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The Ultimate Guide to Brave Explorers (Great and Small)

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Whether they were the world’s bravest explorers or the world barely noticed their bravery, this ultimate guide to great explorers, both great and small, will give you a starting point for in-depth learning about some of these fascinating explorers and their journeys. Also, look at my page Hands-On Simple And Best Homeschool Geography Ideas & Tips.

Learning about great explorers and seeing events, places, and everyday life unfold through their eyes allows you and your children to go to places you may have never been.

The Ultimate Guide to Brave Explorers (Great and Small)

If nothing else, it will give you a glimpse of the determination, bravery, and fortitude explorers exhibited.

Hopefully, you’ll come away with both a more adventurous spirit and a deeper respect for other parts of the world.

IDEAS FOR GEOGRAPHY EXPLORATION INSPIRATION

I’ve alphabetized the explorers by their last name to make it easier for you to locate each one. In cases when an explorer’s last name is not given or known, I’ve listed each by his only name or first name known.

Sometimes more than one explorer navigated the same region but presented their journeys from a different view.

I think it’s easier to list them by name so that you get the full benefit of their individual perspectives, instead of breaking down this ultimate to great explorers by the region each explored.

GENERAL POSTS, DOWNLOADS, PRINTABLES AND UNIT STUDIES

HANDS-ON IDEAS AND ACTIVITIES ABOUT EXPLORERS

B

VASCO NUNEZ DE BALBOA EXPLORER

DANIEL BOONE NORTH AMERICAN EXPLORER

C

SAMUEL DE CHAMPLAIN

CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS

FRANCISCO VASQUEZ DE CORONADO

HERNANDO CORTES

D

BARTOLOMEU DIAS


SIR FRANCIS DRAKE

G

VASCO DA GAMA

H

HENRY HUDSON

L

JUAN PONCE DE LEON

M

FERDINAND MAGELLAN

The Ultimate Guide to Brave Explorers (Great and Small)

P

FRANCISCO PIZARRO

MARCO POLO

R

SIR WALTER RALEIGH

S

HERNANDO DE SOTO

V

AMERIGO VESPUCCI

Videos

The contributions of female explorers.
Age of Exploration – A Short Documentary Film

MORE GEOGRAPHY RESOURCES

Also, check out .

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

The Ultimate Guide to Brave Explorers (Great and Small)

Ancient Mesopotamia Hands-on History Cook Sebetu Rolls

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We’re making sebetu rolls as we learn about Ancient Mesopotamia. Also, look at my pages Ancient Mesopotamia Fun Facts For Kids Who Love History for more hands-on history ideas.

Too, you’ll love my Free Mesopotamia Lapbook For Kids Who Love Hands-On Learning.

I have a wonderful older book, Ancient Egyptians and Their Neighbors: An Activity Guide, which has been one of the best books for fun and easy hands-on history ideas for ancient civilizations.

Ancient Mesopotamia Hands-on History Cook Sebetu Rolls

It has 4 sections in it: Hittites, Nubians, Mesopotamians and Egyptians.

And today. Ancient Mesopotamia (Hands-on History): Cook Sebetu (seh-BAY-too) Rolls, I’m sharing a fun recipe to do while studying Ancient Mesopotamia.

But first, look at a few interesting facts about this area.

Even though Ancient Mesopotamia is a region, there were several civilizations in this area like the Sumerians, Babylonians and Assyrians to name three of them.

So there was a variety of food grown and cooked throughout each civilization but there were common foods to all of them.

BOOKS FOR KIDS ABOUT ANCIENT MESOPOTAMIA

First, look at these books about Mesopotamia.

7 Books to Read About Ancient Mesopotamia

Mesopotamia is a region situated within the Tigris–Euphrates River system, in the northern part of the Fertile Crescent. Today, Mesopotamia occupies modern Iraq.  In the broader sense, the historical region included present-day Iraq and parts of present-day Iran, Kuwait, Syria, and Turkey.

The book Mesopotamian Archaeology states: “Wheat and barley were grown on a large scale, and without doubt formed the staple food of the people, providing them with an ample supply of material for cakes and different kinds of bread, including milk loaves and black bread.

