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100 BEST Books for Kids from all 50 States (Easy Geography)

December 27, 2024 | 1 Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have books for kids from all 50 states. Too, look at my page Homeschool Geography for hands-on and simple ideas and tips.

Book lists are a great resource for beginning a homeschool unit study.

Also, this list is great for helping kids learn the geography of the 50 states because they engage children with both visual and textual learning.

Too, they revive learning when you feel the homeschool doldrums, or to use them for a geography unit study when you want to move away from boring textbooks.

And books, especially picture books can have colorful illustrations and maps of the state.

100 BEST Books for Kids from all 50 States (Easy Geography)

Pictures help children cement information about the state.

In addition, state specific books will highlight landmarks, major cities and sometimes famous people.

Additionally, some books are living books which presents facts about the state in a narrative or story form.

Rather than dry reference books, many of the books are about persons who lived in specific states or about events that happened in certain states.

Also, look at more books about the United States.

  • The Benefits Of Using Games That Teach Geography | Review Of Scrambled States
  • Professor Noggin’s Geography of The United States Trivia Card Game
  • American History Game Fun U.S. President Go Fish Unit Study
  • 18 American History Board Games Which Brings History to Life

Today, I rounded up 100 best books for kids from all 50 states.

BOOKS FROM ALL 50 STATES FOR KIDS

Alabama

My Name Is America: The Journal Of Biddy Owens, Birmingham, Alabama, 1948
Who Was Rosa Parks? (Who Was? series)

Alaska

The Adventures of Balto: The Untold Story of Alaska’s Famous Iditarod Sled Dog
Sweet Home Alaska

Arizona

Wright on Time, Book 1: Arizona
Arizona (Lucky Luke)

BOOKS ABOUT THE 50 STATES 

Arkansas

Lost Mines and Buried Treasures of Arkansas
The Fifth Rule

California

By the Great Horn Spoon!
What Was the Gold Rush? (What Was? series)

Colorado

Down the Colorado: John Wesley Powell, the One-Armed Explorer
In the Heart of the Rockies: An Adventure on the Colorado River

Connecticut

The Moffats
The Forgotten Flag: Revolutionary Struggle in Connecticut Paperback

Delaware

The Last of the Mohicans
Dear America: A Light in the Storm

Florida

Because of Winn-Dixie
Defeat of the Ghost Riders (Trailblazer Books)

Georgia

My Brother Martin: A Sister Remembers Growing Up with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Diary of Carrie Berry A Confederate Girl

Hawaii

Shipwrecked!: The True Adventures of a Japanese Boy
What Was Pearl Harbor? (What Was? series)

Idaho

West to a Land of Plenty: The Diary of Teresa Angelino Viscardi, New York to Idaho Territory
High Wind to Idaho

Illinois

DK Biography: Abraham Lincoln
What Was the Great Chicago Fire? (What Was? series)

Indiana

The Bears of Blue River
Oliver’s Travels: An Indiana Adventure

Iowa

Laura Ingalls Wilder: The Iowa Story
Searching for Anne Frank: Letters from Amsterdam to Iowa

Kansas

Prairie Skies: Cabin in the Snow
Moon Over Manifest

Kentucky

Daniel Boone: Young Hunter and Tracker (Childhood of Famous Americans)
Abandoned on the Wild Frontier (Trailblazer Books)

Louisiana

Lorenzo And the Turncoat
Down in Louisiana

Maine

The Sign of the Beaver
Lost on a Mountain in Maine

Maryland

Goliath: Hero of the Great Baltimore Fire
Listen for the Whippoorwill (Trailblazer Books)

Massachusetts

Three Young Pilgrims
What Was the Boston Tea Party? (What Was? series)

Michigan

Brothers of the Heart: A Story of the Old Northwest
Who Was Henry Ford? (Who Was? series)

Minnesota

Farmer Boy Goes West (Little House, Big Adventure)
Wright on Time, Book 5: Minnesota

Mississippi

The Mystery on the Mighty Mississippi (Real Kids, Real Places)
Mississippi Morning

Missouri

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
What Was the Lewis and Clark Expedition? (What Was? series)

Montana

First Dog: Unleashed in the Montana Capitol
Magpie Treasures

Nebraska

Night of the Twisters
My Face to the Wind: the Diary of Sarah Jane Price, a Prairie Teacher, Broken Bow, Nebraska 1881 (Dear America Series)

Nevada

The Last Stubborn Buffalo in Nevada
The Mystery at Area 51 (Real Kids Real Places)

And if you love learning geography through literature, look at another one of my favorites from Beautiful Feet books which is Geography through Literature.

