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Egg to Gosling Fascinating Journey | Is A Goose Hatched From Egg Or Born Alive

December 23, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today we are answering is a goose hatched from egg or born alive. Exploring the life cycle of a goose and comparing them to ducks. Also, look at Animals That Are Born Alive And Hatched From Egg DIY Hatching Egg Activity.

First, it is interesting to know that there are 20 species of geese in the world with 9 being found in the US.

For example, the nines species in the U.S. are Emperor Goose, Snow Goose, Canada Goose, Ross’s Goose, Brant, Barnacle Goose, Cackling Goose, Hawaiian Goose, and the Greater White-fronted Goose.

For our craft, we are creating a Canada Goose because its coloring is just so pretty.

Egg to Gosling Fascinating Journey | Is A Goose Hatched From Egg Or Born Alive

And the coloring is distinctive but facts like the life cycle are relevant to all goose species.

Both male and female Canada Geese have grayish brown wings, backs, sides, and breasts, black tails, feet, legs, bills, and heads.

In addition, they have long black necks with distinctive white cheek patches. 

The main difference is that males tend to be larger than females.

Books for Kids Who Love Reading About Waterfowl

Next, look at some of these fun books about waterfowl.

I lean toward living books first then add in reference type books as my kids learn.

20 Resources & Books for Kids Who Love Reading About Water Birds

Grab some of these books to add to your unit study or reading day.

Goodbye Geese

A father describes the coming of winter to his little girl

Goose

The story of a little goose who had to leave home to find out what no one could teach her. Adopted by woodchucks at birth, goose never feels she truly belongs ... until the day she discovers she can fly.

Petunia

When Roger Duvoisin first introduced children to his proud and silly goose, Petunia, in 1950, it was love at first sight. Those children have grown up, but Petunia is every bit as fresh and funny and muddled as the day she was born.In this, the first of the series of classic books featuring the silly goose, Petunia finds a book--and, deciding that if she owns a book she must be wise, dispenses hilariously mistaken advice to the other animals in the farmyard. With its gentle lesson and the kind of humor that kids love best, this new edition of a picture book classic will delight and inspire a whole new generation of readers.

The Snow Goose - A Story of Dunkirk

The Snow Goose is a simple, short written parable on the regenerative power of friendship and love, set against a backdrop of the horror of World War 2. It documents the growth of a friendship between Philip Rhayader, an artist living a solitary life in an abandoned lighthouse in the marshlands because of his disabilities, and a young local girl, Fritha. The snow goose, wounded by gunshot and many miles from home, is found by Fritha and, as the human friendship blossoms, can the bird be nursed back to flight? Will Fritha and Rhayander find love or is his sailboat lost at sea? Can Rhayander be among those hundreds he has saved?

The Trumpet of the Swan 50th Anniversary

Like the rest of his family, Louis is a trumpeter swan. But unlike his four brothers and sisters, Louis can't trumpet joyfully. In fact, he can't even make a sound. And since he can't trumpet his love, the beautiful swan Serena pays absolutely no attention to him.

Louis tries everything he can think of to win Serena's affection—he even goes to school to learn to read and write. But nothing seems to work. Then his father steals him a real brass trumpet. Is a musical instrument the key to winning Louis his love?

Ducks Don't Get Wet

Did you know that ducks can dive 100 feet deep and still come up dry? Why don't ducks get wet? Ducks dip and dive, but they stay dry because they spread oil over their feathers to make them waterproof. Learn more inside and get to know different kinds of ducks. 

This is a clear and appealing science book for early elementary age kids, both at home and in the classroom. It includes stunning new watercolor illustrations and a new find out more page.

Watching Water Birds

Provides a personal look at various species of fresh- and saltwater birds, including loons and grebes, mergansers, mallards, wood ducks, Canada geese, gulls, and herons.

Just Ducks! (Read and Wonder)

The young girl in this story may live in the city, but outside her window there’s a river full of mallard ducks! She hears them as soon as she wakes up, and on the way to school she sees them upside down bobbing for food. Interspersed with fun facts, her enthusiastic commentary about her feathered neighbors — what they look like, how they behave, where they nest, where they sleep — pairs swimmingly with cheerful watercolor illustrations. Back matter includes an index and a note about ducks.

Ducks!

Describes how ducks swim, dive, feed, communicate, build nests, and raise their young as well as offers information about how conservation groups are trying to protect many ducks and their habitats.

Wild Geese Flying

All of the Milton children loved the big white house in Jefferson Village, Vermont where they had come to live, but Dick Milton especially loved the stretch of woods behind the house and the beautiful little lake where wild geese sometimes came to rest. But the strange attitude of the people of Jefferson make the Miltons feel unwelcome, and only with the help of a family lawyer do they discover why the townspeople do not accept them. Then they become involved in trying to solve the mystery that will make everything all right. In this book, we come to know a quiet, reflective, and resourceful boy of twelve -- Dick Milton. Dick, in the absence of his father who is out of the country on business, is his mother's mainstay and his younger brother's chief counselor. We also get to know the rest of the Milton family, too -- Mrs. Milton, Roddy, Bella, and Anne -- for this is a family story, full of the warm spirit of a happy family group and the pleasure they take in their home.

Cycle of Goose Realistic Figurines Farm Animals Life Cycle

4PCS Life Cycle of Goose,including Egg,Hatching Goose,Little Goose,Goose.

Honkers

Staying at her grandparents' farm until her baby brother or sister is born, Betsy spends her time caring for three young geese until the time comes for her to return home and for the now grown-up geese to fly south for the winter.

The Illustrated Father Goose

A picture book based on the true story of Bill Lishman. In 1988, he became the first person to lead the flight of geese with an aircraft, and in 1993, the first to conduct an aircraft-led migration of birds.

