taste into one delicious flavor. After one bite of these fruity gummies, you'll taste the difference of giant fresh fruit flavors & a deliciously soft chew you won't find with other gummy candies.

Hello, World! Rainforest Animals

This bright and exciting Hello, World! board book teaches toddlers all about the amazing world of a rainforest—with easy-to-understand facts about the incredible animals who make their home there.

Where Is the Amazon?

Human beings have inhabited the banks of the Amazon River since 13,000 BC and yet they make up just a small percentage of the "population" of this geographic wonderland. The Amazon River basin teems with life—animal and plant alike.

Canopy, Card Game, Features 25 Unique Species of Rainforest Animals and Plants

Compete to grow the most bountiful rainforest! Carefully select what grows in your forest, and give rise to a thriving ecosystem.

LEGO Creator Rainforest Animals

Features a frog, a fly and a parrot with articulated wings and tail, opening mouth and rotatable eyes 3-in-1 model: rebuilds into a chameleon or a tropical fish

Afternoon on the Amazon

Vampire bats and killer ants? That's what Jack and Annie are about to run into when the Magic Tree House whisks them away to the Amazon River. It's not long before they get hopelessly lost. Will they be able to find their way back to the tree house? Or are Jack and Annie stuck forever in the rain forest?

Red-eyed Tree Frog (Scholastic Bookshelf)

NatureI n a tropical rain forest in Central America, a red-eyed tree frog spends the night looking for food while avoiding potential predators. Award-winning photographer Nic Bishop's larger-than-life, gorgeous images document the hunt, which ends happily with the frog settling down in the leaves to spend his daylight hours sleeping! Joy Cowley's simple, readable text makes the frog's story fun, interesting, and accessible to young readers.

Protecting the Amazon Rainforest (Saving Earth's Biomes)

Explores the richness of the Amazon rainforest, how humans have damaged it, and efforts being taken to protect it. Clear text, vibrant photos, and helpful infographics make this book an accessible and engaging read.

Then look at facts about Kapok trees.

10 FUN FACTS ABOUT KAPOK TREES FOR KIDS

The kapok tree is also a symbol of strength and resilience, and it is often used in art and literature to represent these qualities.

Kapok trees are native to tropical rainforests in Central and South America.

They can grow to be over 200 feet tall, making them one of the tallest trees in the rainforest.

Kapok trees have large, buttressed roots that help to support their massive trunks.

The bark of the kapok tree is smooth and gray, and it is covered in small, sharp spines.

The leaves of the kapok tree are large and compound, with each leaf divided into several smaller leaflets.

The flowers of the kapok tree are large and white, and they bloom in clusters.

The fruit of the kapok tree is a large, brown capsule that contains hundreds of small, fluffy seeds.

The seeds of the kapok tree are used to make a variety of products, including stuffing for pillows and mattresses, insulation, and life jackets.

Kapok trees are an important part of the rainforest ecosystem, and they provide food and shelter for many animals.

10 Fun Facts About Kapok Trees You’ll Love

Before we began our craft, we read The Great Kapok Tree to learn all about the animals of the rainforest.

 It was also a wonderful reference throughout to know where to place them.

We also pulled out our Professor Noggin Wildlife Safari game to explore the animals and pulled out those that live in the rainforest which led to matching them with our plastic animals.

10 Fun Facts About Kapok Trees You’ll Love

Do you need a few more ideas to round out your rainforest study?

Here are ideas for Kapok trees as well as the amazing animals that make their home there.

KAPOK TREES AND OTHER SYMBOLS OF THE RAINFOREST

Here are 7 Cool Rainforest Science Activities and Create Rainforest Floor Slime for a wonderful sensory experience.

Take a virtual field trip into the fascinating Rainforest among thick greenery and past flying exotic birds with these 25 Facts About The Amazon Rainforest.

Learn about and make some of these 20 Tropical Rainforest Foods and Make an Acai Bowl for hands-on learning.

