• Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • LinkedIn
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

Activity, Change, Progress

  • HOME
  • How to
    • Preschool
    • Kindergarten
    • Middle School
    • High School
  • Planner
  • Lapbooks
    • Trioramas
    • History Games
  • Shop
  • GET STARTED NOW!
    • Learning Styles
  • 7 Step Planner
    • DIY Best Student Planner
    • Free & Easy DIY Home Management Binder
  • Unit Studies
    • Creation to Ancients
    • Middle Ages to Reform
    • Exploring to Revolution
    • World Wars to Today
    • Science
    • Free Art Curriculum Grades 1 – 8
  • Curriculum
    • More Unit Studies
    • Geography
    • Writing PreK to 12th
    • Geronimo Stilton
  • BootCamp
    • Resources
      • Dynamic Subscriber Freebies
      • Exclusive Subscribers Library
      • Ultimate Unit Study Planner

Welcome

4 Weeks Free Galileo Unit Study & How to Make a Telescope Craft

February 23, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have a 4 weeks free Galileo unit study and a fun telescope craft. Look at my other pages Best Homeschool Unit Studies and Exploring Space and Astronomy Free Unit Study for more ideas and topics for hands-on learning.

To make a Galileo unit study exciting we are crafting our own refracting telescope and look at some other great ideas to build it up.

A refracting telescope is a type of optical telescope that uses lenses to focus light and create an image of a distant object.

4 Weeks Free Galileo Unit Study & How to Make a Telescope Craft

It is the oldest and most common type of telescope.

And was first developed in the 17th century by Galileo Galilei.

Galileo Galilei was an Italian astronomer, physicist, engineer, philosopher, and mathematician who lived in the 16th and 17th centuries.

He is considered to be one of the most important figures in the history of science.

His work laid the foundation for modern physics as well as the development of calculus.

He was born in Pisa, Italy, in 1564 and he showed an early interest in science and mathematics, and he studied at the University of Pisa.

After graduating, Galileo taught mathematics at the University of Padua for the next 18 years.

While he was there, he made a number of important discoveries.

He developed a new theory of motion, which showed that objects fall at the same rate regardless of their weight.

Also, he also invented the telescope, which allowed him to make detailed observations of the planets and stars.

KIDS BOOKS ABOUT GALILEO

First, look at these fun books

4 Books About Galileo

Add these books to our home library. Use for a unit study or reading for the day.

Along Came Galileo

One of the most important figures to come out of the awakening world of the Renaissance was Galileo Galelei. Galileo was forever asking questions. Is it possible to measure heat? Can you weigh air? Does the earth stand still or does it move? How fast do objects fall to the earth? These questions, and his answers to them, led to some of the most important discoveries ever in astronomy, physics, mathematics, and the natural world.

Galileo and the Magic Numbers

Sixteenth century Italy produced Galileo, 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.

Starry Messenger: Galileo Galilei (Caldecott Honor Book)

In every age there are courageous people who break with tradition to explore new ideas and challenge accepted truths. Galileo Galilei was just such a man--a genius--and the first to turn the telescope to the skies to map the heavens. In doing so, he offered objective evidence that the earth was not the fixed center of the universe but that it and all the other planets revolved around the sun. Galileo kept careful
notes and made beautiful drawings of all that he observed. Through his telescope he brought the starts down to earth for everyone to see.

Galileo's Daughter: A Historical Memoir of Science, Faith, and Love

Inspired by a long fascination with Galileo, and by the remarkable surviving letters of his daughter Maria Celeste, a cloistered nun, Dava Sobel has crafted a biography that dramatically recolors the personality and accomplishments of a mythic figure whose early-seventeenth-century clash with Catholic doctrine continues to define the schism between science and religion-the man Albert Einstein called "the father of modern physics-indeed of modern science altogether." It is also a stunning portrait of Galileo's daughter, a person hitherto lost to history, described by her father as "a woman of exquisite mind, singular goodness, and most tenderly attached to me."

Then look at these history and geography Galileo unit study ideas.

HISTORY & GEOGRAPHY GALILEO UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 1

He was the first person to observe the four largest moons of Jupiter and discovered the phases of Venus.

Galileo published his book “The Starry Messenger” in 1610 and described his observations of the solar system. His book provided strong evidence in support of the Copernican theory, which said that the Earth revolves around the Sun.

This important work has been translated into more than 100 languages.

Grab a map or atlas and help your child locate different NASA space center locations throughout the US and the world.

  • White Sands Test Facility-Cruces, NM
  • Ames Research Center-Moffett Field, CA
  • Armstrong Flight Research Center-Edwards, CA
  • Glenn Research Center-Cleveland, OH
  • Goddard Space Flight Center-Greenbelt, MD
  • Goddard Institute of Space Studies-New York, NY
  • IV and V Facility-Fairmont, WV
  • Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)-Pasadena, CA
  • Johnson Space Center-Houston, TX
  • Kennedy Space Center-FL
  • Langley Research Center-Hampton, VA
  • Marshall Space Flight Center-Huntsville, AL
  • NASA HQ-Washington, D.C.
  • Stennis Space Center-MS
  • Wallops Flight Facility-Wallops Island, VA

Then look at more hands-on ideas.

