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Simple Flower Dissection & Awesome Spring Science Experiments Middle School

April 17, 2025 | Leave a Comment
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To celebrate spring, I’m sharing some spring science experiments middle school. Also, look at my page How to Successfully Homeschool Middle School and 4 Weeks Free Spring Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas for more ideas.

Also, we are creating an amazing display for a simple flower dissection but level it up a bit for middle schoolers.

This flower dissection display is wonderful for a home project but can be used for co-op presentations or just to take the ordinary to something more extraordinary while learning.

Simple Flower Dissection & Awesome Spring Science Experiments Middle School

The structure and functions of flower parts all contribute to the intricate process of pollination.

Pollination is essential for plant reproduction and what better way to learn about each one than to dissect and label each.

You can use real flowers if you like or faux silk flowers so that they keep longer.

Try to choose flowers that clearly display the plant’s structure like lilies, tulips, daffodils, alstroemerias, and gladiolus.

By attracting pollinators, producing and receiving pollen, and protecting the developing seeds, flowers play a vital role in the life cycle of plants and the ecosystem.

Let’s look at the role of each part of the flower and where it fits into this

PARTS OF A FLOWER

Sepals: Often green and leaf-like, sepals form the outermost layer of the flower bud.

Their primary function is to protect the developing flower inside from drying out, damage, and pests. In some cases, sepals may be brightly colored and resemble petals, aiding in pollinator attraction. Once the flower blooms, sepals may remain as a support structure or wither away.

Petals: The most visually striking part of a flower, petals are often brightly colored or uniquely shaped to attract pollinators. Their colors, patterns, and sometimes even ultraviolet markings serve as signals to guide insects, birds, and other animals to the flower’s reproductive organs.

Some petals produce scents to further entice pollinators, while others have specialized structures to facilitate landing and pollen collection. In some flowers, petals may also play a role in protecting the reproductive organs from the elements.

Stamens: The male reproductive organs of a flower, stamens are responsible for producing pollen grains, which contain the male gametes. The number, shape, and arrangement of stamens within a flower can vary greatly, often reflecting adaptations for specific types of pollination.

Each stamen consists of two parts:

Anther: The sac-like structure that produces and releases pollen.
Filament: The stalk that supports the anther, positioning it for effective pollen dispersal.

FLOWER PARTS

Pistil/Carpel: The female reproductive organ of a flower, the pistil (or carpel) houses the ovules, which, after fertilization, develop into seeds.

A pistil typically consists of three parts:

Stigma: The sticky or feathery tip that receives pollen grains.
Style: The slender stalk that connects the stigma to the ovary.
Ovary: The enlarged base that contains the ovules.

The ovary may be located superior (above the other flower parts) or inferior (below the other flower parts), depending on the flower type.

Receptacle: The expanded tip of the flower stalk where all the other flower parts are attached.

It provides structural support for the flower and may also play a role in the development and dispersal of seeds.

In some flowers, the receptacle becomes fleshy and forms part of the fruit, aiding in seed dispersal.

Leaves: The main function of a leaf is to produce food for the plant by photosynthesis. Leaves also provide structure and support, store water and nutrients, and help regulate temperature.

Stem: Stems provide support the the flower. It also transports water and minerals from the roots to the rest of the plant. They also produce new growth to extend the life of the plant.

SPRING SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS MIDDLE SCHOOL

In addition, look these spring science experiments for middle school.

Since it is the season for them, Extracting DNA From A Strawberry is not only fun but timely.
Learn How to Make a Naked Egg.
When I think of spring I definitely think of gardening and learning How to make a red cabbage pH indicator feels like a great fit. Gentle spring breezes or those before an incoming storm are a great excuse to try out How to Make a Simple Wind Vane | Fun Wind Activities Middle School.
Learn about simple machines like this lever Bunny Launcher: A Peeps STEM Experiment.
I don’t care how old you are How to Make Ice Cream In A Bag Science is always going to be a hit, and a great way to demonstrate how you can change matter and a sweet treat for a warm spring day!
To understand how plants grow and reach for the sun a Plant Light Maze helps middle schoolers understand phototropism.

