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flowers

Free Spring Activities For Kids And 8 Spring Scavenger Hunts

April 18, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, I have some free spring activities for kids. Also, look at my page 4 Weeks Free Spring Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas for more ideas.

Spring is the time to get outside, have fun and learn at the same time. So, I have included spring activities for all ages.

Besides, spring is one of my favorite seasons and it doesn’t have to cost much to do these spring activities.

Free Spring Activities For Kids And 8 Spring Scavenger Hunts

Also, I have 8 free spring scavenger hunts.

Use them all in a day or use them to accompany the spring nature unit studies I have on my site.

Moreover, don’t forget to add a few books to your day. Whether you choose to read indoors or outdoors, you’ll love these books to add to your spring unit study.

SPRING BOOKS FOR KIDS

And we prefer to use living books.

10 Books About Spring for Multiple Ages

I’ve listed books for all ages in this list. Some you can read aloud and others be read anytime.

That's What Happens When It's Spring!

When is it spring?" a child wonders. "Come, I'll show you," Mommy answers. Out in the flower bed tiny green knobs are peeping out of the ground. "That will be a tulip and this a crocus!" Mommy says. That's what happens when it's spring! The signs, sounds, colors, and special feelings of spring come alive as they are experienced through the eyes of a youngster.

Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring

As days stretch longer, animals creep out from their warm dens, and green begins to grow again, everyone knows―spring is on its way!Join a boy and his dog as they explore nature and take a stroll through the countryside, greeting all the signs of the coming season. In a series of conversations with everything from the melting brook to chirping birds, they say goodbye to winter and welcome the lushness of spring.

The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady

This beautifully packaged facsimile of Edith Holden’s original diary is filled with a naturalist’s masterful paintings and delightful observations chronicling the English countryside throughout 1906. As one of the few true records of the time in print, the handwritten thoughts and paintings contained in The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady transport readers to a more refined, romantic, and simpler time. Capitalizing on the current Downton Abbey–inspired appetite for Edwardian-era ephemera, fashions, and society, this reproduction brings readers back to a time in which propriety, civility, and an appreciation for the natural world reigned. This souvenir of a bygone era serves not only as a calming touchstone, but a reminder that as long as we choose to see it, we are still surrounded by beauty and grace. Presented to retain the charm and beauty of the original volume filled with Holden’s hand-drawn illustrations of the English countryside’s flora and fauna through the changing seasons of the year, as well as handwritten notes, observations, and quotations, The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady makes a lovely addition to any home’s library or side table.

Benny's Animals and How He Put Them in Order

Two boys, with the help of a professor at the museum, learn to divide their animal pictures into the proper groups.

The Tune is in the Tree

Annie Jo was a little girl like any other little girl. She was just about as big, too, as any other little girl her age. She had pigtails and for best occasions a plaid silk dress. Her father was an aviator (so the birds had a special feeling for him), and when he was delayed one day, and her mother went to hunt for him, and Mrs. Bunch, the sitter, sprained her ankle, the birds took charge of Annie Jo.Miss Ruby, the hummingbird, who understood magic, made her two and a half inches high. She learned to fly and visited the Robins, the Warblers, and the Thrushes. The perfidious Mrs. Cowbird was causing trouble as usual, laying her eggs in other birds' nests. (Mrs. Cowbird is a notable villainness.) And Annie Jo lost her plaid silk dress in a very curious way. But she got another one in time for Mrs. Oriole's ball, which occurred on the day Annie Jo returned to her normal size and home.

Springtime with Geraldine Woolkins (The Geraldine Woolkins Series)

Geraldine Woolkins has at last become a middle mouse, but navigating the waters of middle-mouse life isn’t easy. Her younger brother irritates her, her sparrow friend Penelope neglects her, and an elder mouse friend is becoming forgetful, making the entire Woolkins family anxious.

Everything is changing. And when Geraldine discovers that the best treasures of spring—fragrant spring flowers, a pond created by spring rainstorms—will one day disappear, she is heartbroken. Does nothing last forever? Does everything good change or fade?