Mother Bruce-Mother Bruce, Book 1 (Mother Bruce Series)

Bruce the bear likes to keep to himself. That, and eat eggs. But when his hard-boiled goose eggs turn out to be real, live goslings, he starts to lose his appetite. And even worse, the goslings are convinced he's their mother. Bruce tries to get the geese to go south, but he can't seem to rid himself of his new companions. What's a bear to do?

The Canada Geese Quilt

Ariel turns to her Grandma for companionship when a new baby in the house leaves her feeling unwanted.

Jacobs Little Giant

Things never seem to go right for Jacob. He's the youngest in his family, so everyone treats him like a baby. And at school, he's the smallest kid in his class, the one who never gets picked for the baseball team. Sometimes he wonders if he'll ever be able to hit a home run or help with the grown-up chores around the farm.

But then Jacob's father gets involved in an exciting experiment: raising giant Canada geese to help save them from extinction. And it's Jacob's job to take care of them, feeding them and protecting them from predators, even chasing away hunters.

Most of all, Jacob worries about the smallest, frailest gosling. Will it grow like the others? Will it have the strength to fly south when the other birds migrate in fall? Only time —and Jacob's watchful care—will tell.

Canada Goose at Cattail Lane (Smithsonian Backyard)

In early spring, a Canada Goose patiently sits on a bundle of eggs. Weeks later, five fluffy goslings finally hatch. Canada Goose and her mate have a lot to teach their young. Reviewed by the Smithsonian Institution for accuracy, Canada Goose at Cattail Lane is a fun and informative story with beautifully detailed illustrations. Watch your children have a blast reading and learning about the animals that live in an American backyard!

Folkmanis Canada Goose

  • Easily animate the antics of this engaging Canada Goose hand puppet
  • Ideal for stage and puppet theater, storytelling, teaching, daycare, Pre-School, pretend play, role-playing, presentations, games, Collectibles, parties and gifts

the fledgling

If there's one thing Georgie Hall has always been, it's determined. So when her step cousins Eleanor and Eddy tell her that she can't fly, Georgie doesn't get discouraged -- she just tries harder She feels a peculiar lightness when she leaps from the top of the staircase, and is even more certain of her seemingly impossible ability when she jumps from the porch and soars to the rooftop before landing safely on the ground. And now that a mysterious Canada goose is visiting Georgie's window on a nightly basis, the Hall family begins to wonder just what Georgie is capable of....

Amy's Goose

Amy nurses a wild goose back to health and struggles to decide whether to keep it on the farm or let it be free.

What Is The Difference Between Ducks And Geese

Both are waterfowl but that is where the similarities end.

They are very different in eating, life expectancy, and appearance.

  • Geese are much larger, 15-20 pounds compared to 2-5 pounds on average for ducks. They also have longer necks than ducks.
  • Ducks’ bills are longer and wider than those of geese.
  • Ducks are omnivores (eat plants and animals) while geese are herbivores (only plant eaters).
  • Geese have longer life spans than ducks, living an average of 8 to 12 years, while ducks only average 3 to 8 years.
  • Ducks tend to have a lot more variety of colors in their feather variations than geese do.

Try your hand at origami and learn How To Make Paper Easy Goose with this step-by-step video.

This is a great option for older kids who are learning along with you on this unit.

Egg to Gosling Fascinating Journey | Is A Goose Hatched From Egg Or Born Alive

Also, look at my post Make Way For Ducklings Fun Duck Pond Playdough Invitation to Play.

Finally, look how to make a Canada goose craft paper plate.

Is A Goose Hatched From Egg Or Born Alive Canada Goose Paper Plate

You will need:

  • Paper plate
  • Black and tan craft paint
  • Google eye
  • Cream craft feathers
  • Black pipe cleaner
  • Scissors
  • Glue
Egg to Gosling Fascinating Journey | Is A Goose Hatched From Egg Or Born Alive

First, cut a paper plate in half, stopping when you get to the opposite ruffled edge, cut up the line of the edge about ¾ of the way around, and then cut down into the smooth portion of the plate to create a beak like this.

Egg to Gosling Fascinating Journey | Is A Goose Hatched From Egg Or Born Alive

Using the leftover scraps cut out two webbed feet and set aside.

Egg to Gosling Fascinating Journey | Is A Goose Hatched From Egg Or Born Alive

Paint the beak and head black, leaving the cheek area white, and the tail as well as the feet that you cut out.

Egg to Gosling Fascinating Journey | Is A Goose Hatched From Egg Or Born Alive

Paint the back of the goose with a light tan color, leaving a little of the belly unpainted.

Egg to Gosling Fascinating Journey | Is A Goose Hatched From Egg Or Born Alive

While the paint is drying, glue some soft down feathers to the underside of the goose.

Egg to Gosling Fascinating Journey | Is A Goose Hatched From Egg Or Born Alive

Bend a pipe cleaner in half to form a V then bend ½” of each end straight out, and glue to the back of the plate with hot glue.

Egg to Gosling Fascinating Journey | Is A Goose Hatched From Egg Or Born Alive

Once dry, glue the webbed feet to the pipe cleaners and attach the eye to the face.

Egg to Gosling Fascinating Journey | Is A Goose Hatched From Egg Or Born Alive

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: crafts, elementary science, goose, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, life science, science

How to Make a Trojan Horse Craft | Fascinating Trojan Horse History

December 22, 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 Trojan horse craft from cardboard which is a fun hands-on activity to go along with any ancient Greek unit. You’ll love my Free Awesome Ancient Greece Lapbook and Fun Hands-on Activities.

When you are studying Ancient Greece real or myth, chances are good you’re going to be covering the Trojan horse at some point.

Is the Trojan Horse real or just a neat story?

