Hands-On Activities

Explore The Great Outdoors: Nature STEM Activities For Homeschool Freebie

February 27, 2026 | Leave a Comment
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I have a free printable with fun nature stem activities for homeschool. Besides, too much indoor activity can be the cause of burnout.

And nature stem learning combines creativity, curiosity and hands-on for a science study that is hard to beat.

When studying nature is confined to worksheets, it can feel abstract. However when kids interact with bird feeders, trees and track moon phases they are actively engaging in learning.

Explore The Great Outdoors: Nature STEM Activities For Homeschool Freebie

This freebie helps you turn everyday outdoor moments into meaningful STEM learning.

And instead of memorizing facts, children practice recording results observing, predicting and testing.

One of my favorite reasons for sharing this STEM in the wild freebie is that you can use it for multiple ages to teach at once.

NATURE STUDY BOOKS FOR KIDS

Next, here are some fun books to use with your kids and to add to your home library.

10 Nature Study Books for Young Kids

Add these fun books to your home library or to introduce nature study to your little learners.

Crow Not Crow

New York Times bestselling children's author and beloved birder, Jane Yolen, and her son, Adam Stemple, have teamed up to write this gentle tale of a father introducing his daughter to the joys of bird-watching using the "Crow, not Crow" method for distinguishing birds. Elizabeth Dulemba's delightfully warm illustrations bring the story to life.

Exploring Nature Activity Book for Kids: 50 Creative Projects to Spark Curiosity in the Outdoors

Explore the great outdoors with this hands-on activity book for ages 6 to 12!

Track, explore, discover, and create! This incredible choice in nature books for kids is full of activities you can bring on your adventures through your backyard, the park, the woods, and beyond. No matter the weather or where you live, Exploring Nature Activity Book for Kids shows you how todive into fun and games like crafting bird feeders out of fruit, pressing flowers, or building a sundial to tell the time. Get ready to get your hands dirty and your imagination revving as you get active outside.

Owl Moon

CALDECOTT MEDAL WINNER • A soothing, poetic picture book that lovingly depicts the relationship of a young child and her father alongside humankind’s relationship to the natural world. A verbal and visual treasure for the whole family!I had been waitingto go Owling with Pafor a long, long time.Late one winter night, a little girl and her father go owling. The trees stand still as statues and the world is silent as a dream. Whoo-whoo-whoo, the father calls to the mysterious nighttime bird.But there is no answer.Wordlessly, the two walk along, for when you go owling, you don't need words. You don't need anything but hope. Sometimes, there isn't an owl, but sometimes, there is.

Out of School and Into Nature: The Anna Comstock Story

This picture book biography examines the life and career of naturalist and artist Anna Comstock (1854-1930), who defied social conventions and pursued the study of science. From the time she was a young girl, Anna Comstock was fascinated by the natural world. She loved exploring outdoors, examining wildlife and learning nature's secrets. From watching the teamwork of marching ants to following the constellations in the sky, Anna observed it all. And her interest only increased as she grew older and went to college at Cornell University. There she continued her studies, pushing back against those social conventions that implied science was a man's pursuit. Eventually Anna became known as a nature expert, pioneering a movement to encourage schools to conduct science and nature classes for children outdoors, thereby increasing students' interest in nature. In following her passion, this remarkable woman blazed a trail for female scientists today.

THE BURGESS ANIMAL BOOK FOR CHILDREN: Original Color Illustrated Edition

Discover the timeless magic of nature through Peter Rabbit's eyes in this enchanting educational adventure! The Burgess Animal Book for Children combines storytelling and learning in a way that has captivated young minds for generations.

This stunning edition features:- 54 vibrant color and 19 sepia-tone illustrations that bring the animal kingdom to life- Original unabridged text that has educated and entertained children since 1920- Chapter quizzes to reinforce learning- Bonus online quiz access for interactive engagement

Perfect for:- Young nature enthusiasts ages 6-12- Homeschool families seeking an illustrated North American wildlife book for their engaging science curriculum- Parents who want to combine entertainment with education

Nature Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces of the Natural World

See the world in a whole new way with acclaimed illustrator Julia Rothman's beautiful nature guide book.Nature Anatomy combines art and science in this exciting and educational guide to the structure, function, and personality of the natural world. Explore the anatomy of a jellyfish, the inside of a volcano, monarch butterfly migration, how sunsets work, and much more. Rothman’s whimsical illustrations are paired with interactive activities that encourage curiosity and inspire you to look more closely at the world all around you.Also available in Julia Rothman's Anatomy series – Nature Anatomy Notebook, Ocean Anatomy, Food Anatomy,Farm Anatomy, and Wildlife Anatomy.

From Seed to Plant

Flowers, trees, fruits—plants are all around us, but where do they come from? With simple language and bright illustrations, non-fiction master Gail Gibbons introduces young readers to the processes of pollination, seed formation, and germination. Important vocabulary is reinforced with accessible explanation and colorful, clear diagrams showing the parts of plants, the wide variety of seeds, and how they grow. The book includes instructions for a seed-growing project, and a page of interesting facts about plants, seeds, and flowers. A nonfiction classic, and a perfect companion for early science lessons and curious young gardeners.