New Hampshire

The Trouble with Jeremy Chance
A Gathering of Days: A New England Girl’s Journal, 1830-32

New Jersey

The Fighting Ground
Who Was Thomas Alva Edison? (Who Was? series)

New Mexico

The Day It Snowed Tortillas
Loco Dog in the Santa Fe Rail Yard (Historical New Mexico for Children)

New York

Roundup of the Street Rovers (Trailblazer Books)
Who Was Jackie Robinson? (Who Was? series)

North Carolina

The Mystery of the Lost Colony (Real Kids! Real Places!)
The Mystery of Biltmore House (Real Kids Real Places)

North Dakota

The Long Winter (Little House)
Gift Horse: A Lakota Story

Ohio

The Boy Who Saved Cleveland
Who Was Neil Armstrong? (Who Was? series)

From Textbook to Living Book for Homeschool Geography

Oklahoma

Beautiful Land: A Story of the Oklahoma Land Rush
Oklahoma Prairie Tales: Mostly True Stories My Grandma Told Me

Oregon

Attack in the Rye Grass: Marcus and Narcissa Whitman (Trailblazer Books)
Attack in the Rye Grass (Trailblazer Books)

Pennsylvania

The Madcap Mystery of the Missing Liberty Bell
What Was the Battle of Gettysburg? (What Was? series)

Rhode Island

The Art of Keeping Cool (Aladdin Historical Fiction)
The World in One Square Mile: Central Falls

South Carolina

Sylvia and Miz Lula Maye
The Mystery at Fort Sumter (Real Kids Real Places)

South Dakota

Wright on Time: South Dakota
The Mystery at Mount Rushmore (Real Kids Real Places)

Tennessee

Flaming Arrows (Odyssey Classics)
The Perilous Road (Odyssey Classics (Odyssey Classics)

Texas

A Line in the Sand: The Alamo Diary of Lucinda Lawrence (Dear America Series)
What Was the Alamo? (What Was? series)

Utah

The Great Brain
Wright on Time, Book 2: Utah

Vermont

Aaron and the Green Mountain Boys
John and Tom (Vermont Folklife Center Children’s Book Series)

Virginia

With Lee in Virginia
The Mystery at Mount Vernon (Real Kids Real Places)

Washington

The Seattle Puzzle (The Boxcar Children Mysteries)
Exiled to the Red River (Trailblazer Books)

West Virginia

Way Down Deep
October Sky

Wisconsin

Little House in the Big Woods
Caddie Woodlawn

Wyoming

Lost Mines and Buried Treasures of Old Wyoming
Wright on Time, Book 3: Wyoming

100 BEST Books for Kids from all 50 States (Easy Geography)

Also, you’ll love these other books:

  • 8 World War II Historical Fiction Books for Middle School
  • 5 Steps to Choosing Geography Living Books Your Children Will Love
  • 5 BEST Books to Create an Around the World Unit Study (and Hands-on Activities)

This blog hop is organized by iHomeschool Network, a collaboration of outstanding homeschool bloggers who connect with each other and with family-friendly companies in mutual beneficial projects.

1 CommentFiled Under: Geography Tagged With: book lists, books, geography, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, homeschoolanguagearts, homeschoolgeography, homeschoolreading, livingbooks

5 Usborne Knights And Castles Books | How To Make A Medieval Toilet Roll Castle

December 26, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have some Usborne knights and castles books to share and a fun tutorial for a medieval castle. Also, look at my 4 Week Free Middle Ages Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas.

The Usborne Knights and Castles books are a popular series.

Our preference is always to use living books but some of the Usborne books are our favorites over the years.

5 Usborne Knights And Castles Books | How To Make A Medieval Toilet Roll Castle

I find the series is great for history projects.

Too, many of the books have lift flaps and tabs to pull so the books are interactive.

In addition, another favorite of the books are the illustrations.

Kids, not just young ones, have a hard time visualizing a time in the Middle Ages.

So, the pictures in the books are vivid and detailed.

BOOKS ABOUT CASTLES FOR KIDS

Before we create this adorable craft to go with our series of books, look at some other books about castles.

8 Castle Books for Kids

Add some of these fun books about castles to your unit study or learning day.

Image for Castle: How It Works

Castle: How It Works

Every part of the castle has a function. Walls keep the enemy out. Towers protect the lord and the soldiers. From the moat and portcullis to the great hall and dungeon, see how a castle works as an enemy army tries to storm the walls.

Image for The Door in the Wall:

The Door in the Wall:

Ever since he can remember, Robin, child of Sir John de Bureford, has been told what is expected of him as the son of a nobleman. He must learn the ways of knighthood. But Robin’s destiny is changed suddenly when he falls ill and loses the use of his legs. Fearing a plague, his servants abandon him, and Robin is left alone.   A monk named Brother Luke rescues Robin and takes him to the hospice of St. Mark’s, where he is taught woodcarving and patience and strength. Says Brother Luke, “Thou hast only to follow the wall far enough and there will be a door in it.”   Robin learns soon enough what Brother Luke means. When the great castle of Lindsay is in danger, Robin discovers that there is more than one way to serve his king.

Image for Knights and Castles and Feudal Life

Knights and Castles and Feudal Life

Knights and Castles and Feudal Life

Image for The Minstrel in the Tower (Stepping Stone)

The Minstrel in the Tower (Stepping Stone)

An adventurous rescue set in the time of medieval knights, castles, bandits, and music. Before their father returns to France from the Crusades, daring Alice and
musical Roger set off on their own journey: to find their long-lost uncle. But on the way, the siblings are kidnapped and locked in an ancient hidden tower. To finish their quest, they need to escape—and fast! Can Alice use her courage to slip away and find help? And can Roger use his musical talents to guide her back before it’s too late?

