• 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
    • Elementary
      • Geronimo Stilton Books
    • Middle School
    • High School
      • Science 
  • Planner
  • Lapbooks
    • Trioramas
    • History Games
    • LEGO
  • Shop
  • GET STARTED NOW!
    • Learning Styles
  • 7 Step Planner
    • Free Student Planner
    • Free Home Binder
  • Unit Studies
    • Creation to Ancients
      • Mesopotamia
    • Middle Ages to Reform
    • Exploring to Revolution
    • World Wars to Today
    • Science
  • Curriculum
    • More Unit Studies
    • Geography
    • Writing PreK to 12th
    • Free Art Curriculum
  • BootCamp
    • Resources
      • Ultimate Unit Study Planner

Welcome

Explorer Facts and Free Printable Meet the Explorers Activity

July 20, 2026 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Your kids will learn some explorer facts with the free printable Discovering the World Meet the Explorers Activity Pack. Also, look at my page Hands-On Simple And Best Homeschool Geography Ideas & Tips for more ideas.

Geography comes alive when children discover the incredible people who dared to sail into the unknown, map uncharted lands, and change the way we see the world.

Explorer Facts and Free Printable Meet the Explorers Activity

Reading books is a fun way to learn about famous explorers, but completing engaging activities helps children connect with the people behind the discoveries.

They can learn about explorers like Christopher Columbus, Ferdinand Magellan, Marco Polo, Vasco da Gama, Samuel de Champlain, James Cook, and many others by including them with this study.

Also, we love adding living books to our printables to make the subject come to life.

GEOGRAPHY LIVING BOOKS FOR HOMESCHOOLERS

Too, with a fun geography living book and a few printables your child can learn independently.

Some children are ready for independent learning earlier than others. So a fun set of printables alongside a geography living book nurtures your child’s love for independence.

13 Geography Living Books

Add some of these living geography books to your home library. All ages will love them.

Image for Paddle-to-the-Sea: A Caldecott Honor Award Winner (Sandpiper Books)

Paddle-to-the-Sea: A Caldecott Honor Award Winner (Sandpiper Books)

Follow the journey of a little turtle through all the great lakes to the Atlantic Ocean, not only covering; landforms but also dipping into science, and uses figurative language to help children think and understand the story better.

Image for Seabird: A Newbery Honor Award Winner

Seabird: A Newbery Honor Award Winner

A carved Ivory Gull tells of oceans all over the world and three generations of sailing families in America. 

Image for How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World

How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World

In more of a story book fashion we are led around the world to gather ingredients from all over to make an apple pie and it even includes a simple recipe for an apple pie.

Image for Tree in the Trail

Tree in the Trail

The history of the Great Plains and the Santa Fe Trail is told in text and pictures by focusing on a cottonwood tree and the events that happen around it.

Image for Complete Book Of Marvels

Complete Book Of Marvels

Explore the wonders of the world with America's foremost adventurer, Richard Halliburton. In the Complete Book of Marvels Halliburton takes you with him on thrilling journeys to countless wonders of the world, including natural features like Gibraltar, the Grand Canyon, and Mount Fuji, and famous or forgotten temples and ancient cities, and monuments bigger than life. He follows in the footsteps of Demetrius and traverses the Great Wall.

Replete with historical facts, maps, and a treasure trove of unique restored photographs of both well-known and hidden wonders, Halliburton journeys with the reader by his side to reveal the beauty and mystery of the world's greatest sights as if for the very first time. As a youth Richard Halliburton dreamt of seeing the many mysterious lands and exotic locales beyond the horizon, and by the time he was a teenager he set out to do just that. During his life, his voyages took him to an enormous variety of truly marvelous places, from familiar American landmarks to the far reaches of the globe.

Image for Where We Live: Mapping Neighborhoods of Kids Around the Globe

Where We Live: Mapping Neighborhoods of Kids Around the Globe

This fascinating look at 16 children’s neighborhoods around the world broadens readers’ understanding of global cultures. This unique illustrated map book explores the neighborhoods of 16 real children from around the world. Author Margriet Ruurs, who met many of these children in her travels, tells the story of each child’s neighborhood by highlighting the places that are important to them, such as where they live, go to school and play, as well as interesting facts about their lives, including the food they eat, their religious practices and the sights and smells they encounter every day. From big cities, such as Amsterdam and Beijing, to small communities, such as Salt Spring Island in Canada and the village of Komanyana in Zambia, each place is special to the children who live there.

Image for Minn of the Mississippi: A Newbery Honor Award Winner

Minn of the Mississippi: A Newbery Honor Award Winner

The history of the Mississippi River Valley is told in text and pictures through the adventures of Minn, a snapping turtle, as she travels downstream.

Image for National Parks of the USA (Americana, 1)

National Parks of the USA (Americana, 1)

Packed with maps and fascinating facts about the flora and fauna unique to each of the 21 parks portrayed, this lushly illustrated coast-to-coast journey documents in large format the nation’s most magnificent and sacred places—and shows why they should be preserved for future generations to enjoy. Explore Florida's river-laced Everglades, travel down the white water rapids of the Grand Canyon, trek across the deserts of Death Valley, and scale the soaring summits of the Rocky Mountains with this book that brings you up close to nature's greatest adventures. Divided by region (East, Central, Rocky Mountains, West, Tropics, and Alaska), a pictographic map at the start of each section shows the locations of the parks to be covered. Each park is introduced by a stunning, poster-worthy illustration of one of its scenes and a summary of its makeup, followed by individual illustrations of the animals and plants that make their homes there.