Ten more stories follow the Woolkins mouse family—Papa, Mama, Geraldine, and Button—from April, a time of blossoming, to June, the month of long days.

How plants grow...

A simple introduction to botany.

Wicked Plants: The Weed That Killed Lincoln's Mother and Other Botanical Atrocities

A tree that sheds poison daggers; a glistening red seed that stops the heart; a shrub that causes paralysis; a vine that strangles; and a leaf that triggered a war. In Wicked Plants, Stewart takes on over two hundred of Mother Nature’s most appalling creations. It’s an A to Z of plants that kill, maim, intoxicate, and otherwise offend. You’ll learn which plants to avoid (like exploding shrubs), which plants make themselves exceedingly unwelcome (like the vine that ate the South), and which ones have been killing for centuries (like the weed that killed Abraham Lincoln's mother). Menacing botanical illustrations and splendidly ghastly drawings create a fascinating portrait of the evildoers that may be lurking in your own backyard. Drawing on history, medicine, science, and legend, this compendium of bloodcurdling botany will entertain, alarm, and enlighten even the most intrepid gardeners and nature lovers.

Trees, Leaves, Flowers and Seeds: A Visual Encyclopedia of the Plant Kingdom (DK Our World in Pictures)

Have you ever wondered which plants eat insects? Or how cacti store water? How about which flowers look like bees? Or where is the tallest tree in the world? If you find yourself seeking the answers to these quirky questions and so many more, then Trees, Leaves, Flowers & Seeds may be the book for you! Explore the incredible world of plants, from the smallest seeds to the tallest trees, whilst you discover all about the weirdest, smelliest and deadliest flowers on our planet, with this engaging encyclopedia for children aged 9-12. 

Flower Fairies of the Spring

First published in the 1920s, Cicely Mary Barker’s original Flower Fairies books have been loved for generations. Like the pre-Raphaelite painters whom she so admired, Barker believed in re-creating the beauty of nature in art and drawing from life. Her Flower Fairies watercolors have a unique combination of naturalism and fantasy that no imitators have matched. Now newly rejacketed in the style of bestseller Fairyopolis, this new edition makes a perfect gift for a new generation of Flower Fairy fans. The book features poems and full-color illustrations of over 20 flowers and their guardian fairies.

Next, look at some of these free spring activities for kids.

FREE SPRING ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS

  • Simple Flower Dissection & Awesome Spring Science Experiments Middle School
  • How to do a Spring Watercolor Tutorial: Explore Holland’s Beautiful Tulips
  • Free Find And Count Printable & Spring Activities Preschoolers Love
  • 4 Weeks Free Spring Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas
  • Easy Spring Activities For Preschoolers Science And Fun Busy Book
  • Dynamic Simple Spring Busy Book For Kids Who Love Learning
  • The Tale of Peter Rabbit Printables for a Fun Spring Unit Study
  • 10 More Spring Study Free Resources for Middle and High School Kids
  • John Muir Spring Unit Study (and Hands-on Geography Ideas)
  • Middle School Homeschool Science 50 Free Spring Activities

In addition, there are many themes to incorporate into your day.

For example, look at these themed spring unit studies.

  1. Above & Below: Pond Unit Study, Hands-on Ideas, & Lapbook.
  2. Free Bird Unit Study and Lapbook And Fun Edible Bird Nests
  3. Free North American Robin Bird Lapbook and Fun Homeschool Unit Study Ideas
  4. Toads – Amphibians for a free Loads of Toads and Frogs lapbook and unit study
  5. Famous and Historic Trees Fun Nature and History Homeschool Unit Study
Free Spring Activities For Kids And 8 Spring Scavenger Hunts

Finally, look at these free printable scavenger hunts.

HOW TO DOWNLOAD THE FREE SCAVENGER HUNT

Look at the 8 scavenger hunts this free printable includes.

  • spring showers theme
  • nighttime spring theme
  • treats theme
  • sounds of spring
  • ponds and wetlands
  • backyard and garden
  • bird watching
  • adventures

Now, how to grab the freebie.  It’s a subscriber freebie.

That means when you sign up to follow me, you get my emails in your inbox and you get this freebie.