Image for Look Inside a Castle (Usborne Look Inside)

Look Inside a Castle (Usborne Look Inside)

This is an innovative flap book offering a fascinating glimpse into the world of sports. Lift the flaps to peek behind the scenes at all sorts of exciting sports-thrilling cycling races, athletic events, swimming and diving competitions and soccer matches at a busy sports stadium. 60 flaps to lift!

Image for Make This Medieval Castle

Make This Medieval Castle

Printed on stiff card, this book contains templates to cut out and construct a superb model of a 14th century castle crammed with authentic detail. The model includes miniature characters for re-creating castle life, including market stalls and jousting knights as well as a portcullis that lifts and falls.

Image for Raise the Drawbridge: Stories and Legends of Welsh Castles

Raise the Drawbridge: Stories and Legends of Welsh Castles

This charming book was originally published in 1938 in Wales. Its main virtue is its historical accuracy; these epic stories are very well researched and are all based on historical evidence. The eighteen stories cover all areas of Wales and deal with some of its most famous castles. From ""The Blind Knight of Whitecastle"" to ""When Harlech Castle was Besieged"", these tales will appeal to all children whose imaginations are drawn to the great castles and knights of old.

Image for Stephen Biesty's Cross-Sections Castle

Stephen Biesty's Cross-Sections Castle

History comes alive in this incredible children's illustrated book about castles.Slicing through different areas of a medieval fortress, extraordinary views reveal the people busy inside, preparing for battle as an enemy army approaches. Packed with facts, you'll find out what it takes to build a massive 14th-century castle, dress a knight in armor, or prepare a feast fit for a king or queen. From the drawbridge to the dungeon, Cross-Sections Castle swarms with the people who keep the castle going--the workers, craftsmen, and servants. And, as you pore over every page, look out for the villainous spy. Is he in the well... the keep... the moat? No? Keep looking, he's there somewhere!

Then, look at these Usborne knights and castles books to add to your homeschool projects.

Grab one or two to add to read along with your living books.

5 USBORNE KNIGHTS AND CASTLES BOOKS

A few I listed above, but here are some more.

  1. Knights and Castles. Takes readers back in time to illustrate the exciting happenings of daily life.
  2. Knights and Castles. (Usborne First Reading. Level Four).
  3. Stories of Knights & Castles. Presents nine stories about brave knights, dangerous quests, enchantments, and epic battles.
  4. Knights and Castles Things to Make and Do (Usborne Activities). Provides instructions for creating knight- and castle-themed crafts, including jousting puppets, a cardboard sword, and a three-dimensional castle card.
  5. 1001 knights & castle things to spot sticker book.1001 Knights & Castles Things to Spot Sticker Book is an interactive sticker book full of busy, detailed illustrations of various scenes from the Middle Ages. Items to spot within the main picture are shown in the border as silhouettes and each has a corresponding sticker which children can find, match and add in the correct place. With over a thousand things for children to find, count and talk about, scenes include a village fair, a fantastic feast, a Spring jousting tournament and a school for young knights.
5 Usborne Knights And Castles Books | How To Make A Medieval Toilet Roll Castle

Next, look at these hands-on middle ages activities.

MEDIEVAL ACTIVITIES TO PAIR WITH USBORNE KNIGHTS AND CASTLE BOOKS

  • Middle Ages History: Make a Coat of Arms Activity
  • How to Make a Knight Templar Helmet for Fun Medieval Times Crafts
  • Look at my post Medieval Chemistry and Homeschool History – Fun Hands-On Activity.
  • Fun Kindergarten History Activities: How to Create Royal Peg Dolls
  • Paint a Jester 
  • How To Make A Kids Easy Medieval Stained Glass Window
  • Medieval Period: How To Make A Quill Pen
  • The Journey Through Time Book And Knights Armor Engraving Fun Kids Craft.
  • Geronimo Stilton Time Travel How to Make a Medieval-Stained Glass Craft
  • And because the Middle Ages and the Renaissance over lap look at how to make this fun goblet.
5 Usborne Knights And Castles Books | How To Make A Medieval Toilet Roll Castle

Finally, look at how to make this medieval toilet roll paper castles.

HOW TO MAKE A MEDIEVAL TOILET ROLL CASTLE

Supplies:

  • Ruler.
  • Toilet Paper Roll.
  • Construction Papers.
  • Pencil.
  • Scissors.
  • Glue.


Step 1:
To make the toilet paper roll castle craft, first you will need to take 3-4 toilet paper rolls or paper towel rolls.

5 Usborne Knights And Castles Books | How To Make A Medieval Toilet Roll Castle

STEP 2

We will be taking 2 toilet paper rolls, and then we will cut the paper towel roll into three pieces.

Two pieces should be slightly smaller (shorter) than the toilet paper rolls and the third piece should be smaller than the second one.

Use the template to cut the top part of the three smaller rolls.

5 Usborne Knights And Castles Books | How To Make A Medieval Toilet Roll Castle

STEP 3

Then, use the templates to cut out the windows, doors and roofs.

5 Usborne Knights And Castles Books | How To Make A Medieval Toilet Roll Castle

STEP 4

Use colorful marker pens to draw outlines and details to the windows and doors.

5 Usborne Knights And Castles Books | How To Make A Medieval Toilet Roll Castle

STEP 5

Take one of the toilet paper rolls and glue the window on the top and door at the bottom.

