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Tina Robertson

How To Make A Blue-Footed Booby Bird Craft

December 14, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

We are creating a bird craft that is so easy, inexpensive, and adorable that you might find the kids and you wanting to create different species to fill up your house. Also, you’ll love this Free Bird Unit Study and Lapbook And Fun Edible Bird Nests.

Too, be sure you look at my South America Unit Study and Lapbook.

All we needed was a quick trip to Dollar Tree for a fresh pair of socks.

The other simple items you will most likely have on hand to create this craft which is a fantastic supplement to a bird unit.

How To Make A Blue-Footed Booby Bird Craft

One of the most unusual and recognizable birds is the blue-footed booby.

With their bright aquamarine blue feet and legs and rather funny-looking faces.

Blue-footed boobies are one of the three different booby species found on the Galapagos Islands.

There are also red and Nazca boobies.

Books about the Galapagos

Next, add some of these books about the blue-footed booby and other animals of the Galapagos to your unit study.

11 Books & Resources About the Animals of the Galapagos

Add one or two of these fun resources about the animals of the Galapagos Islands in South America.

Where Are the Galapagos Islands? (Where Is?)

The Galapagos Islands are a chain of volcanic islands located on either side of the equator in the Pacific Ocean. The isolated location of the islands has allowed a vast number of species to develop that are original to each island, such as the marine iguana, the blue-footed booby, the magnificent frigatebird and of course the giant Galapagos tortoise, which may live to be over one hundred years old. 

Galapagos Wildlife TOOB

This Galapagos Island Toob is a must have item for sensory bins and dioramas, but they really give your child a better understanding of what creatures they may never get to see in person. They make great models for art projects as well from sketching to painting.

Galapagos (Earth's Extraordinary Places)

This is the ultimate book about the Galápagos for kids, covering the formation of the islands, the fascinating animals that live there, the evolutionary traits of the flora, the diverse climates, the brilliant conservation efforts and much more!This beautifully illustrated and photographic book provides a fascinating tour of the flora, fauna, and geology of the Galapágos islands. Children can learn about the unique and incredible wildlife, volcanoes, climate and Darwin’s theory of evolution from his visit to the Galápagos.  

Karl, Get Out of the Garden!: Carolus Linnaeus and the Naming of Everything

Carolus (Karl) Linnaeus started off as a curious child who loved exploring the garden. Despite his intelligence—and his mother's scoldings—he was a poor student, preferring to be outdoors with his beloved plants and bugs. As he grew up, Karl's love of nature led him to take on a seemingly impossible task: to give a scientific name to every living thing on earth. 

Exotic Birds TOOB

11 EXOTIC BIRDS: This Toob brings you some of the most amazing exotic winged friends from around the world. It includes a Parakeet, Quetzal, Yellow Macaw, Humming Bird, Hibiscus Flower, Keel-Billed Toucan, Cockatoo, Flamingo, White Ibis, Snowy Owl, and a Greet Parrot.

My Father's Island (Guinness World Records Little Books)

A true story that incorporates biography, adventure and the elements of armchair travel. Angermeyer, who grew up in Nebraska, embarks on a search to discover what happened to her father, a refugee from Hitler, on the Galapagos Islands where he and her mother had lived before his death.

Marcel McDuby the Blue-Footed Booby

For ages 3-9... The strange little bird with turquoise blue feet spent all his time imagining being someone else. Follow him on a journey that leads to self-acceptance and a life-changing discovery: It's our differences that make us special and set us apart. What's really important comes from our heart.

Galapagos Wildlife (Bradt Wildlife Guides)

This new, thoroughly updated and lavishly illustrated fourth edition of Bradt's Galápagos Wildlife is packed with information and magnificent pictures to aid in identifying key species, all in an easy-to-carry format that covers everything from the wildlife that you're likely to encounter, whether flying in the air, running along the ground or swimming underwater, to a succinct history of the islands, their habitats and volcanic origins. 

Galapagos animal adventure with 26 coloring pages for all ages

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Galapagos Islands with this endemic animal coloring book. With 26 pages filled with detailed and realistic drawings, this coloring book will take you on a journey through the unique landscapes of the islands as you immerse yourself in the wild nature of the región.

Take Your Time: A Tale of Harriet, the Galapagos Tortoise

Harriet the tortoise likes to do things slowly. She explores her home on the Galápagos Islands―slowly. She eats―slowly. And when the sun goes down, she slumbers deeply all night long.

When Harriet’s friends tell her to pick up the pace, Harriet decides to journey to a neighboring island to see what there is to see. She parades with penguins and rides with dolphins, encountering adventure at every turn. But is life in the fast lane right for a tortoise who loves to take her time?

