earthscience

The Wonders of the Great Barrier Reef: An Ecosystem Triorama

January 13, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

The great barrier reef is an amazing model for an ecosystem triorama, showing a colorful slice of the underwater ecosystem. Also, look at my pages Trioramas: How To Create Engaging Visual Narratives For Kids for more ideas and Free 4-Week Kid’s Australia Unit Study Who Love Hands-on Learning.

The great barrier reef is considered one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

So, for this triorama we took a trip to the craft store.

The Wonders of the Great Barrier Reef: An Ecosystem Triorama

What I enjoyed about this method of creating the triorama is that even younger children who can’t write or draw well can still easily make a beautiful reef display.

The Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral reef system, is swarming with an astounding variety of fish species.

It shows an incredible biodiversity of this underwater ecosystem, each playing their part in keeping it healthy.

Even if you’ve never experienced it up close you can see videos, pictures or books full of the wonders that can be found there.

BOOKS ABOUT THE GREAT BARRIER REEF FOR KIDS

First, look at these books about the great barrier reef to add this hands-on activity today.

5 Great Barrier Reef Books

Add some of these fun books about the Great Barrier Reef to your home library.

The Great Barrier Reef (Earth's Incredible Places)

Vibrant, dynamic illustrations illuminate this enchanting place, its animal inhabitants, and the peoples who have embraced it as a centerpiece of their cultures. Learn all about how the reef came to be, its place in the world, and perhaps most importantly, what we can all do to help ensure that The Great Barrier Reef will be around for countless future generations to discover!

The World of Coral Reefs: Explore and Protect the Natural Wonders of the Sea

Coral reefs occupy less than 1% of the ocean floor, but they support 25% of all marine species with food and shelter. In this lavishly illustrated book for ages 7 to 10, marine ecologist and underwater explorer Erin Spencer provides fascinating, scientific information in a highly accessible format, including details about the
types of coral, their anatomy and life cycle, where they live, how reefs develop, and the incredible diversity of marine animals that live among them, including aquarium favorites like clownfish, royal blue tangs, and sea turtles. Kids learn about the interdependent relationships of people and reefs and how human behavior puts reefs in danger, promising conservation work that scientists are undertaking, and solution-oriented ways kids and families can help in the effort.

Where Is the Great Barrier Reef?

The Great Barrier Reef, off the coast of Australia, is the world's largest coral reef system. Stretching more than 1,400 miles, it provides a home to a wide diversity of creatures. Designated a World Heritage Site, the reef is suffering from the effects of climate change but this fascinating book shows this spectacular part of our planet.

The Mystery on the Great Barrier Reef (Around the World in 80 Mysteries (Paperback))

It's a trip Down Under for Christina, 10, Grant, 7, and their mystery-writing grandmother Mimi! Lots of surprises and mysterious activities unfold as the group travels through the Outback, Queensland, and finally to the Great Barrier Reef. During a glass-bottom boat ride, they discover more than coral and fish under the water-scuba divers and flesh-tearing moray eel lurk beneath their boat! They shudder at the eerie screech of the Tasmanian devil and brave the awesome Australian Outback (and Aborigines!) at night. Watch and wonder as Grant ends up in the Camel Cup camel race- will he make it to the finish line? Don't miss a moment of excitement in Christina and Grant's Australian adventure! Download free activities for this book!

Coral Reef

Hardy adventurers ages 6 - 9 dive into a silent watery world where tiny coral animals grow together to form rock gardens of white, pink, and red-orange. In this action-packed undersea circus, jaws snap, tentacles sting, ink gets squirted, and fish suddenly glow while animals that look like plants sway gently and bashful clams hide the lively secrets inside their shells. Surprisingly dry and armed with a few pieces of equipment and their boundless imaginations, children explore this magical realm one small square at a time. "Science education at its best." ― Science Books and Films

Let’s look at some of these fish and the parts they play among the coral.

FISH OF THE GREAT BARRIER REEF ECOSYSTEM

Clownfish are instantly recognizable by their bright orange and white stripes. They are small, agile fish that have a symbiotic relationship with anemones, finding protection within their stinging tentacles and, in turn, they help to keep the anemone clean and healthy.

Damselfish are known for their vibrant colors and territorial behavior. They play a key role in the reef’s food web, grazing on algae and providing a food source for larger fish.

Parrotfish have beak-like mouths and vivid hues, they also play a crucial role in maintaining the reef’s health by grazing on algae and contributing to sand production.

Surgeonfish are equipped with sharp spines on their tails, (which resembles a surgeon’s scalpel, hence the name). And they are known for their agility and territorial behavior.

Cod and tuna, also prized for their culinary value, can be found in the reef’s waters, attracting both sport fishermen and commercial fishing operations.

Butterflyfish, with their delicate patterns and graceful movements, are a delight to observe as they flit among the coral branches. They are specialized feeders, often targeting specific types of coral polyps or invertebrates.

Angelfish are adorned with striking colors and distinctive shapes, they definitely add to the visual spectacle of the reef. They are omnivores, feeding on a variety of sponges, algae, and small invertebrates.

Snapper and grouper are popular targets of recreational and commercial fishing. They are important predators that help regulate fish populations, feeding a variety of smaller fish and invertebrates.

The reef also provides habitat for a variety of sharks and rays, including the manta ray and the whale shark.

These apex predators are yet another part of maintaining the delicate balance of the reef’s ecosystem.

Also, look at more coral reef activities.

HANDS-ON ECOSYSTEM TRIORAMA CORAL REEF ACTIVITIES

Also, look at these other themed trioramas.

MORE TRIORAMAS

Finally, look at how to make this ecosystem triorama.

THE WONDERS OF THE GREAT BARRIER REEF: AN ECOSYSTEM TRIORAMA

You will need:

Double Sided tape or glue stick
12×12 cardstock
Scrap multi colored cardstock
Ocean animal/plant stickers
Letter stickers
Scissors

First, as we do with all our trioramas, we are folding our square paper into a triangle and create a nice crease.

