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

Edible Rock Cycle Fudge | Hands-on Rock Activities & Free Notebooking Pages

June 3, 2024 | 4 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

We really love to do rock activities that are easy. Also, look at my Free Earth Science Lapbook & Unit Study Ideas.

There are so many different hands-on activities to do when learning about rocks.

We did a Metamorphic Edible Rocks & Notebooking Pages activity a while back and today we decided to whip out an edible rock cycle fudge. (yum)

Edible Rock Cycle Fudge | Hands-on Rock Activities & Free Notebooking Pages

Your kids will love seeing the different processes of the rock cycle while making rock cycle fudge. This is great for your middle school kids to do.

Your kids will love seeing the different processes of the rock cycle while making rock cycle fudge. This is great for your middle school kids to do.

Make Edible Rock Cycle Fudge

Let the younger ones measure and stir the ingredients when they are not hot.

Edible Rock Cycle Fudge | Hands-on Rock Activities & Free Notebooking Pages

Otherwise, turn this activity over to your kids. Yes, easy activities are my style.

Let’s go. Here is what you need.

  • Microwave | two bowls (one needs to be microwave safe)
  • spatula
  • wax paper
  • thin cookie sheet
  • liquid and dry measuring cups
  • 1/2 cup silt (sweetened condensed milk)
  • 1/2 cup quartz crystals (sugar)
  • 1 T. sediment (softened butter)
  • 1 cup limestone pieces (marshmallows)
  • 1/4 cup or more sandstone pieces (we used walnuts because we love them, but pecans are fine too)
  • | 3/4 cup basalt pieces (chocolate chips)
  • 1/2 t. vanilla extract

Add the milk, sugar and softened butter in microwave safe mixing bowl and stir to mix. Set aside.

Edible Rock Cycle Fudge

In the second bowl combine the one cup of marshmallows, 1/4 cup of walnuts or pecan pieces, 3/4 cup of chocolate chips, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Edible Rock Cycle Fudge | Hands-on Rock Activities & Free Notebooking Pages

Place the mixing bowl with the milk, sugar, and butter in the microwave.

Microwave it three times for 45 seconds each.

After each time, take it out, stir, and microwave again.

Edible Rock Cycle Fudge | Hands-on Rock Activities & Free Notebooking Pages

After the third time, pour the marshmallows, walnuts and chocolate chips into the bowl.

Everything should start melting.

(By the way since the mixing bowl has been microwaved 3 times, it’s hot. So your kids may want to use an oven mitten.)

If it’s not hot enough and melting, stick it in the microwave again and give it a few more seconds.

Edible Rock Cycle Fudge | Hands-on Rock Activities & Free Notebooking Pages

Pour out onto wax paper which is placed on a cookie sheet and refrigerate overnight.

Or, if you’re like us and can’t wait that long, stick it in the freezer for a while and cheat.

Here are some questions to ask about the rock cycle.

  1. What is the rock cycle? It’s how rocks are formed, it’s how rocks breakdown, and it’s how rocks form into other rocks.
  2. How is the fudge similar to the rock cycle? (Magma is chocolate, different pieces are sediment and when it cools, it’s igneous rock.)
  3. What is sediment? (Metamorphic rocks can break down and turn into sediment).
  4. What happens when we apply heat to a sedimentary rock?
  5. What is magma?

Look at some other hands-on rock activities I’ve rounded up and love.

 Rocks Unit Studies

  • Free Grand Canyon Unit Study.
  • Geology Leader Notebook 92 pages.
  • Free Homeschool Geology Unit Study And Easy DIY Eggshell Geode
  • Hands-on Science: Rocks & Minerals Unit.
  • Rocking the Cycle Unit Study 45 pages.
  • 4th Grade What are Minerals? 61 pages.

 Rock Printables, Lesson Plans and Activities

Now, look at some rock printables, lesson plans and activities.

  • Sedimentary Rocks Notebooking Pages.
  • Hands-On Rock Cycle: Crayons & Cookies.
    Metamorphic Rocks.
  • Rocks and Minerals: Scratch Test.
  • Geoscavenge – A Rock and Mineral Hunt & Printable
  • How Sedimentary Rocks are Formed.
  • 40+ Rocks and Stones Learning Activities for Kids.

Living Books About Rocks

And my favorite rock living book with hands-on activities.

6 Rock Unit Study Books & Fun Resources

Whatever grade you're teaching, you'll love adding one of these books or resources to your day.

1. A Rock Is Lively (Family Treasure Nature Encylopedias)

From dazzling blue lapis lazuli to volcanic snowflake obsidian, an incredible variety of rocks are showcased in all their splendor. Poetic in voice and elegant in design, this book introduces an array of facts, making it equally perfect for classroom sharing and family reading.

2. LED Lighted Pocket Microscope

 A pocket microscope is a great addition to a science shelf or to add to your bag for nature walks.

3. Rock Cycle Kit, 12 Pieces - Includes Metamorphic, Igneous & Sedimentary Rocks

You can grab a set like this one to start your collection, it contains rocks from each of the 3 types- Sedimentary, Metamorphic, and Igneous.

4. My Book of Rocks and Minerals: Things to Find, Collect, and Treasure

Identify colorful gemstones, sparkly crystals, the toughest rocks, and ancient fossils. Packed with fun facts, information, and extensive photos all about the rocks and minerals that make up the world around us.

Basher: Rocks & Minerals: A Gem of a Book

Simon Basher is back with another zany primer to science! Following his 3 successful titles on the basics of chemistry, physics, and biology, BASHER SCIENCE: ROCKS AND MINERALS is an in-depth look at the ground beneath our feet. Like his other titles, Basher presents these topics through charming and adorable illustrations and pairs them with basic information told from a first person perspective. He develops a community of characters based on the things that form the foundations
of our planet: rocks, gems, crystals, fossils and more. And what's more, he makes it understandable, interesting, and cute. It's not what you expect out of a science primer.

