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Hands-On Activities

Hands-on Homeschool History Free Ancient Civilization Cards for O Ring

June 12, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have another set ready for the easy and interactive hands on homeschool history on an O ring series that I want to do. Also, look at my Ancient Civilizations page.

Adding the cards today, which are for Ancient Civilizations, I now have 4 sets of cards.

These cards have very general information and I made them so we can hit broad strokes when studying these topics and as a way to memorize some of our unit studies.

Hands-on Homeschool History Free Ancient Civilization Cards for O Ring

The four I have done so far are

  • Westward Ho,
  • The Titanic,
  • French and Indian War

And today, like I mentioned are the Ancient Civilizations.

Because I may study some of our history topics several times with each child, I have been wanting to make up these cards to allow my sons a way to study independently.

Too, through the years I have had one son interested in delving deeper into one topic that another son may not be so interested in.

A remedy to that problem is to make these O rings which they can grab, and do interactively.

This way if they are not as interested in a topic, at least they know some broad strokes about that topic.

Ancient Civilization Resources for Kids

Next, look at some of these fun resources for learning about Ancient Civilizations.

13 Ancient Civilization Hands-on Resources and Books

Add some of these fun resources to your unit study or study for the day of Ancient Civilizations.

The Greeks Pop-up: Pop-up Book to Make Yourself (Ancient Civilisations Pop-Ups)

Tarquin Popups are a special kind of do it yourself activity book. Not only is there the fun of making the scenes and seeing them popup but they are full of interesting information and ideas. This book contains six main scenes to make: Knossos, the Palace of Minos, the Lion Gate at Mycenae, the Battle of Salamis, the Golden Age of Athens, the Theatre, Alexander the Great and King Porus.

The Ancient Egypt Pop-up Book:

A magnificently illustrated, interactive pop-up book chronicles the history of ancient Egypt and its diverse cultural innovations, covering everything to the construction of the Egyptian pyramids and the elaborate mummification process, to the mysterious rites performed at an Egyptian god's temple and the ancient hieroglyphic writings.

Ancient Israelites and Their Neighbors: An Activity Guide (Cultures of the Ancient World)

Children can try their hand at re-creating ancient Israelite culture—along with the cultures of their neighbors, the Philistines and Phoenicians—in a way that will provide perspective on current events. The book covers a key period from the Israelites’ settlement in Canaan in 1200 B.C.E. to their return from exile in Babylonia in 538 B.C.E. This part of the Middle East—no larger than modern-day Michigan—was the birthplace of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. More than 35 projects include stomping grapes into juice, building a model Phoenician trading ship, making a Philistine headdress, and writing on a broken clay pot. Israelites', Phoenicians', and Philistines' writing and languages, the way they built their homes, the food they ate, the clothes they wore, and the work they did, and of course, their many interesting stories.

Treasury of Greek Mythology: Classic Stories of Gods, Goddesses, Heroes & Monsters

The new National Geographic Treasury of Greek Mythology offers timeless stories of Greek myths in a beautiful new volume. Brought to life with lyrical text by award-winning author Donna Jo Napoli and stunning artwork by award-winning illustrator Christina Balit, the tales of gods and goddesses such as Zeus, Aphrodite, Apollo, and Athena and heroes and monsters such as Helen of Troy, Perseus, and Medusa will fascinate and engage children’s imaginations.

Photo Credit: store.homeschoolinthewoods.com

Activity Study: Great Empires

Included in this study are over 35 projects, games, recipes, links, and the history of fourteen empires! Generally, each empire's materials can be covered in 1-3 days

Tools of the Ancient Romans: A Kid's Guide to the History & Science of Life in Ancient Rome

Tools of the Ancient Greeks: A Kid’s Guide to the History and Science of Life in Ancient Greece explores the scientific discoveries, athletic innovations, engineering marvels, and innovative ideas created more than two thousand years ago. Through biographical sidebars, interesting facts, fascinating anecdotes, and fifteen hands-on activities, readers will learn how Greek innovations and ideas have shaped world history and our own world view.

