Hands-On Activities

7 Human Body Facts and Kids Human Body T-Shirt Project

September 6, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have 7 human body facts and a fun kids human body t-shirt project. Also, I have this Human Body Crafts page for more hands-on ideas. And this Beautiful Human Body Lapbook and Fun Unit Study.

When you are learning about organs and different systems a human body t-shirt project is a great way to help your child understand where everything is in relation to each other.

Make your shirt over time, layering on organs from the digestive, respiratory, and circulatory systems as you learn about each throughout your studies.

7 Human Body Facts and Kids Human Body T-Shirt Project

Too, you can design everything at once as a large project for your human body unit study.

What I really like about doing this on a shirt as opposed to a flat piece of paper is that it helps, especially young children, understand how each organ works together in each system and how they fit together inside the body.

It is also a very frugal project; you can grab a plain white tee from the craft store or even Walmart for around $.3.00.

And use craft paints you already have on hand for a craft/science activity that makes a lasting impact on them.

Hands-on Ideas for Kids about the Human Body

Next, add some of these resources to your human body unit study.

16 Human Body Books & Hands-on Resources

Add a few of these fun resources whether you do a couple of lesson plans about the human body or a unit study.

The Way We Work: Getting to Know the Amazing Human Body

One of the resources we used as a reference for this activity was The Way We Work, it covers a lot of interesting topics on the human body.

Medical Torso Human Body Model Anatomy

Vivid Human torso organ structure: 15 Pcs Removable Organs including: Torso, Brain (2-part), Heart, Esophagus and Aorta, Lungs (4-part), Cranial Cap, Stomach, Diaphragm, Liver, pancreas and spleen, small and large intestine. The torso structure showing the relative position, morphological features, anatomy of the head, neck and internal organs, especially the respiratory, digestive, urinary and nervous systems.

Human Organs Shape Silicone Molds 8 Pc

[HUMAN ORGANS SILICONE MOLD]: 8 Pcs Human Organs Mold With Different Shapes, Include 1 Human Heart Mold, 1 Brain Silicone Mold, 1 Liver Mold, 1 Intestinal Mold, 1 Lung Mold, 1 Stomach Mold, 1 Brain Stem Mold, 1 Kidney Mold.

Ooze Labs: Visible Human Body with Squishable Organs

This human body with squishable organs is another great way to identify the organs and become familiar with their layout in the body, it has that gross factor that so many kids love.

Human Body Model for Kids 8PCS Mini Body Parts

8PCS Human Organ Figures Set:Human organ anatomy parts display model children learning toy include small intestine, large intestine, lung, brain, stomach, heart, liver, kidney. Suitable for boys and girls over 6 years old,good for brain ability and imagination.

Anatomy (Quickstudy Academic)

Complete labeled illustrations of over 1,400 anatomical identifications.Loaded with beautifully illustrated diagrams clearly and concisely labeled for easy identification.

Basher Science: Human Body: A Book with Guts!

Basher Science: Human Body, A Book with Guts! Created & illustrated by Simon Basher, written by Dan Green

From the best-selling team that brought you The Periodic Table, Physics, Biology, and Astronomy comes a topic that's close to our hearts-literally! Meet the characters and processes that that keep the human body chugging along. From the basic building blocks like Cell, DNA, and Protein, to Bones, Muscles, and all of the fun-loving Organs, readers will cozy up with the guys on the inside. Trust us-Liver has never looked better!

Heart Anatomy Poster - LAMINATED

High-quality 3 MIL LAMINATION for added durability

Tear Resistant

Human Heart Anatomy Floor Puzzle

HUMAN ORGANS LEARNING: Marvel at the rich complexities of the human heart muscle! Every piece has a unique shape designed to outline each major part of the heart organ, making these an exciting challenge to assemble. Each puzzle includes an Anatomy Reference Guide, so you can learn as you build!

Fixed Bones X-Rays, Black/White, 14 Pieces,

Authentic x-ray images
Works with any light source or light table)
Matching facture card
Detailed teaching guide

4 Pack - Anatomical Poster Set - Laminated - Muscular, Skeletal, Ligaments of the Joints, Anatomy of the Spine

Set of 4 Posters Made in the USA
Posters are 18" x 24” in size
High-quality 3 MIL lamination for added durability
Tear Resistant

My First Book About the Brain (Dover Science For Kids Coloring Books)

Discover the workings of the body's most complex organ! How does the brain control the rest of the body? How does it enable the senses to function, regulate speech, affect balance, and influence sleep and dreams? These 25 illustrations to color explain every aspect of the brain's important jobs, from communicating with the central nervous system to retaining memories. Suitable for ages 8–12.

