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elementary science

Celebrate Snakes | How To Make A Fake Snakeskin Snake Craft Preschool

February 17, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Here is an easy and fun snake craft preschool idea that any reptile loving kid will love to make and observe as long as it lasts afterwards. Also, look at How to Homeschool Preschool.

Snakes are a fascinating topic for many preschoolers.

Celebrate Snakes | How To Make A Fake Snakeskin Snake Craft Preschool

They are intrigued by the way they move, the way they feel, and unique characteristics like the shedding process.

You might have the kid that comes walking through the kitchen with a frog in one hand and a snake in the other.

If that’s your kid you’re going to want to do this snake unit including a very fun DIY snakeskin activity.

If you have found an intact snakeskin on a nature walk or maybe even in your own backyard, it’s cool for your preschooler to hold and study.

Snake Books for Kids

Next, I love adding books to our day. Choose one or two of these non-scary living books for your preschooler.

Also, I add reference books to use for a child of any age.

9 Books for Kids Who Love Reading and Being Read to About Snakes

Grab some of these books for your fun reading day about snakes or for a snake unit study.

Verdi

Deep in the jungle where all the pythons are green, Verdi is born a little bit different. This gorgeously illustrated picture book from the creator of Stellaluna sends a timely message to young readers about the importance of loving the skin you're in.Young Verdi doesn’t want to grow up big and green. He likes his bright yellow skin and sporty stripes. Besides, all the green snakes he meets are lazy, boring, and rude. When Verdi finds a pale green stripe stretching along his whole body, he tries every trick he can think of to get rid of it—and ends up in a heap of trouble. Despite his efforts, Verdi turns green, but to his delight, he discovers that being green doesn’t mean he has to stop being himself.

I (Don't) Like Snakes (Read and Wonder)

They’re slithery and scaly, and they have icky, flicking tongues and creepy, unblinking eyes. What’s to like about a snake? You’d be surprised!This little girl has a problem. Her family doesn’t have dogs, or cats, or birds—they have snakes! And she really, really, really really doesn’t like snakes. Her family can’t understand her dislike, but they can help her understand why snakes do the things they do and look the way they look. And maybe once she knows more, she will start to like snakes a little . . . or even a lot. Packed with snake trivia, this clever story includes realistic illustrations and simple explanations of snake behavior sure to make even slither-phobic readers shed their misconceptions about these fascinating reptiles. Back matter includes a note about snakes, a bibliography, and an index.

Python (Read and Wonder)

“This attractive and readable book is an excellent introduction to informational literature and to a fascinating creature.” — School Library JournalPython stirs and slithers out from her shelter, smelling the air with her forked tongue. It’s time to molt her dull scales and reveal the glistening snake underneath. Gliding along a tree, the hungry python stalks her prey. Combining informative facts, expressive illustrations, and a lyrical, mesmerizing narrative, this book will captivate anyone fascinated by this iconic creature.

[Akimbo and the Snakes] [Author: McCall Smith, Alexander] [October, 2007]

Akimbo can’t believe his luck when his father allows him to visit his uncle Peter’s snake park. And when a local village calls to report a sighting of a green mamba snake—the rarest and most deadly one of all—Akimbo hopes to help his uncle catch it for the park. But little does he expect to find himself trapped face to face with the deadliest of reptiles. Bestselling novelist Alexander McCall Smith brings the majesty and dangers of Africa to life in this vividly imagined adventure for young readers.

A Primer on Reptiles & Amphibians: A Collection of Educational Nature Bulletins

A Primer on Reptiles & Amphibians is an innovative educational resource designed to forge a connection between the reader and the creeping critters of the world. Turtles, frogs, lizards, salamanders, snakes, and crocodiles… these animals evoke fear and fascination. This primer dispels myths and unlocks mysteries surrounding these diverse survivors which have mastered virtually every habitat on Earth. Tragically, these animals now face pressures of unprecedented severity, but there is still time to make a difference if more of us work together. 

Everything You Need to Know About Snakes

Embark on a fun, fact-filled dive into the world of snakes with Everything You Need to Know About Snakes. Children will love to learn all the basics of reptile anatomy in this beautiful and informative book on our serpent friends.Packed with vibrant pictures and lots of fascinating facts, kids can enjoy learning all about a snake’s habitat and behavior. See how they survive in forests, deserts, and oceans, and how these clever creatures have adapted to live in seemingly inhospitable habitats. Alongside, in between, and on top of all that, this riveting snake book also provides ideas for things to make, games to play, quizzes, and amazing facts to share with friends!Inside the pages of this reptile book for children, you’ll find:- Facts on habitat and anatomy, as well as oddities such as why snakes have scales and why chameleons change color.-Close-ups, quizzes, and games with an exciting take on the amazing world of our cold-blooded friends.-A look at these creatures from all angles – information on habitat and breeding habits, as well as information on pythons, Komodo dragons, sea turtles, and many more.

The Book of Snakes: A Life-Size Guide to Six Hundred Species from around the World

For millennia, humans have regarded snakes with an exceptional combination of fascination and revulsion. Some people recoil in fear at the very suggestion of these creatures, while others happily keep them as pets. Snakes can convey both beauty and menace in a single tongue flick and so these creatures have held a special place in our cultures. Yet, for as many meanings that we attribute to snakes—from fertility and birth to sin and death—the real-life species represent an even wider array of wonders.The Book of Snakes presents 600 species of snakes from around the world, covering nearly one in six of all snake species. It will bring greater understanding of a group of reptiles that have existed for more than 160 million years, and that now inhabit every continent except Antarctica, as well as two of the great oceans.

A Water Snake's Year

Presents a year in the life of a female water snake, resident of Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Mr. Yowder and the Giant Bull Snake

A sign painter and a giant bull snake cause a commotion when they replace Buffalo Bill as official buffalo hunters for the United States Army.

