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Hands-On Activities

Cute Colorful Toilet Paper Roll Rainforest Frogs for a Rainforest Frog Craft

May 20, 2023 | 1 Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have a cute toilet paper roll rainforest frog craft. And I have more ideas on my pages Rain Forest – Amazon, Rain Forest – Animals of the Amazon, and Rainforest Amazon Activities for Kids

If you spend any time studying the Amazon Rainforest one of the first things that pops up is probably the smallest.

The tiny colorful little frogs that make their home in Amazon Rain Forest are beautiful, some poisonous, and some still much a mystery.

Cute Colorful Toilet Paper Roll Rainforest Frogs for a Rainforest Frog Craft

If you are studying the rainforest you will want to camp out and study these fascinating little leapers for a while.

You’ll want to find out about their beautiful color and amazing adaptations, understand which are poisonous, where they fit in the food web, and how they survive the treacherous conditions there.

While you enjoy a study of the Amazon Rainforest, I have a rainforest frog craft for you that can be customized to create colors just as varied and beautiful as you will find in the thick greenery of the Amazon.

If you were trekking through the rain forest some of the frogs you might see are:

  • Red-Eyed Tree Frogs
  • Poison Dart Frogs
  • Emerald Glass Frog
  • Splendid Leaf Frog
  • Smokey Jungle Frog
  • Golden Poison Frog

10 Rainforest Frog Facts

  1. Most poison dart frogs are about the size of a quarter.
  2. One interesting feature of the red-eyed tree frog is that as it is jumping and untucks its brightly colored legs it startles predators, giving it more time to escape.
  3. Poison Dart frogs are immune to their own poison due to special sodium chambers that protect them.
  4. The tiny Golden Poison Frog is likely the most poisonous animal on Earth.
  5. Toxins from poison dart frog skin have been found to have valuable medicinal uses.
  6. There is strong evidence to suggest there is a correlation between the vibrancy of their skin and the amount of alkaloid toxins the frogs have.
  7. Female, red-eyed tree frogs lay their eggs above the water. When the eggs are ready to hatch, the tadpoles inside start moving vigorously, this breaks the egg open, and they fall into the water below.
  8. Rainforest frogs’ lifespan is about 20 to 30 years.
  9. Rainforest frogs prefer crickets, flies, grasshoppers, and moths. But they will even eat smaller frogs.
  10. There have been more than 427 species of frogs found in the Amazon Rainforest.

Also, add some of these books and resources to learn about frogs.

11 Frog & Toad Unit Study Resources

Add a book or two or some fun hands-on resources to your unit study.

Image for The Frog (Animal Lives)

The Frog (Animal Lives)

Superbly detailed drawings capture the elusive frog in its watery realm, as it captures its prey with a sticky tongue, feeds its young, and leaps from place to place to escape from predators.

Image for Frogs and toads;

Frogs and toads;

Frogs and toads;

Image for Tale of a tadpole

Tale of a tadpole

The natural world doesn't work the way fairy tales do, but it still has its fair share of enchantments. With text and pictures that are both scientifically accurate and totally true to the comedies of family life, this is a happily-ever-after tale of unexpected transformations

Image for A Toad for Tuesday 50th Anniversary Edition

A Toad for Tuesday 50th Anniversary Edition

Just in time for its 50th anniversary, this beloved classic tale of adventure, compassion, and friendship has been remade for a new generation of young readers, including text revisions and fully colorized original illustration on the cover. A favorite chapter book is back, for read aloud or read alone.

While on a journey to visit his aunt, Warton the Toad is captured by a surly owl who announces plans to eat Warton for his birthday dinner on the upcoming Tuesday. As he awaits his fate, Warton works gamely to make his remaining days as pleasant as possible while he also seeks some way to escape and tries to convince the owl to let him go.

Naturally, Warton and Owl talk. But what the pair don't realize is how quickly even the oddest of friendships may form.

Image for Rainforest Frogs

Rainforest Frogs

Rainforest Frogs Haiku by Caley Vickerman Illustrated by Mark Lerer Foreword by Franco Andreone Designed and Edited by Susan Newman Frogs Are Green, Inc is proud to announce… Rainforest Frogs Order your copy now! Free shipping in the USA if you order directly from us! $11.95 | 52 pages softcover | Full color Rainforest Frogs profiles ten exotic and endangered amphibian species. Table of Contents Foreword by Franco Andreone Blue Poison Dart frog Amazon Milk frog Yellow-Banded Poison Dart frog Northern Glass frog Tiger’s Tree frog Golden Mantella Red-Eyed Tree frog Flat-Head Bromeliad Tree frog Tiger-Leg Monkey Tree frog Rabbs Fringe-Limbed Tree frog (Toughie)

Image for Frog (Life Cycle of a . . .)

Frog (Life Cycle of a . . .)

Do tadpoles have legs? Why do frogs live in water? How do frogs catch food? Explaining concepts through stunning photographs and simple text, 'Life Cycle of a Frog' takes an in-depth look at this familiar but fascinating animal.

Image for Climbing Tree Frogs (Pull Ahead Books)

Climbing Tree Frogs (Pull Ahead Books)

Introduces the physical characteristics, behavior, and habitats of North American tree frogs

Image for Frogs

Frogs

How far can frogs jump? Why do their eggs look slimy? Answer these questions and many more in this illustrated introduction to amphibians, and learn about the unique role frogs play in the environment. With her signature bright, well-labeled diagrams and simple text, Gail Gibbons introduces the habitat and life cycles of frogs, and gives a brief overview of common frog behaviors. Important vocabulary is introduced, defined, and reinforced with kid-friendly language and clear illustrations—plus a page of intriguing frog trivia. 