  • Galileo history lesson
  • Explore the Galileo Museum in Florence
  • Free Ancient Astronomy Notebooking Pages
  • Create a visual timeline showing the development of telescopes, from Galileo’s first telescope to the Hubble Space Telescope.
  • Constellations for Kids Free Cards
  • Solar System Unit Study and Hands-on Planets Activity

NATURE & SCIENCE GALILEO UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 2

  • Let your learning cover modern space explorers as well as the first ones in the field. Learn 5 Facts About The Moon Landing and Make Fun Astronaut Ice Cream for a tasty lesson.
  • You can purchase a basic Telescope but it is also fun to make your own refracting telescope and I have the easy instructions for making one below.
  • Conduct Galileo’s Famous Falling Objects Experiment
  • Galileo Discovery of Jupiter Moons and Fun Hands-On Moon Crater Experiment
  • Watch Galileo Galilei on Youtube to learn about the amazing scientist, physicist mathematician and more that contributed so much to today’s space knowledge and inventions.
  • Physical Science Experiments Swinging with Galileo
  • How to Make Mini Solar System Activity Sensory Bottles

MATH & LANGUAGE ARTS GALILEO UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 3

  • Simple Space Themed Addition and Subtraction is a solid way to learn basic math facts while keeping with the unit.
  • These Find The Letter Worksheets with a space theme are perfect for preschoolers and kindergarteners.
  • Learn about time and motion. Galileo famously discovered that objects fall at the same rate regardless of weight.
  • These Space Counting Mats can be laminated and used over and over with small treats like candies or crackers as well as other non edible manipulatives.
  • Teach kids about angles.
  • Learn about planetary distances.
  • Write a short biography about Galileo.

4 Weeks Free Galileo Unit Study & How to Make a Telescope Craft

Additionally, look at arts and crafts ideas for learning about Galileo.

ARTS & CRAFTS GALILEO UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 4

  • Look at this Space STEAM: How to Make Felted Ball Planets, a neat new handicraft to learn.
  • Focus on Venus as you talk about the fact that Galileo discovered its phases with this Venus Craft.
  • Galileo Learning Ideas & Star Viewer Craft
  • This space themed Galaxy Play Dough is good for building up fine motor skills and making an already fun theme even better.
  • Create an interactive Spinning Solar System with building blocks for an impressive piece that kids will enjoy building and putting on display.
  • 10 Moon Craft Ideas and Wrapped Crescent Moon Craft For Kids

Next, look at more best homeschool unit studies.

MORE BEST HOMESCHOOL UNIT STUDIES

  • 4 Weeks Free Homeschool Panda Unit Study & Best Hands-On Ideas
  • Make Science Exciting: Free Human Body Homeschool Unit Study
  • Free 4 Week Minn of the Mississippi Unit Study
  • 4 Week Free China Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas
  • 4 Week Free Shakespeare Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas
  • 4 Week Free Middle Ages Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas
  • Free 4-Week Kid’s Australia Unit Study Who Love Hands-on Learning
  • How to Incorporate Subjects into a Fun Homeschool Cooking Unit Study
  • Mushroom Unit Study and Kids Learning Activities
  • North American Robin Bird Lapbook and Fun Homeschool Unit Study Ideas
  • Ocean Lapbook and Homeschool Unit Study
  • Kids Dandelion Flower Unit Study and Easy Tea Recipe & Notebooking Pages
  • Chicken Unit Study and Anatomy of an Egg Felt Activity & Worksheet

HOW TO MAKE A TELESCOPE CRAFT

Finally, look at how to make a telescope craft.

You will need:

  • An empty paper towel roll
  • Masking, duct, packing tape
  • Markers, crayons, stickers
  • Old pair of reading glasses (can be purchased at Dollar Tree)
  • Scissors
4 Weeks Free Galileo Unit Study & How to Make a Telescope Craft

First, cut lengthwise down one of the paper towel tubes.

Squeeze it lightly together and slide it inside of the uncut tube.

4 Weeks Free Galileo Unit Study & How to Make a Telescope Craft

Before moving on let your child decorate the outside of their “telescope” with crayons or markers, you could also use space themed stickers like these.

4 Weeks Free Galileo Unit Study & How to Make a Telescope Craft

Pop the lenses carefully out of the glasses.

4 Weeks Free Galileo Unit Study & How to Make a Telescope Craft

Place one lens with the concave (curved outward) side face away from the tube, use duct tape or masking tape to secure it to the end, covering as little of the glass as possible.

4 Weeks Free Galileo Unit Study & How to Make a Telescope Craft

On the other end of the telescope tape the second lens with the curve facing the inside of the tube.

4 Weeks Free Galileo Unit Study & How to Make a Telescope Craft

To focus, slide the inner paper towel tube in and out as you look through the end.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: My Unit Studies {Free Printables & Hands-on Ideas} Tagged With: astronomy, Galileo, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool, science, space

Rising Water with a Candle Easy Hands-On Science Experiment

February 22, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, I have a cool rising water with a candle easy hands-on science experiment. Also, look at my page 4 Weeks Free Physical Science Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas for more activities.

I think this hands-on experiment is great for showing science principles such as fire, oxygen and air pressure for kids in k- 6th grade.

This is one of my favorite simple science experiments because it is easy to pull together with common household items and has a dramatic effect.

Rising Water with a Candle Easy Hands-On Science Experiment

The rising water experiment involves a burning candle in a jar with water and demonstrates the concept of air pressure difference.

So, this experiment demonstrates principles of air pressure and temperature change.

And it shows how the temperature of air inside the jar affects its volume and the surrounding air pressure

PHYSICAL SCIENCE BOOKS FOR KIDS

First, look at these books about physical science for kids.

When possible, I prefer to use living books if we can find them. It’s not always easy.

10 Books About Physical Science

Physical science varies in topic. It can cover states of matter, forces and motion like push and pull, forms of energy like simple circuits, light and sound to earth and space.

What Is the World Made Of?: All About Solids, Liquids, and Gases

Can you make an ice cube disappear? Put it on a hot sidewalk. It melts into water and then vanishes! The ice cube changes from solid to liquid to gas. This Level 2 Let's-Read-and-Find-Out picture book is a fascinating exploration of the three states of matter. This clear and appealing science book for early elementary age kids, both at home and in the classroom, uses simple, fun diagrams to explain the difference between solids, liquids, and gases. This book also includes a find out more section with experiments designed to encourage further exploration and introduce record keeping.

