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My Unit Studies {Free Printables & Hands-on Ideas}

Daily Math Activity with the Free Math Quest Calendar

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Learning math can get a bad wrap. But doing a math activity daily has benefits when getting your child to love math.

Incorporating daily math activities can build confidence and lay the foundation for essential life skills. Besides, short, daily activities help reinforce what kids are learning.

Even just 10–15 minutes a day can make a huge difference over time.

Daily Math Activity with the Free Math Quest Calendar

Daily exposure helps kids see mistakes as part of the learning process, not something to fear.

Besides, math teaches more than just numbers. It builds critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Activities can help kids learn to analyze, predict, and strategize.

Too, look at some of these math living books.

MATH BOOKS FOR KIDS

Reading books about math help to teach concepts that are not easy to understand.

8+ Living Math Books About Counting, Addition and Subtraction

A living book or story brings math to life. Books like these have a way of explaining math concepts in a story form so young children understand them. Add one or two to your library.

Sir Cumference Series 12 Books Set (Book #1 - Book #12)

This Sir Cumference Series 12 Books Set includes: 1. Sir Cumference and the First Round Table 9781570911521 2. Sir Cumference and the Dragon of Pi 9781570911644 3. Sir Cumference and the Great Knight of Angleland 9781570911699 4. Sir Cumference and the Sword in the Cone 9781570916014 5. Sir Cumference and the Isle of Immeter 9780439025805 6. Sir Cumference and All the King's Tens 9781570917288 7. Sir Cumference
and the Viking's Map 9781570917929 8. Sir Cumference and the Off-the-Charts Dessert 9781570911996 9. Sir Cumference and the Roundabout Battle 9781570917660 10. Sir Cumference and the Fracton Faire 9781570917721 11. Sir Cumference Gets Decima's Point 9781570918452 12. Sir Cumference and the 100 PerCent Goose Chase 9781623543211

12 Ways to Get to 11 (Aladdin Picture Books)

Eve Merriam and Bernie Karlin take young readers on a counting adventure as they demonstrate twelve witty and imaginative ways to get to eleven.

The Hershey's Kisses Addition Book

Illustrations featuring Hershey's Kisses demonstrate the basic rules of addition.

Panda Math: Learning About Subtraction from Hua Mei and Mei Sheng

Learn about subtraction with the San Diego Zoo’s famous baby pandas Hua Mei was the first giant panda cub born in the United States that survived more than a few days. She was born at the San Diego Zoo, and four years later her mother had another baby, Mei Sheng. Hua Mei and her brother, Mei Sheng, spend their days climbing on logs, lounging in trees, and eating bamboo. A lot of things the pandas do can be thought of in terms of subtraction. Young readers follow the famous cubs as they grow from tiny infants to big, bouncing pandas and learn about subtraction along the way.

Sea Sums

With an appealing abundance of plants and animals, the shallows of an ocean coral reef offer a natural background for an under-the-sea arithmetic party. Creatures from stingrays to clams, crabs to sea urchins, and more disappear and reappear to provide young mathematicians with a fascinating array of equations--and a mini ecology lesson about life on a coral reef. Full color.

Ten Sly Piranhas

Ten sly piranhas are swimming in a river, but one at a time they disappear, until there is only one left.  Now that this proud overeater is the only surviving piranha, he is confident that he can eat anybody.  But while he may be the cleverest fish in the river, he is no match for the giant crocodile lurking on the bank.  Children will love learning to count backward in this crafty tale about one very hungry piranha.

88 pounds of tomatoes (Hello math reader)

Two friends plan a party to use all the tomatoes they expect to get from their Wonder Plant.

Anno's Magic Seeds

A wizard gives Jack two magic seeds with the instructions to eat one, which will feed him for one full year, and plant the other, which will produce two more seeds and allow the cycle to continue, but Jack has his own idea, in a fantasy introduction to numbers and counting.

Also, look at these other fun math activities

MATH ACTIVITIES

Daily Math Activity with the Free Math Quest Calendar

Finally, download this free math activity calendar.

