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crafts

10 Amazon Rainforest Lizards Facts and How to Make A Fun Iguana

August 10, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

There are more than 100 different Amazon Rainforest lizards. Too, you’ll love my Rain Forest – Animals of the Amazon page.

Today we are focusing on 10 of the more well-known ones.

There are fierce hunters, those with beautiful changing skin, swimmers, stalkers, night creepers, and fascinating.

10 Amazon Rainforest Lizards Facts and How to Make A Fun Iguana

One thing you know about the Amazon rainforest is that it is going to have the most beautiful and amazing creatures in its lush greenery.

We are doing a super fun craft as well, taking a few discarded items and turning them into a cute replica of the beautiful and fascinating green iguana found in the Amazon Rainforest.

I highly suggest taking a field trip to a larger pet store and seeing just how many of the Amazon lizards below you can spot. 

5 Amazon Rainforest Lizards Facts

  1. Green Iguana – Iguana can grow as large as 6 feet long and weigh almost 18 pounds, with an average of around 9-12 pounds. They are the largest of all the lizards in the Amazon. They can be brownish, orange, gray, lighter or dark green, or even black.
  2. Amazon Bark Anole  – Ambush predators that feed on insects found on the trunks and large limbs of large trees like ants, wasps, beetles, and roaches. Their skin closely resembles the markings of tree bark and can change color on top to help blend in more, this is their main defense mechanism.
  3. Crocodile Tegu- A semi aquatic lizard that has a flattened, paddle-like tail and is found in the Amazon Basin. This lizard feeds on arthropods, amphibians, reptiles, and fish.
  4. Bridled Forest Gecko- Scurry around the base of trees and in the tree litter. They can be diurnal if they have artificial lighting at night.
  5. Collared Tree Runner- AKA Plica umbra, AKA Jewel of the Amazon is a beautiful species of lizard that looks very chameleon-like, with its array of green, tan, and brown scales. Males have a bright yellow throat, and they are found on branches and tree trunks.

5 More Amazon Rainforest Lizards Facts

  1. Basilisk Lizard-These amazing Amazon dwellers can run at speeds of up to 15 mph and can run on the surface of the water without sinking.
  2. Chameleons- These famous reptiles are known for their ability to change their skin color. They have prehensile tails and feet that split at nearly a 180-degree angle which allows them to have a superior grip on the branches where they live.  
  3. Caiman Lizard- Can grow to2 to 4 feet and up to 10 pounds. They are a semiaquatic species and spend part of their time in the water, an interesting adaptation is a third, clear eyelid that acts like a goggle when submerged.
  4. Banded Tree Anole- These lizards are found at the tops of the tallest Amazon trees and are strictly arboreal and have excellent skin camouflage.
  5. Turnip Tailed Gecko- At not quite 5 inches these lizards are one of only 2 nocturnal lizards. It has flaps of skin that act as a parachute when they jump from trees.
10 Amazon Rainforest Lizards Facts and How to Make A Fun Iguana

Then, look at some of these resources for a fun study about lizards.

Amazon Rainforest Lizards Resources

Grab a reference book like Lizards of the World to find out more about Amazon Rainforest Lizards and others.

Image for Lizards of the World: A Guide to Every Family (A Guide to Every Family, 1)

Lizards of the World: A Guide to Every Family (A Guide to Every Family, 1)

A lavishly illustrated overview of the world’s lizards. Lizards are one of nature’s great success stories: survivors from the time of the dinosaurs, they have taken advantage of almost every habitat on earth, from tropical rainforest to Arctic tundra and even our homes. From chameleons and skinks to geckos and iguanas, there are close to 7,000 species of lizards around the world. This expert guide explores their extraordinary diversity and adaptations.Lizards of the World features an in-depth introduction covering the evolution, anatomy, and lifestyle of lizards, followed by profiles of species from every family, accompanied by stunning color photographs. This invaluable guide highlights the enormous range of habitats, appearance, and activity among lizards. Many thrive in extreme conditions, and have adapted to keep cool, warm, or hydrated. Some can protect themselves by changing color to blend in with their surroundings, while others have fringed toes enabling them to run across sand, or can parachute out of a predator’s reach. Covering diet and reproduction as well as defense strategies and conservation, Lizards of the World showcases the unique natural history and beauty of these remarkable creatures.

Image for Iguana M Reptile Collection

Iguana M Reptile Collection

Check out this gorgeous Iguana statue for the garden.

Image for Plastic Lizard Toys

Plastic Lizard Toys

MULTIPLE SHAPES: These wild reptile lizard toys come in 12 styles and colors and measure 3.1-5.2 inches.

GET TO KNOW NATURE: Each toy lizard toy has a detailed texture and unique pattern, the lifelike shape can well let children feel the magic and beauty of nature.

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

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

Nature Anatomy and Wildlife Anatomy are wonderful resources for many nature topics, I did find lovely illustrations with chameleons and anoles included as well as a bit on the rainforest itself.

Amazon Rainforest Animal Activities

Also, look at more Amazon Rainforest animal activities.

  • How to Make A Fun Origami Frog Amazon Rainforest Craft
  • Fun Easy Amazon Rainforest Crafts and Make a Bubble Wrap Pattern Anaconda
  • Learn About Mammals In The Amazon Rainforest & Make an Adorable Sloth Craft
  • Blue Morpho Butterfly Adaptations In The Tropical Rainforest and Fun Symmetry Craft
  • Amazon Rainforest Predators and Make a Fun Pasta Emerald Tree Boa
  • Beautiful And Colorful Amazonian Rainforest Animals Lapbook For Kids
  • Wildlife in the Amazon Rainforest – Create Fun Macaw and Toucan Crafts
10 Amazon Rainforest Lizards Facts and How to Make A Fun Iguana

Finally, look at this fun Amazon Rainforest lizards iguana craft.

