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

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

Hugs and love ya,

Signature T

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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!

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities, Science, Science Based Tagged With: amazon rain forest, animals, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, life science, nature journaling, plants, science, sciencecurriculum, ultimate guide

Free Ancient Egypt Mehen Printable Board Game (Hands-on History)

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

I created a free Ancient Egypt Mehen printable board game to go with our Ancient Civilizations – Egypt Unit Study.

We have been reading through the book Cleopatra: Queen of Egypt (Historical Notebooks) and I whipped back out the Ancient Egypt Mehen printable board game I made when we studied Ancient Egypt the third time. 

Look on my page history games for more fun ideas.

Grab this free and fun printable board game when studying Ancient Egypt. It's Mehen or the snake game for hands on history. Get it over @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

Then, I realized something just awful which is I hadn’t shared the free printable Mehen board game here with you.

First, look at some of these books about Ancient Egypt.

17 Ancient Egypt Books & Resources for Kids Who Love Reading and Being Read To

Add some of these books to your home library and use them for a day of learning or for unit studies.

Image for The Egypt Game

The Egypt Game

The first time Melanie Ross meets April Hall, she’s not sure they have anything in common. But she soon discovers that they both love anything to do with ancient Egypt. When they stumble upon a deserted storage yard, Melanie and April decide it’s the perfect spot for the Egypt Game. Before long there are six Egyptians, and they all meet to wear costumes, hold ceremonies, and work on their secret code. Everyone thinks it’s just a game until strange things start happening. Has the Egypt Game gone too far?

Image for Tales of Ancient Egypt (Puffin Classics)

Tales of Ancient Egypt (Puffin Classics)

These stories include the great myths - of Amen-Ra, who created all the creatures in the world; of Isis, seaching the waters for her dead husband Osiris; of the Bennu Bird and the Book of Thoth. But there are also tales told for pleasure about magic, treasure and adventure - even the first ever Cinderella story.

Image for The Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt (Landmark Books)

The Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt (Landmark Books)

For more than 3,000 years, Egypt was a great civilization that thrived along the banks of the Nile River. But when its cities crumbled to dust, Egypt’s culture and the secrets of its hieroglyphic writings were also lost. The Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt explains how archaeologists have pieced together their discoveries to slowly reveal the history of Egypt’s people, its pharaohs, and its golden days.

Image for The Buildings of Ancient Egypt

The Buildings of Ancient Egypt

Uses archeological evidence to describe the construction, decoration, and furnishings of ancient Egyptian tombs, pyramids, and homes

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

Science in Ancient Egypt (Science of the Past)

Discusses the achievements of the ancient Egyptians in science, mathematics, astronomy, medicine, agriculture, and technology.

Image for Great Ancient Egypt Projects: You Can Build Yourself

Great Ancient Egypt Projects: You Can Build Yourself

From reed boats, papyrus, and amulets, to pyramids, pharaohs, and mummies, Great Ancient Egypt Projects You Can Build Yourself explores the fascinating lives of ancient Egyptians through more than25 hands-on building projects and activities. Great Ancient Egypt Projects You Can Build Yourself gives readers today a chance to experience how the ancient Egyptians lived, cooked, worked, worshipped, entertained themselves, and interacted with their neighbors through building projects that use common household supplies.Detailed step-by-step instructions, diagrams, and templates for creating each project are combined with historical facts and anecdotes, biographies, and trivia for the real-life models of each project. Together they give kids a first-hand look at daily life in ancient Egypt.

Image for The Cat of Bubastes: A Tale of Ancient Egypt (Dover Children's Classics)

The Cat of Bubastes: A Tale of Ancient Egypt (Dover Children's Classics)

Chebron, the young son of an Egyptian high priest, and Amuba, a young slave in the boy's household, are close friends; but their lives are greatly altered when Chebron accidentally kills a cat, an animal held sacred by the ancient Egyptians. Forced to flee for their safety, the boys and their companions begin a long and dangerous journey. A thrilling adventure story, this is also a tale packed with historical facts. Among other fascinating details, young readers learn about the Egyptian religion and geography, how the Nile was used for irrigation, and how the Egyptians made war and were prepared for burial. A captivating book that accurately describes life in a once magnificent civilization, this volume will especially appeal to youngsters fascinated by the life and customs of ancient Egypt.