HOW TO GET THE FREE DAILY MATH QUEST CALENDAR

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Free 4 Weeks Claude Monet Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas

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I have a free 4 weeks Claude Monet unit study and the best hands-on ideas. Also, look at my page Free Art Units for more fun art ideas and Best Homeschool Unit Studies for more unit studies.

This Monet unit study is ideal for the whole family.

It can be modified to make it easy for the youngest learner or create more of a challenge for middle and high school.

Free 4 Weeks Claude Monet Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas

Claude Monet’s painting style was Impressionism.

It is a style made up of small, visible brushstrokes that offer a minimal impression of form, and unblended color.

There is an emphasis on the accurate depiction of natural light.

Two other major artists known for this style were Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Edgar Degas.

We are going to put our focus on Monet for this study, his style, life, and works.

BOOKS FOR KIDS ABOUT CLAUDE MONET

Digging a bit into his history and inspiration for his beautiful paintings.

First, look at these books to add to your study.

5 Books About Claude Monet For Kids Who Love To Read And Be Read To

Add one or two of these fun books about the famous artist Claude Monet.

Claude Monet (Getting to Know the World's Greatest Artists)

Getting to Know the World's Greatest Artists series combines a delightful mix of full-color historical reproductions, photos, and hilarious cartoon-style illustrations that bring to life the works of renowned artists, combining poignant anecdotes with important factual information for readers (Ages 8-9).This book provides an entertaining and humorous introduction to the famous artist, Claude Monet. Full-color reproductions of the actual paintings are enhanced by Venezia's clever illustrations and story line.

Linnea in Monet's Garden

Linnea has been in Paris. And she has visited the painter Claude Monet's garden! She even stood on the same little Japanese bridge that Monet painted so often in his pictures. In Paris, Linnea got to see many of the real paintings.

Now she can understand what it means to be called an Impressionist, and she knows a lot about Monet's life in the pink house where he lived with his eight children.

Twenty-five years after its original publication, this celebration of the wonder of art is available once again in an enlarged keepsake edition. The joy and inspiration Linnea discovers in Monet's garden will be eagerly embraced by a new generation of readers.

A Child's Introduction to Art: The World's Greatest Paintings and Sculptures

Introduce kids ages 9 through 12 to the artworld's most famous painters, styles, and periods, all brought to life through full-color photographs of 40 masterpieces, as well as charming original illustrations. This gorgeously illustrated reader highlights 40 painters and sculptors, including Leonardo da Vinci, Claude Monet, Diego Velasquez, Vincent van Gogh, Salvador Dali, Mary Cassatt, and Andy Warhol, providing information on their life, inspirations, influences, technique, and a full-color photo of one of their signature works of art. It also includes an overview of various styles and periods (Renaissance, Impressionism, Cubism, etc.), instruction on how to view and appreciate art, and information on the color wheel and other tools artists employ.

The Magical Garden of Claude Monet

Parents, teachers, and gift givers will find:

  • gorgeous illustrations and reproductions of works by the artists
  • a fun and educational story for home or the classroom
  • a great series to be used for home school materials
  • a whole series of books for children to learn about important artists!

Author and illustrator Laurence Anholt recalls memorable and sometimes amusing moments when the lives of the artists were touched by children. Anholt's fine illustrations appear on every page and include reproductions of works by the artists.

Meet Claude Monet (Meet the Artist)

Art is everywhere. Whether you are sitting in a library or walking around the city, you will find examples of art all over. But how do you know when something is art? How is one piece different from the next? In Meet Claude Monet, you will learn from one of the greatest artists of all time. Who better to show how wild strokes can make something beautiful? See what he can show you about Impressionism! Then, examine your favorite places and create art for yourself.Travel through time as you flip each page. Visit artwork from the greatest names in history.Meet the Artist is Read With You’s introduction to the world of art. This series weaves interesting facts with gorgeous art as the artists themselves engagingly introduce their masterpieces. On each colorful page, the artist points out significant details and personal touches in pieces that have captured the world with their beauty. Young readers will practice their reading skills and challenge themselves to examine art like an expert, while soaking up world-famous artwork. Parents and teachers will love the creative questions and activities that encourage readers to apply the concepts they’ve learned and test new techniques.