Image for Frog & Toad The Complete Collection

Frog & Toad The Complete Collection

This collection brings together all of Arnold Lobel’s engaging, warm and funny stories about Frog and Toad, and features a special foreword by Julia Donaldson. A collectable classic treasury that every child should read and own. Julia Donaldson says “I hugely admire and envy Arnold Lobel; he is my hero”. Once upon a time there were two good friends, a frog and a toad… From writing letters to going swimming, telling stories to finding lost buttons, Frog and Toad are always there for each other – just as best friends should be.

Image for Frog Growth Cycle

Frog Growth Cycle

This Forg life cycle set is a fun for children with an interest in insects and nature explore. And also it is a great teaching and learning tool for homeschoolers and preschoolers teaching.

Image for Anatomy Lab Soft Cover Frog Dissection Guide Book

Anatomy Lab Soft Cover Frog Dissection Guide Book

Fully Illustrated Guide: Each study guide is fully illustrated and conveys the complete dissection through illustration.

Visualize the Steps: the dissection guides depict anatomically correct step-by-step procedural illustrations helping the student visualize key organs and anatomy aiding in the overall dissection process.

More Rainforest Frog Crafts

Then, here are some more rainforest frog crafts.

  • I love this little rainforest Frog Footprint craft to highlight their little “suction cup” toes.
  • How to Draw a Tree Frog is perfect for upper elementary through high schoolers.
  • Suction Cup Paper Tree Frogs are a great addition to learning about how frogs hang around.
  • Look at the sensory bin Rainforest Floor Sensory Activity for Little Kids for ideas to set up your own.
  • How about challenging your child to build their own DIY 3D Poison Dart Frog Model?
  • While this Edible Frog life cycle activity is not specific to rainforest frogs it would be easy to adapt to make it work.
Cute Colorful Toilet Paper Roll Rainforest Frogs for a Rainforest Frog Craft

Then, here are more rainforest activities for kids.

More Rainforest Activities for Kids

  • 18 Rain Forest Animals For Kids Books and Fun Resources
  • Beautiful And Colorful Amazonian Rainforest Animals Lapbook For Kids
  • 100+ Best and Free Tropical Amazon Rainforest Educators Resources
  • The Ultimate Guide to the Flora and Fauna of the Amazon Rain Forest
  • 3 Free and Amazing Amazon Rainforest Lapbooks for Kids
  • Rainforest Crafts for Kindergarten: Make an Easy Paper Plate Monkey
  • 19 Fun Hands-on Rainforest Activities for Kindergarten
  • Rainforest Science Activities For Kindergarten Amazing and Fun Living Terrarium
  • Wildlife in the Amazon Rainforest – Create Fun Macaw and Toucan Crafts
Cute Colorful Toilet Paper Roll Rainforest Frogs for a Rainforest Frog Craft

Finally, look how to make these adorable rainforest toilet paper frogs.

Rainforest Frog Craft-Toilet Paper Roll Rainforest Frogs

First, do a little research on the Internet or by looking through books to determine what types of frogs live in the Amazon rainforest.

This will help you choose your paint colors and the patterns on the frogs. For younger children feel free to just let them freely paint with bright colors while you talk about the different rainforest frogs.

You will need:

  • Bright construction paper/cardstock
  • empty toilet paper rolls
  • Bright craft paints
  • Craft or hot glue
  • Buttons
  • Scissors

Cut toilet paper rolls in half.

Cute Colorful Toilet Paper Roll Rainforest Frogs for a Rainforest Frog Craft

On one end of each toilet paper roll press the sides inward slightly and then crease. Flatten this end partly.

Cute Colorful Toilet Paper Roll Rainforest Frogs for a Rainforest Frog Craft

At the opposite end press flat and glue, hold in place until the glue dries, or use clothespins or paper clips to hold it together.

Cute Colorful Toilet Paper Roll Rainforest Frogs for a Rainforest Frog Craft

Once dry paint the entire outer toilet paper roll with whatever base color you like.

Cute Colorful Toilet Paper Roll Rainforest Frogs for a Rainforest Frog Craft

While waiting for the bodies to dry, work on the legs.

Remember the old accordion fans you used to make as a child? You are going to repeat that accordion fold on each of the legs for each frog.

Cut the construction paper into quarter-inch strips and then cut it in half. You want them about 6” long. Crease each fold firmly as you go back and forth to give it a good “spring”.

Cute Colorful Toilet Paper Roll Rainforest Frogs for a Rainforest Frog Craft

Cut out some feet with rounded toes.

Cute Colorful Toilet Paper Roll Rainforest Frogs for a Rainforest Frog Craft

Glue a foot onto the end of each leg.

Now, even if your paint is still a bit wet you can add some detail with more paint like dots and stripes and add some to the legs too.

Cute Colorful Toilet Paper Roll Rainforest Frogs for a Rainforest Frog Craft

Allow everything to dry completely.

Flip your frog over and attach the legs to the underside.

Cute Colorful Toilet Paper Roll Rainforest Frogs for a Rainforest Frog Craft

Flip it back over and fold down ½” to form the mouth.

To finish off your frog, glue the button eyes to the top of the head. You can add slits to the red eyes to really make them look realistic.

Cute Colorful Toilet Paper Roll Rainforest Frogs for a Rainforest Frog Craft

Create a whole colorful army of rainforest frogs to decorate with.

Cute Colorful Toilet Paper Roll Rainforest Frogs for a Rainforest Frog Craft

1 CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: amazon rain forest, crafts, frogs, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, life science, rainforest, science, spring crafts

20 Fun Summer Learning Activities And Make A Rock Sundial

May 12, 2023 | 1 Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have 20 fun summer learning activities and we’re making a rock sundial. And look at 11 Fun Summer Activities for Middle Schoolers for more summer fun.

Are you looking for fun summer learning activities? Whether you teach year-round or take the summer off there is no reason that learning must end.

One of the best things about homeschooling is that learning can be fun and takes place all year long, even in the long hot days of summer.