Next, unfold and repeat in the opposite direction.

Then, cut from one tip to the center of the folds and mark out one side that doesn’t need to be decorated (one on either side of the cut).

Before folding and gluing it into a pyramid add letter stickers along one side to Spell out ‘Great Barrier Reef’ along one side.

Fold the pyramid and glue the X underneath.

Use colorful cardstock to cut out some various types of coral to give your triorama dimension, leaving a little extra space at the bottom.

Fold over enough of the bottom so that you can glue it onto the triorama base.

Attach with glue, adding them to the front, middle, and back of the base, I like to use a double sided tape dispenser for projects like this.

Now begin adding fish, putting some on the background.

Add them coming in and out of the corals and grasses as well.

Your child can go crazy adding fish and other sea creatures to show off the brimming with life Great Coral Reef ecosystem.

Dive Into STEM Learning With An Exciting Jello Earthquake Experiment

December 6, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

The Jello earthquake experiment is a great way to learn about earthquakes and how they can affect structures. Also, look at my page Free Earth Science Lapbook & Unit Study Ideas.

It can be used to teach children about the different types of earthquakes.

And use it to teach the causes of earthquakes, and the effects of earthquakes on people and property as well as the importance of earthquake preparedness.

Dive Into STEM Learning With An Exciting Jello Earthquake Experiment

Earthquakes are a natural hazard that can cause widespread damage and loss of life.

They occur when there is a sudden release of energy below the Earth’s surface, which creates seismic waves.

These waves travel through the Earth’s crust and can cause the ground to shake violently.

Earthquakes can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

Tectonic plate movement: The Earth’s crust is made up of several tectonic plates that are constantly moving. When two plates collide, one plate may be forced beneath the other, causing an earthquake.
Volcanic activity: Earthquakes can also be caused by volcanic activity. When magma moves beneath the Earth’s surface, it can create pressure that builds up and eventually causes an earthquake.
Landslides: Landslides can also trigger earthquakes, especially if they occur in areas with unstable soil or rock.

Look at earthquakes from different viewpoints from measuring them with a seismometer to learning about engineering.

You can build structures that can withstand them with all the activities I have included as well as videos and books.

Of course, we have some cool facts to share while you put together the Jello earthquake experiment.

EARTH SCIENCE BOOKS FOR KIDS

Next, add some fun books to this activity.

When possible I prefer to add living books when I can find them.

9 Books for Kids Who Love to Read About Earth Science Topics

Add these books to your learning day to learn about various earth science topics.

The Story Book of Science (Yesterday's Classics)

The wonders of plant and animal life told with rare literary charm by Uncle Paul in conversations with three children. Besides such stories as the ants' subterranean city, the spider's suspension bridge, and the caterpillars' processing, he unlocks the mystery behind thunder and lightning, clouds and rain, the year and its seasons, and volcanoes and earthquakes. Suitable for ages 9 to 12.

Earthquakes (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science 2)

Some earthquakes are so small that you don’t even feel them, while others can make even big buildings shake. Learn why earthquakes happen, where they are most likely to occur, and what to do if one happens near you.

Now with updated text and art, this classic picture book describes the causes and effects of earthquakes (including a tsunami). This book features rich vocabulary and fascinating cross-sections of mountains, volcanoes, and faults in the earth’s moving crust.

This is a clear and appealing science book for early elementary age kids, both at home and in the classroom. The text and art were vetted by Dr. Roland Burgmann, Professor of the Department of Earth and Planetary Science at the University of California, Berkeley.

The First Book of the Earth

A republication of the 1958 book by Irene Sevrey with illustrations by Mildred Waltrip, The First Book of the Earth is an elementary level natural history book that was written during a time when children's books held a student's interest and imagination because they were "living" rather than simply based on factoids and vivid pictures. It is a wonderful introduction to the subject of geology and covers the earth as a planet in the solar system and the physics of how it circles the sun, thereby defining our days and years. It then moves on to describing the earth's origin as scientists understand it and takes up the topics of the earth's composition, its structure, molecular makeup, rock families, minerals, volcanoes and earthquakes, mountains and their formation, and how glaciers and rivers affect the shaping of the earth's surface. The book ends by briefly discussing dinosaurs and the possible aging techniques used to date the earth's age in terms of epochs or periods.

Rocks, Gems and Minerals: A Fully Illustrated, Authoritative and Easy-to-Use Guide (A Golden Guide from St. Martin's Press)

This handy identification guide to the most common kinds of rocks and minerals offers concise and fascinating information on:- Physical and chemical properties- Origins and geologic significance- Gems and semiprecious stones- How to find and collect specimens

Earth: An Intimate History

Beginning with Mt. Vesuvius, whose eruption in Roman times helped spark the science of geology, and ending in a lab in the West of England where mathematical models and lab experiments replace direct observation, Richard Fortey tells us what the present says about ancient geologic processes. He shows how plate tectonics came to rule the geophysical landscape and how the evidence is written in the hills and in the stones. And in the process, he takes us on a wonderful journey around the globe to visit some of the most fascinating and intriguing spots on the planet.

The First Book of Caves

A book about caves with drawings for young readers with a vocabulary list and definition at the end.

Rocks and Minerals: A Guide of Familiar Minerals, Gems, Ores, and Rocks (A Golden Nature Guide)

A guide to familiar minerals, gems, ores, and rocks enhanced by 400 full color illustrations. Provides much geological knowledge in how to look for surface forms, rocks, minerals etc. Includes information for the searcher and an useful list of clubs and organizations. Excellent bibliography and index.