Everybody Needs a Rock (An Aladdin Book)

Everybody needs a rock -- at least that's the way this particular rock hound feels about it in presenting her own highly individualistic rules for finding just the right rock for you.

Edible Rock Cycle Fudge | Hands-on Rock Activities & Free Notebooking Pages

Media About Rocks

  • Be a Rock Detective.
  • Fun – Sing Karaoka.
  • The Rock Cycle
  • The World Under a Rock
  • Our World – The Rock Cycle.

More Ideas for Edible Rock Activities

  • Rock Stacking.
  • Rock Activities For Kindergarten And Fun Edible Rock Cycle
  • Edible Rocks, Munching Meteorites
  • Metamorphic Edible Rocks & Notebooking Pages
  • Edible Sedimentary Rocks.
  • How to Identify Rocks Using a Nature Guide
  • Rock Candy Crystals.
  • DIY Agate Candy Slices.

Free 3 Notebooking Pages

Next, use my pages below to add your child’s thoughts about rocks.

  1. 3 Types of Rock Definition Page
  2. How Are Rocks Formed, Define Weathering, & Describe the Rock Cycle
  3. The ABCs of Rocks.

How to Get the Free Notebooking Pages

Now, how to grab the freebies. They are subscriber freebies.

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!

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.

Your kids will love seeing the different processes of the rock cycle while making rock cycle fudge. This is great for your middle school kids to do. And grab some free hands-on homeschool ideas for studying about the fascinating topic of rocks. Click here to make this delicious and fun activity!

4 CommentsFiled Under: 1. My FREE Learning Printables {Any Topic}, Geography, Hands-On Activities, Middle School Homeschool, My Unit Studies {Free Printables & Hands-on Ideas}, Science, Science Based Tagged With: earthscience, freeprintables, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool, homeschoolscience, rocks, science, sciencecurriculum

Ancient Greece Unit Study Play Stomachion Like Archimedes {Explore Geometry}

May 6, 2024 | 9 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

We are picking up on our Ancient Greece unit study. Studying Archimedes stomachion, we added a bit of geometry. Also, you’ll love my two Ancient Greece Lapbooks. Go here to Fun Ancient Greece Homeschool Unit Study and Lapbook and Free Awesome Ancient Greece Lapbook and Fun Hands-on Activities to grab both free lapbooks.

Ancient Greece Unit Study Play Stomachion Like Archimedes {Explore Geometry}

So, we have the book, TOOLS OF THE ANCIENT GREEKS: A Kid’s Guide to the History & Science of Life in Ancient Greece (Build It Yourself), which is fantastic for hands-on ideas.

So Tiny picked out another activity from this book, which is playing Stomachion.

The book brought out that some called the game loculus Archimedius (Archimedes’ box).

First, look at some of these other books about Ancient Greece we loved.

Books about Greece for Ancient Greece

8 Living History Books about Ancient Greece

You'll love this roundup of living history books about Ancient Greece.

D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths

In print for over fifty years, D'Aulaires Book of Greek Myths has introduced generations to Greek mythology—and continues to enthrall young readers. Here are the greats of ancient Greece—gods and goddesses, heroes and monsters—as freshly described in words and pictures as if they were alive today. No other volume of Greek mythology has inspired as many young readers as this timeless classic. Both adults and children alike will find this book a treasure for years to come. “For any child fortunate enough to have this generous book . . . the kings and heroes of ancient legend will remain forever matter-of-fact; the pictures interpret the text literally and are full of detail and witty observation.”—The Horn Book

Ancient Greece for Kids Through the Lives of its Philosophers, Lawmakers, and Heroes (History for Kids - Traditional, Story-Based Format)

The suggested reader age for this book is 8 to 14 years old. To write this book, I went back to Herodotus, Plutarch, Diogenes Laertius, and other ancient sources of biographical anecdotes, and extracted from them the stories that will be most memorable to a modern kid. I retold them without adding any fictional color. I have omitted some things, however. Anything gruesome or seriously cruel is not included. Anything off-color, or outside traditional-family-friendly morality is not included. I have included only accounts of the most major battles, and without much detail. Battles are important, but as a kid - maybe as a girl - I was falling asleep over the ancient battles. Politics: Again, I have included only major turns of events.

I wove the information about the social order and geography of Ancient Greece into the stories of the era's historical figures. So, no worries, the kid will learn about the Agora and Acropolis of Athens, the city-states of Corinth and Sparta, daily life in an Ancient Greek household, the major Greek temples, and the three orders of Ancient Greek architecture. This book is richly illustrated. I don't agree that if you are 13 or 16 you should be content with pages and pages of text and no pictures. Illustrations help both kids and grownups to visualize - and therefore to remember - events and descriptions. I have illustrated the book mostly with paintings portraying historical figures or everyday life in classical Greece. Whenever I could, I chose late 19th century and early 20th century art over the older neoclassical paintings for a more accurate representation of the Ancient Greek costume and environment.

The Iliad for Boys and Girls

The Iliad is typically described as one of the greatest war stories of all time. Set during the Trojan War, this timeless poem vividly conveys the horror and heroism of men and gods wrestling with towering emotions and battling amid devastation and destruction. Homer's tale is a compassionate view of human life lived under the shadow of suffering and death in the face of an often uncaring divinity.

Archimedes and the Door of Science (Living History Library)

Jeanne Bendick, through text and pictures, admirably succeeds in bringing to life the ancient Greek mathematician who enriched mathematics and all branches of science. Against the backdrop of Archimedes' life and culture, the author discusses the man's work, his discoveries and the knowledge later based upon it. The simple, often humorous, illustrations and diagrams greatly enhance the text.