Beautiful And Colorful Amazonian Rainforest Animals Lapbook For Kids

Use your plastic animals to create a Rainforest Sensory Bin for hours of open ended play and investigation.

How to Make an Easy Rainforest Triorama With Kids

Find out questions like Do Geckos Live in the Rainforest and 10 Facts About Reptiles and make a replica of a Turnip Tailed Gecko too.

Fun Easy Amazon Rainforest Crafts and Make a Bubble Wrap Pattern Anaconda

This is a great idea for turning our book  into an interactive and fun The Great Kapok Tree Lapbook Project.

10 Fun Facts About Kapok Trees You’ll Love

Finally, look at how to make this easy Kapok tree activity.

HANDS-ON KAPOK TREE ACTIVITY

You will need:

  • 1 brown construction paper
  • 2 blue construction paper
  • 2 green construction paper Plastic rainforest animals
  • Glue stick
10 Fun Facts About Kapok Trees You’ll Love

First, we’re keeping this easy and use a minimum of supplies.

Start by tearing brown paper in half to create the trunk and ripping up the green into large irregular pieces for the tree’s foliage.

We also tore off a strip to create the forest floor.

10 Fun Facts About Kapok Trees You’ll Love

Slightly overlap and glue together two blue pieces of construction paper to create a tall blue column.

10 Fun Facts About Kapok Trees You’ll Love

Stack the two halves of torn brown for the trunk of your tree and glue into place.

10 Fun Facts About Kapok Trees You’ll Love

Glue down a forest floor from one or several strips of paper.

10 Fun Facts About Kapok Trees You’ll Love

Place your large pieces of greenery all over the top of the tree to create the canopy, gluing into place.

10 Fun Facts About Kapok Trees You’ll Love

Create a thick canopy with lots of leaf layers.

10 Fun Facts About Kapok Trees You’ll Love

Once the glue is dry the animals can be placed while you talk about where in the tree each of the animals might live within the layers.

10 Fun Facts About Kapok Trees You’ll Love

How To Mix Glow In The Dark Slime Ingredients To Make Awesome Ocean Slime

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Let’s mix glow in the dark slime ingredients to make an incredible ocean themed slime with a special feature bioluminescence. Also, look at my page Oceans Unit Study and Lapbook for more ocean animals and activities.

Have you ever marveled at the sight of a glowing animal in the darkness?

If so, you’ve witnessed the captivating phenomenon known as bioluminescence.

It is a natural light show performed by a diverse variety of creatures, from deep-sea fish to fireflies.

How To Mix Glow In The Dark Slime Ingredients To Make Awesome Ocean Slime

For this activity we are going to focus on those living in the ocean, particularly plankton blooms.

The light from plankton can be red, yellow, green, blue, or even violet.

But in the ocean, it’s usually blue green in color.

And they use this feature to defend themselves, attract prey, and lure mates.

Bioluminescence serves a variety of purposes for different organisms.

It’s like a secret language that lets them communicate with each other through intricate patterns of light.

For example, some deep-sea fish create mesmerizing light displays to attract mates, while others use bioluminescence to ward off predators.

But some predators also use bioluminescence as a cunning hunting strategy.

The anglerfish, a deep-sea dweller, dangles a glowing lure, luring unsuspecting prey closer before launching a swift attack.

Even if you have never seen it in person, you have likely seen the images of the ocean that seem to be twinkling and glowing like a mass of stars.

This is the phenomenon known as “blue tide,” and it occurs due to bioluminescent plankton blooms in the water.

I thought this made a perfect subject for creating a glow in the dark slime.

This slime demonstrates bioluminescence giving your child a fun sensory activity that comes with a surprise when they take it into the dark.

Playing with sensory slime can provide numerous benefits.

For example, it includes stress relief, improved fine motor skills, and enhanced creativity as it serves as a great demonstration on this science topic.

Books About Oceans for Kids

Next, looks at some of these living books about the ocean.

Your children will have fun as you read aloud or have your children pick a couple to read.