MESOPOTAMIA- IT TRULY IS THE CRADLE OF CIVILIZATION

The principal fruits which were cultivated at this period, were dates, figs, pomegranates and grapes: they were eaten cooked and uncooked, sometimes forming part of a fruit salad, at other times being made into fruit cakes.

As regards vegetables, onions, radishes, cucumbers and beans appear to have been the most favoured.”

So we decided to make a staple from their diet which is bread and tweaking the recipe some from Ancient Egyptians and Their Neighbors: An Activity Guide to make Sebetu (seh-BAY-too) Rolls.

Ancient Mesopotamia Hands-on History Cook Sebetu Rolls

It piqued our interest because supposedly its based on a 3,000 year old recipe. Scholars found recipes written on clay tablets.

This bread or crust was part of bird pie and a few ingredients have been changed. We don’t know what sasku flour is, so we’ll use just regular flour.

I love it when I have all the ingredients already which has to be a great standard for doing hands-on history projects. No fuss and simple are best.

HOW TO MAKE ANCIENT MESOPOTAMIA SEBETU ROLLS

Look at this cast of characters that we had our house.

  • 1 c. flour
  • 2 t. olive oil
  • 1 clove fresh garlic (we used minced)
  • 1/4 t. salt
  • 1/4 c milk
  • 2 T water
  • 1-1/2 t. baking powder
  • 2 or 3 green onions (white part only)

Supplies: 1 big mixing bowl, one small bowl, cookie sheet, measuring spoons, 1 cup dry measure and a liquid measuring cup.

Ancient Mesopotamia Hands-on History Cook Sebetu Rolls

First, oil the cookie sheet and set aside. It doesn’t have to be much. I think we used a couple of teaspoons and wiped it on with a papertowel.

Then mix the flour and baking powder in large bowl and set aside.

In the smaller bowl stir together water and salt.

Ancient Mesopotamia Hands-on History Cook Sebetu Rolls

Add milk. Stir. And then add the 2 t. olive oil and stir.

Ancient Mesopotamia Hands-on History Cook Sebetu Rolls

Mix in the garlic and we chopped the white part of the green onion a bit more fine before we added it to the liquid mixture.

Ancient Mesopotamia Hands-on History Cook Sebetu Rolls

I think Tiny got some green part of the onion, but this isn’t science, so it was all good.

He kneaded the dough as fast as he could and I’m sure not too long as he is not a patient cook.

ANCIENT MESOPOTAMIA SEBETU ROLLS

There’s that cute baker (okay, okay).

Ancient Mesopotamia Hands-on History Cook Sebetu Rolls

Then he halved the dough to form 8 balls and baked them on 400 degrees for about 15 minutes.

He cooked them a bit longer and checked like every two minutes. So about another 6 minutes or so.

I was shocked! The boys flipped out over how good the rolls were.

They said it reminded them of the biscuits at Red Lobster. They were absolutely delicious with the onion and garlic flavoring added to them.

Day 2. Ancient Mesopotamia (Hands-on History): Cook Sebetu Rolls, I'm sharing a fun recipe to do while studying about Ancient Mesopotamia.

And we were surprised to learn that the ancient recipes seemed so modern.

Ancient Mesopotamia Hands-on History Cook Sebetu Rolls

I think your kids will like this! Also, we love, love using Home School in the Woods as they have many hand-on and fun history projects for each time period.

Here are more activities you’ll like:

Ancient Mesopotamia Hands-on History Cook Sebetu Rolls

Go to my Ancient Civilization page for free lapbooks for the civilizations of Ancient Mesopotamia, and my Ancient Civilizations II page also has a free Mesopotamia book and Hands-on History Activities for Learning about Ancient Civilizations.

And here is first day in this series if you missed it:

Ancient Egypt Civilization (Hands-on History): Narmer Crown.

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

Visit Tina Robertson’s profile on Pinterest.


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Ancient Egypt Civilization How to Make A King Narmer Double Crown Craft

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If you’re learning Ancient Egypt civilization, you’ll love this next hands-on history activity. Also, look at my Ancient Civilizations page about Ancient Egypt for more ideas! Too, look at my page Fun Pharaohs and Queens Ancient Egypt Lapbook and Activities for more ideas.