Image for A History of Ancient Egypt: From the First Farmers to the Great Pyramid (A History of Ancient Egypt, 1)

A History of Ancient Egypt: From the First Farmers to the Great Pyramid (A History of Ancient Egypt, 1)

The ancient world comes to life in the first volume in a two book series on the history of Egypt, spanning the first farmers to the construction of the pyramids. Famed archaeologist John Romer draws on a lifetime of research to tell one history's greatest stories; how, over more than a thousand years, a society of farmers created a rich, vivid world where one of the most astounding of all human-made landmarks, the Great Pyramid, was built. Immersing the reader in the Egypt of the past, Romer examines and challenges the long-held theories about what archaeological finds mean and what stories they tell about how the Egyptians lived. More than just an account of one of the most fascinating periods of history, this engrossing book asks readers to take a step back and question what they've learned about Egypt in the past. Fans of Stacy Schiff's Cleopatra and history buffs will be captivated by this re-telling of Egyptian history, written by one of the top Egyptologists in the world.

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Boy of the Pyramids

The pictured wall of an Egyptian tomb supplied the inspiration for this unusual story, which takes place during the building of the Great Pyramid of Khufu more than 4,000 years ago. Kaffe and Sari, an Egyptian noble's son and a slave girl from the nomadic Sand People of the Sinai region, help solve a troublesome mystery and trap its culprit. All told against a colorfully detailed backdrop of ancient Egypt.

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The Golden Goblet

Ranofer wants only one thing in the world: to be a master goldsmith like his beloved father was. But how can he when he is all but imprisoned by his evil half brother, Gebu? Ranofer knows the only way he can escape Gebu's abuse is by changing his destiny. But can a poor boy with no skills survive on the cutthroat streets of ancient Thebes? Then Ranofer finds a priceless golden goblet in Gebu's room and he knows his luck−and his destiny−are about to change.

Image for Seeker of Knowledge: The Man Who Deciphered Egyptian Hieroglyphs

Seeker of Knowledge: The Man Who Deciphered Egyptian Hieroglyphs

In 1802, Jean-Francois Champollion was eleven years old. That year, he vowed to be the first person to read Egypt’s ancient hieroglyphs. Champollion’s dream was to sail up the Nile in Egypt and uncover the secrets of the past, and he dedicated the next twenty years to the challenge.James Rumford introduces the remarkable man who deciphered the ancient Egyptian script and fulfilled a lifelong dream in the process. Stunning watercolors bring Champollion’s adventure to life in a story that challenges the mind and touches the heart.

Image for The Egyptian Cinderella

The Egyptian Cinderella

This Egyptian spin on the classic Cinderella tale was initially recorded in the first century by a Roman historian and is retold here by folklorist Shirley Climo.

Poor Rhodopis! She has nothing—no mother or father, and no friends. She is a slave, from the far-off country of Greece. Only the beautiful rose-red slippers her master gives her can make Rhodopis smile.

So when a falcon swoops down and snatches one of the slippers away, Rhodopis is heartbroken. For how is she to know that the slipper will land in the lap of the great Pharaoh himself? And who would ever guess that the Pharaoh has promised to find the slipper’s owner and make her queen of all Egypt?

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Augustus Caesar's World

In her unique approach, Foster weaves a story of the world around her central character; rather than focusing exclusively on geo-political events, as most textbooks do, she includes stories of scientific discovery and invention, music, literature, art, and religion. Her keen intuition for stories will especially delight and amuse youthful readers. In Augustus Caesar's World, Foster traces the seven major civilizations of Rome, Greece, Israel, Egypt, China, India, and Persia from 4500 B.C. to the time of Augustus Caesar in 44 B.C. and culminating in 14 A.D. Within this timeframe readers will learn not only the stories of Julius Caesar, Cleopatra, and Marc Antony, but also the historian Livy and how Virgil came to write the Aeneid. Foster will then take her readers all over the world to learn what was happening at this same time in China, Persia, India and so on. Foster's detailed pen and ink drawings are fresh and appealing, and her illustrated timelines give a clear sense of chronology, enriching the engaging text.