Image for Strawberry Girl by: Lois Lenski

Strawberry Girl by: Lois Lenski

Strawberries -- big, ripe, and juicy. Ten-year-old Birdie Boyer can hardly wait to start picking them. But her family has just moved to the Florida backwoods, and they haven't even begun their planting. Don't count your biddies 'fore they're hatched, gal young un! her father tells her.

Image for Wow Canada!: Exploring This Land from Coast to Coast to Coast (Wow Canada! Collection)

Wow Canada!: Exploring This Land from Coast to Coast to Coast (Wow Canada! Collection)

The multi-award-winning Wow Canada! has steadily wowed readers with its original, witty, and fabulously informative cross-country excursion. This thoroughly updated edition is filled with amazing facts, historical wonders, and descriptions, photos, and illustrations of Canada's most famous sights and hidden gems — it's the perfect accessory for that family car trip across Canada. Eleven-year-old Guy and his family travel from province to province —and even up to Canada’s territories! Guy is the ideal narrator, curious but cool and always armed with a wry comment. Incredible sidebar material offers moments of respite from the family’s high-speed travels, making Wow Canada! both the perfect car trip guidebook and a fantastic armchair travel book.

Image for How the States Got Their Shapes

How the States Got Their Shapes

Why does Oklahoma have that panhandle? Did someone make a mistake?

We are so familiar with the map of the United States that our state
borders seem as much a part of nature as mountains and rivers. Even the oddities—the entire state of Maryland(!)—have become so ingrained that our map might as well be a giant jigsaw puzzle designed by Divine Providence. How the States Got Their Shapes is the first book to tackle why our state lines are where they are. Here are the stories behind the stories, right down to the tiny northward jog at the eastern end of Tennessee and the teeny-tiny (and little known) parts of Delaware that are not attached to Delaware but to New Jersey.

Image for A Child's Geography of the World

A Child's Geography of the World

A Child's Geography of the World is a general course in geography for juveniles. Hillyer was headmaster at the famed Calvert School and wrote a series of books as part of the curriculum for his students. This title was the result of many years of teaching the subject to young children and of several more years in authoring it. The books is now considered in a classic in home schooling.

Image for Geography: An Illustrated A-Z Glossary: An Introduction To Earth's Geographical Features For Kids

Geography: An Illustrated A-Z Glossary: An Introduction To Earth's Geographical Features For Kids

Welcome to Geography: An Illustrated A-Z Glossary by B.C. Lester Books! This book takes you across the world's main landforms and biomes, each with a colorful illustration acWelcome to Geography: An Illustrated A-Z Glossary by B.C. Lester Books! This book takes you across the world's main landforms and biomes, each with a colorful illustration accompanied with a child-friendly definition.

What is a mesa? Or an estuary? What is the difference between a swamp and a marsh?

Covering over 100 geography terms, this book has all the answers! This book is a great, concise introduction to the natural features of Earth for children and is a nice way to spark or develop an interest in geography for kids accompanied with a child-friendly definition.

What is a mesa? Or an estuary? What is the difference between a swamp and a marsh?

Covering over 100 geography terms, this book has all the answers! This book is a great, concise introduction to the natural features of Earth for children and is a nice way to spark or develop an interest in geography for kids.

Next, look at these other geography activities for kids.

MORE GEOGRAPHY AND EXPLORER ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS

  • The Ultimate Guide to Brave Explorers (Great and Small)
  • Explore the World: Free Continent Printables to Color by Number
  • Free The New Seven Wonders of the World Worksheet
  • Free The World Of Columbus And Sons Lapbook For Kids Who Love Hands-On Learning
  • How To Make A Mini Mount Rushmore & Landmarks Of USA
  • The Fascinating World of Sea Geography | Paddle to the Sea Craft
  • 12 Free & Unique Geography Resource History Makers Pages
  • History Makers Notebooking Pages – Famous Persons from Ancient to Modern – Set 2
  • 18+ Fun and Interactive Ways to Learn Geography With Kids
  • 22 Homeschool Geography Go To Resources
  • The Benefits Of Using Games That Teach Geography | Review Of Scrambled States
  •  Marco Polo Unit Study and Lapbook 1254 to 1324.
  • Fun Outdoor Activities For Middle Schoolers Geocaching and Nature Study
  • Hands-on Geography: Longitude/Latitude Mapmaking Activity
  • How to Make An Edible Geography Model of Tidal Zones
Explorer Facts and Free Printable Meet the Explorers Activity

Next, look at the explorers included in this free activity pack download.

  • Christopher Columbus
  • Vasco De Gama
  • Marco Polo
  • Prince Henry the Navigator
  • Bartolomeu Dias
  • Robert Falcon Scott
  • Sally Ride and
  • David Livingstone

HOW TO GET THE FREE DISCOVERING THE WORLD MEET THE EXPLORERS ACTIVITY PACK

That means when you sign up to follow me, you get my emails in your inbox and you get this freebie.