Marine Iguanas - Tails of the Galapagos Islands Series

Marine Iguanas. Discover the unique Galapagos Island critter called the Marine Iguana. Designed for Young Readers (Ages 5-7) in mind, your little adventurist can immerse themselves within the colorful pages that take them on a journey to better understand the Life of the Marine Iguana. Fun facts and vibrant photos make this book an enjoyable read now and for years to come.

Facts About Blue-Footed Booby

The boobies got their name from the Spanish word bobo.

Bobo means “fool” or “clown” because they seemed so silly and foolish to explorers with their colorful feet, funny walk, and what they felt was an unnatural fear of man.

Just like how flamingos are pink due to their eating habits, the color of their webbed feet comes from the collagens in the skin that are changed because of their diet of fresh fish.

The brighter blue feet that a male has the more interesting he is to females.

While boobies seem to move clumsily on land, their almost 5-foot wingspan lets them fly powerfully.

How To Make A Blue-Footed Booby Bird Craft

Also, they can fly for a long time, long distances, and are amazing plunge divers on the hunt for food, maneuvering well even in shallow water.

Blue-footed boobies as marine birds only need land to lay eggs and raise their young.

And they keep those eggs warm with their feet which are well supplied with blood and make a great little heater for the eggs to keep them toasty.

More Bird Crafts

  • How to Make DIY Hummingbird Nectar And Favorite Amazon Rainforest Hummingbirds Facts
  • How to Make a Chalk Pastel Bird Nest Easy Drawing
  • Galapagos Islands Animals Fun and Simple Watercolor Flamingo Tutorial
  • Free Peregrine Falcon Lapbook And Fun Unit Study Ideas
  • Free Homeschool Chicken Unit Study and Anatomy of an Egg Felt Activity & Worksheet
  • How to Make an Easy Bird Craft Fun Paper Plate Peacock
  • Free Bird Journal – Hands-on Nature (Coloring & Identification Pages)
  • Free North American Robin Bird Lapbook and Fun Homeschool Unit Study Ideas
How To Make A Blue-Footed Booby Bird Craft

Finally, look at how to make a blue-footed booby sock bird craft.

How to Make A Blue-Footed Booby Sock Bird Craft

You will need:

  • White tube sock
  • Black felt
  • Blue felt
  • Blue pipe cleaner
  • Google eyes
  • Brown paint
  • paintbrush
  • Uncooked white rice/beans
  • Hot glue gun/glue
How To Make A Blue-Footed Booby Bird Craft

First, decide what size you would like to make your bird craft and fill that size halfway with either the other sock in the pack or some cotton stuffing. I made mine about ⅓ of the sock length.

Place rice in a cup and dump it into the sock by wrapping the sock opening around the cup and flipping it over until the other half is full.

This will give your blue-footed booby some weight and help him sit upright nicely.

How To Make A Blue-Footed Booby Bird Craft

Cut off the excess from the open end, leaving just enough to fold over.

How To Make A Blue-Footed Booby Bird Craft

Fold the end in and glue it like you would gift wrap on the end of a box and secure it with glue.

How To Make A Blue-Footed Booby Bird Craft

On the same end attach two halves of blue pipe cleaner sticking out for legs.

Once the glue is dry it ends downward and uses brown paint to speckle the head like a blue-footed booby.

How To Make A Blue-Footed Booby Bird Craft

Then, paint on wing shapes on either side. Allow paint to dry completely, you can save this step for last if you prefer.

How To Make A Blue-Footed Booby Bird Craft

Cut a long black triangle twice as wide as you would like the beak to be.

How To Make A Blue-Footed Booby Bird Craft

Fold it over with a piece of pipe cleaner in the middle to give the felt some stiffness and glue the sides together. Trim off the excess pipe cleaner sticking out.

How To Make A Blue-Footed Booby Bird Craft

Hot glue the beak into place on the front and arrange two googly eyes close on either side.

How To Make A Blue-Footed Booby Bird Craft

Cut two webbed feet out of the blue felt.

How To Make A Blue-Footed Booby Bird Craft

Hot glue to the end of the blue pipe cleaners.

How To Make A Blue-Footed Booby Bird Craft

Finally, attach a small piece of the sock scrap to the back for a tail.

How To Make A Blue-Footed Booby Bird Craft

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: birds, crafts, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschoolscience, life science, south america

Step Back in Time with These 12 Little House on the Prairie Gift Ideas

December 13, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Do you need some great Little House on the Prairie gift ideas for someone who is a big fan of the Ingalls clan? Also, look at my page Little House on The Prairie Unit Study and Fun Punched Tin Lantern for more activities.

Little House has had what some would call a cult following.

It made its debut as a book in 1931 and the same for the series that first aired in 1974.

