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

Middle Ages Hands-on History: Make a Codex Activity

September 11, 2017 | 2 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Written by Selena of Look! We’re Learning!

I am a huge bookworm. HUGE. If I was left alone on a desert island with a choice between food or books, I’d have to make myself choose the food. That’s just how much I love to read.

As we started studying the Middle Ages, we learned a lot about the beginning of the publishing industry, to which what we owe our modern-day books. It turns out that present-day paper books began with the invention of the codex, the first truly portable written document.

After finding out how codices were made in the Middle Ages, we decided to make one of our own!

Middle Ages History: Make a Codex Activity

The codex was actually invented during the Roman Empire, centuries before the Middle Ages began. Prior to its creation, most important documents, such as literature, speeches, and journals, were kept on scrolls or pieces of parchment.

Since these methods were so bulky, something more convenient was needed, especially for documents that needed to be transported across long distances. Some historians say that Julius Caesar was the first person to develop the idea of a notebook of folded and bound pages, but there is some uncertainty about this.

Either way, the codex (folding pages into small packets and then sewing them into a bound book) quickly became the standard for publishing and distributing literature. In fact, if you look behind the spine of a thick book, you’ll see the individual packets of paper sewn together that make up the book. This is basically a codex in itself.

To make our codex, we decided to focus on a codex from the Middle Ages: The Peterborough Chronicle. This document, which dates back to the 12th century, chronicles the establishment of the British Empire.

Make a Codex Activity Supplies

To make your own codex, you’ll need the following supplies:

  • Pieces of blank unlined paper
  • Yarn needle
  • Seam ripper (or X-Acto knife) *Be sure to use adult supervision when working with sharp objects.*
  • Bulky yarn
  • Ruler
  • Pencil
  • Chisel-point marker
How to Make a Codex with Kids

Begin by folding the pages in half. You’ll want to make several packets of three to four pages. For our codex, we folded six packets of three pages each.

Pricking a Codex Activity

We used a seam ripper to begin punching holes in the first packet. After a few holes, though, we swapped it out for an X-Acto knife, which worked better. If you have an awl, that would probably work even better.

Pricked Codex Pages

We lined up the packets to draw the holes and then punched them in the same spots to make sure the holes would line up for sewing the codex together. Interestingly, when publishers created codices, they also had to make the paper sewing holes by hand. This process was called “pricking”.

Sewing a Codex Activity

Now it’s time to sew the codex together. Thread the yarn through the eye of the yarn needle and insert the needle into the first sewing hole through all the codex packets.

Hands-on Middle Ages History

Sewing a Codex Together

After pulling the needle all the way through, bring the yarn back around and thread the needle through again to secure the first stitch. Then move down to the next pricked hole in the codex.

Stitching a Codex Together

Stitch in this same manner all the way down the side of the codex.

Binding Off a Codex

When you get to the end, pull the yarn back through the last stitch vertically.

Finishing a DIY Codex

Cut the thread to bind off the sewing. Do the same at the top.

Ruling a Codex Page

You’re ready to add writing to your codex now! In the Middle Ages, it was common to line the pages of a codex with ink to make it easier for scribes to write neatly. Just like ruled notebook paper we have today!

Use a ruler and a pencil to draw writing lines on your codex pages. Be sure to leave space for the first letter of the work to be about three lines in length.

Writing On a Codex

Like so. The first page of the Peterborough Chronicle is written in Old English, which looks very different than modern English. Thankfully, the content has been translated. That was the source material for our codex.

Finished Codex Activity

Use a chisel-tip marker to write in your codex and you’re done!

This would be a great extended activity for history! Let the kids find a historical codex and write a paragraph or two from it each day! You could even include pieces from several codices and let the kids discover the kinds of content that would have been considered valuable enough to publish in this manner centuries ago.

As we started studying the Middle Ages, we learned a lot about the beginning of the publishing industry, to which what we owe our modern-day books. Click here to learn how to make this fun codex!

You’ll also love to read about How to Teach History in 14 Lessons (From Daunting to Doable) and Medieval Homeschool History – 4 Surefire Ways to Beat a Boring Study.

Learn more about the Middle Ages with these activities!

