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Tina Robertson

5 Facts About Ice Cream | How to Make Ice Cream In A Bag Science

July 23, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have a cool ice cream in a bag science experiment and amazing 5 facts about ice cream to tell you a little about its history. Also, look at my Free Summer Unit Study For Kids and Fun Starfish Craft for more ideas.

You scream, I scream…We all scream for ice cream.

 Who doesn’t love a good bowl of ice cream?

I know that your kids are going to go wild for this science lesson on how ice cream is formed into an emulsion by using freezing point depression.

5 Facts About Ice Cream | How to Make Ice Cream In A Bag Science

Follow along as we go into some of the explanation of how and why ice cream forms with our simple recipe to make it a wonderful learning experience.

You don’t have to own a fancy ice cream maker to enjoy your own creamy delicious custom flavor.

In about 20 minutes with just a few ingredients and a willing kid, you have your own creation.

To extend the science lesson you can repeat the experiment using milk or heavy whipping cream, as well as different types of salt.

5 Facts About Ice Cream

  1. It takes A LOT of milk to produce just 1 gallon of ice cream, 12 pounds (about 3 gallons) to be exact, to make that creamy delicious carton. That’s about half a day’s work for one cow.
  1. The FDA requires that to use the name ‘Ice Cream’, the manufacturer’s recipe must contain at least 10% milk fat and 6–10% milk and nonfat milk solids.
  1. Ice cream, or at least a very close relative of it, has been around since the reign of Cyrus the Great in 500 BC. Way back then sweetened ice was crushed up and mixed with different flavors, fruits, and toppings.
  1. Do you know the most popular ice cream flavors? They come with cookies & cream at #3, chocolate at #2, and vanilla making the top of the list at #1.
  1. Have you ever wondered why you get a headache if you eat your ice cream too fast? That is because when something cold touches the roof of your mouth, the blood vessels that run between your mouth and your brain tense up. This in turn traps blood in your brain. The pressure from the extra blood causes pain in the brain.
5 Facts About Ice Cream | How to Make Ice Cream In A Bag Science

Also, look at my post 5 Facts About The Moon Landing and Make Fun Astronaut Ice Cream for more hands-on fun.

Next, before we make and enjoy our frozen treat learn about the science behind ice cream.

About Ice Cream

Grab this fun cookbook about ice cream.

Hello, My Name Is Ice Cream: The Art and Science of the Scoop: A Cookbook

With more than 100 recipes for ice cream flavors and revolutionary mix-ins from a James Beard - nominated pastry chef, Hello, My Name is Ice Cream explains not only how to make amazing ice cream, but also the science behind the recipes so you can understand ice cream like a pro.

The Science of Ice Cream

The reason why this method works so well is because salt lowers the freezing temperature of water.

This makes ice melt faster and that is why they salt icy roads when it snows, to get rid of it in a hurry. 

This physical reaction is called freezing point depression.

 Then the ice pulls the heat from whatever surrounds it, the cream mixture.

Then the ice cream mixture freezes, pure water freezes at 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit), but water mixed with salt freezes below 0 degrees Celsius.

Another science concept in this activity is making an emulsion.

Emulsion is a combo of two liquids that are not typically mixed like water and fat.

The fat molecules in the half and half are changed with the addition of water, ice crystals, sugar and air to create the tasty concoction.

  • For older kids who love to cook, check out this cookbook, Hello, My Name Is Ice Cream: The Art and Science of the Scoop with recipes, developing flavors, and the science behind the tasty treat.
  • Watch How Ice Cream is Made in Factories  by How It’s Made to find out how ice cream is made step by step in a factory.

Finally, look at how to make ice cream in a bag.

Ice Cream in a Bag Recipe

You will need:

  • Quart ziploc bag
  • Gallon ziploc bag
  • 3-4 cups of Ice
  • ½ cup Salt
  • 1 cup Half and half
  • 1 Tbsp. Granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon Vanilla extract (or any extract flavor)
5 Facts About Ice Cream | How to Make Ice Cream In A Bag Science

Optional mix-ins- chocolate chips, broken cookie pieces, coconut, cocoa powder, nuts, mm’s, etc.

First, place ice and ¼ cup of salt into the gallon bag.

5 Facts About Ice Cream | How to Make Ice Cream In A Bag Science

Pour half and half, sugar, and extract into the quart sized bag.

Press out air and seal well to avoid getting salt in your ice cream.

5 Facts About Ice Cream | How to Make Ice Cream In A Bag Science

We made chocolate ice cream, so I added a heaping spoon of cocoa to the bag and a bit more sugar.

Place the half and half bag into the center of the larger bag in the ice.

5 Facts About Ice Cream | How to Make Ice Cream In A Bag Science

Press the air out of the large bag and seal.

Now the fun (and tiring) part begins.

It’s time to shake, roll, and massage the ice and salt all around the bag of cream.

Do this for about 15 to 20 minutes.