1) CLICK HERE ON THIS LINK TO SIGN UP ON MY EMAIL LIST & TO GET THIS FREEBIE

2) Grab the freebie instantly.

3) Last, look for all my emails in your inbox. Glad to have you following me!

Leave a CommentFiled Under: 1. My FREE Learning Printables {Any Topic} Tagged With: geography, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, highschoolgeography, homeschool, homeschool geography, homeschoolgeography

Dollar Tree Wooden Craft Ideas And How To Make Wooden Bookends

July 18, 2026 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have several Dollar Tree wooden craft ideas today. Also, look at my page The Dynamics of How to Homeschool Easily and Smarter for more fun ideas.

There is a reason so many crafters head to Dollar Tree first before visiting expensive craft stores. Their wood products have improved tremendously over the years, making it easy to create high-end décor on a budget.

Dollar Tree Wooden Craft Ideas And How To Make Wooden Bookends

I especially love that Dollar Tree carries unfinished wood pieces because they’re like a blank canvas. With a little creativity, you can make something unique that fits your style.

The total cost for this project is only a few dollars, making it one of the most budget-friendly home decor crafts you can make.

The next time you’re walking through Dollar Tree, don’t overlook the craft aisle.

Those simple unfinished wood pieces have endless creative potential, and with just a little imagination, they can become useful storage or beautiful craft pieces you’ll be proud to display.

LIVING BOOKS TO ADD TO YOUR HOME LIBRARY

And if you’re looking to add a few beautiful books to your home library, grab one or two of these ancient history books.

13 Ancient History Living Books For Multiple Ages

Add one or two of these books to your day for a unit study or add them to your home library for books to keep.

Image for The Children's Homer

The Children's Homer

It recounts the perilous adventures of Odysseus on his journey back from the war in Troy, including his encounter with the horrible Cyclops, the duplicitous Sirens, and the evil Circe. One of Colum’s many successful children’s novels, these stories will be enjoyed as much today as they were when they first appeared. This edition is printed on premium acid-free paper and is wonderfully illustrated by Willy Pogany.

Image for The Arabian Nights

The Arabian Nights

Full of mischief, valor, ribaldry, and romance, The Arabian Nights has enthralled readers for centuries. These are the tales that saved the life of Scheherazade, whose husband, the king, executed each of his wives after a single night of marriage. Beginning an enchanting story each evening, Scheherazade always withheld the ending: A thousand and one nights later, her life was spared forever.

Image for The Golden Goblet

The Golden Goblet

Ranofer wants only one thing in the world: to be a master goldsmith like his beloved father was. But how can he when he is all but imprisoned by his evil half brother, Gebu? Ranofer knows the only way he can escape Gebu's abuse is by changing his destiny. But can a poor boy with no skills survive on the cutthroat streets of ancient Thebes? Then Ranofer finds a priceless golden goblet in Gebu's room and he knows his luck−and his destiny−are about to change.

Image for City of the Golden House

City of the Golden House

A slave and a cripple, A saint and a Roman officer, An Emperor and a conspirator . . . A city on fire! The events surrounding the burning of Rome and the subsequent Christian persecution provide the backdrop for this story of faith and friendship. A young slave from Britain finds himself in Rome at a tumultuous time. Through his acquaintance with Christians he comes to understand and love the new religion. Out of his zeal for the love of the Christ, he performs a great spiritual work of mercy that sadly goes awry. In the end, God's providence and mercy shine through.

Image for Boy of the Pyramids

Boy of the Pyramids

The pictured wall of an Egyptian tomb supplied the inspiration for this unusual story, which takes place during the building of the Great Pyramid of Khufu more than 4,000 years ago. Kaffe and Sari, an Egyptian noble's son and a slave irl from the nomadic Sand People of the Sinai region, help solve a troublesome mystery and trap its culprit. All told against a colorfully detailed backdrop of ancient Egypt.

Image for Gilgamesh the Hero

Gilgamesh the Hero

This is one of the oldest stories in the world, and it's about things that still matter to us today: friendship, fame, courage, happiness.Gilgamesh and Enkidu are friends -- best friends. Together they can work wonders, fight monsters, brave earthquakes, travel the world! But waiting in the dark is the one enemy they can never overcome.Retold by award-winning author Geraldine McCaughrean, and illustrated with great power by David Parkins, Gilgamesh the Hero is a story that will linger in the imagination long after the book has been put down.

Image for The Arkadians

The Arkadians

Lucian is on the run from a pair of murderous soothsayers. Joy-in-the-Dance knows magic and marvels, and is on a quest. Fronto is a poet-turned-donkey who wants to break the spell that turned him into an animal. The three of them join forces and set out through Arkadia—on an amazing trip that will change their lives. “Master storyteller Alexander keeps the action brisk, packs the text with a riveting collection of weird characters, fantastic settings, plot twists, derring-do, heroes, villains, magic, prophecy, humor, shipwrecks, fires—what more could readers ask for?”—Kirkus Reviews

Image for Archimedes and the Door of Science

Archimedes and the Door of Science

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.Greece, 200 B.C.