How to Make an Iguana Lizard Craft

We are making an iguana with some beautiful orange and green coloring, but you can opt for any of the iguana colors that you wish for your craft.

You will need:

  • One paper towel roll.
  • Two toilet paper rolls.
  • Orange craft foam
  • Green paint
  • Paintbrush
  • Scissors
  • 2 craft sticks
10 Amazon Rainforest Lizards Facts and How to Make A Fun Iguana

Cut up the center of one end of the paper towel roll about five or 6 inches and wrap it around itself to create a tapered end.  Use hot glue to secure the taper in place.

10 Amazon Rainforest Lizards Facts and How to Make A Fun Iguana

Hot glue the tail by inserting the intact end of your paper towel roll inside the first toilet paper roll. Repeat, adding the second toilet paper roll.

Squeeze together the end of the toilet paper roll and glue it to create a mouth. 

10 Amazon Rainforest Lizards Facts and How to Make A Fun Iguana

Cut two popsicle sticks into three equal pieces. Hot glue, the rounded ends onto the sides of your iguana for legs.

Paint the entire thing green and set it aside to dry.

10 Amazon Rainforest Lizards Facts and How to Make A Fun Iguana

While you’re waiting for your paint to dry, cut an orange fringe the length of the paper towel roll (dorsal crests) out of orange craft foam, four orange feet, and the dewlap hanging under its neck.

10 Amazon Rainforest Lizards Facts and How to Make A Fun Iguana

Once the paint has dried you can hot glue the fringe on the back.

10 Amazon Rainforest Lizards Facts and How to Make A Fun Iguana

Glue the dewlap under the neck portion into place.

10 Amazon Rainforest Lizards Facts and How to Make A Fun Iguana

Add the orange feet that you cut onto the bottom of the green craft stick legs and glue.

10 Amazon Rainforest Lizards Facts and How to Make A Fun Iguana

Use a black marker or paint to add more details like eyes, nostrils, stripes, etc.

You can take your iguana on adventures outdoors or display him in the house as you learn about Amazon Rainforest lizards.

10 Amazon Rainforest Lizards Facts and How to Make A Fun Iguana

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: amazon rain forest, animals, crafts, hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, life science, lizards, rainforest, science

How to Make Wooden Peg Easy Arctic Animal Crafts

August 6, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, I have some fun ideas for easy Arctic animal crafts. Too, you’ll love my Arctic and Inuit Unit Study. Free Lapbook – Hands-On Ideas and my Arctic Region pages.

If you are studying the Arctic with your little one these peg doll animals are a great craft project to do together.

They can be used in sensory bins, for small-world dramatic play, or as part of a simple diorama and can be kept as simple or as elaborate as you would like.

How to Make Wooden Peg Easy Arctic Animal Crafts

You can make an entire family of polar bears. Or craft a village of all different arctic creatures to round out a nice keepsake collection using the variety of sizes and shapes that unfinished peg dolls come in.

A wonderful resource to add to your study is Ocean Anatomy, besides the gorgeous illustrations it offers a treasure trove of information on icebergs, polar bears, narwhals, seals, and more arctic animals.

How to Make Wooden Peg Easy Arctic Animal Crafts

Next, look at some facts about animals of the Arctic.

10 Arctic Animal Facts

  1. Snowy owls hunt during the daytime instead of at night like other owls.
  2. Male snowy owls are easy to distinguish from females as they are almost completely white and female snowy owls have black and brown markings.
  3. Polar bears can smell a seal 3 feet below the snow.
  4. An Arctic Fox’s fur is not always white, sometimes during the summer months it can be gray or brown.
  5. Beluga whales start gray or brown when born but eventually turn white as they grow up.
  6. A Narwhal tusk is not a horn, rather it is a large tooth that can grow up to 10 feet long.
  7. Both the male and female walruses have large tusks that are used for things like pulling themselves out of the water onto the ice.
  8. Polar bears are the largest living carnivores on land at about 8 feet long and nearly 800 pounds.
  9. Arctic Hare’s eyes are set on the side of their heads so they can look forward, backward, and sideways without needing to move their head so that they can avoid predators.
  10. Learn why there are not penguins in the Arctic.
How to Make Wooden Peg Easy Arctic Animal Crafts

As you make your peg dolls together you will find lots of opportunities to talk about topics like camouflage in the white snow, predator vs. prey, and different adaptations like fur-covered feet to help them survive the extreme cold.

Use some of the facts from above as conversation starters as you work on each animal.

More Easy Arctic Animal Crafts

  • How to Paint Peg Dolls to Look Like Farm Animals is perfect if you are learning about the farm theme and would make a great handmade gift.
  • Julie of the Wolves Free Hands-on Arctic Unit Study
  • DIY Peg Doll Woodland Animals, find out how to make adorable woodland creatures like a fox and raccoon as well as their babies.
  • Inuit of the Arctic: How Animals Survive Harsh Winters Fun Blubber Activity
  • Free Arctic Ground Squirrel Lapbook & Unit Study Resources

Also, look at these books about the Arctic.

12 Arctic Books about People & Animals of the Arctic

Studying about the region of the Arctic is a fascinating topic. Grab some of these books about life in the Arctic and animals of the Arctic.

Image for The Story of Snow: The Science of Winter's Wonder

The Story of Snow: The Science of Winter's Wonder

How do snow crystals form? What shapes can they take? Are no two snow crystals alike? These questions and more are answered inside this exploration of the science of snow, featuring photos of real snow crystals in all their beautiful diversity. Perfect for reading on winter days, this book by a nature photographer and a snow scientist will inspire wonder and curiosity about the marvels of snow. Snowflake-catching instructions are also included for aspiring young snow scientists!