Skull Anatomy Coloring Book: Incredibly Detailed Self-Test Human Skull Anatomy Coloring Book

Enjoy This Coloring Book with 34 Beautiful Human Skull Anatomy Coloring Pages.

The Human Skull Anatomy Coloring Book Provides A Means Of Learning About The Structure And Function Of The Human Skull Anatomy Through A Process Of Coloring-By-Directions.

Coloring The Human Skull Anatomy And Its Nerves Is The Most Effective Way To Study The Structure And Functions Of Human Skull Anatomy. You Assimilate Information And Make Visual Associations With Key Terminology When Coloring In The Human Skull Anatomy Coloring Book, All While Having Fun.

1 Pair Plastic Skeleton Hands

Fall is a grea time to grab a set of hands at Dollar Tree but also here is a pair if you're doing a unit study and need one now.

Circulatory System Poster

This poster makes a great reference and can be used with older children to help them add more detail to their project.

The Circulatory System (Your Body Systems: Blastoff! Readers

Our bodies contain a super highway of blood vessels that carry nutrients, waste, and much more from our heads to our toes. This network is the circulatory system! Beginning with a deep breath in, this fact-filled title uses easy-to-follow text and diagrams to allow readers to dive inside the bodys circulatory system!

The human body is a complex being made up of systems that keep us alive and moving! In this series, readers will dive into the bodys systems though engaging, leveled text and related diagrams that follow the parts and functions of each system. Get a microscopic view inside the body with A Closer Look, and put new knowledge into action with a hands-on activity. Check out what is happening inside the body with each title!

Also, look at a few facts to share with your children.

Human Body Facts

Here are some interesting facts about each of the major organs to go over while your child paints their shirt.

Trachea. The trachea is surrounded by c-shaped rings of hyaline cartilage that keep it from collapsing.
Esophagus It is a hollow, muscular tube that carries food and liquid from your throat to your stomach and it is made of muscles that push the food down.
Stomach. Stomach acid Is strong enough to burn your skin, this is why it burns when you have acid reflux. Your stomach is lined with mucus that protects it from the acid.
Lungs.Your left and right lungs aren’t exactly the same. The left lung is slightly smaller, allowing room for your heart. Your left lung is divided into two lobes and the right lung is divided into three.
Liver. The liver is one of the largest organs in the body. It is roughly the size of a football, weighing about 3 pounds in the average-sized person.
Gall Bladder. The Gallbladder stores bile and helps to digest fats but if your gallbladder is removed, it doesn’t affect your digestion that much.
Large Intestine. The function of the large intestine is to absorb water and salts from the material that has not been digested as food and also to get rid of any waste product that is left over.
Small Intestine. If you pulled your intestines out straight they would measure about 22’ long but are only 1’ in diameter.
Heart. Your heart pumps about 2,000 gallons of blood a day and there are 20,000 miles of blood vessels running throughout your body.

The human body is truly weird and wonderful in design and is a favorite topic of study for preschool through high school.

More Human Body Crafts

Also, you’ll love this human body lapbook for multiple ages.

Dynamic and Fun Human Body Lapbook for Multiple Ages
$5.00 Add to cart

This is a fun hands-on activity which you can include the whole family.

How to Make a Human Body T-Shirt Project

You will need:

White t-shirt
Acrylic craft paint
Paint brushes
Paint markers/pens
Anatomy Reference photo
Cardboard

First, slip cardboard inside the shirt to protect the backside from paint.

You can just flatten out a shipping box and cut it to size.

Smooth it out as much as you can.

Use a pencil to lightly sketch or mark out where each of your organs will be, you will be painting over it later.

Use a paper plate as a palette for all the colors you choose. Too, you can opt to paint each its actual color or choose one color to paint all organs for each of the systems.

Paint each of your organs, overlapping as needed. I find it is much easier to use a flat brush with an edge to get cleaner outlines.

Allow the paint to dry between colors to avoid smearing.

When you are happy with your design allow everything to dry completely.

Now, you can go back in with a black paint pen and outline everything and add a little more detail if you wish. You can even label each organ if you like.

Fun Chocolate Unit Study and DIY Chocolate Candy Bar Activity

September 4, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have a fun chocolate unit study. Also, look at my Meso-America and Rain Forest Amazon page to learn how chocolate comes from the cacao tree of the rain forest. Also, grab more ideas on my Best Homeschool Unit Studies page.

Interest-led studies can be delicious as well as educational, like this chocolate unit study which is really appealing.

I don’t know many kids who are not interested in chocolate so I thought that it would make a tasty unit.

There is much to be learned about the history, geography, and math of chocolate.

Fun Chocolate Unit Study and DIY Chocolate Candy Bar Activity

It is also quite easy to work in some reading, writing, practical life skills, and more.