Ancient Egypt Activity Book For Kids: Ancient Egypt

Is your child fascinated by Ancient Egypt? if so then this Ancient Egypt themed activity book is just for them. This is a great book for boys and girls who have an interest in Ancient Egypt. This Ancient Egypt themed activity book will keep them entertained and happy for hours.

Great Ancient China Projects You Can Build Yourself (Build It Yourself)

Great Ancient China Projects You Can Build Yourself explores the incredible ingenuity and history of ancient China with 25 hands-on projects for readers ages 9 and up. Great Ancient China Projects covers topics from porcelain pottery, paper, gunpowder, and dynasties, to martial arts, medicinal healers, jade carvers, and terracotta warriors.

Tools of the Ancient Greeks: A Kid's Guide to the History & Science of Life in Ancient Greece (Build It Yourself)

Tools of the Ancient Greeks: A Kid’s Guide to the History and Science of Life in Ancient Greece explores the scientific discoveries, athletic innovations, engineering marvels, and innovative ideas created more than two thousand years ago. Through biographical sidebars, interesting facts, fascinating anecdotes, and fifteen hands-on activities, readers will learn how Greek innovations and ideas have shaped world history and our own world view.

Sumerian Mythology: History for kids: A captivating guide to ancient Sumerian history,Sumerian myths of Sumerian Gods, Goddesses, and Monsters

What humans call “civilization” didn’t always exist. We didn’t always live in big cities, have roads to get places easier, or grow food on farms. For a long time, humans were hunter-gatherers. Hunter-gatherers wandered from place to place looking for food. They didn’t build homes or stay in one place. The Sumerians, as far as we know, were the first people to start a civilization.

History Pockets: Ancient Civilizations, Grades 1-3

The book includes the following pockets:

  • What Is History?
  • Ancient Mesopotamia
  • Ancient Egypt
  • Ancient Greece
  • Ancient Rome
  • Ancient China
  • Ancient Aztec World

This resource contains teacher support pages, reproducible student pages, and an answer key.

Cleopatra and Ancient Egypt for Kids: Her Life and World, with 21 Activities (69)

Cleopatra has been called intelligent and scheming, ambitious and ruthless, sensual and indulgent. This unique biography captures the excitement of her life story, including portions that have been largely neglected, such as her interest in literature and science and her role as a mother, and allows readers to draw their own conclusions. Cleopatra and Ancient Egypt for Kids also includes maps, time lines, online resources, a glossary, and 21 engaging hands-on activities to help readers better appreciate the ancient culture.

DIY Ancient Egypt Box, Learn About Geography and World History, Hands on Learning for Kids

HANDS ON LEARNING: Supernow educational boxes includes an adventure box with 4 hands-on projects and interactive digital content to bring the projects to life!

INTERACTIVE PLAY: Kids get a monthly adventure box that serves as a portal to an immersive adventure. Participate in an unfolding mission by attending live, interactive classes and solving fun clues.

Also, if you want to flesh out your study on these topics, then look at my pages, which match up with these history cards.

  • Lapbook and unit study for Westward Ho.
  • Lapbook and unit  study for the Titanic.
  • Lapbook and unit study for the French and Indian War.
  • Lapbook and unit study for Ancient Civilizations Page I and Page II.

I plan to do another set soon, so hope you enjoy these.

How to Get the Free Ancient Civilization History Cards

Now, how to grab the free history o ring cards. It’s a subscriber freebie.

That means when you sign up to follow me, you get my emails in your inbox and you get this freebie.

1) Sign up on my email list.
2) Grab the freebie now.
3) Last, look for all my emails in your inbox. Glad to have you following me!

Don’t forget to follow BOTH of my Pinterest accounts for more AWESOME pins.

Visit Tina Robertson’s profile on Pinterest.


Visit Tinas Dynamic Homeschool ‘s profile on Pinterest.