Image for In Arctic Waters

In Arctic Waters

This arctic adaptation of “This is the House that Jack Built” follows polar bears, walruses, seals, narwhals and beluga whales as they chase each other around “the ice that floats in the Arctic waters.” Not only is the rhythmic, cumulative prose good for early readers; it is a pure delight to read aloud. The “For Creative Minds” section helps children learn how these animals live in the cold, icy arctic region.

Image for Arctic Fox: Fascinating Animal Facts for Kids (This Incredible Planet)

Arctic Fox: Fascinating Animal Facts for Kids (This Incredible Planet)

Fascinating Animal Facts Arctic Fox Learn all about the amazing and adaptable Arctic fox. This small yet hardy creature survives in the harshest of environments!

This Incredible Planet series provides young readers with interesting information about the Earth’s most fascinating creatures.

Beautiful color photography makes each animal come to life. Learn about the Arctic fox’s habitat, diet, breeding, lifespan, behavior, threats, and so much more!

Image for Over and Under the Snow

Over and Under the Snow

A wonderful winter book for kids from the author and illustrator of the beloved Over and Under series, now in paperback! Part of the acclaimed nature book series that includes Over and Under the Pond, Over and Under the Rainforest, and Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt, this volume takes readers on a cross country ski trip through the winter woods to discover the secret world of animals living under the snow.

Image for Animals in Winter (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science)

Animals in Winter (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science)

Read and find out about how animals cope with winter in this colorfully illustrated nonfiction picture book.

This is a clear and appealing book for early elementary age kids, both at home and in the classroom. Introduce kids to basic science ideas as part of discussions about the seasons and animals.

Have you ever seen a butterfly in the snow? Probably not. Butterflies can't survive cold weather, so when winter comes, many butterflies fly to warmer places. They migrate. Woodchucks don't like cold weather either, but they don't migrate; they hibernate. Woodchucks sleep in their dens all winter long. How do these and other animals handle the cold and snow of winter?

Read and find out in the proven winner Animals in Winter!

This is a Level 1 Let's-Read-and-Find-Out, which means the book explores introductory concepts perfect for children in the primary grades.

Image for The Inuit Thought of It: Amazing Arctic Innovations (We Thought of It)

The Inuit Thought of It: Amazing Arctic Innovations (We Thought of It)

Today’s Arctic communities have all the comforts of modern living. Yet the Inuit survived in this harsh landscape for hundreds of years with nothing but the land and their own ingenuity. Join authors Alootook Ipellie and David MacDonald as they explore the amazing innovations of traditional Inuit and how their ideas continue to echo around the world. Some inventions are still familiar to us: the one-person watercraft known as a kayak still retains its Inuit name. Other innovations have been replaced by modern technology: slitted snow goggles protected Inuit eyes long before sunglasses arrived on the scene. Andother ideas were surprisingly inspired: using human-shaped stone stacks (Inunnguat) to trick and trap caribou. Many more Inuit innovations are explored here, including: • Dog sleds • Shelter • Clothing • Kids’ stuff • Food preservation • Medicine. In all, more than 40 Inuit items and ideas are showcased through dramatic photos and captivating language. From how these objects were made, to their impact on contemporary culture, The Inuit Thought of It is a remarkable catalogue of Inuit invention.

Image for Mini Arctic Animals Figurines Set, Polar Animals Toy for Kids Plastic Arctic Reindeer,Walrus,White Whale,Polar Bear,Arctic Fox,Wolf Figures,

Mini Arctic Animals Figurines Set, Polar Animals Toy for Kids Plastic Arctic Reindeer,Walrus,White Whale,Polar Bear,Arctic Fox,Wolf Figures,

Tiny Animals Figures Party: 18 PCS Package include orca, walrus, white owl, reindeer, husky, 2pcs seal, 2pcs beluga whale, 2pcs arctic wolf, 2pcs arctic fox, 2pcs arctic rabbit, 2pcs polar bear figurines and igloo model.

Image for Who are the Eskimos? Arctic People's Traditional Way of Life

Who are the Eskimos? Arctic People's Traditional Way of Life

Who Are The Eskimos is perfect for early to middle elementary students and makes a great addition to your library.

Image for North: The Amazing Story of Arctic Migration

North: The Amazing Story of Arctic Migration

“A treat for middle-graders of an ecological bent.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review) At the top of our world is a huge wild place called the Arctic. In the winter, it is a cold and barren land, where few animals can survive. But when spring comes, it attracts animals from every corner of the earth. This lushly illustrated picture book celebrates the resilient wildlife and barren, beautiful landscapes of the Arctic Circle, tracing the awe-inspiring spring migration of millions of creatures to the Arctic and reminding the reader of the hardships and harmony of life in the wild.Back matter includes additional information about the arctic, a glossary, and an index.

Image for Arctic White

Arctic White

When you live in the Arctic in winter, everything is a shade of white. A young girl looks around her home in the Arctic and sees only white, white, white...but one day her grandfather takes her on a journey through the tundra.  And at the end of their cold walk across the ice, they find something special that brings color into their world.

Image for Farthest North: The Incredible Three-Year Voyage to the Frozen Latitudes of the North (Modern Library Exploration)

Farthest North: The Incredible Three-Year Voyage to the Frozen Latitudes of the North (Modern Library Exploration)

In 1893, Fridjtof Nansen set sail in the Fram, a ship specially designed and built to be frozen into the polar ice cap, withstand its crushing pressures, and travel with the sea’s drift closer to the North Pole than anyone had ever gone before. Experts said such a ship couldn't be built and that the voyage was tantamount to suicide.  This brilliant first-person account, originally published in 1897, marks the beginning of the modern age of exploration. Nansen vividly describes the dangerous voyage and his 15-month-long dash to the North Pole by sledge. Farthest North is an unforgettable tale and a must-read for any armchair explorer.