Matter: Physical Science for Kids

In Matter: Physical Science for Kids, kids ages 5 to 8 explore the definition of matter and the different states of matter, plus the stuff in our world that isn’t matter, such as sound and light! In this nonfiction picture book, children are introduced to physical science through detailed illustrations paired with a compelling narrative that uses fun language to convey familiar examples of real-world science connections. By recognizing the basic physics concept of matter and identifying the different ways matter appears in real life, kids develop a fundamental understanding of physical science and are impressed with the idea that science is a constant part of our lives and not limited to classrooms and
laboratories

The Disappearing Spoon: And Other True Tales of Madness, Love, and the History of the World from the Periodic Table of the Elements

Why did Gandhi hate iodine (I, 53)? How did radium (Ra, 88) nearly ruin Marie Curie's reputation? And why is gallium (Ga, 31) the go-to element for laboratory pranksters?The Periodic Table is a crowning scientific achievement, but it's also a treasure trove of adventure, betrayal, and obsession. These fascinating tales follow every element on the table as they play out their parts in human history, and in the lives of the (frequently) mad scientists who discovered them. The Disappearing Spoon masterfully fuses science with the classic lore of invention, investigation, and discovery.

Archimedes and the Door of Science (Living History Library)

Jeanne Bendick, through text and pictures, admirably succeeds in bringing to life the ancient Greek mathematician who enriched mathematics and all branches of science. Against the backdrop of Archimedes' life and culture, the author discusses the man's work, his discoveries and the knowledge later based upon it. The simple, often humorous, illustrations and diagrams greatly enhance the text.

Michael Faraday: Father of Electronics

Charles Ludwig retells Michael Faraday’s remarkable life story in fictionalized form. Here is the father of the electric motor, the dynamo, the transformer, the generator. Few persons are aware of the brilliant man’s deep Christian convictions and his determination to live by the Sermon on the Mount. For ages 12 to 15.

Junior Science Book of Electricity

Book about electricity for children.

Energy Makes Things Happen

Did you know that energy comes from the food you eat? From the sun and wind? From fuel and heat? You get energy every time you eat. You transfer energy to other things every time you play baseball.

Waves: Principles of Light, Electricity and Magnetism (The Secrets of the Universe)

Have you ever wondered why a prism turns ordinary sunlight into a rainbow? Isaac Newton knew why. How can a magnet be used to generate electricity? Michael Faraday could have told you. Can you explain how a toaster toasts bread? In this book, author Paul Fleisher answers these and many more questions as he looks at the laws that describe how waves behave. Through simple experiments, detailed illustrations and concepts that are easy to understand, readers are introduced to the basic principles of light, electricity and magnetism in a fun, exciting way.

Liquids and Gases: Principles of Fluid Mechanics (Secrets of the Universe)

Have you ever wondered why a 10-tonne boat floats but a tiny pebble sinks? Archimedes knew why. How does a basketball or tennis ball bounce? Robert Boyle could have described how! Can you explain why a hot-air balloon rises but a balloon you blow up drops to the ground? To answer these questions and many more, author Paul Fleisher explains the laws that define how and why liquids and gases behave the way they do. Through simple experiments, detailed illustrations and concepts that are easy to understand, readers are introduced to the basic principles of fluid mechanics in a fun, exciting way.

Marbles,Roller Skates,Doorknob

Explains the concepts of simple and complex machines and mechanical advantage, and describes how wheels, including gears and ball bearings, work

Also, look at a few more physical science hands-on experiments.

PHYSICAL SCIENCE HANDS-ON SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS

  • How to Make a Homemade Electrical Switch
  • 5 Facts About Inertia And Easy Coin Drop Inertia Experiment
  • How To Make A Newton’s Cradle With Popsicle Sticks | 5 Sir Isaac Newton Facts
  • Easy Atom Model Project: How To Create A Fun Lego Version
  • How to Make an Edible Kindergarten Earth Science Tectonic Plate Activity
  • 40 Awesome Earth Science Movies for Kindergarten
  • EASY Hands-on Earth Science: Fun Water Testing Kit
  • Rock Activities For Kindergarten And Fun Edible Rock Cycle
  • 8 Earth Day Facts | How to Make a Recycled Robot
  • Dive Into STEM Learning With An Exciting Jello Earthquake Experiment
  • Galileo Discovery of Jupiter Moons and Fun Hands-On Moon Crater Experiment
  • Space Science Experiment ~ Exploring one of Jupiter’s Moons
  • Dynamic Astronomy Lapbook for Multiple Ages
  • How to Create A Stunning Night Sky Paper Roll Display
  • How to Create A Stunning Night Sky Paper Roll Display
  • Easy Study Of The Solar System Fun Interactive Worksheets
Rising Water with a Candle Easy Hands-On Science Experiment

Finally, look at the rising water with a candle science activity.

RISING WATER WITH A CANDLE HANDS-ON SCIENCE EXPERIMENT

Just a quick recap, as the candle burns it heats up the air inside the container, causing it to expand and escape. 

When the candle goes out the air cools rapidly and creates a lowered pressure inside the jar compared to the outside air, which results in the water rising to equalize the pressure.

You will need:

  • Mason jar or clear glass
  • A small candle.
  • Clay, Play-Doh
  • Lighter or matches
  • Water
  • small saucer
  • Food coloring – optional
Rising Water with a Candle Easy Hands-On Science Experiment

First, roll up a little bit of Play-Doh or clay and place in the center of your plate then press the candle into it.

This will hold your candle up in position for the experiment.

Rising Water with a Candle Easy Hands-On Science Experiment

Now you can use plain water, but if you add a drop or two of food coloring, you can really see what happens with the water a lot better.