Just check out all the chocolate ideas I have below for you.

For the main activity, kids will create their own candy bar combos, name them, and create a wrapper to cover them in.

5 Chocolate Facts

Next, here are a few facts about chocolate.

Unlike the solid chocolate of today, early civilizations consumed cocoa in the form of a bitter drink.
Technically milk chocolate isn’t actually chocolate, due to the absence of cocoa solids.
Milk chocolate originated in Jamaica in the form of a milk-based drink.
Hershey’s earned their first million producing caramel candies before focusing on perfecting their chocolate bar.
More than 60% of the world’s cocoa comes from just 2 countries- Ivory Coast and Ghana.

Then look at some of these books.

Books for Creating a Chocolate Unit Study

Add some of these books to learn about how chocolate is made.

THE EXTRAORDINARY HISTORY OF CHOCOLATE

This book is intended for children who love chocolate and stories.

Discover the exciting story of one of the most popular foods in the world: ''CHOCOLATE'' .This book will take you in the footsteps of the Aztecs who considered it a sacred drink. Later, the Conquistadors will bring it to Spain where it will become THE trendy ''EXOTIC DRINK''. Reserved for kings and nobility, and at first consumed only in the sumptuous palaces, but much later becoming a popular food for all.

How Monkeys Make Chocolate: Unlocking the Mysteries of the Rainforest

In How Monkeys Make Chocolate renowned ecologist Adrian Forsyth introduces the people, plants, and animals of the world’s rain forests through exciting first-hand stories and stunning color photographs. He visits aboriginal shamans and imitates the behavior of animals to tap into the inner workings of various rain forests, revealing a world of riches with unsuspected connections to everyday life. His adventures expose the amazing origins of familiar products, including chocolate, cola, aspirin, and rubber, and offer tantalizing glimpses of the discoveries yet to be made. With visual force and vivid anecdotes, Forsyth instills a deep wonder for the web of life and the importance of conserving these fragile ecosystems.

Who Was Milton Hershey?

Discover the man behind the chocolate bar! Milton Hershey’s life was filled with invention and innovation. As a young man, he was not afraid to dream big and work hard. Eventually, he learned the secret to mass-producing milk chocolate and the recipe that gave it a longer, more stable shelf life. He founded a school for those who didn’t have access to a good education and an entire town for his employees. Both his chocolate empire and his great personal legacy live on today.

Food Anatomy: The Curious Parts & Pieces of Our Edible World

Food Anatomy includes a wonderfully illustrated section on how chocolate is made from harvest to tempering.

The Chocolate Touch

In this zany twist on the legend of King Midas and his golden touch, a boy acquires a magical gift that turns everything his lips touch into chocolate! Kids will eat this up for summer reading or anytime!

Can you ever have too much of your favorite food? John Midas is about to find out….

The Chocolate Touch has remained a favorite for millions of kids, teachers, and parents for several generations. It's an enjoyable story that pulls in even reluctant readers.

Chocolate Riches From the Rainforest

A delicious story about the history of chocolate with wonderful illustrations.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Willy Wonka's famous chocolate factory is opening at last! But only five lucky children will be allowed inside. And the winners are: Augustus Gloop, an enormously fat boy whose hobby is eating; Veruca Salt, a spoiled-rotten brat whose parents are wrapped around her little finger; Violet Beauregarde, a dim-witted gum-chewer with the fastest jaws around; Mike Teavee, a toy pistol-toting gangster-in-training who is obsessed with television; and Charlie Bucket, Our Hero, a boy who is honest and kind, brave and true, and good and ready for the wildest time of his life!

No Monkeys, No Chocolate

Everyone loves chocolate, right? But how many people actually know where chocolate comes from? How it’s made? Or that monkeys do their part to help this delicious sweet exist?This delectable dessert comes from cocoa beans, which grow on cocoa trees in tropical rain forests. But those trees couldn’t survive without the help of a menagerie of rain forest critters: a pollen-sucking midge, an aphid-munching anole lizard, brain-eating coffin fly maggots—they all pitch in to help the cocoa tree survive. A secondary layer of text delves deeper into statements such as "Cocoa flowers can’t bloom without cocoa leaves . . . and maggots," explaining the interdependence of the plants and animals in the tropical rain forests. Two wise-cracking bookworms appear on every page, adding humor and further commentary, making this book accessible to readers of different ages and reading levels.Back matter includes information about cocoa farming and rain forest preservation, as well as an author’s note.

Also, look at some of these interactive resources about chocolate.

Interactive Activities to Learn About Chocolate

Watch every step of the process in this YouTube How Chocolate is Made.