Some are firmly book fans, some fans of the show and there are those that are in both camps.

Step Back in Time with These 12 Little House on the Prairie Gift Ideas

I loved both and enjoyed comparing the differences and seeing what was repeated faithfully in the television series.

All these years later and they are both still popular, there is not much you can still say about that.

Even though pioneer life was hard there is an appeal in the simplicity and the hard work families had to put in to survive in those days.

The love and affection seemed so natural in the Ingalls family. 

So for your pioneer loving pleasure here are 12 fabulous Little House on The Prairie Gift Ideas for you, the child, or family in your life who just can’t get enough of prairie life from inspired by gifts to toys, cook books, and wearable items.

Also, you’ll love these other gift guides for homeschoolers.

Gift Guides for Families

  • 12 Gifts For Medieval History Buffs
  • Navigating the Perfect Present: 22 Gifts for Geography Lovers
  • Ignite the Love for Learning: 10 Homeschool Gift Ideas That Spark Joy
  • How To Gift A True Crime Fan : 8 Best Gifts For True Crime Fans
  • 13 Amazing and Fun Gifts for Kids Who Love History
  • Unleash Your Inner Scientist: 12 Amazing Gifts for the Science Lovers
  • Ten Best Tech Gifts for Teen Boys
  • Gifts For Kids Who Are Wild About History
  • 5 Gift Ideas for the Homeschool Mom Who Needs a Cooking Reboot
Step Back in Time with These 12 Little House on the Prairie Gift Ideas

Little House on the Prairie Gift Ideas

Gift Ideas for Little House on the Prairie Enthusiasts

You’ll love some of these ideas for the Little House on the Prairie enthusiasts in your life.

The Little House (9 Volumes Set)

If they don’t already have it the first thing to put on your gift list is the entire The Little House Series. I poured over these stories as a child and even as an adult I will happily pick up a book and read it with just as much joy.  They are a lovely gift for reading aloud or independent reading as well

Pioneer Girl Costume

Any little girl that loves to pretend to be Laura and Mary helping ma churn butter or gather vegetables from the garden would adore this Pioneer Girl Costume for dramatic play, theme day at co-op, or field trips to Walmart.

The Little House Cookbook: Frontier Foods

The Little House Cookbook is filled with recipes for mas cracklings, maple candy, and corn dodgers. Recipes from the whole series with wonderful background information and ideal for elementary aged and on up to adults

Lincoln Logs 150+ Pieces-Real Wood-Best Retro Building Gift Set

They may not be specifically little house themed but boys or girls will enjoy recreating the log cabin that the family lived in in the Big Woods or like the one that the Wilders occupied in Mansfield South Dakota. “Toys” like this are great for busy hands while reading aloud.

Doll Clothes, Little House on The Prairie Blue Calico Dress with Bonnet, Apron, and Pantaloons

These outfits fit any 18” doll like American girl or even the less expensive Walmart and Target versions. Allowing them to turn their favorite doll into a beloved literary
character to play alongside of them8

My Book of Little House Paper Dolls: The Big Woods Collection

Just like the ones Ma cut out for the girls along with clothes to dress them up in. This is a simple gift that is wonderful for playing quietly and using their imagination.

Little House Coloring Book: Coloring Book for Adults and Kids

For an older child or adult this coloring book is filled with pretty images and quotes from the entire series of books that can be colored with colored pencils or gel pens-don’t forget to include something to color with as well.

Little House Life Hacks: Lessons for the Modern Pioneer from Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Prairie

I think this book is perfect for adult fans of the series and especially as a housewarming present for the woman who grew up loving these books. It also makes a fun coffee table book

Be a Laura | Book Fan Gifts | Prairie Fans | Little House Zip Hoodie

Little House Hoodie- Something to show off their passion for pioneer days gone by with a modern twist, a cozy hoodie for cool days and nights. Although I am sure Nellie fans may disagree, specially in those later days of the show when she blossomed

Manual Butter Churner - Wooden Handle

This is a nostalgic but useful kitchen gift to recreate homemade churned butter with a much smaller footprint. I think this is a new and thoughtful spin on an old-fashioned idea for those who want to simplify but aren't quite ready to give up their electricity.

The Oregon Trail Card Game

Chances are good if they are a fan of Little House, they adore the whole idea of heading west and this classic game is a great choice.It gives an idea of what it was like and how hard it is to travel in the settled east out towards the wilds of the mostly unexplored west.