No one knows for sure.

However, it is an important part of the poem about war. It was written by Greek poet Homer called the Odyssey. 

How to Make a Trojan Horse Craft | Fascinating Trojan Horse History

Historians pretty much all agree it was just a myth but because the city of Troy did not survive in modern times. It is hard to know for sure if the Trojan horse existed.

In 1871 archaeologists discovered the ruins of a city. It had been destroyed by war near where Troy supposedly stood.

And the evidence lines up with the same period of time- 1180 BC.

But no pieces of a large wooden horse have ever been uncovered at the site.

What do you think? Was the Trojan Horse just in the imagination of Homer or did Greek soldiers use it to gain access to the impenetrable walls of Troy?

I can tell you one thing after your child builds this wonderful cardboard Trojan horse craft; they will remember the story.

Too, they’ll remember the lessons you taught for a long time.

Grab some boxes.

And let’s create a unique art and history project rolled into one.

Books About Ancient Greece

14 Books & Resources for Kids Who Love Learning About Ancient Greece

Add some of these living books to your reading library.

The Trojan War

In this retelling of the Trojan War, Olivia Coolidge crafts heroes and gods into real, multidimensional characters, not just the figures of legend. Vibrant storytelling and finely wrought action have made her version of the classic tale of the Fall of Troy accessible to generations of young readers.

Black Ships Before Troy: The Story of 'The Iliad'

As the gods and goddesses of Olympus scheme, the ancient world is thrown into turmoil when Helen, the most beautiful woman in all of Greece, is stolen away by her Trojan love. Inflamed by jealousy, the Greek king seeks lethal vengeance and sends his black war ships to descend on the city of Troy.

The Wanderings of Odysseus: The Story of the Odyssey

King Odysseus and the Greeks have triumphed over the Trojans. At long last, they are able to set sail for home and the loving family Odysseus left behind. But for the heroic king, the return voyage holds hazards far greater than any he faced during the war. Forced by treacherous winds into unknown seas, Odysseus and his crew must face deadly perils: the flesh-eating Cyclops, Circe and her deadly enchantments, and the soul-chilling Land of the Dead and more.

The Greeks Pop-up: Pop-up Book to Make Yourself

Tarquin Popups are a special kind of do it yourself activity book. Not only is there the fun of making the scenes and seeing them popup but they are full of interesting information and ideas. This book contains six main scenes to make: Knossos, the Palace of Minos, the Lion Gate at Mycenae, the Battle of Salamis, the Golden Age of Athens, the Theatre, Alexander the Great and King Porus. There are a number of mini popups as well. Close the book and they fold away. Open it and they popup again. These vivid, colourful three dimensional scenes help to bring Ancient Civilisations to life in a way which no other kind of book can.

Treasury of Greek Mythology: Classic Stories of Gods, Goddesses, Heroes & Monsters

The new National Geographic Treasury of Greek Mythology offers timeless stories of Greek myths in a beautiful new volume. Brought to life with lyrical text by award-winning author Donna Jo Napoli and stunning artwork by award-winning illustrator Christina Balit, the tales of gods and goddesses such as Zeus, Aphrodite, Apollo, and Athena and heroes and monsters such as Helen of Troy, Perseus, and Medusa will fascinate and engage children’s imaginations.

Greek Myths

From the terror of Medusa and the Minotaur to the Labors of Heracles and journeys of Theseus, the stories in this collection have thrilled and enthralled people for centuries with their high drama, hazardous quests, and unforgettable characters (both mortal and immortal).

Tales of Troy and Greece

Tales of Troy and Greece by Andrew Lang. Andrew Lang draws on his classical learning to recount the Homeric legend of the wars between the Greeks and the Trojans. Paris, Helen of Troy, Achilles, Hector, Ulysses, the Amazons and the Wooden Horse all figure in this magical introduction to one of the greatest legends ever told. Also included in this book are the adventures of Theseus and his dramatic battle with the Minotaur with the help of Ariadne, and the quest of Jason for the Golden Fleece with the help of the Princess Medea.

D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths

n print for over fifty years, D'Aulaires Book of Greek Myths has introduced generations to Greek mythology—and continues to enthrall young readers. Here are the greats of ancient Greece—gods and goddesses, heroes and monsters—as freshly described in words and pictures as if they were alive today. No other volume of Greek mythology has inspired as many young readers as this timeless classic. Both adults and children alike will find this book a treasure for years to come. 

Tales from the Odyssey, Part 1

Brave Odysseus is far from home, tossed by stormy seas, and cursed by an angry one-eyed giant. If he ever wants to see his family again, he will have to face hungry cannibals, outwit a beautiful witch, and sail past a six-headed serpent. His journey is the ultimate test of endurance and courage. In this exciting series, best-selling author Mary Pope Osborne retells Homer's Odyssey, one of the most thrilling adventure stories of all time.

The Gods and Goddesses of Olympus

Long, long ago in ancient Greece, people began telling wonderful stories to explain the mysteries of life. These myths featured gods and goddesses, mighty beings who look human but have amazing powers and live forever. Now you can meet these extraordinary characters and hear their legends, brought to life again by Aliki in this splendid, panoramic look at the amazing stories and characters of Greek legend.

Tools of the Ancient Greeks: A Kid's Guide to the History & Science of Life in Ancient Greece (Build It Yourself)

Tools of the Ancient Greeks: A Kid’s Guide to the History and Science of Life in Ancient Greece explores the scientific discoveries, athletic innovations, engineering marvels, and innovative ideas created more than two thousand years ago. Through biographical sidebars, interesting facts, fascinating anecdotes, and fifteen hands-on activities, readers will learn how Greek innovations and ideas have shaped world history and our own world view.

