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

Free Marco Polo Unit Study, Lapbook, and Hands-on Ideas

January 22, 2024 | 13 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I am so excited to finally share the free Marco Polo lapbook and unit study. Also, look at my pages Homeschool Lapbooks – Powerful Tools For Mastery Learning and Best Homeschool Unit Studies.

While Marco Polo was growing up in Venice, his father and uncle were exploring and traveling in China.

Free Marco Polo Unit Study, Lapbook, and Hands-on Ideas

At that time, it was an almost unexplored land.

And they did not come home until he was 15 years old.

Free Marco Polo Unit Study, Lapbook, and Hands-on Ideas

When Marco Polo heard of their stores about China and the Great Khan, he begged to go.

Two years later he was off on an adventure.

And I have quite a few minibooks that cover a variety of topics.

In addition, look at some of these books about Marco Polo.

Books About Marco Polo

I lean toward living books, then like to add reference books as I come across them.

I know some of these you may like to add to your home library.

10 Marco Polo Books & Resources for Kids Who Love Reading and Being Read To

Add some of these fun books about Marco Polo to your home library or use them in your unit studies.

Image for Marco Polo

Marco Polo

The amazing story of a Venetian trader who becomes an aide to the great Kublai Khan comes to life in this retelling for students by Manuel Komroff. Follow along as Marco Polo travels through deserts littered with bones, encounters animals previously unknown to Europeans, and comes to serve in the court of one of the greatest kingdoms ever known.Included is a gorgeous new map tracing his journey, and 29 full page illustrations from an early edition written for adults.The text in this edition is a reprint of the original Messner Biography, a series that was created for students. "Well told and with engaging narratives, they unknowingly flow nicely from story to fact. You will find a plethora of information packed between these pages, not only about the title’s subject, but the subject's time and the world they lived in."

Image for The Adventures of Marco Polo

The Adventures of Marco Polo

Was Marco Polo the world's greatest explorer -- or the world's greatest liar? Newbery Medalist Russell Freedman turns his eagle eye on the enigmatic Marco Polo in his most exciting biography yet.

He claimed to have seen rocks burn, bandits command sandstorms, lions tamed with a look, and sorcerers charm sharks while divers gathered pearls on the ocean floor. Marco Polo shook Europe with descriptions of the world he'd seen on his epic journey to the court of Kublai Khan.

But was Marco Polo the world's most accomplished explorer? Had he really seen the "Roof of the World" in Central Asia, and the "City of Heaven" in far-off China? Or was he a charlatan who saw nothing more than the conjurings of his inventive mind? Join Russell Freedman as he tackles a centuries-old mystery.

Image for The Story of Marco Polo

The Story of Marco Polo

This is volume number 22 in the Signature Books series for young readers. This series, under the general editorship of Enid Lamonte Meadowcroft, provides easy to read, exciting stories based upon the lives of historical figures. A vivid story of the life and adventures of perhaps the most romantic traveler of all time, a man who returned from the East with tales so fantastic that no one believed him until he was vindicated by later travelers.

Image for Animals Marco Polo Saw (Explorer Series)

Animals Marco Polo Saw (Explorer Series)

A continuation of the Explorers series by award-winning author Sandra Markle, Animals Marco Polo Saw brings to life the amazing, exotic animals Marco Polo encountered during his explorations in Asia, how the animals sometimes affected the outcome of the journey, and even helped the explorer survive!

Image for Marco Polo (Junior World Explorers)

Marco Polo (Junior World Explorers)

Examines the political forces and personal ambition that drove Marco Polo in his explorations.

Image for The Travels of Marco Polo

The Travels of Marco Polo

Marco Polo was the most famous traveller of his time. His voyages began in 1271 with a visit to China, after which he served the Kubilai Khan on numerous diplomatic missions. On his return to the West, he was made a prisoner of war and met Rustichello of Pisa, with whom he collaborated on this book. The accounts of his travels provide a fascinating glimpse of the different societies he encountered: their religions, customs, ceremonies and way of life; on the spices and silks of the East; on precious gems, exotic vegetation and wild beasts. He tells the story of the holy shoemaker, the wicked caliph and the three kings, among a great many others, evoking a remote and long-vanished world with colour and immediacy. He found himself traversing the most exotic lands-from the dazzling Mongol empire to Tibet and Burma. This fascinating chronicle still serves as the most vivid depiction of the mysterious East in the Middle Ages.