You will probably need to trade off before the ice cream begins to thicken and freeze.

5 Facts About Ice Cream | How to Make Ice Cream In A Bag Science

You will notice the ice melts quickly and feels much colder than it typically would.

The ice cream is ready when it is about the consistency of soft serve.

Eat it right out of the bag.

Beware of the salt on the outside or transfer your ice cream to a fun dish to enjoy.

5 Facts About Ice Cream | How to Make Ice Cream In A Bag Science

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: elementary science, hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool, homeschoolscience, ice cream, science

The Best Homeschool Handwriting Curriculum: Tips And Recommendations

July 21, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Looking for a solid homeschool handwriting curriculum? Also, look at my page The Dynamics of How to Homeschool Easily and Smarter for more tips!

There are lots of choices of handwriting curriculum.

 And I want to help you navigate them all whether you are looking for writers who are just starting out or a child who struggles with dyslexia or dysgraphia.

The Best Homeschool Handwriting Curriculum : Tips And Recommendations

One more important thing before you read on is for you to understand the difference between teaching handwriting and composition.

They are overlapping skills, but not in the beginning.

The focus with young writers is penmanship prior to composing thoughts.

I have rounded up 8 solid handwriting curriculum.

Look at the list and decide which one works the best for your child’s learning style, interests, and abilities.

Handwriting is an important foundational skill.

It has been proven that the brain engages differently when something is written by hand as opposed to typing it or by touching a screen.

Writing improves memory and teaches the alphabet faster as the learner interacts with each letter in various ways.

The Best Homeschool Handwriting Curriculum : Tips And Recommendations

Too, it helps to slow down and engage with our thoughts, and handwritten letters are so personal and special!

Besides the handwriting curriculum there are different techniques you can do with your learner to practice while always keeping it fresh and fun.

7 Tips and Recommendations for Homeschool Handwriting

Of course, I am going to share these ideas with you as well.

1. Do not mistake teaching handwriting for composition.

As I mentioned earlier, budding writers need to know how to form letters before you introduce composing thoughts.

If a child has not spent enough time doing handwriting where letter writing comes naturally, they will struggle with both motor skills and the mental process of composition.

2. Before you ever begin teaching handwriting, spend a lot of time in pre-writing activities.

These activities build fine motor skills and help children learn to recognize and form letters.

The Best Homeschool Handwriting Curriculum : Tips And Recommendations

This can be writing in a salt tray, forming letters with playdough, painting with cotton swabs or drawing with their fingers in shaving cream.

3. Repetition is key to success.

I think the most important part of learning handwriting is repetition.

It is a muscle that must be exercised regularly to make it strong.

Daily practice is important, but you can introduce different tools to make it fun.

The Best Homeschool Handwriting Curriculum : Tips And Recommendations

For very young, beginning writers draw the letters on handwriting paper with a highlighter and let them trace over it in pencil.

4. Use different writing surfaces to bring learning to life.

Use different surfaces other than paper- chalkboard, dry erase, or an LED board, these are just so fun and different that it makes it exciting.

The Best Homeschool Handwriting Curriculum : Tips And Recommendations

For pre-writing, when your child is almost ready to write or just beginning, consider using technology like the Wet Dry Try app from Handwriting Without Tears.

5. Technology has a place.

It is designed for kids to repetitively practice writing on a tablet with their finger or a stylus to teach how to form letters.

The Best Homeschool Handwriting Curriculum : Tips And Recommendations

6. Copywork is another successful teaching method.

Modeling for a child has always been a superior method of teaching.

Copywork is simply what is implies. Teaching a child to copy write what he sees.

A child must pay attention to the details of capital letters and punctuation.

In addition, a child reads and writes well-formed sentences because copywork resources should be superior writings.

For example, use nature books, scripture, history resources and poetry.

Further, copywork is a great resource for handwriting as it is a way to encourage repetition.

But also it works in other subjects, teaches punctuation, and develops spelling skills.

7. Match to your child’s learning style.

Finally you want to move on to a good solid homeschool handwriting curriculum that matches their learning style and meets any challenges they may have.

More Homeschool Handwriting Curriculum Tips!

Keep reading for a list of 8 handwriting curriculum and the benefits of each.

  • Which One is Really the Best Homeschool Writing Curriculum (a comparison)
  • 5 Creative Ways to Boost Handwriting in Older Kids
  • Cursive Matters; Handwriting Style Doesn’t + Free Resources
  • Teaching Handwriting When Homeschooling the Early Years Part 1
  • Teaching Handwriting When Homeschooling the Early Years Part 2
  • Teaching Handwriting When Homeschooling the Early Years Part 3
  • Faith-Neutral Homeschool Grammar and Writing Program
  • 3 Ways to Choose the BEST Writing Curriculum (for a Growing Homeschool Family)
  • Why It Is Hard to Teach Homeschooled Kids Writing But Not Impossible
  • Homeschool Writing Program For Middle and High School Students
  • A Reason for Handwriting Workbook & Teacher Guidebook Level K

Finally, look at these recommendations.