The Children's Homer: The Adventures of Odysseus and the Tale of Troy

Travel back to a mythical time when Achilles, aided by the gods, waged war against the Trojans. And join Odysseus on his journey through murky waters, facing obstacles like the terrifying Scylla and whirring Charybdis, the beautiful enchantress Circe, and the land of the raging Cyclôpes. Using narrative threads from The Iliad and The Odyssey, Padraic Colum weaves a stunning adventure with all the drama and power that Homer intended.

The Trojan Horse: How the Greeks Won the War

Illus. in full color. "An ancient history lesson emerges from this account of the way the Greeks tricked the Trojans and rescued Helen of Troy. The book is well tailored to younger readers with careful explanations and short sentences; a pronunciation guide is appended. Drawings portray the story's main events. A nice supplement to units on ancient Greece or mythology."-

The Iliad & the Odyssey (Deluxe Hardbound Edition)

Embark on a literary odyssey through ancient Greece with Homer's timeless epics, The Iliad and The Odyssey. In The Iliad, witness the ravages of the Trojan War as gods and mortals clash in a tale of honor, heroism, and the consequences of unchecked pride. Then, journey alongside Odysseus in The Odyssey as he battles mythical creatures, evades vengeful gods, ad strives to return home, navigating treacherous seas and testing the limits of human resilience. These masterpieces of ancient literature capture the essence of the human experience, exploring themes of love, loss, destiny, and the indomitable spirit of adventure.

The Story of The Trojan Horse

The story of The Trojan Horse is that after 10 years of fruitless attempts by the Greeks to reclaim King Menelaus’s beautiful wife, Helen the Greeks of Troy came up with a plan.

The Greek soldiers took the city of Troy by hiding in a giant horse.

It was left as an offering to the goddess Athena.

They rolled this giant horse right outside the gates. Then, it was wheeled into the city.

Once the city was asleep and at ease, the soldiers exited the horse and were able to finally triumph, opening the gates and letting the entire Greek army walk in.

How to Make a Trojan Horse Craft | Fascinating Trojan Horse History

Next, look at more Ancient Greece activities and resources.

Ancient Greece Activities

  • Free Awesome Ancient Greece Lapbook and Fun Hands-on Activities
  • 9 EASY and Fun Hands-on Ancient Greece Kids Activities
  • Hands-On Ancient Greece Study: Politics and Pottery
  • Free Ancient Greece Go Fish Game – Ancient Greece Unit Study
  • Ancient Greece Unit Study.Play Stomachion Like Archimedes {Explore Geometry}
  • Hands-on Activity 2. Ancient Greece Chariot
  • 13 Living History Books about Ancient Greece
  • Make Pottery Like Ancient Greeks
  • Free Greek Mythology Unit Study and Greece Lapbook & Fun Hands on LEGO Zeus
  • Easy Hands-on Fun Ancient Greek Games for Kids DIY Knucklebones
  • Build a Fun Greek Water Clock
How to Make a Trojan Horse Craft | Fascinating Trojan Horse History

Finally, look how to make a Trojan horse craft.

How to Make a Trojan Horse Craft

You will need:

  • Corrugated cardboard
  • Straight edge blade
  • Hot glue
  • Brown paint
  • A ruler
How to Make a Trojan Horse Craft | Fascinating Trojan Horse History

First, use a pencil to draw a basic boxy horse outline of whatever size you would like to build onto corrugated cardboard.

Once you are happy with your design, cut it using a straight edge blade.

You want to put another layer of cardboard beneath, so you don’t cut up your surface or use a self-healing that like this.

How to Make a Trojan Horse Craft | Fascinating Trojan Horse History

Use your first cut-out as a template to trace and cut out a second one for the other side.

How to Make a Trojan Horse Craft | Fascinating Trojan Horse History

Cut out several long strips.

Do more than you think, you will need about an inch or so wide, I use the width of my ruler.

We are going to use these to put between the two sides to create thickness for our structure.

How to Make a Trojan Horse Craft | Fascinating Trojan Horse History

Take your straight-edge razor and make little slits very close together through the top layer of cardboard paper into the corrugated part, but not through to the other side.

This creates a very flexible cardboard. It can be rolled around the corners and around the edges.

How to Make a Trojan Horse Craft | Fascinating Trojan Horse History

If you want to make rolling wheels, lay the two sides together make sure that they are symmetrical, and then poke a hole through both feet at the same time to place your wheels.

It’s easier to do it first than after it’s put together.

Use your hot glue gun to run a bead of hot glue around 3”-4” inches of the edge of one side of your Trojan horse, then press your cardboard strip into place, curving it around the shape, and hold it for a minute to allow it to set.

How to Make a Trojan Horse Craft | Fascinating Trojan Horse History

Continue doing this all the way around just a few inches at a time bending it so that it matches the shape.

How to Make a Trojan Horse Craft | Fascinating Trojan Horse History

It gets a little trickier on the other side and you’ll have to work faster run a bit of hot glue quickly around the side that is sticking up and quickly press your other piece into it.

Kid’s Trojan Horse Craft

How to Make a Trojan Horse Craft | Fascinating Trojan Horse History

If at the end you find that you have too many spots where the cardboard did not stick together well you can fill the gaps using hot glue.

Add a little bit at a time. Then, let it harden. Add more until it’s sufficiently filled.

Then you can take a scrap piece of cardboard to scrape away the excess before it’s completely cool.

While the glue is setting completely trace something round that’s proportionate to the size of your Trojan horse onto another piece of scrap cardboard and then cut them out times 4.

Place a toothpick, section of a skewer, or something else similar through the holes that you poked in the feet, and then attach the wheels to either side with hot glue. 

Place them at a level where they can roll freely.

If your Trojan horse won’t roll just hot glue the circles to the side.