Image for The Golden Bull: A Mesopotamian Adventure

The Golden Bull: A Mesopotamian Adventure

A brother and sister's search for a new life and new home . . .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. Marjorie Cowley vividly imagines the intrigues, and harsh struggle for survival in ancient Mesopotamia.

Image for God King: A Story in the Days of King Hezekiah

God King: A Story in the Days of King Hezekiah

A never-before published tale by the author of the best-selling Hittite Warrior carries the reader back to Ancient Egypt and biblical Jerusalem. It is 701 B.C—rule of the Kushite dynasty in ancient Egypt. Young Prince Taharka, a very minor royal son, succeeds unexpectedly to the throne of Kush and Egypt—a "divine" rulership. It's not long, however, before a treacherous plot pushes him into sudden exile and into the hands of Amos, an emissary of King Hezekiah seeking help against the Assyrians. Posing as a medical assistant, Taharka journeys with Amos to Judea where he encounters two kings in conflict. His true identity suddenly uncovered, he must choose with whom he will fight—the mighty Assyrian, Sennacherib, promising alliance, or Hezekiah, the Jew who trusts in Yahweh. A novel inspired by research on the historical King Taharka and his period. Includes an introduction, with home-education suggestions, by Daria Sockey.Egypt and Judea, 700 B.C.

Image for Mara, Daughter of the Nile

Mara, Daughter of the Nile

Mara is a proud and beautiful slave girl who yearns for freedom in ancient Egypt, under the rule of Queen Hatshepsut. Mara is not like other slaves; she can read and write, as well as speak the language of Babylonian. So, to barter for her freedom, she finds herself playing the dangerous role of double spy for two arch enemies—each of whom supports a contender for the throne of Egypt.   Against her will, Mara finds herself falling in love with one of her masters, the noble Sheftu, and she starts to believe in his plans of restoring Thutmose III to the throne. But just when Mara is ready to offer Sheftu her help and her heart, her duplicity is discovered, and a battle ensues in which both Mara’s life and the fate of Egypt are at stake.

Image for The Boy of the Painted Cave

The Boy of the Painted Cave

Tao is an outcast. Unlike the great hunters of his clan, Tao does not want to kill the wild bears or woolly mammoths of the hunt. Instead he wants only to paint them. But only Chosen Ones can be cave painters. What's more, Volt, the clan leader, violently despises Tao. And when the other clan members discover Tao's secret talent, they cast him out into the wilderness alone. There, he befriends a wild wolf dog named Ram, and the mysterious Graybeard, who teaches him the true secret of the hunt.

Image for D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths

D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths

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.  “For any child fortunate enough to have this generous book . . . the kings and heroes of ancient legend will remain forever matter-of-fact; the pictures interpret the text literally and are full of detail and witty observation.”—The Horn Book

Too, look at some reasons to add these crafts to your homeschool day.

WHY DOLLAR TREE WOODEN CRAFT IDEAS ARE A GREAT IDEA

  • Affordable supplies let you experiment without worrying about mistakes.
  • Seasonal inventory changes throughout the year, giving you fresh inspiration.
  • Wooden blanks are easy to paint, stain, distress, or decoupage.
  • Most supplies can be mixed with items you already have at home.
  • You can make beautiful gifts without spending a lot of money.
  • Many projects can be completed in an afternoon.

We’re using Dollar Tree wood items to create unique bookends customized to your own style.

Grab some paint, 2 pieces of wood, a sheet of pretty scrapbook paper, and a big handful of popsicle sticks to assemble these darling bookends.

But first, I have 10 more great Dollar Tree Wooden craft ideas to share with you, using everything from clothespins to mini Jenga sets to peg dolls and wooden blocks.

10 DOLLAR TREE WOODEN CRAFT IDEAS

While all of these ideas may not be listed as Dollar Tree crafts, I have confirmed that all these wooden items are available at Dollar Tree.

Dollar Tree Wooden Craft Ideas And How To Make Wooden Bookends
  1. Learn about their life cycle and craft cute Cicada Insect Fun Facts For Kids | How to Make A Cicada Clothespin Craft.
  2. Make these Dollar Tree Tumbling Tower Craft – Jenga Block Magnets.
  3. Or have your child design their own creative faux book stack highlighting their favorites with a Mini Jenga Block Bookstack – Manda Panda Projects.
  4. Keep supplies neatly organized with this Clever DIY Dollar Tree Desk Organizer Back to School Craft idea.
  5. What a fun way to not only craft but also work on your child’s spatial reasoning and problem-solving with DIY Tetris Magnets | artsy-fartsy mama.
  6. These are great for homeschool or regular school, using scraps of wood or mini jenga blocks. Back-to-School Theme Upcycled Craft – Organized 31.
  7. Create Fun Pioneer Peg Dolls For Kids Westward Expansion Hands-On Activities.
  8. Pencil-Themed Clothespins for Back-to-School Literacy Fun
  9. 8 Easy Fall Wood Crafts For Kids And A Dollar Tree Pumpkin Patch
  10. These Back to School Craft Ideas from Dollar Tree are oh so cute for the first day back to homeschool to house fun new supplies.

HOW TO MAKE WOODEN BOOKENDS

Finally, this project is beginner-friendly and doesn’t require any special woodworking tools.