Carefully pour your water into the saucer.

Rising Water with a Candle Easy Hands-On Science Experiment

Light the candle and make sure that it has caught on well.

Rising Water with a Candle Easy Hands-On Science Experiment

Slowly lower the mason jar over the candle until it is resting on the plate in the water.

Rising Water with a Candle Easy Hands-On Science Experiment

Watch what happens as the candle burns for just a bit and then burns out.

Kids find this absolutely amazing.

Rising Water with a Candle Easy Hands-On Science Experiment

We let the jar stay for a while in the water that remained inside the jar.

Once we moved the jar a bit and released the pressure, the water quickly flooded out.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: candles, elementary science, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool, homeschoolscience, physical science, science, water

How to Make Goodnight Gorilla Craft Puppets for Storytime

February 21, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Making puppets for a Goodnight Gorilla craft is a wonderful way to introduce learning through play for favorite stories.

Goodnight Gorilla is written by Peggy Rathmann and tells the story of a zookeeper who says goodnight to the animals in his care before going to bed.

He makes his way through the gorillas, giraffes, elephants, lions, and even an armadillo but a mischievous gorilla grabs the keys and decides to play a trick on the zookeeper.

How to Make Goodnight Gorilla Craft Puppets for Storytime

The gorilla quietly follows the zookeeper, unlocking the cages of the other animals and letting them out.

Kids just think this is so hilarious and love being part of the joke.

GOODNIGHT GORILLA BOOK

Good Night Gorilla

 Picture books bring stories to life for the littles. Add this picture book to your home library.

Good Night Gorilla

'Good night, Gorilla', says the night watchman as he finishes his rounds at the zoo. But Gorilla has other ideas, deftly pick-pocketing the watchman's keys and letting himself, Elephant, Lion, Hyena, Giraffe and Armadillo out of his cage. The watchman makes his way home and into bed, unaware that the zoo has followed him home!

The zookeeper makes his way home and crawls into bed only for his wife to find that all the animals followed him home.

So she leads them all back and puts them all away, except for one.

HOW TO USE THE STORY TIME PUPPETS

These fun little craft stick puppets that go with a book allow your child to recreate the story or make a new one.

Use them for new vocabulary and language skills, develop fine motor skills as they help make the puppets, and foster their imagination.

How to Make Goodnight Gorilla Craft Puppets for Storytime

From a mom’s point of view, it is fun trying to recreate their favorite characters into a learning toy with simple drawings.

We are going to turn Good Night Gorilla and some of its most memorable characters into puppets using craft sticks and markers or crayons.

MORE GOODNIGHT GORILLA CRAFT IDEAS

  • Make a Simple and Fun Wildlife Craft Mountain Gorilla Layered Art Project to take a simple storybook to the next level of learning.
  • These Story Blocks- Goodnight Gorilla are another great way to retell this favorite story while they rearrange and build.
  • Yet another way to add a level of learning to a simple story book is the Alphabet Letter G is for Gorilla Fun Paper Plate Preschool Mask which is full of gorilla themed learning ideas.
  • Goodnight Gorilla Handprint Zoo Craft
  • Grab this free Goodnight Gorilla Zoo Animal Patterns Printable to teach your preschooler patterning and fine motor skills as they cut and paste.
  • Here is a cute idea for making shoebox cages for zoo animals along with matching keys that will lead to hours of dramatic play.
  • This craft, Zoobook Activity: Matching Eyes is fun and
  • Encourage your child to get creative with LEGO or Duplo and recreate Goodnight, Gorilla: Building the Story with Lego.

If you want to make it more than just a simple craft you can include some simple facts and look at pictures of the animals in the story.

Wildlife Anatomy is a wonderful reference for a variety of ages and includes gorilla, lion, and elephant.

How to Make Goodnight Gorilla Craft Puppets for Storytime

Think about taking a trip to a local zoo to see if you can find all the animals mentioned in the story.

And as well as a zookeeper or two to make it come even more alive for your child.

It will be a fun scavenger hunt mixed in with a simple science activity. It is a great way to bond with your child.

Grab a container of zoo animals and let your child build their own zoo with LEGO, wood blocks, pipe cleaners, or sticks gathered from the yard.

HOW TO MAKE GOODNIGHT GORILLA CRAFT PUPPETS

You will need:

  • Jumbo craft sticks
  • Cardstock
  • A pencil with eraser
  • Markers, crayons, or colored pencils

First, the illustrations in Goodnight Gorilla are very simple.

And that makes them easy to recreate with pencil and a little color. 

Draw very simple outlines in pencil of the zookeeper and the animals you wish to include on thick cardstock.

How to Make Goodnight Gorilla Craft Puppets for Storytime

If you do just their heads it is easier than drawing the entire body if you are intimidated by drawing.

Next, make your drawings pop by coloring them in, keep it simple with just a couple colors.

How to Make Goodnight Gorilla Craft Puppets for Storytime

Add details like hair, eyes, etc… to give your drawings a little depth.

And if you outline everything in black they really pop.

How to Make Goodnight Gorilla Craft Puppets for Storytime

Cut each one out of the cardstock.

How to Make Goodnight Gorilla Craft Puppets for Storytime

Use a glue stick to attach them to the back of the craft stick.

How to Make Goodnight Gorilla Craft Puppets for Storytime

Store in a cup or sandwich bag when not in use.

How to Make Goodnight Gorilla Craft Puppets for Storytime

If you want to make them more durable for longer play, laminate them before gluing them to the craft sticks.

You can do this for whatever your toddler or preschoolers favorite books are and get quite a fun collection going.