This ensures that they are of the same height so that it will stand and not tip over.

How to Make a Trojan Horse Craft | Fascinating Trojan Horse History

Cut two triangles for ears, and some small rectangles to create a blocky mane as well as a boxy tail shape.

How to Make a Trojan Horse Craft | Fascinating Trojan Horse History

Hot glue those into position on the structure.

How to Make a Trojan Horse Craft | Fascinating Trojan Horse History

Take a few minutes to pick off the excess hot glue strings around the cardboard.

Now give the horse a good couple coats of brown craft paint and allow it to dry completely.

Once dry use a black permanent marker to add a little bit of details like wood grain or lines to make it look like individual pieces of wood.

How to Make a Trojan Horse Craft | Fascinating Trojan Horse History

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: Ancient Greece, crafts, greek, hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, history resources

How to Make Unleavened Bread Ancient Mesopotamia Bread Recipe

December 21, 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 very simple Ancient Mesopotamia bread recipe to get an idea of the most basic fare they would have eaten in ancient times. Also, look at Hands-on Ancient Mesopotamia: Easy STEM Irrigation Activity.

Bread was just one part of the diet enjoyed along the Tigris River in those very early days.

Food in Ancient Mesopotamia was a rich and varied diet.

It consisted of grains and produce that grew along the Fertile Crescent, meat from livestock animals, legumes, herbs and spices.

How to Make Unleavened Bread Ancient Mesopotamia Bread Recipe

Archaeologists originally thought that Mesopotamians ate gruel as their main diet.

However, a French archeologist deciphered an Akkadian cuneiform tablet in the 1980’s that contained a Sumerian-Akkadian dictionary.

Within was a “cookbook” listing the words for over 800 different food items, with 20 different cheeses, 100 kinds of soup and 300 different breads. A very full and exciting meal plan indeed.

The fertile crescent had an abundance of water and rich soil making it the perfect place for early crops to grow. The water was also a big attraction for animals, making it a great place to hunt as well.

Sadly, the modern day Fertile Crescent is not very fertile due to the fact that in the 1950’s irrigation systems were put in place that carried the water away from the Mesopotamian marshes and made them dry up.

Here you can find some great information and an Easy STEM Irrigation Activity to learn more about how they were able to move water to spread over all their crops to make it such a place of plenty.

Food In Ancient Mesopotamia

Grains

The main crops during this time were barley, wheat, and millet.

Grains were ground into cereal grains and used in various recipes or ground as flour for bread.

Breads were made both leavened and unleavened (made without leaven- yeast or baking powder) as part of their diet.

Grains could also be made into a drink for consumption and were the base of a very popular drink for Mesopotamians – beer.

A flatbread is a bread that is made with flour; water, milk, yogurt, or other liquid; and salt, and then it is rolled into flattened dough. This is what we will be making today.

Produce

The rich soil made legumes such as onions, onions, garlic, melons, eggplants, and lettuce.

Also, apples grapes, plums, figs, dates, pomegranates, pistachios, eggplants, apricots cucumbers, and herbs.

Spices grew plentifully and made for a varied diet.

There has been evidence uncovered that food was not just eaten for the energy it provided to their bodies, but recipes were created and documented to make it an enjoyable experience and included a lot of variety.

Meat

Their meat came from livestock raised along the banks like goats, pork, cattle and sheep. They also caught fish and hunted gazelles, ducks, deer, and other wild game.

Meat was braised over large open fires to seal in juices.

It would then be trimmed and cut into small pieces where it simmered in a pot on stove over a long period of time, like a modern-day crock pot does.

Meat was also roasted, grilled, boiled, and cooked over a spit.

How to Make Unleavened Bread Ancient Mesopotamia Bread Recipe

Also, you’ll love some of these books to add to your reading day.

I lean toward living books then like to add reference books.

Books About Mesopotamia

6 Books to Read About Ancient Mesopotamia

Mesopotamia is a region situated within the Tigris–Euphrates River system, in the northern part of the Fertile Crescent. Today, Mesopotamia occupies modern Iraq.  In the broader sense, the historical region included present-day Iraq and parts of present-day Iran, Kuwait, Syria, and Turkey.

Gilgamesh the King (The Gilgamesh Trilogy)

Gilgamesh, half-god and half-man, in his loneliness and isolation becomes a cruel tyrant over the citizens of Uruk. To impress them forever he orders a great wall to be built, driving his people to exhaustion and despair so that they cry to the Sun God for help.

The Golden Bull: A Mesopotamian Adventure

5,000 years ago in ancient Mesopotamia during a terrible drought, Jomar and Zefa's father must send his children away to the city of Ur because he can no longer feed them. At fourteen, Jomar is old enough to apprentice with Sidah, a master goldsmith for the temple of the moongod, but there is no place for Zefa in Sidah's household. Zefa, a talented but untrained musician, is forced to play her music and sing for alms on the streets of Ur.

Science in Ancient Mesopotamia

Describes the enormous accomplishments of the Sumerians and Babylonians of ancient Mesopotamia in every scientific area, a heritage which affects our own everyday lives

Ancient Mesopotamia: The Sumerians, Babylonians, And Assyrians

Explores Sumerian, Babylonian, and Assyrian cultures, discussing social structure, lifestyles, and the military in these societies.

Lugalbanda: The Boy Who Got Caught Up in a War: An Epic Tale From Ancient Iraq

Lugalbanda woke with a jolt. He opened his eyes and what did he see but the terrible Anzu bird beating its wings in its nest high above. . . . Did he quake? Did he quail? No. Lugalbanda the Brave sat and stared, and into his head came a brilliant idea.

Mesopotamia (A True Book)

Presents the history of ancient Mesopotamia, describing the different groups of people who lived there, and their government, cities, everyday life, religion, and writing.