SIMPLE FLOWER DISSECTION SPRING SCIENCE EXPERIMENT MIDDLE SCHOOL

You will need:

Corkboard
Patterned scrapbook paper
Push pins
3×5 cards
Real or silk flowers
Scissors
Letter stickers

Take your corkboard and decorate it with patterned scrapbook paper, stickers, ribbon, or washi tape.

You can glue these pieces on but if you want to be able to use your corkboard for other things just attach everything with clear push pins.

Have your child first label 3×5 cards with the name of each flower part by hand or using stickers.

And a short description of each.

Use scissors to carefully take apart each section of the flower and tape or glue them to the corresponding cards.

Arrange the cards around the board for display.

Don’t forget to make a title for the top.

How to do a Spring Watercolor Tutorial: Explore Holland’s Beautiful Tulips

April 16, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Let’s make a spring watercolor tutorial to explore Holland’s beautiful tulips on its own or as part of a study on Holland. Also, look at my page 4 Weeks Free Spring Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas.

You could do your watercolor on any size paper you like.

But since we are using tulips as an activity for a Holland unit study, how fun would it be to create a series of postcards for different countries?

How to do a Spring Watercolor Tutorial: Explore Holland's Beautiful Tulips

First, it is important to note that Holland has been used as the official name for the country of the Netherlands in the English language.

Holland is a region within the Netherlands, consisting of the provinces of North Holland and South Holland.

But you simply cannot learn about Holland without learning about the larger area around it, the Netherlands.

So, I have included plenty of fun activities that encompass the whole country.

Holland is a country known for its windmills and canals but also has a colorful secret- a sea of beautiful tulips that bloom every spring.

Let’s dive into the enchanting world of Dutch tulips.

ABOUT SPRING WATERCOLOR TUTORIAL

The climate and soil there are ideal for tulips. The cool, wet winters and mild springs provide the perfect balance for these beauties to thrive.

Tulips are spring bloomers, meaning they sleep underground during winter and wake up to show their colorful petals when the weather warms up.

Holland boasts vast tulip fields that become a breathtaking spectacle of color when they bloom. Take a look at some of these photos on Google.

The Dutch have been cultivating tulips for centuries and passing down their knowledge and expertise from one generation to the next.

In the spring Holland celebrates the tulip with…

Keukenhof Gardens: This world-famous garden showcases millions of tulips and other flowers in a stunning display. It’s like a fairy tale come true!
Tulip Festivals: The country hosts numerous tulip festivals where visitors can wander through fields of blooming tulips, take pictures, and learn about different varieties.
Flower Parades: Colorful parades with floats adorned with thousands of tulips are a highlight of the festivities.

Then, look at some facts about tulips.

5 TULIP FACTS

In the 17th century, tulips were so valuable in Holland that people traded them like money. This period is known as “Tulip Mania.”
Tulips close their petals at night and open them again when the sun rises.
While not the most delicious snack, tulip bulbs are edible. They were even eaten during times of food scarcity.
Tulips grow from bulbs, these bulbs store food and energy for the tulip to grow.
Tulips come in almost every color you can imagine: red, yellow, pink, purple, white, and even mixes like stripes and blends.

Then, look at these activities to learn about Holland.

HOLLAND ART, ACTIVITIES, AND RESOURCES

Make a Dutch Canal House in delft blue, these unique houses were designed in the 17th century and are iconic, they are narrow, high, and deep, and situated along a canal.

Grab a fun book like the ABC’s of Amsterdam to learn more about the Netherlands.

Learn about the tradition of Dutch wooden shoes and make a set from paper.

Younger children will enjoy crafting these simple Dixie Cup Windmills.