Picture a set of Goodnight Moon, The Very Hungry Caterpillar and more on their bookshelves promoting imagination and literacy skills.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: crafts, gorilla, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool

4 Weeks Free Plant Unit Study And Best Hands-On Ideas

February 20, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have a 4-weeks free plant unit study and some fun hands-on ideas. Also, look at my pages Best Homeschool Unit Studies for more unit study themes.

Kids love learning about plants.

You can teach about the parts that make a plant.

4 Weeks Free Plant Unit Study And Best Hands-On Ideas

How do they get their food and how do they reproduce is another question.

And there are different kinds of plants. For example, there are trees, flowers, bushes and grasses.

Too, this unit study could be exhaustive if were to list what plant we eat at every meal.

And we use plants to make clothes, make furniture and even to make medicine.

In addition, learn about the basic needs of a plant or if plants need soil to grow.

Plus, I will list some vocabulary words in the unit

First, look at some of these books.

BOOKS ABOUT PLANTS FOR KIDS

Use them as a spine or for additional reading.

9 Plant Books for Kids Who Read and Love to Be Read To

 Add a few of these books about plants to your home library or to your unit study.

Living Sunlight: How Plants Bring The Earth To Life

Living Sunlight shows children, teachers, and parents the remarkable magic of what makes us human.This informative yet dramatic book will mesmerize readers and help further a child's understanding of the energy we share with all living things in nature. We are all dancing sunlight. The book is co-authored by award-winning M.I.T. professor Penny Chisholm, a leading expert on ocean science. A perfect addition to any library!

Rooting for Plants: The Unstoppable Charles S. Parker, Black Botanist and Collector

In 1882, Black botanist and mycologist Charles S. Parker sprouted up in the lush, green Pacific Northwest. From the beginning, Charles’s passion was plants, and he trudged through forests, climbed mountains, and waded into lakes to find them. When he was drafted to fight in World War I, Charles experienced prejudice against Black soldiers and witnessed the massive ecological devastation that war caused. Those experiences made him even more determined to follow his dreams, whatever the difficulties, and to have a career making things grow, not destroying them.As a botanist and teacher, Charles traveled the United States, searching for new species of plants and fungi. After discovering the source of the disease killing peach and apricot trees, Charles was offered a job at Howard University, the famed historically Black college where he taught the next generation of Black scientists—men and women—to love plants and fungi as much as he did.

Gregor Mendel: The Friar Who Grew Peas

How do mothers and fathers—whether they are apple trees, sheep, or humans—pass down traits to their children? This question fascinated Gregor Mendel throughout his life. Regarded as the world’s first geneticist, Mendel overcame poverty and obscurity to discover one of the fundamental aspects of genetic science: animals, plants, and people all inherit and pass down traits through the same process, following the same rules.

Out of School and Into Nature: The Anna Comstock Story

This picture book biography examines the life and career of naturalist and artist Anna Comstock (1854-1930), who defied social conventions and pursued the study of science. From the time she was a young girl, Anna Comstock was fascinated by the natural world. She loved exploring outdoors, examining wildlife and learning nature's secrets. From watching the teamwork of marching ants to following the constellations in the sky, Anna observed it all. And her interest only increased as she grew older and went to college at Cornell University. There she continued her studies, pushing back against those social conventions that implied science was a man's pursuit. Eventually Anna became known as a nature expert, pioneering a movement to encourage schools to conduct science and nature classes for children outdoors, thereby increasing students' interest in nature. In following her passion, this remarkable woman blazed a trail for female scientists today.

In the Garden with Dr. Carver

Sally is a young girl living in rural Alabama in the early 1900s, a time when people were struggling to grow food in soil that had been depleted by years of cotton production. One day, Dr. George Washington Carver shows up to help the grown-ups with their farms and the children with their school garden. He teaches them how to restore the soil and respect the balance of nature. He even prepares a delicious lunch made of plants, including "chicken" made from peanuts. And Sally never forgets the lessons this wise man leaves in her heart and mind. Susan Grigsby's warm story shines new light on a Black scientist who was ahead of his time.

A World of Plants

Covering more than twenty-five subjects, from photosynthesis and permaculture to the hidden world of Victorian plant hunters, this stylish illustrated guide is packed with scientific insight into the critical role plants play in the drama of life on Earth. Did you know that some plants steal while others defend themselves against attack? That the largest cacti can reach sixty-six feet tall and weigh more than a car? That there are meat-eating plants the size of footballs? Readers young and old will marvel at the wondrous diversity and adaptability of plants, from trees and tropical species to those that have evolved to master extreme conditions. A brisk narrative bursting with facts—all carefully organized with maps and charts in richly patterned vintage-style illustrations—make for a vivid guide to all that grows . . . and a beautiful gift book for anyone interested in the environment.

Notes on Plants and Flowers: The Nature Notebook

Originally published in the early 1900's by Anna Comstock. This book, Notes on Plants and Flowers, contains the following information: How to Understand a Plant, How to understand a flower; along with multiple forms to fill in while in the field, to aid in the identification of plants and flowers.

Anna Comstock intended that the pupil would use these notebooks to create their very own field guides by observing local flora and fauna with which they should be very familiar.

This is an 8.5x11 workbook for students, featuring short illustrated chapters on identifying parts of plants and flowers along with multiple forms for the pupil to complete.

First Studies of Plant Life (Yesterday's Classics)

A guide to discovery of the forces at work in the world of plants. Through germinating seeds and varying their growing conditions, students learn by observation the different ways seeds germinate and young plants respond to moisture and light. Further experiments shed light on the manner of nourishment, respiration, and reproduction. The reader is given plenty to ponder since the text often poses questions without supplying answers. The life stories of the sweet pea, oak, ferns, moss, and mushrooms and an account of some of the forces plants have to contend with in their struggle to survive encourage students to continue to read and interpret their surroundings. An engaging introduction to botany for middle school and beyond.

