earthscience

3 Fun Cocoa Winter Hands on Science Activities

October 6, 2022 | Leave a Comment
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Your kids will love doing three different cocoa winter hands-on science activities to go with my winter season unit study.

And we’re taking one of our favorite winter treats and turning it into science.

Using a simple packet of cocoa, we’re going to do three fun winter hands on science activities that your kids will love.

3 Fun Cocoa Winter Hands on Science Activities

These activities will appeal to multiple senses and can be used to teach some basic science principles.

Adding a new sensory experience to some science activities that might be ordinary and basic can give them new life.

Too, it makes them interesting, stirs your child to ponder about science, and helps your child retain what he has learned in an exciting new way.

3 Fun Cocoa Science Activities for Kids

Grab some of your favorite chemistry books like Basher Chemistry to reference while exploring these cocoa winter science activities.

And learn some of the vocabulary and scientific terms that go with them.

Don’t forget to enjoy a delicious cup of cocoa with your little scientist while you have fun with these activities.

Don’t confuse it with one of science mixtures.

1. Hydrophobic Hot Cocoa Science Activity

First, begin with this hydrophobic hot cocoa activity.

You’ll need:

A clear container
Spoon
Hot cocoa mix
Water- hot and cold

Directions:

Grab a glass of cold water and a heaping tablespoon of hot cocoa powder.

Slowly lower the spoon into the glass.

Twist and move the spoon a bit.

Raise the spoon out of the glass. What happened? The liquid that was wrapped around the powder rolls right off.

Now heat up a cup of water. It doesn’t have to be boiling just nice and hot.

Stir another tablespoon of cocoa into the water and see how fast it dissolves.

What is the Science of Hydrophobic Hot Cocoa

Cocoa is a substance that is known as hydrophobic. This means that it repels water.

The fat in the cocoa makes it hydrophobic. Oil is also hydrophobic. Have you heard the old saying oil and water don’t mix? It’s true.

So why does it dissolve in hot water so much better than cold water? Simply put, hot water has more energy in it than cold water.

This means that the molecules move faster and break down the cocoa powder faster than cold water does.

You can also try this experiment with cold and hot milk. It will work the same due to the amount of water in the milk.

2. Hot Cocoa Slime Science Activity

Second, slime is not just a fun sensory activity.

It can be used to learn some basic chemistry terms like

molecules
polymers
chemical reactions
and nonnewtonian fluid ( neither a solid or a liquid).

And slime is also calming. It helps with focus and builds fine motor skills. This slime smells amazing and is a great winter themed experiment.

You’ll need:

1 packet of hot cocoa
1 cup of school glue
2 Tablespoons of contact solution
3 teaspoons baking soda

Directions:

Place glue, baking soda, and contact solution in a large bowl.

Stir in an entire packet of hot cocoa.

Remove from bowl and knead with your hands for a few minutes until desired texture is reached.

What is the Science of Cocoa Slime

When you mix baking soda with contact lens solution the main ingredients polyvinyl alcohol and borate ion undergo a chemical reaction called an endothermic reaction

Together, these two ingredients create a non-Newtonian fluid which is a substance that is neither liquid nor solid.

Slime is a polymer.

And polymers are made up of long chains of molecules.

Too, the glue contains polymers which can bend and slide past each other. This allows the slime to flow and to take the shape of the container it is in.

Last, this activity is the hot cocoa volcano.

3. Hot Cocoa Volcano Science Activity

This is a fantastic multi-sensory science experiment. It smells great and creates an exciting chemical reaction that kids love.

You can continue to add baking soda and vinegar to keep the reaction going indefinitely.

You’ll need:

Small plastic cup
1 Tablespoon Hot Cocoa
2 Tablespoons baking soda
Vinegar

Directions:

Mix baking soda and hot cocoa in a small cup.

Place your cup outside or on a surface that is easy to clean, this ~~could~~ WILL get messy.

Slowly pour vinegar into the cup and watch it bubble over.