A Whale of the Wild (A Voice of the Wilderness Novel)

For Vega and her family, salmon is life. And Vega is learning to be a salmon finder, preparing for the day when she will be her family’s matriarch. But then she and her brother Deneb are separated from their pod when a devastating earthquake and tsunami render the seascape unrecognizable. Vega must use every skill she has to lead her brother back to their family. The young orcas face a shark attack, hunger, the deep ocean, and polluted waters on their journey. Will Vega become the leader she’s destined to be?

Rocks, Rivers, and the Changing Earth: A first book about geology

A living book on the living earth. Told in a conversational style, the book discusses the topics of geology and provides ideas for investigations and demonstrations of the scientific principles. Illustrated throughout, this book is a favorite as an introduction to geology for young readers. This edition includes updated science information on plate tectonics and the structure of the earth.

Also, look at some facts about earthquakes.

6 EARTH SHAKING FACTS ABOUT EARTHQUAKES

The point where an earthquake starts is called the focus or hypocenter and the Earth’s surface directly above the focus is called the epicenter.
Earthquakes are measured using the Richter scale, which ranges from 1 to 10. This logarithmic, meaning that each whole number increase represents a tenfold increase in the amplitude of the seismic waves.
The largest earthquake ever recorded was a magnitude 9.5 earthquake in Chile in 1960.
Earthquakes can cause tsunamis, landslides, and other geological hazards which cause buildings and other structures to collapse.
The deadliest earthquake in history was the Tangshan earthquake in China in 1976, which killed an estimated 242,000 people.
Earthquakes are most common in certain areas of the world, such as along plate boundaries.

Also, look at these fun hands-on activities.

EARTHQUAKE EXPERIMENT ACTIVITIES

If you live in an area affected by earthquakes, talk about your plan during an earthquake, just like you would for fires, etc. Put together an earthquake kit with your child to have one hand should you ever need it.
Try a tasty lesson in How to Make an Edible Kindergarten Earth Science Tectonic Plate Activity to teach younger children.
Scientific America has simple lesson plans for Earthquake-Proof Engineering for Skyscrapers using LEGO, a favorite tool and toy in one.
Don’t forget to add in some great books like All About Earthquakes and I Survived the Great Alaska Earthquake, 1964 for a rich and full learning experience.
To learn more about the effect in and around the epicenter check out this Earthquake Epicenter Experiment.
Watch Earthquakes for Kids STEM | Learn why earthquakes happen and how to measure them.
Not only can you make your own model of an earthquake measurement device but you will find 10 Hands On Earthquake Activities | How To Make A Model Seismometer.
Check out this simple earth Science experiment on Plate Movement, Earthquakes to simply demonstrate the effects of earthquakes.

Finally, look at this fun Jello earthquake experiment.

JELLO EARTHQUAKE EXPERIMENT

You will need:

1 box of Jello
1 clear container
small objects, such as toy cars, buildings, or trees
A spoon
Mini marshmallows
toothpicks

First, prepare the Jello according to the package directions.

The Jello represents the ground which moves during an earthquake.

Pour the Jello into the clear container and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.

Once the Jello is set, place the small objects on top of it.

Use the spoon to gently shake the container.

Observe what happens to the Jello and the small objects.

As you shake the container, the Jello will begin to jiggle and wobble.

This is similar to what happens to the ground during an earthquake.

The small objects on top of the Jello will begin to move and may even fall over.

This is because the earthquake waves are causing the ground to shake.

Now, our goal is to build a structure from marshmallows and toothpicks that will hold up to that movement.

Have your learner design and construct buildings out of toothpicks and marshmallows, allow this to be an open ended activity so they can work out for themselves which holds up better- a shorter or taller structure? A square or a more tapered one? At which height is the structure no longer stable?

Offer different sized toothpicks and marshmallows to give your child more variety for building.

Be sure to have your child record their findings in their science notebook from the variables to the results of the jello earthquake experiment.

How to Turn a Pumpkin Lapbook into a Fun Unit Study

September 10, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have a fun pumpkin lapbook today. Also, look at my other lapbooks on my page Homeschool Lapbooks – Powerful Tools For Mastery Learning. Too, look at my page Fall Season Fall Unit Study {Pumpkins, Leaves, Corn, & More}.

So today I am showing you how to easily turn a printable pumpkin lapbook into a unit study.

Remember a unit study means you cover one theme while covering as many academic subjects as you naturally can.

And with the many unit studies I have done, I’ve learned if a subject does not fit into a theme naturally then don’t force the fit.

In addition, you decide to add hands-on activities or not.

I used to not be such a firm believer of hands-on but after homeschooling for 20+ years I am now.

Hands-on means that all senses are involved, and it helps learning to stick.

The information sinks in when children learn to engage in hands-on activity.

Besides hands-on learning is more than just doing a craft.

Not all kids learn the same way, but all children should be motivated to learn outside of their comfort zone.

For example, I have a son who prefers to read books over doing until he does something he enjoys.

How to Turn a Pumpkin Lapbook into a Fun Unit Study

A lapbook can promote critical thinking skills.

When done alongside a unit study, you can easily cover many subjects in that one theme.

Besides, problem solving skills promote independent thinking.

And engaging or manipulating an activity hands-on can make concrete subjects real.

Your child can create a lapbook any way he prefers or use part of my printables and part printables you find which interests your child.

Also, before you begin read aloud or pick some of your favorite pumpkin books for reading.

Books About Pumpkins for Kids

I try to look for living books.

Then add reference books.

8 Pumpkin Books

Grab some of these fun books about pumpkins, fall and fall harvest.

Too Many Pumpkins

Rebecca Estelle has hated pumpkins ever since she was a girl when pumpkins were often the only food her family had. When an enormous pumpkin falls off a truck and smashes in her yard, she shovels dirt over the pieces and forgets about them. But those slimy pumpkin smithereens sprout up in autumn, and Rebecca Estelle finds a sea of pumpkins in her garden. A heartwarming classic for more than twenty years, this story shows what happens when one thrifty gardener figures out how to make other people happy with the squash she can't stomach.