Wicked Plants: The Weed That Killed Lincoln's Mother and Other Botanical Atrocities

A tree that sheds poison daggers; a glistening red seed that stops the heart; a shrub that causes paralysis; a vine that strangles; and a leaf that triggered a war. In Wicked Plants, Stewart takes on over two hundred of Mother Nature’s most appalling creations. It’s an A to Z of plants that kill, maim, intoxicate, and otherwise offend. You’ll learn which plants to avoid (like exploding shrubs), which plants make themselves exceedingly unwelcome (like the vine that ate the South), and which ones have been killing for centuries (like the weed that killed Abraham Lincoln's mother). Menacing botanical illustrations and splendidly ghastly drawings create a fascinating portrait of the evildoers that may be lurking in your own backyard. Drawing on history, medicine, science, and legend, this compendium of bloodcurdling botany will entertain, alarm, and enlighten even the most intrepid gardeners and nature lovers.

Next, look at some of these ideas for history and geography.

HISTORY & GEOGRAPHY PLANT UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 1

The historical use of plants in ancient civilizations, exploration, and trade have been valuable to human society.

You can focus on a time like Native Americans and their uses of plant for medicine to the amazing Dr. Carver who helped farmers with poor soil.

And think about preparing trioramas to learn about the different biomes or geography of plants.

Look at some of these ideas from the beautiful gardens in Ancient Babylon to early making of paper.

  • Hands-on Ancient Babylon: Hanging Gardens Fun Activity
  • Hands-on Ancient Mesopotamia: Easy STEM Irrigation Activity
  • How to Make an Easy Rainforest Triorama With Kids
  • What Plants And Animals Did Lewis And Clark Discover on their Famous Trek & Bitterroot Craft
  • Quick and Easy Ancient Chinese Paper making for Kids
  • Easy Composting With the Amazing Dr. George Carver (Free Printable About Compost
  • How to Make A Desert Triorama About the Gobi, Sahara, & Antarctica

In addition, learn about plant based food around the world while learning geography.

NATURE & SCIENCE PLANT UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 2

Next, since this is a study of plants it is heavy science based.

For example, one cool fact is that chlorophyll helps plants make food from sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water.

  • How to Make a Plant Cell Model Edible for Kids
  • How To Make Plastic Bottle Little Greenhouses | 5 Plastic Bottle Craft Ideas
  • How to Make a Fun Kids Root Viewer
  • Foraging and Feasting Nature Unit Study and Lapbook 
  • Growing a Seed Activity
  • Fun Kids Activity How to Make Wildflower Seed Bombs
  • How to Easily Make Fun Seed Tape With Kids
  • Simple and Fun Hands-On Water Cycle Activity For Kids
  • Wildflowers Unit Study & Lapbook
  • Dissect a bean seed 
  • Leaves change colors experiment 

Also, look at this fun plant lapbook to give your child a hands-on tool for learning about plants.

Dynamic Plant Lapbook

You can get it now!

  • Dynamic and Fun Plant Lapbook for Multiple Ages

    Dynamic and Fun Plant Lapbook for Multiple Ages

    $4.00
    Add to cart

MATH & LANGUAGE ARTS PLANT UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 3

Additionally, you can use some of these hands-on math ideas below.

  • Have your child plant multiple seeds (e.g., in a grid). Then calculate how many seeds they planted and how many plants might grow if each seed sprouted successfully (multiplication).
  • Measure the growth of a plant. For example, measure the height, volume, and length.
  • Discuss patterns in math. For example, look at the leaf patterns and flower petals.
  • Measurement Garden Activity the kids practiced counting, comparing, reading, and writing.
  • Free Flower Playdough Math Mats
  • Seed temperature experiment 
  • Introduce the concept of the Fibonacci sequence.
  • Free Carnivorous Plants Notebooking Pages & Easy Hands-on Science Activity
  • Free Printable Flower Number Matching Activity
  • Count the sunflower seeds and craft
  • Leaf Math activity
  • Leaf number line activities

Also, look at these vocabulary words.

  • nutrients substances needed to live and grow
  • coniferous bearing seeds in cones or similar structures
  • nettles plants whose leaves create a burning feeling when you touch them
  • water a clear liquid, chemical formula: H2O, that is essential for all plant and animal life.
  • photosynthesis the process that occurs in green parts of plants. The chlorophyll in the plant reacts with water, carbon dioxide, and sunlight to produce oxygen and simple sugars.
  • algae single or multi-celled plants, usually living in water
  • soil a mixture of dirt, humus (organic matter), and living and dead organisms
  • annuals plants that complete their life cycle (grows, flowers, produces
  • seed, and dies) in one year
  • biennials plants that grow during one year and flower, produce seed, and die during the next year. They live for two years.
  • perennials are plants that live for more than two years. They can grow year after year without replanting.
  • propagation to increase in number, to reproduce

ARTS & CRAFTS PLANT UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 4

  • Spectacular Lewis And Clark Plants Drawings | 7 Quick Botany Art Lessons
  • Carnivorous Plants For Kids and Make a Fun Paper Plate Venus Flytrap Craft
  • Two Yummy Pumpkin Seed Recipes
  • Build a sprout house 
  • How to Make a Fun Pitcher Plant Craft With Pool Noodles
  • 10 Plant Life in The Amazon Rainforest Facts and Make a Fun Rafflesia Arnoldii
  • Hands-On Mixed Media Flower Art Fun Nature Study

4 Weeks Free Plant Unit Study And Best Hands-On Ideas

MORE BEST HOMESCHOOL UNIT STUDY IDEAS

Look at these other homeschool unit study ideas.