Free History Cards. Put on an O ring and learn facts about Ancient Civilizations, Westward Ho, the Titanic and the French and Indian War. Grab them @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

Leave a CommentFiled Under: 1. My FREE Learning Printables {Any Topic}, Ancient Civilizations, Geography Based, Hands-On Activities, History Based, History Resources, Science Based Tagged With: ancient civilizations, ancientegypt, hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, history, history resources, lewis and clark, lewisandclark, titanic, westwardho

7 Fun Geometry Hands On Activities For High School

June 10, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Fun geometry hands-on activities for high school can mean the difference in just getting by and really getting engaged in lessons. Also, look at my page How to Homeschool High School for more ideas.

Just because your child is in high school does not mean that they’ve set aside their love for Lego.

A fantastic way to incorporate Lego into lessons is to use them to create examples and identify angles.

7 Fun Geometry Hands On Activities For High School

We have done Lego math in the past. But you can even use it for high school manipulatives for learning geometry.

First let’s talk about what geometry is.

Geometry is the part of mathematics that we use for calculating the distance around a circle, the angles that make up a triangle, or the amount of room inside of a cube.

We use it daily in art, navigation, in construction, sports, and even simple household tasks like measuring a surface area for wallpaper.

So, you can see why it is a necessary skill for your teen to learn.

7 Fun Geometry Hands On Activities For High School

Next, look at some of these activities.

These activities are a wonderful way to create a break in the typical textbook, worksheet lesson of high school geometry and can help make complicated lessons more understandable.

  1. Look at this LEGO for geometry idea Pythagorean Theorem Lego Proof.
  2. This Geometry Roller Coaster Project is a large scale lesson in engineering and problem solving. Although it’s written for a classroom, it can be used for one or two students.
  3. Using Hands-On Inquiry in High School Geometry gives you ideas for creating some hands-on geometry lessons that include their observations and geometry tools.
  4. Play the Simplyfun Shape Whiz game for an enjoyable lesson to reinforce some basic geometry shape information.
  5. Bonus, this one post includes 5 Geometry Projects for Middle and High School that are fun while
  6. Grab your deck of uno cards and try Using Uno as an Intro to Teaching Proofs for an advanced geometry lesson.
  7. While Geometric Art For Kids is geared to younger kids I still really think it has value and appeal for the high school bunch as well.
7 Fun Geometry Hands On Activities For High School

Also, look at my post Ancient Greece Unit Study Play Stomachion Like Archimedes {Explore Geometry} to add a math element to your favorite unit study.

The resource Everything You Need to Ace Geometry in One Big Fat Notebook is a fantastic supplement to any curriculum.

In addition, it can be used for independent study and worked well to use with my LEGO activity I have for you today.

Teaching Geometry With LEGO Activities For High School

You will need:

  • LEGO
  • LEGO Baseplate
  • cardstock
  • Pen
7 Fun Geometry Hands On Activities For High School

Single row, long LEGO bricks work best for these activities.

And if you need a good basic set of LEGO because you don’t already have them lying around the house this is a fantastic option.

Two ways we discovered to practice basic geometry are through learning terms and identifying examples of them as well as identifying different angles.

The first way I have to practice geometry is a way to introduce or reinforce geometry terms.

Geometry Vocabulary

  • Point- Indicates a location.
  • Line-a straight path that extends infinitely in both directions.
  • Line segment –Part of a line with two endpoints.
  • Ray- Part of a line that starts at a point and extends infinitely in one direction.
  • Vertex  –The point of intersection of two or more line segments.
  • Triangle – A shape with 3 sides and 3 vertices.
  • Angle- is formed of two rays with the same endpoint, vertex.
  • Parallel lines- Two lines in the same plane that are at equal distance from each other and never meet.
  • Perpendicular lines– Lines that intersect at a 90 degrees angle.

Write each of these terms onto cardstock and cut them into small strips to create labels.

7 Fun Geometry Hands On Activities For High School

You can carry out the activity in one of two ways, either create examples of the terms using various LEGO pieces or lay down the terms onto the base plate and have your highschooler create an example by building it with LEGO bricks.

7 Fun Geometry Hands On Activities For High School

Get creative with using single row bricks to create the examples, use single studs for your points, and make arrows at the end of rays with smaller pieces.

7 Fun Geometry Hands On Activities For High School

In the same way, create labels for acute, right, and obtuse angles and make examples for your student to match or let them create an example of each using random LEGO pieces.