History Channel- The Food That Built America Season 2 Episode 2- This episode covers Milton Hershey and his competition, a former employee you may have heard of- HB Reese, and yet another famous candy bar maker.

Then host a chocolate taste test. I don’t think you can have a chocolate unit study without a good taste test.

This is a great opportunity to offer small amounts of a lot of chocolate products from cacao nibs to Hershey Kisses, here are a few ideas on the different ways chocolate is served to get you started.

Hershey bar
Hershey Kisses
Cocoa powder
Chocolate milk
Other chocolate candies
Cacao beans or nibs

Work in geography- Research locations that are important to the history of chocolate.

Too, add some science 3 Fun Cocoa Winter Hands on Science Activities.

Have your child locate some or all of the following places on a map.

Geography of Chocolate

Mexico- Here is where chocolate began its 4,000-year history, in ancient Mesoamerica, which is now known as Mexico.
Amazon Rain Forest – The earliest known use of cacao traces back to the Amazon Basin in the northeast corner of present-day Ecuador. Also, investiage how the cacao tree grows.
Hershey, Pa.-Unarguably the chocolate capital of the United States. Here is where Milton Hershey realized his dream and created an entire town and theme park around his passion for chocolate.
Switzerland is well known for its delicious chocolate. Cacao beans and sugarcane are sourced elsewhere but Swiss chocolate is made only in Switzerland. It is described as a very creamy chocolate due to its higher milk-to-cacao ratio than other chocolates.
Brussels Belgium-Known as the ‘Chocolate Capital of the World’, it is rich in chocolate shops, there are more chocolate shops here than in any other place in the world. You will also find the Musée du Cacao et du Chocolat (Museum of Cocoa and Chocolate) here.
Jamaica– This is where milk chocolate originated from in the form.

Design your own chocolate bar label. This gives kids a chance to be creative while they learn about advertising, work on handwriting, and take ownership of the project.

All they need is some copy paper, crayons, or colored pencils and a great idea for their chocolate bar “brand”.

You can use these to wrap around their DIY chocolate bars and then have a vote on who created the most appealing label.

History of Chocolate

Chocolate changes shape.

Chocolate is probably best known in solid or bar form, but it wasn’t always this way.

For more than 90% of its history, chocolate was consumed only as a beverage.

The Maya made it into a spicy drink.

And that they used in ceremonies.

Among the ancient Maya, chocolate was enjoyed by rich and poor.

It was a favorite of Maya kings and priests and chocolate played a special part in royal and religious ceremonies.

When ancient Maya aristocrats served chocolate drinks, they used lavishly decorated vessels made by specially trained artists.

Science of the Cacao Tree

Chocolate is made from the seeds of a rainforest tree called Theobroma cacao (kah KOW).

Cacao trees have flourished in Central and South America for thousands of years, long before people knew what luscious possibilities they held.

Wild cacao trees grow up to 30 feet (9 meters) tall beneath a canopy of taller trees.

The canopy trees protect cacao from tropical sun, wind damage, and moisture loss.

Seeds pods grow not on the end of branches but directly off of the branches and trunk.

Each pod is about the size of a pineapple and holds thirty to fifty seeds.

Although cacao seeds are packed with nutritious oils, starches, and proteins that provide the energy a seedling needs to grow, they also contain caffeine and theobromine, giving them a bitter taste.

This bitter taste discourages animals like monkeys, rodents, and birds from eating cacao seeds.

So, the animals spit out the seeds.

This is an important element of the tree’s seed dispersal strategy. Cacao trees rely on these animals to spread their seeds along the rainforest floor.

Processing chocolate begins by extracting, fermenting, drying, and roasting the cacao seeds, removing the shell and skin, and leaving the tasty nibs.

Language Arts Chocolate Unit Study

Additionally, here are some language arts ideas.

Write these words and their definition.

The word “chocolate” comes from the Aztec word xocolatl (sho koh LAH tuhl), which means “bitter water.”

Cacao generally refers to the plant itself or the beans before processing.
Chocolate is anything made from the beans.
Cocoa means chocolate in a powdered form.
Cacao bean is the dried and fully fermented seed of Theobroma cacao,
Fermented – This process is called “sweating,” or fermentation, and is when the chocolate flavor develops in the beans.

Food Anatomy includes a wonderfully illustrated section on how chocolate is made from harvest to tempering.

Finally, make your own diy candy bar.

Chocolate Unit Study – Create Your Own Candy Bars

Ingredients:
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 teaspoon coconut oil

Add-ins:

Nuts
Raisins
Crushed peppermint
Crushed pretzels
Toffee pieces
Crushed potato chips
Sprinkles
Small candies
Crispy crushed bacon
Dried fruit
Small or crushed cereal
Flavored extracts-almond, vanilla, peppermint, etc…

You will also need:

Silicone candy bar mold
Medium pot
Medium-sized glass bowl
Silicone scraper

First, lay out candy bar molds.