5 Usborne Knights And Castles Books | How To Make A Medieval Toilet Roll Castle

STEP 6

Similarly, glue the door and window on the other piece.

Glue only one window on the taller toilet paper rolls each and glue only a door on the smallest piece.

5 Usborne Knights And Castles Books | How To Make A Medieval Toilet Roll Castle

STEP 7

Now, glue the smallest one with one of the medium sized ones. Allow the glue to dry.

5 Usborne Knights And Castles Books | How To Make A Medieval Toilet Roll Castle

STEP 8

Then glue the other medium sized one in the other side of the small one.

5 Usborne Knights And Castles Books | How To Make A Medieval Toilet Roll Castle

STEP 9

Glue the two larger ones in the back slightly towards the center.

5 Usborne Knights And Castles Books | How To Make A Medieval Toilet Roll Castle

STEP 10

Cut the round paper cut out according to the templates

5 Usborne Knights And Castles Books | How To Make A Medieval Toilet Roll Castle

STEP 11

Glue the two ends to make a cone-like shape.

5 Usborne Knights And Castles Books | How To Make A Medieval Toilet Roll Castle

Then, glue the paper cones on the top of the two toilet paper rolls that are in the back (tallest
ones).

And your toilet paper roll castle is ready.

GRAB THE FREE TEMPLATE FOR THE MEDIEVAL TOILET ROLL CASTLE

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Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: castles, hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, history, homeschool, medieval Europe, medieval homeschool history, Middle Ages, middle ages history

How to Create a Fun Einstein Bottle Biography Project

December 25, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

A bottle biography project is a fun hands-on way for your child to represent whoever they are learning more about.

We are learning about Albert Einstein who was born in Germany in 1879 and wasn’t always seen as a genius. In fact, he struggled in school and some teachers even thought he was slow.

But young Albert had a secret weapon, he had an insatiable curiosity about the world around him.

How to Create a Fun Einstein Bottle Biography Project

He loved to tinker with things, build models, and ask “why” about everything.

This curiosity would eventually lead him to become one of the most famous scientists of all time.

His most famous discovery is the theory of relativity. It’s an idea that changed the way we understand space, time, and gravity.

Imagine space and time as a stretchy fabric, and massive objects like planets and stars create curves in this fabric. That’s gravity!

Einstein also showed that time isn’t the same for everyone – it can speed up or slow down depending on how fast you’re moving!

BOOK SERIES TO USE WITH BOTTLE BIOGRAPHY PROJECTS

Too, look at some of these series.

They make creating a bottle biography project easy.

5 Amazing Book Series for Biography Projects

Add these fun books to your home library if you’re wanting to read biographies.

Image for Jane Goodall: A Little Golden Book Biography

Jane Goodall: A Little Golden Book Biography

A classic series that has been beloved for ages has moved into stories about famous people in the Little Golden Book Biographies.

Image for The Story of Albert Einstein: An Inspiring Biography for Young Readers (The Story of Biographies)

The Story of Albert Einstein: An Inspiring Biography for Young Readers (The Story of Biographies)

 From Frida Kahlo to Jane Goodall you will find many interesting famous people in The Story of Biographies.

Image for Ordinary People Change the World Collection 10 books

Ordinary People Change the World Collection 10 books

Learn about the "ordinary people" who have done big things to change the world in this exclusive, collectible boxed set! Dive into these 10 books to explore everything from George Washington to Martin Luther King Jr. to Gandhi and more. The perfect gift to introduce young readers to key figures or for educational family reading .

Image for Davy Crockett: Young Rifleman (Childhood of Famous Americans)

Davy Crockett: Young Rifleman (Childhood of Famous Americans)

Check out The Childhood of Famous Americans for inspirational stories that encourage children to strive for greatness even at a young age

Image for Who Was...? Children’s Biography Series

Who Was...? Children’s Biography Series

This set includes the following 12 books: Who Was Albert Einstein? Who Was King Tut? Who Was Sacagawea? Who Was Claude Monet?, Who Was Walt Disney?, Who Was Amelia Earhart?, Who Was Neil Armstrong?, Who Was Marco Polo?, Who Was William Shakespeare?, Who Was Abraham Lincoln? Who Was Mark Twain?, and Who Was Ronald Reagan? This is a series of illustrated biographies for young readers featuring significant historical figures, including artists, scientists, and world leaders.

And look at a few more fun facts about Einstein.

FUN FACTS ABOUT ALBERT EINSTEIN

E=mc²– It’s the world’s most famous equation, and you’ve probably seen this equation before, even if you don’t know what it means.

This little equation has had a huge impact on everything from nuclear power to our understanding of the universe.

Einstein didn’t just think about big things like the universe; he also studied tiny things like light.

He discovered that light behaves like both a wave and a particle, which was a revolutionary idea at the time.

This discovery, called the photoelectric effect, earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921.

But he wasn’t just a brilliant scientist; he was also a passionate humanitarian-he spoke out against war and violence.

He believed in the importance of education and social justice. He was also a talented musician and loved to play the violin.

Einstein had dyslexia, which can cause problems with reading out loud, retrieving language, and getting thoughts down.

He was famous for his wild hair and his rumpled clothes and he loved to sail, but he wasn’t very good at it and often needed to be rescued.