20 Fun Summer Learning Activities And Make A Rock Sundial

A simple rock sundial is not only a fun and frugal summer activity, but there is much to learn.

Look at what you learn when you make a simple rock sundial.

  1. good way to work on telling time
  2. problem-solving
  3. the history of telling time
  4. learning about the Earth’s rotation
  5. shadows,
  6. and enjoying some fresh air.

You can use this activity for preschool and up, creating more challenging tasks for different ages.

More Summer Learning Activities

Also, look at more summer learning activities below.

  • 20 Fun Summer Learning Activities And Make A Rock Sundial
  • A to Z List: 100 Fun Summer Homeschool Unit Study Ideas
  • 25 Summer Homeschool Ideas To Keep The Learning Spark Alive
  • 30+ Summer Activities for Middle School Kids
  • 11 Fun Summer Activities for Middle Schooler
  • Free Coral Reef Printable Lapbook and Fun Hands-on Unit Study Ideas
  • Fun Pineapple Candle For Fun Summer Activities for Middle Schoolers
  • Super Easy and Fun Aquarium Jar Craft For Summer Activities for Middle Schoolers
  • Fun Making Ocean Layers Soap | Summer Activities for Middle Schoolers
20 Fun Summer Learning Activities And Make A Rock Sundial

Then, look at these fun summer learning activities.

20 Summer Learning Activities

I am also giving you a wonderful list of fun summer learning activities to keep them busy all sunny summer long including water play, tasty treats, messy fun, and many more hands-on activities.

Image for Science Experiment: Elephant Toothpaste
Photo Credit: preschoolpowolpackets.blogspot.com

Science Experiment: Elephant Toothpaste

"Elephant toothpaste" is a science experiment that I used to do with my high school students.  It is a strong multi-sensory demonstration that goes great with a lot of chemistry concepts.

Image for Marshmallow Shooter Summer Activity for Kids
Photo Credit: www.123homeschool4me.com

Marshmallow Shooter Summer Activity for Kids

These super EASY to make marshmallow shooters are a must for your summer bucket list.

Image for Bean Experiment for Kids
Photo Credit: www.growingajeweledrose.com

Bean Experiment for Kids

To help with observation we used a jar instead of a bean this time, and I was delighted to discover that my kids were just as amazed by this simple bit of science as I was so many years ago. 

Image for Geometric Bubble Activity
Photo Credit: littlebinsforlittlehands.com

Geometric Bubble Activity

Kids love blowing bubbles so learning, while you play, doesn’t get any better with this easy to set up geometric bubble STEM activity.

Image for Build A Marble Run Wall - Little Bins for Little Hands
Photo Credit: littlebinsforlittlehands.com

Build A Marble Run Wall - Little Bins for Little Hands

Make a simple noodle marble run wall from pool noodles!

Image for Ice Cream Volcano Experiment - Summer Science Activity for Kids
Photo Credit: www.kindergartenworksheetsandgames.com

Ice Cream Volcano Experiment - Summer Science Activity for Kids

Kids will be excited to learn and explore when making this ice cream volcano! This is a combination of an ice cream activity and easy volcano experiments for one EPIC, memorable summer activity for kids! 

Image for Build a Nerf War Battlefield
Photo Credit: www.steampoweredfamily.com

Build a Nerf War Battlefield

Build a Nerf War Battlefield in your own backyard for an adrenaline-pumping, active play experience and STEM challenge.

Image for Easy Sun Print STEM Activity: The Power of the Sun
Photo Credit: www.mombrite.com

Easy Sun Print STEM Activity: The Power of the Sun

In this simple experiment, your kids will learn just how potent the sun’s rays are, and why colors fade under the sun.

Image for The Coolest Project For Kids With Craft Sticks – Engineer Launchers
Photo Credit: www.steampoweredfamily.com

The Coolest Project For Kids With Craft Sticks – Engineer Launchers

This is a great engineering and crafting challenge for kids 7 years old and up. The result is part crossbow, part slingshot, all fun!

Image for Human Sundial Shadow Science Experiments
Photo Credit: rhythmsofplay.com

Human Sundial Shadow Science Experiments

Hands-on outdoor science activities for children, such as this human sundial experiment, can help children learn how shadows are created, and, measure the earth’s rotation.
Image for Ice Cream in a Bag: Changing Matter Experiment for Second Grade
Photo Credit: aroundthekampfire.com

Ice Cream in a Bag: Changing Matter Experiment for Second Grade

 Students investigate ways that matter can change and whether these changes are reversible. 

Image for Rain Cloud in a Jar Science Experiment with Printable Recording Sheets
Photo Credit: funlearningforkids.com

Rain Cloud in a Jar Science Experiment with Printable Recording Sheets

This rain cloud in a jar is a weather science experiment gives young children a chance to explore clouds and rain in a hands-on and engaging way!

Image for Make SMores With a Solar Oven!
Photo Credit: climatekids.nasa.gov

Make SMores With a Solar Oven!

Harness the energy of the Sun to make the best snack ever invented, S’mores!

Image for Make A Fun DIY Mason Jar ‘Fairy Light’ With Your Kids
Photo Credit: www.simplemost.com

Make A Fun DIY Mason Jar ‘Fairy Light’ With Your Kids

Check out this super easy DIY weekend project that will help you turn a regular old mason jar into a glow-in-the-dark fairy light. Your kids will love how they sparkle and shimmer at night, and it’s the perfect craft for when you’ve got a little free time on your hands.

Image for Beach Water Table Invitation (with Video) ⋆ Sugar, Spice and Glitter
Photo Credit: sugarspiceandglitter.com

Beach Water Table Invitation (with Video) ⋆ Sugar, Spice and Glitter

This fun DIY Beach Water Table Invitation brings all the best parts of the beach to your backyard!