Seed, Sprout, Pumpkin, Pie (Picture the Seasons)

Seed, Sprout, Pumpkin, Pie follows Apples for Everyone in the Picture the Seasons series. This beautifully photographed picture book about everybody’s favorite fall treat is sure to please kids both young and old. The glossy, festive images and lively text are sure to get your family in the mood to celebrate the season.Pumpkins! Who can resist the sight of big, round, orange pumpkins ripening in a field?

How Big Could Your Pumpkin Grow?

Every year, giant pumpkin contests take place at fairs across the country—the 2012 record-holder weighed over a ton! The latest craze is to carve the most enormous pumpkins into racing boats. But what’s next? Why not think really big? Award-winning artist Wendell Minor does just that as he imagines larger-than-life pumpkins decorating some of America’s favorite places—as immense as the Capitol dome, Mount Rushmore, the Brooklyn Bridge, even the Grand Canyon! This celebration of famous landmarks and landscapes plays with concepts of size and scale and is full of fun facts.

How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin?

How many seeds are in a pumpkin?" Mr. Tiffin asks his class as they gather around the big, medium, and small pumpkins on his desk. Robert, the biggest kid, guesses that the largest one has a million seeds; Elinor, sounding like she knows what she's talking about, guesses the medium one has 500 seeds; and Anna, who likes even numbers better than odd ones, guesses that the little one has 22. Charlie, the smallest boy in the class, doesn't have a guess.

Pumpkins (First Step Nonfiction ― Plant Life Cycles)

Plant Life Cycles

From Seed to Pumpkin: A Fall Book for Kids

This is a clear and appealing environmental science book for early elementary age kids, both at home and in the classroom. Plus it includes a find out more section with activities such as an experiment to show how plants use roots to drink water from the ground and a recipe for roasted pumpkin seeds.

Autumn Harvest

"Mr. Tresselt writes quiet, factual prose about katydids, reapers and threshing, falling leaves, apple-gathering, and the first frost."-

Mr. Hermit Miser and the Neighborly Pumpkin: the green edition

Mr. Hermit Miser doesn’t like his neighbors, and they don’t like him. But when a pumpkin vine sprouts in Mr. Hermit Miser’s yard and makes its way into the neighbors’ yards, but he wants all those pumpkins for pies … well, what is he to do?

With adventures in pumpkin-snatching, failed attempts at baking pies, and pumpkin goo everywhere, this tale about being neighborly in a not-so-perfect way will be an endearing autumn story for all the readers in your circle.

Pumpkin Facts

Pumpkins were an important part of the life of early Native Americans.

Besides eating them, they used just about every part of the pumpkin

For example, for food they would boil them in a stew and even dry some pieces.

The seeds were saved too and roasted later as a snack.

And after the pumpkin was eaten, the empty shell makes for a great bowl or container.

Pumpkins symbolized the end of the harvest season in a year and to enjoy the bounty of the harvest.

Additionally, look at some fun pumpkin activities.

They are not only a fun way to enjoy the change in the weather, but to add some fun learning.

MORE PUMPKIN ACTIVITIES

How To Make A Paper Popper Pumpkin Treat Bag

Easy Pumpkin Salt Painting: A Creative Fall Activity For All Ages

How to Add Subjects to a Pumpkin Unit Study

1. Do basic chemistry.

First, use a pumpkin to learn about volcanoes.

A foaming, oozing pumpkin volcano can be a great hands-on experiment to demonstrate volcanoes.

Look at my post Celebrate National Vinegar Day With A Hands-on Study of Volcanoes. This fun activity introduces kids to basic chemistry concepts.

2. Perform simple math activities.

Use the seeds for simple counting exercises. If you have older kids introduce estimation and have them estimate how many seeds a pumpkin has.

Older learners can measure and compare sizes on a chart. Introduce geometry when you explore the share and size.

Also, they can weigh pumpkins and compare heights. And fractions can be taught as you cut pieces of the pumpkin.

3. Explore seeds and science

Learn about seed germination. And even plant and water some of the seeds from you pumpkin. Watch them grow and chart the progress in a Science Journal.

4. Dive into botany and explore the life cycle of a pumpkin.

Besides learning about the different types of pumpkins, learn pumpkin anatomy.

For example, there are pumpkins harvested which are smaller and sweeter and good to use for delicious pies.

Examples of them are Sugar Pie, Baby Bear, and Cinderella pumpkins.

There are also pumpkins used more for decoration like blue pumpkins like the Jarradale, and miniature pumpkins like the Munchkin.

However, you can explore all the parts of any pumpkin and begin with the life cycle.

Look at my activity here How To Do An Easy Science Pumpkin Study By A Rotting Pumpkin Experiment.

Next, look at my post Pumpkin Anatomy | Kids Exploring the Parts of a Pumpkin And Printables to dive into a hands-on activity about the anatomy of a pumpkin.

5. Add language arts.

There are many fun ways to incorporate language arts.

Look above at the books about pumpkins and use a few of them for reading and copywork.

Too, look at my page here about the Fall Season for notebooking pages about autumn.

Then look at these pumpkin vocabulary words on my page How To Do An Easy Science Pumpkin Study By A Rotting Pumpkin Experiment to add to your notebook.

5. Do arts and crafts.

Add fun too like arts and crafts ideas with pumpkins.

And I have some art memorization cards on this post for my fall lapbook.

5. Life skills like cooking.

Then nothing says fall more than baking a delicious pumpkin pie.

When the kids were real little, we learned about the ingredients and made this Fall Y’all:Pumpkin Pie in a Bag. It’s great if you don’t want your little ones around the heat yet.

But also add this recipe for Two Yummy Pumpkin Seed Recipes and then this is a sweet potato pie recipe which is our favorite. My granny’s recipe for pumpkin pie is almost exactly like that one.

