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Free The Trail Of Tears For Kids Fun Unit Study Ideas And Lapbook

July 3, 2023 | 7 Comments
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I have the Trail of Tears for kids free lapbook and unit study. Also, grab more ideas on my lapbook ideas and on my best homeschool unit studies pages.

In one of the saddest episodes of history, men, women, and children were taken from their land, herded into makeshift forts with minimal facilities and food, then forced to march a thousand miles.

Free The Trail Of Tears For Kids Fun Unit Study Ideas And Lapbook

Between the years of 1684 and 1835, over 30 treaties chipped away at the Cherokee Indians’ original 135,000 square miles of land.

In the spring of 1837 and continuing through the fall of 1838, the Cherokee Indians were rounded up and corralled into stockades.

This began the Trail of Tears, a 1,200-mile journey to unfamiliar territory.

The Trail of Tears for Kids

Taking our time to complete this lapbook about the Cherokee and The Trail of Tears was just the pizazz we needed to get back into our groove after moving.

We read about Sequoyah and his contribution to the Cherokee language and how his people viewed him. Like most of my minibooks, you can use the information we added or use your own research.

Cherokee culture continued to flourish with the invention of the Cherokee alphabet by Sequoyah in 1821

I try to provide some information always on the minibooks to help in case you have made more lesson plans than you have time at the moment. It happens to all of us so I like minibooks that are easy to put together.

The Trail of Tears for Kids Words to Know

Next, look at some of these words and events to know.

Indian Removal Act of 1830. In 1830 the Congress of the United States passed the “Indian Removal Act. The white communities turned on their Indian neighbors and the U.S. Government decided it was time for the Cherokees to leave behind their farms, their land and their homes.
“Nunna daul Tsuny”.The route they traversed and the journey itself became known as “The Trail of Tears” or, as a direct translation from Cherokee, “The Trail Where They Cried”
President Andrew Jackson. Led the country from 1828 to 1837, the Trail of Tears (1837 to 1839) was the forced westward migration of American Indian tribes from the South and Southeast He signs the Indian Removal Act which leads to Trail of Tears.
Davy Crockett. The famous Tennessee Congressman who protested the Indian Removal Act.
Gen. Winfield Scott. The general who led the forced Cherokee removal.
Oklahoma. The Indian Territory as it was called then that the Cherokees were forced to move to.

Then we did an easy Did You Know minibook. Tiny wanted to take a bunny trail off this unit study to talk about Davy Crockett because he was against the Indian Removal Act.

The Trail of Tears Free Minibooks

Normally, we would venture away from our topic, but this time we stuck to it because we had such a long stretch of time in finishing it.

This next minibook was one I wanted Tiny to do so he could think about the injustices in the world today and to read about the Bible’s view on it.

The terrible injustice done to all the civilized tribes at that time should touch any heart young and old and this gives your child a chance to voice his opinion on it.

Then I made a few pieces to decorate the front of the lapbook.

Tiny used part of it and the other part of his lapbook, he chose a picture of a Cherokee chief to color.

There are some beautiful free pictures to color that are not babyish found on First People and that is where we got this picture.

More Trail of Tears Activities

More Lapbook Ideas

How to Get the Free Trail of Tears Lapbook

Now, how to grab the free lapbook. This is a subscriber freebie.

1) Sign up on my list.
2) Grab the freebie now.
3) Last, look for all my emails in your inbox. Glad to have you following me!

How do Fish Breathe Underwater Fun Activity & Animal Science Homeschool Curriculum

July 2, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

If you are planning or are in the middle of an animal science homeschool curriculum you are going to get a lot of great questions. Also, you’ll love more ideas on my Oceans Unit Study and Lapbook.

A fun way to answer them is by adding in some simple hands-on ideas.

My favorite part of any study is including lots of fun hands-on ideas that help a child easily understand a concept.

With that in mind, I have some of the best activities to answer animal science questions.

The first question we are going to answer that goes along with our experiment today is what are gills.

How do Fish Breathe Underwater Fun Activity & Animal Science Homeschool Curriculum

Just like we do, fish need to take in oxygen and expel carbon dioxide to survive.

But they do not have lungs, they have gills.

Gills are branching organs that are located on both sides of the fish’s head that have a lot of small blood vessels called capillaries.

What Are Gills

Gills work as pumps to move the water while they absorb oxygen and move out carbon dioxide.