Image for Soda Geyser Eruption Experiment - Science for Kids
Photo Credit: www.glitteronadime.com

Soda Geyser Eruption Experiment - Science for Kids

We kicked it off with a Soda Geyser Eruption Experiment. Have you tried this? It is so easy and the kids loved it! Like with most of our activities, it is extremely inexpensive and simple to set up

Image for Paint Gun Parts of Speech Game
Photo Credit: www.123homeschool4me.com

Paint Gun Parts of Speech Game

Looking for an outrageously fun parts of speech game to help kids review nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs. Kids are going to have a blast with this fun parts of speech activity that is perfect for summer learning

Image for Trail Signs Printable & Activity
Photo Credit: theresjustonemommy.com

Trail Signs Printable & Activity

When it comes to simple activities to keep kids busy and having fun, scavenger hunts are always popular.  They are also extremely versatile.  You can find easy scavenger hunts geared towards toddlers and harder ones for teen

Image for Pipe Cleaner Constellations - a Hands-on Constellation Activity
Photo Credit: www.123homeschool4me.com

Pipe Cleaner Constellations - a Hands-on Constellation Activity

Calling all space lovers!  Whether you enjoy star-gazing on a clear summer night or are in planning mode for an upcoming solar system unit or astronomy study, this hands-on STEM activity will help your kids learn about constellations, stars, and the patterns stars form in the night sky! 

Image for Dragon STEM Activities for Kids
Photo Credit: theresjustonemommy.com

Dragon STEM Activities for Kids

Because everybody should study about dragons in the summer.

Finally, look at how to make the fun rock sundial.

20 Fun Summer Learning Activities And Make A Rock Sundial

How to Make a Rock Sundial

Obviously, this wasn’t a foolproof way to tell time because it didn’t work at night. But it was an early innovative technique that paved the way for later more advanced time telling.

People used sundials to keep track of time by watching where the shadow falls on its surface.

The sun seems to move across the sky during the day due to the earth slowly spinning on its axis. 

The various positions of the sun in the sky during the day causes the shadow to move on the sundial, showing the change of time.

You will notice each day that the shadow falls very close to where it was the day before demonstrating the accuracy of the sundial.

In the morning the shadow continues to get shorter and shorter as noon approaches. 

Then, in the afternoon, the shadow gets longer and longer.

Observe the length of the shadow on the sundial throughout the day.

Is it longer in the morning or late afternoon?

Kids Rock Sundial

You will need:

  • A straight stick
  • 12 flat smooth rocks
  • Sharpie
  • Phone or clock
  • Compass
20 Fun Summer Learning Activities And Make A Rock Sundial

Directions:

First, find an area of your yard that gets full sun all day, you can start any time of day when there is sun but it may take a full 24 hours or more to get all the times set.

Use a Sharpie or paint marker to write 1-12 on each rock.

20 Fun Summer Learning Activities And Make A Rock Sundial

Set a timer on your phone to go off every hour on the hour.

Push a fairly straight sturdy stick into the soil, and tilt it slightly to the north.

You can find this out with a compass or use the compass on your phone.

20 Fun Summer Learning Activities And Make A Rock Sundial

When you are on the hour, go check the direction in which the shadow from the stick is pointing and add your first corresponding numbered stone.

Throughout the day, on each hour add the next numbered rock to the end of the shadow until you have completed your clock.

You can repeat this experiment several times to make sure your numbers are in the correct space. Then try learning time at :30 as well as on the hour.

20 Fun Summer Learning Activities And Make A Rock Sundial

1 CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: crafts, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, summer, summer activities, summer crafts, summerideas

10 Sea Shell Activities for Kids and Make Crystal Sea Shells

May 11, 2023 | 2 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have 10 sea shell activities today. And your kids will love making these fun crystal sea shells. Grab more ideas on my Seashore Watching Unit Study and Beach Lapbook.

Sea shell activities are a fun way to explore one of your favorite parts of the beach.

If you find yourself with an abundance of sea shells from your beach visits or you just want to have some seashell-themed fun I have a fun learning activity.

 I have dug up 10 great sea shell activities and put together one of my own for you.

10 Sea Shell Activities for Kids and Make Crystal Sea Shells

You can observe and describe seashells, identify them with a favorite guide or reference book or use them for a multitude of crafts and activities.

I am sharing a tutorial today for how to make crystal seashells.

This is an activity that can be educational as well as pretty.

Your child can place these glittery shells alongside the plainer ones on your science shelf to remember the fun they had watching them grow crystals.

Gather up handfuls of your favorite seashells and let’s see what kind of fun and learning we can do with them.

10 Stupendous Sea Shell Facts

First, look at these facts about sea shells.

  1. A sea shell is a hard, protective outer layer usually created by an animal that lives in the sea.
  2. Mollusks can make their shells become different colors by eating a variety of colorful food. Eating red seaweed gives some sea animals a red shell.
  3. There is more to the pattern of the seashell than just being pretty. Scientists believe that mollusks use the patterns and colors as engineering blueprints. The design of the shells helps the animal know where to place their mantle, ensuring they grow its shell in the right spots.
  4. People used to use sea shells as currency, even as far back as Pompei.
  5. 90% of shells are dextral, meaning their shells open to the right.
  6. There are over 100,000 varieties of mollusks including snails, clams, mussels, scallops, oysters, and more.
  7. The official term for someone who collects shells is a “conchologist”.
  8. You can guess the age of shells, a scallop, for example, produces about a ridge per day. 
  9. The largest sea shell is the Australian Trumpet, weighing up to 40 lbs.
  10. Sea shells are an excellent source of calcium carbonate making them a great choice for adding calcium to your garden beds.
10 Sea Shell Activities for Kids and Make Crystal Sea Shells

10 Sea Shell Activities

Get your shell on with these fun and beachy-themed crafts and activities you can do with your sea shells.