Sweet Home Alaska

Finally, this is more of if you liked Little House, you will love… type of recommendation. It is the story of a little girl and her family taking place shortly after Laura Ingalls Wilder's books were published and she treasures these books, especially as her family embarks on an adventure in Alaska to become pioneers as part of President Roosevelt's Palmer Colony project.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Gift Guides, Gift Ideas for Homeschoolers Tagged With: gift, gift list, homeschoolgiftideas, pioneer, pioneer crafts

How To Make A Newton’s Cradle With Popsicle Sticks | 5 Sir Isaac Newton Facts

December 12, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I’m showing you how to make a Newton’s cradle with popsicle sticks for a fun and educational homeschool project.

You have likely seen the contraption with spheres clacking back and forth on desktops.

This is called Newton’s cradle which demonstrates his third law.

It is a device that shows the conservation of momentum and the conservation of energy with swinging spheres.

How To Make A Newton's Cradle With Popsicle Sticks | 5 Sir Isaac Newton Facts

Newton made amazing contributions to science and math and was considered the father of modern science, and the first physicist.

He was the epitome of STEM long before it ever became a catchphrase.

While STEM/STEAM is an important part of everyday homeschooling, National STEM/STEAM Day is celebrated annually on November 8th.

And I think learning how to make a Newton’s cradle with popsicle sticks is a fantastic way to observe it.

5 Isaac Newton Facts

If you are looking for a great reference book to have on hand that covers scientists from early times to modern Superstars of Science is a fantastic entertaining book.

It is a book for elementary through middle school students to enjoy and learn the people behind the inventions, laws, and more including Newton.

How To Make A Newton's Cradle With Popsicle Sticks | 5 Sir Isaac Newton Facts

Then, look at these facts about Sir Isaac Newton.

  1. Sir Isaac Newton was an English polymath (someone whose knowledge covers a wide range of subjects in particular arts and sciences) He was a mathematician, physicist, astronomer, alchemist, theologian, and author.
  2. Newton has 2 birthdays. He was born on January 4th, 1643 on the Gregorian calendar, which we use today. Back in the 17th century at the time of his birth the Julian calendar was used and according to that, he was born on December 25 1642.
  3. The story of the apple falling on his head is only partly true, he did witness an apple fall from the tree and it gave him the idea of gravity, but it didn’t hit him on the head.
  4. Newton founded the branch of math called Calculus, mechanics, and optics and was key in the advancement of early modern chemistry.
  5. While he is most famous for his 3 laws, he had many other contributions like being one of the first to make a reflecting telescope.

Books About Sir Isaac Newton for Kids

Next, add some of these books about this famous scientist.

7 Books For Kids Who Love Learning About Sir Isaac Newton

He was one of the most important scientists of his times. Your children will love adding some of these books to their reading day.

Newton's Rainbow: The Revolutionary Discoveries of a Young Scientist

Famed for his supposed encounter with a falling apple that inspired his theory of gravity, Isaac Newton (1642–1727) grew from a quiet and curious boy into one of the most influential scientists of all time. Newton's Rainbow tells the story of young Isaac―always reading, questioning, observing, and inventing―and how he eventually made his way to Cambridge University, where he studied the work of earlier scientists and began building on their accomplishments. This colorful picture book biography celebrates Newton's discoveries that illuminated the mysteries of gravity, motion, and even rainbows, discoveries that gave mankind a new understanding of the natural world, discoveries that changed science forever.

Isaac Newton

A biography of Isaac Newton.

Isaac Newton: Greatest Genius of Science (Genius Scientists and Their Genius Ideas)

A biography of the seventeenth-century English scientist who formulated the theory of gravity.

World History Biographies: Isaac Newton: The Scientist Who Changed Everything

Born in England in 1643, Isaac Newton grew up in the age when Renaissance thinkers were challenging accepted ideas throughout Europe. Fascinated by all earthly science, Newton developed laws of motion and universal gravitation which also furthered our understanding of the movement of celestial bodies. This vibrant biography profiles the famed physicist as an acclaimed mathematician, astronomer, alchemist, philosopher, and inventor as well. Readers will discover the genius who inspired Alexander Pope to write.

The Ocean Of Truth: The Story Of Sir Isaac Newton

Sir Isaac Newton is one of history's most renowned scientists. He independently developed the mathematical technique known as Calculus, wrote a treatise on the properties of light and color that is still consulted by scientists, and worked out the mathematical details of the law of gravity. What is less well known is the depth of his Christian faith, and the amount of writing, speaking, and research he devoted to defenses of the tenets of Biblical belief. This book makes Newton come alive for readers.

Isaac the Alchemist: Secrets of Isaac Newton, Reveal'd

A surprising true story of Isaac Newton’s boyhood suggests an intellectual development owing as much to magic as science. Before Isaac Newton became the father of physics, an accomplished mathematician, or a leader of the scientific revolution, he was a boy living in an apothecary’s house, observing and experimenting, recording his observations of the world in a tiny notebook. As a young genius living in a time before science as we know it existed, Isaac studied the few books he could get his hands on, built handmade machines, and experimented with alchemy—a process of chemical reactions that seemed, at the time, to be magical. Mary Losure’s riveting narrative nonfiction account of Isaac’s early life traces his development as a thinker from his childhood, in friendly prose that will capture the attention of today’s budding scientists—as if by magic. Back matter includes an afterword, an author’s note, source notes, a bibliography, and an index.