Add more baking soda and vinegar to continue with the cocoa lava flow.

if you really want to get a bubbly foaming concoction that resembles lava add a bit of dish soap to your mixture.

What is the Science of the Hot Cocoa Volcano

Baking soda and vinegar react to neutralize each other.

Vinegar is an acid and baking soda is an alkali.

And the resulting reaction releases carbon dioxide which is the bubbles of gas that make it look like a bubbling volcano.

More Winter Season Unit Study Resources

Then, here are some other winter unit study resources you’ll love.

And add my other unit study Arctic Region.

What do you think? Are you ready for a bit of winter fun and science?

Geronimo Stilton Mouse into Space:How to Make an EASY Straw Rocket

October 3, 2022 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today for mouse into space we are doing an easy straw rocket. The book Mouse in Space (Geronimo Stilton #52) is about outer space. So, if your child is loving the Geronimo Stilton books, your child will love making this easy straw rocket.

If you have a child who loves all things space consider tying it in with Geronimo Stilton Mouse in Space for a mini space unit study.

Geronimo Stilton Mouse into Space:How to Make an EASY Straw Rocket

By now you know that we love the Geronimo Stilton series.

And the series is wonderful for young readers.

They are fantastic for either read aloud or as your child’s independent reading time and are good for lower to upper elementary.

Geronimo Stilton Stories

I think they are great for developing reading fluency and vocabulary in a fun way.

However, they also dive into so many fantastic science and history lessons.

Kids think they are just reading a silly story about a mouse off on adventures.

Before you know your kids are filling their heads with historical facts about Cleopatra, Da Vinci, Genghis Khan, Vikings, and more.

Or maybe they are getting science lessons about dinosaurs, the Australian Outback or of course…outer space.

Also, I’ve included a few ideas to expand your space unit study.

7 Activities for a Homeschool Space Unit Study

Use watercolors, chalk pastels, or some other unique art medium to draw a rocket and label the parts-nose, fins, body tube, windows, etc.
Learn How to Make Astronaut Ice Cream
Make a fun glow in the dark Puffy Paint Moon
Add a few more books to Geronimo Stilton like Who Was Neil Armstrong or The Mysteries of the Universe.
Create a space themed sensory bin with black gravel and space themed toys.

Watch National Geographic Rockets 101

Finally, my HUGE Exploring Space and Astronomy Free Unit Study for Multiple Ages

Spend some time talking about the science of what makes rockets work.

National Geographic has a great article on just that.

How to Make an Easy Straw Rocket

This simple and easy straw rocket activity is something that will keep the kids busy flying missions all day.

And you are very likely to already have this stuff on hand so there is no need to run out for special supplies

You will need:

Two straws, one that fits inside the other
Colored cardstock
Tape
Scissors
Stickers or markers for decoration

Cut a general rocket shape and two fins out of colorful cardstock.

You can make it any size you like. But the lighter and smaller it is the higher it will fly so keep that in mind.

Flip the rocket and fins over and tape together securely on the back.

Flip your rocket back over and decorate the front with markers or fun stickers.

Here we used little round stickers like you would use for yard sale pricing to make the rockets windows.

Don’t forget to name your rocket. The Geronimo 1 just felt right.

Tear off bits of orange or red cardstock to create flames from the boosters.

Tape them on the back as well if you like to add more detail.

Cut the paper straw so that it is just about 1” longer than your paper rocket.

Then, smash down one end. Tape it off to completely close off the hole on one end.

Next, tape securely to the back. And leave 1” sticking out of the bottom with the opening at the bottom and the taped off end toward the top.

Too, I discovered that a paper straw fits perfectly inside of a Dunkin Doughnuts straw. (You know where we’ve been.)

Now, point your rocket to the sky and put the end of the straw in your mouth and blow. Soon your rocket will take off.

Also, try experimenting with different sizes of rockets, fins, as well as various straw lengths to see what flies the farthest, fastest, straightest, etc.

