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crafts

Hands-On Geography: Australia Awesome and Deadly Animal Art

September 23, 2017 | 4 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

For years now, we have completed “continent studies” and hands-on geography as a way to learn more about our world and it’s geography as we homeschool. Too, look at my page Homeschool Geography for hands-on and simple ideas and tips.

The truth is: it was so much easier to do this when they were younger. I selected books from the library, we looked at the pictures of different dwellings and foods, and we colored in maps.

But my boys are older now. The same approach no longer keeps anyone interested for very long (including me!).

In order to keep them engaged and increasing in their overall level of knowledge, I decided it was time for a change.

This year, my boys are each “in charge” of their own continent for a more in depth study. Each month, they pick a topic to cover from their continent and “teach” each other about it.

My youngest chose Australia for his study this year without a second thought.

For his first presentation, he asked me to help him put together a presentation on Australia’s deadly creatures, because animals and danger – I am not sure I need to say more.

See how we used this hands-on Australia unit to study the continent’s awesome and deadly animals!

Hands-On Australia: Awesome and Deadly Animals

You see, I remember being in middle school. I remember preparing presentations to deliver in front of the class.

I remember listening to my friends. As much stress as it caused, I have to admit, I really learned from “teaching back” activities. I want my boys, despite being in a “classroom” of two, to experience the same.

And that’s why this hands-on activity was such a good way for us to learn about geography together!

What You Need:

  • Black and brown construction paper (one of each color for each animal)
  • Q-tips
  • Washable paints in various colors
  • A white posterboard
  • Printable animal templates: Shark Template, Jellyfish Template, and Snake Template
  • Printable Deadliest Fact Sheet

My son began his research at the library, checking out various books on Australia in general, and a few on the animals themselves. For further investigation, we also watched a YouTube video and looked at various pictures of aboriginal art online.

More Hands-on Australia Activities

  • 9 Australian Animals Art Ideas and Fun Koala Handprint Craft

Then it was time to get started.

Hands-On Australia Activity

Cutting Out Australian Animal Templates

Our first step was cutting out the templates. We then used them to trace animal outlines onto black construction paper.Then we cut out the traced forms of the jellyfish, shark and snake.

Deadly Australian Animal Templates

(Incidentally, if I could do it all over again, I would eliminate the tracing portion and just have my son use the templates to paint. Cutting each animal out twice was far more scissor action than either of us have seen in a long time.)Next, he glued the black deadly creatures onto brown construction paper backdrops.

Decorating Australian Animals with Paint
Making an Australian Animal Display Board

This color scheme is consistent with what we learned about aboriginal art.Taking the q-tips and the paint with us outside, he carefully “dot painted” each of the black forms, true to aboriginal tradition. The Q-tips make perfect paint brushes and are easy to clean up!

Q Tip Painted Australian Snake

The more my son painted, the more excited he became.

Q-tip dot painting is really easy, even for children with fine motor differences or those who get a little perfectionistic with their art projects.

It looks wonderful, even if the artist struggles a bit with steadiness.

Australian Deadly Animals List

When all three had dried, he attached them to the poster board.

Giving a Report about Deadly Australian Animals

At the last minute, he also decided to add a “cheat sheet” with facts he wanted to share about the different animals (printable) as well as a list of Australia’s Top 10 Deadliest as learned from the video and books.Once his presentation was assembled, his brother and I sat down and he taught us more about Australia’s Box Jellyfish than we ever thought possible!

He did a great job and I had a lot of fun working with him on this project.

If you love hands-on geography, your kids will love some of my favorite hands-on geography programs:

Overview of Activity:

Step 1: Trace and cut-out deadly creatures on black construction paper.
Step 2: Attach to brown construction paper background.
Step 3: “Dot paint” black areas with various colors.
Step 4: Create list and fact sheet about Australia’s deadly creatures.
Step 5: Attach all to posterboard and teach what you’ve learned.

Learning about continents is a way to learn more about our world and its geography as we homeschool. This Australia awesome and deadly animal art activity is not only fun but it gives kids a chance to learn about science too. Click here to do this fun activity if you’re doing a unit study about Australia.

Overall, this hands-on activity worked well for us. It incorporated in a different culture’s art and allowed my son to really dive deep into a subject he is already incredibly passionate about. I can’t wait to see what he comes up with next!

Learn more about the countries of the world with the hands-on geography activities below!

  • Switzerland Homeschool Geography Unit Study
  • Learn About the Geography of France By Creating a Solar Oven
  • South America Geography Salt Dough Map

Written by Shawna at Not the Former Things.