The part that you can see on the exterior of the fish is not the gills, rather they are a “gill cover” called opercula.

Watch How Do Fish Breathe Underwater on YouTube for a great video explanation of this process.

What Other Animals Use Gills To Breathe

Mostly fish crabs and mollusks also use their gills to breathe. Larvae like tadpoles and dragonfly larvae use gills in the water at first where they start.

There are many fantastic and inexpensive experiments out there that let your child get deeper involved in the learning process rather than just being read to.

They can help answer questions kids might not even have asked yet or ones you may not be quite sure how to answer yourself.

Animal Science Questions Asked And Answered

For example, look at these questions below.

Why do birds fly in a V?
How do penguins stay dry?
Why do Cat’s Eyes Glow?
How do sharks float?
What is the difference between warm-blooded vs. cold-blooded?
How does a duck stay dry in the water?
Why Don’t Frogs Freeze?
Why are birds’ beaks shaped differently?
Finally, how do fish breathe underwater. We will answer this one further down below with a hands-on experiment.

These are all fantastic ways to teach or learn as a supplement to your box curriculum or used as your very own DIY animal science homeschool curriculum.

Next, look at some of my very favorite books and resources for animal science that help children answer many questions.

Resources and Animal Science Homeschool Curriculum

Animal Science Homeschool Curriculum

Add some of these books and resources to build an animal science curriculum.

Nature Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces of the Natural World

See the world in a whole new way! Acclaimed illustrator Julia Rothman combines art and science in this exciting and educational guide to the structure, function, and personality of the natural world. Explore the anatomy of a jellyfish, the inside of a volcano, monarch butterfly migration, how sunsets work, and much more. Rothman’s whimsical illustrations are paired with interactive activities that encourage curiosity and inspire you to look more closely at the world all around you.

Photo Credit: www.homesciencetools.com

Animal X-Rays Set

Study mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds with this x-ray set.

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

Wildlife Anatomy is the newest book in the series and I think it might be my favorite. It not only gives beautiful illustrations of wildlife but answers questions on everything from animal anatomy to what is the difference between an alligator and a crocodile.

Life Cycle Learning & Education, 25 Pieces Animal Figurines

25 animal-plant figurines, 31 guide cards, 1 storage box. It is an ideal educational toy for children over 3 years old and is the best little helper for home/school teaching. An ideal gift for Halloween, Christmas, sock filler, Easter basket or even home/schooling.

Created for Fun Learning Activities - In Matesy life cycle set, it perfect to show life cycle of each species based on little figures and guide cards. Vivid figures and guide cards gives simple animal facts and discussion starters to learn while playing. It Help students visually explore the life cycle of Butterfly, Frog, Chicken, Mantis, Bee, Plants.

Set of 14pcs Animal Atlas Posters,Biology Science

A pack with 14 pcs. Each Size: 30x42cm=11.6x16.5inches. Made of 100percent high-grade hard poster paper, with strong elasticity, clear texture, high definition printing, no cracking of the base, compact and thick, clean and smooth. prints, durable, color resistant, light weight.

Wild Kratts Season 1

Watching Wild Kratts is one aspect ofincorporating technology into your homeschool that I can get behind! The videos are highly entertaining and educational, covering a wide variety of animal science topics. I find myself enjoying them as much as kids do.

Veterinary Anatomy Coloring Book: Dog Cat Horse Frog Bird Anatomy Veterinary & Zoology Anatomy Coloring Book.

Discover the Anatomy of the Following Animals :

First
7 Pages (Anatomy of Dog Skeleton, Horse Skeleton Anatomy, Chicken
Anatomy, Llama Skeleton Anatomy, Internal Organs of Cat, Fish Anatomy
& Anatomy of Dog).
Skeletal System of Dog.
Digestive System of Dog.
Respiratory System of Dog.
Nervous System of Dog.
Lymphatic System of Dog.
Reproductive System of Dog.
Heart and Blood Vessels of Dog.
Bones of The Dog.
Construction of Dog Tooth Dental Formula.
Upper Jaw of The Dog.
Dog Ear Anatomy.
Lungs of The Dog.
Heart of The Dog.
Anatomy of a Dog Paw.
Dog Nail Trimming.