How to Create a Fun Einstein Bottle Biography Project

He was offered the presidency of Israel, but he turned it down and he had a pet parrot named Polly who he taught to say “relativity.”

Finally, look at how to make this Einstein bottle biography project.

HOW TO CREATE AN EINSTEIN BOTTLE BIOGRAPHY PROJECT

First, you can take this same idea and turn it into anyone.

For example, look at the one I shared How to Make a Fun Bottle Buddy of the Trailblazing Pilot Amelia Earhart Craft.

How to Create a Fun Einstein Bottle Biography Project

You will need:

  • Empty 2-liter bottle
  • Black, blue, white, tan craft felt
  • Craft fur
  • Google eyes
  • 4” half round foam or a foam ball
  • Flesh colored craft paint
  • White paint
  • glue
How to Create a Fun Einstein Bottle Biography Project

First remove the label off your 2-liter bottle and rinse it out, drain well.

Press your half round foam into the bottle cap to get an idea of the size, you can then take a knife or scissors and dig it out to make it fit on top.

How to Create a Fun Einstein Bottle Biography Project

Secure the foam on top with hot glue and then paint the foam with a flesh-colored paint and down the neck of the bottle.

You only need to go about a third of the way down, beyond that his felt clothes will cover everything up.

How to Create a Fun Einstein Bottle Biography Project

Cut a vest from blue felt by cutting a notch in the top and cutting it down to approximately 6”x 8”.

Cut out a small piece of white to be his shirt beneath the vest, a black tie, and some slacks about 4”x 8”.

How to Create a Fun Einstein Bottle Biography Project

Now make arms from strips of white felt with a bit of flesh color at the end for hands.

How to Create a Fun Einstein Bottle Biography Project

Begin gluing and layering the pieces onto the bottle, put the hot glue on the felt rather than the bottle to keep it from melting.

Press into place.

How to Create a Fun Einstein Bottle Biography Project

To create his lab coat fold back two corners and secure it into place with glue for lapels.

How to Create a Fun Einstein Bottle Biography Project

Glue and attach around the body.

How to Create a Fun Einstein Bottle Biography Project

Glue on googly eyes and use white paint to draw on bushy eyebrows and a mustache, add craft fur to create his famous wild mop of hair.

How to Create a Fun Einstein Bottle Biography Project

Finally attach the arms to the side.

You can leave them hanging down or put them forward like we did here.

How to Create a Fun Einstein Bottle Biography Project

We couldn’t resist giving him a ‘chalkboard’ made out of cardstock and a white gel pen with his famous equation.

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

Explore the Magic: Easy Northern Lights Crafts for Preschoolers

December 24, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I can’t wait to share some easy Northern Lights crafts for preschoolers including my own tutorial for a Northern Lights night light. Also, look at my page How to Homeschool Preschool for more ideas.

Preschoolers will enjoy designing their own night light.

Then they will love being able to turn it on every night to brighten up their nightstand or any little corner of their room

Explore the Magic: Easy Northern Lights Crafts for Preschoolers

If you have more than one child you will be amazed at how the same craft supplies can turn into such unique final results.

I will also share a few other northern lights crafts for preschoolers.

Ad as always I have lots of great information for you to use in your study.

If you are in upper Michigan, Idaho, Minnesota, or another northern state,

I have a list of tips and where to see the Northern Lights in North America.

What an experience that will be.

The Northern Lights are like a magical light show in the night sky.

Imagine colorful ribbons of light dancing and twirling high above, painting the darkness with shades of green, red, blue, and purple.

BOOKS ABOUT AWESOME THINGS IN THE SKIES

First, look at a few of these books to add to your home library.

5 Books About Awesome Things in the Skies

Whether it’s the Northern Lights or shooting stars these books bring the wonder of the skies to life!

Image for Arctic Lights, Arctic Nights

Arctic Lights, Arctic Nights

Imagine a land where the sun rises at 1:58 a.m. in the summer and shines for less than four hours on a winter's day. The animals in the wilderness near Fairbanks, Alaska, witness some of the world's greatest temperature extremes and light variations ever year. At an average low of -16 degrees Fahrenheit, the winters may be unpleasantly frigid, but the light shows are always glorious!

Image for The Lights That Dance in the Night

The Lights That Dance in the Night

The northern lights bring wonder and joy to all the creatures who bask under their mysterious glow in this gorgeous picture book from the creator of the holiday hit The Tree That's Meant to Be.From tiny specks of dust to gleaming rays in the dark, the northern lights travel across the Arctic, uniting every creature in a celebration over land and sea.In this wonderfully wintery picture book, Yuval Zommer imagines the northern lights' fleeting journey from space to Earth and how they weave a special magic for the animals and people living in the frozen lands below.

Image for Shooting Stars

Shooting Stars

Explains what shooting stars are, what they are made of, and what happens to them when they land on Earth.