Learning homeschool history should be just as much about doing as reading living history books. So today, I have a hands-on history craft and it is Ancient Egypt Civilization King Narmer Crown by using salt dough.

Ancient Egypt Civilization How to Make A King Narmer Double Crown Craft

My goal in this series is to focus on the ancient civilizations. It seems like plenty of hands-on history ideas abound for early American life or American history, but it can be a bit more difficult to find ideas for a study of the ancients.

Some of these ideas in this series come from books, but many do not.

They come from my experience teaching this several times over. I hope your kids, any age, will enjoy these ideas or they will help you to take a spinoff idea from mine.

Learning About Ancient Egypt Through Hands-on Art

For example, this idea for the ancient Egypt civilization of King Narmer’s double crown could easily be substituted for a picture of Cleopatra from the Cleopatra: Queen of Egypt book that we love.

Ancient Egypt Civilization How to Make A King Narmer Double Crown Craft

Her side profile would make an excellent hands-on history idea and a fun way to learn about the time period.

Ancient Egypt Civilization How to Make A King Narmer Double Crown Craft

Look at the easy ingredients we already had at the house for this salt dough project.

  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 cup of salt
  • 1 cup warm water
  • paints/paint brushes. We had a combination of tempera and poster paints. Just grab what you have.
  • cookie tray
  • aluminum foil
  • wooden skewer and even a few toothpicks to use for drawing
  • big mixing bowl, dry measuring cup and liquid measuring cup
  • spatula or big spoon for stirring
  • preheat oven to 170 degrees Fahrenheit
Ancient Egypt Civilization How to Make A King Narmer Double Crown Craft

It couldn’t be any easier or quicker to measure and mix the flour, salt, and warm water.

Stir to combine and then get your kid to use his hands to mix well.

Ancient Egypt Civilization How to Make A King Narmer Double Crown Craft

Then line the cookie tray with foil and roll the dough out onto the platter. And start pressing down and shaping.

Ancient Egypt Civilization How to Make A King Narmer Double Crown Craft

Try to get the same width all the way around. Tiny shaped it into looking like an ancient tablet.

KING NARMER DOUBLE CROWN SALT DOUGH CRAFT

Then, look for a picture your child wants to sketch or draw. Also, this could easily be turned into a cartouche.

Ancient Egypt Civilization How to Make A King Narmer Double Crown Craft

Tiny found a sketch of King Narmer (also known as Menes) that he liked and to use for drawing.

Then using the wooden skewer and toothpick, he began sketching and drawing the design.

Day 1. Ancient Egypt Civilization (Hands-on History): Narmer Crown

The beauty of working with salt dough is that until it dries your kid can erase and shape and form the picture until he gets it to look like he wants it to.

Day 1. Ancient Egypt Civilization (Hands-on History): Narmer Crown

Then another advantage of salt dough is that you can take a break and let it dry overnight before painting or bake in the oven until dry.

We baked it about 30 minutes and checked every 10 minutes or so.

Day 1. Ancient Egypt Civilization (Hands-on History): Narmer Crown

We could tell it was dry because it was hard and there were no soft spots and of course the cracks gave it away too that it was dry.

Day 1. Ancient Egypt Civilization (Hands-on History): Narmer Crown

Then Tiny mixed a few colors until he got the right color combination he wanted for the background and he painted that first. It dried pretty quickly.

Then he added a few other colors and overall this was such a fun and easy project to do while learning about Ancient Civilizations.

Day 1. Ancient Egypt Civilization (Hands-on History): Narmer Crown

Also, I love, love, using Home School in the Woods hands-on ideas and projects. You will too!

I have several other ideas to go with this Ancient Egypt Civilization project.

Look at these other posts you’ll love:

Hugs and love ya,

Signature T
Make learning about Ancient Egypt come alive with this hands-on history project in this hands-on history ancient civilization series. Using salt dough, create a picture of King Narmer (also known as Menes) who wore the double crown. A kid of any age will love doing this. Click here how to do this with easy things you have around your house! | Tina’s Dynamic Homeschool Plus
Day 1. Ancient Egypt Civilization (Hands-on History): Narmer Crown

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

Visit Tina Robertson’s profile on Pinterest.