16 Ocean Books for Kids Who Love to Read and Be Read To

Choose a few of these ocean themed books to go along with your study of the Oceans. Whether you're looking for a spine for a unit study or literature, you'll love this roundup.

The Burgess Seashore Book for Children in color

Join Danny Meadow Mouse, Jimmy Skunk, and Reddy Fox as they explore the seashore and take a closer look at the habits and habitats of the creatures they find. Discover the Seahorse, Shrimp, Crab, Anemone, Gull, and so many more.

The Burgess Seashore Book for Children is a wonderful way to introduce young ones to the fascinating world beneath us and is a perfect compliment to earlier books in this series, the Bird, Animal, and Flower books.

This edition is complete and unabridged with all of the beautiful illustrations by W.H. Southwick and George Sutton

Seaside Naturalist: Seaside Naturalist

Seaside Naturalist is an illustrated guide to marine plants and animals includes the characteristics of protozoa, arthropods, sponges, mollusks, reptiles, birds, fish, and mammals.

The Big Book of the Blue (The Big Book Series)

The book opens by explaining how different types of animals are able to breathe and survive underwater, and the different families to which they belong. Subsequent pages are dedicated to specific creatures, including sea turtles, whales, sharks, stingrays, and seahorses, and show varied life in specific habitats, such as a coral reef or deep sea bed. The Big Book of the Blue also explores the underwater world thematically, looking at animals in danger, learning how to spot creatures at the beach, and discovering how to do our part to save sea life. Beautiful and filled with fascinating facts, young, curious readers won’t be able to tear their eyes away from the page.

Scott O'Dell Set: Island of the Blue Dolphins + Zia

Island of the Blue Dolphins begins with a young girl named Karana who is living on the Island of the Blue Dolphins (fancy name, right?) with her younger brother, Ramo, and sister, Ulape. One day, a group of Russian hunters (Aleutians) land on the island to hunt for otter. This is when the trouble really begins.

Manfish: A Story of Jacques Cousteau (Underwater Picture Book for Kids)

Once upon a time in France, a baby was born under the summer sun. His parents named him Jacques. As he grew, Jacques fell in love with the sea. He dreamed of breathing beneath the waves and swimming as gracefully as a fish. In fact, he longed to become a manfish. Jacques Cousteau grew up to become a champion of the seas and one of the best-known oceanographers in the world. In this lovely biography, now in paperback, poetic text and gorgeous paintings come together to create a portrait of Cousteau that is as magical as it is inspiring.

Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas (Illustrated 1875 Edition):

A beautiful edition with 110 images from the 1875 English edition. Use Amazon's Look inside feature to compare this edition with others. You'll be impressed by the differences. Don't be fooled by other versions that have no illustrations or contain very small print. Reading our edition will make you feel that you are traveling the seas with Captain Nemo himself.

Swiss Family Robinson (Illustrated Classic): 200th Anniversary Collection

More than 100 original illustrations by Louis Rhead. You want to read this book with illustrations.

An introduction by W. D. Howells.

Nicely formatted text in an easy-to-read font.

A beautiful cover from the 1891 edition.

Ocean: A Visual Encyclopedia

Embark on a captivating tour of the waters that cover 70 percent of our planet! See our oceans come to life in mind-blowing detail. This is the ultimate children’s visual encyclopedia about the awe-inspiring blue planet! 

Secrets of the Sea: The Story of Jeanne Power, Revolutionary Marine Scientist

How did a nineteenth-century dressmaker revolutionize science? Jeanne Power was creative: she wanted to learn about the creatures that swim beneath the ocean waves, so she built glass tanks and changed the way we study underwater life forever. Jeanne Power was groundbreaking: she solved mysteries of sea animals and published her findings at a time when few of women’s contributions to science were acknowledged. Jeanne Power was persistent: when records of her research were lost, she set to work repeating her studies. And when men tried to take credit for her achievements, she stood firm and insisted on the recognition due to her.