Image for This Place Is Cold: An Imagine Living Here book

This Place Is Cold: An Imagine Living Here book

Can you imaging living in a place where it's so cold your breath turns instantly into tiny ice crystals that glitter in the sun? Where temperatures can drop fifty degrees below zero and even lower and the sun only comes out for a few hours per day? In This Place Is Cold readers will learn how people and animals survive in Alaska's ferocious cold, and how because of global warming this region is now in trouble. Vicki Cobb and Barbara Lavallee travelled the world together to research this groundbreaking geography series, that is now updated and redesigned to appeal to today's readers.

More Arctic Region Unit Study Ideas

  • The Inuit & Arctic Circle Hands-On Activities
  • Inuit Art, Arctic Circle + 10 Notebooking Pages & Free Resources
  • Arctic Region Salt Dough Map + Free Map Flag Printable
How to Make Wooden Peg Easy Arctic Animal Crafts

Finally, look how to make these adorable easy Arctic animal crafts.

How to Make Peg Doll Animals of the Arctic

You will need:

  • Peg dolls
  • Craft paint
  • Paint pens
  • Small wood beads
  • Air dry clay
  • Hot glue gun/sticks
  • Paint brushes
How to Make Wooden Peg Easy Arctic Animal Crafts

First, I like to add my details to the peg dolls using beads or air-dry clay.

Small wooden beads make the work go quicker as hot glue dries fast but I like the detail and shape that I can get with air dry clay.

For ears, muzzles, and wings you want to pinch off a small bit of clay and press it into the wood. Heavier pieces like ears or muzzles you want to glue in place.

How to Make Wooden Peg Easy Arctic Animal Crafts

I made a polar bear using beads and one with clay for ears so you can see the difference and choose for yourself.

How to Make Wooden Peg Easy Arctic Animal Crafts

For the snowy owl, we just smoothed some clay over the sides for wings.

How to Make Wooden Peg Easy Arctic Animal Crafts

To make a narwhal roll out a little piece of clay into the horn shape and twist gently, hot glue to the top of the peg doll head.

How to Make Wooden Peg Easy Arctic Animal Crafts

 Allow it to dry for 24 hours.

Animals of the Arctic Craft Ideas

Then paint all your peg dolls white, including any clay you added.

Even though some of our animals aren’t white or at least not all white it gives you a good prep base to work from and it will be the majority of your animal’s fur color.

How to Make Wooden Peg Easy Arctic Animal Crafts

Now, here is where those paint pens will come in handy.

You can do the details with a tiny brush dipped in paint, but it is so much easier to get crisp lines and details with a fine-tipped paint brush.

Use the paintbrush to draw on some basic details like eyes, noses, and outlines.

Allow to dry, these dry quickly faster than a coat of brushed-on paint.

Now layer on more detailing like whiskers, spots, etc. to make your creatures a little more realistic.

If you want to give them a little bit more life and durability you can either seal them with a clear coat or give them a mod podge seal coat or two.

Add some fake snow or even cotton batting to your animals to spark your child’s imagination.

How to Make Wooden Peg Easy Arctic Animal Crafts

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: animals, arctic, crafts, elementary science, handicraft, hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, life science, science, winter crafts, winter season

Learn About Indigenous Animal Geography Fun Activity for Preschool to Elementary

August 2, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have a fun animal geography hands-on activity for your younger kids. Also, you’ll love First Grade Homeschool Curriculum for History and Geography.

One of the first things we intentionally teach our children is the names and sounds of animals.

I have an animal geography activity for you that builds on those basic skills to teach preschoolers through upper elementary students all about animals and where they come from.

Learning where animals are indigenous to throughout the 7 continents is a fun activity that can be covered over a long period of time or just touched on.

Learn About Indigenous Animal Geography Fun Activity for Preschool to Elementary

This activity lets your child play while they learn. It is a great way to introduce them to geography, zoology, research skills, biomes, and more all at once.

This will bring up some great discussions.

For example, discuss animals which are found in more than one place, such as elephants and tigers, and what their differences are.

You can talk about animals being indigenous or introduced to different places by early explorers.

What seems like such a simple learning experience can turn into a delightful rabbit trail to enjoy with your child. I have a few facts and a list of some common animals for each continent to get you started.

Animal Geography Books

First, look at some of our favorite books about animals which help to serve as a guide.

7 Animal Geography Resources

We refer to Wildlife Anatomy quite a bit for zoology, it is worth adding to your collection.

Image for Wildlife Anatomy: The Curious Lives & Features of Wild Animals around the World

Wildlife Anatomy: The Curious Lives & Features of Wild Animals around the World

Bestselling author/illustrator Julia Rothman shares a delightfully illustrated guide to all the beasts of the wild, from lions, tigers, and bears to musk oxen, monkeys, elephants, giraffes, foxes, badgers, bats, crocodiles, owls, flying squirrels and much, much more.

Image for Waypoint Geographic World ScrunchMap - Up-to-Date & Easy

Waypoint Geographic World ScrunchMap - Up-to-Date & Easy

Wall Maps: These world wall maps feature bright colors for easy identification of places of interest. This map of the world can be easily folded or "scrunched" Into the included storage pouch. Lasts longer than paper maps.

Image for The Big Book of Beasts (The Big Book Series)

The Big Book of Beasts (The Big Book Series)

In The Big Book of Beasts, Yuval Zommer’s wonderful illustrations bring to whimsical life some of the grizzliest, hairiest, bravest, wiliest, and most fearsome beasts in the animal kingdom. Brimming with interesting facts from beast consultant Barbara Taylor, this charming picture book is a beautiful way for parents to introduce young children to the animal world―and for older children to learn by themselves.