5 Snake Facts Your Preschooler Will Love

  1. All snakes are reptiles and vertebrates, which means that they have a backbone that provides them with protection of their organs and gives their body stability and movement.
  2. Hawaii and Alaska are the only two states in the US that do not have snakes, road trip anyone?
  3. The longest known snake is the reticulated python, which can grow to 32 feet. Try measuring that out with a rope or string to show your child just how big that really is!
  4. Snakes shed their skin somewhere between 4 and 12 times a year, the scientific name for this is Ecdysis.
  5. Snakes have two layers of skin. The top layer has scales that are visible. These scales are made out of keratin which is the same material your fingernails are made of. The second layer of snakeskin is underneath and  will become the new layer once the snake sheds its skin.
Celebrate Snakes | How To Make A Fake Snakeskin Snake Craft Preschool

Also, here are more activities about snakes.

Celebrate Snakes With More Fun Activities

  • Create clay snakes with amazing detail in the scales by using discarded fruit mesh bags.
  • Mix and Match Articulated Snakes are a great tool for creativity but are also a unique way to help your child learn to develop stronger hand eye coordination and fine motor skills as they snap and unsnap them creating new snakes each time.  What I also love about them is that they can be used for patterning and even to practice making some letters.
  • Make a big snake that can be worn around the neck using this Fun Easy Amazon Rainforest Crafts and Make a Bubble Wrap Pattern Anaconda.
  • Check out these cute little Pipe Cleaner and Perler Bead Snakes that are great for fine motor exercise.
  • Play Dough Snakes let your child’s creative side take over while their hands get a workout too.
  • Before you move onto today’s craft watch this really cool video demonstrating how a snake sheds its skin to help them understand it a bit better.
Celebrate Snakes | How To Make A Fake Snakeskin Snake Craft Preschool

Finally, look how to make this snake craft preschool activity.

Snake Craft Preschool

I tried several methods like dipping the snake in glue and only painting one layer to make it quicker and easier but for the best results you will want to follow the instructions I used below.

Once dry it is clear, the texture is like that of real snakeskin, and it will pick up the detail of the scales and eyes if your rubber snake has them, making it realistic.

You will need:

  • Rubber Snake
  • School Glue
  • Paper Plate
  • Foam brush/paint brush
  • Wax Paper or Silicone Mat
Celebrate Snakes | How To Make A Fake Snakeskin Snake Craft Preschool

First, lay your snake out on waxed paper or a silicone mat, you can even use a coated paper plate.

You want to use something that the dripping glue will separate easily from. I have found these craft mats to be invaluable for things like this as well as painting and they clean up so easily!

Paint a thick layer of glue over the entire thing from nose to tail.

Celebrate Snakes | How To Make A Fake Snakeskin Snake Craft Preschool

Allow to dry just until the outer coating begins to dry out just a bit, repeat twice more to give it a thick coat. If you paint one coat right after another it doesn’t work as well.

Leave the snake to dry overnight until completely cured throughout.

Celebrate Snakes | How To Make A Fake Snakeskin Snake Craft Preschool

Cut off the little extra bits where the glue has pooled and dried around the snake form.

Celebrate Snakes | How To Make A Fake Snakeskin Snake Craft Preschool

Begin at one end and carefully peel back the skin.

Celebrate Snakes | How To Make A Fake Snakeskin Snake Craft Preschool

If the bottom is covered in glue you may need to flip it over and split the underside first.

Celebrate Snakes | How To Make A Fake Snakeskin Snake Craft Preschool

If you go slowly and carefully you will get large pieces, maybe even an entire snake shaped skin.

Look at the details of the eyes from just glue.

Celebrate Snakes | How To Make A Fake Snakeskin Snake Craft Preschool

And even each individual scale.

This makes a great addition to your science shelf so that your child can investigate it by observing the impressions of the scales, measuring its length, feeling the texture, and more.

Celebrate Snakes | How To Make A Fake Snakeskin Snake Craft Preschool

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: elementary science, hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, life science, science, snakes

Awesome Preschool Dinosaur Unit Study With Kids Who Love Dinosaurs

February 15, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Do you have a kid who loves dinosaurs? I have a preschool dinosaur unit study today and we’re making salt dough dinosaur bones. Also, look at my How to Homeschool Preschool page and Best Homeschool Unit Studies for more ideas.

I don’t think many preschoolers, boys or girls don’t love to learn about the ferocious T-Rex or the gentle giant Stegosaurus.

Young kids love to learn about what dinosaurs ate, and what they looked like, and easily memorize all those names.

Awesome Dinosaur Unit Study With Kids Who Love Dinosaurs

Once you become an adult no one asks what your favorite dinosaur is anymore so take advantage of all the fun hands-on dino fun with your littles while you get a second chance!

From footprints to bones, we are going to cover the entire spectrum with fun engaging hands-on activities.

They will have your preschooler through kindergarteners begging for more prehistoric mayhem.

I have fun ways to learn math, science, language arts, and art, and enjoy some dramatic play as well while they learn.

Finally, I will show you how to create fun dinosaur bones for your child to explore, investigate, and put on display.

They are wonderful for dramatic play as your child pretends to be a paleontologist discovering evidence of these giant creatures from long ago.

You can either make it with your child or make it ahead of time and surprise your preschooler with a lovely pile of bones to investigate.

Books to Read With a Dinosaur Unit Study

15 Books for Kids Crazy About Fossils and Dinosaurs

Your dinosaur loving kids will love some of these books and resources for a fun dinosaur unit study.

Fossils Tell of Long Ago

What is a fossil? Sometimes it's the imprint of an ancient leaf in a rock. Or it could be the skeleton of a dinosaur that has turned to stone. With clear prose and beautifully detailed illustrations, award-winning author and illustrator Aliki describes the different ways fossils are formed and what they tell us about life on Earth long ago.

This is a clear and appealing science book for early elementary age kids, both at home and in the classroom. It includes a find out more section with a glossary and activity guide so kids can create their own fossils for someone to find a million years from now.