Fun With Nature (Take Along Guides)

Fun with Nature helps kids discover the incredible world in their backyards. It is a compilation of seven bestselling titles: Caterpillars, Bugs and Butterflies; Frogs, Toads and Turtles; Snakes, Salamanders and Lizards; Rabbits, Squirrels and Chipmunks; Tracks, Scats and Signs; and Trees, Leaves and Bark. This entertaining book is filled with fascinating facts and awesome activities.

The Keeper of Wild Words: (Nature for Kids, Exploring Nature with Children)

A touching tale of a grandmother and her granddaughter exploring and cherishing the natural world.Words, the woods, and the world illuminate this quest to save the most important pieces of our language—by saving the very things they stand for.When Mimi finds out her favorite words—simple words, like apricot, blackberry, buttercup—are disappearing from the English language, she elects her granddaughter Brook as their Keeper. And did you know? The only way to save words is to know them.• With its focus on the power of language and social change, The Keeper of Wild Words is ideal for educators and librarians as well as young readers.• For any child who longs to get outside and learn more about nature and the environment• A loving portrait of the special relationship that grandparents have with their grandchildren

Wildlife Anatomy: The Curious Lives & Features of Wild Animals around the World

Julia Rothman's series of Anatomy books are beloved by children and adults alike. In Wildlife Anatomy, Rothman captures the excitement and distinctive attributes of wild animals around the world. The book is packed with hundreds of her charming, original illustrations, detailing the unique features of animals of the rainforest, desert, grasslands, oceans, and much more. From lions, bears, and zebras to monkeys, mongoose, bats, elephants, giraffes, hippos, and much more, Rothman's visual guide covers all the key features, right down to the anatomy of a lion's claw and a wild horse's hoof. All the illustrations are accompanied by labels, intriguing facts, and identifying details, such as: When is a Panther Not a Panther? and What Makes Aardvarks So Odd? Rothman's characteristic combination of curiosity and an artist's eye makes this wildlife treasury rich and full, and promises new discoveries every time it's opened.

Then, look at more stem inspired activities.

STEM ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS

Also, look at more nature activities.

NATURE ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS

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

HOW TO GET THE FREE PRINTABLE NATURE POWERED PROJECTS FOR LEARNING

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

2) Grab the freebie instantly.

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

Learning Through Art: The Life Cycle Of A Sea Star Stages & Survival

February 23, 2026 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

How fun would it be if your child could be Learning Through Art: The Life Cycle Of A Sea Star? And isn’t it wonderful that they can? Also, look at my page Oceans Unit Study and Lapbook for more hands-on ideas. And look at my page Free Summer Unit Study For Kids and Fun Starfish Craft.

Brittle starfish are some of the most fascinating creatures living beneath the ocean’s surface. With their long, flexible arms and quick, wriggling movements, they look quite different from the classic five-armed sea stars most people imagine.

Creating a clay brittle starfish is a wonderful hands-on way to explore marine life, learn new science facts, and spark interest in the hidden world of the sea.

Learning Through Art: The Life Cycle Of A Sea Star Stages & Survival

Despite the name “starfish,” brittle stars are not actually fish. They belong to a group of marine animals called echinoderms, which also includes sea stars, sea urchins, and sand dollars. Brittle stars are closely related to sea stars but have important differences that make them unique.

The most noticeable feature of a brittle star is its body shape. Instead of having thick arms that blend into the central body like a sea star, brittle stars have:

A small, round central disk
Five long, thin, snake-like arms
Flexible joints that allow fast movement

These arms are what give brittle stars their name. They can break off easily when attacked by predators, but the amazing part is that brittle stars can regrow lost arms over time.

BOOKS ABOUT ECHINODERMS FOR KIDS

First, look at some books about this group of echinoderms.

We prefer living books when we can find them then add reference books.

11 Books About Fascinating Echinoderms Marine Animals

This group of animals sea stars, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, brittle stars, star fish and crinoids. All of these are marine animals with radial symmetry in their body shapes.

What's in the Tide Pool?

What would you see if you sat at the edge of a tidepool, looked into the water and watched the changes taking place in this little world? What life would you discover there? In a charming hand-sized book, Anne Hunter illustrates the creatures that live in and around a tidepool, and describes each animal's characteristics and habits. The gorgeous artwork and simple sense of wonder will inspire children to explore their environment. Fans of Hunter’s two books, WHAT'S IN THE POND? and WHAT'S UNDER THE LOG? will want to add this new title to their collection.

Sand Dollars by the Seashore

Sand Dollars by the Seashore is a charming and educational poem for children about the wonders of the beach and the importance of respecting nature. It encourages young readers to explore the shoreline and discover its beauty while learning the difference between living sand dollars and cherishing their shell souvenirs as a special gift from the sea. Perfect for a day at the beach or a bedtime read, Sand Dollars by the Seashore is sure to delight and inspire young imaginations.

Sea Stars (Ocean Life Up Close: Blastoff Readers, Level 3)

Did you know that sea stars pump water instead of blood through their systems? Although commonly called starfish, these life forms are not fish! Instead, they are part of a group containing other animals like sea urchins and sand dollars. Sea stars are hardy animals that can grow new limbs and open clam shells. In this interesting title, students will enjoy learning more about these shining ocean stars!

Sea Urchins (Ocean Life Up Close)

Sea urchins look like fireworks exploding underwater. The spines that create their unusual appearance do have a purpose: they protect the tiny animals from dangerous predators. In this title, sea urchins of all shapes, sizes, and colors are on display for early readers!