Delft Blue, also known as Delftware, is a type of Dutch tin-glazed earthenware pottery, primarily known for its blue and white designs. Paint a Monochromatic Delft-Inspired Plate as you learn more about the Netherlands.

Make a simple paper Dutch Hat,

Buy some Tulip Bulbs and try your hand at growing your own.

Finally, look at this fun spring watercolor tutorial.

HOW TO DO A TULIP SPRING WATERCOLOR TUTORIAL

You will need:

First, start by creating a border around the postcard by taping off the edges using a thin art tape (or washi tape).

I like to leave it a little longer on the corners to secure it to the table so it will not move around while painting.

Paint several egg shapes across the center of the page using a small rounded brush.

While the paint is still wet, paint another egg a shape on both sides of the first one, overlapping them right over the center to complete your tulip.

Repeat with the same color or paint a bunch of different colored tulips across the page.

Allow a few minutes for your flowers to dry and then paint on stems with a very small paintbrush.

And then long curving leaves to fill in the bottom area.

Use a small fluffy brush to dab on a couple of different shades of blue to create the sky, leaving some unpainted areas for clouds.

Allow to dry completely then remove the tape border.

To set your paint so that you can mail your postcard while protecting your art give it a light spray with watercolor fixative.

How To Make An Awesome Slime Flask Activity | Fun Facts About Marie Curie For Kids

April 15, 2025 | Leave a Comment
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Besides fun facts about Marie Curie for kids we are going to discover some amazing books, activities, and even make a “radioactive” slime flask for fun.

Marie Curie was born in Poland. She loved learning, especially about science.

And she became famous for her studies and use of the term “radioactive”, a word to describe the phenomenon of elements spontaneously emitting radiation.

How To Make An Awesome Slime Flask Activity | Fun Facts About Marie Curie For Kids

So of course, we had to make a slime that celebrates her discovery and is just plain fun to experiment with.

Slime is a simple foray into the world of chemistry using a non-Newtonian fluid that acts like both a solid and a liquid.

Slime is made up of polymers, which are made of long chains of molecules that bind together when the ingredients blend.

It creates a wonderful tactile sensory experience that kids love and they are not likely to forget when you talk to them about Marie Curie while they explore the science of slime.

5 FUN FACTS ABOUT MARIE CURIE FOR KIDS

There are several important things that you should share with your child about Marie Curie so that they can understand who she was and what made her so remarkable.

She Loved Learning- Marie was very smart and always wanted to learn more. Even when it was hard, she never gave up.
She Discovered New Things-Marie discovered two new elements: polonium and radium. These are special materials that glow in the dark.
She Won Big Prizes- Marie Curie won the Nobel Prize, the biggest prize in science, not just once, but twice. She was the first woman to win this award.
She Helped People- Marie used her discoveries to help people. During wars, she helped doctors use special machines to take pictures of bones and help injured soldiers.
She Worked Really Hard- Marie worked very hard in her lab. She spent long hours doing experiments and figuring things out until she understood them better.

Marie Curie showed everyone that women could be incredible scientists too.

She taught us that with hard work and curiosity, you can discover amazing things and make the world a better place.

Next, look at some of her achievements.

MOST AMAZING ACHIEVEMENTS FUN FACTS ABOUT MARIE CURIE

Discovered Polonium, a new element named after her home country, Poland.
Discovered Radium, a glowing element that helped in medical treatments.
Won the Nobel Prize in physics for her research on radioactivity.
Won the Nobel Prize in chemistry for discovering the elements polonium and radium.
Medical Advances, she used her knowledge to help create mobile X-ray units to help injured soldiers in wartime.

Also, look at these activities and resources.