Next, add these fun recipes.

 Ancient Mesopotamia Recipes to Try

  • Find out more about Ancient Mesopotamia (Hands-on History): and Cook Sebetu Rolls.
  • Cook Like an Ancient Mesopotamian With the World’s Oldest Recipes – Mersu and Meat Broth.
  • Try making Jacob’s Lentil Stew like the ancient Israelites would have eaten.
  • While the recipe isn’t ancient, the cuneiform is, and creating edible archeology with these Gingerbread Cuneiform Tablets provides a fun and tasty activity to pair with learning.

Before you begin your bread recipe check out 2 Minute Time Machine- Bread for a quick interesting glance at ancient roots of bread and beyond.

How to Make Unleavened Bread Ancient Mesopotamia Bread Recipe

You might also try a few other foods that would have been enjoyed at the same time as this bread recipe.

A taste test including olives, olive oil, figs, and other tasty bites would really enhance this lesson.

More Ancient Mesopotamia Hands-on Activities

  • Hands-on Geography Mesopotamia: Fun Salt Dough Map
  • Ancient Mesopotamia (Hands-on History): Cook Sebetu Rolls
  • Hands-on Ancient Mesopotamia: Easy STEM Irrigation Activity

Ancient Mesopotamia Bread Recipe

Unleavened bread was a common food staple in Ancient Mesopotamia, and it was likely a very simple recipe of water and flour. 

This bread is very dense and does not have much flavor, you can add additional salts, seasonings, spices, chopped fruits, or nuts such as figs or dates to give it more flavoring.

You will need:

  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour
  • 1 cup water
  • ¾ teaspoon of Salt
  • Honey to taste-optional
How to Make Unleavened Bread Ancient Mesopotamia Bread Recipe

First, combine the flour, water, salt, and honey to sweeten if desired until well mixed in a large bowl.

How to Make Unleavened Bread Ancient Mesopotamia Bread Recipe

Knead the dough into one or two thin, flat patties.

How to Make Unleavened Bread Ancient Mesopotamia Bread Recipe

Cover the bowl with a clean dish towel and allow the dough to sit overnight.

How to Make Unleavened Bread Ancient Mesopotamia Bread Recipe

Lightly spray or use a silicone mat on a baking sheet to keep bread from sticking.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees f.

Flip dough out onto the prepared baking pan and shape the flat patty again as needed.

Bake for 30 minutes, remove from the oven and cool.

Try the bread as is or dip it in olive oil.

How to Make Unleavened Bread Ancient Mesopotamia Bread Recipe

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

How To Make A Pipe Cleaner Monkey | Howler Monkey Fun Facts

December 20, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have a cute but simple tutorial to show you how to make a pipe cleaner monkey with just a couple of basic craft items. Also, look at my page Rainforest Activities for Kids for more animal crafts and activities.

You will only need a few pipe cleaners, a couple of wooden beads, and some paint to make your own.

Besides, you can make any kind of monkey you like using this tutorial, changing up paint colors and features.

How To Make A Pipe Cleaner Monkey | Howler Monkey Fun Facts

We made a howler monkey to go along with the rest of the themed ideas here.

Howler Monkeys are a tropical species of monkeys that live in both lowland and mountain habitats.

For example, they live in the rainforests of Brazil, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Columbia, as well as throughout South and Central America.

Their loud howls can be heard up to 3 miles away, so it’s no wonder where they got that name from.

But our little pipe cleaner monkey is quiet and well-behaved.

Howler Monkey Books

Add some of these books and resources to your reading day.

6 Books & Resources for Kids Who love Howler Monkeys

Your kids will love some of these fun resources about howler monkeys.

Howler Monkeys (Monkey Business)

Howler monkeys are named for their distinctive calls, which they let loose at dawn and at dusk. This informative resource doesn’t monkey around in describing what howlers like to eat and where they live. The volume includes an explanation of howler monkey group behavior as well as an examination of efforts being made to preserve their endangered populations.

Howler Monkey Figurine

Our Howler Monkey figurine is designed with remarkable accuracy, showcasing the creature's distinctive features and vibrant coloring.

Photo Credit: www.youtube.com

World's Loudest Animals: Howler Monkeys |

Don't tell these howler monkeys to pipe down — they're considered to be among the loudest animals on Earth. They won't quiet down unless they're sleeping, which they do about 15 hours a day.

Howlers and Other New World Monkeys

Questions and answers explore the world of New World monkeys, with an emphasis on howler monkeys.

Meet the Howlers!

Playful, poetic text and vibrant art introduce young readers to howler monkeys. Extra facts within the text give readers the low-down on these loud, sloppy, and rude rain forest dwellers.

Photo Credit: learncreatelove.com

Howler Monkey Printable Craft

How about this Howler Monkey Craft?

Next, add some of these facts.

Zoology of The Howler Monkey

Next, have your child write out the classifications of the howler monkey, look below.

  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Mammalia
  • Order: Primates
  • Family: Atelidae
  • Genus: Alouatta
  • Scientific Name: Alouatta

Howler monkeys are made up of 15 different species.

  • Colombian red howler
  • Black howler
  • Yucatán black howler
  • Mantled howler monkey
  • Brown howler
  • Red-handed howler
  • Maranhão red-handed howler
  • Bolivian red howler
  • Guyana red howler
  • Ursine howler
  • Coiba Island howler
  • Amazon black howler
  • Spix’s red-handed howler
  • Purus red howler
  • Juruá red howler
How To Make A Pipe Cleaner Monkey | Howler Monkey Fun Facts

Also, here are some facts about howler monkeys.