Image for Around the World with Picture Books Part II (Download) -
Photo Credit: www.bfbooks.com

Around the World with Picture Books Part II (Download) -

Each country visited features a selection of animals indigenous to those regions. These beautiful drawings will familiarize students with some remarkable creatures, their habitat and habits, cultivating respect and wonder for the natural world. Part Two covers Europe and South America. In Europe we cover France, Spain, Italy, Holland, Denmark, Sweden, and Great Britain! In South America we cover Ecuador, Chile, Peru, and Brazil!

Image for Rand McNally Junior Classroom Atlas of the World

Rand McNally Junior Classroom Atlas of the World

Our colorful, engaging atlas is ideal for students in second through fourth grades and was developed from our award-winning Classroom Atlas, just simplified for younger students. Completely redesigned with a new layout,eye-catching pictures, informative graphics, and fully updated map content. Teaches map and globe skills to younger students. Features photos, graphs, interesting facts, and thought-provoking questions that reinforce map concepts.Includes 15 physical, political, and thematic maps.

Image for A Child's Introduction to the World: Geography, Cultures, and People--From the Grand Canyon to the Great Wall of China (A Child's Introduction Series)

A Child's Introduction to the World: Geography, Cultures, and People--From the Grand Canyon to the Great Wall of China (A Child's Introduction Series)

Explore all the fascinating things that make Planet Earth such an exciting place to live with this lively introduction to our world, its geography, culture, and people.  Get ready for an incredible journey, one in which you’ll visit far-off places, meet interesting people, and learn all about continents, countries, climates, and more. This book is also full of fun facts about animals, sports, foods, inventions, and holidays from all over the world.

Image for Animal Atlas

Animal Atlas

Lift the flaps in this quirky 3D atlas as illustrator Ingela P. Arrhenius takes the youngest of readers around the globe, introducing an enchanting selection of animals. Did you know that flamingos hide their heads while they sleep? That a Galápagos tortoise can live for a hundred years? That baboons have pink bottoms? Or that a peacock’s tail is used to impress potential mates? With interactive flaps and a central pop on each colorful spread, this is a stand-up gift for small children who love animals of all stripes.

Now, look at some of these lists of animals from each continent.

Africa – Animals from the continent of Africa

The world’s second-largest continent, Africa, has a wide range of habitats from tropical rainforest to the desert. 

Here you will find a wide variety of well-known animals, as a matter of fact, Africa is home to the most varied wildlife and the most species in the world.

  1. Lion
  2. Leopard
  3. Elephant
  4. Rhinoceros
  5. Zebra
  6. Hippopotamus
  7. Ostriches
  8. Giraffe
  9. Pangolin
  10. Black Mamba

MORE AFRICAN GEOGRAPHY ACTIVITIES

  • How to Make An Embroidered African Map Fun Geography Craft
Learn About Indigenous Animal Geography Fun Activity for Preschool to Elementary

Next, look at these animals from Antarctica.

Antarctica – Animals from the continent of Antarctica

Antarctica is a large frozen continent that is located in the far south of the world in the Southern Ocean. Covered by a thick layer of ice, it is nearly uninhabitable except by a few species that make their home here.

  1. Emperor Penguins
  2. Orca
  3. Wandering Albatross
  4. Leopard Seal
  5. Gentoo Penguin
  6. Antarctic Krill
  7. Tardigrade
  8. Blue Whale
  9. Spectacled Porpoise
  10. Southern Elephant Seal

Asia – Animals from the continent of Asia

Asia is the world’s most populated and is the biggest continent in the Northern and Eastern hemispheres.

It is also the place with the world’s longest coastline and the highest and lowest points on the Earth’s surface.

With a mostly dry climate, it does have extreme weather like monsoons. It encompasses China, Korea, Japan, Siberia, India, and parts of the middle east. The habitats here range from deserts, mountains, forests, and tropical jungles to urban areas.

  1. Asian Elephant
  2. Asiatic Lion
  3. Tiger
  4. Giant Panda
  5. Snow Leopard
  6. Proboscis Monkey
  7. Indian Cobra
  8. Malayan Tapir
  9. Indian Peafowl
  10. Orangutan

Australia – Animals from the continent of Australia

Australia is a country and a continent, and it holds the title of the continent with the most diverse marine life and the highest number of fish species.

It is also the world’s smallest of the continents. Australia not only has a lot of endemic animal species – species that can only be found in Australia (4 out of 5 animals) but it is also the home of two monotremes, which are mammals that lay eggs- the echidna and the platypus.

Finally, they have about 140 species of marsupials.

  1. Kangaroo
  2. Tasmanian Devil
  3. Kookaburra
  4. Dingo
  5. Platypus
  6. Koala
  7. Wallaby
  8. Frill Neck Lizard
  9. Sugar Glider
  10. Echidna

Europe – Animals from the continent of Europe

Europe is home to a wide range of habitats like the Taiga Forest, tundra, broadleaf forest, steppe, the Alps, Pyrenees, the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, and the Mediterranean Sea which means there are a wide diversity of animals. 

Learn About Indigenous Animal Geography Fun Activity for Preschool to Elementary

Many animals in Europe have been brought from other parts of the world, but several species are native to the continent, the first 5 listed below are native.

  1. European Bison
  2. Eurasian Lynx
  3. Polar Bear
  4. Moose
  5. Wolf
  6. Alpine Ibex
  7. Golden Eagle
  8. Old World Swallowtail
  9. Red Squirrel
  10. Wild Boar
  11. Chamois

North America – Animals from the continent of North America

Made up of Mexico, the United States, and Canada this is the third largest continent in the world and is surrounded by the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.

Pretty much every ecosystem on Earth can be found here- from snowy tundra to the tropics.

The United States has the most biodiversity in North America, Canada has snowier tundra and animals like the polar bear, while Mexico is made up of lush rainforests to arid deserts.