8 Handwriting Curriculum Options for Homeschooled Kids

The 8 Best Homeschool Handwriting Curriculum.

Handwriting Without Tears Kindergarten

Handwriting Without Tears - Has been a mainstay of the homeschool community for years and there is good reason. It is ideal for multisensory learning because it engages visual, audio, and kinesthetic learners. The very hands-on tools begin to build vocabulary, fine motor, and alphabet knowledge prior to writing letters.

Photo Credit: dashintolearning.com

Dash into Handwriting:Print [Hardcopy}

The aesthetic of these books is just so appealing but more than that it builds on itself going from letters to words to copywork of phrases and is available in either print or D'nealian. To keep it interesting while still practicing it includes mazes, games, races, and puppets.

Photo Credit: www.goodandbeautiful.com

Handwriting: Level 1 Workbook

Teaches 2 to 3 letters at a time and goes in order of the most used letters to short words and sentences as it advances. This is level one, but the program runs from Pre K prewriting to level 7.

Writing in the Wardrobe: Print Handwriting Workbook

This particular volume is copywork using the words and quotes of the Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe but there is a wonderful selection of other literature to choose from as well, including print and cursive.

Cursive Handwriting for Kids with Dyslexia.

Many kids, especially those with learning challenges find it easier to begin with cursive rather than print.

Reusable Grooved Handwriting Workbooks

This set includes Alphabet,Addition Subtraction,Multiplication Division,Number 1-100, Drawing) + 2 Pens + 2 Pen Holding Aids + 10 refills and instill muscle memory, neatness, and the ink fades within 30 minutes to they can practice all over again.

Photo Credit: www.handwritingpractice.net

Handwriting Practice.net

Not only is this site free but you can create your own printable worksheets with any letter or words you like in several different fonts. If you don't mind spending a little more time putting everything together this is a great option.

Draw Write Now Boxed Set of 8

A drawing and handwriting course for kids that is challenging, motivating, and fun! This book contains a collection of beginning drawing lessons and text for practicing handwriting based on the philosophy of author Marie Hablitzel. An elementary teacher for more than 30 years, Marie believed that drawing and handwriting require many of the same skills, and intertwined her daily drawing and handwriting lessons with math, science, social studies, geography, reading and creative writing. This series separates these lessons into common themes in eight instructive books that can be used in any order. Books are colorful and non-consumable, with an accompanying workbook to record the student s work. Children will improve their drawing skills, refine their handwriting clarity, and enjoy learning in the process

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Teach Homeschool Language Arts Tagged With: hand writing, handwriting, homeschoolanguagearts, language arts, languagearts, penmanship

8 Back To School Crafts For Middle Schoolers | How To Make Fun Literature Themed Shoes

July 19, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

There are so many fun back to school crafts for middle schoolers to get them excited about a new year of incredible learning. Also, look at my page The Dynamics of How to Homeschool Easily and Smarter for more fun ideas and tips. And my page How to Successfully Homeschool Middle School.

An avid reader will love recreating the pages of their favorite book onto a pair of slip-on shoes for the cutest literature themed shoes.

I chose Anne of Green Gables.

8 Back To School Crafts For Middle Schoolers | How To Make Fun Literature Themed Shoes

But your child can opt for any book they choose.

For example, Little Women, The Secret Garden, Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, The Hobbit, or any other novel.

You just need white canvas shoes.

 I found a pair at Hobby Lobby for just $7.

Also, you’ll need a variety of sharpie markers or fabric paints and some inspiration found in a treasured book.

We have kind of become addicted.

And will probably be creating several fun pairs of these shoes to highlight our favorite books and characters.

If that is not enough back to school fun, I have 8 more intriguing back to school crafts for middle schoolers.

From notebooks to organization ideas, grab one or more ideas create a memorable first day or week of the new school year.

8 Back To School Crafts For Middle Schoolers | How To Make Fun Literature Themed Shoes

8 Back To School Crafts For Middle Schoolers

  1. Isn’t this the COOLEST COLOR CHANGING NOTEBOOK | DIY NOTEBOOK COVER | SCHOOL SUPPLIES_CRAFTS? What a unique craft for keeping your daily journaling or copywork
  2. Check out this Clever DIY Dollar Tree Desk Organizer Back to School Craft that is inexpensive and can help tidy up your desk quickly and easily.
  3. Never lose your place with cute and easy Washi Tape Bookmarks to mark your spot.
  4. Make an DIY Easy Duct Tape Pencil Pouch Back to School Kids Craft that can also be used to store journaling supplies, makeup, or even jewelry.
  5. Create a Fidget Spinner DIY to keep hands busy while they listen to an educational podcast, read aloud, or watch a history video.
  6. Keep appointments, field trips, and more organized on this dry erase Paint Sample Calendar.
  7. Your middle schooler can say goodbye to boring #2 pencils when they DIY School Supplies into their favorite colors.
  8. This no sew Kindle Cover video creates a great place to store your small tablet for books and web surfing using the box that it came in.
  9. Cute Clay Pencil Earrings for Back to School Crafts For Kids

Now let’s move onto creating these fun themed shoes that will make a splash at the grocery store, co-op, or on your next visit to the library.