MARIE CURIE ACTIVITIES AND RESOURCES

I adore the Who Was series and finding Who Was Marie Curie? Was a great discovery for this study from elementary through middle school.
Make your own Marie Curie X-Ray STEAM Project that doubles as science and art.
The Marie Curie Word Search is a great way to learn vocabulary words associated with her and the discoveries she made.
Free History Worksheets on Women Who Changed the World
Radioactive Jars are cool for display during your study or as part of a science project.
I am really a fan of these picture books, Ordinary People Change The World and found they had one about Marie Curie. They tell stories of amazing people throughout history in a simple way that doesn’t talk down to younger children.
Make a Stained Glass Beaker craft while learning about different tools in a lab that chemists and physicists use.
If your child loves exploring through experiments you will want to grab a basic Experiments Science Kit For Kids.
Create a timeline of Marie Curie’s life with your child from her birth through winning 2 Nobel Prizes and her death on July 4, 1934.
Make a Petri Dish Jello Recipe to introduce yet another important lab tool and a tasty one at that.

As a reference to use along with our fun slime experiment, we opened up Superstars of Science to learn a bit about Marie Curie.

Finally, look at how to make “radioactive” slime.

HOW TO MAKE “RADIOACTIVE” SLIME

You will need:

Graduated cylinder, beaker
1 Bottle of school glue (8 oz)
1 Tablespoon baking soda
1 ½ -2 Tablespoons contact solution
Glow in the dark paint

First, pour glue into a bowl and add the glow in the dark paint, stir to combine. You can use any glow in the dark craft paint that you find.

Mix in baking soda well.

Add your first tablespoon of contact solution to the mixture and stir, add ½ tablespoon at a time until the mixture starts to lose its stickiness, mix well between each addition to check the texture, if you want it slimier add less, for a thicker slime mixture add more.

Knead the mixture by hand for a few minutes.

To make it fun and give it a Marie Curie twist add it to a graduated cylinder or beaker.

Turn out the lights and be amazed by your “radioactive” creation.

Best Strategies To Improve Handwriting And Overcome Challenges

April 14, 2025 | Leave a Comment
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If you need some solid strategies to improve handwriting for your child, I have gathered up an assortment from my many years as a homeschooling mom. Also, look at my page Practical Homeschool Writing Curriculum from Pre-K To High School for more tips.

In an increasingly digital world, handwriting might seem like a relic of the past.

However, the ability to write legibly by hand remains a vital skill.

Good handwriting not only enhances academic and professional performance but also boosts self-esteem and encourages personal expression.

Best Strategies To Improve Handwriting And Overcome Challenges

We are diving into techniques and tools for handwriting improvement, offering a wide array of strategies, techniques, and resources to help individuals elevate their penmanship.

Improving handwriting is an achievable goal with dedication, practice, and the right approach.

By incorporating physical techniques, consistent practice, tools, and additional help when needed, all ages can enhance their handwriting and unlock its full potential.

Before we head out on our journey to improve handwriting for your child, it’s important to identify the specific challenges that reduce legibility and fluency.

IDENTIFYING COMMON HANDWRITING ISSUES

Next, look at some of these common writing obstacles.

Illegibility: Difficulty deciphering written words due to poor letter formation, inconsistent slant, or inadequate spacing.
Inconsistency: Variations in letter size, slant, and spacing, which lead to a disorganized and visually unappealing appearance.
Slow Writing Speed: Laborious and time-consuming writing that can impede note-taking, creative writing, and other tasks.
Hand Fatigue: Pain or discomfort in the hand, wrist, or arm during or after writing, often caused by incorrect grip or posture.
Poor Letter Formation: Incorrect or inconsistent formation of letters, leading to confusion and misinterpretation.

Now that we know what the most common causes for poor handwriting are we can focus on strategies.

STRATEGIES TO IMPROVE HANDWRITING

A multifaceted approach is the key to achieving lasting improvements in handwriting.

The following strategies include physical techniques and practice methods.

The physical aspects of writing, including grip, posture, and fine motor skills are crucial for improving handwriting.