  • Medieval History for Homeschool Middle School
  • Christopher Columbus Lapbook Covers
  • Marco Polo Unit Study and Lapbook

2 CommentsFiled Under: Hands-On Activities, History Based, History Resources, My Unit Studies {Free Printables & Hands-on Ideas} Tagged With: hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, history, history resources, homeschoolhistory, medieval homeschool history, middle ages history, renaissance

5 Simple Ways to Enhance a Homeschool Unit Study

August 1, 2017 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Unit studies can be intimidating. The same things that make unit studies captivating can be the same things that make them tough to teach. Sharing 5 simple ways to enhance a homeschool unit study, I’m hoping that you won’t be afraid to take the plunge and try a unit study or two.

Unit studies can be intimidating. The same things that make unit studies captivating can be the same things that make them tough to teach. Sharing 5 simple ways to enhance a homeschool unit study, I'm hoping that you won't be afraid to take the plunge and try a unit study or two.

Do You Struggle with Homeschool Unit Studies?

One/ Always include a simple hands-on activity or two.

I use to be very judgmental and critical of homeschoolers (I know, doesn’t sound like me at all does it) who did a lot of hands-on activities until I started actually teaching.

What I learned along the way was that activities don’t have to be expensive or time-consuming to have a wow factor.

What is more important is that hands-on learning brings your topic alive and those are the teaching points your kids remember for life.

I’ve tried to do simple things through my many years of homeschooling.

Two/  Include living books.

Sometimes you can pull information from a textbook.

I’ve done it several times because that is what I had on hand and there was no need to purchase something else.

Look at how I did that at From Textbook to Homeschool Unit Study Starter.

However, if you’re wanting the best ways to enhance a unit study, living books beat the boring blahs when it comes to introducing or learning a unit study.

We love using the books by Beautiful Feet, but we also love using reference books.

Though some can be dry, we find they still have a story like appeal which is the hallmark of living books.

Look at my tips at my post Day 3. Selecting Superior Sub-Topics. 10 Days of Diving Into Unit Studies By Creating A Unit Study Together.

Are Your Unit Studies Boring Your Kids to Sleep?

Three/ Use movies as part of your unit study or as a kick starter.

Many times, I’ve used a documentary, musical, or movie to kick off a unit study. It adds flavor to a time period especially if it’s a history related topic.

Not all kids have good imaginations for a past time period. A movie has a way of adding facts about a time period without a child having to slave over period details.

Look at my post Homeschool History Teaching Ancient Civilizations Using Netflix.

Four/ Include just one or two other homeschool families.

You don’t have to join a co-op if you want to cover topics specifically geared toward your kids.

By homeschooling with another family, you still add the element of fun that is found in a co-op, share the lesson planning with another homeschool mom but still control what you want to teach.

Plus, it was great to see my kids interact with another homeschool educator. We did a study about the Vikings with another family and between the two of us, we had so many ideas for our kids.

Some of our best times were by including another homeschool family or two.

Five/ One of the best ways is to focus on one subtopic within your unit study or enhance it with a focused subtopic.

A huge mistake in unit studies is covering way too much material.

But too another point is not being able to hone in one of the subtopics in a unit study.

Whether you purchase a unit study or find one that is free, a problem has always been that you’re not able to cover a subtopic deeply within a theme which interests your kids.

Today, I’m over the top excited to announce a new series which will be in my shop and that is Unit Study Enhancers.

What exactly are they? Well they are printables (minibooks and/or notebooking pages) to use for those times when you can’t find a unit study which hones in specifically on a subtopic that you want to cover.

My unit study enhancers will enhance your teaching points.

It’s meant to bring up close a subtopic or topic that you want to highlight within a theme.

Add them to a notebook, lapbook, use with a workbook or include them as a subtopic in a free or purchased unit study because the printables are not a complete unit study, but enhance one.

Too, by giving you options within the product download, they are designed to relieve teacher prep time and to use with multiple ages of children. For instance, some downloads have simple researched printed material to glue onto pages. This allows you to move forward teaching when your time is limited.

Or, you can have your student research his own information and write it in. Where possible, I give one link or more for reference while using the printables.

Unless a topic is specifically geared toward young learners, quality photos and not babyish images are chosen so that older learners can be engaged.

Color and the highest quality graphics I can find are used to diminish the blah of boring printables.

My first Unit Study Enhancer focuses on one of my biggest free unit studies here on my blog and that is The Amazon Rain Forest. The Unit Study Enhancer is about the temperate rain forest. You can read more about it here at my shop.