How To Make Fun Literature Themed Shoes

You will need:

  • Slip on white canvas sneakers
  • Sharpie Markers
  • Pigma Micron 1.0 or larger
  • Pencil
  • Optional- Water Proofing Spray
8 Back To School Crafts For Middle Schoolers | How To Make Fun Literature Themed Shoes

To begin, I recommend sketching out your designs with a pencil on copy paper until you get them just the way you like.

Choose characters, scenes and items that stand out to you and will easily identify your theme.

8 Back To School Crafts For Middle Schoolers | How To Make Fun Literature Themed Shoes

Now take your pencil and lightly draw the designs onto your shoes all the way around.

Do this carefully as the pencil erases somewhat but not completely.

Make sure to cover all pencil with outline or marker fill in.

8 Back To School Crafts For Middle Schoolers | How To Make Fun Literature Themed Shoes

Once you have your designs all sketched out on the shoe and you like it, trace the outline of each with the Micron pen.

This does not bleed like a Sharpie does.

8 Back To School Crafts For Middle Schoolers | How To Make Fun Literature Themed Shoes

Carefully color in each of your designs.

Stay slightly inside the black outlines as it will spread slightly.

You can always go back and add more color where needed.

8 Back To School Crafts For Middle Schoolers | How To Make Fun Literature Themed Shoes

Of course, Green Gables and Anne had to feature front and center.

To tidy up your drawings you can go back over the lines where the sharpie has bled onto them.

Place shoes in a pillowcase and tie a knot in it.

Throw in the dryer with towels or something else and run on high heat for 20 minutes to set color.

You can also run a hot iron or a blow dryer over each part to help set the ink.

If desired to protect your design more you can spray with a water based waterproof spray.

Sharpie is not waterproof and will likely smear if you get these shoes wet.

Here is a peek at the other 3 sides to the shoes.

Let’s see if you are a big fan of Green Gables and how much you recognize from the story.

The book itself, and of course cherry cordial

8 Back To School Crafts For Middle Schoolers | How To Make Fun Literature Themed Shoes

The broken satchel Anne came with and a cup for tea time.

8 Back To School Crafts For Middle Schoolers | How To Make Fun Literature Themed Shoes

A bundle of her beloved schoolbooks and a bouquet of the flowers she cherished so much.

8 Back To School Crafts For Middle Schoolers | How To Make Fun Literature Themed Shoes

More Back to School Craft Ideas

  • Fun Upcycled T Shirt Library Tote Back to School Kids Craft
  • Clever DIY Dollar Tree Desk Organizer Back to School Craft
  • DIY Easy Duct Tape Pencil Pouch Back to School Kids Craft
  • How to Make a Boys Duct Tape Wallet Back to School Craft
  • Cute Clay Pencil Earrings for Back to School Crafts For Kids
  • 15 Easy Back to School Crafts And Make A Yarn Wrapped Pencil
  • Back To Homeschool Student Notebook Covers
  • How to Create Easy Back to School Basket Ideas for Middle School (Anatomy)
  • Apple Themed Back to School Crafts & Fun Calming Apple Jar Craft
  • 8 Back To School Crafts For Middle Schoolers | How To Make Fun Literature Themed Shoes

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: back to school crafts, fall crafts, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool, literature

How to Make a Boys Duct Tape Wallet Back to School Craft

July 17, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

If you need a back to school craft or two then you want to keep on reading. Also, look at my page The Dynamics of How to Homeschool Easily and Smarter for more fun ideas and tips.

I am showing you how to put together a super cool duct tape wallet.

But I have loads of resources for teaching about money for all ages.

How to Make a Boys Duct Tape Wallet Back to School Craft

If you are looking for a fun and frugal back to school craft that your kids will love to make and then carry them with them everywhere.

Just because our kids are not going back to a public-school building does not mean they have to miss out on back-to-school crafts.

We just call it ‘back to homeschool’.

Books & Resources for Learning About Money

Even if you opt to do year-round homeschool with smaller breaks you usually have breaks.

There is a small time of year when you kick off a new curriculum, new experiences, start co-op, etc.

This time we are going to be making duct tape wallets.

Dad has been using duct tape for years and years to repair everything from leaky faucets to broken handles.

But it has become a versatile product for crafters as well.

First teach your kids how to identify bills and coins and give change back.

Then, they’re going to need somewhere to store it all right? Enter this duct tape wallet.

But first here are some amazing resources and ideas for teaching your kids the importance of the dollar.

Too, I’ve included counting, budgeting and learning how to make more of it resources.