While I had several things on hand, like paint, scrapbook paper, and Modge Podge, all of these items are available at Dollar Tree.

  • Wood blocks   $1.25
  • Jumbo craft sticks       $1.25
  • Scrapbook paper        $0.50–$1.00 per sheet
  • Paint    Already on hand or about $1.25
  • Mod Podge     Already on hand

Total= Roughly $5 for the set

You will need:

  • Dollar Tree wooden blocks
  • Jumbo popsicle sticks (craft sticks)
  • Acrylic paint in your favorite color
  • Scrapbook paper
  • Decoupage medium (such as Mod Podge)
  • Paintbrush
  • E6000 or similar strong adhesive
  • Scissors
  • Sandpaper
  • Clear sealer 
Dollar Tree Wooden Craft Ideas And How To Make Wooden Bookends

If necessary, lightly sand the wooden blocks to smooth any rough edges. Wipe away any dust before painting.

Dollar Tree Wooden Craft Ideas And How To Make Wooden Bookends

Paint all visible surfaces of the wooden blocks with your favorite acrylic paint color. Depending on the color you choose, you may need two coats for full coverage.

Dollar Tree Wooden Craft Ideas And How To Make Wooden Bookends

Measure out how many popsicle sticks you need to go the width of your wood block. For me, it was 8 to span the 7.5”x 5.5” blocks I found at Dollar Tree.

Paint the popsicle sticks.

Dollar Tree Wooden Craft Ideas And How To Make Wooden Bookends

Now, this is where you can really customize your project. Floral prints, farmhouse patterns, vintage maps, seasonal papers, or modern geometric designs all create completely different looks.

Measure one side of each wooden block and cut your scrapbook paper to fit perfectly.

Dollar Tree Wooden Craft Ideas And How To Make Wooden Bookends

Brush a thin layer of decoupage medium onto one side of the wooden block.

Dollar Tree Wooden Craft Ideas And How To Make Wooden Bookends

Carefully place the scrapbook paper onto the glue, smoothing out any bubbles with your fingers or a plastic scraper.

Once dry, brush another thin coat of decoupage medium over the top to seal the paper in place.

Dollar Tree Wooden Craft Ideas And How To Make Wooden Bookends

Add glue along one end of the wooden block.

Dollar Tree Wooden Craft Ideas And How To Make Wooden Bookends

Glue popsicle sticks securely to the bottom of each wooden block to create the foot of the bookend.

Dollar Tree Wooden Craft Ideas And How To Make Wooden Bookends

This gives the bookend the classic “L” shape needed to support books while also adding extra stability.

Allow everything to dry completely.

Your finished DIY bookends are ready to hold your favorite books, cookbooks, journals, or planners.

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

Free Natural Disasters Lapbook For Kids Who Love Hands-on Science

July 16, 2026 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have a free natural disasters lapbook. Also, look at my pages Homeschool Lapbooks – Powerful Tools For Mastery Learning for more lapbook ideas.

This lapbook about natural disasters is a fun hands-on way to study science, geography, and critical thinking.

Free Natural Disasters Lapbook For Kids Who Love Hands-on Science

Natural disasters capture children’s curiosity. Kids often have questions about tornadoes, volcanoes, earthquakes, floods, wildfires, hurricanes, and tsunamis.

A natural disasters lapbook can easily become the center of a unit study. For example, use a living book about weather, volcanoes and earthquakes.

Add a map to show where natural disasters occurred and log weather patterns in a journal.

BOOKS ABOUT NATURAL DISASTERS FOR KIDS

Next, look at some books to use as a spine or for a read aloud.

We always prefer living books when we can find them.

9 Books About Natural Disasters

Learning about natural disasters is a great way to discover how our planet works. Add one or two of these books to your home library.

Image for Two Bobbies: A True Story of Hurricane Katrina, Friendship, and Survival

Two Bobbies: A True Story of Hurricane Katrina, Friendship, and Survival

This modern classic from Newbery award winning author Kirby Larson and Mary Nethery is a remarkable true story of the devotion, friendship, and survival of two pets left behind in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. A testament to the spirit that defined post-Katrina rescue missions, this beautiful picture book has been a favorite of young readers for fifteen years.During Hurricane Katrina, evacuating New Orleans residents were forced to leave their pets behind. Bobbi the dog was initially chained to keep her safe, but after her owners failed to return, she had to break free. For months, Bobbi wandered the city's ravaged streets--dragging her chain behind her--followed by her feline companion, Bob Cat. After months of hunger and struggle, the Two Bobbies were finally rescued by a construction worker helping to rebuild the city. When he brought them to a shelter, volunteers made an amazing discovery about the devoted friends--Bob Cat was actually blind! He had survived the aftermath of the storm by following the sound Bobbi's chain made as she dragged it along the ground.

Image for Five Epic Disasters (I Survived True Stories #1) (1)

Five Epic Disasters (I Survived True Stories #1) (1)

The New York Times-bestselling I Survived series expands to include this thrilling nonfiction exploration of five true stories, from the Titanic to the Henryville Tornadoes.