1) CLICK HERE ON THIS LINK TO SIGN UP ON MY EMAIL LIST & TO GET THIS FREEBIE.

2) Grab the freebie instantly.

3) Last, look for all my emails in your inbox. Glad to have you following me!

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

Simple Flower Dissection & Awesome Spring Science Experiments Middle School

April 17, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

To celebrate spring, I’m sharing some spring science experiments middle school. Also, look at my page How to Successfully Homeschool Middle School and 4 Weeks Free Spring Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas for more ideas.

Also, we are creating an amazing display for a simple flower dissection but level it up a bit for middle schoolers.

This flower dissection display is wonderful for a home project but can be used for co-op presentations or just to take the ordinary to something more extraordinary while learning.

Simple Flower Dissection & Awesome Spring Science Experiments Middle School

The structure and functions of flower parts all contribute to the intricate process of pollination.

Pollination is essential for plant reproduction and what better way to learn about each one than to dissect and label each.

You can use real flowers if you like or faux silk flowers so that they keep longer.

Try to choose flowers that clearly display the plant’s structure like lilies, tulips, daffodils, alstroemerias, and gladiolus.

By attracting pollinators, producing and receiving pollen, and protecting the developing seeds, flowers play a vital role in the life cycle of plants and the ecosystem.

Let’s look at the role of each part of the flower and where it fits into this

PARTS OF A FLOWER

Sepals: Often green and leaf-like, sepals form the outermost layer of the flower bud.

Their primary function is to protect the developing flower inside from drying out, damage, and pests. In some cases, sepals may be brightly colored and resemble petals, aiding in pollinator attraction. Once the flower blooms, sepals may remain as a support structure or wither away.

Petals: The most visually striking part of a flower, petals are often brightly colored or uniquely shaped to attract pollinators. Their colors, patterns, and sometimes even ultraviolet markings serve as signals to guide insects, birds, and other animals to the flower’s reproductive organs.

Some petals produce scents to further entice pollinators, while others have specialized structures to facilitate landing and pollen collection. In some flowers, petals may also play a role in protecting the reproductive organs from the elements.

Stamens: The male reproductive organs of a flower, stamens are responsible for producing pollen grains, which contain the male gametes. The number, shape, and arrangement of stamens within a flower can vary greatly, often reflecting adaptations for specific types of pollination.

Each stamen consists of two parts:

  • Anther: The sac-like structure that produces and releases pollen.
  • Filament: The stalk that supports the anther, positioning it for effective pollen dispersal.

FLOWER PARTS

Pistil/Carpel: The female reproductive organ of a flower, the pistil (or carpel) houses the ovules, which, after fertilization, develop into seeds.

A pistil typically consists of three parts:

  • Stigma: The sticky or feathery tip that receives pollen grains.
  • Style: The slender stalk that connects the stigma to the ovary.
  • Ovary: The enlarged base that contains the ovules.

The ovary may be located superior (above the other flower parts) or inferior (below the other flower parts), depending on the flower type.

Receptacle: The expanded tip of the flower stalk where all the other flower parts are attached.

It provides structural support for the flower and may also play a role in the development and dispersal of seeds.

Simple Flower Dissection & Awesome Spring Science Experiments Middle School

In some flowers, the receptacle becomes fleshy and forms part of the fruit, aiding in seed dispersal.

Leaves: The main function of a leaf is to produce food for the plant by photosynthesis. Leaves also provide structure and support,  store water and nutrients, and help regulate temperature.

Stem: Stems provide support the the flower. It also transports water and minerals from the roots to the rest of the plant. They also produce new growth to extend the life of the plant.

SPRING SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS MIDDLE SCHOOL

In addition, look these spring science experiments for middle school.

  • Since it is the season for them, Extracting DNA From A Strawberry is not only fun but timely.
  • Learn How to Make a Naked Egg.
  • When I think of spring I definitely think of gardening and learning How to make a red cabbage pH indicator feels like a great fit. Gentle spring breezes or those before an incoming storm are a great excuse to try out How to Make a Simple Wind Vane | Fun Wind Activities Middle School.
  • Learn about simple machines like this lever Bunny Launcher: A Peeps STEM Experiment.
  • I don’t care how old you are How to Make Ice Cream In A Bag Science is always going to be a hit, and a great way to demonstrate how you can change matter and a sweet treat for a warm spring day!
  • To understand how plants grow and reach for the sun a Plant Light Maze helps middle schoolers understand phototropism.