8 Rad Money Resources to Teach Money For All Ages

Grab some of these money resources to teach your children about how to save and budget money.

Not Your Parents' Money Book: Making, Saving, and Spending Your Own Money

For the first time, financial guru and TODAY Show regular Jean Chatzky brings her expertise to a young audience. Chatzky provides her unique, savvy perspective on money with advice and insight on managing finances, even on a small scale. This book will reach kids before bad spending habits can get out of control. With answers and ideas from real kids, this grounded approach to spending and saving will be a welcome change for kids who are inundated by a consumer driven culture. This book talks about money through the ages, how money is actually made and spent, and the best ways for tweens to earn and save money.

The Toothpaste Millionaire

Sixth-grader Rufus Mayflower is betting that he can make a whole gallon of toothpaste for the same price as one tube from the store.
There’s just one problem, he has to solve real-life mathematical
equations first! With help from his good friend Kate Mackinstrey, can
these two entrepreneurs keep up with the high demand for their popular product? Beloved children’s author Jean Merrill introduces readers to the ins and outs of a budding business, from costs to profits, in this exciting tale about perseverance, ingenuity, and underdogs.

Learning Resources Money Bags Coin Value Game

  • MONEY GAME FOR KIDS: Players collect, count, and exchange money all the way to the finish line
  • MONEY SKILLS: Learn valuable money skills through fun game play
  • PLAY MONEY: Includes game board with spinner, 100 plastic coins, play bills, markers, and dice

Smart Money Smart Kids - Raising the Next Generation to Win with Money

In Smart Money Smart Kids, financial expert and best-selling author Dave Ramsey and his daughter Rachel Cruze equip parents to teach their children how to win with money. Starting with the basics like working, spending, saving, and giving, and moving into more challenging issues like avoiding debt for life, paying cash for college, and battling discontentment, Dave and Rachel present a no-nonsense, common-sense approach for changing your family tree.

I Want More Pizza: Real World Money Skills For High School, College, And Beyond

The perfect gift! Give the gift of financial literacy to your teen - they will thank you for a lifetime. You are not alone; it is often difficult to reach young adults on the topic of money management, but look no further. I Want More Pizza finally has teenagers excited about personal finance and is giving them the confidence that they can succeed. This resource is being used in classrooms around the nation as young adults enjoy the pizza model for learning about money management. Now available for the first time for you to bring into your home, give your young adult the gift of financial literacy and they will thank you for a lifetime. Primary topics discussed include saving, spending, prioritization, goal setting, compound growth, investing, debt, credit cards, student loans, mental blocks, and taking real world action.I am sure you have heard a few of these: "I don't need it", "I'm too young", "I need to spend my money on _____ ", and the list goes on. The pizza model for learning personal finance breaks down those barriers because, well, everyone loves pizza! Just because money management is extremely important doesn't mean that it has to be extremely complex. I Want More Pizza leaves them in complete control to find the plan that works for your young adult - it's their choice. If they don't enjoy math or don't like to plan, no problem, we've got them covered as well. And it's only ~100 pages, which young adults love given their busy social calendars. Money doesn't have to be stressful. Finally reach your young adult and help them become financially literate for a lifetime. After all, there is a lot of pizza in life to enjoy!

Managing Your Money (Usborne Life Skills)

This down-to-earth guide is filled with practical advice on everything from how to budget and be a smart shopper to student loans, mortgages and insurance. An essential book for equipping young people with the skills they need to manage their money now and in the future. Includes links to websites with more tips and advice.

12 Ways for a Homeschooled Teen to Earn Money - A Budding Entrepreneur?

Long before they are of age to start working, kids want their own money. And whether they count bricks at a construction site as a kid like my entrepreneur husband did or just want some spending money, kids are looking for creative ways to earn their own bucks.

Economics for Beginners

Nobody has everything they need, all the time – so how can we make do with what we have? Economics is all about understanding the choices we make to solve this problem. With bright, infographics pictures, this informative book describes why markets are so important, how businesses work out what to sell, and how governments choose how to run a country. Includes Usborne Quicklinks to specially selected websites for more information.

Also, look at these other back to school crafts for homeschooled kids.

More Not Back to School Crafts for Homeschooled Kids

  • How to Make Easy Bath Bombs Back to School Craft
  • How to Make a Boys Duct Tape Wallet Back to School Craft
  • Free and Fun Homeschool Planner Stickers Back To School Craft
  • Fun Upcycled T Shirt Library Tote Back to School Kids Craft
  • 8 Back To School Crafts For Middle Schoolers | How To Make Fun Literature Themed Shoes
  • Clever DIY Dollar Tree Desk Organizer Back to School Craft
  • DIY Easy Duct Tape Pencil Pouch Back to School Kids Craft
  • How to Create Easy Back to School Basket Ideas for Middle School (Anatomy)
  • Back To Homeschool Student Notebook Covers
  • Cute Clay Pencil Earrings for Back to School Crafts For Kids
  • How to Make An Adorable Trinket Dish Handcraft For Kindergarten
  • Apple Themed Back to School Crafts & Fun Calming Apple Jar Craft
  • 15 Easy Back to School Crafts And Make A Yarn Wrapped Pencil
How to Make a Boys Duct Tape Wallet Back to School Craft

Finally, look at how to make this boys duct tape wallet.