  1. Sea Shell Sand Craft
  2. Sea Shell Necklaces
  3. How to Dye Rainbow Seashells
  4. Seashell Science and Math
  5. Storytelling Seashells
  6. Sea Shell Decorations
  7. Sea Shell Craft Project
  8. Ocean-Themed Playdough Invitation
  9. Glittery Seashells
  10. Sand Clay Handprint Keepsake with Seashells
10 Sea Shell Activities for Kids and Make Crystal Sea Shells

More Sea Shell Activities and Beach Resources

Also, look at more summertime and sea shell fun.

  • How to Dissolve a Seashell – Beach Hands-on Fun Activity
  • Humboldt Who? Hands On to Understand Ocean Currents & Their Effect On The Galapagos Islands
  • Edible Geography – Sea Levels
  • 10 Edible Beach Crafts For Teens and Make Edible Beach Glass
  • Super Easy and Fun Aquarium Jar Craft For Summer Activities
  •  Making Ocean Layers Soap | Summer Activities

In addition, look at these fun books.

4 Seashells Books for Kids

Add one or two of these books or resources to your unit study about sea shells.

Image for What Lives in a Shell?

What Lives in a Shell?

This clear and appealing book for early elementary age kids, both at home and in the classroom, is a fascinating exploration of the many creatures that make a home in a shell. This picture book features beautifully accurate illustrations of the many types of shells—inside and out! Young readers will love exploring the fascinating homes of creatures like hermit crabs, scallops, and turtles.

Image for Fascinating Shells: An Introduction to 121 of the World’s Most Wonderful Mollusks

Fascinating Shells: An Introduction to 121 of the World’s Most Wonderful Mollusks

Beautiful photographs of stunning shells from London's Natural History Museum, home to one of the most significant and comprehensive collections in the world.Collected and treasured for their beauty, used in religious rituals, or even traded as currency, shells have fascinated humans for millennia. Ancient and enchanting, dazzling in form and variety, these beautiful objects come from mollusks, one of the most diverse groups in the animal kingdom, including snails, oysters, cuttlefish, and chitons. Soft-bodied, these creatures rely on shells for protection from enemies and their environments, from snowy mountains to arid deserts, in deep-sea hydrothermal vents and the jungles of the tropics, on rocky shores, and in coral reefs.

Image for Seashells & Beachcombing for Kids: An Introduction to Beach Life of the Atlantic, Gulf, and Pacific Coasts

Seashells & Beachcombing for Kids: An Introduction to Beach Life of the Atlantic, Gulf, and Pacific Coasts

Ocean beaches capture our attention like few places on Earth—and for good reason. Two vastly different ecosystems merge here, attracting a wide variety of life forms. Become a young oceanographer. Learn all about beaches and the plants and animals found there. East Coast expert Erika Zambello and West Coast naturalist Stephanie Panlasigui present a kids’ introduction to beach life. The children’s book, ideal for early and middle-grade readers, conveys fascinating information for beginners.

Start by learning about beaches and their various habitats, as well as tips on beach safety, collecting etiquette, an

Image for What A Shell Can Tell

What A Shell Can Tell

Award-winning marine biologist Helen Scales introduces children to the wonders of shells (from seashells to land snails) through the art of observation. Using a friendly question-and-answer format, she explores, through a richly sensory experience, the incredible diversity of shells around the world and showcases the environments molluscs inhabit. From what a shell's shape, color, or texture can reveal about its inhabitant, to where shells are found (from the deepest seas to jungly treetops), with this book, readers can get up close with nature to observe its wonders.

Also, look at some of the science before we make this fun sea shell borax crystal.

Crystal Sea shell Science

Before we soak up the next activity let’s look at some of the science behind it.

First, it is important to know that hot water holds more borax crystals than cold or room temp. 

This is because the hot water molecules move far apart and make room for the borax crystals to dissolve.

You can extend this experiment by trying the same measurements of borax and water with different water temperatures.

As the solution cools down the saturated water molecules come back together and force the particles out of the solution.

They will then land on the nearest surface (sea shells) and then they will keep building up to form crystals.

Once dried you will really be able to see the unique crystal shapes, and how they build on different surfaces like the edges, ridges, cavities, etc/

You can purchase sea shells online or even at dollar tree but how much fun is it to use the ones you found on your last beach vacation?

10 Sea Shell Activities for Kids and Make Crystal Sea Shells

Finally, let’s make crystal sea shells.

How to Make Crystal Seashells

You will need:

  • Seashells
  • 4 cups hot water
  • ¼ to ½ cup borax
  • Shallow glass container
10 Sea Shell Activities for Kids and Make Crystal Sea Shells

Directions:

Heat the water in a microwave-safe container.

You can do it in a shallow glass container or a spouted glass measuring cup is perfect for pouring later in the activity.

The water doesn’t have to be boiling but you want it hot, as it is necessary to melt and absorb the borax crystals.

10 Sea Shell Activities for Kids and Make Crystal Sea Shells

Stir in the borax a few tablespoons at a time, adding more and more until it no longer dissolves.

This means the water is fully saturated.

10 Sea Shell Activities for Kids and Make Crystal Sea Shells

Place seashells in the bottom of a shallow glass dish and give a little space between each of them.

Lay them down upside down and right side up to observe what happens with the crystallization.

10 Sea Shell Activities for Kids and Make Crystal Sea Shells

Place the shallow dish in an area where they will not be disturbed.

Wait at least 24 hours before you check them for crystals.

Moving them around and removing them from the water will disturb the crystallization process.

Once they are done lay on a paper towel to dry.

Investigate your shells with a magnifying glass and a favorite resource book.

You can see here that the crystals started filling in the cavity of this conch.