Visit Tinas Dynamic Homeschool ‘s profile on Pinterest.

Polish Paper-Cutting (Wycinanki) A Craft Rich In History And Culture

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This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today we did a Polish paper cutting activity. Continuing in our hands-on learning and focusing more on European countries this year, Tiny did a fun Polish paper-cutting activity.

I have an upcoming unit study about Poland that I’m tickled to show you, but first I just have to give you a peek at this fun art project.

Polish Paper-Cutting (Wycinanki) A Craft Rich In History And Culture

Have you ever head of Wycinanki? Yep, me neither which is why we were so excited to try it out.

Appreciating Culture through Art

At first glance you may think it’s easy. I confess we thought the same thing. What could be so hard about cutting paper right?

Wycinanki or polish paper-cutting became popular in the 1800s and peasants used it to decorate their home. They would brighten up their white walls with beautiful colored designs or hang the paper art from the ceiling or beams.

There were a lot of scenes of natures, but they especially liked roosters. But that is not the only pattern, it seems as time goes on, more and more designs are crafted like flowers, stars, medallions and peacocks.

Tiny pieces of paper are cut out and glued together to form an intricate pattern. And the idea is to layer the tiny intricate pieces to form designs and color.

After reading about it, like a lot of places each region has it’s own way of  doing it. One region typically stayed in one color while another area explored with multiple colors.

I rounded up some other Polish paper-cutting pictures from an art site to inspire me you.

You can see why the Polish people decorate with these beautiful crafts. Not only is the art soothing to do, but it gives the whole place a new look.

    We even saw some pictures with the designs done on eggs. What detailed work!
    star – gwiazda on DeviantArt

    BOOKS FOR KIDS ABOUT POLAND OR SET IN POLAND

    Next, look at some of these books about Poland.

    7 Books About Polish History or set in Poland

    Use some of these books to bring your love learning about stories set in Poland or about Polish history to life.

    I know you’ll love this upcoming unit study about Poland which is geared toward middle school kids and the best way to kick off a unit study is always with a hands-on activity and fun.

    Tiny enjoyed doing this rooster and we especially love having the patterns that came with the crate. I think you’re kids will love this project. More to come soon!

    If you’re wanting to do a unit study about a European country, grab Switzerland Homeschool Geography Unit Study (and Lapbook) here. And there is no shortage of fun hands-on ideas in our series.

    Polish Paper-Cutting. Try Polish Folk Art When Studying About Europe or doing a homeschool unit study. Day 10 of Hands-on Learning Activities @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

    MORE HANDS ON IDEAS

    Make a Hair Hygrometer, Day 2:Desert Sand Art, Day 3: Make Zopf (Swiss Style Bread),Day 4: Exploring Edible Cactus (Learning about the Desert),How to Build the Alamo: Day 5 Hands-on Learning (Free Texas Unit Study) and Geoscavenge – A Rock and Mineral Hunt: Day 6 Hands-on Learning, How Does the Power of Ice Shape Mountains? Day 7: Hands-on Learning,How Accurate is a Sand Clock? Day 8: Hands-on Learning, How a Pendulum Clock Measures Time: Day 9 Hands-on Learning Activities and 365 Days Hands-On Homeschool Activities – One for EVERY Day of the Year

    Hugs and love ya,

    Signature T

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

    Visit Tina Robertson’s profile on Pinterest.


    Visit Tinas Dynamic Homeschool ‘s profile on Pinterest.

    Beautiful American History Living Books & Sign Of The Beaver Craft

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    This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

    Teaching American history living books brings the past to life in a way that dry textbooks never can.

    Also, you’ll love my free Native American Unit Study for Kids Who Love Hands-on Learning.

    Rather than memorizing dates and facts, children encounter real people, gripping stories, and moral dilemmas.

    By grounding your American history studies in living books, your homeschool will foster curiosity, empathy, and a lasting love of history.

    Beautiful American History Living Books & Sign Of The Beaver Craft

    Whether you choose to go in chronological order or follow your child’s interests, these titles can anchor your year in story-rich exploration.

    Below I’m guiding you through the major periods of American history with recommended living books for each.

    Many of these books are perfect for reading aloud or independent reading in upper elementary through high school.