But you can download it today for only $2.25.

  • Temperate Rain Forest Unit Study Enhancer (4 Printables)

    Temperate Rain Forest Unit Study Enhancer (4 Printables)

    $1.25
    Add to cart

Also, look at my tips at my series 10 Days of Diving Into Unit Studies by Creating a Unit Study Together.

Hugs and love ya,

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.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Do Unit Studies, Science, Science Based, Teach Unit Studies Tagged With: amazon rain forest, homeschool, life science, notebooking, printable, science

Day 4. Ancient Greece (Hands-on Science) 3 EASY Activities

July 8, 2017 | 1 Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

These activities are geared for middle school, but a high school student that has a science aversion would be engaged too. While studying the ancient civilizations, grab these ideas for an Ancient Greece hands-on science unit study. Click here to add these ideas to your unit study!I have a secret I’ve been keeping. You already know my love for living books, unit studies, history, and hands-on activities. But you may not know that we’ve been using Beautiful Feet’s History of Science this year. Besides the excellent literature they cull through so that I don’t have to, we love the easy hands-on science activities.

These activities are geared for middle school, but a high school student that has a science aversion would be engaged too. While studying the ancient civilizations, grab these ideas for an Ancient Greece hands-on science unit study.

We have been learning how far ahead of their time the Greeks really were when it came to science. We loved reading about Archimedes. I had already studied about Archimedes with my first two sons before I had discovered Beautiful Feet literature. So I was really tickled that I have it for Tiny.

Even though it is written for a middle school level, a living book is written like a story and draws in a reader of any age.

To engage your kids, look at these questions to ask and have your kids write in their notebooks.

►Who was Archimedes?
►What elements did the Ancient Greeks believed that made up the universe?
►What do we know today about the elements that make up our universe?
►What is surface tension?

Ancient Greeks and their Perception of Matter

Next, grab these simple things that you probably have lying around your house because these activities are so quick and easy that you want to include all of your kids.

  • tall glass bottle
  • gauze pad
  • rubber band
  • bowl or glass with water
  • steel paper clip
  • dishwashing liquid
  • food dye
  • a couple of droppers
  • milk at room temperature
  • shallow pan

Then move on to each activity.

ONE/ Understand what is surface tension. Then do this simple activity.

Place a steel paper clip in a glass or bowl. (Yes, I can do that.)

Why does it float? Which is more dense, the water or paper clip?

How to Teach Hands-on  Science Through Living Books

TWO/ Why is the gauze leakproof?

Fill a glass bottle with water. We added food coloring so it could be easier to be seen if it spilled.

Add the gauze over the top and secure with a rubber band. Turn it upside and see what happens.

Why won’t water pour out through a gauze enclosed top? It is held inside by the surface tension of the water.

THREE/ How to break surface tension? Understand that certain substances can break down surface tension.

This next one is a great activity to include the little ones because it has an instant ewwww and awwww moment. Grab a shallow glass pan.

Add room temperature milk.

Choose two food color dyes, get two eye droppers and some dishwashing liquid in a small container.

Then use one dropper to add two food coloring choices. You notice it stays in a circle or really doesn’t break the surface.

Then use the second dropper to add dishwashing liquid and you get immediate action. The colors start to swirl and move.

The colors spread around because the stronger surface tension around the edge of the dish pulls the milk and food coloring outward.

Try a few different colors. It really is an engaging activity. You’ll want to try it again and again.

These easy hands-on activities are a simple way to look at how scientist of the past looked at ancient discovery. Also, we have done plenty of lapbooks on Greece and we’ve added some too from Home School in the Woods that we love.

We have a few more things we have been doing with our History of Science and I can’t wait to show you more.

I’m doing an Ancient Civilizations hands-on history series and you’ll want to look at these other ideas:

Day 1. Ancient Egypt Civilization (Hands-on History): Narmer Crown.
Day 2. Ancient Mesopotamia (Hands-on History): Cook Sebetu Rolls.
Day 3. Ancient Rome (Hands-on History): Paint a Jester.

And look at these other ways we’ve used Beautiful Feet literature.

When We Used Beautiful Feet Books as our History Spine, Medieval History for Homeschool Middle School, and Medieval Chemistry and Homeschool History – Fun Hands-On Activity.