10 Sea Shell Activities for Kids and Make Crystal Sea Shells

2 CommentsFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: beach, crafts, earth science, earthscience, hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, ocean, science, sea shells, seashore, summer, summer activities, summer crafts, summerideas

Toddler to Teen 100 Popular Free Homeschool Unit Study Resources

May 8, 2023 | 8 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have 100 free unit study resources. Unit studies have a way of taking any topic from drab to fab. Grab more ideas on my best homeschool unit studies pages

They can bring life to the most seeming lifeless topic.

Toddler to Teen 100 Popular Free Homeschool Unit Study Resources

So today in sharing toddler to teen 100 free unit study resources, I hope you find something that inspires you and your kids.

A good amount of the work has been started for you already with the resources I have listed below. And no, I just couldn’t stop at 100 resources!

Free Unit Study Resources

General Information & Unit Study How-Tos

  • 10 Days of Diving Into Studies Into By Creating A Unit Study Together
  • Ultimate Homeschool Unit Study Planner – Which Lesson Planning Pages to Use?
  • How To Plan Unit Studies with Project-Based Learning

Free Unit Studies

A

  • A Busy Year by Leo Lionni ~ Seasons & Months Printables
  •  Abner Doubleday
  • Abraham Lincoln
  • Africa
  • Alpacas
  • Amazon Rain Forest and many lapbooks
  • Amphibians and Reptiles Unit
  • Ancient Egypt Unit
  • Ancient Greece
  • Animal Classification Unit
  • Another Ancient Egypt Unit Study
  • And My Ancient Egypt Unit Study
  • Annie Oakley
  • Ants
  • Apples
  • Arctic
  • Asia – Free Learning Resources
  • Australia
  • Autumn Unit Study
  • Celebrating Autumn
  • Alice in Wonderland

B

  • Beatrix Potter Unit Study Resources
  • Birds
  • Bubbles

C

  • Cooking Unit Study
  • Charlotte’s Web Unit Study
  • Chemistry
  • Chemistry Unit Study
  • Chronicles of Narnia Resources
  • Chocolate Unit Study
  • Civil War Unit Study
  • Historical Fiction Series: Columbus
  • Columbus Unit Study Resources
  • Coral Reef
  • Camouflage

Also, look at Beautiful Feet literature for some fun literature, history and geography unit studies.

Homeschool Unit Studies

D

  • Daniel Boone and lapbook
  • Desert Animals Unit Study and Lapbook
  • Dinosaur Unit Study for Elementary Kids
  • Davy Crockett and the Alamo

F

  • Fall Unit Study (Includes Apples, Sir Isaac Newton, Art, and Appleseed)
  • Farm
  • FBI Unit study for middle and high school
  • Five Senses Unit Study
  • France Geography Unit Study
  • France

Unit Studies for Multiple Ages

G

  • Greece Unit Study and Lapbooks
  • Gardening Unit Study
  • Geology Unit Study
  • Greece another one
  • Goldrush

H

  • Harrison Ford
  • Historic Philadelphia, Independence Hall
  • Huge Human Body study and lapbook

I

  • Iroquois Confederacy
  • Ian Fleming
  • Indian Corn
  • Insects Unit Study
  • Italy

J

  • Free Jamestown Unit Study
  • Jim Thorpe
Toddler to Teen 100 Popular Free Homeschool Unit Study Resources

K

  • Keanu Reeves
  • Kentucky History Unit Study

L

  • Leonardo Da Vinci
  • Les Miserables
  • Lewis and Clark and several lapbooks
  • Little House on the Prairie Unit Study
  • Lost in the Solar System – Magic School Bus
  • Literature based

100 Unit Studies

M

  • Martin Luther King Jr Unit Study Resources
  • Medieval Unit Study
  • Michael J. Fox
  • Middle Ages Unit Study
  • The Mitten
  • Moon and Stars

N

  • Natural Disaster Themed Unit Study
  • Native American Plains Indians Unit Study and Lapbook
  • Neil Armstrong
  • New Zealand Unit Study
  • Norway

O

  • Oregon trail and Westward expansion lapbook
  • Owl
  • Ocean Unit study and Lapbook
  • Ocean Animals Unit

P

  • Phantom of the Opera
  • Pirates
  • Presidents of the United States Unit Study
  • Pumpkin Unit Study
  • Puzzles

R

  • Renaissance
  • Roger Moore
  • Revolutionary War
  • Russia Unit Study
  • Rainforest
  • Roller Coaster

S

  • Sharks
  • Slavery
  • Solar System Unit Study
  • Space and the solar system
  • Squirrels Free Learning Resources
  • Stellaluna
  • Spring Activities
  • Smores
Toddler to Teen 100 Popular Free Homeschool Unit Study Resources

Free Unit Study Printables

T

  • Teach Bugs and Insects Using Eric Carle
  • Teeth Unit Study
  • The Titanic Unit Study and Lapbook
  • Tom Hanks

U

  • US Geography Unit Study
  • US History Unit
  • United Kingdom

V

  • Viking unit study and lapbook
Toddler to Teen 100 Popular Free Homeschool Unit Study Resources

W

  • Weather Unit: Books, Videos, and Projects
  • Westward Ho Huge Unit Study and Lapbook
  • Winston Churchill
  • World War I
  • World War II Unit
  • Worm Unit Study
  • Weather

Z

  • Zoo Animals Unit

Don’t forget that I have the Ultimate Unit Study Planner. Having an eye for detail and creating many unit studies with multiple levels of kids, I know you’ll love it.