Image for He Went With Marco Polo

He Went With Marco Polo

Cathay is a long way from his home in Venice, but when 14-year-old gondolier, Tonio Tumba receives the chance of a lifetime, he doesn’t say no. Leaving behind his only possession, a shabby green gondola, Tonio eagerly joins Marco Polo on his adventure.

As Tonio and the Polo family travel the dangerous silk road to modern-day China, they encounter many fascinating people and dangerous perils. When Tonio rides into Cathay on one of the Khan’s elephants, he says to his friend, Pietro: “Elephants are grand… but give me a horse any time – unless I could have a gondola. When we get back to Venice, I’ll take you out in mine.”

There are many wonderful sights, amazing inventions and great riches to discover, though Tonio looks forward to getting back home - but many years will pass before his chance to see the canals of Venice again. When so much has changed, will Tonio find anything worth returning for?

Louise Andrews Kent is a master storyteller, weaving historical accuracy and immersive adventure into one epic voyage of discovery.

This new edition features all the original illustrations and clean, readable text. It is a fantastic living book teaching about history and geography, recommended for ages 10 and up.

Image for Genghis Khan and the Mongol Horde (World Landmark Books)

Genghis Khan and the Mongol Horde (World Landmark Books)

Excellent, historic story well told by Harold Lamb and beautifully illustrated by Elton Fax. Originally published in 1954, this paperback edition was released in 1982.

Image for Marco Polo: Overland to China (In the Footsteps of Explorers)

Marco Polo: Overland to China (In the Footsteps of Explorers)

Relive Italian voyager Marco Polo's adventures in China in1275, including his legendary meeting with Kublai Khan, emperor of the powerful Mongol Empire. This exciting new book separates fact from myth using excerpts from Polo's actual journals and vivid illustrations and photographs to portray Polo himself and his impressions of the unique traditions and customs of the Mongols. A recipe from the period is also included. Topics include - what the Medieval period meant to Europe and exploration - the Silk Road - Marco Polo's service in Kublai Khan's court - life at sea and in the Mongol Empire - Marco Polo's influence on later explorers Teacher's guide available.

Image for Marco Polo: his travels and adventures.

Marco Polo: his travels and adventures.

This edition is presented complete and unabridged, with larger text for easier reading by younger readers, and all the original illustrations and decorations.“I have attempted to transform the somewhat dry and monotonous translation of this narrative into an entertaining story, that may engage the attention and the interest of my young readers; for which it certainly presents ample opportunities. If the task is properly done, no one can fail to follow Marco Polo from his Venetian home, across the entire continent of Asia to the court of Kublai Khan, and in his various adventures and journeys while in the far-off Orient, without eager curiosity and ever-deepening interest. The central figure of the story is heroic, for Marco Polo was in all things manly, brave, persevering, intelligent, and chivalrous; and the scenes and incidents in which he was the leading actor were in the highest degree thrilling and dramatic.”-From the Preface by the Author.

Marco Polo Lapbook and Unit Study

First, look at these minibooks that are included in this download.

  • Extend a Timeline Book Printable
  • Along the Journey
  • Lapbook Cover
  • Soldier, Merchant, Prisoner
  • Places outside of China
  • About the Mongols
  • Early Life of Marco Polo
  • Did You Know this
  • Travels
  • Great Khan
Free Marco Polo Unit Study, Lapbook, and Hands-on Ideas

Moreover, look at more ideas for your unit study.

Marco Polo Unit Study Hands-on Activities

  • Make a Persian Mosaic
  • Learn how to make the extend a timeline book
  • Make Terra Cotta Warriors
  • Grab these free Notebooking Pages
  • Create this salt dough map of the Travels of Marco Polo and grab the printable map flags.
Free Marco Polo Unit Study, Lapbook, and Hands-on Ideas

How to Get the Free Marco Polo Lapbook

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

When you sign up to follow me, you get access to this freebie.

1) Sign up on my email list.
2) Grab the printable.
3) Last, look for my emails in your inbox as a follower. Glad to have you.

Marco Polo Unit Study, Lapbook, and Hands-on Ideas

Free Marco Polo Unit Study, Lapbook, and Hands-on Ideas
Free Marco Polo Unit Study, Lapbook, and Hands-on Ideas
Free Marco Polo Unit Study, Lapbook, and Hands-on Ideas
Free Marco Polo Unit Study, Lapbook, and Hands-on Ideas
Free Marco Polo Unit Study, Lapbook, and Hands-on Ideas
Free Marco Polo Unit Study, Lapbook, and Hands-on Ideas
Free Marco Polo Unit Study, Lapbook, and Hands-on Ideas

13 CommentsFiled Under: 1. My FREE Learning Printables {Any Topic}, Geography Based, History Based, Lapbooks Tagged With: hands on history, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, history, history resources

Free Arctic Ground Squirrel Lapbook & Unit Study Resources

December 24, 2023 | 9 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have a free Arctic Ground Squirrel lapbook and unit study today. We decided to add to our Arctic and Inuit Unit Study by doing an Arctic ground squirrel lapbook.