REAL KIDS. REAL DISASTERS.From the author of the New York Times-bestselling I Survived series come five harrowing true stories of survival, featuring real kids in the midst of epic disasters.From a group of students surviving the 9.0 earthquake that set off a historic tsunami in Japan, to a boy nearly frozen on the prairie in 1888, these unforgettable kids lived to tell tales of unimaginable destruction -- and, against all odds, survival.Read their incredible stories:The Children's Blizzard, 1888The Titanic Disaster, 1912The Great Boston Molasses Flood, 1919The Japanese Tsunami, 2011The Henryville Tornado, 2012

Image for Escaping the Giant Wave

Escaping the Giant Wave

When an earthquake hits on their family vacation, can Kyle and his sister survive the following tsunami?The Worst Vacation Ever!Thirteen-year-old Kyle thought spending a vacation on the Oregon coast with his family would be great. He’d never flown before, and he’s never seen the Pacific Ocean.One evening Kyle is left in charge of his younger sister, BeeBee, while his parents attend an adults-only Salesman of the Year dinner on an elegant yacht.Then the earthquake comes—starting a fire in their hotel! As Kyle and BeeBee fight their way out through smoke and flame, Kyle remembers the sign at the beach that said after an earthquake everyone should go uphill and inland, as far from the ocean as possible. Giant tsunami waves—three or four stories high—can ride in from the sea and engulf anyone who doesn’t escape fast enough.

Image for Volcano: Eruption and Healing of Mt. St Helen's

Volcano: Eruption and Healing of Mt. St Helen's

In this extraordinary photographic essay, Patricia Lauber details the Mount St. Helens eruption and the years following in Volcano: Eruption and Healing of Mt. St. Helen's.Through this clear accurate account, readers of all ages will share the awe of the scientists who witnessed both the power of the volcano and the resiliency of life.

Image for Earthquakes: An Award-Winning STEM Book with Photography for Children

Earthquakes: An Award-Winning STEM Book with Photography for Children

In Earthquakes, Simon introduces elementary-school readers to earthquakes through engaging descriptions and stunning full-color photographs. He teaches readers why and how earthquakes happen and the damage they can cause through pictures, diagrams, and maps. He also gives real-life examples of earthquakes that have occurred all over the world.

With clear, simple text and stunning full-color photographs, readers will learn all about the fascinating phenomenon that is an earthquake in this informative picture book.

Image for Wildfires

Wildfires

A raging wildfire can be a major disaster, costing lives and destroying homes. But fires in nature can help as well as harm, clearing forests of dead trees and allowing young plants to grow. Breathtaking photos highlight this surprising look at fire’s part in maintaining the balance of nature. This nonfiction picture book is an excellent choice toshare during homeschooling, in particular for children ages 6 to 8. It’s a funway to learn to read and as a supplement for activity books for children.

Image for Lia and the red carnations

Lia and the red carnations

A novel of a young lady in Italy.When Lia's family was flooded out of their Italian home, they went to Grandmother's where Lia worked night and day to market the flowers and give hope to her family.

Image for The Borrowers Afloat

The Borrowers Afloat

Uprooted once again, the little people journey down a drain, live briefly in a teakettle, and are swept away in a flood. “As irresistible as its predecessors.”--Booklist

Image for Flood Friday

Flood Friday

When heavy rains cause the river to flood, Sally, her family, and many of their neighbors have to evacuate their homes. With nothing but the clothes on their backs, they seek shelter at the local school. At first, it seems like an adventure, but as reports come in of whole houses being washed away, Sally learns the meaning of being a true friend and a good neighbor.

Also, look at more hands-on ways to add to this lapbook or a natural disasters unit study.

HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES TO PAIR WITH NATURAL DISASTERS LAPBOOK

  • Weather In A Bottle | How To Make An Amazing Tornado In A Jar
  • Explaining Thunder And Lightning To Preschoolers Easy Sensory Bin
  • Celebrate National Vinegar Day With A Hands-on Study of Volcanoes
  • Free Homeschool Volcano Unit Study and Fun Apple Volcano
  • Crust to Core: How to Build LEGO Earth Layers
  • Dive Into STEM Learning With An Exciting Jello Earthquake Experiment
  • Amazing Volcano Facts For Kids & Awesome Lemon Volcano Experiment
Free Natural Disasters Lapbook For Kids Who Love Hands-on Science

Also, look at more science lapbooks.

SCIENCE HOMESCHOOL LAPBOOKS

  • 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
  • Fun Dragon Unit Study Ideas and Salt Dough Dragon Craft
  • 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
  • Carnivorous Plants Lapbook and Homeschool Unit Study
  • Seashore Watching Unit Study and Beach Lapbook
  • Easy Seeds and Gardening Unit Study for Kids (Middle – Upper Elementary)

Now, how to grab the freebie.

It’s a subscriber freebie.

HOW TO GET THE FREE NATURAL DISASTERS LAPBOOK

That means when you sign up to follow me, you get my emails in your inbox and you get this freebie.

1) CLICK HERE ON THIS LINK TO SIGN UP ON MY EMAIL LIST & TO GET THIS FREEBIE

2) Grab the freebie instantly.

3) Last, look for all my emails in your inbox. Glad to have you following me!