The Science of Animals: From molluscs to mammals

DK's elegant new introduction to wild animals is packed with dramatic photography that celebrates their beauty. Crystal-clear diagrams then explain how animals work and describe how they are adapted to do different things and to survive in different environments. The unique nose-to-tail approach, with chapters on different body parts, allows you to focus in on the beauty of the antenna of a moth, the flight feathers of a parrot, or the feeding tentacles of a jellyfish. The Science of Animals also explores how we have depicted animals in art throughout the ages, from zoological drawings that recorded new discoveries to great
paintings inspired by a deep connection to the natural world. With fascinating stories, such as how animals communicate, defend their territories, and attract mates, The Science of Animals offers an engaging introduction to the extraordinary diversity of the animal kingdom.

Photo Credit: www.homesciencetools.com

Complete Introduction to Biology (Grades 3-5)

Explore the world of biology with the Complete Introduction to biology kit. Your student will study animals, anatomy, plants, diets, ecosystems, and more! They will grow plants with the use of hydroponics and even dissect an owl pellet.

Moreover, look at some more activities for learning about animals.

More Ideas for Learning About Animals

Finally, how do fish and other animals with gills breath underwater.

How Do Fish and Other Animals with Gills Breathe Underwater Activity

This experiment helps children understand the process of how fish, crabs, and mollusks breathe with gills rather than with lungs underwater.

Note: The coffee represents the oxygen in the water, the filter the gills, and the water is fresh or salt water the fish takes in.

You will need:

2 glasses or bowls
Water
Ground Coffee or Dirt
Coffee filter
Rubber band

First, begin by explaining that the water is ocean water, the coffee is the oxygen in the water, and the filter is the fish’s gills.

Draw gills in the center of your coffee filter to help with the visual.

Place a cup or so of water into a container.

Stir in 1-2 Tablespoons of coffee/dirt allowing the color to absorb somewhat.

Place the coffee filter on top of the second clear container and secure it with a rubber band.

Press it down a bit in the middle so it has a dip in the center to hold the water as it is poured through.

Carefully pour coffee and water through the filter.

Watch as the filter “gills” traps the coffee “oxygen” as the water passes through them but the grounds ”carbon dioxide” is filtered out.

Show your child how the filter/gills allowed what was needed through and the rest was filtered out (grounds/carbon dioxide).

It is easy to see in this demonstration because now the water has turned brown.

5 Facts About The Moon Landing and Make Fun Astronaut Ice Cream

July 1, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Making a batch of astronaut ice cream is perfect to go along with a space unit or to celebrate National Moon Day on July 20th. Also, you love my page Exploring Space and Astronomy Free Unit Study for Multiple Ages.

National Moon Day was created to commemorate the first time man walked on the moon on July 20, 1969, taken there by Apollo 11.

5 Facts About The Moon Landing and Make Fun Astronaut Ice Cream

You can watch that famous moonwalk Restored Apollo 11 Moonwalk – Original NASA EVA Mission Video – Walking on the Moon on YouTube just as many watched it at home over 50 years ago.

Six hours after landing on the moon, American Neil Armstrong stepped onto the moon’s surface. He spent two and a half hours outside the spacecraft.

5 Facts About The Moon Landing

It took the spacecraft 4 days and almost 7 hours to reach the moon from their launch at Kennedy Space Center.
Neil Armstrong was the first person to walk on the moon. He was followed 19 minutes later by Buzz Aldrin.
A fragment of wood and a piece of muslin fabric from the 1903 Wright Flyer flew to the moon and back on Apollo 11.
During the mission Buzz Aldrin repaired a broken circuit with a felt tip pen, without his sharp thinking they might have been stranded on the moon.
After returning from the moon Astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins had to quarantine for over two weeks because NASA was worried about them being contaminated with dangerous lunar microorganisms.

Be sure to add Who Was Neil Armstrong to your home library for your child to read and learn more about the first man on the moon.

Next, add more astronaut activities.

Explore More Activities To Go Along With Astronaut Ice Cream

This Astronaut Paper Plate Craft is such a cute idea to talk about the requirements of the suit and what qualifications astronauts need.
Another tasty space recipe- Astronaut Pudding is a great activity.
Incorporate some hands-on science with Fizzing Moon Rocks.
Dramatic play is such an important part of learning. Learn How to Make an Astronaut Costume that is easy peasy.
Teach moon phases with an Oreo Cookie Moon Phases activity that will stick and is also tasty too.

Use Outer Space Toy figures to create and explore in a space themed sensory bin.