Dinosaurs! (New & Updated)

Gail Gibbons presents the most recent and up-to-date theories about the history of dinosaurs and dinosaur discoveries. She discusses the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods and the non-bird dinosaurs that lived during each time. Each dinosaur is explored in just the right amount of detail for young paleontologists, as this book brings these magnificent creatures to life again

Digging Up Dinosaurs (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science 2)

How did those enormous dinosaur skeletons get inside the museum? Beloved author-illustrator Aliki’s simple, engaging text and colorful artwork bring the long-extinct creatures to life for young dinosaur enthusiasts.

Long ago, dinosaurs ruled the Earth. Then, suddenly, they died out. For thousands of years, no one knew these giant creatures had ever existed. Then people began finding fossils—bones and teeth and footprints that had turned to stone. Today, teams of experts work together to dig dinosaur fossils out of the ground, bone by fragile bone

How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight?

A playful peek into the homes of dinosaur babies and their parents at bedtime!How do dinosaurs say good night?Brimming with humor and familiar good-night antics, here is a playful peek into the homes of dinosaur children and their parents at bedtime. Perfect for sharing and reading aloud, this is one nighttime book your own little dinosaur will want to read again and again.

Dinosaur Roar!

A celebratory edition of this much loved classic picture book, now twenty-five years old. This rollicking rhyming text is a joy to read aloud, and the charming and colourful pictures will appeal to the very youngest dinosaur fans. Originally published in 1994, Dinosaur Roar! by Henrietta and Paul Stickland is now seen as a modern classic, a book that every preschool child should have.In the back of the book is a wonderful pull-out poster showing the dinosaur characters.The book carries the endorsement of the Earth Sciences Department at the Natural History Museum.

Dinosaur Bones

With a lively rhyming text and vibrant paper collage illustrations, author-artist Bob Barner shakes the dust off the dinosaur bones found in museums and reminds us that they once belonged to
living, breathing creatures. Filled with fun dinosaur facts (a T. Rex skull can weigh up to 750 pounds!) and an informational "Dinometer," Dinosaur Bones is sure to make young dinosaur enthusiasts roar with delight.

Dinosaurs, Dinosaurs

A long time ago there were dinosaurs. Big dinosaurs and small dinosaurs. Dinosaurs with horns on their heads or spikes down their backs. Dinosaurs with long, long necks and long, long tails. Imaginatively and with a masterful use of color, shape and composition, Bryon Barton brings to life a unique and endearing vision of what the world may have looked like once upon a time.

A long time ago there was dinosaurs. Big dinosaurs and small dinosaurs. Dinosaurs with horns on their heads or spikes down their backs. Dinosaurs with long, long necks and long, long tails.Imaginatively and with a masterful use of color, shape and composition, Byron Barton brings to life unique and endearing vision of what the world may have looked like once up ona time.

Here We Go Digging for Dinosaur Bones

This STEM-friendly musical fossil dig will have dinosaur lovers singing along as they learn the science behind paleontology.

I Dreamt I Was a Dinosaur

If you could be a dinosaur, which would you be? Would you roar like the ferocious T-Rex? Or soar overhead like the pterodactyl? In this playful early-learning book, Stella Blackstone s lyrical, rhyming text takes readers on an unforgettable Jurassic journey, while fabric artist Clare Beaton recreates the prehistoric world of dinosaurs using a colorful array of felt, sequins, beads and buttons.

T Is for Terrible: A Picture Book

I am Tyrannosaurus Rex.

I am a dinosaur,

otherwise known as

a terrible lizard.

Tyrannosaurus rex is a terrible dinosaur; of this, everyone is certain. But is this dinosaur really so terrible? He IS very big and very hungry. True, he might even eat his neighbors for lunch. But from his point of view, he can't help it. After all, he's not a vegetarian . . .

The Shy Stegosaurus of Cricket Creek

Meet George. He's strong, as a giant dinosaur should be, strong enough to wreck a plane! (Of course he thinks it's his old enemy, the flying Pteranodon.) He's loyal. He'll do anything to help Joan and Joey save their mother's ranch at Cricket Creek, even chase a bank robber. He's shy. He's so shy he gets Joan and Joey into hilarious, dinosaur sized trouble!

The Magic School Bus in the Time of Dinosaurs

The classroom is decorated as Dinosaur Land, but Ms. Frizzle-inspired by an archeological dig-craves a more authentic experience. The Magic School Bus turns into a time machine and transports the class back millions of years to an adventure where they learn about dinosaurs, their habitats and diets, and even a Maiasaura nesting ground.

Fossils (A True Book: Earth Science)

Fossils are one of the most important tools we have for learning about long-extinct wildlife.

A True Book: Earth Science series presents fascinating facts and fun activities that will engage the budding earth scientist, while exploring the fields of geology, meteorology, ecology, and more. This series includes an age appropriate (grades 3-5) introduction to curriculum-relevant subjects and a robust resource section that encourages independent study. In the 4.6 billion years since Earth was formed, many plant and animal species have come and gone. Readers will discover how fossils are formed, how paleontologists search for them, and what kinds of information they can provide.

Paleontological Fossils Sample- Paleontology Trilobite Fossil, Scientific Amber Specimen

A box of ten fossils: A box of this paleontological fossil sample contains ten of fossils, including sea clam fossils, trilobites, ichthyodonts, porphyrites, copal amber, graptolites, nematodes, phylloceras, corals, and spirals. Fossil specimen of algae.

Ancient Fossils TOOB - Figurines: Dino Footprint, Giant Crab, Ammonite, Raptor Claw, T-Rex Tooth, Frog Skeleton, Sea Scorpion & More

Step into Prehistory: This Toob contains 10 expertly hand-painted mini figurines of ancient fossils, including a Dinosaur Footprint, Giant Crab, Ammonite, Raptor Claw, Fossilized Frog, Trilobite, T-Rex Tooth, Fossilized Fish, Dinosaur Skin, and a Sea Scorpion.