Hugs and love ya,

 

1 CommentFiled Under: Ancient Civilizations, Geography Based, Hands-On Activities, History Based, History Resources Tagged With: geography, hands on history, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, livingbooks, science, sciencecurriculum, unit studies

Ancient Rome (Hands-on History): Paint a Jester

May 18, 2017 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today in our Ancient Rome study we’re going to paint a jester. Also, look at my post Ancient Rome Lapbook for Kids and Fun Hands-on Ideas.

Fools, buffoons, jesters or court jesters were entertainers especially well-known during the Medieval period.

But what we didn’t know was that they had their beginning in several ancient civilizations.

One ancient civilization where they got their start was Rome.

We have been loving our art lessons using and learning about the jester fit into our ancient civilization hands-on series.

Fools, buffoons, jesters or court jesters were entertainers especially well-known during the Medieval period, but what we didn't know was that they had their beginning in several ancient civilizations. One ancient civilization where they got their start was Ancient Rome. Click here to grab some interesting facts and learn how to draw and paint a court jester!

Our hands-on lesson today started with understanding how the word buffoon developed. We use the word somewhat differently today.

Easy Hands-on Homeschool History

The book, The Unexpected Evolution of Language:Discover the Surprising Etymology of Everyday Words states that buffoon derives from a word that means to “puff out the cheeks.”

The word “Buffo” was used in the Roman theatre by those who appeared on the stage with their cheeks blown up. When they received a blow, they would make a great noise causing the audience to laugh.

It was fascinating to learn that Ancient Greeks, Ancient Egypt and Ancient Rome all had various forms of entertainers or the modern day clown.

Too, entertainers of earlier times went well beyond just costumes and masks. There were storytellers, joketellers, jugglers and acrobats.

Also, look at some of these living books about Ancient Rome.

Books About Ancient Rome for Kids

20 Ancient Rome Resources. Books, Pop Up, Coloring & Hands-on Figurines

Whether you're doing a unit study or want to dig deeper about Ancient Rome, you'll love adding a resource or two.

Image for Famous Men of Rome

Famous Men of Rome

The Romans were history's great men of action, making the study of Rome ideal for beginners of all ages, but especially for younger students, who are fascinated by the abundant action and drama of Roman history. In addition, an understanding of modern political history is impossible without a thorough understanding of Rome. There are thirty stories covering the history of Rome from its founding under Romulus to the last emperor in the West. Your children will see the rise and fall of a great civilization through the lives of Horatius, Camillus, Caesar, Cicero, Marcus Aurelius, and many other larger-than-life figures. Rome is the model civilization, the mastery of which provides a foundation for all other history study.

Image for Ancient Rome for Kids through the Lives of its Heroes, Emperors, and Philosophers (History for Kids - Story Format)

Ancient Rome for Kids through the Lives of its Heroes, Emperors, and Philosophers (History for Kids - Story Format)

When I first discovered that my 8-year-old kid believed that the adventures of Odysseus were the actual history of ancient Greece, I panicked and bought him a stack of children's history books. I sat by his side as he started reading about the class structure of Athens and the economic underpinnings of the Greek polis. He yawned. He asked for candy... and then for the Disney Channel...Kids like stories. And when it comes to history, they learn from stories, not from dense paragraphs about the phases of the Bronze age, the location of trade routes, or the injustices of the social order here and there.This book follows the old-fashioned, story-based, traditional route of teaching history - through tales of heroes and kings, with no tribute paid to modern economic and social perspectives. Culture is memes. And that means historical figures, and anecdotes about them. To write this book, I went back to Tacitus, Livy, Suetonius, Cassius Dio, Valerius Maximus, Josephus, Eusebius, Theodoret, and other ancient sources of biographical anecdotes, and extracted from them the stories that will be most memorable to a modern kid

Image for Theras and His Town

Theras and His Town

Young Theras, born an Athenian, is taken to Sparta by a relative when his father is lost at war. He is forced to live like a Spartan, a brutal life with no pity for those who are not physically perfect and totally obedient to Spartan control. After enduring rigorous training and repeated cruel incidents, he escapes with a Perioikoi boy and heads for his beloved Athens. Here is the story of a hard and dangerous journey with Snedeker's amazing historical accuracy. 