About the Pumpkin Lapbook & Notebooking Pages

Finally, I have a fun pumpkin lapbook to use with multiple ages. I geared it toward grades 2 to 4 but again grades are selective as we know.

Look at the printables included in the download.

One front outside cover in color. Mix and match the pieces for the outside flap.
One front outside flap cover for your child to color.
Pumpkin Life Cycle and labeled parts of pumpkin
7 vocabulary words and definitions
Seed box pocket to store saved seeds
About pumpkin pocket with facts
Parts of pumpkin fact card
More Pumpkin Facts & Fun pocket to glue on back of file folder

Two Anatomy of a Pumpkin Notebooking Pages. One has facts filled in and one page is blank so that your child labels the part.
Three pages of pumpkin note cards to use to identify the parts of a pumpkin.
Two Life Cycle of a Pumpkin pages. One has facts filled in and one page is blank so that your child labels the cycle.
One About Pumpkin Notebooking page for your children to write what interests them.

Dynamic and Fun Pumpkin Lapbook for Multiple Ages
$4.00 Add to cart

How to Get the Pumpkin Lapbook

You can purchase the lapbook now!

Aimed at elementary.
This is a .pdf instant downloadable product and not a physical product.
You are paying for the printables, the lapbook and notebooking pages.
My lapbooks are created for multiple ages.
Your digital product is delivered to the email you used for pay pal.
19 page digital download.

You can use any reference materials, books, or online resources to complete the lapbook. However, I always provide activities and have a blog post with resources to go with each of my lapbooks.

I don’t provide links in the lapbooks for filling out the information. This keeps my prices low for my products, but I do try to provide free links on my site as I can.

MY GUARANTEE: To treat you like I want to be treated which means I know at times technical problems may cause glitches, so I will do everything possible to make your experience here pleasant. I value your business and value you as a follower. I stand behind my products because they are actual products I use and benefit from too. Though I cannot refund purchases after you have been given access to them, I will do what I can to be sure you are a pleased customer. Read carefully what you get on your digital download. If you have questions, email me FIRST at tina homeschools AT gmail DOT com.

Dynamic and Fun Pumpkin Lapbook for Multiple Ages
$4.00 Add to cart

Happy Fall!

From Forest to Fun: Unique Crafts With Tree Bark

August 29, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Set up an open invitation to play and encourage your child to create crafts with tree bark and a few other nature items. Also, look at my page Famous and Historic Trees Fun Nature and History Homeschool Unit Study for more ideas.

As you have wandered on nature walks you have likely brought home plenty of finds like pieces of tree bark, unique shaped stones, and other bits.

These natural items make a wonderful free craft resource.

From Forest to Fun: Unique Crafts With Tree Bark

Tree bark animals are a fun and easy way to get kids interested in nature.

All you need is a few pieces of tree bark and a little imagination.

You can either leave the pieces as loose parts to build and rebuild or add glue to your supplies.

And let your child attach everything together permanently.

I really wanted to challenge kids’ creativity by using all found nature items for this craft.

But we couldn’t resist adding google eyes to the tray to finish off the animals.

We also decided a few pom poms could help define our animals a bit more as well.

As they create, use the time to talk about the characteristics of the animals, their habitats, if they are herbivore or carnivore?

Of if they’re nocturnal or diurnal? Did you see any of these creatures on your walk today?

Books About Trees for Kids

Next, look at some of these beautiful books about trees to add to your home library.

I prefer living books when I can find them.

Then I add reference books to our reading list.

9 Tree Books & Resources for Kids Who Love Reading and Being Read To

You'll love using one of these books as a science reference or to use for art to inspire life science lessons.

Celebritrees: Historic & Famous Trees of the World

Some trees have lived many lifetimes, standing as silent witnesses to history. Some are remarkable for their age and stature; others for their usefulness. A bristlecone pine tree in California has outlived man by almost 4,000 years; a baobab tree in Australia served as a prison for Aboriginal prisoners at the turn of the twentieth century; and a major oak in England was used as a hiding place for Robin Hood and his men (or so the story goes…).

The fourteen trees in this book have earned the title "Celebritrees" for their global fame and significance. Both in fact and in legend, these fascinating trees remind us not only how much pleasure trees bring, but what they can tell us about history.

The Busy Tree

Spectacular illustrations rendered in oil paint, and a rhyming text that describes a tree’s activities from its roots to its branches, introduce young readers to the amazing activities that go on in a tree. Acorns nibbled by chipmunks, ants scurrying across a trunk, a spider spinning a web, leaves “breathing out air for all to breathe in”—everything adds up to a “busy tree” for all to “come and see.”

The Tree Book for Kids and Their Grown-Ups

This is a fantastic reference book to have on hand for tree studies.

It has great illustrations and covers everything from how a tree “eats and drinks” to types of trees, seeds, how they change in the seasons, why we need them and more

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

Acclaimed illustrator Julia Rothman combines art and science in this exciting and educational guide to the structure, function, and personality of the natural world.

Trees, Leaves & Bark (Take Along Guides)

An introduction to the world of insects, caterpillars, and butterflies including identification information, educational activities, and fun facts.Invites young naturalists to spot wildlife.

Tree Full of Wonder: An educational, rhyming book about magic of trees for children

Tree Full of Wonder is a vibrant, rhyming, educational and unique picture book showing the unbreakable bond between people and trees. For children ages 3-8. Kids will fall in love with nature and will become Protectors of the Trees.

The Magic and Mystery of Trees (The Magic and Mystery of Nature)

From the highest branch and leaf down to the complex “wood wide web” of roots, it’s no wonder every part of a tree plays an important role in its own growth and the habitat of the whole forest or woodland. The Magic & Mystery of Trees is a nature book that takes children on a fascinating journey of exploration, showing them just how special these mighty organisms are.