Math Ideas for Preschool Math

  •  This  Numbered Eggs Dinosaur Math Activity is a unique twist on dinosaur math activities.
  • Measuring Dinosaurs- Provide your child with a handful of dinosaurs and some LEGO bricks. Demonstrate how to measure them using the bricks. Which one is the longest? Shortest? Tallest?
Awesome Dinosaur Unit Study With Kids Who Love Dinosaurs

Science/Sensory Dinosaur Ideas

  • This Erupting Dinosaur Extinction Slime will be a big hit for preschoolers as they learn about the characteristics of their favorite dinosaurs.
  • Baking soda and vinegar are a favorite science duo for the fun bubbling reaction, fizzy make a great science experiment.
  • Teach your child all about dinosaurs Fun Facts About Mold Fossils & 4 Types of Fossil Activities For Kids to keep their hands as busy as their minds.
  • Watch this video to dig and explore more on Fossils For Kids.

Art Ideas for Learning About Dinosaurs

  • Grab their favorite plastic dinosaurs and make Dinosaur Footprint Art (FREE Printable).
  • Create 1 of or all 12 Paper Plate Dinosaurs with this tutorial and printable add-ons to make a unique project.
  • Make a Dinosaur SunCatcher to add a little rainbow to your dino studies and build fine motor skills too.
  • Craft a dinosaur night light together that will give your preschooler the sweetest of dino dreams.
Awesome Dinosaur Unit Study With Kids Who Love Dinosaurs

Language Arts Ideas for a Dinosaur Unit Study

  • Dinosaur Letter Hunt is a wonderful interactive way to help your child recognize letters while they get out and explore the backyard.
  • These D is For Dinosaur activities create a repetitive activity that will have your child recognizing and repeating the sound D makes in no time.
  • Father some inexpensive plastic dinosaurs from a dollar tree and recreate the Dinosaur Alphabet Matching Game for letter practice.

Dramatic Play About Dinosaurs

  • Make a Paper Dinosaur Hat to add to dramatic play and it doubles as an art project.
  • These Easy Cardboard Dinosaur Feet are stomping good fun for your child’s imagination and will keep them busy all day.
  • Geronimo Stilton’s The Journey Through Time Fun Easy No Sew Dinosaur Mat is such a fun and portable way to encourage their imagination.
  • This Dinosaur Poop Craft will have kids and adults alike grossed out and tickled at the same time, “petrified” poop will make a great keepsake for the top of a dresser or on a bookshelf.

Finally, look how to make diy salt dough dinosaur bones.

DIY Salt Dough Dinosaur Bones

To make a large batch of bones you should double the recipe. You can hide them around the yard to be discovered or put them on the science shelf.

You will need:

  • 2 cups of flour
  • 1 cup of salt
  • 1 cup of water
  • Brown paint
  • Craft stick
Awesome Preschool Dinosaur Unit Study With Kids Who Love Dinosaurs

First, preheat oven to 210℉.

Combine salt and flour, stirring until well mixed.

Awesome Preschool Dinosaur Unit Study With Kids Who Love Dinosaurs

Add water ¼ cup at a time and stir until the mixture is wet enough to squeeze together but is not sticky. You may not need the entire cup of water.

Awesome Preschool Dinosaur Unit Study With Kids Who Love Dinosaurs

Knead by hand for 2-3 minutes, adding in just a little bit of brown paint to give your bones a little bit more of a creamy tint rather than a stark white.

Awesome Preschool Dinosaur Unit Study With Kids Who Love Dinosaurs

Shape the dough into large pieces of dinosaur bones- femurs, rib bones, skulls, teeth, whatever you like. 

Use the craft stick to carve some detail into the bones. Try not to make them too thick so that they dry well throughout.

Awesome Preschool Dinosaur Unit Study With Kids Who Love Dinosaurs

To create a skull with an open mouth stuff it with aluminum foil and pull out after its cooled.

Awesome Preschool Dinosaur Unit Study With Kids Who Love Dinosaurs

If you want to you can create an entire mini dinosaur skeleton for your child to piece together.

Create a simple spine by making a snake shape and cutting off small segments.

Awesome Preschool Dinosaur Unit Study With Kids Who Love Dinosaurs

Spread shapes out on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake for 2-3 hours or until hardened and dried throughout.

Awesome Preschool Dinosaur Unit Study With Kids Who Love Dinosaurs

Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.

Add sand to cover them up with, a magnifying glass, tweezers, clean paint brushes, and lots of fun reference books so that your child can play paleontologist.

Awesome Preschool Dinosaur Unit Study With Kids Who Love Dinosaurs

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: dinosaurs, elementary science, hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool preschool, life science, preschool, science

8 Desert Craft Ideas | How To Make Egg Carton Cactus

February 8, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have 8 desert craft ideas for you. Also you’ll love these other ideas on my post Desert Sand Art (Colors of the Desert).

And I have a fun tutorial that teaches you how to make egg carton cactus.

Cactus is of course easily one of the most identifiable symbols of the desert.

8 Desert Craft Ideas | How To Make Egg Carton Cactus

They offer food and shelter to many desert dwelling species and are drought tolerant.

Well, not all cacti are exclusive to deserts, some are rainforest adapted.

You will see them peppered throughout the deserts of the world.

While a desert may seem barren there is plenty to learn about it.

Books About Deserts for Kids

18 Desert Books & Resources for Kids Who Love Reading and Being Read To

Add some of these living books and references books about the desert to your library.

The Seed & the Giant Saguaro

Children's reader on the subject of deserts and what lives there Large book with very large kid friendly illustrations

Cactus Hotel (Rise and Shine)

It is another hot day in the desert. Birds and other animals scurry about looking for food. When they get tired they stop to rest at a giant cactus. It is their hotel in the desert!Many different animals live in the cactus hotel. It protects them; and they protect it, by eating the pests that could harm the cactus.The cactus grows larger and larger and will live for about two hundred years. When one animal moves out, another moves in. There is never a vacancy in the cactus hotel.This story--about a desert, a giant cactus, and the animals who live in it--is one that even the youngest child will understand and enjoy.