Ocean Anatomy: The Curious Parts & Pieces of the World under the Sea

Follow Rothman’s inquisitive mind and perceptive eye along shorelines, across the open ocean, and below the waves for an artistic exploration of the watery universe. Through her drawings, discover how the world’s oceans formed, why the sea is salty, and the forces behind oceanic phenomena such as rogue waves. Colorful anatomical profiles of sea creatures from crustacean to cetacean, surveys of seafaring vessels and lighthouses, and the impact of plastic and warming water temperatures are just part of this compendium of curiosities that will entertain and educate readers of all ages. 

The Fascinating Ocean Book for Kids: 500 Incredible Facts!

Do you know a kid who’s captivated by what goes on beneath the ocean’s surface? This amazing entry into ocean books for kids is packed with hundreds of incredible facts for hours of underwater exploration. Pages of full-color pictures feature life in and around the sea including fish, dolphins, and shipwrecks!

All About Bioluminescence: Deep Sea Animals

Dive into the mesmerizing world of bioluminescence with "All About Bioluminescence." In this captivating book, readers embark on a journey through the depths of the ocean to discover the extraordinary glow-in-the-dark creatures that inhabit its mysterious realm. From the enchanting sea angel to the infamous anglerfish, each page is filled with stunning illustrations and fascinating facts about these luminous beings.With a focus on deep-sea dwellers, readers will uncover the secrets behind bioluminescence and learn how these creatures use light to communicate, camouflage, and lure prey. But the adventure doesn't stop there! "All About Bioluminescence" also includes hands-on activities like a glow stick experiment, allowing readers to experience the magic of bioluminescence firsthand.

Treasure Island (Dover Thrift Editions: Classic Novels)

One of the most enduringly popular adventure tales, Treasure Island began in 1881 as a serialized adventure entitled "The Sea-Cook"in the periodical Young Folks. Completed during a stay at Davos, Switzerland, where Stevenson had gone for his health, it was published in 1883 in the form we know today.Set in the eighteenth century, Treasure Island spins a heady tale of piracy, a mysterious treasure map, and a host of sinister characters charged with diabolical intentions. Seen through the eyes of Jim Hawkins, the cabin boy of the Hispaniola, the action-packed adventure tells of a perilous sea journey across the Spanish Main, a mutiny led by the infamous Long John Silver, and a lethal scramble for buried treasure on an exotic isle.

Oceans and Seas!: With 25 Science Projects for Kids

In Oceans and Seas! With 25 Science Projects for Kids readers ages 7 though 10 dive into the underwater world of some of the most amazing landscapes on Earth. On this amazing underwater adventure, kids experience the ocean’s tropical reefs and spot crabs, sea sponges, and thousands of kinds of fish darting in its crags and folds. They’ll meet a giant squid with eyes the size of dinner plates and an mbrella-like bioluminescent jellyfish.

Discover the Oceans: The World's Largest Ecosystem (Discover Your World)

From both a historical and scientific point of view, above and below the surface, this engaging guide brings the world’s oceans to life through fun facts, illustrations, and in-depth information. Interactive activities appear throughout, ranging from making solar stills and simple fishing spears to experimenting with a homemade diving bell and figuring out how much water it really takes to survive. With the oceans being the least explored environment on Earth, this reference illuminates some of the most incredible and surprising plants and animals as well as how to survive and navigate these vast expanses.

Pagoo

An intricate study of tide pool life is presented in text and pictures through the story of Pagoo, a her-mit crab.

Next, look at a list of glow in the dark bioluminescence organisms.

10 GLOW IN THE DARK BIOLUMINESCENCE ORGANISMS

Here are 10 amazing organisms that use this ‘power’ in one way or another whether as predator, prey, or just communication.

  • Cookie Cutter Shark
  • Anglerfish
  • Jellyfish
  • Bacteria
  • Glowworm
  • Fireflies
  • Lantern Fish
  • Plankton
  • Fungi
  • Vampire Squid

MORE BIOLUMINESCENCE GLOW IN THE DARK FUN

Watch this video from Ocean Today and learn facts like -as many as 90% of creatures in the deep ocean produce light for various reasons.