The Great Philosophers: Socrates, Plato & Aristotle - Ancient Greece - 5th Grade Biography - Children's Biographies

You have probably heard about Socrates, Plato and Aristotle. When it comes to ancient minds who created foundations in philosophy, science, and math, these three names would automatically come up. But what exactly did they do to warrant immense respect and admiration? Well, your fifth grader will soon find out from this biography book.

Marathon Looks on the Sea

Illustrated by Erwin Schachner. The story of the Battle of Marathon and how it determined the future of Athens.

Life in Ancient Athens (Picture the Past)

What was it like to live in Ancient Athens? All the people who lived in ancient Greece spoke the same language and worshipped the same gods and goddesses. But they all lived in different city states a city and the land around it that it controlled. These city states were all run differently, and there were often fights between them. Despite their differences, there were things that united the city states. Find out more in this exciting title.

Growing Up In Ancient Greece (Growing Up In series)

Describes daily life in ancient Greece, discussing life in the city, life in the country, school, ceremonies and festivals, food, and other aspects

Hands On Math

It just requires a few things and instead of printing off the puzzle pieces, Tiny decide to do it himself.

Stomachion 1 @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

So this is what we started off with, but like normal, we change it a bit as we went along.

  • 12 inch square poster board
  • ruler
  • pencil
  • sharpie
  • scissors
  • markers or map pencils.

We started off using the Prismacolor Colored Pencils, but decided we would go with our professional art markers because Tiny could color the puzzle pieces faster and they were brighter too.

Either set would be okay for this project.

Ancient Greece Unit Study Play Stomachion Like Archimedes {Explore Geometry}

So he began by making 1 inch grids on his poster board page.

Ancient Greece Unit Study Play Stomachion Like Archimedes {Explore Geometry}

Then he copied the pieces following the coordinates on the picture out of the book TOOLS OF THE ANCIENT GREEKS: A Kid’s Guide to the History & Science of Life in Ancient Greece (Build It Yourself) and suppose to have ended up with 14 pieces.

Ancient Greece Unit Study Hands On Activity

He caught his mistake (he only has 13 shown) after I took the picture, but too he is doing more of his own self-checking instead of me supervising so closely.

Ancient Greece Unit Study Play Stomachion Like Archimedes {Explore Geometry}

So here he corrected his mistake by coloring the piece black.

Here is the 14 piece puzzle after he colored each piece.

Then he cut out each piece.

Ancient Greece Unit Study Play Stomachion Like Archimedes {Explore Geometry}
Archimedes Stomachion an Elephant @ Tina’ s Dynamic Homeschool Plus

He started playing with the shapes and made an elephant.

Isn’t this just the coolest?

Of course, his pieces are off a bit in size proportion, but then again this was a lesson too in measuring accurately and taking your time, but I wanted it fun for him too.

Ancient Greece Unit Study Play Stomachion Like Archimedes {Explore Geometry}
Archimedes Stomachion a Hummingbird @ Tina’s Dynamic Homeschool Plus

Then next, he made this. Is it a hummingbird or is it a diving duck?

Uhmm, well Tiny said hummingbird, so I’ll go with that.

Point is, Tiny is having lots of fun playing with these puzzle pieces and exploring geometry like Archimedes did.

He has made a few more pictures, but this baby is not as easy as it looks to build.

Unlike the squares and triangles he did in grade school, they shapes are more challenging.

He is loving exploring about Ancient Greece this this fun math activity! Have you tried this before?

More Hands-on Ancient Greece Activities for Kids

  • Hands-On Ancient Greece Study: Politics and Pottery
  • Free Ancient Greece Go Fish Game – Ancient Greece Unit Study
  • Cursive and Free Greece Copywork Poetry
  • Hands-on Activity Refraction
  • Hands-on Activity Ancient Greece Chariot
  • Geronimo Stilton The Race Against Time Build a Fun Greek Water Clock
  • Free Greek Mythology Unit Study and Greece Lapbook & Fun Hands on LEGO Zeus
Ancient Greece Unit Study. Try Archimedes game stomachion to explore geometry@ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

Don’t Forget Follow My Ancient Greece Pinterest Board

Follow Tinas Dynamic Homeschool ‘s board Ancient Greece on Pinterest.

9 CommentsFiled Under: History Based, History Resources Tagged With: hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities

Reliving The Past: Lewis And Clark’s Hands-on Experience With Simple Char Cloth

April 14, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, we’re making char cloth. Also, look at my page Lewis and Clark Fun Homeschool Unit Study and Lapbook for more activities.

We looked over the list of supplies that Lewis and Clark took with them on their expedition.

It sparked a few ideas of some hands-on things to make.

Reliving The Past: Lewis And Clark's Hands-on Experience With Simple Char Cloth

First, review the list of Lewis and Clark Expedition supplies here.

Several items looked pretty interesting to attempt to make.

However, but we honed in on the skills and supplies needed to start a fire.

A flint and steel would have been kept handy.

And no doubt some kind of cloth or charred cloth to ignite a spark and start the fire.

But first, look at some books to add to your learning day.

15 Lewis and Clark | Sacagawea Exploration Unit Study Resources

Lewis and Clark is one of the most significant periods in American history and you can spend weeks exploring the lands and people west of the Mississippi with these fun books and resources.

How We Crossed The West: The Adventures Of Lewis And Clark

Appealing art and descriptive text bring Lewis and Clark alive for young adventurers. Carefully chosen text from Lewis and Clark's actual journals opens a fascinating window into this country's exciting history.