4 CommentsFiled Under: Geography, Hands-On Activities, Science, Science Based Tagged With: art, crafts, geography, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschoolgeography, science

Polish Paper-Cutting (Wycinanki): Day 10 Hands-on Learning

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

Polish Paper-Cutting. Try Polish Folk Art When Studying About Europe or doing a homeschool unit study. Day 10 of Hands-on Learning Activities @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool PlusContinuing in our hands-on learning and focusing more on European countries this year, Tiny did a fun Polish paper-cutting activity. I have an upcoming unit study from STEAMworld Learning about Poland that I’m tickled to show you, but first I just have to give you a peek at this fun art project.

Appreciating Culture through Art

Have you ever head of Wycinanki? Yep, me neither which is why we were so excited to try it out.

At first glance you may think it’s easy. I confess we thought the same thing. What could be so hard about cutting paper right?

Wycinanki or polish paper-cutting became popular in the 1800s and peasants used it to decorate their home. They would brighten up their white walls with beautiful colored designs or hang the paper art from the ceiling or beams.

There were a lot of scenes of natures, but they especially liked roosters. But that is not the only pattern, it seems as time goes on, more and more designs are crafted like flowers, stars, medallions and peacocks.

Tiny pieces of paper are cut out and glued together to form an intricate pattern. And the idea is to layer the tiny intricate pieces to form designs and color.

After reading about it, like a lot of places each region has it’s own way of  doing it. One region typically stayed in one color while another area explored with multiple colors.

Of course, I always like easy so that is why we are using the crate from STEAMworld Learning because it comes with everything we need in one crate to do the project.

I rounded up some other Polish paper-cutting pictures from an art site to inspire me you.


Credit: Chicken Wycinanki by XxsLeEpINGsAiLoRxX on DeviantArt
You can see why the Polish people decorate with these beautiful crafts. Not only is the art soothing to do, but it gives the whole place a new look.

Wycinanki 1 by NeddieDavid on DeviantArt

We even saw some pictures with the designs done on eggs. What detailed work!

star – gwiazda by suzikraw on DeviantArt
I know you’ll love this upcoming unit study about Poland which is geared toward middle school kids and the best way to kick off a unit study is always with a hands-on activity and fun.

Tiny enjoyed doing this rooster and we especially love having the patterns that came with the crate. I think you’re kids will love this project. More to come soon!

If you’re wanting to do a unit study about a European country, grab Switzerland Homeschool Geography Unit Study (and Lapbook) here. And there is no shortage of fun hands-on ideas in our series.

Day 1: Make a Hair Hygrometer, Day 2: Desert Sand Art, Day 3: Make Zopf (Swiss Style Bread), Day 4: Exploring Edible Cactus (Learning about the Desert), How to Build the Alamo: Day 5 Hands-on Learning (Free Texas Unit Study) and Geoscavenge – A Rock and Mineral Hunt: Day 6 Hands-on Learning, How Does the Power of Ice Shape Mountains? Day 7: Hands-on Learning,How Accurate is a Sand Clock? Day 8: Hands-on Learning, How a Pendulum Clock Measures Time: Day 9 Hands-on Learning Activities and 365 Days Hands-On Homeschool Activities – One for EVERY Day of the Year

Hugs and love ya,

Signature T

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2 CommentsFiled Under: Geography, Hands-On Activities, History Resources Tagged With: crafts, geography, hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, poland

Fun Winter Craft Ideas for Middle School Homeschool

November 30, 2014 | 16 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, I have rounded up some winter craft ideas for middle school kids. Also, look at my page Homeschool Middle School for more fun tips.

When it’s brrrrrrr outside, middle school kids still have the desire to craft, create and design.

Fun Winter Craft Ideas for Middle School Homeschool

I focused on projects or ideas for things you already have around the house and on activities that most middle school kids can do on their own.

Although all these projects don’t have a winter theme, they are all projects that can be done inside when the days are longer in doors.

Winter Craft Ideas for Middle School

Asserting independence at the middle school grades is part of the maturing process for your kids; I find that projects and crafts are great ways for a middle school kids to have some independent time away from their siblings and well, from us too.

I would find my boys working on projects in their room at odd hours of the days and wished I had collected more ideas for my oldest son during his middle school years.

Maybe one or two ideas will spark a creative bent for your middle school sweetie.

Crafts Ideas for Winter

A fun way to spend the long evening hours and to recycle magazines to make a fun and useful bowl.

Use apple peels, orange and lemon peels to make fruity scented potpourri and put it in pouches in your kid’s bedroom.

Check out the recycled magazine vessels.

{attribution: Art is What I Teach} 
{attribution: Education Dot Com }

Oh my goodness, I remember doing something like this in my art class in 7th grade.  It is pendulum painting.

Of course, mine didn’t look near as good as this.

I never was talented at art, but I always showed up at class ready to create another not so inspiring creation.

