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elementary science

4 Weeks Free Homeschool Frog Unit Study & Best Hands-On Ideas

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I have a free 4 weeks homeschool frog unit study for multiple ages. Also, look at my page Toads – Amphibians for a free Loads of Toads and Frogs lapbook and unit study and Best Homeschool Unit Studies for more unit studies.

Frogs are amphibians, which means they can live both in water and on land.

Besides loving to be in ponds, they have sticky tongues and have the ability to hop high.

4 Weeks Free Homeschool Frog Unit Study & Best Hands-On Ideas

They make for a fascinating hands-on unit study for multiple ages especially if you do this in the spring.

In spring, your kids can find an abundance of frogspawn in ditches the edges of a pond and very slow moving streams.

The change of a tadpole and how they transform and grow into a frog is incredible to watch for all but especially kids.

BOOKS ABOUT FROGS FOR KIDS

First, add some of these books to your reading list.

11 Frog & Toad Unit Study Resources

Add a book or two or some fun hands-on resources to your unit study.

Then look at some of these post ideas and activities.

First, look at history and geography ideas.

HISTORY & GEOGRAPHY FROG UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 1

Start with the Frog and Prince story from Brothers Grimm. It is a Germany fairy tale.

Next, in Ancient Egypt frogs were a symbol of life. For example, during the rainy season the Nile River would be full of frogs. So they were viewed as growth and life.

And in Ancient China, frogs were also symbols of good fortune and were believed to be protectors of the land.

Look at more ideas.

NATURE & SCIENCE FROG UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 2

Additionally, look at the nature and science themed frog ideas.

MATH & LANGUAGE ARTS FROG UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 3

ARTS & CRAFTS FROG UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 4

4 Weeks Free Homeschool Frog Unit Study & Best Hands-On Ideas

MORE BEST HOMESCHOOL UNIT STUDIES

Rising Water with a Candle Easy Hands-On Science Experiment

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Today, I have a cool rising water with a candle easy hands-on science experiment. Also, look at my page 4 Weeks Free Physical Science Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas for more activities.

I think this hands-on experiment is great for showing science principles such as fire, oxygen and air pressure for kids in k- 6th grade.

This is one of my favorite simple science experiments because it is easy to pull together with common household items and has a dramatic effect.

Rising Water with a Candle Easy Hands-On Science Experiment

The rising water experiment involves a burning candle in a jar with water and demonstrates the concept of air pressure difference.

So, this experiment demonstrates principles of air pressure and temperature change.

And it shows how the temperature of air inside the jar affects its volume and the surrounding air pressure

PHYSICAL SCIENCE BOOKS FOR KIDS

First, look at these books about physical science for kids.

When possible, I prefer to use living books if we can find them. It’s not always easy.

10 Books About Physical Science

Physical science varies in topic. It can cover states of matter, forces and motion like push and pull, forms of energy like simple circuits, light and sound to earth and space.

Also, look at a few more physical science hands-on experiments.

PHYSICAL SCIENCE HANDS-ON SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS

Rising Water with a Candle Easy Hands-On Science Experiment

Finally, look at the rising water with a candle science activity.

RISING WATER WITH A CANDLE HANDS-ON SCIENCE EXPERIMENT

Just a quick recap, as the candle burns it heats up the air inside the container, causing it to expand and escape. 

When the candle goes out the air cools rapidly and creates a lowered pressure inside the jar compared to the outside air, which results in the water rising to equalize the pressure.

You will need:

  • Mason jar or clear glass
  • A small candle.
  • Clay, Play-Doh
  • Lighter or matches
  • Water
  • small saucer
  • Food coloring – optional
Rising Water with a Candle Easy Hands-On Science Experiment

First, roll up a little bit of Play-Doh or clay and place in the center of your plate then press the candle into it.

This will hold your candle up in position for the experiment.

Rising Water with a Candle Easy Hands-On Science Experiment

Now you can use plain water, but if you add a drop or two of food coloring, you can really see what happens with the water a lot better.

Carefully pour your water into the saucer.

Rising Water with a Candle Easy Hands-On Science Experiment

Light the candle and make sure that it has caught on well.

Rising Water with a Candle Easy Hands-On Science Experiment

Slowly lower the mason jar over the candle until it is resting on the plate in the water.

Rising Water with a Candle Easy Hands-On Science Experiment

Watch what happens as the candle burns for just a bit and then burns out.

Kids find this absolutely amazing.

Rising Water with a Candle Easy Hands-On Science Experiment

We let the jar stay for a while in the water that remained inside the jar.

Once we moved the jar a bit and released the pressure, the water quickly flooded out.

4 Weeks Free Physical Science Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas

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Here is a free 4-weeks physical science unit study that covers 4 of the main branches of physical science and covers a wide variety of ages. Also, look at my page Best Homeschool Unit Studies for more unit studies.