Finally, you love these other Geronimo Stilton books and crafts:

More Geronimo Stilton Books and Craft Ideas

Inuit of the Arctic: How Animals Survive Harsh Winters Fun Blubber Activity

September 25, 2022 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

If you’re studying the Inuit of the Arctic in my Arctic Region unit study and my Arctic and Inuit unit study, your kids will love this blubber activity.

This winter experiment is perfect for demonstrating how Arctic animals can survive harsh winter conditions.

I have seen this experiment done with preschoolers.

However, this is an amazing hands-on visual aid that demonstrates the science of blubber.

Inuit of the Arctic: How Animals Survive Harsh Winters Fun Blubber Activity

So, this is an activity which can be done with tots to teens.

A great thing about this Arctic activity is that it just takes minutes to set up and complete.

In addition to science, you can have your child point out Arctic areas on a map and you have incorporated geography too.

Weigh and measure the lard. Then, you have added math into a mini unit study created simply from one Arctic activity.

Before you begin your experiment, have your child research some questions using your favorite living books or the internet to find out the answers.

I have some to get you started that will give your student a good understanding of blubber, its uses, and what animals have it.

For younger children you can just read from the information in the book below.

This is a great opportunity to learn not only what animals need blubber for but also what the people of the Arctic use it for.

In addition, Ocean Anatomy has a section on ice, seals, penguins, and polar bears.

This can be used for their illustrations to sketch because they are beautiful.

What is Blubber

Look below at some facts about blubber which you can use for this unit study.

Blubber is a thick layer of fat (adipose tissue) that is directly under the skin of marine animals.

What types of animals have blubber?

Marine animals have blubber.

Then there are 4 different types of marine animals.

cetaceans (whales, dolphins, and porpoises),
pinnipeds (seals, sea lions, and walruses),
sirenians (manatees and dugongs), and
fissipeds (polar bears and sea otters).

But out of the four different types of marine animals, sea otters are the only ones that don’t have blubber.

Arctic animals like seals, whales, walruses, and polar bears have a thick even layer of blubber throughout their body to help them stay warm and it helps in a few other ways as well.

Why do Arctic animals need blubber?

Besides a thick coat of fur to keep them warm, Arctic animals need blubber for warmth.

It takes a lot of energy to keep a warm body warm in cold water.

The blood vessels in the blubber constrict (get smaller) in cold water. This reduces the flow of blood and the energy needed to heat the body.

Also, blubber is less dense than ocean water and helps the animals float effortlessly so it increases buoyancy.

In addition, oil is stored in the oily layer of blubber and allows animals to go longer periods of time without food.

Is blubber really edible?

Muktuk is a traditional food in the Arctic. It is made of whale skin and blubber.

Most often made from a bowhead whale but it can also be gathered from beluga and narwhal.

It is eaten raw, frozen, pickled, and cooked.

A bowhead whale could feed an entire community for a year off its meat, skin, and blubber.

Today, many Arctic peoples still eat blubber as an important part of their diet. It contains great amounts of glycogen and ascorbic acid.

Are there any other uses for blubber?

Whale oil was used in soap, margarine, and oil-burning lamps.

There are some indigenous Arctic people, like the Inuit that still harvest blubber and use it in whale-oil lamps.

Fun Blubber Arctic

Next, let’s see how effective blubber can be for the animals of the Arctic

You will need:

A large bowl
Rubber glove
Box of lard
Ice
Water

First, pack a bowl full of ice and add cold water leaving a little room for displacement.

Now have your child place their hand in the icy water.

Count how long they are able to keep it in until they can’t take it anymore.

It’s not long is it? 10 seconds ? 30? A full minute?

Now have them slip on a rubber glove or a plastic baggie over the same hand.

Use your block of lard to completely encase the gloved hand Be sure to cover it well so that there are no openings for the ice water to penetrate.

Have them slip their lard covered hand back into the ice water, not so cold right?

How long can they keep their hand in now? Much longer and they barely feel the cold.

Like we learned before the blubber insulates the animal against the frigid temperatures.

This is a fantastic topic and experiment for winter study.

Instead of tossing out the lard after the experiment use it to make Eskimo ice cream or it can be used to make a suet block to help feed birds during winter when food is scarce.