Image for The Mysteries of the Universe: Discover the best-kept secrets of space

The Mysteries of the Universe: Discover the best-kept secrets of space

Space is so much bigger than young minds can fathom and there is always more to learn. The Mysteries of the Universe is a stunning space encyclopedia for young readers to explore, with reference pages packed with fascinating information, little learners will be captivated as they journey through the vastness of the Universe. From planets and asteroids to black holes and galaxies, every page of this enthralling space book reveals the secrets behind more than 100 celestial objects, and will inspire  youngsters as they journey through the vastness of the Universe. Each celestial body is shown both photographically and illustrated, and children will love poring over the detailed close-up images.Get ready to explore fun facts and exciting new scientific discoveries as this best-selling picture book will illuminate imaginations and spark curious minds to explore the vastness of space. The engaging storybook-style descriptions and simple text shed a light on facts, myths, and key discoveries about the universe, perfect for children aged 6-8 to explore the wonders of our solar system and beyond.

Image for Northern Lights:the award-winning, internationally bestselling, now full-colour illustrated edition

Northern Lights:the award-winning, internationally bestselling, now full-colour illustrated edition

A stunning full-colour illustrated gift hardback to celebrate the 25th anniversary of NORTHERN LIGHTS, with breathtaking art throughout by Chris Wormell.

First published in 1995, and acclaimed as a modern masterpiece, this first book in the series won the UK's top awards for children's literature.

“Without this child, we shall all die.”

Lyra Belacqua and her animal daemon live half-wild and carefree among scholars of Jordan College, Oxford.

The destiny that awaits her will take her to the frozen lands of the Arctic

Where does this amazing light come from?

Well, it all starts with our sun.

FACTS ABOUT THE NORTHERN LIGHTS

The Sun sends out tiny particles called solar wind.

These particles travel through space and sometimes reach Earth. When they bump into Earth’s atmosphere, they create a beautiful display of light – the Northern Lights!

The Northern Lights can take on many shapes and forms.

Sometimes they look like shimmering curtains, other times they ripple like waves, and sometimes they even swirl like spirals!

They can be bright or faint, and their colors can change quickly, making them even more mesmerizing to watch.

The Lights are most visible during the winter months when the nights are long and dark.

 They’re also more common in places close to the North Pole, like Alaska, Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, and even parts of Scotland and Russia.

They’re called the Northern Lights because they’re most often seen in the northern part of the world.

But they can also be seen in the southern part of the world, where they’re called the Southern Lights or Aurora Australis

They also have a scientific name- Aurora Borealis! Aurora means “dawn” and Borealis means “north” in Latin.

Some people believe that the Northern Lights make sounds, like crackling or whistling, but scientists are still studying this.

The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, and we can’t control when or where they appear. That’s part of what makes them so special.

Explore the Magic: Easy Northern Lights Crafts for Preschoolers

Before you get into the craft projects watch The Northern Lights| Science for kids gives a simple but thorough explanation into the how and why.

NORTHERN LIGHTS CRAFTS FOR PRESCHOOLERS

  • Preschoolers will love exploring this bonus activity Make the Northern Lights! Sensory Tray + Science Experiment.
  • Try making the Northern Lights With Watercolors for another fun but simple craft.
  • Learn about Exploring Northern Lights With Kids Through Art And Music .
  • Northern Lights Art For Kids
  • How cute would these Northern Lights Sugar Cookies be to bake and enjoy with your preschooler for this unit?
  • This Paint Splat Northern Lights project is simple but amazes kids in the way that it creates mirrored images on both sides of the paper by pressing it.
Explore the Magic: Easy Northern Lights Crafts for Preschoolers

Finally, look at how to make this fun nightlight to lean about the Northern Lights.

NORTHERN LIGHTS CRAFT FOR PRESCHOOLERS – NIGHTLIGHT

You will need:

  • Mason or other jar
  • Tissue paper
  • School glue
  • Foam brush
  • Small battery operated light
Explore the Magic: Easy Northern Lights Crafts for Preschoolers

First, you want to do is make a mixture of half school glue and half water, stir It up well.

Explore the Magic: Easy Northern Lights Crafts for Preschoolers

Your child rip thin long strips of a multitude of colors.

The most seen in the northern lights are green, blue, purple, and pink.

You can also shred up some black tissue paper if you like in order to create a shadow of the mountains, hillsides, or trees.

Explore the Magic: Easy Northern Lights Crafts for Preschoolers

Turn your jar on its side and spread a thin layer of the glue mixture on a small portion of the jar. We started at the bottom with our black silhouette shapes.

 After you’ve pressed the tissue paper onto the glue tap over top of it with the brush to add glue.

Explore the Magic: Easy Northern Lights Crafts for Preschoolers

Continue covering the remainder of the jar, adding a little glue at a time, pressing tissue paper into it and then covering with another layer of glue.

Explore the Magic: Easy Northern Lights Crafts for Preschoolers

Set aside and allow to dry completely.

Explore the Magic: Easy Northern Lights Crafts for Preschoolers

Add a small battery-operated light to your jar like a tealight or a tap light.

I linked one above that we really like, it comes with a remote control as well.

Explore the Magic: Easy Northern Lights Crafts for Preschoolers

If you are using a mason jar you can replace the lid and ring or just the ring to let more light out, or place whatever cap you have back on it.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: crafts, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, preschool, science, winter crafts

Free Under the Sea Worksheets : Dive into the Ocean’s Wonders

December 23, 2024 | Leave a Comment
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Today, I have some free under the sea worksheets to keep your littlest learners excited to learn about the ocean. Also, look at my page Oceans Unit Study and Lapbook and Seashore Beach Watching Unit Study and Seashore Lapbook for more fun ideas.