1. GRIP AND POSTURE TECHNIQUES ARE IMPORTANT

Strengthen hand and finger muscles through fine motor play like scooping, pouring, kneading playdough and etc.
For older children exercises such as squeezing stress balls, playing an instrument, finger stretches, and wrist rotations are great for building fine motor muscles.
Focus on making sure your child has the proper grip on writing utensils.
The tripod grip is ideal and involves holding the pen or pencil between the thumb, index, and middle fingers, with the ring and little fingers resting comfortably on the writing surface. Tools like these pencil grips are great for teaching proper hold.
Encourage a relaxed grip, avoiding excessive pressure which can cause your child’s hand to cramp and fatigue.
Have your child use an upright posture, sitting with a straight back, feet flat on the floor, and shoulders relaxed, not slouching or leaning over the paper.
For good paper positioning, have them tilt the paper slightly to align with the natural writing angle.
Right-handed individuals typically angle the paper to the left, while left-handed individuals angle it to the right.
Keep the wrist straight and relaxed to allow for smooth and controlled movements for proper wrist alignment.

2. CONSISTENT PRACTICE ESSENTIAL

For the youngest learners, begin by tracing letters and words to memorize the correct stroke order and direction.
Utilize handwriting worksheets or digital resources that provide step-by-step instructions for forming letters.
Focus on Individual Letters, identify problematic letters, and dedicate focused practice sessions to mastering their formation.
As your child moves from print to cursive practice joining letters smoothly and consistently to develop cursive writing skills.
Consistent Spacing: Maintain uniform spacing between letters and words to enhance readability.
Use lined paper as a guide for letter size and baseline alignment, there are many types available from large preschool spaces to college ruled.
Ensure that all letters rest on the baseline for a neat and organized appearance, have your child check and correct their own writing as well.
Stick with short, frequent sessions: Dedicate 15-20 minutes each day to focused handwriting practice. Consistency is key to building muscle memory and improving fluency.

3. USE THE BEST HANDWRITING TOOLS

Ergonomic Pens and Pencils- Choose writing instruments that fit comfortably in their hand and promote a relaxed grip.
Pencil Grips-Consider using pencil grips to improve grip and reduce hand fatigue.
Different paper types- Experiment with different types of paper to find one that suits their writing style and preferences. Different textures, lined paper, grooved paper for writing practice.

4. EXPLORE HANDWRITING TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES

Handwriting Apps- Explore interactive apps that offer guided practice, feedback, and gamified learning experiences.
Digital Tablets and Stylus Pens- Practice handwriting on digital devices for a versatile and engaging experience.

Too, look at more homeschool writing tips.

MORE HOMESCHOOL WRITING CURRICULUM & TIPS

In some cases, handwriting difficulties may stem from underlying medical or developmental conditions.

In this case, you will want to consult with your doctor on getting a referral for:

Vision Assessment-Schedule a comprehensive eye exam to rule out any vision problems that might be affecting handwriting.
Occupational Therapy- Consult an occupational therapist if handwriting challenges are severe, persistent, or accompanied by other fine motor skill difficulties.

How to Use Handwriting Without Tears Homeschool Multisensory Program

April 13, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Handwriting Without Tears homeschool program is a well-recognized and in-depth handwriting program designed to teach handwriting skills. Also, look at my page Practical Homeschool Writing Curriculum from Pre-K To High School for more tips.

The program is for up to elementary school ages.

And handwriting is a complex skill that requires fine motor control, visual perception, and cognitive understanding.

How to Use Handwriting Without Tears Homeschool Multisensory Program

So, the methods used in Handwriting without Tears homeschool program help children to be successful from the beginning.

Handwriting Without Tears (HWOT) offers Pre-K through 6th grade instruction for beginning writers to those improving their cursive skills.

Today my focus is on My First School book which is perfect for Pre-K or Kindergarten.

But we have used almost every level available at one time or another throughout the years.