Figurines of Pine, Elm, Juniper, Monkey Puzzle, Topiary, Petticoat, Aspen, Two Maples

Learn and Play: These figurines provide a fun and educational way to learn about different tree species, promoting environmental awareness and appreciation.

Fandex Family Field Guides: Trees

Bringing the world of TREES to your fingertips, FANDEX presents a foolproof field guide. Four visual keys--die-cut leaf, bark pattern, flower, nut or seed, and photo of the full tree--plus descriptions of habitat and more combine to give a complete picture of North America's forest and backyard trees.

In addition, TREES is a cultural history--of the mighty White Oak, California Redwood, Aillanthus, the tree that grows in Brooklyn, and the stately White Ash, as important for the bows of early Native Americans as for the baseball bats of today.

If that is not enough bark crafting for you I found 8 more awesome crafts.

I have tree bark ideas for kids from preschoolers to highschoolers so not a bit of it goes to waste.

8 Unique Crafts With Tree Bark

This creative way to use nature items like leaves and bark –How to Make a DIY Nature Crown for Kids is absolutely photo worthy.

Did you know that you could learn How To Turn Birch Bark Into Paper to write on, much more interesting than plain old notebook paper.

Get creative and make DIY Tree Bark Flower Vases to hold wildflowers or flowers from your garden that they bring you.

You’ll love this fun Hands-On Literature Nature Study: Simple Tree Craft.

Preschoolers will enjoy learning How to Make a Tree Bark Rubbing and noticing the different textures of the bark from different trees along the way.

I love the look of these DIY Tree Bark Lanterns with their natural unique appearance highlighting the gentle glow and they are pretty easy and inexpensive to create.

Make Simple Tree Bark Boats to get creative and learn about buoyancy and other simple STEM topics or just for the sake of creating from found objects.

Learn How to Make an Appalachian Berry Bucket from Tree Bark for the adventurous older child who enjoys working with their hands.

Along the lines of today’s bark crafts is this tutorial for How to Make Bark Owls.

Now onto my bark craft idea.

Essentially what you are going to create is a very open-ended invitation for your child to use their found objects.

You want your child to imagine woodland (or any type) of creatures from moss, rocks, sticks, and of course bark.

Encourage them to create raccoons, owls, bears, rabbits, foxes, birds, turtles, frogs, hedgehogs, or even made-up fantastical animals.

The greater variety of natural objects you have the more elaborate their creations can be.

I highly recommend pairing this activity with a good book like Nature Anatomy for them to use for reference.

It’s also a great way to give little bits of information as they create.

You will also find information on the bark as well.

Animal Crafts With Tree Bark

You will need:

Tree bark
Leaves, twigs, moss, etc.
Googly eyes
Large tray
Optional: glue

First, start by gathering different sizes and shapes of bark.

While you are at it fill your basket with small sticks, moss, green leaves, dried leaves, acorns, or any other interesting natural items you find on your nature walk.

Collect pieces of tree bark from the ground.

Make sure the bark is dry and free of bugs.

To sterilize the bark, you can put it on a cookie sheet and bake it at 350*F.

The length of time will depend on how thick the wood is.

Lay all your nature finds out on a tray.

I keep a couple different types on hand for just such activities because it creates such an inviting area.

I added google eyes because I just knew that they would be fun and really add some personality to the woodland creatures.

Lay out bark pieces and try to determine what animal each piece might be.

A piece of felt makes a great background and helps keep everything from moving around.

Start building creatures using twigs for legs, leaves for wings, ears, tails, whatever your child’s imagination sees.

Talk about different animals and their characteristics as they create them.

See how the pom poms just helped this adorable bear come to life?

Leaves make wonderful wings.

Small sticks and twigs help define the antlers on this deer…or is it an elk?

Tree bark is like nature’s own art supply, and it’s perfect for all kinds of creative projects.

Crafting with tree bark is a fantastic way to connect with nature and let your creativity run wild.

The Fascinating World of Sea Geography | Paddle to the Sea Craft

June 18, 2024 | Leave a Comment
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We’re learning about sea geography and what exactly is a sea. Also, look at my Oceans Unit Study and Lapbook page and Hands-On Simple And Best Homeschool Geography Ideas & Tips.

Is the sea different from the ocean?

Oftentimes the words ‘sea ‘and ‘ocean’ are used interchangeably when describing large salty bodies of water, but they are two distinct bodies of water.

But beyond learning about the difference between seas and oceans we of course have a fun activity that I think you and your kids will enjoy.

The Fascinating World of Sea Geography | Paddle to the Sea Craft

We are making a craft based on Paddle to the Sea which gives us a lovely fun geography lesson.

Do you remember as a kid creating your own carbon paper?

I distinctly remember an elementary school scribbling on the back of a paper flipping it and writing on the other side in order to make the carbon transfer to another sheet of paper.

This is a technique that I want to share with you or remind you of today to show your kids how to make their own map.

Before we do that let’s find out some more facts about sea geography and what a sea is and isn’t.

First, look at a few books about the ocean.

16 Ocean Books for Kids Who Love to Read and Be Read To

Choose a few of these ocean themed books to go along with your study of the Oceans. Whether you're looking for a spine for a unit study or literature, you'll love this roundup.

The Burgess Seashore Book for Children in color

Join Danny Meadow Mouse, Jimmy Skunk, and Reddy Fox as they explore the seashore and take a closer look at the habits and habitats of the creatures they find. Discover the Seahorse, Shrimp, Crab, Anemone, Gull, and so many more.

The Burgess Seashore Book for Children is a wonderful way to introduce young ones to the fascinating world beneath us and is a perfect compliment to earlier books in this series, the Bird, Animal, and Flower books.

This edition is complete and unabridged with all of the beautiful illustrations by W.H. Southwick and George Sutton

Seaside Naturalist: Seaside Naturalist

Seaside Naturalist is an illustrated guide to marine plants and animals includes the characteristics of protozoa, arthropods, sponges, mollusks, reptiles, birds, fish, and mammals.