Sprinkle whatever add-ins you would like to have in the empty mold.

Add a few inches of water to a medium pot.

Set a bowl over the pan, be sure that it is not touching the water.

Add chocolate chips and oil to the bowl.

Heat over medium-high, stirring frequently until completely melted.

If using extracts, stir them in at this point, just before removing them from the heat.

Pour melted chocolate into the mold over toppings.

Use a spatula to smooth the back and scrape off any excess.

Place in the freezer for 30-45 minutes until hardened then carefully remove from mold.

Wrap in waxed or parchment paper and store in an airtight container or ziploc bag.

Make Cool Star Wars Soap and 15 Star Wars DIY Projects

September 3, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have 15 Star Wars DIY projects for your house full of Star War lovers. I even have a Star Wars cool soap activity. Also, look at these 15 Star Wars STEM Activities Ideas | Fun Flashlight Science and DIY Lightsaber.

Star Wars transcends ages and generations, and all walks of life. It has been a classic since it first launched on May 25th, 1977.

Make Cool Star Wars Soap and 15 Star Wars DIY Projects

I am covering crafts from every age group from preschool to high school and every series from the original trilogy to Mandalorian.

5 Fun Star Wars Facts

The word “Ewok” was never actually used at any point in Return of the Jedi. Rather when the toys came out they were named as Ewoks.
Yoda’s original name was going to be Buffy, in the original script it was Minch Yoda.
There is a small Polynesian island called Niue, 1,500 miles off the coast of New Zealand where collectible Star Wars coins are accepted as legal tender.
Theaters were not excited about showing Star Wars, as a matter of fact less than 40 theaters agreed to book showings of Star Wars when it was released before Memorial Day.
Han Solo’s most memorable line was ad-libbed, you know the part where Princess Leia says “ I love you” and he responds back with “ I know”- totally unscripted.

Star Wars DIY Projects

Next at these fun Star Wars activities.

15 Out of This World Star Wars DIY Projects

There are ideas here for all ages and to make your fun Star Wars themed unit study come to life.

Photo Credit: www.mymommystyle.com

Chewbacca pencil holder

This Chewbacca pencil holder is easy to put together and could easily turn into a plant holder, treat holder, or mini light saber holder. The sky is the limit, or should we say the universe?

Photo Credit: lemonlimeadventures.com

DIY Star Wars Garden Pots

These cute Star Wars garden pots are super easy to make – you just have to have a confident hand and about half an hour to spare.

I have some Star Wars STEM Activities for May 4th. Also, look at National STEM Day – Popsicle Sticks for Creative DIY STEM Projects for more stem ideas.

Photo Credit: thecraftyblogstalker.com

How to Make a DIY Pool Noodle Lightsaber

Learn how to make a Noodle Lightsaber with this step-by-step tutorial. An Easy DIY Star Wars Craft that is fun for all ages! Make your own Light Saber!

Photo Credit: frugalfun4boys.com

You won't need the force to make these awesome Star Wars painted rocks!

Here’s a fun Star Wars craft to do with the kids for May the Fourth Be With You (Star Wars Day) or any day! We absolutely love rock painting over here, and we needed some Star Wars inspired rocks to add to our collection

Photo Credit: littlebinsforlittlehands.com

Light Saber Sensory Bottles Star Wars Activity for Kids

This is a big week for Star Wars fans every where including myself, my son, and my husband! I made these fun and easy, glowing light saber sensory bottles for my son to enjoy.

Photo Credit: www.mombrite.com

Paper Plate Baby Yoda Craft [Free Template]

Is there anything cuter than Baby Yoda? Your little Star Wars fans will love making this paper plate Baby Yoda craft after watching another exciting episode of the Mandalorian!

Photo Credit: craftsbyamanda.com

Jabba the Hutt craft: how to make Jabba the Hutt from salt dough

Jabba the Hutt lives in a palace on the planet Tattoine where he runs a criminal empire and has a bounty out for Han Solo. Jabba is eventually defeated by our heroes, but nonetheless his shape and appearance are perfect for molding from salt dough!

Photo Credit: craftsbyamanda.com

Lightsaber Bookmarks: easily make these Star Wars themed bookmarks!

Keep your place in your favorite books by making glittery lightsabers in different colors! These lightsaber bookmarks are great for home or school.

Photo Credit: www.sippycupmom.com

Make Your Own No Sew Chewbacca Pillow

If you have a little Star Wars fan in the house you are going to want to make this adorable No Sew Chewbacca Pillow. If you are concerned about it being played with roughly and not holding up you can easily use these directions and just sew it up quickly on the machine.You will be pleasantly surprised how quick and easy this cute little wookie is to put together.