Nature study in the winter can be fun and it doesn’t have to be complicated.

Because studying any kind of squirrel can be fun during the fall and winter, we focused on the adorable Arctic Ground Squirrel.

Free Arctic Ground Squirrel Lapbook & Unit Study Resources

The Arctic Ground Squirrel lives in the Arctic.

The people of Alaska call it a parka squirrel.

It is beige with tan colored spots.

In the summer, its coat is thin and cool. In the winter, it grows thicker to keep the squirrel warm.

And the ground squirrel lives in the area called the Tundra.

Furthermore, the diurnal Arctic ground squirrel lives on the tundra and is prey to the Arctic fox, the red fox, the wolverine, Canada lynx, Eurasian lynx, the brown bear, and eagle

Free Arctic Ground Squirrel Lapbook & Unit Study Resources

The first time they lose their fur, it starts from the bottom first, up to the head. The molting line is clearer.

The second time they molt, it starts at their head. The line is not visible, but it looks more grey.

The arctic ground squirrel is on average 15 inches long and how much it weighs depends on which coat it is wearing.

Additionally, Arctic ground squirrels live in colonies of hundreds of squirrels.

First, grab these resources that I know you’ll love and to help you with a Arctic Ground Squirrel Lapbook and Unit Study.

Arctic Ground Squirrel, About the Tundra, & Resources

  • Background information. This one will help you to fill out the lapbook.
  • Arctic Ground Squirrel background information.
  • Resilience of the brain of the Arctic Ground Squirrel.
  • Natureworks.
  • Skulls of Alaskan Mammals. 71 page pdf guide with great facts for not just squirrels but other mammals.
  • Furs of Alaska Mammals. 74 page pdf guide
  • Alaska Tundra Wildlife. This is a HUGE 251 page download with pictures, cards, and background information to talk about the tundra.

Trees cannot grow on the Tundra because the ground freezes so much.

Where they live is bare and rocky with only a few plants that grow, such as moss and grass.

The tundra is cold, windy, and empty.

Winter is from September to May and there is no sun in midwinter.

Summer is a busy time. Summer is short, but the days are long. The soil thaws, plants grow, and the animals are active.

Animals that live on the tundra must be able to adapt to very cold temperatures.

They must also be able to raise their young during the very short summer months.

More Squirrel Activities

  • Fascinating Life of Red Squirrels | Paper Plate Squirrel Craft

Squirrel Resources

  • Coloring page for an older child.
  • Craft – make a squirrel from leaves (cute)
  • Squirrel lapbook for younger kids
  • Craft- Squirrel Paperplate
  • Squirrel Poem
  • Origami Squirrel (too cute)
  • Squirrel Dot to Dot
  • Learning Contractions – Match squirrel word cards with the acorn contraction
  • The Busy Little Squirrel Unit Study

Books About Squirrels

Next, add some of these fun books about squirrels to this unit study.

16 Books & Resources For Kids Who Love Reading About Squirrels

If your child loves reading about all kinds of squirrels, they’ll love reading these books and add some of these fun resources to your unit study.

Image for Arctic Ground Squirrel: Pictures and Fun Facts on Animals for Kids

Arctic Ground Squirrel: Pictures and Fun Facts on Animals for Kids

The Arctic ground squirrel looks small, harmless and innocent. But this little creature survives some of the most challenging weather conditions that occur on the entire planet. It lives in the Arctic, which is literally on top of the world. In the winter it gets so cold that humans couldn't survive in the open!