I love this dramatic play idea for a Moon Rock Exploration Station, all you need is a cardboard box and some rubber gloves for your scientist to get started.

Also, you’ll love these books to add to your study about the moon and astronaut ice cream.

12 Resources and Books For Studying About the Moon and Galileo

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

1. Who Was Galileo?

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

2. The Moon Book (New & Updated Edition)

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

3. Galileo and the Magic Numbers

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

4. Moon: A Peek-Through Picture Book

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

5. Moon Lamp

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

6. Refracting Telescope for Kids Beginners

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

7. Jupiter (Planets in Our Solar System)

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

8. Galileo Galilei (Genius Series)

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

9. What the Moon is Like

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

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

10. A Kite for Moon

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

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

A Kite for Moon:

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

11. Large Massive Meteorite Specimen

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

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

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

More Space and Astronomy Activities

Additionally, add some of these fun space and astronomy activities.

Also, add this fun astronomy lapbook for multiple ages.

Dynamic Astronomy Lapbook for Multiple Ages
$4.00 Add to cart

Finally, look how to make this easy fun astronaut ice cream.

Fun Facts about Astronaut Ice Cream

Now onto the yummy ice cream that you can take anywhere, even on a picnic without worry of it melting.

It is super easy to customize in fun flavors and colors, no plain vanilla here, unless that’s your thing.

Because most of us don’t have the space or the money to keep a big freeze-drying machine on hand, we are going to make a faux astronaut ice cream.

But, don’t worry it is pretty close to the same flavor and texture as the little packages you can buy but much easier to produce.

Basically, these are baked meringues. They can be flavored just about any way you like.

Astronaut ice cream was originally created in 1968 and was first taken and eaten in space on Apollo 7.

But, it wasn’t a big hit with the crew because it was too dry and made a crumbly mess so it never went up again, yet it is still popular at space museums and space centers.

It is really a fun novelty for kids to enjoy and opens the door for discussions on what type of food can be packed and eaten in space.

“’Shoot for the moon; you might get there.”- Buzz Aldrin

How to Make Astronaut Ice Cream

You will need:

6 large egg whites, room temp
½ teaspoon cream of tartar
1 ½ cups sugar
Flavored extract or flavoring oil drops

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees.

Separate the eggs and add just the whites to a large mixing bowl.

Beat until they start to foam up.

Mix in the cream of tartar and whip for several minutes until soft peaks are formed.

Now add your sugar a little bit at a time until it is incorporated.

Mix in the flavoring, if using mild extracts like cake batter, vanilla, etc. you want about 1 Tablespoon. Peppermint extract is much stronger, and 1 teaspoon is plenty.

Whip until stiff peaks form, you will know when you are at this stage if you pull the beater out and the peaks stay straight up instead of falling over, this usually takes about 7-8 minutes of beating on high.

If you wanted, you could also add food coloring to match the flavors.

You can either place scoops on a parchment paper lined sheet

Or smooth it into silicone molds to get something a little closer to the look of the typical block of astronaut ice cream.

I used these molds that we have also used to make soap in the past, do not spray with nonstick cooking oil or the bottom will stay soggy.

Bake for 2 hours.

Allow to cool and remove from the pan.

This is how they should look, completely dried all the way through the center. If you test one and it’s still a bit wet let them sit in the warm oven a little longer.

I like to serve them wrapped up in aluminum foil, it feels kinda space themed that way.

Geronimo Stilton Back in Time Second Journey Through Time and Fun Mayan Mask

June 30, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

If your child is reading Geronimo Stilton Back in Time Second Journey Through Time, you’ll love this Mayan mask. Be sure to grab more Geronimo Stilton Books ideas and crafts on my page.

If you don’t know about him already, Geronimo Stilton is a globetrotting mouse who finds himself in all kinds of adventures.

Oftentimes these adventures take him time traveling.

In this second book in this series, he finds himself first in Ancient Rome, in the middle of the Mayan Empire, and finally in the Age of The Sun King visiting Louis XIV.

Geronimo Stilton Back in Time Second Journey Through Time and Fun Mayan Mask

Geronimo’s books love to share maps, landmarks, dress, customs, and legends of the period he visits.

These books make wonderful “textbooks” disguised as chapter books.

Assign the section for independent reading or read aloud and then add in a few fun activities to round it out.

I wanted to dive a little deeper into the second part of the book, the Mayan Empire, and create a craft that highlights some of their traditions.