With this project, you could easily incorporate a bit of science too.


pendulum-painting2-mslb7109_vert

{attribution: Martha Stewart}

Recycling CDs with yarn is a fun way to learn about weaving. 

Whatever the age your kids are even middle school kids love to have fun still with snow and ice.

The Basement Workshop Store

Crafts Ideas for Homeschool

Look at making these fun ice balloons.

Crafts don’t always have to be educational, just inspirational to invoke the imagination.

{attribution: Make It a Wonderful Life}  
{attribution: Education Dot Com}
{attribution: Handmade Charlotte}

I have done several letter collages for parties, but this is such a fun idea for middle school kids to make letters from vintage comic books.


Not too babyish so my kids can enjoy a bit of art in their room too.

I am absolutely in awe of this Dale Chihuly inspired chandelier created by middleschoolers. 

Though it looks like they used a complicated process, this is simply regular plastic drinking cups and permanent markers. 

Middle School Crafts

{attribution: Calvert Canvas}

Then they melted the cups in the toaster oven.

Unbelievable, how beautiful and easy this art project is.

You may need to supervise this project a bit since the toaster oven is involved unless you have a kid that has been cooking for a while.

This hands-on idea inspired my unit study and lapbook on glassblowing.

Glass Blowing Lapbook Glass Blowing

Moreover, just in case you live in a place like I do where snow is non-existent, check out how to make Borax crystals icicles for kids and look here for a fun snowflake craft with borax.

Using tempera paint and charcoal your middle school kids can create winter landscapes.

This makes for beautiful art to keep through the years.

And use this fun easy salt and watercolor ingredients to do a beautiful winter art project. So easy.

If you have a fan of The Hunger Games, check out 21 Craft Ideas for The Hunger Games.

{attribution: A Faithful Attempt}
{attribution: Everything Etsy}

Fun Winter Ideas for Middle School

Though this next website, Library Arts, is more about explaining what type of teen programs they offer for middle school arts, it has a plethora of ideas for hands-on activities.

Maybe you will be able to grab an idea or two.

Winter NaturExplorers 1080x1080 (Instagram)

They now have activities divided by age, so even your young kids can be inspired.

_wsb_500x374_Project 19_wsb_419x737_Mixed Button Necklace_wsb_500x411_Sweet Sugar ScrubOutdoor sun catcher
{attribution: Library Arts}

More Homeschooling in Middle School Resources

  • How to Successfully Homeschool Middle School
  • A to Z List: Middle and High School Homeschool Electives
  • Fun Winter Craft Ideas for Middle School Homeschool
  • Beginning Homeschooling in Middle School – 3 Questions Worth Asking
  • 10 Best Science Movies for Middle School
  • Which One is Really the Best Homeschool Writing Curriculum (a comparison)
  • How to Choose the BEST Homeschool Middle and High School Language Arts Curriculum & Options

In addition, don’t forget, I have a unit study and lapbook on The Arctic and The Inuit. 

Winter time is a great time to study about how the Inuit lived and you love my Arctic and Inuit Lapbook.

I have some easy hands-on idea too.

Inuit Lapbook

Also, art is one activity you can do anytime of the year, but when it’s cold outside keep learning fun indoors by doing Art History.

Add Art History To Your Homeschool… Effortlessly!

Take your art studies from occasional crafts to intentional art appreciation and invite your kids to make open-ended art inspired by famous artists from the past.

It’s easier than you think and this guide will show you how to get started quickly… even if you’ve never taken an art class in your life!

You’ll learn:

  • Why art history should be one of your core subjects and not an ‘elective’ or an ‘extra’
  • How to make art more meaningful and curate a custom experience that will meet your kids where they are right now
  • What art supplies and books you’ll need to get your art area ready for ‘back to homeschool’
  • Who to study first (and you’ll get a full-length open-and-go study guide so you can begin today!)

Meaningful art lessons don’t need to be super time consuming or elaborate to be impactful and inspiring. Get your free starter kit and study guide today and start making creative memories with your kids!

Winter Craft Ideas for Middle School

Maybe one of these ideas will add a touch of creativity to your cold winter days.

I think you’ll love these other ideas:

  • Colorful Winter Bird: Northern Cardinal Lapbook & Unit Study
  • Winter Nature Craft: How to Make Easy DIY Bird Feeders
  • 16 Ways to Make Homeschool Memorable During Winter
  • 21 Hands On Homeschooling Ideas to Keep the Winter Chill Off {Activities for Tots to Teens}
  • Free Winter Copywork for Middle School – Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost
  • Winter Season Lapbook and Unit Study

Hugs and love ya,

Winter Craft Ideas for Middle School

16 CommentsFiled Under: Hands-On Activities, Middle School Homeschool Tagged With: crafts, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschoolinginwinter, middleschool

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