Next, look at this first week.

INTRODUCTION TO CLAUDE MONET WEEK 1

Monet’s Life and Background

  • Monet was born in 1840 in France, and while he traveled, he spent most of his entire life in France.
  • He was the leader of the impressionist movement, a critic once called his work “Impressionism” due to its lack of realism with an emphasis on light and form instead and the movement was born.
  • Monet began losing his sight to cataracts in 1912 and was declared legally blind in 1922 but continued painting right up until his death in 1926.
  • He destroyed over 500 of his paintings due to a combination of being displeased with his work, seeking perfection in it, and because of the effects of his deteriorating vision

Impressionism Movement:

Impressionism is a style of painting that started in France in the late 1800s. Instead of painting things exactly as they looked, artists wanted to capture a feeling or moment.

Some characteristics of impressionism are:

  • Impressionists liked to show light changes and how it interacted with objects, focusing on the effects of light and shadow rather than precise details.
  • They used a wide range of colors, often applying them in short, quick brushstrokes to give their paintings vibrancy and a feeling of movement.
  • Instead of mixing colors on a palette, they often applied different colors side-by-side on a brush and then on the canvas, allowing the viewer’s eye to mix them.
  • Impressionists often depicted ordinary scenes of everyday life, such as landscapes, cityscapes, portraits, and scenes of leisure.
  • Many Impressionist artists preferred painting outdoors (en plein air) to study light and color in real-time.

Activities

  • Read Monet’s biography, Who Was Claude Monet is great for middle elementary through early middle while Monet Paints a Day is a sweet picture book for younger children.
  • Discuss the characteristics of Impressionism above.
  • View a gallery of Monet’s works to examine his subjects, series, and techniques.
  • Play an Art Game to look at different artists and painting methods, comparing and contrasting is a great way to look at art.

MONET’S TECHNIQUES WEEK 2

Light and Color in Monet’s Paintings:

  • Monet considered light to be the true subject of his paintings. He aimed to show the changing qualities of light throughout the day and across different seasons. This meant focusing on the play of light and shadow, reflections, and even atmospheric effects.
  • He used color to represent the way light interacts with objects and the environment. He did not aim for realistic color representation, but instead used color to convey the sensation of light.

Brushstrokes and Texture

  • Monet employed visible, broken brushstrokes rather than smooth, blended ones. This technique allowed him to capture the fleeting effects of light and movement.
  • His brushstrokes were often short, quick dabs or strokes of color, applied rapidly to the canvas. This method created a sense of immediacy and spontaneity.
  • The direction of the brushstrokes often followed the form of the objects he painted, adding to the sense of movement and life within the scene.
  • He applied pure colors directly to the canvas, side by side, rather than mixing them on the palette. This allowed the viewer’s eye to blend the colors, creating a vibrant and luminous effect.
  • Monet frequently used impasto, applying paint thickly to the canvas. This created a textured surface that added depth and physicality to his paintings.
  • The varied texture of his brushstrokes contributed to the overall texture of the painting, enhancing the sense of light and atmosphere.
  • The textured surface of his paintings added a sense of tactility, inviting the viewer to engage with the artwork on a physical level.

Activities

Experiment with different light sources (e.g., flashlight, lamp, natural light) on the same object.

Practice short, visible brushstrokes. Try different thicknesses of paint, shorter and slightly longer strokes, and combine colors on the canvas by picking up two different colors on each side of the brush rather than mixing on the palette.

Free 4 Weeks Claude Monet Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas

Recreate a small portion of a Monet painting or try to recreate the entire scene, below I have a basic tutorial for capturing the style of Monet’s impressionist painting of Poppies.

MONET’S SERIES PAINTINGS WEEK 3

Series Paintings:

Monet often painted series of the same subject at different times of day to capture the changing light conditions.

Examples include his series of Rouen Cathedral, Haystacks, and Water Lilies. These series highlight his focus on light and color variation.