The Burgess Seashore Book for Children (Dover Children's Classics)

Familiar burgess characters Danny Meadow Mouse, Jimmy Skunk, and Reddy Fox explore every nook and cranny of the shoreline and learn first hand about the habits and habitats of spider crabs, sea cucumbers, sand eels, and that strangest of little fishes — the sea horse.Veteran storyteller and nature lover Thornton W. Burgess provides fascinating information to young readers as he describes coastal areas along the Atlantic Ocean. Along the way he weaves the area's many life forms into an entertaining tale that's also an illustrated guide to the seashore's natural history.

The Sand Dollar

While walking on the shore of the Sea of Cortez a man has a remarkable dialog with the sea. Using the naturally occurring dove like structures found in sand dollars, the sea relates its past wars with the sun, the wind, the mountains, and the moon and addresses its ongoing war with man. The sea's explanation of the need for the fifth dove is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression with readers of all ages.

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

Following the wild success of The Big Book of Bugs and The Big Book of Beasts, The Big Book of the Blue is the third installment in Yuval Zommer’s beloved series. Alongside everything the young oceanographer needs to know, Zommer’s charming illustrations bring to life some of the slipperiest, scaliest, strangest, and most monstrous underwater animals.

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.

Oceanarium: Welcome to the Museum

This stunning new offering from the Welcome to the Museum series guides readers around the world's oceans, from sandy shorelines to the darkest depths. Learn about the ocean’s most fascinating animals, including giant whale sharks, tiny tropical fish, and majestic manatees, among many others. With expert text by marine biologist Loveday Trinick and stunning illustrations by Teagan White, travel the world from frozen Arctic seas to shimmering coral reefs, and learn why it is so important that we protect our oceans.

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.

The Master of Tides

In the city of Tarian, where mastery over the tides is essential for the city’s very existence, an unforeseen and unthinkable thing has happened. The Master of Tides—Tarian’s guardian for over seven hundred years—has died, and the Sand Coin, the object that gives the Master his power, has vanished into the shadows.

With the Sand Coin missing and Tarian under threat from an impending cataclysmic event, Cora, a spirited orphan girl laboring in the city’s Water Works, embarks on a desperate quest to save her city.

Along with Will, her charming yet unwelcome companion, Cora discovers that to find the Sand Coin, she must join the magical Wandering Circus. But who in this mysterious and dangerous troupe of young performers can she trust? And how far will Cora have to travel with the circus in order to bring the Sand Coin home?

Starfish (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science)

Starfish have arms, but no legs. They have feet, but no toes. Starfish aren't fish, but they are living animals. In this Let's-Read-and-Find-Out classic, learn how starfish move, eat, and grow.

This is a clear and appealing science book for early elementary age kids, both at home and in the classroom. It's a Level 1 Let's-Read-and-Find-Out, which means the book explores introductory concepts perfect for children in the primary grades. The 100+ titles in this leading nonfiction series are:

hands-on and visual

Here are some fun and surprising facts to include in your lesson or activity.

AMAZING BRITTLE STARFISH FACTS FOR KIDS

There are over 2,000 known species of brittle stars.
Some species can glow in the dark using bioluminescence to confuse predators.
Brittle stars do not have brains or eyes, but they can still sense light and movement.
Their mouths are located on the underside of the central disk.
They use tiny tube feet mainly for sensing and feeding, not walking.
A few species can reproduce by splitting in half and regrowing the missing parts.

finally, I like to finish this section with a few words of spacing before moving to the next H2

THE LIFE CYCLE OF A BRITTLE STAR

One of the most interesting parts of studying brittle stars is learning how they grow and reproduce.

Most brittle stars reproduce by spawning, which means males and females release eggs and sperm into the water. Fertilized eggs develop into tiny floating larvae that drift in the ocean currents. During this stage, they look nothing like adult brittle stars.

After a period of growth, the larvae settle onto the sea floor and begin transforming into their familiar five-armed shape. As they mature, their arms lengthen, and their central disk becomes more defined.

Eventually, they grow into fully developed adult brittle stars capable of reproducing on their own.

Some species use an additional method called fission, where the brittle star splits its body in half. Each half then regrows the missing parts, creating two complete animals.

This unusual ability makes brittle stars especially fascinating for learning about animal life cycles and regeneration.

THE LIFE OF THE BRITTLE SEA STAR

Brittle stars live in oceans all over the world, from shallow coastal waters to the deep sea floor. Many species hide under rocks, inside coral reefs, or buried in sand and mud.

They usually stay hidden during the day and come out at night to search for food.

And they are widespread and brittle stars play an important role in ocean ecosystems. They help clean the sea floor by eating leftover organic material, tiny plankton, and even small animals. In this way, they act like the ocean’s recyclers.

Unlike sea stars, which use tiny tube feet to crawl slowly, brittle stars move by swinging their arms in a rowing motion. This allows them to travel surprisingly fast across the sea floor.

Watching videos of brittle stars in motion can be inspiring when making a clay model. Their arms twist, curl, and bend in graceful curves, which you can try to capture in your sculpture.

Encouraging kids to shape each arm differently helps make the craft feel more lifelike.

Kids are often amazed that an animal without a brain can still move, sense danger, and regrow body parts. These facts make brittle stars a perfect topic for combining science and creativity.

Making a clay brittle starfish turns abstract science into something children can see and touch.