Learn About Indigenous Animal Geography Fun Activity for Preschool to Elementary
  1. American Bison
  2. Monarch Butterfly
  3. Bobcat
  4. Polar Bear
  5. Bighorn Sheep
  6. Chipmunk
  7. Coyote
  8. North American Porcupine
  9. American Alligator
  10. Kit Fox

South America – Animals from the continent of South America

Finally, exotic South America with some of the world’s most dangerous and some of the most unique.

It has 4 major climatic regions- tropical, temperate, arid, and cold. You will find most animals in South America can be found either in the Amazon Rainforest or in the Andes mountains.

Unfortunately, more than 30% of species on the content are now endangered or nearly extinct.

  1. Llama
  2. Anaconda
  3. Blue Morpho Butterfly
  4. Anteater
  5. Capybara
  6. Giant Otter
  7. Harpy Eagle
  8. Jaguar
  9. Red-Eyed Tree Frog
  10. Sloth

Moreover, look at some of these other fun animal and geography activities.

  • First Grade Homeschool Curriculum for History and Geography.
  • Animals and Their Continents Worksheet Set
  • 18+ Fun and Interactive Ways to Learn Geography With Kids
  • Montessori Inspired Continent Activities for Preschoolers

Finally, look at this fun interactive way to learn about geography and animals.

Animal Geography Activity

You can do as much or as little of this activity to get your child started as you like.

The younger child will obviously need more help while a more advanced child can do everything from cutting out the maps of each continent to tracing and labeling.

You will need:

  • Roll of paper
  • Printed outlines of the 7 continents
  • Masking tape
  • Permanent marker
  • Plastic animals
Learn About Indigenous Animal Geography Fun Activity for Preschool to Elementary

You could also print pictures of various animals and use them to be sure you have enough for each continent instead of using small plastic animals, or better yet a combination of both.

First, find a basic outline for the seven continents on Google or trace them out of your favorite Atlas.

Next, roll out a large piece of paper from a roll. It can be the solid back of wrapping paper, bulletin board paper, or the brown kraft paper used for shipping. Tape it to the floor or table using masking tape or painter’s tape.

Learn About Indigenous Animal Geography Fun Activity for Preschool to Elementary

Then cut out the seven continent outlines you printed and arrange them on the rolled-out paper using an atlas or a master printout as a guide.

Learn About Indigenous Animal Geography Fun Activity for Preschool to Elementary

Use a marker to trace around each of the continents.

Learn About Indigenous Animal Geography Fun Activity for Preschool to Elementary

 Remove your templates and write the name of each continent in the center.

Learn About Indigenous Animal Geography Fun Activity for Preschool to Elementary

Give your child some books for reference, atlases and of course zoology books, and a basket of a good variety of animals from around the world.

Learn About Indigenous Animal Geography Fun Activity for Preschool to Elementary

Help them find where each animal belongs. If you have the space, you can add to it each day or week as you learn about each continent and its wonderful animals.

For an older child it would be a great assignment for them to find “x” number of animals for each continent.

Learn About Indigenous Animal Geography Fun Activity for Preschool to Elementary

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: animals, contients, crafts, geography, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool geography, homeschoolgeography, life science

How to Make Fun Watermelon Seed Slime For Summer Learning

August 1, 2023 | 1 Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Summer is rapidly coming to an end but there is plenty of time to enjoy this watermelon seed slime. You may also love my page Free Summer Unit Study for more ideas.

Watermelon is easily one of the most popular summer snacks and themes so there was no way I was skipping over the fun of this one.

How to Make Fun Watermelon Seed Slime For Summer Learning

Slime is a surefire hit with kids every time and this is a unique, borax-free slime recipe that they will love to stretch, squeeze, and watch it ooze.

August 3rd is National Watermelon Day,

if you enjoy celebrating the simple things as well as the big ones like I do then this is a great activity to do with your child before cooler weather takes over.

5 Watermelon Facts

  1. Watermelons are made up of 92% water and 8% sugar.
  2. You can eat the whole thing, not just the delicious red flesh but the rinds and seeds too!
  3. Watermelons can grow to epic sizes, the record is held by Christopher Kent from Sevierville, Tennessee, in 2013. This winner weighed in at 350.5 pounds.
  4. The famous writer Mark Twain loved watermelon; he called it the food of angels.
  5. The record for watermelon seed spitting was set in 1995 and was 75 feet 2 inches.

Encourage your child to research some fun facts about watermelon on their own, like how many varieties there are. (More than 1200)

What colors do watermelons come in? (red, light pink, yellow, orange, and white)

How long does it take to grow one (65-100 days)

Watermelon is a delicious treat that can be enjoyed on its own, with salt, and feta cheese, made into popsicles, infused into water, or in many other ways.

How to Make Fun Watermelon Seed Slime For Summer Learning

 Be sure to grab a watermelon to enjoy with your child for National Watermelon Day while you explore a few of these ideas below.

10 Watermelon Seed Ideas to Enjoy

  1. Watermelon Seed Spitting Contest– Kids love gross stuff like being given free rein and even encouraged to spit. They won’t even realize that they are learning about graphing and measurements at the same time.
  2. Sensory Watermelon Dough is a fabulous sensory activity that makes a great base for a sensory bin or a canvas for practicing letters and numbers.
  3. Watermelon Squish Bag is another great sensory activity that little hands love.
  4. The Watermelon Seed Popsicle Stick Watermelon Slices
  5. Watermelon Kiwi Pops I couldn’t gather up watermelon ideas without at least one tasty snack, these look so yummy.
  6. Q Tip Watermelon Seeds for a good fine motor activity for little hands working on those pre-writing skills.
  7. PomPom Painted Watermelon Craft is a simple low prep activity that only requires paper, paint, and pompoms.
  8. No Cook Watermelon Sensory Rice– Make this watermelon-themed sensory rice for a sensory bin or bottle. Hide letters and numbers in it for your child to find or count out the “seeds”.
  9. Watermelon Seed Math is a great way to practice simple math skills like counting or more challenging addition and subtraction problems.
  10. Watermelon Seed Slime- See below for instructions.
How to Make Fun Watermelon Seed Slime For Summer Learning

Finally, look how to make fun watermelon seed slime.