Physical science is an exciting field of study that explores the fundamental properties of matter and energy and their interactions.

It is an important part of your child’s science education.

It encompasses various branches and covers topics like physics, chemistry, astronomy, earth science (including geology and meteorology).

4 Weeks Free Physical Science Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas

And other subtopics are considered physical science like energy, forces, motion, electricity, magnetism, sound, light, and the study of matter.

One of the best overall resources for our bookshelf is The Kingfisher Science Encyclopedia as it is a great reference for a wide variety of science topics.

For our 4-weeks physical science unit I am going to give you fun resources as well as plenty of hands-on activities for each of the 4 main branches of physical science.

BOOKS ABOUT PHYSICAL SCIENCE FOR KIDS

First, look at these books to pair with the topics in physical science.

10 Books About Physical Science

Physical science varies in topic. It can cover states of matter, forces and motion like push and pull, forms of energy like simple circuits, light and sound to earth and space.

Then we’re moving on to the 4 main areas.

First, start with chemistry.

CHEMISTRY PHYSICAL SCIENCE UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 1

Chemistry is about the science of matter.

Too, chemistry deals with the composition, structure, properties, and behavior of matter and the changes it undergoes during chemical reactions.

Then look at these hands-on ideas.

ASTRONOMY PHYSICAL SCIENCE UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 2

Next, astronomy focuses on celestial objects and phenomena beyond Earth, such as stars, planets, galaxies, and nebulae.

EARTH PHYSICAL SCIENCE UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 3

 Earth science investigates the Earth’s systems, including the atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, and biosphere.

PHYSICS PHYSICAL SCIENCE UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 4

Then, physics studies the fundamental laws and properties of the universe, from the smallest particles to the largest galaxies.

And physics is the study of motion, energy, and forces, Too, it helps us understand how and why things move or stay still.

4 Weeks Free Physical Science Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas

And then look at these other best homeschool unit studies.

MORE BEST HOMESCHOOL UNIT STUDIES

5 Facts About Inertia And Easy Coin Drop Inertia Experiment

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Today I have 5 facts about inertia and an easy coin drop inertia experiment. Also, look at my post 4 Weeks Free Physical Science Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas for more activities.

I love this easy activity when looking for an activity when studying physical science.

Sometimes it can be hard to explain to kids science concepts like the law of motion.

A hands-on science activity like the coin drop inertia activity helps children to understand the law.

And in simple terms the law of inertia is described as an object at rest will stay at rest unless acted upon by force.

5 Facts About Inertia And Easy Coin Drop Inertia Experiment

A scientist named Sir Isaac Newton came up with the idea of inertia.

He learned that objects don’t just start moving or stop moving on their own.

For example, if an object is not moving it wants to stay that way.

And if an object is moving it wants to keep moving.

BOOKS FOR KIDS ABOUT SIR ISAAC NEWTON

First, look at some of these books to add your hands-on science activity today.

7 Books For Kids Who Love Learning About Sir Isaac Newton

He was one of the most important scientists of his times. Your children will love adding some of these books to their reading day.

Next, look at these 5 facts about inertia.

5 FACTS ABOUT INERTIA

  1. In space objects in motion can keep going forever unless something like gravity or another object slows them down.
  2. Objects like to stay the same. For instance, if an object is moving it likes to stay moving until it meet with friction or a wall.
  3. Inertia is everywhere. It affects objects here on earth to rockets in space.
  4. It is called the First Law of Motion as explained by Sir Isaac Newton.
  5. When an object is heavy or strong, then the more inertia it has.

Also, look at these other fun inertia science activities for kids.

MORE INERTIA ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS

Finally, look easy coin drop inertia experiment.

EASY COIN DROP INERTIA EXPERIMENT

Look at this easy list of supplies:

  • 1 coin
  • 1 index card
  • Jar or vase (plastic or glass)

First, gather all the supplies.

5 Facts About Inertia And Easy Coin Drop Inertia Experiment

Place the index card over the jar or vase.

5 Facts About Inertia And Easy Coin Drop Inertia Experiment

Then place the coin in the middle of the index card.

5 Facts About Inertia And Easy Coin Drop Inertia Experiment

Flick the index card with your finger.

Watch as the index card flies off the jar or vase and the penny drops into the jar.

5 Facts About Inertia And Easy Coin Drop Inertia Experiment

Why does this happen? The law of inertia.

The law of inertia is described as an object at rest will remain at rest unless acted upon by force.

And the penny wants to stay still due to its inertia but when the card is quickly flicked away the penny spins and then drops because of gravity.

Easy Desert Animal Crafts And A Scorpion Creation

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Today we are creating desert animal crafts including a pipe cleaner scorpion while we learn all about them and their habitat.

Desert animals have amazing adaptations that help them survive the harsh conditions they live in.