    Then I’m sharing a mini woven basket craft that you can make with just a few supplies as a nod to the Penobscot Indians. They were in the region where The Sign of The Beaver was set in Maine

    5 PENOBSCOT INDIANS FACTS

    1. Penobscot comes from Panawahpskek, which means “the place where the rocks open out.” This was the name of an important Penobscot village.
    2. Historically, Penobscot men were the ones that hunted and waged war, while women farmed, cooked, and cared for children. Both genders took part in storytelling, art, music, and traditional medicine. While chiefs were traditionally male,  in modern tribes, women can now also be chief.
    3. The Penobscot people sustained themselves by fishing in the Penobscot River, hunting deer and moose, cultivating corn and beans, gathering berries, and producing maple syrup from tree sap.
    4. The Penobscot were part of the Wabanaki Confederacy, which was formed to protect against attack by the Iroquois, and also included the Algonquian peoples the Abenaki, Maliseet, Mi’kmaq, and Passamaquoddy.
    5. They lived in cone-shaped huts, and teepees which they moved to different locations during the different seasons.
    Beautiful American History Living Books & Sign Of The Beaver Craft

    A favorite resource of mine for gathering wonderful living books is Beautiful Feet Books, from gorgeous picture books to riveting chapter books.

    AMERICAN HISTORY LIVING BOOKS

    Pre-Colonial and Native American Cultures (before 1492)

    Age of Exploration and Colonization (1492–1763)

    American Revolution (1763–1789)

    The Early Republic and Westward Expansion (1789–1850)

    Civil War Era (1850–1877)

    Reconstruction and the Gilded Age (1877–1900)

    Progressive Era and World War I (1900–1920)

    The Roaring Twenties and the Great Depression (1920–1939)

    World War II (1939–1945)

    Post-War America and the Cold War (1945–1980s)

    Modern America (1990s–Present)

    In addition to beautiful American history living books, hands-on activities turn a simple book into a study whether it’s a mini unit or you decide to dig deeper.

    MORE AMERICAN HISTORY RESOURCES

    One thing the Penobscot Indians were known for was their basket weaving.

    The baskets were functional but they also used different colored materials like barks and glasses that created beautiful patterns.

    PAPER BAG BASKET WEAVING

    Of course, I thought a simple basket weaving craft would be perfect to go along with this book and not only make a cute craft but work on fine motor skills at the same time.

    You will need:

    • 3 brown paper bags
    • Scissors
    • Glue stick
    Beautiful American History Living Books & Sign Of The Beaver Craft

    Cut the top half the bag off, fold it over in half and press a firm crease all the way around.

    Beautiful American History Living Books & Sign Of The Beaver Craft

    Continue folding and creasing until the width is roughly 1”.

    Beautiful American History Living Books & Sign Of The Beaver Craft

    Cut one of the loops.

    Glue between each layer, this gives you a sturdy handle for the basket, set aside for now.

    Beautiful American History Living Books & Sign Of The Beaver Craft

    Open up the second bag and cut 1” strips from the top to just the bottom edge of the bag.

    Beautiful American History Living Books & Sign Of The Beaver Craft

    Lay the bottom of the bag flat and spread out the strips.

    Glue the handle inside the bag.

    Beautiful American History Living Books & Sign Of The Beaver Craft

    The final step before weaving is to take the third bag and cut 1” strips from it, you will want at least 8.

    Beautiful American History Living Books & Sign Of The Beaver Craft

    When opened they are one big loop, cut on just one end to make a long strip.

    Begin weaving your basket by going over and under each of the cut strips of the main bag, raising the sides as you go, secure with glue at the start and end.

    Beautiful American History Living Books & Sign Of The Beaver Craft

    Start your next strip in a different corner each time to make it sturdier.

    Repeat these 3 to 4 times around the basket.

    Cut the strips so they are 1” above where you stop, fold each one over whatever side it ends on and glue it in place to finish the edge of the basket.

    Beautiful American History Living Books & Sign Of The Beaver Craft

    Allow it to dry.

    Beautiful American History Living Books & Sign Of The Beaver Craft

    While your basket won’t hold too much weight you can put a few light things in it like flowers or leaves.