Image for The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin (Peter Rabbit)

The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin (Peter Rabbit)

The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin is an original classic by Beatrix Potter. Beatrix Potter's famous tale of a naughty squirrel who loses his tail is as popular today as it was when it was first published over 100 years ago. Join Nutkin, his brother Twinkleberry and all his cousins as they make their way over to Owl Island to gather nuts. See what happens when Old Brown, the terrifying owl guardian of the island decides he has had enough of silly Nutkin's cheekiness! Ouch!! Beatrix Potter is regarded as one of the world's best-loved children's authors of all time. From her first book, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, published by Frederick Warne in 1902, she went on to create a series of stories based around animal characters including Mrs. Tiggy-winkle, Benjamin Bunny, Jemima Puddle-duck, Mr. Jeremy Fisher and Tom Kitten. Her humorous, lively tales and beautiful illustrations have become a natural part of childhood. With revenue from the sales of her books, Beatrix Potter bought a farm - Hill Top - in the English Lake District, where she later became a farmer and prize-winning sheep breeder. She launched the now vast merchandise programme by patenting the very first Peter Rabbit doll in 1903.

Image for Perri (Bambi's Classic Animal Tales)

Perri (Bambi's Classic Animal Tales)

A young squirrel experiences the wonders of forest life and befriends a human toddler in this collectible edition of a classic animal story from the author of Bambi.Perri is a young squirrel living in Bambi’s forest. She grows up, learning about survival, friendship, and love as she observes and interacts with the complicated world around her. Most exciting of all, she meets a three-year-old human girl who can understand and talk to animals!

Image for Gray Squirrels (Woodland Wildlife)

Gray Squirrels (Woodland Wildlife)

Gray squirrels leap from high heights to move from tree to tree. Discover these delightful rodents' life cycle and lifestyle in the woods.

Image for 8pcs,Miniature Animal Squirrel Figures

8pcs,Miniature Animal Squirrel Figures

Fun Toys include 8pcs miniature squirrel figurines in different style. With bright color and cute designs. You’ll certainly be impressed by the amazing level of details of these squirrel character figurines

Image for Life in the Neck Squirrel Trouble

Life in the Neck Squirrel Trouble

Welcome to a new adventure in the Neck, a beautiful place where animals and humans live together in harmony--most of the time. In this book, a young boy named Eli builds a log fort with his dad, but it's not long before mischievous squirrels Chatter, Whistle, and Squeak move in and take over. As the nuts, acorns, and pinecones pile up inside, Eli realizes he's going to have to get creative to get them out. Will his plan work, or will the squirrels win?

Image for The Adventures of Chatterer the Red Squirrel

The Adventures of Chatterer the Red Squirrel

Author and editor of numerous children's books, Thornton W. Burgess was also a noted conservationist. In writing for youngsters he combined a gift for storytelling with his love of the outdoors, creating an entertaining menagerie of animals whose adventures he skillfully recounted in a series of charming fables. In them, he taught young readers about nature and encouraged them to love the "lesser folk in fur and feathers."In this delightfully told tale, Burgess chronicles the escapades of Chatterer the Red Squirrel, who's known throughout the Green Forest as a mischief maker. Narrowly escaping the clutches of Shadow the Weasel and Redtail the Hawk, the bushy-tailed little fellow decides to leave the forest for a new home, only to learn that curiosity, carelessness, and mistrust can lead to a heap of troubles.

Image for Flora and Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures

Flora and Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures

It begins, as the best superhero stories do, with a tragic accident that has unexpected consequences. The squirrel never saw the vacuum cleaner coming, but self-described cynic Flora Belle Buckman, who has read every issue of the comic book Terrible Things Can Happen to You!, is the just the right person to step in and save him. What neither can predict is that Ulysses (the squirrel) has been born anew, with powers of strength, flight, and misspelled poetry — and that Flora will be changed too, as she discovers the possibility of hope and the promise of a capacious heart.

Image for Nuts to You

Nuts to You

How far would you go for a friend? In Nuts to You, the funny and moving illustrated novel by Newbery Medalist Lynne Rae Perkins, two squirrels go very far indeed to save a friend who has been snatched up by a hawk. Nuts to You “begs to be read aloud . . . another completely original and exceptional package from Perkins,” said the Horn Book. Nuts to You features black-and-white art by the author on every page, as well as exclusive material original to this edition.

Jed, TsTs, and Chai are the very best of friends. So when Jed is snatched up by a hawk and carried away to another realm, TsTs and Chai resolve to go after him. Mysteriously, the hawk has dropped him. They saw it. Jed could be alive. New communities are discovered, new friends are made, huge danger is encountered (both man-made and of the fox and bobcat variety) and the mysteries of squirrel culture are revealed. Nuts to You is wholly original, funny, lively, and thought-provoking. Publishers Weekly said, “Readers . . . will relish the squirrels’ adventures, as well as Perkins’s laugh-aloud illustrations and equally witty footnotes.”