Desert Giant: The World of the Saguaro Cactus

A venerable saguaro cactus stands like a statue in the hot desert landscape, its armlike branches reaching fifty feet into the air. From a distance it appears to be completely still and solitary--but appearances can be deceptive. In fact, this giant tree of the desert is alive with activity. Its spiny trunk and branches are home to a surprising number of animals, and its flowers and fruit feed many desert dwellers. Gila woodpeckers and miniature elf owls make their homes inside the saguaro's trunk. Long-nosed bats and fluttering white doves drink the nectar from its showy white flowers. People also play a role in the saguaro's story: each year the Tohono O'odham Indians gather its sweet fruit in a centuries-old harvest ritual.

Where Is the Sahara Desert?

Imagine over three million square miles of sand dunes that are as tall as a ten-story building. That place is real -- it's the Sahara Desert! Vast, yes! And home to fascinating creatures such as ostriches and fennec foxes as well as amazing plant life. The shallow roots of the mesquite tree can grow almost 200 feet across to absorb water. Readers will also learn about the famous trade routes of the past with caravans of up to 10,000 camels, European explorers to the region (some very unlucky ones), and native populations like the Berber and Tuareg, the faces of the men are blue from the dye in the veils they always wear.

Where Is Antarctica?

Antarctica, the earth's southernmost continent, was virtually untouched by humans until the nineteenth century. Many famous explorers journeyed (and often died) there in the hope of discovering a land that
always seemed out of reach. This book introduces readers to this
desert--yes, desert!--continent that holds about 90 percent of the
world's ice; showcases some of the 200 species that call Antarctica
home, including the emperor penguin; and discusses environmental dangers to the continent, underscoring how what happens to Antarctica affects the entire world.

A Desert Scrapbook: Dawn to Dusk in the Sonoran Desert

In the early morning hours, an artist stirs. Gathering her paints and notebook, she heads into the Arizona Sonoran Desert to explore its treasures. Sketching, painting, and writing, she records all that she sees and as night falls, she spreads out her pictures to make this scrapbook of her day, from dawn to dusk.

This Place Is Dry: Arizona's Sonoran Desert

Surveys the living conditions in Arizona's Sonora Desert for the people and unusual animals that live there. Also describes the engineering accomplishment of Hoover Dam.

Desert Solitaire

In Desert Solitaire, Edward Abbey recounts his many escapades, adventures, and epiphanies as an Arches National Park ranger outside Moab, Utah. Brimming with arresting insights, impassioned arguments for wilderness conservation, and a raconteur’s wit, it is one of Abbey’s most critically acclaimed works.   Through stories and philosophical musings, Abbey reflects on the condition of our remaining wilderness, the future of a civilization, and his own internal struggle with morality. As the world continues its rapid development, Abbey’s cry to maintain the natural beauty of the West remains just as relevant today as when this book first appeared in 1968.

Coyote Raid In Cactus Canyon

While the rest of the animals hide from view from a group of rambunctious coyotes, the fearless gang takes full advantage of the open space of Cactus Canyon and participates with great zeal in an array of nighttime activities, but an unexpected encounter with a rattlesnake quickly puts an end to the coyotes fun as they are sent running for cover, too!

Roxaboxen

Marian called it Roxaboxen. There across the road, it looked like any rocky hill—nothing but sand and rocks, and some old wooden boxes. But it was a special place. And all children needed to go there was a long stick and a soaring imagination.

Why Oh Why Are Deserts Dry? All About Deserts

n this latest installation of the Cat in the Hat's Learning Library, the Cat takes Sally and Dick to explore different kinds of deserts around the world,  from the hot, dry Sonoran and Mojavi to the bitter cold Gobi and Antarctica. Young readers learn why deserts are dry, and how plants and animals—including cactus, kangaroos, camels, penguins, roadrunners, and many others—have adapted to survive the unforgiving climate. Also included: how sand dunes are formed; the reason we see mirages, and how shallow water beneath the surface of the ground can create an oasis. Fans of the new PBS preschool science show The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That! (which is based on the Learning Library series) won't want to miss this hot new addition to the series!

One Day in the Desert

‘A wounded mountain lion moves from his mountain habitat to a Papago Indian hut in Arizona’s Sonoran desert during a record-breaking July day. All creation adapts to the blistering heat until a cloudburst causes a flash flood. With a measured yet vivid style, this introduction to desert ecology makes a memorable impact."

Deserts

This intriguing yet simple description will captivate young readers who have an interest in the unfamiliar.

A Walk in the Desert (Biomes of North America)

Take a walk through the desert. This hot, dry biome of the southwest is full of life. How do plants and animals of the desert live? As you wander through the desert, discover how each and every plant and animal relies on the others to live and grow.

Wildlife of the Southwest Deserts

Learn about the fascinating creatures of the desert Southwest including: Venomous Animals Insects and Arthropods Rattlesnakes, Lizards, Desert Tortoise The Roadrunner and other Birds Bighorn Sheep, Kit Fox, Coyote.

Indian Uses of Desert Plants

Now in its fourth edition, this is a beautiful book with both historical and contemporary images showing the most important plants used by Native Americans. Medicinal, food resources, tools and shelter are just some of the uses discussed. Plants shown and described are among the most widespread plants in the desert Southwest.

Desert Snakes

Learn all about desert snakes with the beautiful book by James W. Cornett.

The Namib Desert

An excellent introduction to the natural history of the Namib Desert of southwest Africa. At its heart, second only to the Atacama Desert of Chile and Peru as the driest place on Earth. Also, it is the oldest desert on our planet and the only desert with a megafauna including elephant, giraffe, and rhinoceros. The lofty orange dunes, highest in the world, are also shown and discussed.

Your study can include cacti as well as animals like camels and desert lizards, mirages, and extreme temperatures.

Also, learn the fact that there are hot deserts as well as cold deserts, sandstorms, and learn about different types of sand that are in each desert.

Will you concentrate on one desert, or will you learn about a few characteristics of each?