Activities

Create a series of sketches of the same object at different times, this can be right in your own backyard or at a local park. You just want to notice the changes in light and the textures.

Compare different paintings from the same series to see the changes in light and texture.

Grab this Claude Monet Facts For Kids And Free Water Lily Masterpiece for the littles.

Thumb through a book like Monet: The Essential Paintings to see a variety of his works, this makes a beautiful coffee table book for those who like to strew.

Discuss the effect of light and time on the subject.

MONET’S GARDEN AT GIVERNY WEEK 4

Monet was strongly inspired by nature and often turned to his garden at his home in Giverny for a subject. For instance, “The Artist’s Garden at Giverny” and the iconic “Water Lilies” series were both painted from scenes at his home.

His home was originally called “House of the Cider-Press” and is now known as “Maison et jardins de Claude Monet”.

Water Lilies Pond

In the “Water Lilies” series, Monet used a vibrant color palette with techniques like wet-on-wet painting and impasto to capture the beauty of light and reflections on the water’s surface. His color palette consisted of blues, greens, reds, pinks, and yellows.

This is one of his most well-known series, and in fact, he painted them 250 times, near the end of his life it was his only subject.

Activities.

Paint or draw a water lily, Claude Monet Art for Kids – Impressionist-Inspired Process Art is a great technique that can be done by kids of all ages.

Explore photos and videos of Giverny, this site has a lovely tour of the gardens as well.

Learn about the types of flowers in Monet’s garden.

Of course, the famous water lilies but some of the other common flowers grown there were roses, clematis, poppies, nasturtiums, German Bearded Iris, tulips, forget-me-nots, pansies, wisteria vines, and azalea bushes.

PAINT MONET’S POPPY FIELD

You will need:

  • Small canvas
  • pencil
  • Easel
  • Acrylic paints
  • Painters tape
  • Gold paint
  • Paintbrushes
  • Paint palette
Free 4 Weeks Claude Monet Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas

First, use painters tape to cover the outer edge of the canvas, we are going to use this area later to make our painting look framed.

Free 4 Weeks Claude Monet Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas

Lightly sketch the line between the sky/treeline and the lower portion of the painting.

You can also make light sketches for the trees if you like and general shapes for the figures, although you will be covering them with paint.

Free 4 Weeks Claude Monet Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas

Add all the colors you will need to a palette including white and black to lighten or darken your painting.

Free 4 Weeks Claude Monet Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas

Start by filling in the ground using two colors at a time on the brush, remember impressionist painters liked to mix their colors right onto the canvas rather than a palette.

Free 4 Weeks Claude Monet Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas

For the grass we alternated 2 shades of green and a green and yellow with quick short strokes until it was filed in.

Free 4 Weeks Claude Monet Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas

Now move to the sky, either leaving plenty of white canvas showing for clouds or laying white over the blue once dry.

Free 4 Weeks Claude Monet Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas

Allow your first layers of paint to dry and then begin layering on details like the trees along the skyline, the poppies…

And if you wish, the people and the house in the trees as well.

Free 4 Weeks Claude Monet Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas

Remember this is an impressionist painting, it doesn’t need to be exact, you just want to give the overall “impression” of the scene.

You can leave the house and people if you prefer, this is your painting!

Free 4 Weeks Claude Monet Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas

Finally, once the painting is dry, peel off the taped edges and add a layer of gold paint with a decorative edge all the way around.

Don’t forget the sides of the canvas to create a frame for your masterpiece.

4 Weeks Free Homeschool Frog Unit Study & Best Hands-On Ideas

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I have a free 4 weeks homeschool frog unit study for multiple ages. Also, look at my page Toads – Amphibians for a free Loads of Toads and Frogs lapbook and unit study and Best Homeschool Unit Studies for more unit studies.

Frogs are amphibians, which means they can live both in water and on land.

Besides loving to be in ponds, they have sticky tongues and have the ability to hop high.

4 Weeks Free Homeschool Frog Unit Study & Best Hands-On Ideas

They make for a fascinating hands-on unit study for multiple ages especially if you do this in the spring.

In spring, your kids can find an abundance of frogspawn in ditches the edges of a pond and very slow moving streams.