Image for Squirrels

Squirrels

Portrays the physical characteristics, behavior, life cycle, and natural habitat of the small mammals.

Image for Miss Suzy

Miss Suzy

Miss Suzy is a little gray squirrel who lives happily in her oak-tree home until she is chased away by some mean red squirrels. Poor Miss Suzy is very sad. But soon she finds a beautiful dollhouse and meets a band of brave toy soldiers.

How Miss Suzy and the soldiers help each other makes a gentle, old-fashioned tale that has captured the imaginations of girls and boys alike for more than fifty years. Arnold Lobel’s enchanting pictures are sure to make the kind squirrel and the gallant soldiers the everlasting friends of all who turn these pages.

Image for The Chisel-Tooth Tribe

The Chisel-Tooth Tribe

Here, in a comprehensive and extremely readable volume, the author-artist whose many nature books are favorites with children gives an absorbing account of little animals equipped with chisel-like teeth for gnawing including their habits, appearance, and activities. The world of this army of small mammals is one which most of us could observe for ourselves if we wished to. No one reading these lively chapters about the squirrels, beavers, rabbits, prairie dogs, etc., could ever again take them and their interesting ways for granted.

Image for Gray Squirrel at Pacific Avenue (Smithsonian's Backyard)

Gray Squirrel at Pacific Avenue (Smithsonian's Backyard)

Children will enjoy this exciting story as Gray Squirrel darts and dashes away from predators while trying to gather up a tasty meal of bird seed and acorns. Reviewed by the Smithsonian Institution for accuracy, Gray Squirrel at Pacific Avenue is a fun and informative story with beautifully detailed illustrations. Watch your children have a blast reading and learning about the animals that live in an American backyard!

Image for Grey Squirrel 8" Plush

Grey Squirrel 8" Plush

Silky plush and soft huggable bodies

Image for Squirrel (Animal World)

Squirrel (Animal World)

Text and illustrations describe the physical characteristics, habits, and natural environment of the red squirrel.

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

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

See the world in a whole new way! Acclaimed illustrator Julia Rothman combines art and science in this exciting and educational guide to the structure, function, and personality of the natural world.
Explore the anatomy of a jellyfish, the inside of a volcano, monarch butterfly migration, how sunsets work, and much more. Rothman’s whimsical illustrations are paired with interactive activities that encourage curiosity and inspire you to look more closely at the world all around you.

Also, add more resources to go with this lapbook.

More Ideas to Add to An Arctic Ground Squirrel Study

  • How to Make an Easy 3D Tundra Biome Poster Project
  •  Arctic and Inuit Unit Study. Free Lapbook – Hands-on Ideas 
  • How to Make Wooden Peg Easy Arctic Animal Crafts
  • nuit of the Arctic: How Animals Survive Harsh Winters Fun Blubber Activity

How to Download the Free Arctic Ground Squirrel Lapbook

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

When you sign up to follow me, you get access to this freebie.

 1) Sign up on my email list to follow me and get this freebie and many others.
 2) Grab the printable.
3) Last, look for my emails in your inbox as a follower. Glad to have you.

Our Journey Westward

If you’re looking to do any spring nature studies, you’ll want to get a few of the NaturExplorers. I love those studies for multiple ages.

It’s a monthly book club devoted to connecting children to nature.

Free Arctic Ground Squirrel Lapbook & Unit Study Resources

The Nature Book Club theme for February: Winter Birds and Nests

The Nature Book Club is brought to you by these 10 nature loving bloggers which are your co-hosts! Are you following them? If you don’t want to miss anything, be sure to follow each one.

Here are the co-hosts, their choices of books, and activities for the month.

Rule This Roost
Build, Beaver, Build! Life at the Longest Beaver Dam – Beaver Habitat Building

Hide The Chocolate
Stellaluna – Bat Online Book Club

Eva Varga
Our Foray into Squirrel Taxidermy –  Taxidermy

Everyday Graces Homeschool
Frederick by Leo Leonni – Watercolor bookmarks and nature notebook page.

If you're studying about the tundra or the Arctic Ground Squirrel, you'll love these fun and easy resources. Get the free Arctic Ground Squirrel lapbook and unit study resources. Click here!!

  • An InLinkz Link-up


5 CommentsFiled Under: Geography, Hands-On Activities, Lapbooks, My Unit Studies {Free Printables & Hands-on Ideas}, Science, Science Based Tagged With: earthscience, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, life science, nature study, ocean, science, sciencecurriculum, The Nature Book Club Link Up

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