Isaac Newton and Physics for Kids: His Life and Ideas with 21 Activities (30) (For Kids series)

Isaac Newton and Physics for Kids paints a rich portrait of this brilliant and complex man, including 21 hands-on projects that explore the scientific concepts Newton developed and the times in which he lived. Readers will build a simple waterwheel, create a 17thcentury plague mask, track the phases of the moon, and test Newton’s Three Laws of Motion using coins, a skateboard, and a
model boat they construct themselves. The text includes a time line, online resources, and reading list for further study. And through it all, readers will learn how the son of a Woolsthorpe sheep farmer grew to become the most influential physicist in history.

Additionally, look at Newton’s laws.

Newton’s 3 Laws of Motion

Newton’s First Law – “Law of Inertia” – Every object moves in a straight line unless acted upon by a force. Example- a ball will roll down a hill unless something stops it-friction or another object for example.

Newton’s Second Law – “Law of Acceleration” -The acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force exerted and inversely proportional to the object’s mass.

Example- In karate, breaking a board or slab of bricks.

Newton’s Third Law – “Law of Interaction” (also “Law of Action and Reaction”)– For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

Example- Firing a bullet, when shot from a gun, the gun puts a force on the bullet and propels it forward.

How To Make A Newton's Cradle With Popsicle Sticks | 5 Sir Isaac Newton Facts

Also, look at more ideas to learn about Sir Isaac Newton.

More Ideas for Learning About Sir Isaac Newton

  • Isaac Newton’s Quotes & Copywork
  • Gravity and Isaac Newton Experiments
  • Isaac Newton Study And Science Lessons
  • Making Newton’s Laws Easy
  • Then grab some minibooks About Sir Isaac Newton and His Apple on my Apple Unit Study and Lapbook page.

How To Make A Newton’s Cradle With Popsicle Sticks

You will need:

  • 12 jumbo craft sticks
  • String
  • 6 marbles
  • Hot glue gun/glue sticks
  • Scrap wood (old Jenga blocks)
How To Make A Newton's Cradle With Popsicle Sticks | 5 Sir Isaac Newton Facts

First, use hot glue to create a square out of 4 craft sticks.

How To Make A Newton's Cradle With Popsicle Sticks | 5 Sir Isaac Newton Facts

Take 2 craft sticks and mark every half inch along the stick starting 1 ½” in on each end.

How To Make A Newton's Cradle With Popsicle Sticks | 5 Sir Isaac Newton Facts

Glue one to the top of another craft stick to form a T, be sure the marks are facing outward.

How To Make A Newton’s Cradle

Add another stick to the bottom of the T to create a capital i.

Make two of these.

How To Make A Newton's Cradle With Popsicle Sticks | 5 Sir Isaac Newton Facts

Attach one of the capital i’s to the square base with a generous amount of hot glue and use a small piece of scrap wood like the old Jenga block I used here.

How To Make A Newton's Cradle With Popsicle Sticks | 5 Sir Isaac Newton Facts

You want to be sure the marks you made on the top stick face in toward the square base center.

Cut 8 six-inch pieces of string.

How To Make A Newton's Cradle With Popsicle Sticks | 5 Sir Isaac Newton Facts

Fold each string exactly in half.

How To Make A Newton's Cradle With Popsicle Sticks | 5 Sir Isaac Newton Facts

Hot glue a marble to the very center of each string.

How To Make A Newton's Cradle With Popsicle Sticks | 5 Sir Isaac Newton Facts

On the opposite capital i piece that you have not attached to the base yet hot glue each string right over the top of the marks you made.

Line up the tips of the strings with the edge of the top, then cover with another craft stick.

This tidies it up a bit and helps keep the strings more secure.

How To Make A Newton's Cradle With Popsicle Sticks | 5 Sir Isaac Newton Facts

Attach the second capital i to the opposite side, affixing again with a scrap of wood to stabilize and strengthen it.

When the glue is dry lay down the frame and hot glue the other end of the string over the other marks on the cross piece lining it up with the top.

Place upright and check to make sure that the marbles line up at the same height, once you are satisfied with that, glue another stick over the strings.

To use, pull back on one marble and release, as it hits the second one the kinetic energy is transferred, and it stops while the next one moves to hit the 3rd and it repeats over and over until the energy dies out.