SIMPLE FLOWER DISSECTION SPRING SCIENCE EXPERIMENT MIDDLE SCHOOL

You will need:

  • Corkboard
  • Patterned scrapbook paper
  • Push pins
  • 3×5 cards
  • Real or silk flowers
  • Scissors
  • Letter stickers
Simple Flower Dissection & Awesome Spring Science Experiments Middle School

Take your corkboard and decorate it with patterned scrapbook paper, stickers, ribbon, or washi tape.

You can glue these pieces on but if you want to be able to use your corkboard for other things just attach everything with clear push pins.

Simple Flower Dissection & Awesome Spring Science Experiments Middle School

Have your child first label 3×5 cards with the name of each flower part by hand or using stickers.

Simple Flower Dissection & Awesome Spring Science Experiments Middle School

And a short description of each. 

Simple Flower Dissection & Awesome Spring Science Experiments Middle School

Use scissors to carefully take apart each section of the flower and tape or glue them to the corresponding cards.

Simple Flower Dissection & Awesome Spring Science Experiments Middle School

Arrange the cards around the board for display.

Simple Flower Dissection & Awesome Spring Science Experiments Middle School

Don’t forget to make a title for the top.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: flowers, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, spring, spring crafts

Best Flower Crafting Ideas And Free 3D Flower Templates

March 20, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Spring is especially a good time to spend a day doing flower crafting ideas. Also, look at my Free Wildflowers Unit Study & Lapbook for more fun ideas.

Whether you’re studying about wildflowers or getting ready to plant a garden, these flower craft ideas are sure to add a bit of fun to your science day.

You can really use most materials you have on hand at home.

Best Flower Crafting Ideas And Free 3D Flower Templates

Too, I have a free 3d printable flower craft download which requires less materials.

Besides, flower crafting is a fun way for your children to express their creativity.

From tissue paper, buttons, to cupcake liners, you can use just about any craft material you have in your home.

First, look at some of these books to read aloud or as assigned reading while doing these crafts.

BOOKS ABOUT FLOWERS FOR KIDS

10 Wildflower Books & Resources For Kids Who Love to Read and Be Read To

Spring is especially a good time to learn about wildflowers but you can learn about them anytime. Add a few of these hands-on resources and books and you'll have a fun multiple ages unit study for your homeschooled kids.

Botanicum: Welcome to the Museum

Botanicum, is a brilliantly curated guide to plant life. With artwork from Katie Scott of Animalium fame, Botanicum gives readers the experience of a fascinating exhibition from the pages of a beautiful book. From perennials to bulbs to tropical exotica, Botanicum is a wonderful feast of botanical knowledge complete with superb cross sections of how plants work.

National Geographic Pocket Guide to Wildflowers of North America

With this basic beginner's field guide to North American wildflowers, all who enjoy nature and the outdoors can identify common wildflowers, from backyard weeds to dainty forest blossoms. In a logical, user-friendly, highly visual format, this new title offers key facts about 160 of the most common wildflowers and weeds, coast to coast, including Canada and Alaska.

Wildcraft! an Herbal Adventure Game for Kids

Unlike many kids games 4 and up that turn out to be too confusing for children, Wildcraft! An Herbal Adventure Game, is a fun, strategic challenge that’s also easy to follow– NO READING REQUIRED. Because our learning board games feature clear illustrations and matching icons, even younger kids will learn what the different plants look like and can be used for. It’s the perfect fun game for family game night with kids, and ideal for beginners – no prior plant knowledge necessary!

Wildflower Seeds: Bulk Mix of 21 Varieties

Wide Variety Of Flower Seeds: Our wildflower seeds will provide you with a vibrant selection of flowers in your garden. You will get 21 different varieties of annual seeds including Black Eyed Susans, California Bluebells, African Daisies and more.