The ocean is a beautiful place, filled with amazing creatures and plants.

And I have a couple of fun under the sea activity mats for your youngest explorers.

Free Under the Sea Worksheets : Dive into the Ocean's Wonders

The ocean is so big that it covers about 70% of earth.

And that means that there are many places to visit.

Each depth or ocean level hosts different creatures.

From dolphins, jellyfish, sea turtles to whales to a parade of colorful fish there is no lack of tidbits to study.

Also, coral, sea sponges, and shells make for fascinating study for all ages.

BOOKS ABOUT THE OCEAN FOR KIDS

First, look at some of these books about the ocean to read aloud to your kids.

I prefer to read living books when we can find them.

16 Ocean Books for Kids Who Love to Read and Be Read To

Choose a few of these ocean themed books to go along with your study of the Oceans. Whether you're looking for a spine for a unit study or literature, you'll love this roundup.

Image for The Burgess Seashore Book for Children in color

The Burgess Seashore Book for Children in color

Join Danny Meadow Mouse, Jimmy Skunk, and Reddy Fox as they explore the seashore and take a closer look at the habits and habitats of the creatures they find. Discover the Seahorse, Shrimp, Crab, Anemone, Gull, and so many more.

The Burgess Seashore Book for Children is a wonderful way to introduce young ones to the fascinating world beneath us and is a perfect compliment to earlier books in this series, the Bird, Animal, and Flower books.

This edition is complete and unabridged with all of the beautiful illustrations by W.H. Southwick and George Sutton

Image for Seaside Naturalist: Seaside Naturalist

Seaside Naturalist: Seaside Naturalist

Seaside Naturalist is an illustrated guide to marine plants and animals includes the characteristics of protozoa, arthropods, sponges, mollusks, reptiles, birds, fish, and mammals.

Image for The Big Book of the Blue (The Big Book Series)

The Big Book of the Blue (The Big Book Series)

The book opens by explaining how different types of animals are able to breathe and survive underwater, and the different families to which they belong. Subsequent pages are dedicated to specific creatures, including sea turtles, whales, sharks, stingrays, and seahorses, and show varied life in specific habitats, such as a coral reef or deep sea bed. The Big Book of the Blue also explores the underwater world thematically, looking at animals in danger, learning how to spot creatures at the beach, and discovering how to do our part to save sea life. Beautiful and filled with fascinating facts, young, curious readers won’t be able to tear their eyes away from the page.

Image for Scott O'Dell Set: Island of the Blue Dolphins + Zia

Scott O'Dell Set: Island of the Blue Dolphins + Zia

Island of the Blue Dolphins begins with a young girl named Karana who is living on the Island of the Blue Dolphins (fancy name, right?) with her younger brother, Ramo, and sister, Ulape. One day, a group of Russian hunters (Aleutians) land on the island to hunt for otter. This is when the trouble really begins.

Image for Manfish: A Story of Jacques Cousteau (Underwater Picture Book for Kids)

Manfish: A Story of Jacques Cousteau (Underwater Picture Book for Kids)

Once upon a time in France, a baby was born under the summer sun. His parents named him Jacques. As he grew, Jacques fell in love with the sea. He dreamed of breathing beneath the waves and swimming as gracefully as a fish. In fact, he longed to become a manfish. Jacques Cousteau grew up to become a champion of the seas and one of the best-known oceanographers in the world. In this lovely biography, now in paperback, poetic text and gorgeous paintings come together to create a portrait of Cousteau that is as magical as it is inspiring.

Image for Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas (Illustrated 1875 Edition):

Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas (Illustrated 1875 Edition):

A beautiful edition with 110 images from the 1875 English edition. Use Amazon's Look inside feature to compare this edition with others. You'll be impressed by the differences. Don't be fooled by other versions that have no illustrations or contain very small print. Reading our edition will make you feel that you are traveling the seas with Captain Nemo himself.

Image for Swiss Family Robinson (Illustrated Classic): 200th Anniversary Collection

Swiss Family Robinson (Illustrated Classic): 200th Anniversary Collection

More than 100 original illustrations by Louis Rhead. You want to read this book with illustrations.

An introduction by W. D. Howells.

Nicely formatted text in an easy-to-read font.

A beautiful cover from the 1891 edition.

Image for Ocean: A Visual Encyclopedia

Ocean: A Visual Encyclopedia

Embark on a captivating tour of the waters that cover 70 percent of our planet! See our oceans come to life in mind-blowing detail. This is the ultimate children’s visual encyclopedia about the awe-inspiring blue planet! 

Image for Secrets of the Sea: The Story of Jeanne Power, Revolutionary Marine Scientist

Secrets of the Sea: The Story of Jeanne Power, Revolutionary Marine Scientist

How did a nineteenth-century dressmaker revolutionize science? Jeanne Power was creative: she wanted to learn about the creatures that swim beneath the ocean waves, so she built glass tanks and changed the way we study underwater life forever. Jeanne Power was groundbreaking: she solved mysteries of sea animals and published her findings at a time when few of women’s contributions to science were acknowledged. Jeanne Power was persistent: when records of her research were lost, she set to work repeating her studies. And when men tried to take credit for her achievements, she stood firm and insisted on the recognition due to her.