8 Desert Craft Ideas | How To Make Egg Carton Cactus

Either way I have a wonderful batch of desert craft ideas to add that will make it fun and memorable.

Gather up your cardboard egg cartons and let’s also make an egg carton cactus that truly never has to be watered or tended to but makes an adorable addition to a desk or shelf.

8 Desert Craft Ideas

  1. Make a Desert In A Box: Biome Diorama and work your way through learning about the soil, flora, and fauna of a desert.
  2. Create a little desert inside an upcycled carton with this Egg Carton Desert.
  3. Incorporate more than one of the 5 senses with a Desert Dough sensory bin.
  4. Design a beautiful and colorful desert backdrop with the Desert Sand Art: Day 2 Hands-on Learning (Colors of the Desert).
  5. This cute and simple Cactus Popsicle Stick Crafts is a great idea for multiple age groups and is one of those low prep activities we love.
  6.  Explore the senses and let your child Make Your Own Cactus Play Dough Activity, creating different sizes, shapes and looks for their cacti, just like those that occur in nature.
  7. We can’t explore the desert without learning about some of the creatures that make their home there like our humped friend, try out the Popsicle Stick Camel Craft.
  8. Paint a gorgeous desert sky using the techniques in the Watercolor Silhouette Landscape

While you are learning about cacti another great activity is to taste test an edible variety, look at my Exploring Edible Cactus: Day 4 Hands-on Learning (The Desert) and use another of your senses for learning.

8 Desert Craft Ideas | How To Make Egg Carton Cactus

How To Make Egg Carton Cactus

You will need:

  • Cardboard egg cartons
  • Toothpicks
  • Green paint
  • Pink and yellow tissue paper
  • Hot glue gun/sticks
  • Small jar or pot
  • Rocks or pebbles
8 Desert Craft Ideas | How To Make Egg Carton Cactus

First, cut the top off your egg carton. And separate it from the bottom.

Then cut straight down the middle of the two rows.

8 Desert Craft Ideas | How To Make Egg Carton Cactus

It’s impossible to put this together without getting any gaps.

But we’re going to work it together a little bit by shifting one of the halves slightly up so that the points fit into the valleys of the other piece.

This is going to give you a gap at the top and bottom. It won’t matter at the bottom because that’s going to go in the pot.

8 Desert Craft Ideas | How To Make Egg Carton Cactus

For the top, trim off a little bit of the excess. Until it is just slightly longer than the other side. But be sure it touches because we’re going to hot glue it together to cover the gap.

Next, hot glue the edges together all the way around. I found it much easier to do the interlocking side. And then lift it up gently and do the straight side a little bit at a time.

Hold together until the glue hardens. Glue by pressing the top two pieces together with glue and holding until it sets.

You can also use a little bit of the hot glue to fill in any holes.

8 Desert Craft Ideas | How To Make Egg Carton Cactus

Now paint the entire thing in a shade of green you like. Be sure to get in all the little bumps and divots. Allow to dry completely.

8 Desert Craft Ideas | How To Make Egg Carton Cactus

Once dry, you can begin poking toothpicks wherever you like in the cactus to create spikes.

8 Desert Craft Ideas | How To Make Egg Carton Cactus

Ball up some tissue paper or paper bag into the bottom of your pot. If needed to fill up some of the space. And then add a little hot glue and press your cactus into it, holding until it hardens.

8 Desert Craft Ideas | How To Make Egg Carton Cactus

You can either just pour some small rocks around it or you can stir some gravel with some school glue and pour around it.

This will harden into a solid piece which will prevent rocks from being scattered across the floor if your child wants to keep their project.

8 Desert Craft Ideas | How To Make Egg Carton Cactus

 It also gives weight, so it doesn’t tip over easily.

Tear off small bits of tissue paper and ball them up to make flowers. These wherever you want around the cactus. We used them to cover a few spots that were not as pretty and small gaps.

8 Desert Craft Ideas | How To Make Egg Carton Cactus

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: cactus, crafts, desert, elementary science, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, life science, science

8 Fun Facts About Harpy Eagles | How to Make a Paper Bag Puppet

January 31, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Here are 8 fun facts about harpy eagles, some resources, and a fun paper bag puppet to represent this giant rainforest dwelling raptor. Also, you love my pages Rain Forest – Amazon, Rainforest Activities for Kids, and Rain Forest – Animals of the Amazon.

These majestic and angry looking birds can be found living and sitting proudly at the top of the food chain.

They are in the rainforests of southern México-Chiapas, Oaxaca and the Yucatán states. and south through Central America, into South America.

8 Fun Facts About Harpy Eagles | How to Make a Paper Bag Puppet

If you have seen images of them, you know that their claws can be larger than a man’s hand.

And they seem to wear a perpetual scowl, quite imposing and they can prey on animals as large as sloths, monkeys, anteaters, and porcupines.

Our craft will give your child a wonderful chance to focus on the characteristics of the unusual bird like the colors, double crest, and powerful claws.

Books About Eagles for Kids

14 Fun Resources for Studying about Eagles

Add some of these fun activities, books and resources to learn about eagles.

1. Eagle and Birds of Prey: Discover the World of Birds of Prey―How They Grow, Fly, Live, and Hunt

Eyewitness: Eagles and Birds of Prey is a guide to birds of prey of all shapes and sizes. From majestic falcons to soaring vultures, you'll get a bird's eye view of their amazing world. Learn about their styles of flight and their hunting techniques. Explore the preying and feeding habits, from specialist feeders to scavengers. 

2. Science Comics: Birds of Prey: Terrifying Talons

Every volume of Science Comics offers a complete introduction to a particular topic―dinosaurs, the solar system, volcanoes, bats, robots, and more. Whether you're a fourth grader doing a natural science unit at school or a thirty-year-old with a secret passion for airplanes, these graphic novels are for you!