From thick fur to protect their skin and large flat feet to distribute their weight over the hot sand to long thick eyelashes and eyebrows to protect their eyes from sand.

Easy Desert Animal Crafts And A Scorpion Creation

And there are a variety of animals that make their home in the desert.

For example, camels have humps to store fat and water.

And the pronghorn has a unique digestive system that allows it to extract the maximum amount of nutrition from the sparse vegetation of its habitat.

Now onto a variety of great books, facts, and activities to supplement your desert animal study.

BOOKS ABOUT SCORPIONS FOR KIDS

First, look at these books about scorpions.

4 Books About Scorpions

Add a few of these fun books to your home library.

Also, look at these facts about scorpions.

5 SCORPION FACTS

  1. There are over 1,500 species of scorpions that are most common in deserts and other hot, dry regions but can also live in grasslands, savannas, forests, caves, and intertidal zones.
  2. Scorpions are arachnids and are related to spiders, mites, and ticks.
  3. Scorpions use their pincers to capture and crush prey, and their stinger to inject venom into their victims. The venom is a powerful neurotoxin that can cause pain, swelling, and even paralysis in humans. However, most scorpion stings are not fatal.
  4. Scorpions are nocturnal predators that feed on insects, spiders, and other small animals.
  5. They are capable of glowing under ultraviolet light, a phenomenon known as fluorescence, but scientists are still not sure exactly why. It could be as an aide in finding mates, navigating by night, or possibly detecting potential threats by sensing UV light in the environment.

Another fantastic resource is Curiositree Natural World.

Easy Desert Animal Crafts And A Scorpion Creation

Also, look at these easy desert animals crafts.

EASY DESERT ANIMAL CRAFTS

Explore 3 completely different desert habitats and learn How to Make A Desert Triorama About the Gobi, Sahara, & Antarctica to display the flora and fauna of each.

Popsicle Stick Camels are an adorable and easy craft for younger children.

While it is not a craft, multisensory ideas like this Desert Sensory Bin not only look like a piece of art but they also are good for building fine motor skills, imagination, and language development.

How precious is this Paper Mache Fennec Fox as a desert animal model? Great for presentations in co-op the deserts of Arizona, New Mexico, Southern California, and Mexico or just as a final project for a desert unit study.

Snakes in The Desert is another sweet craft for younger kids to explore the reptiles that reside in a desert habitat.

The creepy crawly tarantula, specifically the Desert blonde tarantula can be found in the deserts of Arizona, New Mexico, Southern California, and Mexico Tarantula Printable Craft

This step by step guide on How to Draw a Scorpion will turn your child into an artist.

This video shows you the steps for Making Cardboard Armadillo, a resident of the deserts and semi deserts of north and south America.

Easy Desert Animal Crafts And A Scorpion Creation

Finally, look at how to make a pipe cleaner scorpion creation

PIPE CLEANER SCORPION CREATION

You will need:

  • 6 pipe cleaners
  • 2 small black beads
  • Pencil or dowel rod
  • Hot glue/tacky glue
  • scissors

First, bend one pipe cleaner in half.

Easy Desert Animal Crafts And A Scorpion Creation

Attach a second one by wrapping one end around the bend in the first like this.

Easy Desert Animal Crafts And A Scorpion Creation

Form a circle at the end of the 3 pipe cleaners to form the tail by twisting each side around once to hold it in place.

Easy Desert Animal Crafts And A Scorpion Creation

Repeat these steps all the way down the length of the pipe cleaners until you reach the end.

Easy Desert Animal Crafts And A Scorpion Creation

Wrap the end of another pipe cleaner around the base of the tail on the excess.

Hold a pencil or dowel against the excess pipe cleaner and wrap the one you just added around it, creating tight coils to the end.

Easy Desert Animal Crafts And A Scorpion Creation

Repeat with another pipe cleaner, overlapping your coils to create a thick portion for the head of your scorpion, remove the pencil by sliding it out.

Take the end of the pipe cleaner and bend it into two small mouth parts called the chelicerae which are the claw-like mouthparts then cut off the excess.

Easy Desert Animal Crafts And A Scorpion Creation

Take the ends of another pipe cleaner into a claw, slip it through the base of the head and repeat making a pincher on the other end too.

Easy Desert Animal Crafts And A Scorpion Creation

Cut the last pieces of pipe cleaner into 4 pieces.

Easy Desert Animal Crafts And A Scorpion Creation

Bend and then slip each one along the body, if you like you can secure the pieces with a dab of hot glue to help them stay in place better.

Easy Desert Animal Crafts And A Scorpion Creation

Put a dot of hot glue on the beads. And press them inside the curled pipe cleaner of the face area.

Easy Desert Animal Crafts And A Scorpion Creation

Bend the tail portion so it arches over the body. Give the pedipalps (pincers) a little curve inward as well.