7 Fun Geometry Hands On Activities For High School

Because LEGOs are meant to snap together at right angles and not obtuse or acute you will need a little help. Place your long skinny bricks on single studs to lift them above the base plate

7 Fun Geometry Hands On Activities For High School

You will then be able to swing them around freely to create different angles.

7 Fun Geometry Hands On Activities For High School

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: geometry, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, high school, homeschool, homeschool highschool, homeschool math, homeschoolhighschool, LEGO, math

11 Awesome Beach Theme STEM Activities | Quick Sunscreen Painting Experiment

June 8, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Beach theme STEM activities are a wonderful way to bring some learning into a fun experience. Seashore Beach Watching Unit Study and Seashore Lapbook.

As a homeschool mom you know that learning can take place anytime, anywhere, even on the beach.

There are many ways to learn during a simple trip to the beach, even just through observation.

11 Awesome Beach Theme STEM Activities | Quick Sunscreen Painting Experiment

Your child will take in and process so much information.

However, there are still many ways to be more intentional about the learning.

I have an easy and quick sunscreen painting experiment.

You need two simple items.

This will demonstrate a simple concept on the sun’s harmful rays.

And what we can do to protect ourselves when we are at the beach.

From edible beach treats that incorporate math to learning all about shark vocabulary I have gathered up plenty of awesome beach theme stem activities.

These activities make your surf and sand theme unit study full and fun.

Beach and Ocean Books for Kids

First, look at some of these books about beaches and oceans.

Add them to your home library.

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

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

The Burgess Seashore Book for Children in color

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

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

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

Seaside Naturalist: Seaside Naturalist

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

An introduction by W. D. Howells.

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

A beautiful cover from the 1891 edition.

Ocean: A Visual Encyclopedia

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

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

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

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 Fascinating Ocean Book for Kids: 500 Incredible Facts!

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

All About Bioluminescence: Deep Sea Animals

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

Treasure Island (Dover Thrift Editions: Classic Novels)

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

Oceans and Seas!: With 25 Science Projects for Kids

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

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

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

Pagoo

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

Next, look at these hands-on beach activities.

11 Awesome Beach Theme STEM Activities

  1. Cooking definitely falls under STEM by covering science and math, Make Your Own Edible Beach Sand And Shells: A Creative And Delicious Recipe.
  2. Check out this awesome Epic Sand Volcano for some explosive beach STEM fun.
  3. At home, create your own beach model (or diorama) to demonstrate the creatures that make their home in and near the water.
  4. Bring a little of the beach home and have fun Comparing Beach Sand Under The Microscope in the comfort of your living room.
  5. Practice addition, subtraction, and multiplication using seashells as manipulatives, carry them home with you to continue the beach themed math.
  6. Explore the reaction between seashells and vinegar in the Seashell Acid Base Experiment to see what happens.
  7. Find seashells and shark teeth, take along an identification guide and see how many you can name. A waterproof folding book is perfect to toss in your bag.
  8. How to Create a Hands-on Fun Shark Vocabulary Anatomy Activity.
  9. I love a good lapbook as you know and my Seashore Beach Watching Unit Study and Seashore Lapbook is a great way to learn more about everything from the strand line to zones of the ocean and more.
  10. See what causes beaches to erode with the Beach Erosion Project.
  11. Make a sundial with a stick placed in the sand and observe how far the shadows distance moves each hour.
11 Awesome Beach Theme STEM Activities | Quick Sunscreen Painting Experiment

Next read about the science behind sunscreen.

The Science Behind Sunscreen

Before you begin your sunscreen painting, talk about why we use sunscreen and how it protects us.

When we go to the beach or outside and use sunscreen it creates a protective barrier on our skin that blocks most of the sun’s UV rays.

And keeps us from getting a sunburn.

Some of the ingredients in sunscreen reflect the sun’s rays and some absorb the sun’s rays before they can reach our skin.

Recreating a similar effect on paper quickly and easily demonstrates for children how sunblock works in relation to the sun’s UV rays.

For older children you can take it a step further by using different brands or levels of SPF in the sunscreens to see if there is a difference in the papers.