How to Make Watermelon Seed Slime

You could use watermelon seeds or black beans as the seeds in this slime but I wanted to avoid any real food additions to keep it from spoiling quicker from the moisture.

You will need:

  • 2-4 oz. bottles of school glue
  • 1 teaspoon of baking soda
  • 2-3 Tbsp. Contact eye solution
  • Red gel or liquid food coloring
  • Black craft foam
  • Watermelon scent-optional
How to Make Fun Watermelon Seed Slime For Summer Learning

First, pour your glue into a large bowl or measuring cup.

I buy mine by the gallon so I can easily measure out 8 oz. into a glass measuring cup but if you use 4 oz bottles you can just empty both into any bowl you like.

Mix in gel or liquid food coloring to get the shade you like.

How to Make Fun Watermelon Seed Slime For Summer Learning

Stir in scent if you are using any, a good essential oil is a fun way to add another sensory aspect to this activity.

How to Make Fun Watermelon Seed Slime For Summer Learning

Add the baking soda and be sure to mix it until smooth and completely combined.

How to Make Fun Watermelon Seed Slime For Summer Learning

Now, stir in your contact solution and mix until it begins to pull away from your container and is no longer sticky.

How to Make Fun Watermelon Seed Slime For Summer Learning

Watermelon Seed Slime

Cut little watermelon seed shapes from craft foam. 

How to Make Fun Watermelon Seed Slime For Summer Learning

Stir them into the mixture.

How to Make Fun Watermelon Seed Slime For Summer Learning

At this point, you can remove it and need it with your hands for a few minutes.

How to Make Fun Watermelon Seed Slime For Summer Learning

If you want to make a cute little jar for storing, take any jar you have with an airtight lid like a little pickle jar, mason jar, etc.… and paint the entire thing dark green on the outside.

Allow it to dry.

How to Make Fun Watermelon Seed Slime For Summer Learning

Paint lighter green squiggles over the dark green and allow it to dry.

You now have a cute little watermelon rind container to hold the watermelon in, a great idea for gifting too.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Your slime should keep a couple of weeks or more depending on how much it is used and how well it is stored.

How to Make Fun Watermelon Seed Slime For Summer Learning

1 CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: crafts, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, slime, summer activities, summer crafts, summerideas, watermelon

8 Facts About Moths and a Fun Nature Elephant Hawk Moth Craft

July 30, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I’m sharing 8 facts about moths and a fun contact paper nature elephant hawk moth craft. Also, you may love Fun and Easy Hands-on Life Cycle Butterfly Activity for Kids.

Typically, we think of moths as dull nighttime flyers and butterflies as beautiful bright creatures, but many moths are colorful and beautiful like the Hawk Moth.

The Garden Tiger Moth, the False Tiger Moth, the Oleander Hawk Moth, the Luna Moth, and the Comet Moth, to name a few, rival the most colorful butterflies in their beauty.

8 Facts About Moths and a Fun Nature Elephant Hawk Moth Craft

There is much more to moths than what you see flitting around your porch light in the evening.

They are just as fascinating as butterflies.

Moths are very important in food webs as a food item for songbirds, mammals, and other insects.

Too, moths are also crucial pollinators, especially those that are active after dark when other pollinators are sleeping.

8 Facts About Moths and a Fun Nature Elephant Hawk Moth Craft

In honor of the poor unappreciated moth, we are making a fun and pretty giant moth to decorate the window.

We get to combine two activities for this piece, a lovely relaxing nature walk with an indoor art project to preserve some finds and recreate a moth that stays put.

This craft is typically one that is done with preschoolers or toddlers.

 But I am sure an artistic or nature-loving older child would also love this and could be challenged to make an even more intricate design than a younger sibling.

8 Fascinating Moth and Hawk Moth Facts

Next look at these facts about moths.

  1. Moths far outnumber butterflies. For every butterfly that you see flying around, there are over nine times as many moths.
  2. Hawk Moths are from the Sphingidae family of moths, also known as Sphynx moths.
  3. Many of their caterpillars are known as “hornworms” and are a nuisance to tomato plants.
  4. Hawk moths have the longest tongues of any other moth or butterfly, some of them are as long as 14”.
  5. Moths range from small, like the tiny Stigmella Maya with its forewing measuring just .04 inches to large specimens bigger than a human hand, like the largest moth, Hercules Moth at 14”.
  6. They have an amazing sense of smell. A male emperor moth can smell a female from about seven miles away.
  7. Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History has over 25,000 different specimens of Hawk Moths, which are closely related to butterflies.
  8. Not all moths fly only at night, some moths are nocturnal, but others are diurnal.
8 Facts About Moths and a Fun Nature Elephant Hawk Moth Craft

Next, look at some of the books to add to your unit study or learning day.

Books and Resources For Learning About Moths

Add a few of these books about moths to your unit study or for hands-on activities.

Image for Moths: A Complete Guide to Biology and Behavior

Moths: A Complete Guide to Biology and Behavior

Moths are a crucial insect group encompassing more than 160,000 species, and they are among the most ancient of Earth's inhabitants, with some fossils believed to be 190 million years old. This richly illustrated guide to their biology, evolution, and history demonstrates the incredible diversity of these winged insects and reveals the ruthless survival tactics used by some--including blood-sucking moths, cannibalism in the cocoon, and carnivorous caterpillars. The book also explores their extraordinary life cycle, charting development from egg to larva to cocoon to airborne adult, as well as the surprising variations of color and wing patterns that moths have evolved. Engaging narrative and specially commissioned photographs of moth specimens make Moths: A Complete Guide to Biology and Behavior a perfect gift book for scientists and science enthusiasts alike.