How To Make A Newton's Cradle With Popsicle Sticks | 5 Sir Isaac Newton Facts

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: elementary science, hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, high school science, homeschoolscience, physics, science, Sir Isaac Newton

How to Make a Cool Fibonacci Lemonade and 8 Things to Learn about Fibonacci

December 11, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, I’m showing you how to make a cool Fibonacci lemonade and we are learning all about the famous mathematician and his contributions.

For a kid who isn’t typically wild about math or science, making this layered Fibonacci lemonade will get them excited to learn about both.

How to Make a Cool Fibonacci Lemonade and 8 Things to Learn about Fibonacci

The measurements of ingredients and the way that they are added is a simple and easy-to-understand lesson in mathematics.

While learning about density this activity gives your child an equally fun and understandable science lesson.

Besides the lemonade, you can demonstrate simply with graph paper and by observing the pattern occurring in nature.

First add some of these books for fun reading time.

Books About Fibonacci For Kids

Also, I lean toward living books to be used as a spine for studying a subject and then like to add in informational books.

6 Books About Fibonacci

Add some of these books about Fibonacci to your library.

Blockhead: The Life of Fibonacci

As a young boy in medieval Italy, Leonardo Fibonacci thought about numbers day and night. He was such a daydreamer that people called him a blockhead.When Leonardo grew up and traveled the world, he was inspired by the numbers used in different countries. Then he realized that many things in nature, from the number of petals on a flower to the spiral of a nautilus shell, seem to follow a certain pattern. The boy who was once teased for being a blockhead had discovered what came to be known as the Fibonacci Sequence!

Fibonacci Fun: Fascinating Activities With Intriguing Numbers

From "Raising Rabbits" to "Prickly Pinecones", 24 easy-to-use, reproducible activities and projects introduce students to Fibonacci numbers and the golden ratio. Grades 4-8

Swirl by Swirl: Spirals in Nature

A Caldecott medalist and a Newbery Honor-winning poet celebrate the beauty and value of spirals. What makes the tiny snail shell so beautiful? Why does that shape occur in nature over and over again—in rushing rivers, in a flower bud, even inside your ear?

With simplicity and grace, Joyce Sidman's poetry paired with Beth Krommes's scratchboard illustrations not only reveal the many spirals in nature—from fiddleheads to elephant tusks, from crashing waves to spiraling galaxies—but also celebrate the beauty and usefulness of this fascinating shape.

Wild Fibonacci: Nature's Secret Code Revealed

1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34. . . Look carefully. Do you see the pattern? Each number above is the sum of the two numbers before it. Though most of us are unfamiliar with it, this numerical series, called the Fibonacci sequence, is part of a code that can be found everywhere in nature. Count the petals on a flower or the peas in a peapod. The numbers are all part of the Fibonacci sequence. In Wild Fibonacci, readers will discover this mysterious code in a special shape called an equiangular spiral. Why so special? It mysteriously appears in the natural world: a sundial shell curves to fit the spiral. So does a parrot's beak. . . a hawk's talon. . . a ram's horn. . . even our own human teeth! Joy Hulme provides a clear and accessible introduction to the Fibonacci sequence and its presence in the animal world.

The Rabbit Problem

How does 1+1 = 288? A family of rabbits soon supplies the answer in this funny story! Hop along to Fibonacci's Field and follow Lonely and Chalk Rabbit through a year as they try to cope with their fast expanding brood and handle a different seasonal challenge each month, from the cold of February to the wet of April and the heat of July. This extraordinary picture book is packed with gorgeous details and novelty elements including a baby rabbit record book, a carrot recipe book and a surprise pop-up ending.

Coloring Fibonacci in Nature

Assembled here is a collection of outline illustrations inspired by the Fibonacci number sequence found in nature. They appear everywhere in nature, from the leaf arrangement in plants, to the pattern of the florets of a flower, the bracts of a pinecone, or the chambers of a nautical shell. The Fibonacci Sequence is applicable to the growth of every living thing, including a single cell, a grain of wheat, a hive of bees, and even all of mankind.

8 Things to Learn About Fibonacci

  1. Fibonacci was a medieval Italian mathematician who introduced Hindu-Arabic numerals to Europe.
  2. His real name was Leonardo Pisano Bogollo, and “Fibonacci” was just a nickname, and roughly meant “Son of Bonacci”.
  3. He is most famously known for something called The Fibonacci sequence. The Fibonacci sequence is a series of numbers that goes like- 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13…
  4. The next number in the sequence is found by adding the two previous numbers, so the next number in that sequence would be 8+13+21, and then the next would be 13+21=34 and so on.
  5. This sequence appears in nature- in nautilus shells, pinecones, hurricanes, spiral galaxies, and flowers. It is also called “nature’s secret code.”
  6. In the 19th century, a statue of Fibonacci was set in Pisa to honor him, not too far from the famous Tower of Pisa.
  7. November 23 was marked as Fibonacci day because when you write the date in the mm/dd format (11/23) the digits in the date form the Fibonacci sequence-1,1,2,3
  8. He did not invent the sequence, but it was named after him because he popularized it by publishing it in his work- Liber Abaci, a Latin manuscript on arithmetic.
How to Make a Cool Fibonacci Lemonade and 8 Things to Learn about Fibonacci

Look at this Fibonacci rectangle.