The change of a tadpole and how they transform and grow into a frog is incredible to watch for all but especially kids.

BOOKS ABOUT FROGS FOR KIDS

First, add some of these books to your reading list.

14 Frog Unit Study Resources

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

The Frog (Animal Lives)

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

Tale of a tadpole

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

Rainforest Frogs

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

Frog (Life Cycle of a . . .)

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

Ice King Bear Plush Giant Frog

Scientific name of this frog is Conraua goliath (The largest frog in the world).

  • Product size is 22 inches length from head to soles of the feet, big size.
  • Soft, huggable material built to high-quality standards and hand wash best.
  • Suit for kids toy, funny party props, early education animals, cute decorations in house.

    • Climbing Tree Frogs (Pull Ahead Books)

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

    Frogs

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

    Frog and Friends

    Frog and Toad

    Frog & Toad The Complete Collection

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

    Frog Growth Cycle

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

    Anatomy Lab Soft Cover Frog Dissection Guide Book

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

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

    Frog-Development Paperweight Specimens

    The frog development paperweight specimen is a 100% natural insect incased in clear resin block, you can observe its development all life stages very clearly from any angle.

    Red-eyed Tree Frog (Scholastic Bookshelf)

    Category: NatureIn a tropical rain forest in Central America, a red-eyed tree frog spends the night looking for food while avoiding potential predators. Award-winning photographer Nic Bishop's larger-than-life, gorgeous images document the hunt, which ends happily with the frog settling down in the leaves to spend his daylight hours sleeping! Joy Cowley's simple, readable text makes the frog's story fun, interesting, and accessible to young readers. This is a nature tale like you've never seen before!

    Frogs Toy Mini Vinyl Realistic Frog

    Rich in style: the plastic frogs toys contain 12 different types and each type includes 3 pieces, allowing you to combine and match for beautiful and personalized decorations at your will, which can give rein to your imagination and creativity

    Quality material: the realistic frogs toy decorations are made of quality PVC material for safety and wearing, which are odorless; They are also easy to clean and can be applied many times, providing a comfortable touching experience for you

    Then look at some of these post ideas and activities.

    First, look at history and geography ideas.

    HISTORY & GEOGRAPHY FROG UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 1

    Start with the Frog and Prince story from Brothers Grimm. It is a Germany fairy tale.

    Next, in Ancient Egypt frogs were a symbol of life. For example, during the rainy season the Nile River would be full of frogs. So they were viewed as growth and life.

    And in Ancient China, frogs were also symbols of good fortune and were believed to be protectors of the land.

    Look at more ideas.

    NATURE & SCIENCE FROG UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 2

    Additionally, look at the nature and science themed frog ideas.

    MATH & LANGUAGE ARTS FROG UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 3

    ARTS & CRAFTS FROG UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 4

    4 Weeks Free Homeschool Frog Unit Study & Best Hands-On Ideas

    MORE BEST HOMESCHOOL UNIT STUDIES

    10 Interesting Facts About Mesopotamia And Unit Study Outline

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

    I have 10 interesting facts about Mesopotamia and a fun unit study outline if you want to dive deeper into learning about them. Also, look at my page Ancient Civilizations for more ideas.

    Studying about Ancient Mesopotamia doesn’t have to be hard.

    True, we call it the cradle of civilization.

    Why? They created writing, formed governments and built huge cities.

    10 Interesting Facts About Mesopotamia And Unit Study Outline

    And I’m sharing more than just 10 interesting facts about Mesopotamia.

    For example, studying about some of the fascinating cities like Ur, Babylon and Sumer and how they lived should be presented in hands-on lessons.

    Besides, try cuneiform writing while you learn that it was one of the earliest forms of writing.

    Using a wedge-shaped tool that was pressed into clay they recorded important dates.

    And the story The Epic of Gilgamesh is a legend still told today and his quest to find the secret to immortality.

    BOOKS ABOUT ANCIENT MESOPOTAMIA FOR KIDS

    First, look at these books about Ancient Mesopotamia.