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Lapbooks Tagged With: hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, lapbook, lapbooking, lapbookresources, lapbooks, natural disasters, science

Make Memories Last: Free Field Trip Log Printable

July 13, 2026 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, I have five free field trip log printables which I created with middle school and high school kids in mind. Also, look at my page Diy Best Student Planner and grab other gorgeous planning pages on my Homeschool Planner and 7 Step Curriculum Planner pages.

Previously, I created journal pages but wanted something that a teen didn’t feel was too whimsical. You know how fussy older learners can be.

Make Memories Last: Free Field Trip Log Printable

Too, I created them because field trips can be part of an elective or tracking time for core subjects. So I wanted something that was a bit more formal.

As always, for younger learners delight learning and nurturing creativity should be the primary focus. For older learners, you don’t want them to give that up but you need a way to track learning a bit more formal.

So middle school is the perfect time to introduce a more detailed field trip journal.

TEEN IDEAS FUN ORGANIZING TOOLS

Next, look at some of these fun planner supplies or my teens loved using clip boards to carry at field trips when they had to pay more than the usual attention to a topic.

And did I mention it keeps your teen offline and off their device and get back to basics by handwriting.

8 Fun Planner Supplies For Teens

Whether you add a bit of eye candy or consider it essential supplies, your teen will love to add some fun items to his homeschool day.

Image for Aesthetic Highlighters and Gel Pens With Soft Ink and Chisel Tip,

Aesthetic Highlighters and Gel Pens With Soft Ink and Chisel Tip,

Highlighters and Gel Pens With Soft Ink and Chisel Tip, Bible Highlighters and Pens No Bleed, Dry Fast Easy to Hold, for Bible Journaling Planner School Supplies

Image for Poppin Zip Folios, Aqua

Poppin Zip Folios, Aqua

Set of 3 slide-tab reusable plastic envelopes

Image for Bubble Shape Sticky Notes

Bubble Shape Sticky Notes

8 Bright Colors: Including blue, light blue, green, yellow, orange, rose red, pink and purple; colorful memo pads that look good and are hard to ignore.

Image for Sticky Notes Ball - Triangular Shaped Set, Pastel,

Sticky Notes Ball - Triangular Shaped Set, Pastel,

Poppin Sticky Notes Ball - Triangular Shaped Set, Pastel, 8-Sided Memo Ball with 4 Colors

Image for Eco-friendly Wood & Plastic Free Rainbow  Pencils

Eco-friendly Wood & Plastic Free Rainbow Pencils

RAINBOW PAPER PENCIL:The inner body of pencils is made of rainbow -like recycled papers.Premium #2 HB grade lead for smooth writing and drawing.

Image for Clipboard with Pen Holde

Clipboard with Pen Holde

SFLHHDM 1 Pcs Clear Glitter Clipboards, Plastic Clipboard with Pen Holder,Size 8.85 x 12.4 in Shiny Clipboards with Low Profile Clip,Cute Hanging Clipboard for Office Sparkly Clip Board-Navy Blue

Image for Eco Highlighter Pencils

Eco Highlighter Pencils

Eco Highlighter Pencils - Set of 5 Colors - Will Not Bleed or Dry Out - Includes Wooden Sharpener

Then, look at these ideas for teens for their planner.

TEEN PLANNING IDEAS & ACTIVITIES

  • Homeschool Field Trip Journal Pages
  • Free Editable Field Trip Tracking Guide for Homeschool Field Trips
  • 7 Benefits of Virtual Field Trips that May Change Your Perspective
  • Homeschool Field Trips – An Important Piece of the Educational Puzzle Part 1 + Free Field Trip Planning Page
  • 22 Awesome Homeschool History Field Trips

BENEFITS OF A FIELD TRIP LOG FOR TEENS

Older students can:

  • Record observations
  • Learn new vocabulary
  • Sketch artifacts or exhibits
  • Write thoughtful reflections
  • Evaluate what they learned
  • Connect field trips to current studies
  • Practice note-taking skills

These habits prepare students for high school research projects and independent learning.

Make Memories Last: Free Field Trip Log Printable

Now, how to grab the freebie. It’s a subscriber freebie.

HOW TO GET THE 5 FREE FIELD TRIP LOG PRINTABLES

1) CLICK HERE ON THIS LINK TO SIGN UP ON MY EMAIL LIST & TO GET THIS FREEBIE.

2) Grab the freebie instantly.

3) Last, look for all my emails in your inbox. Glad to have you following me

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Homeschool Planner Tagged With: curriculum planner, curriculum planner. homeschool., fieldtripjournal, fieldtrips, homeschool curriculum planner, homeschool planning, homeschoolfieldtrip, homeschoolplanner, homeschoolplanning, lessonplanning, planner, planning, student planner, teens

Homeschool Field Trip Journal Pages

July 12, 2026 | 9 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have been wanting to create some homeschool field trip journal pages for a while but have been hesitant to create them. Also, look at my page Diy Best Student Planner and grab other gorgeous planning pages on my Homeschool Planner and 7 Step Curriculum Planner pages.

Writing for some kids is something you have to sneak in. So I have been mulling over even the smallest detail about the forms.

Homeschool Field Trip Journal Pages

For the field trip pages, that meant I brainstormed the title of the pages a bit longer.

I just couldn’t bring myself to name the pages Field Trip Report because it sounds so — well — like a report.  My sons enjoy writing for the most part and I want to keep it that way. 