Image for The Lost Queen of Egypt: The Tomb of Nefertiti

The Lost Queen of Egypt: The Tomb of Nefertiti

For professor of Egyptology Henry Markham, this would be the crowning glory of his career: an intact tomb of Nefertiti, the great royal wife of Akhenaten and the heretic pharaoh of eighteenth dynasty Egypt, whose bust of exquisite beauty resides in the Berlin Museum, which he had searched for the last ten years. He had an unspoken passion for her only excelled by his young assistant, Steven Sinclair, whose visions and dreams of her haunted him, much to the annoyance of Helen Carter, the freelance journalist on-site who, with her business partner Mike Mitcham, the digs photographer, saw Nefertiti as a rival for his affections. Thanks to a gambling debt, Mike finds himself the proud owner of a large luxury mobile home that four Mossad agents are interested in, along with Emil Brogini, who did a drug deal with two Mossad rogue agents since deceased. The arrival of Henry's estranged sister, Millicent, with her friend Jane Evesham, a gifted clairvoyant, does nothing to improve his temper, especially when Jane tells him they are in great danger. Can the danger come from four renegade Mossad agents or Emil Bratislav Brogini, Mr. Big in Cairo, into every racket going? Jane discovers that Helen has a latent gift of clairvoyance which, with their combined powers in a séance, sends them back to the eighteenth dynasty with Nefertiti, Akhenaten, and danger around every corner as they try to discover who is trying to kill them all using a large band of Libyan bandits. They survive ambushes, assassin's knives, and chariot chases, finally getting back to their own time with Nefertiti.

Image for Pyramid

Pyramid

Pyramid is a strong resource for readers looking to expand their knowledge of ancient Egyptian civilization, history, and architecture.

Award-winning author-illustrator David Macaulay explores the philosophy of life and death in ancient Egypt through richly detailed black-and-white illustrations and clear, concise text.

Though created with middle grade readers in mind, all with interest in the topic will enjoy this impressive look at what many consider to be one of the most awesome of humankind's creations.

Image for Pharaoh's Boat

Pharaoh's Boat

With poetic language and striking illustrations, Weitzman tells the story of how one of the greatest boats of ancient Egypt came to be built and built again.In the shadow of the Great Pyramid at Giza, the most skilled shipwrights in all of Egypt are building an enormous vessel that will transport Cheops, the mighty pharaoh, across the winding waterway and into a new world. Pharaoh's boat will be a wonder to behold, and well prepared for the voyage ahead. But no one, not even the Egyptian king himself, could have imagined just where the journey of Pharaoh's boat would ultimately lead.

Image for The Winged Cat

The Winged Cat

Merit is a servant girl in the temple of cat goddesses. In a rage, Waha, the High Priest, kills a sacred car, and Merit sees him do it.But when Merit reports the evil deed to Pharaoh, Waha denies that he is guilty.

Hands-on Ancient Egypt

Though the ancient Egyptians had many games, Mehen, the snake game was popular.

(Pic. attribution)

The game was called snake because the stone board represented a coiled serpent with its head in the middle.

This could easily be made with clay too and it would probably look a little more ancient, but it would be easy enough to make if you wanted to go all out for a unit study about Ancient Egypt.

So we read up on a few rules we found and I created a game board.

We had some crafting jewels in the house and we grabbed them to use as tokens.

I wasn’t sure how this game would go over with the kids so I let the pros check it out.

Too, we all agreed it was a nice break to our day and it was  pretty inexpensive to make because I printed it off on cardstock.

I wanted it on letter size paper in case we wanted to store it in our lapbook or notebook. I put a few final touches on it and overall we had a great last few days as we took off time and played games.

Also, I love using ALL of the fun interactive lapbooks and history craft ideas by Home School in the Woods. I know you will too.

Plus, your kids will love the book Cleopatra: Queen of Egypt (Historical Notebooks) with all of it’s lift flaps and pull out maps.

Also, remember to look at our first time we studied Ancient Egypt here with this big homeschool unit study.

You’ll love these other links:

  • Ancient Egypt Narmer Crown Dough Activity
  • How to Make Smokin’ Hot Egyptian Pillars Out of Cardboard
  • Ancient Egyptian Mathematics: Build a LEGO Math Calculator

GRAB THE FREE ANCIENT EGYPT PRINTABLE BOARD GAME BELOW

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

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

1) Sign up on my email list.

2) Grab the freebie now.

3) Last, look for all my emails in your inbox. Glad to have you following me!

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2 CommentsFiled Under: 1. My FREE Learning Printables {Any Topic}, Ancient Civilizations, Free Homeschool Resources, Hands-On Activities, History Based, History Resources Tagged With: ancient civilizations, ancientegypt, hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, history, history resources

John Muir Spring Unit Study (and Hands-on Geography Ideas)

February 27, 2017 | 7 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have a fun John Muir spring unit study. Too, look at my pages Best Homeschool Unit Studies and Homeschool Geography for hands-on and simple ideas and tips.