Image for Tools of the Ancient Romans: A Kid's Guide to the History & Science of Life in Ancient Rome (Build It Yourself)

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

Image for Detectives in Togas

Detectives in Togas

In these two delightful history-mysteries, seven boys in Ancient Rome solve strange crimes . . . thanks to some help from their cranky teacher, a little bit of logic, and a lot of amusing misadventure.

Image for The Thrifty Guide to Ancient Rome: A Handbook for Time Travelers (The Thrifty Guides)

The Thrifty Guide to Ancient Rome: A Handbook for Time Travelers (The Thrifty Guides)

The Thrifty Guide to Ancient Rome contains information vital to the sensible time traveler:   • Where can I find a decent hotel room in ancient Rome for under five sesterces a day? Is horse parking included?   • What do I do if I’m attacked by barbarians?   • What are my legal options if I’m fed to the lions at the Colosseum? All this is answered and more. There is handy advice on finding the best picnicking spots to watch Julius Caesar’s assassination at the Roman Forum in 44 BC, as well as helpful real estate tips to profit from the great Roman fire of AD 64. There are even useful recommendations on which famous historical figures to meet for lunch, and a few nifty pointers on how to avoid being poisoned, beheaded, or torn apart by an angry mob.

Image for Time Traveler

Time Traveler

Takes readers back in time to illustrate the exciting happenings of daily life

Image for The Bronze Bow: A Newbery Award Winner

The Bronze Bow: A Newbery Award Winner

Daniel bar Jamin will stop at nothing to seek revenge for his father's death at the hands of the Roman Empire.After Daniel bar Jamin's father is crucified by the Roman Empire, Daniel wants nothing more than to rid his land of Israel of Roman control once and for all. Yet when David meets Jesus of Nazareth, a traveling carpenter with a gentle message of love and forgiveness, David starts to realize that the hate festering in his heart might be his true enemy after all.

Image for Eyewitness Ancient Rome: Discover One of History's Greatest Civilizations

Eyewitness Ancient Rome: Discover One of History's Greatest Civilizations

From Roman emperors and gods and goddesses to soldiers and gladiators, step into the exciting world of ancient Rome.Who were Rome's most famous emperors? What was everyday life like for a soldier in the Roman army? How did the citizens of ancient Rome live? Did gladiators really fight to the death in the mighty Colosseum? Find out the answers to all these questions, and many more, in Eyewitness: Ancient Rome.

Image for SuperToob: Ancient Rome

SuperToob: Ancient Rome

Use these fun figurines for art study, for a sensory bin for younger kids or for art inspiration.

Image for Life in Ancient Rome Coloring Book (Dover Ancient History Coloring Books)

Life in Ancient Rome Coloring Book (Dover Ancient History Coloring Books)

At the peak of its power, the Roman Empire stretched thousands of miles in all directions: north to what today is England, westward to Spain, to Armenia in the east, and Egypt in the south. The growth, development, and cultural achievements of that magnificent civilization are brought to life by the artist John Green in this exciting and fact-filled coloring book.

Image for The Romans Pop-Up: Pop-up Book to Make Yourself

The Romans Pop-Up: Pop-up Book to Make Yourself

There are 6 scenes to make in this book - combining the pleasure of seeing them pop up with interesting information and ideas. There are a number of mini popups as well. Close the book and they fold away. Open it and they popup again. These vivid, colorful three-dimensional scenes help to bring Ancient Civilisations to life in a way which no other kind of book can. Scenes: The City of Rome, The Forum, The Roman House, The Army of Rome, Entertainment, Ostia - the Port of Rome.

Image for Attack at the Arena

Attack at the Arena

Patrick and Beth learn that Mr. Whittaker’s fancy ring can be seen inside the Imagination Station but not outside of the machine. A mysterious letter leads the cousins to fifth-century Rome in search of a special cup that belongs to a monk. If found, the cup could keep the mysterious Albert out of prison.At the Roman Colosseum, Emperor Honorius is hosting a gladiator battle in celebration of a war victory. Beth attends the event as the emperor’s slave; Patrick attends as a monk’s apprentice but is taken prisoner and sent to fight in the arena. During their adventure, the cousins meet Telemachus (a true historical figure), a monk who believes that fighting is wrong. Telemachus is willing to risk everything―even his life―to stop the killing. When the cousins return with the cup, they find that a third letter has been sent with more information about Albert’s fate.

Image for Growing Up In Ancient Rome

Growing Up In Ancient Rome

Describes daily life in ancient Rome, discussing family life, entertainment, schools, religion, and other aspects.