Not Back to School Craft Boys Duct Tape Wallet

You will need:

  • 2 colors/patterns of duct tape
  • Scissors
  • ruler
How to Make a Boys Duct Tape Wallet Back to School Craft

First, cut four 9’ lengths of duct tape and overlap them ¼” to ½” sticky side up.

How to Make a Boys Duct Tape Wallet Back to School Craft

Repeat with another 4 and press them sticky side to sticky side.

You can make both sides the same or use different patterns for each side.

How to Make a Boys Duct Tape Wallet Back to School Craft

Trim up each side with scissors to even everything up, cutting your wallet down to about 8”x6”.

Next cut two strips just a little longer than 8” and press the sticky sides together.

How to Make a Boys Duct Tape Wallet Back to School Craft

Lay along the bottom of the inside of the wallet and trim it to the same size as the base piece.

How to Make a Boys Duct Tape Wallet Back to School Craft

Then you can either cut a strip of your other color of tape in half or use 2” tape like this that I found at Hobby Lobby.

Then, place half of it on one side then fold the other half over to the other side of each end to hold your money pocket in place.

Fold the wallet base in half and crease it sharply to find the middle.

Now you want to cut two 4” strips and stick them together sticky side to sticky side.

Cover the top and bottom edges by folding thin strips of tape equally over each side.

Place it on one side of your wallet or the other and taping into place on the interior side.

Trim the edge that it is even.

This will create a little “credit card pocket”.

You can create a second one by making the next one ¼” shorter so the cards overlap but are visible.

How to Make a Boys Duct Tape Wallet Back to School Craft

Finally, run your alternating color around the entire wallet.

Fold it in half over the edges to give it strength, a clean edge and close up the openings of your pockets. 

You can also cut out some additional shapes or strips like we did here to add a little design flair to your wallet.

At first your wallet will tend to pop open but if you put it folded in half under a stack of heavy books for a day or two it will stay closed much easier.

How to Make a Boys Duct Tape Wallet Back to School Craft

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: back to school crafts, crafts, handicraft

7 Awesome Renaissance Events & Easy Goblet Craft

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

Huzzah!!! There are over 200 renaissance events across the United States every year, magical festivals for those who love the Middle Ages. Also, look at my Renaissance Lapbook and Unit Study.

I’m sharing the top events and a fun craft for your Medieval and Renaissance Times fans who just can’t get enough of the period.

The Renaissance Period began in Italy.

And the period was kicked off by events like The Crusades, Black Death, rediscovering Greek and Roman art, increased cultural interaction.

7 Awesome Renaissance Events & Easy Goblet Craft

Channels like the Silk Road, and excess wealth introduced into Italy via trade helped it to spread.

Many are fascinated by it due to the incredible art and craftsmanship.

Then there are the castles, the regalness of kings and queens, chivalry of knights, and all the amazing inventions during this time.

The events I have listed for you today are some of the largest and most popular around the country.

They are perfect for history buffs, cosplay enthusiasts, or those seeking adventure and make an already interesting unit even better.

These outings are wonderfully on theme and include fun activities.

For example, there are jousting tournaments, period foods, lively music by minstrels and troubadours.

Also, handmade goods and many dressed in renaissance garb.

Artisans are on hand to demonstrate their skills, such as blacksmithing, woodworking, and leather working.

Books About the Renaissance Times for Kids

First, look at some of these living books I rounded up.

We have so many favorites but this list gives you a starting point.

17 Renaissance Period Books for Kids Who Love Reading and Being Read To

This was such a huge time period with so many events and people you can't cover them all but you'll love to add some of them.

The Life of Christopher Columbus: From His Own Letters and Journals

A fascinating look at the life of Christopher Columbus, from his own letters and journals.

A Child's History of the World: Original Illustrated Edition

From the awe-inspiring pyramids of Egypt to the majestic castles of medieval Europe, this book will whisk you away to far-off lands and bygone eras, sparking your imagination and curiosity. Join the ranks of legendary explorers, brave knights, and ingenious inventors, all while uncovering the secrets of our shared human heritage.

Perfect for young readers eager to discover the world's past, this beautifully crafted paperback edition is not just a book—it's a ticket to a time machine, a passport to historical marvels, and a treasure trove of knowledge.

Whether you're a history enthusiast, a curious student, or a parent seeking an engaging educational experience for your child, "A Child's History of the World" is a must-have addition to your library. Let the pages of this book transport you to extraordinary realms, leaving you inspired and hungry for more.