  • Mushroom Unit Study and Kids Learning Activities
  • How to Plan And Start an Easy Gardening Unit Study for Kids
  • George Washington Carver Fun Peanut Quick Unit Study & Notebooking Pages
  • Easy Seeds and Gardening Unit Study for Kids (Middle – Upper Elementary)
  • Printable Strawberries Lapbook and Fun Homeschool Unit Study Ideas
  • Free Kids Insect Unit Study┃ How to Make Clay Insects
  • Free Summer Unit Study For Kids and Fun Starfish Craft
  • Above & Below: Pond Unit Study, Hands-on Ideas, & Lapbook
  • John Muir Spring Unit Study (and Hands-on Geography Ideas)
  • Carnivorous Plants Lapbook and Homeschool Unit Study
  • Kids Dandelion Flower Unit Study and Easy Tea Recipe & Notebooking Pages

Leave a CommentFiled Under: My Unit Studies {Free Printables & Hands-on Ideas} Tagged With: plant, plants

4 Weeks Free Physical Science Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas

February 19, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Here is a free 4-weeks physical science unit study that covers 4 of the main branches of physical science and covers a wide variety of ages. Also, look at my page Best Homeschool Unit Studies for more unit studies.

Physical science is an exciting field of study that explores the fundamental properties of matter and energy and their interactions.

It is an important part of your child’s science education.

It encompasses various branches and covers topics like physics, chemistry, astronomy, earth science (including geology and meteorology).

4 Weeks Free Physical Science Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas

And other subtopics are considered physical science like energy, forces, motion, electricity, magnetism, sound, light, and the study of matter.

One of the best overall resources for our bookshelf is The Kingfisher Science Encyclopedia as it is a great reference for a wide variety of science topics.

For our 4-weeks physical science unit I am going to give you fun resources as well as plenty of hands-on activities for each of the 4 main branches of physical science.

BOOKS ABOUT PHYSICAL SCIENCE FOR KIDS

First, look at these books to pair with the topics in physical science.

10 Books About Physical Science

Physical science varies in topic. It can cover states of matter, forces and motion like push and pull, forms of energy like simple circuits, light and sound to earth and space.

What Is the World Made Of?: All About Solids, Liquids, and Gases

Can you make an ice cube disappear? Put it on a hot sidewalk. It melts into water and then vanishes! The ice cube changes from solid to liquid to gas. This Level 2 Let's-Read-and-Find-Out picture book is a fascinating exploration of the three states of matter. This clear and appealing science book for early elementary age kids, both at home and in the classroom, uses simple, fun diagrams to explain the difference between solids, liquids, and gases. This book also includes a find out more section with experiments designed to encourage further exploration and introduce record keeping.

Matter: Physical Science for Kids

In Matter: Physical Science for Kids, kids ages 5 to 8 explore the definition of matter and the different states of matter, plus the stuff in our world that isn’t matter, such as sound and light! In this nonfiction picture book, children are introduced to physical science through detailed illustrations paired with a compelling narrative that uses fun language to convey familiar examples of real-world science connections. By recognizing the basic physics concept of matter and identifying the different ways matter appears in real life, kids develop a fundamental understanding of physical science and are impressed with the idea that science is a constant part of our lives and not limited to classrooms and
laboratories

The Disappearing Spoon: And Other True Tales of Madness, Love, and the History of the World from the Periodic Table of the Elements

Why did Gandhi hate iodine (I, 53)? How did radium (Ra, 88) nearly ruin Marie Curie's reputation? And why is gallium (Ga, 31) the go-to element for laboratory pranksters?The Periodic Table is a crowning scientific achievement, but it's also a treasure trove of adventure, betrayal, and obsession. These fascinating tales follow every element on the table as they play out their parts in human history, and in the lives of the (frequently) mad scientists who discovered them. The Disappearing Spoon masterfully fuses science with the classic lore of invention, investigation, and discovery.

Archimedes and the Door of Science (Living History Library)

Jeanne Bendick, through text and pictures, admirably succeeds in bringing to life the ancient Greek mathematician who enriched mathematics and all branches of science. Against the backdrop of Archimedes' life and culture, the author discusses the man's work, his discoveries and the knowledge later based upon it. The simple, often humorous, illustrations and diagrams greatly enhance the text.

Michael Faraday: Father of Electronics

Charles Ludwig retells Michael Faraday’s remarkable life story in fictionalized form. Here is the father of the electric motor, the dynamo, the transformer, the generator. Few persons are aware of the brilliant man’s deep Christian convictions and his determination to live by the Sermon on the Mount. For ages 12 to 15.

Junior Science Book of Electricity

Book about electricity for children.

Energy Makes Things Happen

Did you know that energy comes from the food you eat? From the sun and wind? From fuel and heat? You get energy every time you eat. You transfer energy to other things every time you play baseball.

Waves: Principles of Light, Electricity and Magnetism (The Secrets of the Universe)

Have you ever wondered why a prism turns ordinary sunlight into a rainbow? Isaac Newton knew why. How can a magnet be used to generate electricity? Michael Faraday could have told you. Can you explain how a toaster toasts bread? In this book, author Paul Fleisher answers these and many more questions as he looks at the laws that describe how waves behave. Through simple experiments, detailed illustrations and concepts that are easy to understand, readers are introduced to the basic principles of light, electricity and magnetism in a fun, exciting way.

Liquids and Gases: Principles of Fluid Mechanics (Secrets of the Universe)

Have you ever wondered why a 10-tonne boat floats but a tiny pebble sinks? Archimedes knew why. How does a basketball or tennis ball bounce? Robert Boyle could have described how! Can you explain why a hot-air balloon rises but a balloon you blow up drops to the ground? To answer these questions and many more, author Paul Fleisher explains the laws that define how and why liquids and gases behave the way they do. Through simple experiments, detailed illustrations and concepts that are easy to understand, readers are introduced to the basic principles of fluid mechanics in a fun, exciting way.