As you shape the central disk and roll out thin arms, talk about how real brittle stars use those arms to move and survive.

HANDS-ON STARFISH & ECHINODERM ACTIVITIES

Label the parts of the brittle star once the clay dries.
In this Free Summer Unit Study For Kids and Fun Starfish Craft you can craft a papier-mache common starfish.
Another version is this Salt Dough Starfish Kids Craft.
Write a short story from the perspective of a brittle star hiding on the sea floor.
Turn learning time into even more fun with themed games like this Escape from The Aquarium – Escape Room Game,
Spectacular Starfish Body Parts For Kids & Free Activity Set
Marine Science Experiments For High School Made Easy
Create Your Own Easy Sand Dollar Edible Beach Inspired Cookies
How To Make A Simple Sea Urchin Craft: Echinoderms For Kids
Fascinating Life Cycle Of A Sand Dollar & Hydro Dipped Craft

LEARNING THROUGH ART: BRITTLE SEA STAR

Look at some unique Brittle Sea Stars to decide on your design. We were inspired by the Serpent Starfish seen here. This type has longer, thinner arms than most Brittle Sea Stars and less pronounced tube feet.

You will need:

Air-dry clay
Craft paint
Paintbrush
Glass, tile or silicone mat to work on

First, roll clay into 5 small balls. You will want to work it for a few minutes first to soften the clay; this will not only make it easier to work with but will help it adhere to itself better as you connect the pieces.

Take one of the pieces and flatten it out, pinching around the sides to give it 5 rounded points.

Now roll out each of the other balls into long, thin arms, with a rounded point at each end.

Repeat until you have done all 5.

If they are too long, trim off the excess.

Lay your pieces on your surface-make sure it’s movable so you can set it aside while it dries. I like to use a glass cutting board.

Now, attach each arm to the points you made on the body and smooth them together so they are seamless by using a little water on the tip of your finger.

Run water with your finger over the entire thing if needed to smooth, shape, and join the parts together.

Allow to dry overnight, and if fully dry, paint on your first layer, let this dry completely.

Add detailed colors with a small brush.

Allow to dry and it’s ready for display.

5 Fun Facts About Earth Day & How To Do A Simple Fizzy Experiment

February 22, 2026 | Leave a Comment
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I have some fun facts about Earth Day and we’re doing a simply fizzy Earth Day experiment you can add to your teaching day. Also, look at my page Free Earth Science Lapbook & Unit Study Ideas.

Earth Day is a special day to appreciate our planet and learn how to take better care of it.

Every time you recycle, save water, or plant something green, you’re helping protect Earth. For example, when you add plants, they help prevent erosion or when you plant flowers they help bees pollinate.

5 Fun Facts About Earth Day & How To Do A Simple Fizzy Experiment

Too, Earth Day is a fun excuse to be outside normally in spring like weather to appreciate nature.

Additionally, it gives us chance to introduce children to topics like climate, recycling, conservation and how we’re all affected by global issues.

For instance, doing simple activities together connects kids to others like them who live on the other side of the world. Children understand that all humans need to be caretakers of the Earth.

BOOKS ABOUT EARTH SCIENCE

Next, add some of these books about earth science to your reading day.

9 Books for Kids Who Love to Read About Earth Science Topics

Add these books to your learning day to learn about various earth science topics.

The Story Book of Science (Yesterday's Classics)

The wonders of plant and animal life told with rare literary charm by Uncle Paul in conversations with three children. Besides such stories as the ants' subterranean city, the spider's suspension bridge, and the caterpillars' processing, he unlocks the mystery behind thunder and lightning, clouds and rain, the year and its seasons, and volcanoes and earthquakes. Suitable for ages 9 to 12.

Earthquakes (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science 2)

Some earthquakes are so small that you don’t even feel them, while others can make even big buildings shake. Learn why earthquakes happen, where they are most likely to occur, and what to do if one happens near you.

Now with updated text and art, this classic picture book describes the causes and effects of earthquakes (including a tsunami). This book features rich vocabulary and fascinating cross-sections of mountains, volcanoes, and faults in the earth’s moving crust.

This is a clear and appealing science book for early elementary age kids, both at home and in the classroom. The text and art were vetted by Dr. Roland Burgmann, Professor of the Department of Earth and Planetary Science at the University of California, Berkeley.

The First Book of the Earth

A republication of the 1958 book by Irene Sevrey with illustrations by Mildred Waltrip, The First Book of the Earth is an elementary level natural history book that was written during a time when children's books held a student's interest and imagination because they were "living" rather than simply based on factoids and vivid pictures. It is a wonderful introduction to the subject of geology and covers the earth as a planet in the solar system and the physics of how it circles the sun, thereby defining our days and years. It then moves on to describing the earth's origin as scientists understand it and takes up the topics of the earth's composition, its structure, molecular makeup, rock families, minerals, volcanoes and earthquakes, mountains and their formation, and how glaciers and rivers affect the shaping of the earth's surface. The book ends by briefly discussing dinosaurs and the possible aging techniques used to date the earth's age in terms of epochs or periods.