Have your child make a hypothesis as to which brand or number will do the best job.

Check the paper after an hour, two, four, etc. to see if there is a difference in the paper color where there is no sunscreen.

Quick Sunscreen Painting Experiment

Instead of colorful paint this activity kids will be painting with just one color that becomes see through as it dries but it is no less fun and intriguing to your little sun lover.

You will need:

  • Black construction paper
  • Sunscreen
  • Paintbrushes
  • Paper plate
11 Awesome Beach Theme STEM Activities | Quick Sunscreen Painting Experiment

Squirt some sunscreen on a plate and offer your child a couple different sizes of paintbrush.

Place black or dark blue colored paper on the ground, weighing the corners down with stones or something so they don’t blow away.

11 Awesome Beach Theme STEM Activities | Quick Sunscreen Painting Experiment

Encourage your child to paint a scene on the paper, while leaving a good portion of it unpainted so that they can see the obvious color difference later.

11 Awesome Beach Theme STEM Activities | Quick Sunscreen Painting Experiment

Lay the sunscreen painted images out in the full sun with something to weigh them down.

11 Awesome Beach Theme STEM Activities | Quick Sunscreen Painting Experiment

Let them sit for several hours, at least 3-4.

Bring them inside and notice the difference, see how the painted areas are still dark while everything unpainted has faded quite noticeably?

Just like sunscreen protects your skin from the sun’s UV rays it keeps the paper protected and reduces the effects of the sun (color fades in this instance).

The UV rays break down the chemicals in the paper and fade the color.

11 Awesome Beach Theme STEM Activities | Quick Sunscreen Painting Experiment

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: beach, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool, ocean, science

Under the Sea Science Activities With Amazing Disappearing Octopus Ink

June 6, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Under the sea science activities can teach your child so much more about the amazing creatures that live below the ocean than any worksheet ever could. Also, you’ll love more ideas on my Oceans Unit Study and Lapbook.

I have always been a hands-on teaching mom, preferring an activity to or in addition to books and papers.

Today I have an amazing disappearing octopus ink science experiment for you and more great under the sea science activities to get excited about.

Under the Sea Science Activities With Amazing Disappearing Octopus Ink

And learn amazing things about the depths by testing saltwater density, watching animals live in action, or creating a memorable ocean themed lapbook.

If you are studying oceans for any length of time a must have reference book for studying undersea science is Ocean Anatomy by Julia Rothman.

I found wonderful illustrations and interesting tidbits about the octopus as well as other ocean creatures inside.

Under the Sea Science Activities With Amazing Disappearing Octopus Ink

Under the Sea Books For Kids

Next, add some of these books to your home library to add to your unit study or just for fun reading.

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

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

The Burgess Seashore Book for Children in color

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

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

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

Seaside Naturalist: Seaside Naturalist

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

An introduction by W. D. Howells.

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

A beautiful cover from the 1891 edition.

Ocean: A Visual Encyclopedia

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

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

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

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 Fascinating Ocean Book for Kids: 500 Incredible Facts!

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

All About Bioluminescence: Deep Sea Animals

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

Treasure Island (Dover Thrift Editions: Classic Novels)

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

Oceans and Seas!: With 25 Science Projects for Kids

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

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

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

Pagoo

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

Also, learn why does an octopus shoot out ink.

We are going to investigate and find out at the same time as we learn how to make food coloring disappear.

Two fantastic science investigations rolled into one with a fun ocean theme.

Take some time to do a few of the other ideas listed with your child.