Photo Credit: funlearningforkids.com

Star Wars R2-D2 Craft for Kids

This Star Wars R2-D2 craft was a big hit with my son and he doesn’t usually like crafts. He was very proud of the R2-D2 he made!

Photo Credit: onemamasdailydrama.com

Star Wars Bead Bracelet Ideas

These easy DIY bead bracelet ideas are perfect for Star Wars fans to wear on May the 4th or any day! Customize them for any character.

Photo Credit: allfortheboys.com

DIY Cardboard Vehicles - Millennium Falcon & Rey's Speeder

We’ve been wanting to create these for a while so STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS coming out next week and a fun group party with some other bloggers was the final push we needed to get them done. And they are SO much fun.

Photo Credit: dazeknights.com

DIY Star Wars Gift for Boys

So, since Buddy is into Star Wars, I created a set of Star Wars-inspired nesting dolls

Photo Credit: nerdymamma.com

Star Wars Galaxy Obleek

There’s just so much fun in this little bowl and so much educational opportunity, too. While we played, we talked about so many subjects: why the obleek had the liquid/solid properties; how the figures sunk like the x-wing did on Degoba; what pretend constellations we could make; how the food coloring worked to make that neat galaxy-like swirl.

Photo Credit: kidminds.org

How to Make the Best and Most Amazing Ewok Catapult

Star Wars movies offer plenty of inspiration for an enthusiastic inventor, from homemade lightsabers and self-build droids to DIY starfighters and battle tanks

Finally, look at this fun activity to make Star Wars soap.

Star Wars DIY Projects- Star Wars Soap

You will need:

¼ pound melt and pour soap base
1 teaspoon oil- coconut, olive, palm, or castor
2 teaspoons beeswax pellets
5 drops of essential oil
Mica powder
A Star Wars mold shape of your choice

You will also need:

Glass container
Craft stick for mixing

First, cut the soap base into small squares, about 1” to help it melt faster and more evenly.

Place soap pieces into the container. When making a small batch I like to use a mason jar because it is easy to clean up and pours into the molds nicely.

Melt in the microwave in 30-second increments, it should not take more than 45- 60 seconds for this amount.

Remove from the microwave and stir in beeswax pellets and oil until well combined.

If making only one color you can stir in a small amount of mica powder at this time, if you want to make each soap a different color leave it until after the next step.

Stir in essential oil until it is your desired scent strength.

Pour into each of the molds.

Next, add a small amount of the chosen color to each mold and stir quickly with a toothpick to mix. Be sure to scrape all along the edges as well as in the center.

If you want a little more time to mix each color pour into one mold at a time and reheat until melted again. Continue until all molds are full.

Let the mold sit for several hours until cooled and completely hardened before removing from the mold.

When you remove the mold take a small knife and smooth off the excess soap.

Store in a cool dry place until ready to use. For use keep out of direct water.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Body Scrub & 7 Fall DIY Crafts For Teens

September 2, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Your teens will enjoy making these fall diy crafts as much as they’ll enjoy using them. Also, look at my page Free Fall Unit Study Ideas– For Older Kids Too.

If your teen loves the smell of fall and pampering, they are going to love this easy peasy recipe for a pumpkin spice body scrub made with simple household ingredients.

We already know that cooking is an invaluable life skill and a great addition to your homeschool lessons.

But have you ever considered having your teen make their own DIY beauty products as part of their studies?

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Body Scrub & 7 Fall DIY Crafts For Teens

Just like cooking, teens learn ratios, measurements, mixing, and following directions.

They can also get a lesson in economics by comparing the cost of making vs. buying the product.

It can also be used as business making, and selling products, designing a label, creating a website or Facebook for selling, researching advertising, and so much more.

Finally, it can also be used to encourage and discuss good hygiene and self-care with your teen.

DIY Fall Crafts

But it’s okay if it is just a fun fall diy craft too.

A sweet memory for you to create together and trust me you will love this one just as much as they do.

Sugar is a fantastic exfoliant and can turn a simple bath or shower into a mini spa experience.

Now, look at these fun ideas for teens.

7 More Fall DIY Crafts For Teens

Besides the lovely pumpkin spice body scrub, I have for you today I gathered up 7 more Fall DIY crafts for teens that they can make for themselves, use as gifts, or to start a small business with.

Photo Credit: www.momsandcrafters.com

Fall DIY Decor – Macrame Leaf Wall Hanging Tutorial

This simple macrame leaf wall hanging tutorial teaches you how to make some fall DIY decor to bring warmth into your home decor this autumn!