Wildflower Bingo Game

Do you know which flower got its name from its resemblance to the sombrero? What is the species of the bluebonnet? Lot of facts about North American wildflowers in this game.

Wildflowers, Blooms & Blossoms (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. Safety tips are provided and interesting activities are suggested. 

Ultimate Explorer Field Guide: Wildflowers

What do you call a garden filled with lots of flowers? A polli-nation! Nat Geo Kids is back with the newest fact- and photo-filled Ultimate Explorer Field Guide, and this one packs some real flower power! This guide to wildflowers will make kids stop and look for all kinds of blossoms blooming right under their noses. From buttercups to bladderworts, primroses to pitcher plants, kids will learn how, where, and when to spot these wildflowers in their backyard, down the street, or all over town! Jam-packed with tons of info, interactive prompts, tips for budding botanists, super stats, and jokes--it's the perfect companion for exploring the backyard or field trips, camping, or vacation. Durable and portable, it's just right for your pocket or backpack!

Wild Flowers of North America (Science Nature Guides)

Did you know that wild plants are still used for food, for medicines, and as dyes? Many of the plants growing in urban areas, in woods and by the side of roads are useful as well as being pretty. Other plants have small and less obvious how many have you seen and not realized that they were flowers? This book will show you the most common wild flowers and where you are most likely to find them. A nature guide designed for elementary grades 2-3, the book includes more than 20 easy-to-do science projects.

Miss Lady Bird's Wildflowers: How a First Lady Changed America

In this warm, engaging look at the life of a great First Lady, Kathi Appelt tells the story behind Lady Bird Johnson's environmental vision. Joy Fisher Hein's colorful wildflowers burst from every page, inviting us to share in Lady Bird's love for natural beauty. 

From a lonely childhood in the Piney Woods of East Texas to an exciting life in the White House, Lady Bird Johnson loved wildflowers with all her heart. They were her companions in her youth, greeting her everywhere as she explored wild forests, bayous, and hills. 

Wild Flowers of North America: Botanical Illustrations by Mary Vaux Walcott

Published in association with the Smithsonian Institution. What does it take to paint a wildflower that blooms for a single day in a deep forest? For Mary Vaux Walcott, it involved spending up to seventeen hours a day out of doors with her paintbox to capture the shape, movement, and colors of delicate petals and leaves.

Next, look at these flower crafting ideas.

FLOWER CRAFTING IDEAS

  • Fun Kids Activity How to Make Wildflower Seed Bombs
  • Easy Method When Building any DIY Giant Paper Flower
  • Hands-On Mixed Media Flower Art Fun Nature Study
  • Easy Coffee Filter Flowers
  • How to Easily Make a Simple and Fun Kids DIY Flower Press
  • Beaded Pipe Cleaner Flowers
  • Winter Craft Ideas How to Make Fun Pinecone Flowers
  • Is Sunflower A Wildflower | How to Make a Canning Lid Craft
  • Are Daisies Wildflowers | How to Make a Wildflower Pounding Towel
  • California Landmarks With Naturalist John Muir | How To Make A Poppy Craft
  • Fun Kids Dandelion Flower Unit Study and Easy Tea Recipe & Notebooking Pages
  • Free Texas Homeschool Lapbook and Fun Homeschool Unit Study Ideas
  • How To Make Sunflower Craft Like Van Gogh For Young Crafters
Best Flower Crafting Ideas And Free 3D Flower Templates

Finally, look at the freebie.

Not only did I add the templates, but I added pictures so you can see how to put them together.

Too, remember to use paint, pens, or colors to decide how your flowers will look.

HOW TO GET THE FREE 3D FLOWER CRAFT TEMPLATES

Now, how to grab the freebie. It’s a subscriber freebie.

That means when you sign up to follow me, you get my emails in your inbox and you get this freebie.

1) CLICK HERE ON THIS LINK TO SIGN UP ON MY EMAIL LIST & TO GET THIS FREEBIE.

2) Grab the freebie instantly.

3) Last, look for all my emails in your inbox. Glad to have you following me!