The Big Book of the Blue (The Big Book Series)

The book opens by explaining how different types of animals are able to breathe and survive underwater, and the different families to which they belong. Subsequent pages are dedicated to specific creatures, including sea turtles, whales, sharks, stingrays, and seahorses, and show varied life in specific habitats, such as a coral reef or deep sea bed. The Big Book of the Blue also explores the underwater world thematically, looking at animals in danger, learning how to spot creatures at the beach, and discovering how to do our part to save sea life. Beautiful and filled with fascinating facts, young, curious readers won’t be able to tear their eyes away from the page.

Scott O'Dell Set: Island of the Blue Dolphins + Zia

Island of the Blue Dolphins begins with a young girl named Karana who is living on the Island of the Blue Dolphins (fancy name, right?) with her younger brother, Ramo, and sister, Ulape. One day, a group of Russian hunters (Aleutians) land on the island to hunt for otter. This is when the trouble really begins.

Manfish: A Story of Jacques Cousteau (Underwater Picture Book for Kids)

Once upon a time in France, a baby was born under the summer sun. His parents named him Jacques. As he grew, Jacques fell in love with the sea. He dreamed of breathing beneath the waves and swimming as gracefully as a fish. In fact, he longed to become a manfish. Jacques Cousteau grew up to become a champion of the seas and one of the best-known oceanographers in the world. In this lovely biography, now in paperback, poetic text and gorgeous paintings come together to create a portrait of Cousteau that is as magical as it is inspiring.

Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas (Illustrated 1875 Edition):

A beautiful edition with 110 images from the 1875 English edition. Use Amazon's Look inside feature to compare this edition with others. You'll be impressed by the differences. Don't be fooled by other versions that have no illustrations or contain very small print. Reading our edition will make you feel that you are traveling the seas with Captain Nemo himself.

Swiss Family Robinson (Illustrated Classic): 200th Anniversary Collection

More than 100 original illustrations by Louis Rhead. You want to read this book with illustrations.

An introduction by W. D. Howells.

Nicely formatted text in an easy-to-read font.

A beautiful cover from the 1891 edition.

Ocean: A Visual Encyclopedia

Embark on a captivating tour of the waters that cover 70 percent of our planet! See our oceans come to life in mind-blowing detail. This is the ultimate children’s visual encyclopedia about the awe-inspiring blue planet!

Secrets of the Sea: The Story of Jeanne Power, Revolutionary Marine Scientist

How did a nineteenth-century dressmaker revolutionize science? Jeanne Power was creative: she wanted to learn about the creatures that swim beneath the ocean waves, so she built glass tanks and changed the way we study underwater life forever. Jeanne Power was groundbreaking: she solved mysteries of sea animals and published her findings at a time when few of women’s contributions to science were acknowledged. Jeanne Power was persistent: when records of her research were lost, she set to work repeating her studies. And when men tried to take credit for her achievements, she stood firm and insisted on the recognition due to her.

Ocean Anatomy: The Curious Parts & Pieces of the World under the Sea

Follow Rothman’s inquisitive mind and perceptive eye along shorelines, across the open ocean, and below the waves for an artistic exploration of the watery universe. Through her drawings, discover how the world’s oceans formed, why the sea is salty, and the forces behind oceanic phenomena such as rogue waves. Colorful anatomical profiles of sea creatures from crustacean to cetacean, surveys of seafaring vessels and lighthouses, and the impact of plastic and warming water temperatures are just part of this compendium of curiosities that will entertain and educate readers of all ages.

The Fascinating Ocean Book for Kids: 500 Incredible Facts!

Do you know a kid who’s captivated by what goes on beneath the ocean’s surface? This amazing entry into ocean books for kids is packed with hundreds of incredible facts for hours of underwater exploration. Pages of full-color pictures feature life in and around the sea including fish, dolphins, and shipwrecks!

All About Bioluminescence: Deep Sea Animals

Dive into the mesmerizing world of bioluminescence with "All About Bioluminescence." In this captivating book, readers embark on a journey through the depths of the ocean to discover the extraordinary glow-in-the-dark creatures that inhabit its mysterious realm. From the enchanting sea angel to the infamous anglerfish, each page is filled with stunning illustrations and fascinating facts about these luminous beings.With a focus on deep-sea dwellers, readers will uncover the secrets behind bioluminescence and learn how these creatures use light to communicate, camouflage, and lure prey. But the adventure doesn't stop there! "All About Bioluminescence" also includes hands-on activities like a glow stick experiment, allowing readers to experience the magic of bioluminescence firsthand.

Treasure Island (Dover Thrift Editions: Classic Novels)

One of the most enduringly popular adventure tales, Treasure Island began in 1881 as a serialized adventure entitled "The Sea-Cook"in the periodical Young Folks. Completed during a stay at Davos, Switzerland, where Stevenson had gone for his health, it was published in 1883 in the form we know today.Set in the eighteenth century, Treasure Island spins a heady tale of piracy, a mysterious treasure map, and a host of sinister characters charged with diabolical intentions. Seen through the eyes of Jim Hawkins, the cabin boy of the Hispaniola, the action-packed adventure tells of a perilous sea journey across the Spanish Main, a mutiny led by the infamous Long John Silver, and a lethal scramble for buried treasure on an exotic isle.

Oceans and Seas!: With 25 Science Projects for Kids

In Oceans and Seas! With 25 Science Projects for Kids readers ages 7 though 10 dive into the underwater world of some of the most amazing landscapes on Earth. On this amazing underwater adventure, kids experience the ocean’s tropical reefs and spot crabs, sea sponges, and thousands of kinds of fish darting in its crags and folds. They’ll meet a giant squid with eyes the size of dinner plates and an mbrella-like bioluminescent jellyfish.