3. Big Book of Birds (The Big Book Series)

Following up the hugely successful The Big Book of Bugs, The Big Book of Beasts, and The Big Book of the Blue, The Big Book of Birds is a fact-filled tour of the world’s most wonderful winged creatures. Yuval Zommer’s distinctive illustrations show off some of the most colorful, flamboyant, impressive, and wacky birds of the sky. Picture-book charm pairs with informative nonfiction to make a beautiful, large-format title for parents to share with young children and for older children to read by themselves.

4. EAGLE 300 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle

HIGH-QUALITY JIGSAW PUZZLE: The stunning, lifelike image is mounted on premium chipboard. Random cut pieces are thick and sturdy – they come fully separated with cleanly cut edges (dust-free!) that fit together snugly and hold up to repetitive use.

Makes amazing wall décor. Glue it, then mount the masterpiece!

5 PCS Birds of Prey Figurines

This set brings you some of the most amazing birds of prey from around the world!

5 Piece Set includes Bald Eagle, Falcon, Hawk, Owl, and Vulture.

6. Supertoob: USA,Figure Playsets

 Use birds of prey figurines including a Bald Eagle to make a diorama or sensory bin, they are also great used for art inspiration. My eagle came from the USA Safari Toob.

7. Thunder Birds: Nature’s Flying Predators

Acclaimed naturalist and illustrator Jim Arnosky helps birds and imaginations take glorious flight in this breathtaking nonfiction picture book with six giant gatefolds.
Arnosky will draw out kids' inner explorer as he explains why there are no feathers on a vulture's head, which bird is the deep-diving champ, what makes an owls's wings perfectly silent in flight, and much more.
Readers can use this gorgeously illustrated book to bring the wilderness right into their rooms-or as a guide on their next expedition.

8. 100 Facts Birds of Prey- Hawks, Eagles, Ornithology, Educational Projects, Fun Activities, Quizzes and More!

Flip through 100 fascinating facts covering everything from hunting prey to patrolling airports, then test your knowledge with fun quizzes. Each page is packed with activities, projects and mind-blowing facts for a truly engaging experience. With stunning photographs and beautiful illustrations, this fun-filled book is sure to challenge young readers and prepare them for academic success. 

Simulated Bald Eagle Figurines Plastic Eagle

Your child will love these to use in sensory bins or dioramas or just as a model to paint or play with.

Is a Bald Eagle Really Bald?

A bald eagle doesn't sound like an attractive bird. But it's pictured on the Great Seal of the United States and on the dollar bill. Why was this bird chosen as a national symbol?

Bailey the Bald Eagle and the Great Flight

Bailey is a bald eagle who comes from a long lineage of high flyers, with her grandfather even holding the world record for being the highest flyer. So, it comes as a bit of a surprise to her family when she is scared of heights. This fear keeps her down every day, literally, but it also helps her meet some amazing friends she never would have otherwise. This story is about how we are all afraid of something, but it's how we overcome those fears that matters most.

My Little Book of Bald Eagles

This is a delightful story about a new family of bald eagles. From newborn's first lessons in life to the first solo flight, this beautifully illustrated book is ideal for introducing young children to the wonders of nature.

Harpy Eagle (Apex Predators of the Amazon Rain Forest)

It's early morning in the Amazon rain forest. A large monkey is climbing through the branches of a tall tree. Suddenly, there's a flash of white and black feathers. An enormous harpy eagle swoops between the leafy branches and snatches the monkey from the tree. Then the giant predator carries its prey high into the treetops and begins to eat. Filled with information perfectly suited to the abilities and interests of its primary-grade audience, this colorful, fact-filled book gives readers a chance not only to learn all about harpy eagles and their Amazon rain forest home, but also to develop their powers of observation and critical thinking. Built-in activities, such as figuring out how the bird's body is adapted for hunting, and investigating how much weight the eagle can carry in its talons, give readers a chance to gain insights beyond the facts and figures.

Wild Life Realistic Harpy Eagle Figurine -

This Harpy Eagle Figurine would make an amazing addition to your dioramas, sensory bins, trays

8 Fun Facts About Harpy Eagles

  1. Harpy Eagles are named after a creature from Greek mythology that was a monster in the form of a bird with a human face.
  2. These big birds are the rainforest’s largest and most powerful raptor and one of the largest raptors in the world.
  3. Harpies build huge nests that are the size of a double bed and are made up of over 300 branches, hovering more than 100 feet off the ground.
  4. They can grow taller than 3’ and have a massive wingspan of 7 ½ feet, weighing in at 10-20 pounds.
  5. Their talons are about 4”-5”, roughly the size of a grizzly bear’s paw.
  6. The plumage coloration is 3 primary colors -black, gray, and white in various combinations of shades and gradients. Males and females have the same colors but younger harpy eagles are lighter.
  7. The presence of these birds indicates a healthy environment, it means that all species in the ecosystem are in total balance.
  8. The Harpy Eagle’s will lower and lift their facial disk feathers can be lowered or lifted at will much like an owl does. Doing this helps direct sound waves to their ears to sharpen their hearing ability.
8 Fun Facts About Harpy Eagles | How to Make a Paper Bag Puppet

Resources for Your Harpy Eagle Study

  • Watch Amazing Animals Harpy Eagle Nat Geo Kids to see one of these flying beauties in action, learn a few facts, and get a quick geography lesson.
  • Grab this Harpy Eagle Coloring Sheet to color as you learn about the unique colorations for this large eagle before you create your paper bag puppet.
  • The gorgeous Little Book of Animals of the Rainforest: A Guide to Life in Earth’s Most Diverse Ecosystem contains a variety of rainforest species including the Harpy Eagle.
  • If you’re study is on eagles you have to see this Letter E Is For Eagle Easy Preschool Eagle Study.

How to Make a Harpy Eagle Puppet

You will need:

  • Paper bag
  • Black craft phone
  • Yellow craft phone
  • Gray construction paper
  • Black gray and white craft paint.
  • Two large googly eyes.
  • Black marker
8 Fun Facts About Harpy Eagles | How to Make a Paper Bag Puppet

Flip your paper bag over so that the folded bottom is facing upward, paint this section gray.

Paint the entire rest of the bag white and allow it to dry.