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: crafts, flowers, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool

Mexico Unit Study and Make a Fun Easy Floral Headband

February 7, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

There are many fantastic topics that can help make a fun and full Mexico Unit Study. Also, you’ll love these other Best Homeschool Unit Studies and my Meso-America Unit Study and Lapbook.

And I have a lot of topic ideas to get you started on your way and exciting activities to go along with it.

Besides ideas for fantastic activities to get your learner excited, and information on some subtopics for Mexico.

I also have a tutorial for a fun easy floral headband.

Mexico Unit Study and Make a Fun Easy Floral Headband

It’s like the style Frida Kahlo is known for that is also worn in celebrations and has become part of the traditional costume.

There is much to learn about this amazing country that is just south of the U.S. bordering California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.

It is rich in culture and history that spans way back to the Mayans that began as early as 1500 BCE.

You can cover flora, fauna, history, geography, artists, special days, food, and more.

Additionally, you can explore present and ancient Mexico through hands-on activities and engaging books that open the culture of another land.

Books for Kids About Mexico

First, I like to use a living book or even picture book if I can to begin our unit study.

Then I add reference books to add to our learning.

10 Mexico Books & Resources For Kids Who Love Reading and Being Read To

Add some of these books to your home library about Mexico. Also, use them for a homeschool unit study.

The Underdogs: A Novel of the Mexican Revolution (Penguin Classics)

The Underdogs is the first great novel about the first great revolution of the twentieth century. Demetrio Macias, a poor, illiterate Indian, must join the rebels to save his family. Courageous and charismatic, he earns a generalship in Pancho Villa’s army, only to become discouraged with the cause after it becomes hopelessly factionalized. At once a spare, moving depiction of the limits of political idealism, an authentic representation of Mexico’s peasant life, and a timeless portrait of revolution, The Underdogs is an iconic novel of the Latin American experience and a powerful novel about the disillusionment of war.

Stories from Mexico

Tales from Mexican folklore including The Palace of Canela, In Through the Window, The Coyote and the Sheep, The Cu Bird, and SenÄor Coyote and Juan's Maguey.

Adelita

Hace mucho tiempo—a long time ago—there lived a beautiful young woman named Adelita. So begins the age-old tale of a kindhearted young woman, her jealous stepmother, two hateful stepsisters, and a young man in search of a wife. The young man, Javier, falls madly in love with beautiful Adelita, but she disappears from his fiesta at midnight, leaving him with only one clue to her hidden identity: a beautiful rebozo—shawl. With the rebozo in place of a glass slipper, this favorite fairy tale takes a delightful twist. Tomie dePaola's exquisite paintings, filled with the folk art of Mexico, make this a Cinderella story like no other.

Hill Of Fire (I Can Read, Book 3) (I Can Read Level 3)

Every day is the same for Pablo's father. Then one afternoon the ground growls, hisses smoke, and swallows up his plow. A volcano is erupting in the middle of his cornfield!

Mexico in Story and Pictures

Imagine

Have you ever imagined what you might be when you grow up? When he was very young, Juan Felipe Herrera picked chamomile flowers in windy fields and let tadpoles swim across his hands in a creek. He slept outside and learned to say good-bye to his amiguitoseach time his family moved to a new town. He went to school and taught himself to read and write English and filled paper pads with rivers of ink as he walked down the street after school. And when he grew up, he became the United States Poet Laureate and read his poems aloud on the steps of the Library of Congress. If he could do all of that . . . what could you do? With this illustrated poem of endless possibility, Juan Felipe Herrera and Lauren Castillo breathe magic into the hopes and dreams of readers searching
for their place in life.

Old Ramon

Fun novel combining Mexico and California cultures where a young boy learns about life and growing up.

The Princess and the Warrior: A Tale of Two Volcanoes

In the picture book Princess and the Warrior: A Tale of Two Volcanoes, award-winning author and illustrator Duncan Tonatiuh brings a cherished Mexican legend to life.A Pura Belpré Illustrator Honor BookALA/ALSC Notable Children’s Book! “A palette of earthy, evocative colors .