Other Winter Ideas and Resources

You’ll love these other crafts and ideas for studying about winter.

What do you think? Ready to add some winter fun?

Geronimo Stilton Theme Mouse in Space Fun Puffy Moon Craft (Glow in the Dark)

September 13, 2022 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, for book Number 52 the Geronimo Stilton theme is Mouse in Space and we’re making a fun puffy paint moon craft. The Geronimo Stilton books were written by Elisabetta Dami an Italian children’s book writer.

The Geronimo Stilton series is an absolute delight for children ages 7 to 10 years old and are full of mouse fun and adventure.

Today, Geronimo Stilton theme is about space.

Geronimo Stilton Theme Mouse in Space Fun Puffy Moon Craft (Glow in the Dark)

So instead of going back in time like his adventures take him, Geronimo Stilton is headed to space.

Geronimo blasts off on a top-secret mission full of space training, interaction with Dr. Wicked Whiskers, satellites, and a spacewalk.

This book is perfect for diving into some fun science.

Space Unit Study Craft

And today we are going to learn about and create a puffy paint moon that glows in the dark.

This spacecraft has a lot of texture, is fun to make and the fun continues when you turn out the light.

Once charged a bit in the light it will glow brightly, and you have a fun moon to hang up in your bedroom or classroom.

Choose a few activities, crafts, and other books and you have yourself the makings of a space unit study.

I have some ideas to get you started below.

Don’t forget to use the words in different colors, font sizes, and types in the Geronimo Stilton books for spelling and vocabulary.

They make it easy to turn a simple book into a mini unit study.

There are many topics they cover and the layout of the words on the pages makes it fun.

The Space themed Safari Ltd. Toob is a great place to start and can be used in dioramas, sensory bins, or just fun dramatic play situations.

You could also use them to tell a story about space or they can be used as inspiration for a drawing.

Then Basher Space Exploration and Basher Astronomy take big topics and break them down with silly pictures.

This makes topics easy to understand for any grade.

Four Space Hands-on Craft Ideas

Next, add in more hands-on ideas to make this unit study longer.

Create 4 different puffy paintings to show all 4 phases of the moon.
Try astronaut ice cream or other freeze-dried food for the true astronaut experience.
Enjoy Homeschool Pop’s Planets of Our Solar System video on YouTube.

And this last one is my HUGE Exploring Space and Astronomy Free Unit Study for Multiple Ages.

Don’t forget to grab Mouse in Space! (Geronimo Stilton #52).

Then grab the free unit study.

Also, add more Geronimo Stilton book resources for a fun literature slant to space.

Other Geronimo Stilton

Most of the hands-on activities below can be done with multiple ages.

Finally, let’s make this fun glow in the dark moon craft.

Now off to the moon!

You can trace a plate or bowl to create the outline of your moon.

But this makes for a great opportunity to introduce your child to a compass to create circles.

How to Make A Glow in the Dark Puffy Paint Moon Craft

You will need:

Glow in the dark paint
Shaving cream
White school glue
Artist canvas or thick paper
A couple small plastic caps, different sizes
Geometry compass
watercolors
Paintbrush

You can make your glow in the dark puffy paint moon craft on paper.

However, we had some flat canvases already and I wanted to create something a little more permanent.

So we used our canvases. Trace your moon either with a round plate or demonstrate how to use a compass to draw a circle as large as your canvas.

Next, combine 1 part glue to 3 parts shaving cream.
How much you mix will depend on how large of a moon you are going to make or if you want extra for more than one.

For a 8 1/2 x12 canvas I used about 1 cup shaving cream, ¼ cup of glue, and 1 heaping Tablespoon glow in the dark paint.

Once mixed, paint in your moon with very thick blobs of paint. Cover the entire circle well.

While the paint is still wet, stamp in it a few times with different size caps to create craters.

Your kids can also use their fingers. Add a few blobs of your glow in the dark paint here and there around the canvas to be stars or asteroids.

Allow paint to dry overnight so it is completely dry throughout.