Image for The Story of the Romans: A History of Ancient Rome for Young Readers - its Legends, Military and Culture as a Republic and Empire

The Story of the Romans: A History of Ancient Rome for Young Readers - its Legends, Military and Culture as a Republic and Empire

Image for Who Were the Romans? (Starting Point History)

Who Were the Romans? (Starting Point History)

This series consists of simple illustrated guides to answer children's questions about history and invite comparisons with life today. This particular title deals with the Romans.

Image for In the Daily Life of the Ancient Romans (Gods & Goddesses Of...)

In the Daily Life of the Ancient Romans (Gods & Goddesses Of...)

This exciting new series explores ancient life by examining the traditions and religious beliefs of each culture. Through photographs, illustrations, and cut-away, detailed diagrams, each book considers the way religious beliefs affected everything from food, drink, and entertainment to rituals surrounding birth and death

Image for Science in Ancient Rome (Science of the Past)

Science in Ancient Rome (Science of the Past)

Describes how the Romans put to use and expanded the scientific achievements of earlier civilizations.

Image for Roman Empire: Rise & The Fall. Explore The History, Mythology, Legends, Epic Battles & Lives Of The Emperors, Legions, Heroes, Gladiators & More

Roman Empire: Rise & The Fall. Explore The History, Mythology, Legends, Epic Battles & Lives Of The Emperors, Legions, Heroes, Gladiators & More

The Roman Empire may have fallen thousands of years ago, but the lessons and the legacy left behind lives on to this day

From a tiny settlement on the banks of the Tiber River, Rome grew into a colossal, unstoppable force. At its peak, The Empire dominated the world from Europe, West Asia, North Africa, and many more territories.

Never again would the world see such an influential power.

In this epic narrative, History Brought Alive presents an intriguing dive into Roman History, Legends, Facts, Myths and much more. Covering thousands of years the study of Roman history is vast and complex. Much like the Ancient Romans themselves, in order to study them, we need to follow structure and have an open mind.

Image for See Inside Ancient Rome

See Inside Ancient Rome

Visit the world of ancient Rome, from bustling streets and the busy port to steaming baths and gruesome games. This book reveals how the Romans really lived.

More Ancient Rome Activities for Kids

  • How to Make a Roman Costume With Kids
  • Rome Fun Mosaic is a wonderful way to depict the profile of a Roman Soldier.
  • How to Make an Easy Roman Helmet & Shield & A Set of Printable Wings
  • (Colosseum Craft)
  • How to Make an Ancient Rome-Inspired DIY Clown Collar No Sew.

True, some of the forerunners of modern day clowns and jesters are grim looking.

I don’t know how some things in history can from grin to grim. But history has a way of twisting the beginning of things.

Jesters sometimes reminds me of the nightmares of my childhood.

But once we started reading how faces painted early on were because of poor stage lighting, it made more sense to us.

Look at some of these other fascinating links about clowns, buffoons and jesters. The History and Psychology of Clowns Being Scary and History of Clowns.

Also, you’ll love the hands-on history ideas we love at Home School in the Woods.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Ancient Civilizations, Hands-On Activities, History Based, History Resources, My Unit Studies {Free Printables & Hands-on Ideas} Tagged With: ancient civilizations, Ancient Rome, art, hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, history resources, historycostumes, homeschoolhistory

The Ultimate Guide to the Flora and Fauna of the Amazon Rain Forest

April 23, 2017 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

In preparing this ultimate guide to the flora and fauna of the Amazon rainforest, I’ve collect resources to enhance a study of the Rain Forest Amazon by gathering resources that focus just on the flora and fauna of the rain forest.

I fondly remember our family trek in the Amazon Rain Forest while living in South America and I’ll always have a soft spot in my heart when learning about it. Having studied the Amazon Rainforest numerous times, we still find fascinating topics to study about.

Because of the sheer number of critters, creatures and creeping things as well as lush plants and trees that exists abundantly in the rain forest, I feel any guide can only touch the fringes of what can be learned. However, I do hope like my other Amazon Rain Forest resources, you’ll find this one equally helpful as you and your kids uncover the fascinating treasures of the Amazon Rain Forest.