Photo Credit: www.kitchencounterchronicle.com

How to Decorate Pumpkins with Markers : Simple Fall DIY

While your teen may think they are too old to craft with pumpkins they will no doubt love to Decorate Pumpkins With Markers to a pretty fall table.

Photo Credit: bigfamilyblessings.com

Fall Macrame Rainbow

Make this fun and festive fall craft with your tweens and teens this fall season. This adorable Fall Macramé Rainbow craft is simple to make, and a great fall craft to decorate or give as a gift.

Easy Fall Crafts for Middle School: DIY String Pumpkin Art

If you’re wanting fall crafts for middle school for a fall unit study you’ll love this project. And look on my page homeschool middle school for more tips.

Photo Credit: acultivatednest.com

DIY Pumpkin Spice Soy Candle

Pumpkin spice candles that you can diy! If you’re like me, then you love to stop to smell the candles in stores like Target or Bath and Body Works.

Photo Credit: awellpurposedwoman.com

How to Make Fabric Pumpkins from Old Socks

Learn how to make sock pumpkins from old socks with this step by step tutorial. Fabric pumpkins are a fall decor favorite and now you can make your own sock pumpkins just by using up your mismatched socks.

Photo Credit: sistersknowbest.com

Easy DIY Fall Leaf Roses - Roses made from fall leaves!

Also, look at these other ideas to include all your children if you’re wanting to study about the fall season.

Fall Homeschool Activities for the Whole Family

Finally, look how to make this fun pumpkin spice body scrub.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Body Scrub

If pumpkin spice is not a favorite you can omit the spice, add in different extracts like peppermint or lemon, use essential oils, or even a bit of instant coffee or cocoa to create a recipe they love.

You will need:

1 ½ cups granulated sugar
½ cup coconut or olive oil
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon of cinnamon
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1 Tablespoon unscented castile soap -optional
Jar with tight fitting lid

First, place sugar in a large bowl.

Stir in coconut oil, castile soap, and spices.

Castile soap is a great cleanser as well as moisturizer, it adds a bit of sudsing effect to the sugar scrub.

While not necessary I like the benefits that it adds to it. They could also use a little of their favorite mildly scented body wash in place of the castile soap.

Mix until well combined, add more oil or spices to the mixture until it is your preferred scent and consistency.

Transfer mixture to a glass jar with a lid, I found this nice locking jar at Dollar Tree and it would be great for gifting the sugar scrub in.

Store out of the direct line of water.

To use: Rub sugar scrub gently over wet skin, especially on elbows, knees, and feet and then rinse away.

I do not recommend this as a face scrub as it is too abrasive for the tender skin of the face.

10 Kindergarten Fall Crafts and Craft Fun Bean Mosaics

September 1, 2023 | Leave a Comment
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Kindergarten fall crafts can be a fun way to introduce your child to a new art medium as well as fall themes. Also, you’ll love my pages Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum and Fall Season Unit Study {Pumpkins, Leaves, Corn, & More}.

Creating these cute little bean mosaics is a great way to work on these kindergarten skills:

fine motor skills,
patterning,
symmetry,
sorting,
patience,
manual dexterity,
and independent activity.

10 Kindergarten Fall Crafts and Craft Fun Bean Mosaics

It is perfect for kindergarten but can be simplified for younger children or you can require more detail from older children.

Mosaics are a unique art project and inexpensive.

They can be done with a variety of items like beans of course, if you already have a variety of beans on hand it won’t cost a dime.

I believe that kindergarten crafts should be simple, fun, low prep, and inexpensive.

Also, I have rounded up 10 more kindergarten fall crafts to make together to celebrate the lovely crisp weather and cozy feeling of autumn.

10 Kindergarten Fall Crafts

10 Fall Crafts for Kindergartners

When the weather is cooler use it to teach your children about all the beauty of autumn.

Fun Corn Life Cycle and Printable Lifecycle Foldout

The sensory bin and foldout are both great ways to learn about corn, its life cycle, the different parts, terminology, and even the different ways we can enjoy or use corn.

Photo Credit: www.simpleeverydaymom.com

Apple Name Craft For Kids [Free Template]

As any parent knows, teaching kids to spell their names is an essential milestone.

Not only does it help them to identify themselves, but it also sets the foundation for future success in school and in life.

Photo Credit: www.projectswithkids.com

Autumn Tree Painting with Cotton Balls

I love fall and all of the gorgeous colors that come with the season and this autumn tree painting with cotton balls is a wonderful fall craft that kids of all ages will enjoy. The cotton balls give the leaves a fluffy texture and are a fun way for kids to paint.

Photo Credit: www.123homeschool4me.com

Fun-to-Make Yarn Pumpkins Craft for Kids

Some pumpkin crafts are all about process and others are all about a well-polished finished product. This pumpkin craft project is both!