Once it is dry your child can add very wet watercolor around your moon.

Add watercolor right up to the edges of your puffy paint. Then, sprinkle with a bit of salt to create some texture.

Once dry brush away your salt and it will take some of the watercolor with it leaving a unique texture to the night sky.

You can grab a flat canvas at Dollar Tree to keep it very low cost. Look how great it looks at night!

What do you think? Are you ready for this fun science activity go with your literature study?

19 Fun Hands-on Rainforest Activities for Kindergarten

September 12, 2022 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have 19 hands-on rainforest activities for kindergarten. Too, grab more kindergarten activities on my kindergarten homeschool curriculum page.

And learning about the rainforest is a fun subject to cover for any grade including kindergarten.

Too, teaching children at the kindergarten age should include hands-on activities and should be play-based.

19 Fun Hands-on Rainforest Activities for Kindergarten

Kindergarten learners can discover the rainforest through their senses. And the word “rain forest” denotes the fact that these are the some of the world’s wettest ecosystems.

While exploring nature, they learn through the sense of smell, hearing, taste, and touch.

So, you’ll want to include learning through the senses and a full immersion into the world of nature.

If you have room in your learning space, create a play-based Amazon theme area. Make the jungle come alive through music and props.

Amazon Rainforest Animals

First, begin with what kids this age love and that is animals.

There are many Amazon rainforest animals which your child can focus on.

A few animals which can ignite your child’s love for the wealth of the life that lives in the rainforest are:

Jaguars
Toucans
Iguanas
Giant Ant Eaters
Kinkajou also called honey bears
Harpy Eagles
Piranhas
Sloth and
Butterflies
Red and Green Macaw

Besides the animals are really what excites your kids when learning about the rainforest.

You’ll love the page I have here Rain Forest – Animals of the Amazon where your children can see more pictures.

Rainforest Activities

Next, I have many rainforest activities for kids of all ages, but your kindergarten aged children will love putting together this fun lapbook.

Actually, my lapbooks are for multiple ages and are mix and match. Not all kids, especially kindergarten are on at the same level. That is perfectly normal.

Kids this age can be reading beginning chapter books, and some are still learning letter sounds. All of this is well within the range of normal for this age.

The point is kids love learning and this is the time for projects.

For example, look at these free Amazon rainforest lapbooks.

Look here to read about my free Amazon Rainforest Lapbooks.

Other Kindergarten Resources

Look at some of these other kindergarten resources.

Look at the 19 crafts below. I know you’ll find one or two that will add some fun to your child’s learning day.

Rainforest Activities

Kindergarten learning should be about hands-on crafts, moving, singing and learning that is play- based or crafts.

These rainforest crafts can be done by all your kids but especially your kindergarten aged children.

Photo Credit: www.redtedart.com

Easy Bird Finger Puppet Origami

Well, we have a super duper special and EASY Bird Finger Puppet Origami project for you. These are so easy, and so fun to turn into doodle birds, that you will wonder **where** they have been all your life! So fun.

Make an Easy Paper Plate Monkey

Rainforest crafts for kindergarten encourages creativity, fosters imagination, and strengthens fine motor skills. Crafts are part of teaching how to homeschool kindergarten.

Photo Credit: www.littleladoo.com

Toilet Paper Roll Macaw Craft

Looking for a fun craft project for kids with Toilet Paper Rolls? Why not make a Macaw craft!

Photo Credit: www.simpleeverydaymom.com

Handprint Parrot Craft For Kids

If you need a fun craft to go with a rainforest theme try out this cute handprint parrot craft.

Photo Credit: abcsofliteracy.com

Sloth Letter Recognition Activity

Your kids are going to have fun naming capital and lowercase letters as they “feed” the sloth in this Sloth Letter Recognition Activity.

Photo Credit: www.thekeeperofthememories.com

Rainforest Collage for Kids

Your preschoolers and kindergartners will have a blast with this Rainforest Collage for Kids. This process art activity is perfect for encouraging creative thinking, problem-solving, and of course fine motor skills.