15 Under the Sea Science Activities

  1. First up is my Shark and Oceans for Kindergarten Fun Sight Word Activity. While this is heavily language arts based, building the shark together and talking about the makeup of the shark and what they eat turns it into a science lesson as well.
  2. Find out all about coral chemistry and learn the effects of ocean acidification on coral reefs.
  3. Learn all about the different layers of the ocean from the trench to the sunlight zone with Fun Making Ocean Layers Soap | Summer Activities for Middle Schoolers.
  4. Watch one or more of these Live Aquarium Webcams to see sea creatures in action.
  5. Grab my Free Ocean Lapbook and Fun Homeschool Unit Study Ideas
  6. Include some sensory play into your learning with Ocean Waves in a bottle.
  7. How To Make Your Own Edible Beach Sand And Shells: A Creative And Delicious Recipe
  8. Learn How do Fish Breathe Underwater Fun Activity & Animal Science Homeschool Curriculum.
  9. Try out the Salt Water Density Ocean Experiments for Kindergarten for kids of a variety of ages and find out what happens to mass in fresh vs. salt water.
  10. A great selection of plastic ocean animals can be used to observe their features up close, to create sensory bins, dioramas, toppers for cakes, and so much more.
  11. Have you ever wondered How Does Sound Travel Underwater? This activity is a simple way to find out!
  12. Making Ocean Layers Soap
  13. Beware of Ocean Pollution: Fun Science Activity for Kids
  14. How to Make a Fun Paper Plate Fish | F is for Fish
  15. Exciting Swiss Family Robinson Activities | From Oyster To Pearl

Before we get into the activity, I have for you let’s dive into how it works so you are ready to amaze and astound your kiddos!

Why Does Bleach Make The Color Fade

Depending on the concentration of bleach and how much you use your ink may fade or completely disappear.

What makes inky water clear up is the sodium hypochlorite in the bleach and that oxidizes the food coloring.

The color molecules remain in the water, but their shape is changed which means that it no longer absorbs and reflects light the same way and loses its color.

Amazing Disappearing Octopus Ink

You will need:

  • Large clear bowl
  • Plastic octopus
  • Water
  • Food coloring
  • Bleach
  • Dropper

First, place your octopus on the bottom of your glass jar or bowl.

Under the Sea Science Activities With Amazing Disappearing Octopus Ink

Fill the container with water until your octopus is completely covered.

Under the Sea Science Activities With Amazing Disappearing Octopus Ink

Add a few drops of food coloring and talk about what happens as the water darkens around the octopus. Why do they do that? How does it help them?

Under the Sea Science Activities With Amazing Disappearing Octopus Ink

The ‘ink’ creates a great veil for them to get lost in, we could barely see him in the water.

Under the Sea Science Activities With Amazing Disappearing Octopus Ink

Now begin adding bleach a few drops at a time until the water, we started with the blue and while it is a fantastic demonstration for how they use it to hide and escape it would not disappear no matter how much bleach we added. 

Under the Sea Science Activities With Amazing Disappearing Octopus Ink

So to demonstrate our disappearing ink experiment a little better we tried it with yellow which has a much more dramatic reaction to the bleach.

Under the Sea Science Activities With Amazing Disappearing Octopus Ink

Add the bleach a dropper full at a time and watch the magic happen.

Under the Sea Science Activities With Amazing Disappearing Octopus Ink

As you add more bleach the yellow begins to disappear almost completely from the water.

Extend the lesson-

Try all the colors to compare the differences, use cold water and also try it with hot water. Was there any difference?

Under the Sea Science Activities With Amazing Disappearing Octopus Ink

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool, ink, life science, ocean, octopus, science

How To Make A Shoebox Toucan Habitat Diorama With Waterfall

June 4, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today we are creating a toucan habitat diorama. Also, look at my page Rain Forest – Amazon, Rain Forest – Animals of the Amazon and Rainforest Activities for Kids or more ideas, crafts and activities.

Our diorama resembles the rainforest canopies of Central and South America where the toucan make their home.

High above the ground, where the covering is lush and thick, Toucans build their nests.

They build them in hollowed out tree cavities sleeping in groups of 5 or 6.

How To Make A Shoebox Toucan Habitat Diorama With Waterfall

They very rarely fly down to the forest floor.

Also, they are prey for forest eagles, hawks, owls, boas, and jaguars.

We are creating a tropical rainforest paradise that is perfect for a bright toucan to hide out in.

It is complete with a unique waterfall just like you might find in the Lacandon Jungle, Mexico or Kaieteur Falls in the Amazon.

This is a pretty safe hot glue craft even for younger kids as they only have to squeeze the glue gun to create their piece and do not touch the glue until it’s completely cooled.