What I like most about the program is that it uses a multi-sensory approach.

HANDWRITING WITHOUT TEARS MY FIRST SCHOOL BOOK

For example, it incorporates visual, auditory, and kinesthetic activities to engage learners and reinforce letter formation.

It keeps your child’s attention better while teaching at the same time.

Handwriting without Tears homeschool program emphasizes simple, consistent language and letter shapes, making it easier for students to learn and remember.

It builds on itself and follows a similar format throughout all levels, so it is familiar even while it becomes more challenging as they advance levels.

For example, each level includes engaging, and developmentally appropriate instructional methods to help children to master handwriting as an automatic and comfortable skill.

Explicit instruction combined with guided practice to promote handwriting automaticity.
Research-backed curriculum with an intuitive and customizable design.
Developmentally appropriate sequence flows from Pre-K–6.
Seamlessly integrates with literacy curricula for effective handwriting instruction.
Hands-on tools build vocabulary and alphabet knowledge prior to writing.
Multisensory activities engage all learners and develop fine motor skills.

My First School Book is a curriculum-based workbook that was designed to introduce and reinforce foundational handwriting skills in young learners.

It is primarily targeted to preschoolers and kindergarteners, focusing on pre-writing strokes, proper letter formation, and overall fine motor skill development.

The program utilizes a multisensory approach, incorporating verbal cues, visual guides, and kinesthetic activities to make learning engaging and effective.

PROS HANDWRITING WITHOUT TEARS

Multisensory Approach– The book uses a multisensory approach to learning, incorporating visual, auditory, and kinesthetic elements. This caters to different learning styles and helps children recognize letter shapes and writing patterns more effectively.
Engaging Activities- The book is filled with activities that are developmentally appropriate and captivating for young learners. These include tracing, coloring, drawing, and connecting dots, all designed to reinforce letter shapes and writing patterns.
Clear and Simple Instructions-The instructions provided are written in a very straightforward and easy to follow manner, both for children and the adults guiding them.
Focuses on Fine Motor Skills- The activities are crafted to strengthen the fine motor skills necessary for handwriting. This includes exercises that promote hand-eye coordination, finger dexterity, and pencil control.
Structured Introduction to Letter Formation-The program introduces letter formation in a systematic and logical sequence, starting with simple strokes and gradually progressing to more complex letters. This structured approach helps children build confidence and mastery.

CONS HANDWRITING WITHOUT TEARS

Repetitive Activities- This is both a pro and a con, while the activities are generally engaging, some children might find the repetitive nature of certain exercises tedious, especially those who are quick learners or have prior exposure to handwriting. I have not seen this personally be an issue for us at all.
High Amount of Parental Help Needed: Although the instructions are clear, young children will likely require adult supervision and guidance to complete the activities correctly and get the most out of the program. If you are looking for a handwriting curriculum little ones can do on their own this might not work, at least for this age group.
Limited for Advanced Learners: The book is primarily designed for beginners and might not offer enough of a challenge for those children who already have strong handwriting skills or advanced fine motor development. But the easy solution for that is just to begin in the next book or further on in this one.

In addition to the book, I suggest adding these additional items (although the book alone is wonderful) to create a richer and more fun learning experience.

While these items are for letter recognition, they work very closely with learning to write, as a preschooler or kindergartener learns to confidently identify their letters and how they are formed they can translate that knowledge into confidence in writing.

Wood Pieces Capital Letters- These are so much fun and very high quality to help your child form all the capital letters in the alphabet with every shape they need included in the set.
Wet Dry Try App- Before a pencil even gets picked up you may want to encourage your child to familiarize themself with practicing writing letters with their fingers or a stylus on the app. Wonderful repetition as they draw the letter, erase over the same lines with a “wet sponge”, and then finally dry over the same lines.
HWOT Slate and Supplies- Sometimes something as simple as changing up your writing surface from paper to slate or dry erase really sparks the interest.