Photo Credit: www.littleladoo.com

Butterfly Symmetry Painting

Try this Fun Art Project – Butterfly Symmetry Painting. It is easy, and fun and kids will love the unique result every time.

Photo Credit: www.thekeeperofthememories.com

Lotus Flower Process Art for Kids

Encourage creative thinking, problem-solving, and fine motor skills while learning about the rainforest with this Lotus Flower Process Art for preschoolers and kindergartners! You’re definitely going to want to check it out!

Photo Credit: growingbookbybook.com

Phonemic Awareness Activity: Rainforest Animal Slide

Does your child know most of his letter sounds? Are you wondering what to work on next? If so, it’s time to play with those sounds and how they work together to make words.

Photo Credit: www.simpleeverydaymom.com

Cute Sloth Handprint Craft

Photo Credit: thepreschooltoolboxblog.com

Rainforest Tree Frog Math Games

Come play to learn in preschool or Kindergarten with FUN Tree Frog Math Games to encourage developing skills.

Photo Credit: abcsofliteracy.com

Rainforest Animal Letter Maze Worksheets

Are your kids learning about the rainforests? Then, grab these free printable Rainforest Animal Letter Maze Worksheets.

Photo Credit: www.thekeeperofthememories.com

Rainforest Process Art

This Rainforest Process Art is a wonderful way to encourage creative thinking, problem-solving, and of course fine motor skills. You’re definitely not going to want to miss it!

Photo Credit: barleyandbirch.com

Make Colorful Climbing Paper Tree Frogs

Explore a variety of fun art-making styles with this climbing paper tree frog craft for kids that sticks to smooth surfaces using the magic of suction cups to mimic the real thing!

Photo Credit: barleyandbirch.com

Make a Bubble Wrap Stamped Chameleon

Inspired by green (the ultimate color of spring!) our cardboard chameleon craft and DIY fascinator start with an incredibly fun process your kids can try as a stand-alone chameleon art activity.

Photo Credit: barleyandbirch.com

Go on a Mini Backyard Safari

Spring and summer weather is grand for heading outside to go on an exciting mini backyard safari – no jeep necessary!

Photo Credit: www.redtedart.com

DIY Sloth Bookmark Corner - Red Ted Art - Easy Kids Crafts

We never tire of Origami Corner Bookmarks – they are so fun and easy to make and are a great easy STEAM project to get kids started on origami – looking at angles and symmetry and the great things you can make. Then learn how to decorate your origami bookmark and turn it into a fun DIY Sloth Bookmark Corner! And who doesn’t LOVE a Sloth Craft?!

Photo Credit: www.redtedart.com

Toilet Paper Roll FROG Craft

So as our love affair with this humble craft material continues, we share with you today the Toilet Paper Roll Frog Craft! A perfect little TP Roll Craft for Spring.

Photo Credit: kidscraftroom.com

Cardboard Tube Parrot Craft

Squawk! This Cardboard Tube Parrot Craft is a fabulous Summer bird craft for kids.

earthscience

3 Fun Cocoa Science Activities for Kids

1. Hydrophobic Hot Cocoa Science Activity

What is the Science of Hydrophobic Hot Cocoa

2. Hot Cocoa Slime Science Activity

What is the Science of Cocoa Slime

3. Hot Cocoa Volcano Science Activity

Directions:

What is the Science of the Hot Cocoa Volcano

More Winter Season Unit Study Resources

Geronimo Stilton Stories

7 Activities for a Homeschool Space Unit Study

How to Make an Easy Straw Rocket

More Geronimo Stilton Books and Craft Ideas

What is Blubber

What types of animals have blubber?

Why do Arctic animals need blubber?

Is blubber really edible?

Are there any other uses for blubber?

Fun Blubber Arctic

Other Winter Ideas and Resources

Space Unit Study Craft

Four Space Hands-on Craft Ideas

Other Geronimo Stilton

How to Make A Glow in the Dark Puffy Paint Moon Craft

Amazon Rainforest Animals

Rainforest Activities

Other Kindergarten Resources

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