Apples Unit How to Make a Fall Kids Garland Apple Craft

If you’re doing an apples unit, your kids will love making this fall garland craft. Add this hands-on craft to my fall unit apple study for a study for multiple ages.

Photo Credit: www.gluedtomycraftsblog.com

Felt Caramel Apple Craft For Kids

Plus with the FREE apple template I’ve included in this post, you have NO excuse not to recreate some with your child today!

Photo Credit: kimspireddiy.com

DIY Fall Slime | How To Make Cinnamon Slime |

This DIY Fall slime recipe is so easy to make – you can make it in under 5 minutes! Fun DIY slime idea for the Fall and Autumn season. Homemade cinnamon slime recipe that smells amazing.

Photo Credit: www.thekeeperofthecheerios.com

Paper Plate Scarecrow

Have the kids paint their plates tan- we painted the back side of our plates but either side will work

Photo Credit: nonscreenactivitiesforkids.com

How To Make Puffy Paint Pumpkins (Fun Fall Art Creation)

Craft projects are a fun way to spend a day at home whilst celebrating the season. They can be a good way for younger kids to join in with Fall decorations when they are not old enough to do pumpkin carving.

How to Make a Kids Fun Stained Glass Fall Leaves Craft

Your kids will love this fun stained glass fall leaves craft. Too, you can add this activity to my huge fall unit study.

Whether you live in a place where the trees fall leaves will soon be exploding with color or not this is a great time of year to learn about leaves.

Also, if you want to Ito take this activity to the next level grab Julia Rothman’s Farm Anatomy.

You can use it as a reference to learn about beans, pumpkins, and more fall items that they may want to make.

Another great resource that would be a good fall resource to add to your kindergarten fall crafts is The Scarecrow.

It gives them a look at a familiar fall icon.

Finally, look at how to make these cute dried bean mosaics.

Kindergarten Fall Crafts – Dried Bean Mosaics

If you need to stock up on dried beans for this project, you can find a decent variety at Dollar Tree and still have plenty left over for recipes or other projects.

I was also able to get glue and the muffin tin from there as well.

You will need:

Dried beans, corn, lentils, pasta, rice, etc..
White cardstock
White school glue
Pencil or permanent marker
Muffin tin
Scissors
Paintbrush

Place a variety of dried beans and other items in each of the muffin tin cups.

Besides dry beans you can use items like small pasta pieces, split peas, coffee beans, lentils, popcorn kernels, quinoa, and other small, dried goods to give a good variety of colors.

Extend the activity by using a mixed bag of bean soup and tasking your child with the job of sorting the different types/colors of beans into each cup of the muffin tin.

Sketch out simple images onto cardstock with a pencil or a fine line permanent marker if you want a more noticeable outline.

Dried Bean Mosaics Easy Fall Craft

You can either draw your images the entire size of the paper or cut the paper in half to make smaller mosaics.

Simple images without much detail and just a couple colors are easier for younger children to complete.

Have your child brush on a thick layer of glue inside and right up to the lines, it is better to work in sections, so the glue remains sticky as they go.

Now they are free to place dried beans and other items as they like to fill in the designs.

They may need to add additional glue and a little on top if there is not enough for the beans to adhere to.

There are so many fun fall things that they can make-pumpkins, apples, corn, candy corn, leaves, and even a scarecrow.

A sunflower is really fun and easy to create…

Once the designs are filled in, set it aside to dry.

I like to lay a heavy book over it once it’s partially dry to flatten it as the glue tends to draw everything up.

When the glue has completely dried you can carefully cut out around the design, if any pieces fall off just add a bit more glue.

To make your bean mosaic last longer you could also have them make it on a canvas and spray with a few coats of clear sealant to prevent it from attracting bugs and other creatures.

Hands-On Activities

Hands-on Ideas for Kids about the Human Body

Human Body Facts

More Human Body Crafts

Dynamic and Fun Human Body Lapbook for Multiple Ages

How to Make a Human Body T-Shirt Project

5 Chocolate Facts

Interactive Activities to Learn About Chocolate

Geography of Chocolate

History of Chocolate

Science of the Cacao Tree

Language Arts Chocolate Unit Study

Chocolate Unit Study – Create Your Own Candy Bars

5 Fun Star Wars Facts

Star Wars DIY Projects

Star Wars DIY Projects- Star Wars Soap

DIY Fall Crafts

Fall Homeschool Activities for the Whole Family

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Body Scrub

10 Kindergarten Fall Crafts

Kindergarten Fall Crafts – Dried Bean Mosaics

Dried Bean Mosaics Easy Fall Craft

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