Image for Peterson First Guide To Butterflies And Moths

Peterson First Guide To Butterflies And Moths

Peterson First Guides are the first books the beginning naturalist needs. Condensed versions of the famous Peterson Field Guides, the First Guides focus on the animals, plants, and other natural things you are most likely to see. They make it fun to get into the field and easy to progress to the full-fledged Peterson Guides.

Image for BicBugs Actias luna REAL FRAMED LUNA MOTH GREEN USA

BicBugs Actias luna REAL FRAMED LUNA MOTH GREEN USA

  • REAL framed luna moth!
Image for Peterson Field Guide To Moths Of Southeastern North America

Peterson Field Guide To Moths Of Southeastern North America

Southeastern North America is home to an incredible variety of moths, from drab browns to bright yellows and pinks, the small and simple to the flashy or bizarrely shaped. Just a few are common house and garden pests; thousands more harmless species live hidden in woods and meadows. This comprehensive guide of more than 1,800 common species is the best tool for identifying and appreciating these ubiquitous insects.

Image for The World Encyclopedia of Butterflies & Moths: A Natural History And Identification Guide To Over 565 Varieties Around The Globe

The World Encyclopedia of Butterflies & Moths: A Natural History And Identification Guide To Over 565 Varieties Around The Globe

Butterflies and moths captivate nature enthusiasts with their beauty and variety, but in addition to being attractive they are also of huge biological importance. This superb book, in a sumptuous new edition, covers the lifecycle of these creatures, with information on anatomy, feeding, flight and breeding. It then profiles some of the world’s best-loved and intriguing butterflies, moths and skippers, with a geographically-split directory of detailed entries, each containing useful identification summaries and quick-reference panels on distribution, habitat, food and wingspan.

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

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

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

Image for Peterson Field Guide To Moths Of Northeastern North America

Peterson Field Guide To Moths Of Northeastern North America

There are thousands of moth species in the northeast of North America, and while it might seem that they are all drab grays and browns, there is actually a startling variety. They come in a rainbow of colors, from brilliant oranges and pinks to soft greens and violets. There are moths with colorful leopard-like spots, and ones that look more like B-movie aliens; some that are as large as your hand, and others the size of a grain of rice. With helpful tips on how to attract and identify moths, range maps and season graphs showing when and where to find each species, and clear photographs that use the unique Peterson arrow system for easy identification, this guide provides everything an amateur or experienced moth-watcher needs. Sponsored by the National Wildlife Federation and the Roger Tory Peterson Institute.

Also, add some more hands on ideas about moths.

More Moth Resources

Here are a few more beautiful moth crafts, resources, and activities to help you learn more about these mysterious creatures.

  • Sweet little Pinecone Moths are pretty enough to leave all around your home.
  • Make the pretty bright Luna Moth Craft.
  • These Paper Moths would be a great project for middle and high schoolers.
  • I just love these DIY Moth Wings for dramatic play and a unique art project.
  • A young artist will enjoy learning How to Draw a Moth.
  • Have your child research the differences between butterflies and moths.
  • A budding lepidopterist (an entomologist who specializes in studying butterflies and moths) might enjoy a moth specimen to begin or celebrate finishing up a moth study
8 Facts About Moths and a Fun Nature Elephant Hawk Moth Craft

Finally, look how to make this fun contact paper hawk moth.

How to Make A Contact Paper Nature Elephant Hawk Moth

This is a fun simple activity that can also be used to teach your child about the anatomy of a moth, colorations, and simple vocabulary.

You will need:

  • Clear contact paper
  • Painters tape
  • Permanent marker
  • Flowers and leaves
8 Facts About Moths and a Fun Nature Elephant Hawk Moth Craft

First, find and print out a picture of the moth you would like to create. We chose the Elephant Hawk Moth knowing we had pretty pink flowers in the yard to create some of its lines.

Then head outside for a nature walk, gathering fresh or dried leaves, flower petals, and other lightweight nature items.

8 Facts About Moths and a Fun Nature Elephant Hawk Moth Craft

Next, cut a piece of clear contact paper out as large as you would like to make it and tape it down to your work surface with low tack tape like painter’s tape, backing side down (do not peel it off yet).

8 Facts About Moths and a Fun Nature Elephant Hawk Moth Craft

Use a permanent marker to draw the outlines of the moth.

8 Facts About Moths and a Fun Nature Elephant Hawk Moth Craft

Peel off the tape and move to the window you want to use, slowly peel off the contact paper backing and tape the contact paper to the window, sticky side facing outward.

8 Facts About Moths and a Fun Nature Elephant Hawk Moth Craft

Set their nature walk finds nearby and have them press them into the sticky side of the contact paper.

8 Facts About Moths and a Fun Nature Elephant Hawk Moth Craft

For younger children, you can let them get creative and cover their moth in whatever pattern and gathered materials they like.

For older children, challenge them to try to recreate the colors and patterns of their chosen moth.

Tips:

  • Add a moth photo or two to your window as inspiration.
  • Be sure that they press firmly to be sure their items are attached.
  • Small light pieces will adhere the best.
  • If you want to preserve their picture just lay another piece of contact paper over it, sticky side to sticky side, and cut out around your moth.
  • They don’t have to complete this activity in one sitting, you can leave it up and let them come back and forth.
8 Facts About Moths and a Fun Nature Elephant Hawk Moth Craft

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: crafts, hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, homeschoolscience, life science, moth, science

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