    6 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.

    Gilgamesh the King (The Gilgamesh Trilogy)

    Gilgamesh, half-god and half-man, in his loneliness and isolation becomes a cruel tyrant over the citizens of Uruk. To impress them forever he orders a great wall to be built, driving his people to exhaustion and despair so that they cry to the Sun God for help.

    The Golden Bull: A Mesopotamian Adventure

    5,000 years ago in ancient Mesopotamia during a terrible drought, Jomar and Zefa's father must send his children away to the city of Ur because he can no longer feed them. At fourteen, Jomar is old enough to apprentice with Sidah, a master goldsmith for the temple of the moongod, but there is no place for Zefa in Sidah's household. Zefa, a talented but untrained musician, is forced to play her music and sing for alms on the streets of Ur.

    Science in Ancient Mesopotamia

    Describes the enormous accomplishments of the Sumerians and Babylonians of ancient Mesopotamia in every scientific area, a heritage which affects our own everyday lives

    Ancient Mesopotamia: The Sumerians, Babylonians, And Assyrians

    Explores Sumerian, Babylonian, and Assyrian cultures, discussing social structure, lifestyles, and the military in these societies.

    Lugalbanda: The Boy Who Got Caught Up in a War: An Epic Tale From Ancient Iraq

    Lugalbanda woke with a jolt. He opened his eyes and what did he see but the terrible Anzu bird beating its wings in its nest high above. . . . Did he quake? Did he quail? No. Lugalbanda the Brave sat and stared, and into his head came a brilliant idea.

    Mesopotamia (A True Book)

    Presents the history of ancient Mesopotamia, describing the different groups of people who lived there, and their government, cities, everyday life, religion, and writing.

    Next, look at some hands-on activities to go with the facts learned about Mesopotamia.

    ANCIENT MESOPOTAMIA ACTIVITIES

    10 Interesting Facts About Mesopotamia And Unit Study Outline

    Also, look at these interesting facts about Mesopotamia.

    10 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT MESOPOTAMIA

    1. Mesopotamians were excellent farmers, growing barley, wheat, and dates.
    2. The wheel was first used in Mesopotamia for making pottery.
    3. Ziggurats were huge pyramid-like structures built as temples to the gods.
    4. One of the earliest sets of written laws, called the Code of Hammurabi, came from Mesopotamia.
    5. Mesopotamia means “the land between two rivers.” It was located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.
    6. Instead of one big kingdom, Mesopotamia had many small city-states.
    7. The Hanging Gardens is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
    8. Mesopotamians created a number system based on the number 60.
    9. Some more cool inventions by the Mesopotamians were the plow and sailboat.
    10. Rivers were important. For example, the Tigris and Euphrates rivers provided water for farming and helped with travel and trade.

    Finally, look at this Mesopotamia Unit Study Outline.

    ABOUT THE ANCIENT MESOPOTAMIA UNIT STUDY OUTLINE

    My Mesopotamia Unit Study Outline is a handy tool to help you teach or for child led learning.

    There are many advantages to a unit study outline instead of a fully fleshed out study.

    For example, look at these ways an outline guides your study.

    • Outlines give you a clear structure.
    • They help break down big tasks into manageable steps.
    • Extensive lessons plans can make some kids lose focus.
    • And outline keeps the main topics to be learned on topic.
    • In addition, you can go down rabbit trails IF you want to. However, for some kids it can be overwhelming. You have the option to go deep or stay on topic with an outline.
    • Looking at the outline at a glance is a super roadmap. Again, you can go straight to your destination or facts or stay longer on an objective.
    • By listing an objective it guides you as the teacher to add your own slant.

    For example, look at the topics covered in this outline.

    1. Introduction
    2. Geography and Environment
    3. Ancient Mesopotamian Civilizations
    4. Agriculture and Irrigation
    5. Writing and Communication
    6. Religion and Beliefs
    7. Science and Technology
    8. Trade and Commerce
    9. Arts and Crafts
    10. Exploration and Legacy
    11. Culminating Activity

    HOW TO USE THE OUTLINE

    Each topic has two or three topics or objectives for the subject. You decide which ones to use.