6 Facts About Howler Monkeys

  1. Howler Monkeys are both the largest and the most abundant monkeys in the world with the Guatemalan Howler Monkey being the biggest of all the New World monkeys.
  2. They get their name from the howling sound that they make and are known as one of the loudest land mammals due to the special bone, the hyoid, in their throat that helps them make louder calls. Only the males make these sounds, never females. You can listen to those loud sounders here in the World’s Loudest Animals: Howler Monkeys.
  3. Their long, strong prehensile tales can be up to five times the length of their body, anywhere from 20”- to 30” long.
  4. 9 out of 15 species of the Howler Monkey make their home in the Amazon.
  5. Howler monkeys usually live in troupes of up to 15 males and females with a dominant member of each sex.
  6. An unusual thing about them is that both male and female juveniles will leave the group they were born in and join up with a new group, so most spend the adult portion of their life in a group they are not related to. 
How To Make A Pipe Cleaner Monkey | Howler Monkey Fun Facts

This little Howler Monkey Figurine is a great addition to blocks, and sensory bins, and can be used to create a tropical diorama as well.

How To Make A Pipe Cleaner Monkey

What You Will Need:

  • 4 brown pipe cleaners
  • 2 wood beads
  • 2 smaller wooden beads
  • 2 googly eyes
  • Brown craft paint
  • Small paint brushes or fine-tip paint pens
  • Hot glue gun/sticks.
How To Make A Pipe Cleaner Monkey | Howler Monkey Fun Facts

First slip beads over a skewer and paint them brown or whatever color you like). You will probably need a second coat before letting it dry completely.

How To Make A Pipe Cleaner Monkey | Howler Monkey Fun Facts

Lay one pipe cleaner vertically and twist another one across it horizontally about 2” from the top to give your monkey arms.

How To Make A Pipe Cleaner Monkey | Howler Monkey Fun Facts

Slide one painted bead from the bottom.

Twist another pipe cleaner horizontally across just below the bead to hold it in place and make back legs.

How To Make A Pipe Cleaner Monkey | Howler Monkey Fun Facts

Now, double over the tail, arms, and legs, twisting together, and bend the ends into hands and feet.

Cut off all but 1” of the neck, bend it over, then twist.

How To Make A Pipe Cleaner Monkey | Howler Monkey Fun Facts

Cut 4 1” lengths from the 4th pipe cleaner and bend into a v, then twist around the feet and hands. 

How To Make A Pipe Cleaner Monkey | Howler Monkey Fun Facts

Slip the head onto the neck you cut and hold it in place with a dab of hot glue inside.

Once dry, take a tiny brush or paint marker and add features like eyes, a nose and a howling mouth.

How To Make A Pipe Cleaner Monkey | Howler Monkey Fun Facts

Use a tiny bit of hot glue to add google eyes as well.

Finally, your monkey is ready to shape and bend, he can even hang from pretty much anything you want to hang him from with his little prehensile pipe cleaner tail.

Have fun creating a whole troupe of monkeys to hang all around, thankfully these monkeys stay quiet!

How To Make A Pipe Cleaner Monkey | Howler Monkey Fun Facts

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

The Colorful Blue Jays Winter Food | Make Fun Seed Slime

December 19, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

We’re making a fun stretchy batch of seed slime as we learn all about the colorful blue jay and his winter food. Also, look at my Free Bird Unit Study and Lapbook And Fun Edible Bird Nests.

But we won’t just make seed slime, we are going to provide our preschool- elementary learners with an entire themed but still open-ended tray to explore.

This slime is wonderfully stretchy, not too sticky and is a great base for adding seeds and more.

If you live in most of eastern and central North America to the Northwest, chances are you see these colorful birds plentifully in your backyard.

The Colorful Blue Jays Winter Food | Make Fun Seed Slime

They are a very loud bunch, making a loud jeering sound but you will also hear clear whistled notes and gurgling sounds.

Throughout the warm spring and summer months blue jays live and feed their young on a diet of mostly insects but in the cold of winter, they forage for seeds, nuts, fruit, berries, and grain to give them their much-needed energy.

We are using some of the seeds to create our slime and the rest can be put out to help feed backyard birds throughout the winter.

I have some tips for setting up a welcoming yard for Jays and other birds.

You will also find some fun facts and more hands-on ideas to build a lovely winter unit for the Blue Jay.

Books and Activities About Blue Jays

I lean toward living books for independent reading and to read aloud, then I look for reference books.

Books & Resources For Kids Who Love to Learn About Blue Jays

Blue Jays are a fun bird to learn about anytime of the year and turn it into a full unit study with toms of these resources.

The Adventures of Sammy Jay

Sammy Jay thinks he's a very fine gentleman and is proud of his handsome blue coat and high cap. But Sammy often does things he shouldn't do — like stealing. Nobody likes to be told he's a thief — especially Sammy Jay! Much of the time, he just struts around, trying to look important when he thinks someone is looking at him. Filled with pranks and rivalries, this delightful tale — enhanced with Harrison Cady's charming illustrations — combines humorous animal escapades with gentle lessons about wildlife and nature.

The Tale of Jasper Jay

Some of the feathered folk in Pleasant Valley said that old Mr. Crow was the noisiest person in the neighborhood. But they must have forgotten all about Mr. Crow's knavish cousin, Jasper Jay. And it was not only in summer, either, that Jasper's shrieks and laughter woke the echoes. Since it was his habit to spend his winters right there in Farmer Green's young pines, near the foot of Blue Mountain, on many a cold morning Jasper's ear-splitting "Jay! jay!" rang out on the frosty air.