Rocks, Gems and Minerals: A Fully Illustrated, Authoritative and Easy-to-Use Guide (A Golden Guide from St. Martin's Press)

This handy identification guide to the most common kinds of rocks and minerals offers concise and fascinating information on:- Physical and chemical properties- Origins and geologic significance- Gems and semiprecious stones- How to find and collect specimens

Earth: An Intimate History

Beginning with Mt. Vesuvius, whose eruption in Roman times helped spark the science of geology, and ending in a lab in the West of England where mathematical models and lab experiments replace direct observation, Richard Fortey tells us what the present says about ancient geologic processes. He shows how plate tectonics came to rule the geophysical landscape and how the evidence is written in the hills and in the stones. And in the process, he takes us on a wonderful journey around the globe to visit some of the most fascinating and intriguing spots on the planet.

The First Book of Caves

A book about caves with drawings for young readers with a vocabulary list and definition at the end.

Rocks and Minerals: A Guide of Familiar Minerals, Gems, Ores, and Rocks (A Golden Nature Guide)

A guide to familiar minerals, gems, ores, and rocks enhanced by 400 full color illustrations. Provides much geological knowledge in how to look for surface forms, rocks, minerals etc. Includes information for the searcher and an useful list of clubs and organizations. Excellent bibliography and index.

A Whale of the Wild (A Voice of the Wilderness Novel)

For Vega and her family, salmon is life. And Vega is learning to be a salmon finder, preparing for the day when she will be her family’s matriarch. But then she and her brother Deneb are separated from their pod when a devastating earthquake and tsunami render the seascape unrecognizable. Vega must use every skill she has to lead her brother back to their family. The young orcas face a shark attack, hunger, the deep ocean, and polluted waters on their journey. Will Vega become the leader she’s destined to be?

Rocks, Rivers, and the Changing Earth: A first book about geology

A living book on the living earth. Told in a conversational style, the book discusses the topics of geology and provides ideas for investigations and demonstrations of the scientific principles. Illustrated throughout, this book is a favorite as an introduction to geology for young readers. This edition includes updated science information on plate tectonics and the structure of the earth.

Also, I have a few more activities to help you plan a fun Earth day study.

HANDS-ON EARTH DAY ACTIVITIES

Next, look at these 5 fun facts about Earth Day.

5 FUN FACTS ABOUT EARTH DAY

Earth is the only known planet with life.
A single tree can absorb about 48 pounds of carbon dioxide per year.
The Amazon Rainforest produces about 20% of the world’s oxygen.
Earth Day was designed as a “teach-in,” where students learned about environmental problems.
Earth Day is celebrated worldwide.

Finally, look at how to do this fun Earth Day fizzy science experiment.

FIZZY EARTH DAY EXPERIMENT

First, look at this list of supplies.

Baking soda
Water
White vinegar
Green food coloring
Blue food coloring
2 small bowls
Spoon
Round tray
Dropper, pipette, or small spoon

First, make the baking soda paste.

In a bowl, mix baking soda with a small amount of water. Add water slowly and stir until it forms a thick paste. It should feel like soft frosting, not runny.

Then, divide the paste.

Split the baking soda mixture evenly into two bowls.

Add the colors.

Add green food coloring to one bowl and mix well.
Add blue food coloring to the second bowl and stir until evenly tinted.

Now you have your “land” and “ocean.”

Also, create the Earth.

Spread the blue paste into a round tray to form a circle. This will be your ocean base.

Next, place sections of the green paste on top to resemble continents.

Finally, make a fizzy reaction.

Give your child a dropper or spoon filled with vinegar. Slowly drip vinegar onto the colored baking soda Earth.

The vinegar reacts with the baking soda and creates bubbles and fizzing foam. The Earth will start to bubble and erupt in tiny colorful bursts.

Encourage them to:

Add vinegar slowly and observe
Predict what will happen next
Notice how the colors blend
Listen to the fizzing sound

Benefits:

Opens the door to conversations about caring for the Earth, oceans, and land
Fine motor skills when using droppers
Color recognition
Early science concepts
Cause and effect understanding
Sensory exploration

4 Weeks Free Nautical Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas

February 21, 2026 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have a free nautical unit study today. Also, look at my page Best Homeschool Unit Studies for more homeschool unit studies.

This nautical unit will cover many topics from pirates, marine biology to ocean zones. A nautical unit study can include lessons and activities about the oceans, ships and navigation, exploration and trade, marine life and life at sea.

And we covered as many of those topics as we could.

4 Weeks Free Nautical Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas

I have broken down each week by core subject. This allows you to add ideas of activities for each day or to make it a week or 4 four week study.

And I have ideas for covering ocean, marine life and even pirates so you dive as deep as you like into this nautical study.

Too, we wanted to make this study about more than just ships and oceans but a way to cover many topics to explore.

NAUTICAL BOOKS FOR KIDS

First, look at some of these books to use as a spine or for read aloud.

Books for a Nautical Unit Study or Nautical Lessons

Grab one or two of these books about nautical life to add to your reading day.

Carry On, Mr. Bowditch: A Newbery Award Winner – An American Nautical Tale of Determination and Mathematical Brilliance

Readers today are still fascinated by “Nat,? an eighteenth-century nautical wonder and mathematical wizard. Nathaniel Bowditch grew up in a sailor?s world—Salem in the early days, when tall-masted ships from foreign ports crowded the wharves. But Nat didn?t promise to have the makings of a sailor; he was too physically small. Nat may have been slight of build, but no one guessed that he had the persistence and determination to master sea navigation in the days when men sailed only by “log, lead, and lookout.? Nat?s long hours of study and observation, collected in his famous work, The American Practical Navigator (also known as the “Sailors? Bible?), stunned the sailing community and made him a New England hero.