Create this neat Glowing Dough for a different type of sensory experience.

No fireflies in your area? No problem, create your own Firefly Glow Jars.

Learn How To Make Glowing Bubbles and take them outdoors at night to see your bright creation floating through the air.

This Glow in The Dark Rice makes a neat base for sensory bins, in bottles, or layered in jars.

If you want to park here in this topic of bioluminescence for a while this book, All About Bioluminescence, is full of information and activity ideas.

We have been able to get quite a bit of use out of these eeBoo science cards over the years as they cover a great variety of topics like bioluminescence.

How To Mix Glow In The Dark Slime Ingredients To Make Awesome Ocean Slime

Additionally, look at some of these fun ocean hands-on activities.

OCEAN ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS

How To Mix Glow In The Dark Slime Ingredients To Make Awesome Ocean Slime

Finally, look at how to mix glow in the dark slime ingredients to learn about bioluminescence.

MIX GLOW IN THE DARK SLIME INGREDIENTS TO DEMONSTRATE BIOLUMINESCENCE

I love how this slime seems like your basic slime recipe but holds a surprise that only comes to light in the dark, just like the creatures that have this characteristic.

You will need:

  • 1 Tablespoon Glow in the dark paint
  • Contact solution
  • ½ Tablespoon baking soda
  • 4 oz. white school glue
  • A few drops blue food coloring
  • Optional- glitter
How To Mix Glow In The Dark Slime Ingredients To Make Awesome Ocean Slime

First, combine baking soda, glue, and glow in the dark paint and mix well with a rubber spatula.

How To Mix Glow In The Dark Slime Ingredients To Make Awesome Ocean Slime

Mix in a drop or two food coloring and some glitter if you like.

How To Mix Glow In The Dark Slime Ingredients To Make Awesome Ocean Slime

Add the contact solution just a teaspoon at a time, stirring between each addition.

 Add and stir until the slime begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl and it is no longer sticky.

How To Mix Glow In The Dark Slime Ingredients To Make Awesome Ocean Slime

If you add too much it will harden and not give you that nice elasticity that slime should have.

Once the consistency is right you can add some sea creatures to your ocean slime.

How To Mix Glow In The Dark Slime Ingredients To Make Awesome Ocean Slime

Now, at first it may not look like much, just pretty blue slime but take it into a dark space like a closet and look at how much this mixture glows!

Just like the organisms in the ocean.

How To Mix Glow In The Dark Slime Ingredients To Make Awesome Ocean Slime

When not in use keep your slime in an airtight container or plastic zip top bag and it will last for a week or more.

How to Create A Stunning Night Sky Paper Roll Display

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We’re creating a stunning night sky paper roll display. Also, look at my post Exploring Space and Astronomy Free Unit Study for Multiple Ages for more fun ideas,

It can be a different scene every time you make it.

But not only are we going to make a beautiful piece of art, we are going to embark on a journey through the night sky,

We’re uncovering some of the most fascinating objects that can be seen with the naked eye or a simple pair of binoculars.

I have lots of great information to share with you as well as.

How to Create A Stunning Night Sky Paper Roll Display

Too, I have a few resources.

Add them to your night sky study and make it a fascinating launch into all things space (from our view here on earth).

As you step outside on a clear night, the first thing you’ll notice is the multitude of stars twinkling above you.

Some stars, like our own Sun, shine with a steady golden light.

Others may appear red, blue, or even green due to their different temperatures and compositions.

If you look out past the stars, you will encounter the planets.

Some of the planets in our solar system that you can sometimes view with the naked eye include Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn.

And occasionally you can view Uranus if you have sharp eyes.

Books About the Moon For Kids

First, look at some of these fun books about the moon.

Add them to you home library and read aloud to your kids as they do this fun craft.

12 Resources and Books For Studying About the Moon and Galileo

If you want to focus on the moon in your astronomy and space unit study, add one of these fun resources to your day.