No matter the age, most children still have a love for picture books. Recently, we read John Muir, America’s First Environmentalist and loved that book.

It looks like you could use it for about middle school down to elementary. It’s just a great book no matter which ages you use it for. Not only are the pictures beautiful but a short biography read gives us a needed break in our day.

John Muir Spring Homeschool Unit Study. Include all of your children by doing this free hands-on spring homeschool unit study to kick off spring while learning about John Muir's love for the great outdoors. Click here to grab it! | Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

Today, I decided to do a quick John Muir spring unit study as a way to celebrate spring and our love of reading picture books.

Look at this roundup and ideas for a multi-age unit study. Don’t you love including all of your children?

John Muir  – the Inventor, Environmentalist and Explorer

Muir and his inventions @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus. A machine which helps you to rise from bed.

After reading the short biography, you find out that John Muir was not only an adventurer and nature lover, but an inventor. What a great way for a young person to spend his time.

Download this 2 page pdf to learn about a few of his inventions.

LANGUAGE ARTS

Grab some quotes for this 2 page pdf for copywork or write a persuasive essay about John Muir’s stance on preserving nature for generations.

SCIENCE

Nature Journals

John Muir had a love for nature journaling! See some ideas @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

For the younger kids, about first or second grade, grab this free 3 page pdf John Muir Made a Difference with a free printable to jump start their nature journal.

Also, look at this hub page by my friend Barb for nature journal ideas and tips. You’ll love this round up.

And if you haven’t already downloaded this free WHOPPING 968 pages of Anna Comstock’s Handbook of Nature Study, it’s a must have for studying about science and nature.

Muir's dream of Yosemite becoming a national park comes true | Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

For your high school kids grab this free 8 page pdf lesson about Campsite Conversation which teaches about different points of view regarding how the environment should be cared for.

Glaciers

This is a helpful one page worksheet with questions and answers for key to learn about glaciers.

GEOGRAPHY

In California

For about third or fourth grade, grab this free 4 page pdf John Muir in California to study about California landmarks.

For your high school kids, grab this free 6 page pdf John Muir’s Vision Lives On which is about land issues and how to preserve the natural beauty and issues surrounding that.

Muir off to explore Florida @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

Around the World

You’ll love this free printable board game for learning about the places John Muir traveled.  Around the World in 76 Years.

Backpacking and hiking

The reason John Muir knew that the wilderness needed to be preserved was not only because he spent time outdoors, but he spent time hiking and exploring.

Grab this free 245 page unit study about backpacking and hiking.

Muir had a love for ice, the mountains and exploring glaciers. Look at some hands-on ideas @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

Hands-on Activities and Ideas

Learn about the power of ice.

John Muir had a love for snow and blizzards and soon his obsession turned to glaciers. Look at this easy hands-on idea of how ice shapes mountains.

Make an easy sand clock.

Also, he loved his inventions and was interested locks, water wheels and clocks. Look at this easy hands-on sand clock.

►Make a yummy metamorphic edible rock recipe.

Spending much of his time outdoors as he investigated mountains and cliffs, look at this easy Metamorphic Edible Rocks & Notebooking Pages.

More John Muir Unit Study Activities

  • California Landmarks With Naturalist John Muir | How To Make A Poppy Craft
  • 7 John Muir Environmentalist Facts and Fun Teaching Ideas

Muir Unit Study

►Make a simple compass out of things around the house.

And then learn how to make an easy homemade compass.

►Do this easy hands on activity with an egg to see how a plant digests their prey.

Also, Muir had a love for plants. Look at this easy hands-on activity to see how carnivorous plants digest their prey and grab the free notebooking pages.

►Make an easy pendulum clock.

Muir made a machine that helped him to rise from bed because he was focused on time. Make this easy pendulum clock.

I know all your kids will love this short picture book. Be sure to add  John Muir, America’s First Environmentalist to your collection and use it for a fun nature unit study.

Are you still in a spring sort of mood?

I have a couple more free unit studies you can do which have lapbooks.

Click here to grab my North American Robin Unit Study and Lapbook, then strawberries are the very first spring fruit, so grab my Free Strawberry Unit Study and Lapbook and if that is still not enough, grab this Toads and Amphibians Lapbook and Unit Study.

Happy Spring!

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.

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.

Click the image below to visit all the other blog articles from the homeschool moms of the iHomeschool Network.

7 CommentsFiled Under: Geography, Geography Based, Hands-On Activities, Science, Science Based Tagged With: art, geography, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, John Muir, middleschool, nature journaling, science, spring

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