. . A genuine triumph.” ―Kirkus Reviews (Starred Review)“Use this Aztec legend to inspire readers while teaching a bit about dramatic irony.” —School Library Journal Izta was the most beautiful princess in the land, and suitors traveled from far and wide to woo her. Even though she was the daughter of the emperor, Izta had no desire to marry a man of wealth and power. Instead, she fell in love with Popoca, a brave warrior who fought in her father’s army—and a man who did not offer her riches but a promise to stay by her side forever. The emperor did not want his daughter to marry a mere warrior, but he recognized Popoca’s bravery. He offered Popoca a deal: If the warrior could defeat their enemy, Jaguar Claw, then the emperor would permit Popoca and Izta to wed. But Jaguar Claw had a plan to thwart the warrior. Would all be lost? Today two majestic volcanoes—Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl—stand overlooking Mexico City. They have been admired and revered for countless generations and have formed the basis of many origin and creation myths.

Growing Up In Aztec Times (Growing Up In series)

Describes the daily life of the Aztecs, discussing life in the city, life in the country, education, food and drink, and other aspects.

The Tale of Rabbit and Coyote

Poor Coyote! What’s he doing, hanging upside down in the farmer’s house, next to a pot of boiling water? How’d he wind up underneath the jicara tree, getting bonked by rock-hard fruit? Who tricked him into whacking a wasps’ nest with a stick? And why is he always howling at the moon? Because of Rabbit, that’s why! Longtime collaborators Tony Johnston and Tomie dePaola look to the folklore of Oaxaca, Mexico, for this nutty, naughty tale of trickery and hijinks. Written with sly humor and illustrated in the vibrant golds, blues, and reds of the Southwest, this is a story with a flavor as distinctive as chile peppers.

Mexico Unit Study

Geography Ideas About Mexico

One thing that is important to include in your unit study of Mexico is the geography of the country.

Mexico is a country with extreme landforms from high mountains to deep canyons located in the center to deserts in the north, and even thick rainforests in the south and east.

  • Mexico is a country that is part of North America.
  • The country’s name came from the Aztec word Mexica (mesh-EE-ca).
  • Also, the ancient Maya’s and Aztecs lived in the country of Mexico.
  • There are some great free printable maps on this page to color, print, labeled or to label.
  • The Rio Grande River is the border between the United States and Mexico.
  • Mount Popocatépetl is one of the highest volcanoes in Mexico.

Mexico is bordered on the north by a 2,000-mile stretch of the United States.

Guatemala and Belize are found on the southeast; the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea are on the east; the Pacific Ocean is on the south and west.

The climate varies greatly because there is a great distance from north to south.

Language Arts Ideas About Mexico

Next, here are some language art ideas.

  • Learn this list of 20 Spanish words.
  • Reading. Choose one or more of the books above. There are different levels and I have something for every age.
  • Here are some vocabulary words which also explains some of the culture of Mexico.
    • sombrero: a large, wide brimmed hat
    • poncho: a blanket with a hole in the center for the head to go through
    • serape: a blanket woven from colorful yarn
    • fiesta: a party
    • pinata: large container normally an animal shape filled with candy used at parties
  • Most areas have a Mexican supermarket. Visit the store and have your child write down the names of foods from Mexico.
  • Read a Mexican folktale and role play. Young children love this and especially dressing up and playing the part of one of the animals. For example, look at Senor Coyote and Rabbit.
Mexico Unit Study and Make a Fun Easy Floral Headband

Math Ideas About Mexico

Additionally, here are a few ideas for fun math.

  • Explain that the currency in Mexico is pesos.
  • Try to explain the value and then convert it to dollars.
  • Play games about money and learn about money from Mexico and other countries on Math is Fun. Click on money. Play Make the Amount but first look at Currencies of the World to be familiar with the coins of Mexico.

Moreover, add some of these science ideas.

Science Ideas about Mexico

Besides learning about the rainforest, learn how chocolate is made.

  • Look at my rainforest lapbook and unit study.
  • Rainforest Amazon Activities for Kids
  • Fun Chocolate Unit Study and DIY Chocolate Candy Bar Activity

Ancient Mayans- Of course if you are studying these ancient people you will want to dig into the pyramid of Chichen Itza.