National Geographic Readers: Sacagawea

Explore one of the most recognized figures in American history with this biography of Sacagawea. Kids will learn about her crucial role in the Lewis and Clark expedition and her influential legacy.  The level 3 text provides accessible, yet wide-ranging, information for independent readers.

Of Courage Undaunted: Across the Continent with Lewis & Clark

Commissioned in 1803 by President Thomas Jefferson to explore and open up this vast territory, Lewis and Clark felt it was the realization of a lifelong dream. Against the hardships of the wilderness, possible attack by hostile Indians, sudden blizzards and terrifying natural obstacles, these two men led the Corps of Discovery ably and nobly to complete their mission. Their Corps included American Indians from the Sioux, Mandan, Shoshone, Clatsop and Chopunnish tribes. Sacajawea, the only woman on the trip, was a Shoshone woman who contributed invaluable service as interpreter and guide. Daugherty's evocative sepia and black ink illustrations depict individuals of humor, vitality, passion, and strength.

Undaunted Courage: Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson, and the Opening of the American West

From the New York Times bestselling author the definitive book on Lewis and Clark’s exploration of the Louisiana Purchase, the most momentous expedition in American history and one of the great adventure stories of all time.

The Truth About Sacajawea (Lewis & Clark Expedition)

The only book ever written that tells the eyewitness truth about this famous teenage Indian mother who was indispensable to the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

The Journals of Lewis and Clark: 1805: Volume II

On May 14, 1804, the Corps of Discovery set out from Camp Dubois, Illinois, heading westward under the command of Captain Meriwether Lewis and his Second Lieutenant, William Clark. While Lewis led the group in terms of rank, the two men became de facto equals, giving their names jointly to a journey that would shape the future of the fledgling United States — the Lewis and Clark Expedition. This book presents journal entries taken directly from the expedition.

Sacagawea: American Pathfinder

Describes how Sacagawea found adventure guiding Lewis and Clark to the Oregon coast.

Along the Trail with Lewis and Clark (Third Edition): A Guide to the Trail Today

Take Your Own Journey through History on the Lewis & Clark Trail! Follow the journey of the Corps of Discovery from Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello through the Midwest and the Rockies, to the Pacific Ocean and back with this detailed chronicle of the Lewis & Clark Expedition. This third edition of the classic guidebook features accessible text that combines the historical sites and color maps that merge the past and present in a user-friendly and entertaining way.

What Was the Lewis and Clark Expedition?

When Meriwether Lewis, William Clark, and the "Corp of Discovery" left St. Louis, Missouri, on May 1, 1804, their mission was to explore the vast, unknown territory acquired a year earlier in the Louisiana Purchase. The travelers hoped to find a waterway that crossed the western half of the United States. They didn't. However, young readers will love this true-life adventure tale of the two-year journey that finally brought the explorers to the Pacific Ocean.

The Lewis and Clark Expedition (Graphic History)

In this epic graphic novel, follow the dramatic story of  the Lewis and Clark expedition. In 1804, these two explorers, along with their "Corps of Discovery," traversed the unmapped American West, leading to scientific discoveries, interactions with Native nations, and route to the Pacific Ocean. Dramatic illustrations and fast-paced text provide a "you-are-there" experience. With extensive back matter, including a bibliography, extended reading list, glossary, and further Internet sources, young readers will gobble up this action-packed comic book about one of history's most compelling moments.

The Oregon Trail: The Journey Across the Country From Lewis and Clark to the Transcontinental Railroad With 25 Projects

In The Oregon Trail: The Journey Across the Country from Lewis and Clark to the Transcontinental Railroad, readers ages 9 to 12 can delve into the explorations of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark and other explorers. They can learn about the more than half a million people who followed during the nineteenth century. What challenges did these pioneers face on the 2,170-mile journey? How were Native American tribes and nations affected by this mass migration? Primary sources allow readers to feel like a part of the Oregon Trail experience while biographical sidebars will introduce the compelling people who were part of this time in U.S. history. Investigative, hands-on projects and critical thinking activities such as writing a treaty and researching artistic impressions of the Oregon Trail invite readers to further their understanding of life on the trail, early towns and forts, and the Transcontinental Railroad that followed the wagons into new lands and territories that would eventually become states.

Seaman's Journal

A trade paperback edition of the award-winning tale of the journey of Lewis and Clark. When Seaman, a Newfoundland dog, met his new master in August of 1803, he didn't know that he would spend the next three years on an adventure of more than 8,000 miles to the Pacific Ocean and back. Seaman's Journal is based on actual entries in Meriwether Lewis s journal describing Seaman, and it presents an account of the Lewis and Clark expedition as seen from the viewpoint of Lewis s dog. Join Seaman before the trip as preparations take place. Meet the Native American guides and friends they encountered along the way. And read of Seaman s love for Sacajawea, the Shoshone woman whose husband acted as interpreter and guide. Ages 5-8.

The Lewis & Clark Expedition: Join the Corps of Discovery to Explore Uncharted Territory

Describes the expedition led by Lewis and Clark to explore the unknown western regions of America at the beginning of the nineteenth century.

Lewis and Clark for Kids: Their Journey of Discovery with 21 Activities

Following Meriwether Lewis and William Clark’s Corps of Discovery as they navigate the muddy Missouri River and begin a great adventure, this activity book is set against the background of the vast North American continent. It takes children from President Jefferson’s vision of an exploratory mission across a continent full of unique plants and animals through their dangerous and challenging journey into the unknown to the expedition’s triumphant return to the frontier town of St. Louis. Twenty-one activities bring to life the Native American tribes they encountered, the plants and animals they discovered, and the camping and navigating techniques they used. A glossary of terms and listings of Lewis and Clark sites, museums, and related websites round out this comprehensive activity book.