Marbles,Roller Skates,Doorknob

Explains the concepts of simple and complex machines and mechanical advantage, and describes how wheels, including gears and ball bearings, work

Then we’re moving on to the 4 main areas.

First, start with chemistry.

CHEMISTRY PHYSICAL SCIENCE UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 1

Chemistry is about the science of matter.

Too, chemistry deals with the composition, structure, properties, and behavior of matter and the changes it undergoes during chemical reactions.

Then look at these hands-on ideas.

  • 2 Fun Chemistry for Kids Experiments & John Dalton Notebooking Pages
  • 10 Facts About Oxygen For Kids | How To Do An Underwater Flame Experiment |Free Printable
  • 21 Fun Chemistry Homeschool Ideas for Kids
  • 10 Popular High School Chemistry Homeschool Curriculum
  • How to Make Elephant Toothpaste | Fun Chemistry Activities & Printable
  • Medieval Chemistry and Homeschool History – Fun Hands-On Activity
  • Homeschool High School Chemistry & Free Reference Sheet and Resources

ASTRONOMY PHYSICAL SCIENCE UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 2

Next, astronomy focuses on celestial objects and phenomena beyond Earth, such as stars, planets, galaxies, and nebulae.

  • Galileo Discovery of Jupiter Moons and Fun Hands-On Moon Crater Experiment
  • Space Science Experiment ~ Exploring one of Jupiter’s Moons
  • Dynamic Astronomy Lapbook for Multiple Ages
  • How to Create A Stunning Night Sky Paper Roll Display
  • How to Create A Stunning Night Sky Paper Roll Display
  • Easy Study Of The Solar System Fun Interactive Worksheets
  • About Astronomy and Space Science Fun Quick Unit Study
  • Exploring Space and Astronomy Free Unit Study for Multiple Ages
  • Meteors, Meteorites, Comets and Meteoroids Today And Make a Fun Windsock
  • 5 Facts About The Moon Landing and Make Fun Astronaut Ice Cream
  • 10 Moon Craft Ideas and Wrapped Crescent Moon Craft For Kids

EARTH PHYSICAL SCIENCE UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 3

 Earth science investigates the Earth’s systems, including the atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, and biosphere.

  • Landslide Science Experiment to Teach Fast Earth Changes
  • Free Earth Science Lapbook & Unit Study Ideas
  • 10 Hands On Earthquake Activities | How To Make A Model Seismometer
  • Edible Rock Cycle Fudge | Hands-on Rock Activities & Free Notebooking Pages
  • Free Homeschool Geology Unit Study And Easy DIY Eggshell Geode
  • Geoscavenge – A Rock and Mineral Hunt & Printable
  • Physical Science For Kindergarten: Free States Of Matter Pages
  • How to Make an Edible Kindergarten Earth Science Tectonic Plate Activity
  • 40 Awesome Earth Science Movies for Kindergarten
  • EASY Hands-on Earth Science: Fun Water Testing Kit
  • Rock Activities For Kindergarten And Fun Edible Rock Cycle
  • 8 Earth Day Facts | How to Make a Recycled Robot
  • Dive Into STEM Learning With An Exciting Jello Earthquake Experiment

PHYSICS PHYSICAL SCIENCE UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 4

Then, physics studies the fundamental laws and properties of the universe, from the smallest particles to the largest galaxies.

And physics is the study of motion, energy, and forces, Too, it helps us understand how and why things move or stay still.

  • Ridiculously Easy Friction Science Experiment Your Kids Will Love
  • It’s Electric! How to Explore the Conductivity of Liquids
  • Paper Airplane Science – An Experiment Designed and Tested by Your Kids
  • How to Make a Homemade Electrical Switch
  • The Easy Sink Or Float Orange Density Experiment For Kids
  • Electricity STEM: Lighting Up a Shoebox Tiny House
  • 5 Facts About Inertia And Easy Coin Drop Inertia Experiment
  • How To Make A Newton’s Cradle With Popsicle Sticks | 5 Sir Isaac Newton Facts
  • Easy Atom Model Project: How To Create A Fun Lego Version
  • Rising Water with a Candle Easy Hands-On Science Experiment
  • Electricity Hands-On Homeschool Science Activity
4 Weeks Free Physical Science Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas

And then look at these other best homeschool unit studies.

MORE BEST HOMESCHOOL UNIT STUDIES

  • How Do Sharks Float STEM Activity Free Shark Unit Study & Notebooking Pages
  • Volcano Unit Study and Fun Apple Volcano
  • Homeschool Unit Study Egg to Sea Turtle Lesson Plans & Lapbook
  • 5 Fun Candy Science Experiments and Unit Study & Homemade Lollipops
  • Deer Unit Study & Notebooking Pages
  • Geology Unit Study And Easy DIY Eggshell Geode
  • Coral Reef Printable Lapbook and Fun Hands-on Unit Study Ideas
  • Solar System Unit Study and Hands-on Planets Activity
  • Printable Strawberries Lapbook and Fun Homeschool Unit Study Ideas
  • Weather Unit Study for Kids Who Love Hands-on Learning
  • Easy Seeds and Gardening Unit Study for Kids (Middle – Upper Elementary)
  • Carnivorous Plants Lapbook and Homeschool Unit Study
  • Seashore Watching Unit Study and Beach Lapbook

Leave a CommentFiled Under: My Unit Studies {Free Printables & Hands-on Ideas} Tagged With: earth science, elementary science, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, high school science, homeschool, homeschoolscience, life science, physical science, physics, science

  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Page 1
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Page 15
  • Page 16
  • Page 17
  • Page 18
  • Page 19
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Page 399
  • Go to Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

Footer

Privacy Policy | About Me | Reviews | Contact | Advertise

Categories

Archives

Tina Robertson is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2025 · 5 TNT LLC · Log in · Privacy Policy