    And if you stay on 1 topic per week and cover all 9 topics it would equal a 9 week unit study.

    Additionally, only use the objectives on the topic your child is interested in and move on to other unit studies. This would make a shorter unit study.

    For example, cover the introduction and perhaps the Persian culture for younger children.

    Then save the other topics for when your children are older.

    You will like this unit study outline if:

    • you want the freedom to flesh out topics and not be tied to day to day lesson plans
    • you prefer to flesh out day to day lesson plans or do not prefer them at all and
    • you want a guide for topics to study so you have a sweeping overview of the unit.

    You will not like this unit study outline if:

    • you want to day to day lesson plans guiding each day and worksheets and
    • you don’t want to teach all your kids together.

    HOW TO GET THE MESOPOTAMIA UNIT STUDY OUTLINE

    You can download the printable Mesopotamia Unit Study Outline now!

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    10 Interesting Facts About Mesopotamia And Unit Study Outline

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    4 Weeks Free Galileo Unit Study & How to Make a Telescope Craft

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    I have a 4 weeks free Galileo unit study and a fun telescope craft. Look at my other pages Best Homeschool Unit Studies and Exploring Space and Astronomy Free Unit Study for more ideas and topics for hands-on learning.

    To make a Galileo unit study exciting we are crafting our own refracting telescope and look at some other great ideas to build it up.

    A refracting telescope is a type of optical telescope that uses lenses to focus light and create an image of a distant object.

    4 Weeks Free Galileo Unit Study & How to Make a Telescope Craft

    It is the oldest and most common type of telescope.

    And was first developed in the 17th century by Galileo Galilei.

    Galileo Galilei was an Italian astronomer, physicist, engineer, philosopher, and mathematician who lived in the 16th and 17th centuries.

    He is considered to be one of the most important figures in the history of science.

    His work laid the foundation for modern physics as well as the development of calculus.

    He was born in Pisa, Italy, in 1564 and he showed an early interest in science and mathematics, and he studied at the University of Pisa.

    After graduating, Galileo taught mathematics at the University of Padua for the next 18 years.

    While he was there, he made a number of important discoveries.

    He developed a new theory of motion, which showed that objects fall at the same rate regardless of their weight.

    Also, he also invented the telescope, which allowed him to make detailed observations of the planets and stars.

    KIDS BOOKS ABOUT GALILEO

    First, look at these fun books

    4 Books About Galileo

    Add these books to our home library. Use for a unit study or reading for the day.

    Along Came Galileo

    One of the most important figures to come out of the awakening world of the Renaissance was Galileo Galelei. Galileo was forever asking questions. Is it possible to measure heat? Can you weigh air? Does the earth stand still or does it move? How fast do objects fall to the earth? These questions, and his answers to them, led to some of the most important discoveries ever in astronomy, physics, mathematics, and the natural world.

    Galileo and the Magic Numbers

    Sixteenth century Italy produced Galileo, a genius who marked the world with his studies and hypotheses about mathematical, physical, and astronomical truths. His father, musician Vincenzio Galilei said, “Truth is not found behind a man’s reputation. Truth appears only when the answers to questions are searched out by a free mind. This is not the easy path in life but it is the most rewarding.” Galileo challenged divine law and the physics of Aristotle, and questioned everything in search of truths. And it was through this quest for truth that he was able to establish a structure for modern science.

    Starry Messenger: Galileo Galilei (Caldecott Honor Book)

    In every age there are courageous people who break with tradition to explore new ideas and challenge accepted truths. Galileo Galilei was just such a man--a genius--and the first to turn the telescope to the skies to map the heavens. In doing so, he offered objective evidence that the earth was not the fixed center of the universe but that it and all the other planets revolved around the sun. Galileo kept careful
    notes and made beautiful drawings of all that he observed. Through his telescope he brought the starts down to earth for everyone to see.