1. Who Was Galileo?

Like Michelangelo, Galileo is another Renaissance great known just by his first name--a name that is synonymous with scientific achievement. Born in Pisa, Italy, in the sixteenth century, Galileo contributed to the era's great rebirth of knowledge. He invented a telescope to observe the heavens. From there, not even the sky was the limit!

2. The Moon Book (New & Updated Edition)

This newly revised edition, available in time for the 50th anniversary of the moon landing, incorporates new, up-to-date information based on recent discoveries, and includes an updated map of the moon's surface. Thoroughly vetted by an astrophysics expert, The Moon Book is a perfect introduction to lunar phases, orbit, the history of space exploration, and more.

3. Galileo and the Magic Numbers

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

4. Moon: A Peek-Through Picture Book

It’s the perfect light nonfiction book for young stargazers—and an ideal bedtime book, ending with a giant moon hovering over a sleepy town hunkered down for bed.

5. Moon Lamp

Novelty Moon Lighting: Realistic Colorful Star Galaxy printed 🌌 Moon Lamp with advanced 3D technology. Now decorate your bedroom, hall, office or desk with our Space Theme gorgeous Galaxy Lamp. Your guests will definitely admire the beauty of this lively moon light.

6. Refracting Telescope for Kids Beginners

Quality Optics: 400mm(f/5.7) focal length and 70mm aperture, fully coated optics glass lens with high transmission coatings creates stunning images and protect your eyes. Perfect telescope for astronomers to explore stars and moon.

7. Jupiter (Planets in Our Solar System)

Everything about Jupiter is big! Its size is big. Even its storms are big! Get the big and small facts about this gas giant that can be seen glowing in the night sky.

8. Galileo Galilei (Genius Series)

Astronomer, physicist, and philosopher Galileo Galilei was referred to as "The Father of Modern Science," because of his groundbreaking research. Making observations about nature, and using mathematics to back them up, he proved the Copernican Theory true: the Sun, not the Earth, is the center of the universe. Join Galileo on his pioneering journey to see why his work had such long-lasting implications, and why the Catholic Church even condemned him for heresy.

9. What the Moon is Like

Imagine that you're walking on the moon. What is it like? For thousands of years people looked up at the moon and wondered about it. Now we know what the moon is like. There is no air on the moon and nothing grows, but there are towering mountains and deep craters—and much more.

Colder than the desert, the hotter than the desert, the moon is an amazing place to explore.

10. A Kite for Moon

What would it be like if the moon was your friend? Find out as you walk alongside a little boy who journeys through life to achieve his dream of becoming an astronaut. And then blast off with your little one as you zoom to the moon together!

The story begins when a little boy, who is flying his kite, notices a sad Moon. He sends up kites to her, writing notes promising he will come see her someday. This promise propels him through years of studying, learning, and training to become an astronaut. Until … he finally goes up, up, up in a big rocket ship with a fiery tail.

A Kite for Moon:

  • Features over 20 gorgeous illustrations by award-winning artist Matt Phelan
  • Is the perfect storybook for children ages 4 to 8
  • Celebrates every child’s fascination with space

11. Large Massive Meteorite Specimen

You could also grab these meteorite specimens (artificial) to let your child use for impact craters!

Moon! Earth's Best Friend (Our Universe, 3)

Meet Moon! She's more than just a rock―she’s Earth’s rock, her best friend she can always count on. Moon never turns her back on her friend (literally: she's always facing Earth with the same side!). These two will stick together forever. With characteristic humor and charm, Stacy McAnulty channels the voice of Moon in this next celestial "autobiography" in the Our Universe series. Rich with kid-friendly facts and beautifully brought to life by Stevie Lewis, this is an equally charming and irresistible companion to Earth! My First 4.54 Billion Years and Sun! One in a Billion.

Exploring the Night Sky

Each planet has its own distinct characteristics.

For example, the rings of Saturn, the Great Red Spot on Jupiter, or the methane haze surrounding Neptune, make them fun and easy to recreate.

In the sky we see vast collections of stars, gas, and dust held together by gravity.