Mayan masks were a big part of the ancient culture and were a perfect activity to highlight the culture, traditions, and art.

They were made from a variety of materials like gold, shells, stones, gems, and volcanic rock.

Masks were used for a variety of reasons including to adorn the faces of the dead, to be worn at important events, to be worn during battle, as well as hung up in houses.

5 Facts About Mayan Culture

First, look at some of these facts about the Mayan civilization.

The Mayans were a group of people who lived in the Yucatan Peninsula in what is today Mexico, Belize and Guatemala.
Many Mayans still live there today, they are still living in the same areas where the Mayan civilization used to be. They follow the ancient Mayan traditions and beliefs, as well as speak the Mayan language.
New Archaeological ancient sites are still being discovered, Ek Balam was just found in the 1980’s.
The Mayans main crops were corn, beans, avocados, papayas, and cocoa, etc.
They made 7 big contributions to the modern world-The Mayan Calendar, astronomy, hydraulic buildings, filtration systems, rubber, chocolate, and medicine.

Also, look at more activities about the Mayan civilization.

More Mayan Civilization Resources

Geronimo Stilton – Build a LEGO Temple of Kukulcan
Make Mayan paper clip jewelry.
Free South America Printable Lapbook and Fun Hands-on Unit Study Ideas
Pull out an atlas or map and have your child find Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala to learn where ancient Mayans lived.
Make a Kukulkan Mayan Paper Snake Craft
9 Free South America Country Reports for Kids Notebooking Pages
Try recreating this Maya Chocolate Recipe for a tasty history lesson.

Moreover, here are more Geronimo Stilton book activities.

Geronimo Stilton Book Activities

Next, look at these other crafts to go with the books.

Finally, look how to make this fun Mayan mask.

Geronimo Stilton Back in Time – Mayan Mask

We wanted our mask to resemble a jaguar.

The Mayan warriors believed that wearing a jaguar helmet mask gave them the ability to face their enemies with courage and strength.

I like to use 12×12 cardstock, it makes a great size for a Mayan mask. You can find this in the scrapbook section at your local craft store.

You will need:

12×12 Cardstock
Jumbo craft stick
Scissors
Markers

First, fold the cardstock in half and press in a good crease.

Keeping cardstock folded, draw a half circle/oval to create a basic face shape.

Cut out the half circle.

On the center of one side draw an oval eye.

We want to keep the mask as symmetrical as possible so to do that you need to fold the two sides in towards the crease.

Close along the fold again and cut out the eye outline.

Depending on where your eye was in the fold here is how your eyes should look.

Open all the folds and then refold only at the center crease, cut a half oval shape for the mouth.

Use scraps leftover from the cardstock and cut out ears as well as a nose shape.

We cut our nose shape out 4 times and layered them together with glue like this to create a little depth to the mask.

Glue the nose in place.

After looking up some Mayan masks online for inspiration let your child use markers to design their own mask.

Flip the mask over and glue the ears and teeth onto the back.

Cut teeth out of white cardstock and attach them to the back of the mouth opening.

Now, glue the popsicle stick into place as well to hold the mask up. Alternatively, you can glue string to the top to wear it.

Let the glue dry completely.

Popsicle Stick Flashlight Activity and Facts About the Amazing Nikola Tesla

June 29, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have a popsicle stick flashlight activity and some fun facts about Nikola Tesla. Also, your kids will love this Electricity Hands-On Homeschool Science Activity.

Also, you’ll love learning about Nikola Tesla’s life and inventions.

Tesla harnessed the power of the alternating current but worked with Edison to further develop his work on the direct current (which is what our popsicle stick flashlight is).

As a matter of fact, due to their working together and disagreements, they had a rather large falling out. Tesla went on to do so much more work in the field of science and technology.

Popsicle Stick Flashlight Activity and Facts About the Amazing Nikola Tesla

Tesla went on to do so much more work in the field of science and technology.

Did you know that Tesla has 112 U.S. patents, 17 British and six Canadian patents?

Or that he was good friends with Mark Twain?

And that Nikola developed an idea that would later be used in smartphone technology?

The War of The Electrical Currents

Edison developed the (DC) direct current, which is the current that runs continually in a single direction, like in a battery or a fuel cell.

It was originally the U.S. standard, but it had limitations, as the direct current is not easily converted to higher or lower voltages.