Robinson Crusoe: N.C. Wyeth Illustrations

The Life and Strange Surprizing Adventures of Robinson Crusoe was first published in 1719 without any reference to its author, Daniel Defoe. The book was presented as a true autobiography of a castaway marooned for 28 years on an uninhabited island. It was been considered one of the first English novels. and is one of the most published books in history. Crusoe becomes self-sufficient using material salvaged from shipwrecks and endures cannibals, earthquakes, and mutineers before his final rescue. He rescues a native who has escaped from cannibals and names him Friday in reference to the day of the week he was found. The book’s plot is believed to be based on the story of the real-life castaway Alexander Selkirk.

Old Ironsides: Americans Build a Fighting Ship

She weighs in at 1,576 tons, carries 44 guns, and is made from the wood of more than 1,000 trees. She’s the largest, fastest fighting ship of her class—the Constitution. Follow young John Aylwin as he watches and helps in the construction of one of the most remarkable sailing ships ever built, a ship whose strength under fire earned her the nickname “Old Ironsides.”

The Big Book of the Blue

Alongside everything the young oceanographer needs to know, Zommer’s charming illustrations bring to life some of the slipperiest, scaliest, strangest, and most monstrous underwater animals.

Manfish: A Story of Jacques Cousteau

Before Jacques Cousteau became an internationally known oceanographer and champion of the seas, he was a curious little boy. In this lovely biography, poetic text and gorgeous paintings combine to create a portrait of Jacques Cousteau that is as magical as it is inspiring.

Ocean: A Visual Encyclopedia, 2nd Edition (DK Children's Visual Encyclopedias)

Explore the hidden depths of the ocean in this jam-packed visual encyclopedia for children.Explore our blue planet through amazing facts and colorful diagrams in this fully updated edition of the popular Ocean: A Children’s Encyclopedia.This encyclopedia for children aged 9-12 is full of beautiful pictures that bring the ocean to life and show its most amazing features. Each concept is broken down clearly, with colourful diagrams describing scientific processes, "wow" facts, and graphics to engage and educate curious kids.

Meet the Men who Sailed the Seas

Meet the Men Who Sailed the Seven Seas by John Dyment with Illustrations by Victor Mays - Step-Up Books 1966

Ship

Recreates the story of the archaeological recovery of a caravelle. Although this was the first craft used to bring European explorers to America, no known drawings or models remain to show how it was built. In this book we join a team of archaeologists as they discover a wrecked caravelle on a Caribbean reef. Their fascinating factual recovery of its artefacts is recounted through dozens of documents, drawings, and maps. As the book weaves a fictional account of the Magdalena's last voyage, the book shows the author's skill in putting across a wealth of historical and technical information in an

Next, jump into this study with the subjects listed below.

I tried to cover ideas for multiple ages.

HISTORY & GEOGRAPHY NAUTICAL UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 1

Vikings use long ships, Phoenicians did trade building and Mesopotamians used early sail boats. Early cultures relied on seas for not their livelihood but for day to day existence.

And life at sea was not easy. From using basic navigation tools to discovering trade routes, early explorers paved the road or is that seas for future trading.

Look at some of these activities and topics to add to the history and geography of a nautical life.

Grab the Phoenician sailors minibook here at my page Ancient Civilizations.
Make a Viking Longship.
Do a navigation timeline to include the dates and names of these tools: compass, astrolabe, sextant and chronometer.
Learn about Pirates. Look at my Pirates Unit Study and Lapbook.

Grab my Marco Polo Unit Study and Lapbook 1254 to 1324 to learn about early trade routes.
Hands-on Geography: Longitude/Latitude Mapmaking Activity.
Compare types of ships like Chinese treasure ships, Clipper, Galleons, Viking Longships and Medieval Cogs.

NATURE & SCIENCE NAUTICAL UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 2

Then, some of the key objectives to cover in this part of your unit study is ocean life, marine life, survival at sea, and even weather and climate.

Here are some activities to include along with hands-on ideas.

Do this edible ocean layers activity.
Edible Geography – Sea Levels.
Ocean Mystery of the Bermuda Triangle: Download Your Free Printable.
How to Make a Fun Apple Sailboat to introduce buoyancy.
Investigate shipwrecks. Look at my unit study RMS Titanic Unit Study and Free Lapbook.

MATH & LANGUAGE ARTS NAUTICAL UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 3

How to Make A Kids Ship Wheel | Ship Terminology
Design a ship hull on graph paper.
Language Arts Message in a Bottle.
Budget supplies for a voyage
What is knots? (unit of speed).
Build a scale model of a ship like the Mayflower or Titanic
Read The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway and do literature analysis.

Ship Craft Ideas & Ship Terminology | Fun Ship in A Bottle Craft for Kids
Build a Sextant
Compare nautical miles vs. miles.
Read Carry On, Mr. Bowditch for a living book.
Study lighthouse angles and light rotation
Write about sea myths like Poseidon or the Kraken

Finally, look at ideas for arts and crafts to include in your nautical unit.