Joan of Arc

Against the fascinating tapestry of Frances history during the Hundred Years' War, Diane Stanley unfolds the story of the simple thirteen-year-old village girl who in Just a few years would lead France to independence from English rule, and thus become a symbol of France's national pride. It is a story of vision and bravery, fierce determination, and tragic martyrdom. 

Diane Stanley's extraordinary gift to present historical information in an accessible and child-friendly format has never been more impressive, nor her skillful, beautifully realized illustrations (here imitating medieval illuminated manuscripts) more exquisite.

Ink on His Fingers (Louise A. Vernon Religious Heritage)

Johann Gutenberg is working on printing the first Bible with type. Twelve-year-old Hans Dunne works in Gutenberg's shop as an apprentice printer. Soon, Hans finds himself in the middle of a type-stealing mystery. Will Hans, and the other pressmen be able to keep Herr Fust from getting the type? Will they be able to finish the Bible so many people will be able to read and learn from it? For 9-to-14-year-olds.

Leonardo da Vinci

Diane Stanley blends wonderful storytelling with gorgeous illustrations to convey the stunning scope of Leonardo da Vinci's genius in a book that has won many awards and earned two starred reviews. This nonfiction picture book is an excellent choice to share during homeschooling, in particular for children ages 6 to 8. It’s a fun way to learn to read and as a supplement for activity books for children.

Galileo

Chronicles the life of a brilliant Italian mathematician, physicist, and astronomer, who was forced to renounce his inventions and discoveries because they challenged the authority of the Church.

The Voyage of the Armada: The Spanish Story

Mr Howarth is a brilliant writer, full of grace and wit and solid common sense' - The New Yorker A reprint of a marvellous retelling of the Armada story. Until this book was published, the Battle of the Armada had been told primarily from the English viewpoint, the English victory puffed up into a national heroic tale which was far from the truth. There is another side to this story, however, and, basing his narrative on previously unexplored Spanish sources, David Howarth, brilliantly redressed the balance.

Knights of Art: Stories of the Italian Painters

Originally written for younger readers as an introduction to the world of the Italian Renaissance, this classic work takes the reader on an exciting personal tour of some of the greatest artists of that time period.Much more than just a dry history of who painted what, Steedman’s book portrays each artist in personal terms, providing details of their lives, loves, highlights and low points.The period of ItalianRenaissance painting started around the late thirteenth century and flourished until the sixteenth, covering the periods scholars now call the Proto-Renaissance (1300–1400), the Early Renaissance (1400–1475), the High Renaissance (1475–1525), and Mannerism (1525–1600). Drawing much of her material from the classic Lives of the Painters, by Giorgio Vasari, Steedman gives readers young and old a concise and enthralling overview of Italian Renaissance painters and discusses their impact upon society and their enduring cultural legacy

Elizabeth I: Red Rose of the House of Tudor, England, 1544 (The Royal Diaries)

As a new edition to The Royal Diaries series, this factual tale offers young readers an insight to the life and times of this famous royal prior to her days on the throne as the Queen of England.

Made in the Renaissance: Arts and Crafts of the Age of Exploration

Arts and Crafts

Bard of Avon: The story of William Shakespeare (We the people)

How did a man from an unremarkable family create a legacy of plays that are performed almost every day in every part of the world? There will always be unsolved mysteries about William Shakespeare, but what we do know of his life, his times, and his theater makes a dramatic and exciting story.

The Hawk That Dare Not Hunt by Day

The Hawk That Dare Not Hunt by Day by award-winning author Scott O'Dell is historical fiction set in Europe during the 1500s. In this Christian fiction book Tom Barton and his uncle Jack are smugglers who are used to breaking the law. With quick wits and secret cargo holds, they have managed to make a comfortable living. And then William Tyndale asks them to carry English Bibles along with their usual cargo. As enemy after enemy rises to oppose Tyndale's Bible translation, Tom is confronted with a choice between what he wants and what he knows to be true.

Martin Luther: What should I do? (Little Lights)

The true story of Martin Luther and the Reformation. At the boarding school in Eisenach, Martin and his friends had to sing for their supper. Martin spent a lot of time thinking about how to get to heaven – he thought that he had to pray for hours on end, eat very little, work very hard and study a great many good books, in order to have his sins forgiven

A Murder for Her Majesty

Horrified at having witnessed her father's murder and fearing that the killers are agents of Queen Elizabeth I, eleven-year-old Alice Tuckfield hides in the Yorkshire cathedral by disguising herself as one of the choirboys.

Antonio's Apprenticeship: Painting a Fresco in Renaissance Italy

Dreaming of becoming a great artist but frustrated by his early tasks, Antonio lands an exciting assignment helping his uncle Charbone prepare a series of frescoes on the life of Christ, a task that helps him to develop his skills as a painter.