They may just need a little bit of help attaching the waterfall.

What better way to learn about this fascinating and beautiful bird than to study its habitat with a unique rainforest diorama.

5 Fun Facts About Toucans

  1. Toucans use their massive beaks to attract mates, intimidate predators, to reach food that would otherwise be out of reach, and to control their body temperature by regulating blood flow through it.
  2. Vocabulary alert- They are ‘monomorphic’ which means that there is no color difference in males and females, both are equally colorful.
  3. Toucans range in size from the toco toucan (Ramphastos toco) that can be up to 24” down to the tawny-tufted toucanet (Selenidera nattereri) at just 12.5”.
  4. Toucans hang out in groups of 3 to 12, but also as large as groups of 20.
  5. They are very important to the biome of the rainforest. They eat a variety of native fruits and spread the seeds via their droppings, which helps keep the plants growing and maintains the forest’s diversity.
How To Make A Shoebox Toucan Habitat Diorama With Waterfall

Next, add a few more ideas to bring your toucan habitat diorama to life.

Toucan Habitat Resources

  • Toucans! My Incredible World Picture Book
  • If you want another toucan activity that is especially great for younger kids make these. Wildlife in the Amazon Rainforest – Create Fun Macaw and Toucan Crafts
  • Watch All About Toucans to see the big beaked beauties in action.
  • You can include toucans or any rainforest creature in this unique and easy Rainforest Triorama with kids project
How To Make A Shoebox Toucan Habitat Diorama With Waterfall

Finally, look at how to make this fun toucan shoebox diorama.

How To Make A Shoebox Toucan Habitat Diorama With Waterfall

You will need:

  • Glue gun/sticks
  • Box/shoebox
  • Greenery
  • Plastic toucan figure
  • Green and blue craft paint
  • Rocks and sticks
  • Paintbrushes
  • Silicone mat

These messy mats are a must for any project, and they work well to contain paint, glue, playdough, or any other mess.

Perfect for glue gun “sculptures”, they allow you to peel it away so easily.

How To Make A Shoebox Toucan Habitat Diorama With Waterfall

First, decide which way you want to design your box.

We opted to put our box vertically so that we could maximize our waterfall and canopy height.

Paint the inside with thick blobby layers of different greens to create a thick full background, leaving some space for the blue of the waterfall.

How To Make A Shoebox Toucan Habitat Diorama With Waterfall

Let the paint dry (or use a blow dryer to move it along a little faster).

Toucan Habitat Diorama With Waterfall

Then paint your blue waterfall from the top down and on the bottom inside of the box to create a little pool.

How To Make A Shoebox Toucan Habitat Diorama With Waterfall

Allow the paint to dry completely, while you are waiting you can create the waterfall

Lay out your silicone mat and drizzle hot glue in continuous motions up and down as tall and as wide as you like.

Be sure to overlap each of the layers so that each strand of glue is touching in multiple areas.

How To Make A Shoebox Toucan Habitat Diorama With Waterfall

Allow glue to cool and harden, add more to the base of the waterfall for where it splashes up as it hits the pool.

How To Make A Shoebox Toucan Habitat Diorama With Waterfall

Once your glue is hardened you can dab a bit of blue on the glue or leave it clear.

How To Make A Shoebox Toucan Habitat Diorama With Waterfall

When the paint is dry inside your habitat you can begin to assemble it.

Place some hot glue along the top and bottom of your waterfall and layer over where you painted it in the box.

Drip additional hot glue to attach it into place and fill it out as you like.

How To Make A Shoebox Toucan Habitat Diorama With Waterfall

Next, glue in some rocks around the pool and secure some sticks from the yard to use as tree trunks.

How To Make A Shoebox Toucan Habitat Diorama With Waterfall

Then, attach greenery to the “trees” as well as on the ground to create a thick dense rainforest

Finally, add in your toucan and other animals if you would like to represent various parts of the rainforest.

How To Make A Shoebox Toucan Habitat Diorama With Waterfall

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: amazon rain forest, bird, birds, diorama, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool, life science, toucan

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