ARTS & CRAFTS NAUTICAL UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 4

Fun High School Science Games About Ocean Life.
High School Marine Life Art Ideas & Easy Eagle Ray Art.
Geronimo Stilton Out Of Time Fun Sir Francis Drake Ship Craft.
Label parts of a ship.
Moving Paper Plate Porthole Craft

Finally, look at more best homeschool unit studies.

UNIT STUDIES FOR HOMESCHOOL

American History That Starts With K For Kentucky & Easy Derby Craft

February 20, 2026 | Leave a Comment
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Let’s dive into American History That Starts With K, starting with Kentucky and its famous horse race, The Kentucky Derby.

Learning about history becomes much more meaningful when children can connect facts and explore a topic through hands-on creativity.

As we explore the rich story of Kentucky and its most famous celebration, the Kentucky Derby, kids can record what they learn on a colorful ribbon award craft, just like the prizes given at the real race.

American History That Starts With K For Kentucky & Easy Derby Craft

As kids write Kentucky facts on each ribbon strip, they connect history, geography, and culture through an art project.

Children learning about Kentucky quickly discover that horses are at the heart of the state’s identity. And they have been part of its history since the early frontiersmen came on horseback through the Cumberland Gap.

They will find famous people from modern and not-so-modern history who were born there, when it entered statehood, and so much more.

BOOKS ABOUT KENTUCKY FOR KIDS

Next, we love living books that are either set in Kentucky or nonfiction books.

Add a few of these to your reading day.

10 Books Set In Kentucky or About Kentucky

Add one or two of these books to your home library as a read aloud or for a Kentucky unit study.

Up and Down the River

Bonnie and Debbie’s desire to get rich causes them to respond to a sure-thing magazine advertisement. They are soon embarked upon an ambitious summer of selling “up and down the river.” Not that circumstances end quite in the way they had imagined! In a surprising flurry of trading, the girls somehow accumulate wealth in the form of unexpected friends, assorted animals, and unforeseen situations, even as their collection of dimes and dollars seem always to be slipping through their hands. Bonnie and Debbie Fairchild occupy center stage in this story of a summer season in the lovely hills of Kentucky of the early 1900’s.

Abraham Lincoln

America was at a crossroads in 1939 as they debated whether to join the Allies in their battle against Hitler's relentless march across Europe. As European immigrants the d'Aulaires felt keenly the importance of standing against injustice, and saw in Lincoln the archetypal American hero as he stood against the injustice of slavery It was this spirit they hoped to exemplify in their biography of young Abe as he grew into manhood against the backdrop of the wilderness of Kentucky, the deep woods of Indiana, and the prairies of Illinois. Camping for weeks in Lincoln country, the d'Aulaires imbibed the spirit of the man Lincoln as well as his humor and good will. From his days as a clerk, teaching himself law reading Blackstone, practicing law in Springfield, running unsuccessfully for office, debating Stephen Douglas over the issue of slavery, and ultimately becoming President of the United States, the d'Aulaires have written and beautifully illustrated the life of one of America's most remarkable citizens.

Abraham Lincoln continues to stand as America's most beloved President.

Mary On Horseback: Three Mountain Stories

Master storyteller Rosemary Wells tells the incredible true story of a World War I nurse who brought medical care to the AppalachiansMary Breckinridge, trained as a nurse during World War I, rode on horseback into the isolated mountains of Appalachia and never looked back. Instead, she spent her life fording icy streams and climbing untracked mountains to bring medical help to those in need. More nurses on horseback joined Mary . . . and the Frontier Nursing Service was born. Mary’s story is amazing. And it is true.

Clay's Quilt

In his New York Times bestselling debut novel, Silas House introduced himself as an important voice for Appalachia, and indeed, for the entire rural South. In Clay’s Quilt, now a touchstone for his many fans, House takes us to Free Creek, Kentucky, where a motherless young man forges his path to adulthood, surrounded by ancient mountains and his blood relatives and adopted kin: his Aunt Easter tied to her faith and foreboding nature; his Uncle Paul, the quilter; the wild girls Evangeline and Alma; and a fiddler whose music calls to Clay’s heart. As he struggles to stitch up the void created by his mother’s death, Clay pieces together his own life’s
quilt, all masterfully wrought by House.

The Giver of Stars: Reese's Book Club: A Novel

From the author of the forthcoming Someone Else’s Shoes, a breathtaking story of five extraordinary women and their remarkable journey through the mountains of Kentucky and beyond in Depression-era America Alice Wright marries handsome American Bennett Van Cleve, hoping to escape her stifling life in England. But small-town Kentucky quickly proves equally claustrophobic, especially living alongside her overbearing father-in-law. So when a call goes out for a team of women to deliver books as part of Eleanor Roosevelt’s new traveling library, Alice signs on enthusiastically.The leader, and soon Alice's greatest ally, is Margery, a smart-talking, self-sufficient woman who's never asked a man's permission for anything They will be joined by three other singular women who become known as the Packhorse Librarians of Kentucky.

Daniel Boone

Awarded the John Newbery Medal 'for the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children' in 1940, James Daugherty has dipped his pen and his brush into our nation's most dynamic character whose life adventures are more exciting than the shadowy legend his name brings to mind. Daniel Boone was a farmer who couldn't stay put. Something was always pulling him westward into new and mysterious lands, and when this pull got so strong that he could no longer ignore it, and his wife and children could not persuade him to stay, he just went, with his toes pointing into the West and his eyes glued to the hills

Down Cut Shin Creek: The Pack Horse Librarians of Kentucky

One of the WPA's great successes, the Pack Horse Library Project of Eastern Kentucky provided books to those in remote locations.