Remember to add my HUGE free unit study Tropical Rain Forest – Amazon, or Amazonia in South America, which consists of multiple lapbooks for different ages, Rain Forest – Animals of the Amazon and Tropical Rainforest Amazon Free Resources – Teachers Guides, Crafts, Lesson Plans to this unit study.

The Ultimate Guide to the Flora and Fauna of the Amazon Rain Forest

Tropical Rainforest Amazon

  • Brazil Wildlife-Episode 1.
  • Rainforest Letter “R” Printables.
  • Rainforest Animals Counting 1 – 10 Printable.
  • Rainforest Slideshow.
  • Virtual Field Trip – Amazon Rainforest.
  • Rainforest in a Box.
  • Rainforest Unit for younger children.
  • Animals of South America.
  • Animals of the Rainforest Worksheet.
  • Rainforest Worksheets
  • Rainforest Word Search.
  • Rainforest Unit Study.
  • 3-D Diorama of the Amazon Rainforest.
  • Compare Flora and Fauna of the Temperate Forest and Rain Forest.
  • Make a 3-d triarama.
  • Rainforest Lesson Plans.
  • Rainforest Lesson Plans –  with Powerpoint
  • Rainforest Plant Database.
  • Amazon Water Cycle.


  • Rainforest Plant and Animal Coloring Pages.
  • Food of the Amazon.
  • Free Rainforest Curricula. PreK-8th
  • Rainforest Animals and Plant Life Video.
  • Free Plants and Animals in the Tropical Rain Forest Biome Cards.
  • Tropical Rainforest Biome – pdf with tons of pictures and facts.
  • Amazon Rainforest – interactive.
  • Rainforest Butterflies and more – video.
  • Amazon Interactive.
  • Lesson Plan: Rainforest Adaptations.
  • Food Chains in the Amazon.
  • Guide to Fruit in Brazil.
  • Design a Rainforest Postcard.
  • Creatures of the Amazon Rainforest 
  • Trekking in the Amazon.
  • Rainforest Tree Root Systems.
  • Layers of the Rainforest – fine motor skills.
  • Journey into Amazonia – teacher resources.
  • Rainforest Curriculum.

Flora of the Amazon Rainforest

Trees of the Amazon Rain Forest

  • Açaí Palm Tree.
  • Cacao Tree Facts.
  • How Chocolate Is Made – Video.
  • Chocolate Unit Study.
  • Bacuri Fruit.
  • Video of Bacuri Palm. Spanish
  • Jaboticaba (Brazilian Grape) Facts.
  • Jaboticaba Video.
  • Sandbox Tree.
  • Sandbox Tree – video.
  • Kapok Tree.
  • Kapok Tree – video.
  • Wimba Tree.
  • Palm Leaf  Printable Template.
  • Layers of the Rainforest.
  • Moriche Palm (Buriti).
  • Cupuacu Facts.
  • Jaca (Jackfruit).
  • Jaca Tree Video.
  • How to Clean and Eat Jackfruit.
  • Brazil Nut Tree.
  • Harvesting the Brazil Nut – video.
  • What is kapok?
  • Kapok Fiber – video.
Our Journey Westward

Plants of the Amazon Rain Forest

  • DIY Rainforest Terrarium.
  • Jambu (Toothache) Plant.
  • Maracuya (Passion) Fruit.
  • Passion Fruit Mousse Recipe.
  • Do Medicines Grow on Plants and Trees.
  • Bougainvillea.
  • Bougainvillea Tips and Facts.
  • Amazon Rainforest Plants.
  • Passion Flower.
  • Guarana Shrub Facts.
  • Guarana Fruit Picture.
  • Heliconia (Parrot Flower).
  • Bromeliad Facts.
  • Bromeliad Photo Gallery.
  • Red Passion Flower.
  • Amazon Water Lily.
  • Amazonian Giant Water Lily – video.
  • Hot Lips Flower.
Our Journey Westward

Fauna of the Amazon Rainforest

Birds of the Amazon Rain Forest

  • Toco Toucan Coloring Printable.
  • Learn About the Toco Toucan.
  • Macaw birds in the Amazon.
  • How to Draw a Parrot.
  • Toucan Pattern Sheet.Scroll down to the study guide.
  • Great Curassow.
  • Make a colorful Macaw craft.
  • Printable Blue Macaw craft.
  • Rufous Motmot.
  • Rufous Motmot babies – video.
  • Cinereous Mourner – video.
  • 10 Birds of the Amazon.
  • Video – 10 Birds of the Amazon.
  • Toucan Worksheet.
  • Make a Perched Parrot Decorative Chair.
  • Amazonian Royal Flycatcher images.
  • Balancing a Parrot Craft.
  • Animal Corner – Scarlet Macaw.
  • Harpy Eagle mom and hatchling.
  • How to Draw a Realistic Toucan – video.
  • Rufous Motmot – video.