Demonstrating the Fibonacci Rectangle

Create your own version of the Fibonacci rectangle with a sheet of graph paper.

  • Coloring in 2 squares, each in different colors.
  • Above that create a 2×2 square in another color.
  • Continue moving in a spiral around the center, 3×3, 5×5, 8×8, 13×13, and higher if space permits.
  • Label each set of squares to see the sequence with a pen.
  • Draw the spiral starting in the center most corner.

Do you see the shape of a nautilus shell?

How to Make a Cool Fibonacci Lemonade and 8 Things to Learn about Fibonacci

If you don’t have graph paper on hand you can find a free printable for it here.

Another great example is this Fibonacci Art project that combines math and art to teach and incorporates using a compass which may be a new math tool for some learners.

How to Make a Cool Fibonacci Lemonade and 8 Things to Learn about Fibonacci

The problem that Fibonacci presented in his Liber Abaci was this:

“A certain man put a pair of rabbits in a place surrounded on all sides by a wall. How many pairs of rabbits can be produced from that pair in a year if it is supposed that every month each pair begets a new pair, which from the second month on becomes productive?”

Fibonacci Lemonade

How do the layers stay separate in this Fibonacci lemonade?

The higher the sugar content in liquid is, the more dense it becomes.

So each layer has a different density and does not mix with the others if added carefully.

How to Make a Cool Fibonacci Lemonade and 8 Things to Learn about Fibonacci

How to Make a Cool Fibonacci Lemonade

This one is a little bit tricky but with a little patience and maybe a couple of attempts you get a cool layered lemonade that still tastes delicious.

The idea is that the ingredients for each layer replicate the Fibonacci Sequence- adding the amounts of the ingredients in the previous two layers together to get your new ratio of simple syrup to water.

You will need:

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup sugar
  • Lemon juice
  • 3-7 food coloring colors
  • Smooth clear glass
  • Ice
  • Spoon
  • Small paper cups or bowls
How to Make a Cool Fibonacci Lemonade and 8 Things to Learn about Fibonacci

First, heat the water up in the microwave until very hot but it does not need to be boiling.

Stir in sugar until completely dissolved, and make sure it is well mixed or the layering will not work.

How to Make a Cool Fibonacci Lemonade and 8 Things to Learn about Fibonacci

The easiest method I found for making the layers is to get little paper cups or little bowls as I have here to mix each of the layers in.

Fibonacci Lemonade

Add a drop or two of food coloring to each bowl.

How to Make a Cool Fibonacci Lemonade and 8 Things to Learn about Fibonacci

To keep it simple, the order you have for your bowls is the order you will add to the drink.

I am listing the layers in the Fibonacci sequence, but you will want to reverse the order you put them with the most sugary one at the bottom of the glass.

Remember the sequence looks like this… 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13…

Here are your layers…

  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon simple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice and 1 teaspoon simple syrup -top layer
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice and 2 teaspoons simple syrup
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice and 3 teaspoons simple syrup
  • 3 teaspoons lemon juice and 5 teaspoons simple syrup
  • 5 teaspoons lemon juice and 8 teaspoons simple syrup-bottom layer

Put each of these measurements into your bowls and stir to mix, remember the highest ratio of sugar and lemon juice will go in first.

How to Make a Cool Fibonacci Lemonade and 8 Things to Learn about Fibonacci

Fill a glass with ice.

How to Make a Cool Fibonacci Lemonade and 8 Things to Learn about Fibonacci

Pour the bottom layer in.

How to Make a Cool Fibonacci Lemonade and 8 Things to Learn about Fibonacci

For each of the next layers, you want to pour slowly and carefully over the back of a spoon so the splash does not disturb and combine the layers.

How to Make a Cool Fibonacci Lemonade and 8 Things to Learn about Fibonacci

If your layer goes in a little too fast it may blend with the previous layer so take your time adding it.

We added just a little water to ours at the end and it was perfectly sweet and lemony but mixing it up makes it an ugly muddy color.