Our own Milky Way galaxy is a spiral galaxy, with a bright center surrounded by spiral arms that stretch across the sky.

Other galaxies, such as the Andromeda Galaxy, are visible to the naked eye on dark nights.

Nebulae, ethereal clouds of gas and dust, are another captivating sight in the night sky.

Some nebulae, like the Orion Nebula, are so bright and colorful that they can be seen with the naked eye.

Other nebulae, such as the Horsehead Nebula, require a telescope to reveal their intricate shapes and glowing tendrils.

In addition to these amazing sights, we can view meteor showers, which are caused by debris from comets or asteroids entering Earth’s atmosphere.

They can produce streaks of light across the sky.

Eclipses, which occur when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun (solar eclipse) or the Earth passes between the Moon and the Sun (lunar eclipse).

Exploring the night sky is not only a fun and educational activity but also a profound experience.

It reminds us of our place in the vastness of the universe and inspires us to dream and wonder about the mysteries that lie beyond our reach.

So, next time you find yourself under a clear night sky, take a moment to appreciate the beauty and wonder of the cosmos that surrounds us.

How to Create A Stunning Night Sky Paper Roll Display

To bring that beauty a little closer we are going to create a project to model the night sky with any and all of these sights that you want to include.

Imagine you are standing in your backyard or better yet a big field with no streetlights to dim your view.

What would you see if you looked up? What would you like to be able to see? We are going to create that view on paper.

Night Sky Paper Roll Resources

These resources will come in handy before, after, and during your craft project.

How to Create A Stunning Night Sky Paper Roll Display

Finally, look at how to make a fun night sky paper roll.

Night Sky Paper Roll Display

The wonderful thing about this project is that it is adaptable for kids of all ages and abilities from the scribbling 2-year-old to the artistic 16-year-old.

You will need:

  • Black paper roll
  • Craft paint
  • Paint pens
  • Paintbrushes
  • Old toothbrush
  • Various sized lids
How to Create A Stunning Night Sky Paper Roll Display

For this craft you want to cover your work surface well.

A disposable tablecloth from Dollar Tree works great for protection of your table and for easy clean up.

Once your work surface is protected, roll out a piece of black paper however long you would like it to be.

A good 2’ gives you plenty of space for your night sky.

How to Create A Stunning Night Sky Paper Roll Display

Gather supplies-paint, a variety of paintbrushes, and several sizes of lids or a circle stamp.

How to Create A Stunning Night Sky Paper Roll Display

Start by painting a big round moon where you would like it to be on your paper.

Night Sky Paper Craft

Use your fingers, brushes, or sponges to lay the paint on thick and create texture so it appears to have craters.

How to Create A Stunning Night Sky Paper Roll Display

Next, we are going to use paintbrushes, or a toothbrush works wonderfully to create stars all over our night sky.

Load either one up with paint and then tap against your hand to create a splatter.

Continue moving to cover the page with various sized splatters.

How to Create A Stunning Night Sky Paper Roll Display

When you are satisfied with your stars it’s time to create whatever planets you would like.

To do this and give variations to the colors put paint in 2-3 shades on your plastic or a paper plate and stamp a lid into it

How to Create A Stunning Night Sky Paper Roll Display

Transfer to the paper and stamp firmly onto it.

How to Create A Stunning Night Sky Paper Roll Display

You can also paint directly onto the lid like I did here with ‘Mercury’ and then stamp it on the paper.

How to Create A Stunning Night Sky Paper Roll Display

To make some planets appear closer use larger lids and for those farther away use smaller ones.

Create star clusters or the milky way by splattering paint closer together or using loose bristled brushes.

How to Create A Stunning Night Sky Paper Roll Display

By this point your light spatters will probably be mostly dry but the thicker planets may still be wet.

How to Create A Stunning Night Sky Paper Roll Display

Once everything is dry you can go back in with paint markers or a small, tipped paintbrush.

How to Create A Stunning Night Sky Paper Roll Display

Add more defined shapes and details like Saturn’s rings.

Hang it up and admire your handiwork night or day.