Image for Ocean Anatomy: The Curious Parts & Pieces of the World under the Sea

Ocean Anatomy: The Curious Parts & Pieces of the World under the Sea

Follow Rothman’s inquisitive mind and perceptive eye along shorelines, across the open ocean, and below the waves for an artistic exploration of the watery universe. Through her drawings, discover how the world’s oceans formed, why the sea is salty, and the forces behind oceanic phenomena such as rogue waves. Colorful anatomical profiles of sea creatures from crustacean to cetacean, surveys of seafaring vessels and lighthouses, and the impact of plastic and warming water temperatures are just part of this compendium of curiosities that will entertain and educate readers of all ages. 

Image for The Fascinating Ocean Book for Kids: 500 Incredible Facts!

The Fascinating Ocean Book for Kids: 500 Incredible Facts!

Do you know a kid who’s captivated by what goes on beneath the ocean’s surface? This amazing entry into ocean books for kids is packed with hundreds of incredible facts for hours of underwater exploration. Pages of full-color pictures feature life in and around the sea including fish, dolphins, and shipwrecks!

Image for All About Bioluminescence: Deep Sea Animals

All About Bioluminescence: Deep Sea Animals

Dive into the mesmerizing world of bioluminescence with "All About Bioluminescence." In this captivating book, readers embark on a journey through the depths of the ocean to discover the extraordinary glow-in-the-dark creatures that inhabit its mysterious realm. From the enchanting sea angel to the infamous anglerfish, each page is filled with stunning illustrations and fascinating facts about these luminous beings.With a focus on deep-sea dwellers, readers will uncover the secrets behind bioluminescence and learn how these creatures use light to communicate, camouflage, and lure prey. But the adventure doesn't stop there! "All About Bioluminescence" also includes hands-on activities like a glow stick experiment, allowing readers to experience the magic of bioluminescence firsthand.

Image for Treasure Island (Dover Thrift Editions: Classic Novels)

Treasure Island (Dover Thrift Editions: Classic Novels)

One of the most enduringly popular adventure tales, Treasure Island began in 1881 as a serialized adventure entitled "The Sea-Cook"in the periodical Young Folks. Completed during a stay at Davos, Switzerland, where Stevenson had gone for his health, it was published in 1883 in the form we know today.Set in the eighteenth century, Treasure Island spins a heady tale of piracy, a mysterious treasure map, and a host of sinister characters charged with diabolical intentions. Seen through the eyes of Jim Hawkins, the cabin boy of the Hispaniola, the action-packed adventure tells of a perilous sea journey across the Spanish Main, a mutiny led by the infamous Long John Silver, and a lethal scramble for buried treasure on an exotic isle.

Image for Oceans and Seas!: With 25 Science Projects for Kids

Oceans and Seas!: With 25 Science Projects for Kids

In Oceans and Seas! With 25 Science Projects for Kids readers ages 7 though 10 dive into the underwater world of some of the most amazing landscapes on Earth. On this amazing underwater adventure, kids experience the ocean’s tropical reefs and spot crabs, sea sponges, and thousands of kinds of fish darting in its crags and folds. They’ll meet a giant squid with eyes the size of dinner plates and an mbrella-like bioluminescent jellyfish.

Image for Discover the Oceans: The World's Largest Ecosystem (Discover Your World)

Discover the Oceans: The World's Largest Ecosystem (Discover Your World)

From both a historical and scientific point of view, above and below the surface, this engaging guide brings the world’s oceans to life through fun facts, illustrations, and in-depth information. Interactive activities appear throughout, ranging from making solar stills and simple fishing spears to experimenting with a homemade diving bell and figuring out how much water it really takes to survive. With the oceans being the least explored environment on Earth, this reference illuminates some of the most incredible and surprising plants and animals as well as how to survive and navigate these vast expanses.

Image for Pagoo

Pagoo

An intricate study of tide pool life is presented in text and pictures through the story of Pagoo, a her-mit crab.

Also, look at some of these activities to go with the under the sea worksheets.

I have some activities for all ages.

OCEAN ACTIVITIES FOR UNDER THE SEA WORKSHEETS

Then, add these ideas to your learning day.

  • Making Ocean Layers Soap
  • Beware of Ocean Pollution: Fun Science Activity for Kids
  • How to Make a Fun Paper Plate Fish | F is for Fish
  • Under the Sea Science Activities With Amazing Disappearing Octopus Ink
  • Exploring The Ocean With Ice Experiments: Simple Sea Animal Rescue
  • Quick Unit Study & Easy Salt water Density Ocean Science Experiments For Kindergarten
  • How To Make Your Own Edible Beach Sand And Shells: A Creative And Delicious Recipe
  • The Fascinating World of Sea Geography | Paddle to the Sea Craft
  • Ocean Unit Study Ocean Layers Hands-on Fun Activity
  • How To Mix Glow In The Dark Slime Ingredients To Make Awesome Ocean Slime
  • How do Fish Breathe Underwater Fun Activity & Animal Science Homeschool Curriculum
  • How to Make an Ocean-Inspired Sea Shell Necklace | 8 Summer Beach Crafts
Free Under the Sea Worksheets : Dive into the Ocean's Wonders

Finally, how to get the under the sea worksheets.

HOW TO DOWNLOAD THE UNDER THE SEA WORKSHEETS

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