It's Her Story Sacajawea A Graphic Novel

Sacajawea was a brilliant, multilingual Shoshone girl who was torn from her home at a young age. In 1804, she set out with the Lewis and Clark Expedition, acting as an interpreter and guide across hundreds of miles of unmapped land to reach the Pacific Ocean. Almost 200 years later, she became the first Indigenous woman to appear on a US coin. This is her story.

In addition, look at what is a char cloth.

Making Char Cloth

This was a good definition Wikipedia had of char cloth.

Also called charpaper, charred clothed is a swatch of fabric made from vegetable fiber (such as linen, cotton or jute) that has been converted via pyrolysis into a slow-burning fuel of very low ignition temperature. It can be ignited by a single spark that can in turn be used to ignite a tinder bundle to start a fire.

Our activity today give Tiny some science research.

It got us thinking on the flammability of fabrics, like cotton versus wool and silk and linen.

Too, grab this Great Balls of Fire free pdf download. This gives another hands-on activity to learn about flammability of fabrics.

It just added to what we were learning about today.

Besides, it highlights one of the easiest and natural ways to start a fire.

Also, Tiny did a bit of research on how wood gets charred.

Because we had most of the items in the house for a quick activity, we decided to make easy charred cloth.

Reliving The Past: Lewis And Clark’s Hands-on Experience With Simple Char Cloth

Look at the items we used:

  • Altoid can or other tin can with snug fitting lid
  • Ice pick or knife or some other really sharp object to poke a hole in the lid
  • Fire
  • Cotton (has to be all cotton) cloth. We used cleaning rag remnants.

We tore part of the rag into small pieces of cloth that easily fit into the Altoid can. We had enough room around them so they could breath or have room around the edges.

Then we poked a hole in the top of the Altoid can with an ice pick.

Reliving The Past: Lewis And Clark’s Hands-on Experience With Simple Char Cloth

After putting the cloth in the tin, we set it on a fire.

We used a candle we had and didn’t need. Now, we did school for the day while this stayed on the fire a good part of the day.

Hands-on History Lewis and Clark

A faster way is to put the can in a fireplace inside your home or make a fire outside.

Our weather was nice today, but this easily could be a great activity to do in the winter.

Not only could you use your indoor fireplace, but you could use the charred cloth afterwards to spark a fire.

Anyway, we just placed our can on the candle like I said for most of the day so it would smoke slowly and char the cloth.

Reliving The Past: Lewis And Clark’s Hands-on Experience With Simple Char Cloth

After it completely cools, which is real important otherwise it burns up, open it up to examine the cloth.

Reliving The Past: Lewis And Clark’s Hands-on Experience With Simple Char Cloth

We have several nice pieces of charred cloth to use to ignite a fire.

Besides, you never know when you may be called upon at a moment’s notice to build a fire while on the frontier.

Tiny loves movies about surviving and wilderness living (me too) and so this is just another fun activity we learned about using natural fibers and materials to start a raging fire and no doubt some of the same things that Lewis and Clark had to know.

Here is another good set of instructions from instructables using blue jeans.

GRAB THESE OTHER RESOURCES AND HANDS-ON IDEAS

Reliving The Past: Lewis And Clark’s Hands-on Experience With Simple Char Cloth
Reliving The Past: Lewis And Clark’s Hands-on Experience With Simple Char Cloth
Reliving The Past: Lewis And Clark’s Hands-on Experience With Simple Char Cloth
Reliving The Past: Lewis And Clark’s Hands-on Experience With Simple Char Cloth
Reliving The Past: Lewis And Clark’s Hands-on Experience With Simple Char Cloth
Reliving The Past: Lewis And Clark’s Hands-on Experience With Simple Char Cloth
Reliving The Past: Lewis And Clark’s Hands-on Experience With Simple Char Cloth

Hugs and love ya,

Signature T
Lewis & Clark hands-on history. Make an easy char cloth @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

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

Visit Tina Robertson’s profile on Pinterest.


Visit Tinas Dynamic Homeschool ‘s profile on Pinterest.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Geography Based, Hands-On Activities, History Based, History Resources, Science Based Tagged With: hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, history, history resources, homeschoolhighschool, homeschoolhistory, lewis and clark, lewisandclark

What is Year Around Homeschooling? Part 2

March 21, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I realized that year around homeschooling for my family meant shorter days, longer breaks, more meaningful lessons, less prep time for teacher to cover things “lost” during a long down time. Also, look on my page The Dynamics of How to Homeschool Easily and Smarter.

And year round homeschooling meant a choice of vacation time that suited my family’s rhythm whether it was summer or otherwise.

What is Year Around Homeschooling? Part 2

Then the next thing I wanted to know is “How does the schedule look?”

What are others doing that makes it successful for them or a good fit for their family?

Next, look at some of these books to help you plan to school year round.

5 BEST How to Homeschool Books

I've rounded up some of the best books to help you get started homeschooling.

Homeschooling for New Homeschoolers: When You Don't Know Where to Begin

Homeschooling 31 Day Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers is a real eye-opener on homeschooling. It will alleviate a lot of the anxieties about getting started homeschooling. Reading each chapter’s highlights will give you encouragement, knowledge, guidance, and peace of mind to homeschool with confidence. The best part is that you’ll be educating the person who loves your kids the most in this world--YOU! Armed with the knowledge to make better choices in curriculum will empower you to continue the path of home education. Unlike many books based on one family’s experience, Homeschooling 31 Day Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers is also based on Tina’s many years of mentoring hundreds and hundreds of new homeschoolers at live workshops. When you don’t know where to begin Homeschooling 31 Day Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers equips you to successfully homeschool your children.