Discover the Oceans: The World's Largest Ecosystem (Discover Your World)

From both a historical and scientific point of view, above and below the surface, this engaging guide brings the world’s oceans to life through fun facts, illustrations, and in-depth information. Interactive activities appear throughout, ranging from making solar stills and simple fishing spears to experimenting with a homemade diving bell and figuring out how much water it really takes to survive. With the oceans being the least explored environment on Earth, this reference illuminates some of the most incredible and surprising plants and animals as well as how to survive and navigate these vast expanses.

Pagoo

An intricate study of tide pool life is presented in text and pictures through the story of Pagoo, a her-mit crab.

A Sea Versus an Ocean

A sea is defined as a portion of the ocean that is partly surrounded by land. Using this definition there are about 50 seas around the world.

This includes bodies of water that are not often thought of as seas.

For example, the Gulf of Mexico is an ocean basin and a marginal sea of the Atlantic Ocean as well as the Hudson Bay which is the largest northern inland sea.

An ocean is defined as one of the large bodies of water into which the ocean is divided.

What is a Sea

Smaller than oceans
Partially enclosed by land
Most often not as salty as oceans

Examples-Mediterranean Sea, Caribbean Sea, North Sea, Hudson Bay.

What is an Ocean

Much larger than seas
Deeper than seas
Not enclosed by land
More salty than seas

Examples-Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean

There is one exception to this and that is the Sargasso Sea.

It is located entirely within the Atlantic Ocean and is the only sea without a land boundary

Paddle to The Sea and the Great Lakes

So, what do the Great Lakes and Hudson Bay have to do with oceans or seas? Also, grab the book Paddle to the Sea.

Where does this water from the Great Lakes go? Where does it come from?

The Great Lakes were originally fed by meltwater from glaciers but now gets its new water from rivers, precipitation, and groundwater springs.

The Long Lac and Ogoki diversions of the Hudson Bay, located in northern Ontario, divert water from a portion of the Hudson Bay watershed into the Lake Superior basin.

The Great Lakes system flows to the Atlantic Ocean via the St. Lawrence River.

As it flows from its westernmost point in Duluth, Minnesota to the Atlantic Ocean, the waterway drops in elevation approximately 600 feet.

The Hudson Strait makes a connection between the Labrador Sea and the Atlantic Ocean in the northeast, while the Foxe Channel connects the Hudson Bay with the Arctic Ocean in the north. It is largely considered to be part of the Atlantic Ocean.

Grab a map like a scrunch map, and trace the path of Paddle To The Sea using a small object, how perfect was this little canoe?

This gives your child a better understanding of how our entire water system works together from tiny streams to large oceans and seas.

Paddle to The Sea Geography Ideas

Learn How to Make An Edible Geography Model of Tidal Zones to take a close up hands on look at the different geography of the ocean.
Another fantastic book by Holling C. Holling is Seabird and I found a Seabird Unit Study to go along with it if you are enjoying this stream of study.
Making Ocean Layers Soap
Create a Dead Sea Lapbook and learn more about this sea that borders Jordan to the east, and Israel to the west.
How To Make Your Own Edible Beach Sand And Shells: A Creative And Delicious Recipe

Paddle To The Sea Craft

You will need:

Watercolor Paper
Paddle to the Sea Book
Watercolor paints
Paintbrushes
Copy paper
Pencil
Black fine line pen
Printed map

First you want to print a map of whatever geographical area that you’re wanting to study and print it out.

I just happened to find the perfect map to go along with Paddle To The Sea here at the National Museum of Great Lakes book club.

Flip the map over and scribble all over the back with a freshly sharpened pencil, be sure to cover all the areas behind where you will be tracing your map.

Place your map, scribble side down on a piece of watercolor paper and secure it into place with a piece of masking tape or painters tape to keep it from sliding around.

Trace around your map outline with pencil and flip it up occasionally to be sure that you haven’t missed any key spots.

Remove the paper map and tape.

Now to add some fun color.

Since this is a sea geography project start by water coloring all the

bodies of water like the Great Lakes, Hudson Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean.

Let your water dry and then start painting in the land.

Have your child color Canada one color and the United States a different color to help them differentiate where one ends and the other begins to grasp the geography of the area.

Once the entire painting is dry, they can label the bodies of land and water as well as use the fine line pen to outline the land and water to create definition.

earthscience

BOOKS ABOUT THE GREAT BARRIER REEF FOR KIDS

FISH OF THE GREAT BARRIER REEF ECOSYSTEM

HANDS-ON ECOSYSTEM TRIORAMA CORAL REEF ACTIVITIES

MORE TRIORAMAS

THE WONDERS OF THE GREAT BARRIER REEF: AN ECOSYSTEM TRIORAMA

EARTH SCIENCE BOOKS FOR KIDS

6 EARTH SHAKING FACTS ABOUT EARTHQUAKES

EARTHQUAKE EXPERIMENT ACTIVITIES

JELLO EARTHQUAKE EXPERIMENT

Books About Pumpkins for Kids

Pumpkin Facts

MORE PUMPKIN ACTIVITIES

How to Add Subjects to a Pumpkin Unit Study

1. Do basic chemistry.

2. Perform simple math activities.

3. Explore seeds and science

4. Dive into botany and explore the life cycle of a pumpkin.

5. Add language arts.

5. Do arts and crafts.

5. Life skills like cooking.

About the Pumpkin Lapbook & Notebooking Pages

Dynamic and Fun Pumpkin Lapbook for Multiple Ages

How to Get the Pumpkin Lapbook

Dynamic and Fun Pumpkin Lapbook for Multiple Ages

Books About Trees for Kids

8 Unique Crafts With Tree Bark

Animal Crafts With Tree Bark

A Sea Versus an Ocean

What is a Sea

What is an Ocean

Paddle to The Sea and the Great Lakes

Paddle to The Sea Geography Ideas

Paddle To The Sea Craft

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