Finally, I settled on the title Field Trip Journals because I think there is freedom in the word journal for a budding writer. 

It almost feels like you are not going to squash their creative ideas before they get started. 

I appreciate some breathing room when I write, and I extend that same liberty to my kids.

Instead of my sons reporting back to me, I prefer they want to write about our field trips. Too, I wanted to use a more whimsical form so our kids could feel like they own it.

I have created some boxes for them to write in and then created a few smaller blank spaces if they wanted to share one or two more ideas.

Some kids are word whisperers, and I was sort of that way growing up. 

Jotting down a word or two that I heard lately either gave me a chuckle or invoked a serious side. 

If you have older kids, they may love some of these tools. Even young ones too want to be organized.

TEEN IDEAS FUN ORGANIZING TOOLS

And did I mention it keeps your teen offline and off their device and get back to basics by handwriting.

8 Fun Planner Supplies For Teens

Whether you add a bit of eye candy or consider it essential supplies, your teen will love to add some fun items to his homeschool day.

Image for Aesthetic Highlighters and Gel Pens With Soft Ink and Chisel Tip,

Aesthetic Highlighters and Gel Pens With Soft Ink and Chisel Tip,

Highlighters and Gel Pens With Soft Ink and Chisel Tip, Bible Highlighters and Pens No Bleed, Dry Fast Easy to Hold, for Bible Journaling Planner School Supplies

Image for Poppin Zip Folios, Aqua

Poppin Zip Folios, Aqua

Set of 3 slide-tab reusable plastic envelopes

Image for Bubble Shape Sticky Notes

Bubble Shape Sticky Notes

8 Bright Colors: Including blue, light blue, green, yellow, orange, rose red, pink and purple; colorful memo pads that look good and are hard to ignore.

Image for Sticky Notes Ball - Triangular Shaped Set, Pastel,

Sticky Notes Ball - Triangular Shaped Set, Pastel,

Poppin Sticky Notes Ball - Triangular Shaped Set, Pastel, 8-Sided Memo Ball with 4 Colors

Image for Eco-friendly Wood & Plastic Free Rainbow  Pencils

Eco-friendly Wood & Plastic Free Rainbow Pencils

RAINBOW PAPER PENCIL:The inner body of pencils is made of rainbow -like recycled papers.Premium #2 HB grade lead for smooth writing and drawing.

Image for Clipboard with Pen Holde

Clipboard with Pen Holde

SFLHHDM 1 Pcs Clear Glitter Clipboards, Plastic Clipboard with Pen Holder,Size 8.85 x 12.4 in Shiny Clipboards with Low Profile Clip,Cute Hanging Clipboard for Office Sparkly Clip Board-Navy Blue

Image for Eco Highlighter Pencils

Eco Highlighter Pencils

Eco Highlighter Pencils - Set of 5 Colors - Will Not Bleed or Dry Out - Includes Wooden Sharpener

More Homeschool Field Trip Resources

  • Free Editable Field Trip Tracking Guide for Homeschool Field Trips
  • 7 Benefits of Virtual Field Trips that May Change Your Perspective
  • Homeschool Field Trips – An Important Piece of the Educational Puzzle Part 1 + Free Field Trip Planning Page
  • 22 Awesome Homeschool History Field Trips

The most recent word my kids are getting a chuckle over is come-uppings.  Is that even a word?  I used it one time in talking to them and they haven’t quit saying it since then.  I don’t care if it’s a word or not because it gives them a cause to pause in the day about their vocabulary and a love of words.

Field Trip Journal 1

Then we have kids, I have one too, that is a doodler, a scribbler and part designer. 

Picture words remind him of an event. The blank space is big enough for a scribble or two even by big kids.

So the blank spaces allows your kids and mine to make the page their own. Too, I didn’t want the pages too babyish so they don’t outgrow them by Kindergarten.

I have 2 pages that have more manly man color. My boys have low tolerance for anything too colorful and I try to minimize the eye-rolling. 

Then of course on the ones for girls, I go girl color crazy. I have 2 color choices for them also.

Hopefully, these forms will help get your kids excited because you know how much our kids enjoy field trips with other homeschooled kids or just with the family. 

It has always been the highlight of our month.

Do you feel the spark? I hope this sparks a fun and whimsical side to writing for the kids because I think I give my boys enough reports to write about.

This is a subscriber freebie.

HOW TO GRAB THE FREE FIELD TRIP JOURNAL PAGES

That means when you sign up to follow me, you get my emails in your inbox and you get this freebie.

1) CLICK HERE ON THIS LINK TO SIGN UP ON MY EMAIL LIST & TO GET THIS FREEBIE.

2) Grab the freebie instantly.

3) Last, look for all my emails in your inbox. Glad to have you following me!

You may also love to download these free printables!

  • DIY Undated 12 Month Calendar Homeschool
Homeschool Field Trip Journal

9 CommentsFiled Under: Student Planners Tagged With: calendar, fieldtripjournal, fieldtrips, freeprintables, printable, virtual field trips

  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Page 1
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Page 3
  • Page 4
  • Page 5
  • Page 6
  • Page 7
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Page 465
  • 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 © 2026 · 5 TNT LLC · Log in · Privacy Policy