    Galileo's Daughter: A Historical Memoir of Science, Faith, and Love

    Inspired by a long fascination with Galileo, and by the remarkable surviving letters of his daughter Maria Celeste, a cloistered nun, Dava Sobel has crafted a biography that dramatically recolors the personality and accomplishments of a mythic figure whose early-seventeenth-century clash with Catholic doctrine continues to define the schism between science and religion-the man Albert Einstein called "the father of modern physics-indeed of modern science altogether." It is also a stunning portrait of Galileo's daughter, a person hitherto lost to history, described by her father as "a woman of exquisite mind, singular goodness, and most tenderly attached to me."

    Then look at these history and geography Galileo unit study ideas.

    HISTORY & GEOGRAPHY GALILEO UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 1

    He was the first person to observe the four largest moons of Jupiter and discovered the phases of Venus.

    Galileo published his book “The Starry Messenger” in 1610 and described his observations of the solar system. His book provided strong evidence in support of the Copernican theory, which said that the Earth revolves around the Sun.

    This important work has been translated into more than 100 languages.

    Grab a map or atlas and help your child locate different NASA space center locations throughout the US and the world.

    • White Sands Test Facility-Cruces, NM
    • Ames Research Center-Moffett Field, CA
    • Armstrong Flight Research Center-Edwards, CA
    • Glenn Research Center-Cleveland, OH
    • Goddard Space Flight Center-Greenbelt, MD
    • Goddard Institute of Space Studies-New York, NY
    • IV and V Facility-Fairmont, WV
    • Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)-Pasadena, CA
    • Johnson Space Center-Houston, TX
    • Kennedy Space Center-FL
    • Langley Research Center-Hampton, VA
    • Marshall Space Flight Center-Huntsville, AL
    • NASA HQ-Washington, D.C.
    • Stennis Space Center-MS
    • Wallops Flight Facility-Wallops Island, VA

    Then look at more hands-on ideas.

    NATURE & SCIENCE GALILEO UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 2

    MATH & LANGUAGE ARTS GALILEO UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 3

    • Simple Space Themed Addition and Subtraction is a solid way to learn basic math facts while keeping with the unit.
    • These Find The Letter Worksheets with a space theme are perfect for preschoolers and kindergarteners.
    • Learn about time and motion. Galileo famously discovered that objects fall at the same rate regardless of weight.
    • These Space Counting Mats can be laminated and used over and over with small treats like candies or crackers as well as other non edible manipulatives.
    • Teach kids about angles.
    • Learn about planetary distances.
    • Write a short biography about Galileo.

    4 Weeks Free Galileo Unit Study & How to Make a Telescope Craft

    Additionally, look at arts and crafts ideas for learning about Galileo.

    ARTS & CRAFTS GALILEO UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 4

    Next, look at more best homeschool unit studies.

    MORE BEST HOMESCHOOL UNIT STUDIES

    HOW TO MAKE A TELESCOPE CRAFT

    Finally, look at how to make a telescope craft.

    You will need:

    • An empty paper towel roll
    • Masking, duct, packing tape
    • Markers, crayons, stickers
    • Old pair of reading glasses (can be purchased at Dollar Tree)
    • Scissors
    4 Weeks Free Galileo Unit Study & How to Make a Telescope Craft

    First, cut lengthwise down one of the paper towel tubes.

    Squeeze it lightly together and slide it inside of the uncut tube.

    4 Weeks Free Galileo Unit Study & How to Make a Telescope Craft

    Before moving on let your child decorate the outside of their “telescope” with crayons or markers, you could also use space themed stickers like these.

    4 Weeks Free Galileo Unit Study & How to Make a Telescope Craft

    Pop the lenses carefully out of the glasses.

    4 Weeks Free Galileo Unit Study & How to Make a Telescope Craft

    Place one lens with the concave (curved outward) side face away from the tube, use duct tape or masking tape to secure it to the end, covering as little of the glass as possible.

    4 Weeks Free Galileo Unit Study & How to Make a Telescope Craft

    On the other end of the telescope tape the second lens with the curve facing the inside of the tube.

    4 Weeks Free Galileo Unit Study & How to Make a Telescope Craft

    To focus, slide the inner paper towel tube in and out as you look through the end.