The Unhurried Homeschooler

Homeschooling is a wonderful, worthwhile pursuit, but many homeschool parents struggle with feelings of burnout and frustration. If you have ever felt this way, you’re not alone! Most of us need to be reminded of the “why” of homeschooling from time to time—but "The Unhurried homeschooler" takes parents a step further and lifts the unnecessary burdens that many parents place on themselves.

Teaching from Rest: A Homeschooler's Guide to Unshakable Peace

Those who have made the decision to homeschool their children have done so out of great love for their children and a desire to provide them an excellent education in the context of a warm, enriching home.

The Brave Learner: Finding Everyday Magic in Homeschool, Learning, and Life

Parents who are deeply invested in their children's education can be hard on themselves and their kids. When exhausted parents are living the day-to-day grind, it can seem impossible to muster enough energy to make learning fun or interesting. How do parents nurture a love of learning amid childhood chaos, parental self-doubt, the flu, and state academic standards?

Unschooled: Raising Curious, Well-Educated Children Outside the Conventional Classroom

Education has become synonymous with schooling, but it doesn’t have to be. As schooling becomes increasingly standardized and test driven, occupying more of childhood than ever before, parents and educators are questioning the role of schooling in society. Many are now exploring and creating alternatives.

More Homeschooling Year Around Tips

  • What is Year Around Homeschooling? Part 1
  • What is Year Around Homeschooling? Part 2
  • Homeschooling Year Round – Chaos Or Calm?
  • How a Homeschool Planning Calendar is Superior to a Regular Calendar
  • 4 Benefits to Planning Early for the Next Homeschool Year

What is Year Around Homeschooling Part 2

Here are some options for schedules that I have followed and are following:

  • 4 weeks on, one off, until spring or holiday times, then off for a month.

This I found was best for when the kids were younger, and I would get behind on house work and chores.

Too, when I was pregnant or just sick and needed more rest, this was a much more relaxed time since the down time was longer.

You can even take off a month during the holidays or springtime.

  • 4 days schooling, one day off during the week instead of one consecutive week.

(This is the schedule I am presently kind of following. I prefer to have “off” one day during the week that is not school so that I can re-organize, catch up on work, help newbies or just do nothing. I don’t take it off EVERY week but maybe ONCE every three weeks or so)

  • 6 weeks schooling, take off one week.

This will give you more time at any “interval” during the year where you may want to take off 2 weeks.

  • One month off for “travel” for science and history.

Here is the problem – although it’s a nice problem but is this REALLY off or are your children learning while you are going to museums, field trips and visiting Washington D.C?

Summer months we hit school harder because here in Texas, it is too hot to be outside too long.

We save being outside for milder weather.

We can actually swim here in Texas all the way through September. So plenty of time for being outdoors and have a “summer” it’s just not in summer, but in fall.

Keep to the regular school schedule. If this is working for you, no need to change something that your family likes.

Summer months hit lighter. (We did this for this past year as my past year was very busy with school and my husband’s work). So, math and reading only and mostly rest.

Cover only like or two subjects during the summer. I always cover math.

But some homeschoolers prefer language arts, but I do not.

I prefer to do some science or history or craft projects that would be more time consuming during the year. This way we can give almost the whole day to learning about it.

One year I just schooled until we needed a break, like 8 to 10 weeks and then took like 2 weeks.

This is also a GREAT schedule. It is very refreshing, and you feel like you can stay caught up during the year.

What Year Round Homeschooling is NOT

1. Missing making fun summer time memories.

This is plenty of time for that and to keep moving forward in school.

2.No rest for the weary. It is really just the opposite.

My husband can tell when I and the kids are finishing a break. I have way more energy and patience in dealing with the children.

3. Drudgery. Homeschooling is about life; life is about homeschooling.

If our life hits drudgery, and it can at times since we are just human, it just means we need a change.

Drudgery is something that seems to sap long time homeschoolers, so we need to re-focus and realize the blessings that come from a long term relationship.

Change can come with new curriculum, a new routine, less structured work or just getting among other fellow homeschoolers.

The “newness and freshness” of new homeschoolers, the EXCITEMENT that consumes their every waking minutes and passion they have are contagious.

What do you think? Have you given year round homeschooling a try?

What is Year Round Homeschooling Part 2

Leave a CommentFiled Under: How To - - -, My Unit Studies {Free Printables & Hands-on Ideas}, Plan For & School Year Around, Schedule/Balance Home & School Tagged With: curriculum planner, new homeschool year, planner, planning, yeararoundhomeschool

Above & Below: Pond Unit Study, Hands-on Ideas, & Lapbook

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

Whether you study a pond in winter or summer, a pond unit study makes for a great hands-on science project. You can add many different nature topics. Also, look at my other Best Homeschool Unit Studies and Lapbook Ideas.

There are just as many things that grow above a pond as there are that live below in a pond.

Above & Below: Pond Unit Study, Hands-on Ideas, & Lapbook

Too, look at the free minibooks included in this download which are our subtopics.

  • Define limnology
  • How to define a pond
  • Types of pond
  • 3 characteristics of water
  • Types of pond plants
  • Other pond & shore plants
  • Major groups of pond animals
  • Plants and animals on the food chain
  • Woody plants

Look at these resources that I gathered up for a pond unit study and then I have a nifty lapbook for you too.

Like most all of my unit studies, I give you ideas for Prek to High school.

Also, you’ll love some of these books about ponds.

11 Fun Pond Life Resources for Kids

Add one or two of these resources to you learning day or to a pond unit study.

Over and Under the Pond: (Environment and Ecology Books for Kids)

In Over and Under the Pond, readers will discover the plants and animals that make up the rich, interconnected ecosystem of a mountain pond. Over the pond, the water is a mirror, reflecting the sky. But under the water is a hidden world of creatures—minnows darting, beavers diving, and tadpoles growing.  
These secrets and many others are waiting to be discovered over and under the pond in this sweet children’s book from Kate Messner and Christopher Silas Neal, the latest in their beloved series that offers kids a peek into hidden ecosystems.