Toddler to Teen 100 Popular Free Homeschool Unit Study Resources. I have 100 free unit study resources. Unit studies have a way of taking any topic from drab to fab. Grab more ideas on my best homeschool unit studies pages. They can bring life to the most seeming lifeless topic. So today in sharing toddler to teen 100 free unit study resources, I hope you find something that inspires you and your kids.
  • This is a DIY printable Ultimate Unit Study Planner in COLOR.
  • Undated pages, so it is a 1 Time Purchase
  • You do not pay for “Fluff” pages like calendars found freely on the internet and provided here on my blog. Only unique working forms are part of your comprehensive download.
  • Lesson Pages are divided by lower, middle and higher grades.
  • Learning Objective Forms & Assessment Forms
  • Brainstorming Maps
  • 2. Ultimate DIY Homeschool Unit Study Planner

    2. Ultimate DIY Homeschool Unit Study Planner

    $5.99
    Add to cart

Feel inspired to try one or two or . . .?  You’ll be hooked!

You’ll love these other posts and tips too:

  • Helpful Homeschool Unit Study Spines to Plan in a Few Hours
  • How to Easily Add Language Arts to Homeschool Unit Studies (& Resources)
  • What You Must Know to Teach High School Unit Studies
  • 7 Budget-Friendly Language Arts Curriculum to Pair with Unit Studies (with printable)
  • 3 Things To Remember When Homeschool Unit Studies Get Complicated
  • Fascinating and Fun Honey Bees Unit Study and Lapbook for Kids
100 FREE Toddler to Teen Homeschool Unit Studies. Your kids will love these ideas and you’ll find plenty of topics to keep homeschool planning easy. CLICK HERE to grab one or two!
100 FREE Toddler to Teen Homeschool Unit Studies. Your kids will love these ideas and you’ll find plenty of topics to keep homeschool planning easy. CLICK HERE to grab one or two!
Ultimate Homeschool Unit Study Planner - Comparing Two Different Lesson Planning Pages @ Tinas Dynamic Homeschool Plus


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.

Toddler to Teen 100 Popular Free Homeschool Unit Study Resources

8 CommentsFiled Under: Do Unit Studies, Free Homeschool Resources, Geography, Hands-On Activities, History Resources, Homeschooling, Middle School Homeschool, Other Unit Studies Tagged With: earthscience, hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool, homeschoolhighschool, homeschoolhistory, homeschoolscience, middle ages history, middleschool, physical science, unit studies

Grades 1 to 8 Free Homeschool Art Curriculum and Printable Notebooking Pages

May 7, 2023 | 3 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, I have free homeschool art curriculum. Also, look at my free Art Units page.

Too, it can be hard to fit in subjects like art and music.

So, having free art curriculum always works because there are no guilt feelings if you don’t use it all up.

Grades 1 to 8 Free Homeschool Art Curriculum and Printable Notebooking Pages

Besides, having free art curriculum, I created 2 sets of notebooking pages for each grade.

Altogether, I have grades 1 to 8 art curriculum and the notebooking pages.

List of Artists Studied in Each Grade Level

Also, the curriculum is set up where you 10 artists per grade level.

Look below at the names of all 80 artists.

1st Grade Artists Studied

2nd Grade Artists Studied

  • Paul Cezannne
  • Edward Hicks
  • Normal Rockwell
  • Pieter Brueghel
  • Sir Joshua Reynolds
  • Daniel French
  • Albrecht Durer
  • Mary Cassett
  • Winslow Homer
  • John Constable
  • Anne Whitney
  • Henri Rousseau
  •  George Catlin
  • John Singleton
  •  Henry Tanner
  •  Gustave Courbet
  •  Jean Millet
  •  Van Gogh
  •  Claude Monet
  •  Maria Sibylla

3rd Grade Artists Studied

4th Grade Artists Studied

  • John Curry
  • Wassily Kandinsky
  • John Millais
  • Raphael Sanzio
  • Gilbert Stuart
  • Eastman Johnson
  • Jessie Smith
  • Frederick Remington
  • Julia Cameron
  • Thomas Sully
  • John Audubon
  • William Morris
  • Edwin Landseer
  • Edmonia Lewis
  • Berta Hummel
  • Rosa Bonheur
  • Edgar Degas
  • Leonardo da Vinci
  • Pierre-Auguste Renoir
  • Georges Seurat

5th Grade Artists Studied

6th Grade Artists Studied

  • George Bingham
  • Frederic Church
  • Edward Curtis
  • Emanuel Leutze
  • Paul Revere
  • Robert Duncanson
  • Henrietta Johnston
  • Thomas Moran
  • Martin Heade
  • John Trumbull
  • James McNeil Whistler
  • Tom Thomson
  • Caravaggio
  • Camille Pissarro
  • Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec
  • Kathe Kollwitz
  • Rembrandt van Rijn
  • Edvard Munch
  • Katsushika Hokusai
  • Johannes Vermeer

7th Grade Artists Studied

8th Grade Artists Studied

  • Casper David Friedrich
  • Gustave Caillebotte
  • Anne Vallayer-Coster
  • Michelangelo
  • Hendrick Avercamp
  • Henri Fantin-Latour
  • William Turner
  • George Inness
  • Paul Gauguin
  • Francois August Rene Rodin
  • Berthe Morisot
  • Édouard Manet
  • Jan van Eyck
  • Cecilia Beaux
  • Susanne Valadon
  • Maurice Utrillo
  • George Bellows
  • Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi
  • Francis A. Silva
  • Adélaïde Labille-Guiard

Then, look below at ways to use it.

Grades 1 to 8 Free Homeschool Art Curriculum and Printable Notebooking Pages

How to Use the Free Art Curriculum

Then because it’s free you have many options how to use it.

Too, art is subjective, meaning some children are more advanced in creative abilities than others.

Also, some of the easier techniques taught in the younger grades are beneficial for all budding artists regardless of grade level.

5 Options how to Use the Free Art Curriculum

Moreover, there are several ways you can use this curriculum.