How to Make a Cool Fibonacci Lemonade and 8 Things to Learn about Fibonacci

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: elementary science, Fibonacci, hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, physical science, science

12 Gifts For Medieval History Buffs

December 10, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have 12 gifts for medieval history buffs. Also, look at my page 4 Week Free Middle Ages Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas and Gifts For Kids Who Are Wild About History.

Calling all medieval history buffs or those who have a friend or loved one with a deep love for all things medieval.

A medievalist is a specialist in medieval history and culture and has a passion for weaponry, social classes, castles, land, and everything medieval times encompass.

I included ideas for all ages and those who also love the fantasy aspect of the medieval period.

I’m sharing with you a world of 12 gifts inspired by castles, knights, and chivalry of the medieval era that they will cherish.

12 Gifts For Medieval History Buffs

My handpicked list will transport you back in time.

And call to mind the captivating legends and tales of this extraordinary period.

Children grow up pretending to slay dragons and save the princess, or ride their horses into battle, and rule over kingdoms because of the heroism, beauty, and romanticism of the time.

Princesses and knights and everything that comes with them are still popular now.

Just look at the Medieval Fairs and even restaurants catering to those who love it.

Gift Guides for Families

  • Navigating the Perfect Present: 22 Gifts for Geography Lovers
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  • 13 Amazing and Fun Gifts for Kids Who Love History
  • Unleash Your Inner Scientist: 12 Amazing Gifts for the Science Lovers
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  • Gifts For Kids Who Are Wild About History
  • 5 Gift Ideas for the Homeschool Mom Who Needs a Cooking Reboot
12 Gifts For Medieval History Buffs

Many books, movies, and board games have been inspired by this era as well.

Gifts For Medieval History Buffs

Whether you’re looking for a unique gift for a friend, family member, or even yourself, this Amazon medieval history buff gift list is sure to enchant and delight.

12 Gifts For Medieval History Buffs

You'll love one or two of these ideas.

3 Piece Functional Medieval Feasting Set

Hand forged from carbon steel whether they choose to display or use these eating utensils they will love the authentic look of them.

LEGO Creator 3 in 1 Medieval Castle Toy, Transforms from Castle to Tower to Marketplace, Includes Skeleton and Dragon Figure

This is truly one of the coolest sets I have seen, and they also have a blacksmith shop. These are perfect to put together while learning about this dark time. It is a set that even an adult will enjoy putting together and keeping on display.

Complete Chainmail Kit - 20 Weave Tutorial Book

What a fun project for any medievalist to make their own jewelry or cosplay pieces to experience a small piece of what the heroes would have worn into a fierce battle.

Strategy Board Game | Medieval Adventure Board Game |

Set in the Medieval city by the same name but using a modern strategy for this tile-building game that can be played by 2-5 players aged 12+. There are also plenty of expansions like Inns Cathedrals, Traders & Builders, The Flying Machines and more to make it a more complex expanded
game play..

Medieval Fantasy Blue Dragon Goblet

Just like the utensils a chalice from long ago would make a great display piece or a great conversation piece when used at dinner, I have gifted it to a teenage boy and seen it get plenty of use

Children's Encyclopedia of Knights and Castles

A beautiful full-color illustrated encyclopedia outlining everything from medieval daily life to warfare for the young medievalist.

Medieval Wooden Charcuterie Cutlery Cheese Board Knight's Shield

For the adult who enjoys medieval weaponry and is also a foodie this set is amazing. How could you not enjoy slicing your aged cheddar with a miniature medieval ax?

Beowulf (No Fear) (Volume 3)

Read great works of literature with NO FEAR—and actually understand what they mean!No Fear Literature puts the world’s finest books at your fingertips! With the complete original text on the left-hand page, and an easy-to-follow translation on the right to guide you, you can fully grasp the meaning and brilliance of each classic.  

Great Medieval Projects: You Can Build Yourself (Build It Yourself)

For the younger Middle Ages enthusiasts, a book of projects with supply lists and plans can get them going on recreating their replicas of medieval recipes, jester hats, and instruments to name a few ideas included.But it's not just a list of activities. This book gives lots of great information, and vocabulary words related to the period, and tells of famous people of the time.

Masterpieces 1000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle - Medieval Castle

I love this puzzle's bright image of a castle that is a cutaway showing many aspects of castle life from feasts to prisoners in the dungeon. It would be a great project for the whole family to complete together.

Medieval Warrior Middle Age Crusader Viking Sword

One of the most exciting and interesting things about the Middle Ages is the weaponry and how such marvelous things were crafted long before technology. A sword replica is something that can be put on display to enjoy and if they already collect an addition is very likely always welcome.

Knights and Suits of Armor Illustrations

Add a frame to this detailed armor illustration and you have a nice gift for the study, homeschool space, or even the living room.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: gift, gift list, hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, homeschoolgiftideas, medieval homeschool history

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