Mammals of the Amazon Rain Forest

  • Anteater. Giant Anteater Facts.
  • Anteater Worksheet.
  • Color a Jaguar.
  • Another Jaguar coloring page.
  • How to ‘Speak’ Squirrel Monkey.
  • Squirrel Monkey – video.
  • Sloth Unit Study.
  • Sloth – video.
  • Sloth Facts.
  • Giant River Otter – video.
  • Giant River Otter Facts.
  • Spider Monkey – video.
  • Monkey Grid Game – math.
  • Anteater Craft.
  • Silky Anteater Facts.
  • Capybara Facts.
  • Capybara Video.
  • Meet the Jaguar.
  • Looking for Jaguar: A Teacher’s Guide.
  • Jaguar – video.
  • Squirrel Monkey.
  • More Sloth Facts.
  • Sloth Coloring Page.
  • Giant River Otter – video.
  • Howler Monkey Facts.
  • Howler Monkey – video.


Reptiles and Amphibians of the Amazon Rain Forest

  • Glass Frogs.
  • Glass Frogs of Amazon.
  • Tree Frog Craft.
  • Origami Frog.
  • Emerald Tree Boa Snake Facts.
  • Fer-de-lance Facts.
  • Fer-de-lance – video.
  • Poison Dart Frog Facts.
  • Blue Poison Dart Frog – facts and video.
  • Poison Dart Frog – video
  • Black Caiman.
  • Paper Plate Snake.
  • Bromeliad Tree Frog.
  • Expert Care for the Emerald Tree Boa.
  • Snake Finger Puppets.
  • Bushmaster.
  • Bushmaster – video.
  • Strawberry Poison Dart Frog.
  • Golden Poison Dart Frog.
  • Tree Frog Art Project.


Aquatic Life of the Amazon Rain Forest

  • Piranha Facts.
  • Red Belly Piranha – video.
  • Arapaima (Pirarucu) Facts.
  • Arapaima Faces Extinction.
  • Tucunare (Peacock Bass).
  • Amazon River Dolphin.
  • Amazon River Dolphin – videos.
  • Amazon River Bull Shark.
  • Tamoata Facts.
  • Giant Wolf Fish.
  • Wolf Fish – video.
  • Tambaqui Facts.
  • Manatee Lapbook.
  • Amazon Manatee – facts, pictures and videos.
  • Amazon Electric Eel Facts.
  • More Electric Eel Facts.
  • Electric Eel – video.

Insects of the Amazon Rain Forest

  • Stick Bug Craft.
  • How to draw a Monarch Butterfly.
  • Make a replica firefly habitat.
  • Rain forest Beetles.
  • Jewel Caterpillar.
  • Katydids.
  • “Flying” Spider of Amazon – facts and video.
  • Fishing Spider.
  • Blue Morpho Butterfly .
  • Blue Morpho Butterfly Craft.
  • Butterfly Life Cycle.
  • Creatures of the Amazon – Rhinoceros Beetle.
  • Glasswinged Butterfly.
  • Jewel Caterpillar – video.
  • Assassin Bug Facts.
  • Amazon Butterflies – video.
  • Brazilian Wandering Spiders.

The Ultimate Guide to the Flora and Fauna of the Amazon Rain Forest

Are you interested in more about the Amazon Rainforest?

  • 100+ Best and Free Tropical Amazon Rainforest Educators Resources
  • Rain Forest – Animals of the Amazon
  • Temperate Rain Forest Unit Study Enhancer (4 Printables)
  • Free Machu Picchu Mini Book & Completed South America Lapbook

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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 the Flora and Fauna of the Amazon Rain Forest. Learning about the lush plants and fascinating animals of the Amazon Rain Forest makes for a fascinating homeschool unit study. Bring learning alive through hands-on activities, free guides and ideas for learning about the flora and fauna of the Amazon Rain Forest in this Ultimate Guide. Click here!

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