B is For Bluegrass: A Kentucky Alphabet (Discover America State by State)

Mary Ann McCabe Riehle offers readers, young and old, the opportunity to take a horseback ride through the rich history and beautiful landscape of the Bluegrass State. From A to Z, McCabe Riehle's rhyming verse and interesting sidebar text will impart unique facts about Kentucky's spirited heritage, while Wes Burgiss' colorful illustrations are the next best thing to actually spending a week or two exploring the great state yourself.

D is for Derby: A Kentucky Derby Alphabet: A Kentucky Derby Alphabet (Sports Alphabet)

The Kentucky Derby is the oldest continuous sporting event in the United States. But don't call it just a horse race.

This annual May event, known as "the most exciting two minutes in sports," is steeped in tradition and pageantry far beyond what happens on the track. Following the alphabet, D is for Derby: A Kentucky Derby Alphabet uses poetry and expository text to explain this world-famous event. Topics include famous jockeys, legendary horses, fabled Bluegrass farms and owners, as well as offering a behind-the scenes view of thoroughbred breeding and racing.

Schoolhouse in the Woods (Volume 2) (Fairchild Family Series)

The Fairchild family is here again and this time, Bonnie is old enough to begin the great adventure—School! We join Bonnie in the excruciating anticipation of the first day, when she will wear her new dress, carry a first reader and slate, and—displaying nonchalance as she braves the swinging bridge—enter into the mysteries of schoolroom learning and playground rites in a woodland setting of the early 1900's. Bonnie's older brother and three sisters, her various classmates and Miss Cora, her teacher, add their liveliness to an eventful season of learning—on every front—in the Kentucky Hills. Rebecca Caudill's unfailing insights into a child's heart are enhanced by Decie Merwin's skillful drawings. The second of the four books in the “Fairchild Family” series.

Then, look at some facts about Kentucky history.

Kentucky is often called the Horse Capital of the World- and for good reason.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF KENTUCKY

The mineral-rich bluegrass helps horses grow strong bones and makes the region an ideal place for breeding thoroughbred racehorses.

Large horse farms stretch across the countryside, where foals are raised and trained for racing competitions, hoping to make it to the big race one day.

These horses are not only important to sports but also to Kentucky’s economy and culture. Festivals, museums, and farms celebrate the beauty and history of horse breeding.

Kentucky’s story begins long before it became a state. Native American tribes such as the Shawnee and Cherokee hunted in the region’s forests and traveled along its rivers for generations.

In the late 1700s, settlers moved west through the Cumberland Gap, drawn by fertile land and new opportunities.

Kentucky officially became the 15th state of the United States in 1792. Because of its central location and rich farmland, the state quickly grew into an important agricultural area.

Farmers raised crops like corn and tobacco, and the rolling bluegrass pastures proved perfect for raising strong, fast horses.

During the Civil War, Kentucky was a border state with citizens on both sides of the conflict. Although it remained in the Union, the war deeply affected communities across the state.

Afterward, Kentucky rebuilt and continued developing its farming, trade, and horse-breeding traditions that still shape the state today.

THE TRADITION OF THE KENTUCKY DERBY

The Kentucky Derby is the most famous horse race in the United States and has been held every year since 1875.

The race takes place at Churchill Downs in the city of Louisville, drawing visitors from all over the world.

Often called “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports,” the Derby features three-year-old thoroughbred horses racing one and one-quarter miles.

Spectators dress in bright spring clothing and elaborate hats, sip traditional mint julep drinks, and cheer as the horses thunder down the track.

Wearing fancy hats to horse races began in England, where horse races were considered a high-society event.

When the Kentucky Derby first took place in 1875, its founder, Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr., wanted the race to feel elegant and fashionable, similar to famous European races.

Encouraging beautiful clothing and dramatic hats helped attract wealthy guests and made the Derby feel special.

Finally, the winning horse is draped in a beautiful blanket of red roses, which is why the race is sometimes nicknamed “The Run for the Roses.”

This moment of celebration connects perfectly to a ribbon award craft, helping children get a taste for the thrill of victory.

The Kentucky Derby continues to celebrate speed, beauty, and community more than 150 years after the first race.

FUN KENTUCKY FACTS FOR KIDS

The state of Kentucky is one of the four commonwealths in the United States- others include Virginia, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania.
Kentucky was the 15th state to join the United States and was originally part of Virginia until it became a separate state.
Kentucky has more miles of navigable water than any other U.S. state except Alaska.
Bluegrass looks blue-purple in the spring, giving the region its famous name.
The Kentucky Derby is the longest continuously held sporting event in the United States.
The state bird is the Northern Cardinal, the flower is Goldenrod, and the tree is the Tulip Poplar.
Kentucky’s capital is Frankfort.
Encourage children to choose their favorite facts, or discover new ones, to decorate their ribbons.

THE KENTUCKY DERBY ACTIVITIES

Watch a short video of the Derby race and its history.
Looking at photos of thoroughbred horses and farms.
Find Kentucky on a U.S. map.
Make a Kentucky Derby hat, the more elaborate the better.
Read books about horses or American state history. I love this oversized picture book The 50 States, for younger and even older children to learn facts, famous people from each state, history, monuments, and more.