Da Vinci's Cat

Two unlikely friends—Federico, in sixteenth-century Rome, and Bee, in present-day New Jersey—are linked through an amiable cat, Leonardo Da Vinci’s mysterious wardrobe, and an eerily perfect sketch of Bee. Newbery Honor author Catherine Gilbert Murdock’s Da Vinci’s Cat is a thrilling, time-slip fantasy about rewriting history to save the present. This inventive novel will engross anyone who loved When You Reach Me and A Wrinkle in Time.

Brunelleschi's Dome: How a Renaissance Genius Reinvented Architecture

On August 19, 1418, a competition concerning Florence's magnificent new cathedral, Santa Maria del Fiore was announced: "Whoever desires to make any model or design for the vaulting of the main Dome....shall do so before the end of the month of September." The proposed dome was regarded far and wide as all but impossible to build: not only would it be enormous, but its original and sacrosanct design shunned the flying buttresses that supported cathedrals all over Europe. The dome would literally need to be erected over thin air.

Next, look at these fun renaissance events.

7 Awesome Renaissance Events

  1. Medieval Times– These fun dinner and show venues are located across the United States in 10 different locations- Georgia, Florida, California, Maryland, Illinois, Texas, South Carolina, New Jersey, Arizona and Ontario. If you are near one I highly recommend booking
  2. Texas Renaissance Festival– (Todd Mission, Texas) The Texas Renaissance Festival is the largest Renaissance fair in the United States. It is held every year from late September to late November and features over 100 stages of entertainment, including jousting tournaments, live music, and comedy shows.
  3. Robin Hood’s Medieval Faire–  (Harwinton, Connecticut)  Boasts awe-inspiring performances, 5 stages, scrumptious delicacies, and a huge selection of artisan goods.
  4. Carolina Renaissance Festival (Huntersville, North Carolina) The Carolina Renaissance Festival is one of the largest Renaissance fairs in the Southeast. It is held every year from late March to late November and features over 100 artisans and performers.
  5. Maryland Renaissance Festival (Crownsville, Maryland)- One of the most popular Renaissance fairs in the Mid-Atlantic region. It is held every year from late August to late October and features over 140 artisans and performers.
  6. Florida Renaissance Festival (Deerfield, Florida) Besides the usual Ren Faire events you will find Ax Throwing, Archery, Test of Strength, Jacob’s Ladder, The Hang Bar, Fencing, Water Wars Balloons,Knight’s Flight Zipline, and so much more.
  7. Uhuburg Castle Tours & Accommodations– (Helen, Georgia) Tour a renaissance styled castle in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Uhuburg, the Eagle Owl Castle, is a one of a kind place in both mission and structure with twelve towers, one turret, three gatehouses, an eight story lookout tower, Great Hall, cloistered walls with rampart and lower walkways, ten guest chambers, two apartments, a master chamber, tropical atrium, grotto, and two acres of courtyard gardens.
7 Awesome Renaissance Events & Easy Goblet Craft

For a full list of Renaissance Fairs check out this month by month guide.

Next, look at these other renaissance hands-on history activities.

More Renaissance Period Hands-on History

  • The Journey Through Time Book And Knights Armor Engraving Fun Kids Craft
  • Renaissance Inventors: How To Make A Fascinating Da Vinci Submarine Craft
  • More Unit Study Ideas & Lapbook
  • Free Glass Blowing Lapbook on The History Of Glass Blowing
  • Dragon Unit Study Ideas and Salt Dough Dragon Craft
  • Come see How To Make A Kids Easy Medieval Stained Glass Window to create a big focal point for your renaissance study.

Finally, look at this fun renaissance goblet craft for kids.

Easy Goblet Craft

You will need:

  • Glass or plastic wine glass
  • Flat backed craft gems
  • Air Dry Clay
  • Gold Spray Paint
  • Super glue
7 Awesome Renaissance Events & Easy Goblet Craft

First, clean the entire surface of your glass with vinegar or glass cleaner and allow it to dry.

If you desire to add some texture to your goblet, use air dry clay to create raised areas and frames for your jewels.

As you create make sure your gems fit inside before it dries.

7 Awesome Renaissance Events & Easy Goblet Craft

Once you decide where your clay is going to be sure that it adheres to the glass, dab a bit of super glue on the glass.

And then press the clay into place.

7 Awesome Renaissance Events & Easy Goblet Craft

Allow the clay to dry out completely for a few days on the glass.

Alternatively, if you don’t want to wait that long, you can “draw” on your designs and texture with a glue gun and let it cool until it hardens (about 5 minutes).

Take your goblet outside and place it on cardboard or something similar to protect your surface.

Then spray with 2-3 coats of gold spray paint. Dry completely

7 Awesome Renaissance Events & Easy Goblet Craft

Use superglue to attach the jewels as you like.

7 Awesome Renaissance Events & Easy Goblet Craft

This goblet is not food safe.

It is a great display piece and can be used to hold pens and pencils or other similar objects.

7 Awesome Renaissance Events & Easy Goblet Craft

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

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