Natural and Earth Science Educational Flash Card

This set of 48 cards features a colorful illustration on one side and informational facts on the other side.

CARD SIZE: 4.5 x 6 inches. Each card is double-sided and durable.

Rivers, Ponds, and Lakes (Collins Nature Explorers)

Have you ever wondered:

  • How to find life in a puddle?
  • What lives in your local river?
  • How to make a micro zoo?
  • How pond snails breathe?

Now you can become an expert nature explorer and learn fantastic facts to impress your friends and family!

You'll love that these hands-on books contain straightforward and safe step-by-step projects, allowing you to help your children discover the natural world. They are ideal supplements to school science projects and the perfect activities for weekends and vacations.

Pond Life: Revised and Updated (A Golden Guide from St. Martin's Press)

This guide describes and illustrates, in full color, the plants and animals that live in or near ponds, lakes, streams, and wetlands. It includes surface-dwelling creatures as well as those of open water, the bottom, and the shore and tells how various animals and plants live together in a community.Plus suggestions for:Where and when to lookObserving and collecting specimensMaking exciting discoveries

Photo Credit: ourjourneywestward.com

Peaceful Ponds

Using Peaceful Ponds, you’ll have so much fun learning about pond plants and animals, as well as earth science topics as they relate to ponds. 

Lakes and Ponds!: With 25 Science Projects for Kids

Imagine the smooth, glasslike surface of a pond, the water mirroring a bright moon or a crystal blue sky. The water appears perfectly calm and still. What’s going on underneath the surface?

Lakes and Ponds! With 25 Science Projects for Kids invites kids ages 7 though 10 to investigate the bodies of water that might look calm from the shore but which are teeming with life and activity! Through fun facts and engaging content, readers explore the plants and animals living in lakes and ponds, from fish darting about to dragonfly nymphs gestating in the shallows to algae and aquatic plants converting sunlight into energy through photosynthesis. Discover fun facts about the duckweed, water lilies, and cattails growing in and around the waters of lakes and ponds. It’s a busy place!

Keystone Species that Live in Ponds, Streams, & Wetlands (Kid's Guide to Keystone Species in Nature)

The same thing is true in nature. Certain species of animals and plants are so important to their ecosystems, that if they disappear, the whole system may collapse. They are called keystone species.

Frogs and Toads and Tadpoles, Too (Rookie Read-About Science: Animals)

What's the difference between a frog and a toad? The natural world comes alive for young readers (Ages 6-7) with Rookie Read-About "RM" Science! With striking, full-color photos and just the right amount of text, this series immediately involves young readers as they discover intriguing facts about the fascinating world around them.This book discusses the likenesses and differences between frogs and toads.

Amphibian

Frogs, toads, newts, salamanders, and the rare caecilians come in a stunning array of colors, shapes, sizes, and habitats. They live both in water and on land and move in a variety of ways from swimming to hopping and even flying. With a series of specially commissioned photographs, DK Eyewitness Books: Amphibian takes a close look at the fascinating natural history of these creatures from the bright green, red-eyed tree frogs to dull, burrowing, wormlike caecilians; from startling black and yellow fire salamanders to tiny transparent glass frogs.

Pond Life: A Folding Pocket Guide to Familiar Plants & Animals Living in or Near Ponds, Lakes & Wetlands (Wildlife and Nature Identification)

So many people get their start in nature study by exploring ponds. These small bodies of calm, standing water are fascinating living laboratories of plant and animal life at all scales, from microscopic algae to iconic birds like Great Blue Herons or ecosystem engineers like Beavers. To better understand how a pond ecosystems functions, it helps to get familiar with its living parts, namely its flora and fauna. The portable reference Pond Life is an excellent tool to bring on your next pond study, as it includes beautiful illustrations of 140 common and familiar birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fishes, insects, and other invertebrates as well as trees, shrubs, and wildflowers. Laminated for durability, this lightweight, waterproof, 12-panel folding pocket guide is the perfect tool for educators, learners, naturalists, botanists, and wildlife enthusiasts to use the next time they go searching for minnows, tadpoles, or dragonfly nymphs at their local pond.

Pond Wildlife (Adventures in Nature)

Get ready to take a leap into the water in this exciting exploration of pond habitats. This volume examines different kinds of pond habitats, and the creatures that are found both in the water and on its edge, from bass to grass snakes to herons. Readers will learn about life cycles, ecosystems, and conservation, which are important curricula-based science topics. This volume pairs compelling text with vivid color photographs to bring readers on a nature walk they won’t soon forget. Diagrams, activities, and quizzes provide greater opportunities for exploration. This book is perfect for nature-enthused readers to get their feet wet identifying creatures and understanding the wonder of pond wildlife!

Pond Unit Study and Lapbook

  • Ron’s pond scum. Neat site with pictures taken through a microscope.
  • Earth’s Kids – ponds and wetlands science.
  • A virtual pond dip.
  • Water holes to mini-pond lesson plan.
  • At the pond for the littles.
  • Small pond creatures.
  • Pond water web.
  • Pond life identification.
  • Pond animal life printout.
  • 15 Swamp Craft & Activity Ideas.
  • Missouri pond handbook. Neat resource with lots of information.
  • Pond ecology.
  • Pond Theme Activities – Stem – Free Printables
  • What’s in this water.
  • Pond life theme for Prek.