8 Fun Facts About Harpy Eagles | How to Make a Paper Bag Puppet

While you’re waiting for this paint to dry, trace your child’s three middle fingers and just a bit of the palm, and then trace another one with four fingers and the majority of the palm.

8 Fun Facts About Harpy Eagles | How to Make a Paper Bag Puppet

Cut these handprints out and paint with variations of gray, black and white. Give it a little layering for dimension to make it look like feathers.

8 Fun Facts About Harpy Eagles | How to Make a Paper Bag Puppet

Set these aside to dry as well and cut a pair of yellow talons and a large beak from the black craft foam.

8 Fun Facts About Harpy Eagles | How to Make a Paper Bag Puppet

When the paint on the bag is dry, finish off by painting a black collar around the upper chest between the head and body, then down the side to create wings.

While you have the black paint handy, paint the google eyes black.

You could also just leave them as is or color these in.

But we wanted them to stand out off the puppet a little bit more.

And I think the final effect is more dramatic.

8 Fun Facts About Harpy Eagles | How to Make a Paper Bag Puppet

Once all the glue is dry, attach the three-fingerprint tracing to the back of the head of the puppet.

Then attach the four fingers to the back on the bottom, hanging down for a tail.

Glue on the beak, talons, and the painted eyes. 

8 Fun Facts About Harpy Eagles | How to Make a Paper Bag Puppet

Use a black marker to add a little detail.

For example, stripe the eagle’s legs, some eyebrows to make him a little angry or looking.

Then add some feathers if you feel like they need a little more detail.

8 Fun Facts About Harpy Eagles | How to Make a Paper Bag Puppet

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: elementary science, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, life science, science

How to Make an Edible Earth Project in a Cup With Kids

January 21, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

We’re making an edible earth project in a cup with kids with minimal fuss. Also, you’ll love this Free Earth Science Lapbook.

With just a few ingredients and you’ll have an earth science lesson with a big impact.

With preschool through elementary, you want to go as hands-on as you can to make the learning fun.

How to Make an Edible Earth Project in a Cup With Kids

In turn this helps your child understand and remember what they are learning better.

I have also found that the more senses that you can engage in the more fun and memorable an activity is.

With this simple activity, you don’t have to go out and buy many different ingredients.

We are using a couple of items, and you may already find some of them in your pantry to create the layers of the Earth in a cup.

You will also want to have a great reference book that shows a clear image of the layers of the earth.

Layers of The Earth

Of course, one of my favorite resources to use with any science and nature topic is Nature Anatomy by Julia Rothman and you can see a lovely illustration of the earth layers that we can use for reference.

How to Make an Edible Earth Project in a Cup With Kids

Earth is made up of three layers: the crust, the mantle, and the core.

Each layer is made of different materials so let’s learn a little bit about each with fun facts as we put our edible earth project in a cup together.

I recommend reading off the facts as your child builds each layer.

Crust. This describes the outermost shell of the earth and is made of solid rocks and minerals. All known life in the universe makes its home here on and in the crust.

Mantle. The mantle makes up 84% of the earth’s volume and is mostly solid bulk.

The mantle lies between Earth’s dense, super-heated core and its thin outer layer, the crust. The rocks that make up the bulk of Earth’s mantle are silicates.

Outer Core. The outer core is the third layer of the Earth and is the layer that is responsible for Earth’s Magnetic Field.  It is the only liquid layer and is made of iron, nickel, and a few other substances.

How to Make an Edible Earth Project in a Cup With Kids

Inner Core. This layer is made of iron–nickel alloy with a few other elements. It is a spheroid, a solid shape that is not quite a perfect sphere.

The temperature is estimated at 9800 °F. It helps generate the Earth’s magnetic field through interactions with the outer core.

More Earth Layers and Earth Science Resources

  • Cookie Sheet Activities Make Earth Day Cookies & Fascinating Earth Facts
  • Make this Gorgeous Layers of the Earth DIY Soap Project and create a craft idea that is not only useful but teaches much about the various layers of the earth.
  • Easy Layers of the Earth’s Atmosphere Activity for Kids
  • Here is another fabulous hands-on project, the Layers of the Earth Playdough Mat *freebie* that even the youngest members of the family will be able to join in while older children can challenge themselves to add more detail.
  • Grab a bucket of LEGO blocks and create this fantastic LEGO Layers of the Earth Project to help your child understand the makeup from the inside out.
  • Watch The Geosphere-Layers of The Earth to learn facts about each fascinating layer of our earth with engaging animations.
How to Make an Edible Earth Project in a Cup With Kids

Finally, look how to make an edible earth project in a cup.

How to Make an Edible Earth Project in a Cup

You will need:

  • Vanilla pudding cup
  • Food coloring
  • Blue and green candies
  • Clear cups
How to Make an Edible Earth Project in a Cup With Kids

Start by separating your pudding cup into thirds.

 I left 1/3 in the cup and placed the other two portions in a small bowl.

Add a little bit of orange food coloring to one bowl, mix well, and red to the other, mixing it completely.

How to Make an Edible Earth Project in a Cup With Kids

Start by scooping the uncolored pudding into the bottom of the cup. This will represent your core.

How to Make an Edible Earth Project in a Cup With Kids

Next, add a layer of orange, this is the outer core.

How to Make an Edible Earth Project in a Cup With Kids

Now, make a layer of red pudding for the mantle, because this makes up the bulk of the earth.

You can make this a much thicker layer if you like.

How to Make an Edible Earth Project in a Cup With Kids

Finally, you can top it with blue and green, M&Ms you sprinkle, colored, coconut, or whatever you have on hand to represent the Earth’s surface, the crust.

Since the crust is made up of both continental (land mass) and oceanic crust we wanted to represent the earth and water with blue and green.

How to Make an Edible Earth Project in a Cup With Kids

How fun and simple are these easy layers to represent the layers of our earth?

How to Make an Edible Earth Project in a Cup With Kids

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: earth science, earthscience, edible, elementary science, hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, science

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