Tesla, on the other hand, believed that alternating current (or AC) was the solution to this problem.

AC reverses direction a certain number of times per second, 60 in the U.S.

It can be converted to different voltages using a transformer giving it far wider applications.

Edison did not want to have his early work with DC tossed aside or lose the royalties from it and so he began to try and discredit Tesla’s alternating current.

Some say he even went as far as spreading falsehoods about Tesla and his work.

The popsicle flashlight, though it uses DC current, is a great way to demonstrate how simple electric current and switches work.

I don’t care that they stole my idea… I care that they don’t have any of their own.”
-Nikola Tesla

Next, look at these facts about Nikola Tesla and his inventions.

5 Amazing Nikola Tesla Inventions

AC Power (alternating current)- is an electric current that reverses its direction many times a second at regular intervals, typically used in power supplies. This power system provides electricity for homes and other buildings.
Tesla Coil-The coil uses polyphase alternating currents — another of Tesla’s discoveries to allow a transmitter the ability to produce very high voltages. It’s still used today in radios, televisions, and wireless transmission.
Radio-While Tesla invented everything we associate with the radio — antennas, tuners, etc., an inventor named Guglielmo Marconi got the credit for the invention.
Hydroelectric Power-This is when the natural flow of water is used to generate electricity. Tesla and industrialist George Westinghouse developed the first hydroelectric power plant using the power of Niagara Falls.
Induction Motor-With its rotating magnetic field that made unit drives for machines and AC power transmissions possible. They still power up simple household items such as vacuums, hairdryers, compressors, fans, toys, and power tools.

Also, look at more hands-on ideas about electricity.

More Popsicle Sticks and Electricity Activities

Then look at some more hands-on activities.

Next, there are two great books below.

Nikola Tesla

Books about Nikola Tesla.

Who Was Nikola Tesla?

When Nikola Tesla arrived in the United States in 1884, he didn't have much money, but he did have a letter of introduction to renowned inventor Thomas Edison. The working relationship between the two men was short lived, though, and the two scientist-inventors became harsh competitors. One of the most influential scientists of all time, Nikola Tesla is celebrated for his experiments in electricity, X-rays, remote controls, and wireless communications. His invention of the Tesla coil was instrumental in the development of radio technology.

Great Lives in Graphics: Nikola Tesla

Great Lives in Graphics; Nikola Tesla is a graphic retelling of Nikola’s story which gives children a colorful snapshot of his life and the world he grew up in, while educating them on everything from alternating current to the power of the imagination.

You may already know that Nikola Tesla was an electrical engineer, but did you know that he was born during a lightning storm? Or that he had a phobia of pearls?

Great Lives in Graphics reimagines the lives of extraordinary people in vivid technicolor, presenting 250+ fascinating facts in a new and exciting way. It takes the essential dates and achievements of each person’s life, mixes them with lesser-known facts and trivia, and uses infographics to show them in a fresh visual way that is genuinely engaging for children and young adults. The result is a colorful, fascinating and often surprising representation of that person’s life, work and legacy. Using timelines, maps, repeated motifs and many more beautiful and informative illustrations, readers learn not just about the main subject of the book but also about the cultural background of the time they lived i

Finally, look at how to make this fun popsicle stick flashlight.

How to Make A Popsicle Stick Flashlight

You will need:

Jumbo craft stick
Flat battery
Copper tape
Coin cell battery
LED Lights
Medium-sized binder Clip

First, cut two pieces of copper tape a little shorter than your craft stick.

Place one of your LED lights at the end of the stick with the metal prongs on either side.

Peel off the backing a little at a time and tape over the prongs on the front and back, not quite touching the plastic tip. Run the tape all the way down.

Place the binder clip on the end and make a mark on the tape where the black touches.

Remove the binder clip and cut tape ¼” above it so that the plastic does not interfere with the connection at all.

Replace the binder clip and place the button battery writing side up where the metal of the binder clip touches the bottom half of the battery when opened.

Tape the battery in place only covering above where the clip hits, the metal of the binder clip will serve as your “switch”.

When you are done, flip the switch so that it makes contact with the battery and your light should begin to glow.

If your light doesn’t light up, check all your connections, be sure that the metal hits the copper tape, that the tape covers the LED prongs, and finally, be sure your battery is fresh.

Here is a labeled photo to show you what each of the components are to help your child understand the electrical path and process.

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