Pond Hands-on Ideas

  • Plastic bag pond.
  • Tadpoles and frogs.
  • Free land and water form cards.
  • Wide mouthed frog craft printable.
  • 25 Water Hands-On Activities for Kids.
  • Pond Sensory Bin.
  • Cattails craft.
  • Coffee filter lily pad.
  • Duck craft handprint.
  • Pond Dipping Spotter Form.
Looking for a fun and free multiple age Pond Unit Study and lapbook? You’ll love these resources whether you study a pond in the winter, summer, spring or fall. Check out this what is above and what is below in a pond homeschool unit study and free awesome lapbook. CLICK HERE!!

More Pond Resources

  • Make Way For Ducklings Fun Duck Pond Playdough Invitation to Play
  • Pond Life for Kindergarten Activity Build a Fun Beaver Dam
  • Why Is a Toad An Amphibian And Pondlife Facts & Make a Fun Toad House
  • 8 Engaging Pond Books for Preschoolers Who Love Pond Animals

Nature Study: A Week at the Pond.
Identifying pond animals.
Life in a pond study guide.

Spring to life ponds teachers guide.
Learning Places Pond Unit.
Beaver’s teachers guide.
Vernal Ponds: Seasonal Habitats for Wildlife. 

Above and Below in the Pond

Above & Below: Pond Unit Study, Hands-on Ideas, & Lapbook

  • Cattail – this edible plant is also an excellent source of weaving material, tinder, and insect repellent.
  • Macroinvertebrate Match-Up Cards.
  • Wetlands Ecosystem teacher’s guide.

When we did our unit study, I used one book that we had and one book that we wanted.

One book I have because it has easy hands-on activities.

It’s the book Rivers, Ponds, and Lakes (Collins Nature Explorers) and the one I had to have is Pond Life: Revised and Updated (A Golden Guide from St. Martin’s Press) because it’s packed with so much information about pond life.

Above & Below: Pond Unit Study, Hands-on Ideas, & Lapbook

Together these two books made for a great pond study.I was SO pleased with this tiny little guide packed with a HUGE amount of information.

Above & Below: Pond Unit Study, Hands-on Ideas, & Lapbook

Literally, this guide could fit in a shirt pocket. It’s the perfect size to take to study a pond, stream, or other wetland area.

Besides having colorful illustrations which are not goofy looking but perfect for the science-minded, it is chock-full of facts about plants and animals of the pond.

Above & Below: Pond Unit Study, Hands-on Ideas, & Lapbook

The chapters like Characteristics of Water, Habitats, Food Webs, Observing and Collecting, and then Plants and Animals.

The plants and animals sections are divided into groups along with pictures of each group.

I’m really pleased with this little guide Pond Life: Revised and Updated (A Golden Guide from St. Martin’s Press).

Above & Below: Pond Unit Study, Hands-on Ideas, & Lapbook

Then the second book, Rivers, Ponds, and Lakes (Collins Nature Explorers) is one I have and we used it to because it has fun outdoor activities.

A few of the activities are build your own backyard pond, use light to catch fish, and race snails.

Above & Below: Pond Unit Study, Hands-on Ideas, & Lapbook

The chapters in this book are Freshwater habitats, Puddles, Ponds and Lakes, Rivers and Streams and Boggy, soggy swamps.

We love the one above about collecting skins and mud tracking.

How to Test Pond Water – Older Kid Outdoor Science Lab

We loved reading and studying about pond life.

Above & Below: Pond Unit Study, Hands-on Ideas, & Lapbook

There are many fun things to do for younger kids/

But one thing we did for an older kid to make it more of a lab is to use a water testing kit.

Above & Below: Pond Unit Study, Hands-on Ideas, & Lapbook

The water testing kit came with a mini notebook, a cool TDS meter, vials and test strips.

It’s a great way of learning about the water in your area and to do a lab with an older learner. 

You’ll want to find 4 different water sources.

We used the ditch in the back of our house, the creek from the local park on our walk, bottled water, and tap water.

The instructions are on the chart and it gives you an order in which to do the tests.

Above & Below: Pond Unit Study, Hands-on Ideas, & Lapbook

We checked each sample for chlorine/copper/nitrate/nitrite, then alkalinity/pH/hardness, and lastly the iron.

And another resource we love for nature studies are the NaturExplorers. Look at this one about ponds.

Above & Below: Pond Unit Study, Hands-on Ideas, & Lapbook


I think you’ll love this next free lapbook in my nature series which is about ponds.

Above & Below: Pond Unit Study, Hands-on Ideas, & Lapbook

 

How to Get the Free Pond Lapbook

Now, how to grab the free lapbook. 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) CLICK HERE ON THIS LINK TO SIGN UP ON MY EMAIL LIST & TO GET THIS FREEBIE.

2) Grab the freebie now.

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

Look at these other links:



Pond Life Printable Pack from Emily at Table Life Blog
Aquatic Science Studies: 10 Activities for Teens from Eva at Eva Varga
Online Book Study about water cycle from Dachelle at Hide the Chocolate

An InLinkz Link-up


Looking for a fun and free multiple age Pond Unit Study and lapbook? You’ll love these resources whether you study a pond in the winter, summer, spring or fall. Check out this what is above and what is below in a pond homeschool unit study and free awesome lapbook. CLICK HERE!!

You’ll love these other resources:

  • Oceans Unit Study and Lapbook
  • Super Seashore Watching Unit Study and Beach Lapbook
  • Humboldt Who? Hands On to Understand Ocean Currents & Their Effect On The Galapagos Islands

Filed Under: 1. My FREE Learning Printables {Any Topic}, Hands-On Activities, Lapbook, Lapbooks, My Unit Studies {Free Printables & Hands-on Ideas}, Science, Science Based Tagged With: earthscience, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, lapbook, life science, nature study, ponds, science, The Nature Book Club Link Up

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