  1. Of course, the first way is by grade level as is and make it a 10 week study any time of the year.
  2. Next, is the schedule we followed. So, we studied 1 artist per MONTH. This was a slow enough pace for the year, and it gave us a day or so each week to focus on learning about the artists, his/her techniques and history of the artist’s life.
  3. Also, one more way to follow it is to take 1 artist PER WEEK and choose 36 of the 80 artists regardless of grade level. Thirty-six weeks is enough for a year. Too, the free curriculum has enough information about the artist to create a framework of information regardless of age. Just remember with this method you overlook grade levels which I do anyway.
  4. This is another way we covered art and that for each child to choose an artist and focus on it. This was open-ended so each child could focus on what they wanted.
  5. I created notebooking pages for the non-artsy child so they could write about what they knew and do as much or as little art as they wanted to.

How to use the Notebooking Pages for Homeschool Art Curriculum

As a mom homeschooling multiple ages I want the flexibility to provide more in depth art, even for my highschoolers, as I used this curriculum.

Too, I needed to keep it on the lighter side for my youngest.

So both sets have the SAME art pieces but one set has one more text box and the other set has a sketch box.

First set has 4 Text Boxes – Artist Name, Facts About the Artist, Title of the Art and Interesting Facts.

Second set has 3 Text Boxes + 1 Sketch Box – Artist Name, Facts About the Artist, Title of the Art and Box for a Sketch of the art.

Your student can decide if they want to do more research and write under “Interesting Facts” or prefers to “Sketch” the art or a similar art piece.

The point is you with my download you have notebooking pages to use with your child’s art, as stand alone, or don’t use them at all. I love choices

Grades 1 to 8 Free Homeschool Art Curriculum and Printable Notebooking Pages

Also, look at some of the supplies we used to add to your roundup.

9 Fun Art Supplies for Learning

Whether you prefer to study art for a long period of time or short, I have some of our favorite supplies listed here. Too, everyone stores art differently. We love 3 ring binders and page protectors as well as large envelopes. I know you can use some of these ideas.

Image for Sculpey Premo 24 Color sampler of Polymer Oven-Bake Clay,

Sculpey Premo 24 Color sampler of Polymer Oven-Bake Clay,

I loved this brand. And it has a variety of colors for each child.

Image for Amazon Basics Premium Colored Pencils, Soft Core, 24 Count (Pack of 1)

Amazon Basics Premium Colored Pencils, Soft Core, 24 Count (Pack of 1)

  • Explore your creativity with a wide variety of colors
  • Contains artist-quality soft lead for rich pigment and smooth application
  • Includes a tin storage case with a built-in tray to keep pencils organized and protected
  • Image for Cardinal 3 Ring Binders

    Cardinal 3 Ring Binders

    Great for holding art projects.

    Image for Watercolor Paper Pad 9"x12"

    Watercolor Paper Pad 9"x12"

    Watercolor Paper Pad - Dyvicl spiral watercolor paper pad is loved by new and experienced artists, rough finish, heavyweight paper will satisfy any artistic needs! for drawing, sketching, or painting. You can play with techniques & effects to your heart's content. Watercolor pad work excellently with wet and dry mixed media including watercolor, gouache, acrylic, colored pencil, charcoal, and pastel.

    Image for Paint This Book!: Watercolor for the Artistically Undiscovered

    Paint This Book!: Watercolor for the Artistically Undiscovered

    Put the brush in your hand. Stick it in the water, then smush it around in one of the colors. Now take a deep breath and plop it down on the page . . .You’re an artist. Yes, really! Young or old, there is an artist in each of us. If yours is hiding (perhaps behind a shred of self-consciousness?), just remember: Art is personal expression. You have your talent. Nobody else has anything like it!

    Image for Caliart Acrylic Paint Set With 12 Brushes

    Caliart Acrylic Paint Set With 12 Brushes

    Acrylic Paint Set With 12 Brushes: Premium paints glide on smoothly, dry quickly and stay as beautiful as the day they were painted. Whether you’re new to acrylic painting or a seasoned
    artist, the paint kit will set fire to your imagination.

    Image for Artstorys Watercolor Paint Set, Vivid Colors Washable

    Artstorys Watercolor Paint Set, Vivid Colors Washable

    Premium Watercolor Paint: Comes with 48 vibrant water colors cake, 1 premium refillable water brush, wooden paint brushes and 1 mixing palette converted by the transparent lid. Perfect for artists, amateurs, students, teens, kids, children and painters of all levels. Wonderful gift idea for your friends and families who have fun in painting!

    Image for 8 Pack Plastic Envelopes Poly Envelope Folder Clear Plastic Reusable Folders

    8 Pack Plastic Envelopes Poly Envelope Folder Clear Plastic Reusable Folders

    [Colorful Transparent Envelopes] 8 assorted colors: transparent blue, green, yellow, purple, pink, orange, white and red. It’s easy to organize and distinguish your paper with a different color.

    Image for 1 Pcs Craft Knife Hobby Knife

    1 Pcs Craft Knife Hobby Knife

    Valuable Package Content:1pcs hobby knife,10pcs hobby knife blades,1pc steel ruler(6inch/15cm long)

    In addition, look at some of these other fun art ideas.

    More Fun Homeschool Art Curriculum Ideas

    • The BEST Resources for Teaching Art at Home (K to Gray)
    • Learn About African Art For Children And Make Fun Djembe Drums
    • Kindergarten Paper Crafts and a Fun Tissue Paper Painting
    • Easy and Fun Polar Bear Fork Painting
    • Kids Art History Board Game Ideas
    • DIY Fun Salt Winter Watercolor Art Project for Kids
    • How to Make a Kids Pinch Pot
    • DIY String Pumpkin Art
    Grades 1 to 8 Free Homeschool Art Curriculum and Printable Notebooking Pages

    How to Get the Free Homeschool Art Curriculum and 2 Sets of Notebooking Pages

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

     1) Sign up on my list.
     2) Grab the freebie instantly.
     3) Glad to have you following me by email!

    3 CommentsFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: art, artnotebookingpages, hands-on activities

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