Saving Jemima: Life and Love with a Hard-Luck Jay

When Jemima, a young orphaned blue jay, is brought to wildlife rehabilitator Julie Zickefoose, she is a virtually tailless, palm-sized bundle of gray-blue fluff. But she is starved and very sick. Julie’s constant care brings her around, and as Jemima is raised for eventual release, she takes over the house and the rest of the author's summer.  Shortly after release, Jemima turns up with a deadly disease. But medicating a free-flying wild bird is a challenge. When the PBS show Nature expresses interest in filming Jemima, Julie must train her to behave on camera, as the bird gets ever wilder. Jemima bonds with a wild jay, stretching her ties with the family. Throughout, Julie grapples with the fallout of Jemima’s illness, studies molt and migration, and does her best to keep Jemima strong and wild. She falls hard for this engaging, feisty and funny bird, a creative muse and source of strength through the author’s own heartbreaking changes. Emotional and honest, Saving Jemima is a universal story of the communion between a wild creature and the human chosen to raise it.

The Blue Jay–120 Piece Puzzle Fun

THE HARDEST CHALLENGE - With hints on the back that won't take away from the fun of the game by making it too difficult, the Fruit And Birds series will provide hours of screen-free entertainment and mental relaxation for the whole family, and is sure to become a permanent decoration in your home.

Birds Blue Jay Plush with Authentic Bird Sound

With one squeeze, Audubon birds produce beautifully authentic bird calls provided by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s bird recording archives.

Next, look at some facts about blue jays.

5 Fun Facts about the Colorful Blue Jay

  1. Blue Jays are large songbirds with blue, black, and white feathers.
  1. The pigment that is in Blue Jay feathers is melanin and brown. The blue color is caused by light scattering through the cells on the surface of the feather barbs.
  1. Blue jays are omnivores, which means they consume plants, animals, nuts, and seeds. They eat corn, seeds, fruits, insects, frogs, mice, and sometimes eggs and nestlings of other birds.
  1. The Blue Jay frequently mimics the calls of hawks and does this sometimes when approaching a feeder to scare the other birds away.
  1. Unlike some other species of bird both the male and female Blue Jay look identical so you cannot identify the sex by color. Males are just slightly larger than females.
The Colorful Blue Jays Winter Food | Make Fun Seed Slime

Also, look how to attract blue jays to your yard.

How to Attract Blue Jays and Other Birds To Your Backyard

Blue Jays mostly do well foraging on their own. If you want to enjoy these beauties and other birds in your backyard here is what you can do to bring them in and keep them happy, so they return again and again.

Provide shade and shelter- If you already have bushes and trees, you have a natural attractant for birds. Birds need trees for shade, to rest in, for protection, and to build their nests. Trees can also be a great source of food for birds, providing insects, fruits, nuts, and berries.

Provide food- Add a bird feeder or a few to your yard to provide a variety of seeds. The more variety the more bird species you will attract. Blue Jays in particular prefer open-platform feeders. Suet blocks are a great option in the winter as well for seeds as they offer healthy easy-to-digest fat that hungry birds need for energy.

Provide clean water- Add a bird bath to your yard, in the shade where they are protected, and watch how many feathered friends show up to drink and bathe.  Be sure to keep the water clean by adding fresh daily and scrubbing out the bowl often to prevent them from getting sick from bacteria.

The more you can offer to birds that they need the more frequently they will return and give you a colorful show.

The Colorful Blue Jays Winter Food | Make Fun Seed Slime

Additionally, here are more slime seed ideas.

More Slime and Seed Slime Ideas

  • How to Make Fun Watermelon Seed Slime For Summer Learning
  • Bird Seed Slime
  • Chia Seed Slime

More Backyard Birds Activities

  • Beautiful Winter Bird: Northern Cardinal Lapbook & Fun Unit Study
  • 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 Homeschool Chicken Unit Study and Anatomy of an Egg Felt Activity & Worksheet
  • Free Bird Journal – Hands-on Nature (Coloring & Identification Pages)
  • Free North American Robin Bird Lapbook and Fun Homeschool Unit Study Ideas
  • How to Make an Easy Jumbo Stick Bird Feeder with Kids

Finally, look how to make fun seed slime.

Fun Seed Slime

You will need:

  • Bird seed
  • 1 cup white or clear school glue
  • 1 Tablespoon baking soda
  • 2-3 Tablespoons contact lens solution
  • Tray for set up
  • Bird figurines
  • Brown pipe cleaners
The Colorful Blue Jays Winter Food | Make Fun Seed Slime

First, in a large bowl combine white or clear glue and baking soda, and mix well before moving on to the next step.

The Colorful Blue Jays Winter Food | Make Fun Seed Slime

Slowly add in the contact lens solution ½ a teaspoon at a time, stirring to mix well between every addition.

As you mix it will become less sticky, if you add too much too fast once mixed it will be too hard and lose its stretch.

The Colorful Blue Jays Winter Food | Make Fun Seed Slime

You will know it is ready when it pulls away from the sides of the bowl and does not stick to your hands.

The Colorful Blue Jays Winter Food | Make Fun Seed Slime

Mix in your seeds, as much or as little as you like.

I wound up using about ¾ of a cup.

The Colorful Blue Jays Winter Food | Make Fun Seed Slime

Now, to create a fun invitation to play with your slime.

You can use a divided round tray from Dollar Tree or just grab whatever tray and bowls you have on hand.

Place the slime in a larger bowl and fill smaller bowls with additional seeds so they can mix them in themself, bird figurines, and small pieces of brown pipe cleaner.

The Colorful Blue Jays Winter Food | Make Fun Seed Slime

Look at this fantastic stretch!

The Colorful Blue Jays Winter Food | Make Fun Seed Slime

Little pieces of pipe cleaners can be poked into the slime to create little nests for the birds.

The Colorful Blue Jays Winter Food | Make Fun Seed Slime

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: birds, blue jay, crafts, elementary science, hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, homeschoolscience, life science, science

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