Also, learn about the contributions the Mayans made – The Mayan Calendar, Filtration systems, rubber, chocolate, and medicines.

Here is a book recommendation that goes along with the unit as well as a fun LEGO build for the pyramid- Geronimo Stilton Adventure The Journey Through Time #2: Back in Time (Mayan Craft).

LEGO is a fabulous manipulative to incorporate.

Monarch Butterflies- Monarchs travel up to an incredible 3,000 miles to the forests of central Mexico in a great migration to winter in the warmer climate.

This is a great science topic to include in your lesson on Mexico, learning about the Monarch specifically as well as the life cycle of a butterfly. Add this Fun and Easy Hands-on Life Cycle Butterfly Activity for Kids to you quick study.

Music, Food, and Art of Mexico

Also, more topics to learn about are about the music, food, and art of Mexico.

  • Easy Mexican Crafts: How to Make a Taco Craft

First, La Cucaracha in Spanish phrase means “the cockroach” and it is a Mexican folk dance. This is fun to learn and do with a group like in a co-op or with other family members.

Mariachi music is performed by a band playing as they stroll and the Mexican Hat Dance is the national dance of Mexico.

Here is another fun video showing the Hat Dance. I love it because it’s quirky, but also your child can hear both the music and see the dance.

Too, the instructor gives tips for each age on how to vary the dance. So much fun to do at home or in a co-op.

Too, corn, chilies and chocolate come originally from Mexico.

Tacos- Especially Tacos el Pastor- or “ Shepherd Style” tacos that are made with seasoned and marinated pork. They are very different from the typical fast food or Tex Mex style restaurant tacos that you have probably had.

In addition, learn about tamales and how to make tortillas.

Frida Kahlo- One of the most celebrated Mexican artists is Frida Kahlo. She was a painter who was known for portraits, especially self-portraits in a naive folk art style. She is also identifiable with her large colorful floral headbands like the one below.

  • 5 Mexico Crafts For Preschoolers And Free Activity Pages

More Unit Study Ideas

  • Free Marco Polo Unit Study, Lapbook, and Hands-on Ideas
  • South America Printable Lapbook and Fun Hands-on Unit Study Ideas
  • Texas Homeschool Lapbook and Fun Homeschool Unit Study Ideas
  • France Unit Study and Make Easy French Bread
  • US Westward Expansion Lapbook and Hands-on Unit Study Ideas

Mexico Unit Study and Make a Fun Easy Floral Headband

Finally, look how to make this fun easy Mexican floral headband.

Make a Fun Easy Floral Headband

You will need:

  • A wide headband
  • Variety of silk flowers
  • Hot glue
Mexico Unit Study and Make a Fun Easy Floral Headband

To keep your cost low try to find an inexpensive variety of flowers on a single stem, Dollar Tree is a great resource for this.

You might also find some at a thrift store or in your own supply stash.

Pull the flowers themselves off the stem or cut them off close to the underside of the flower if they are attached.

Mexico Unit Study and Make a Fun Easy Floral Headband

Lay your headband flat and arrange the flowers loosely around the band to get an idea of how you would like to place them.

Mexico Unit Study and Make a Fun Easy Floral Headband

Hot glue a few pieces of greenery to the headband.

Mexico Unit Study and Make a Fun Easy Floral Headband

Now you can begin hot gluing the flowers around the headband. I like to start with one large flower and put it in place.

Mexico Unit Study and Make a Fun Easy Floral Headband

Then I work my way down to smaller ones, finally filling in with the smallest ones. Be sure to make it full on either side.

Mexico Unit Study and Make a Fun Easy Floral Headband

You will want to hold each flower in place until the glue sets firmly.

Once the glue has set your headband is ready to wear.

Mexico Unit Study and Make a Fun Easy Floral Headband

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: crafts, flowers, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, Mexico, unit studies, unit study

Fun Kids Dandelion Flower Unit Study and Easy Tea Recipe & Notebooking Pages

June 8, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Dandelions are a wonderful choice for a flower unit study. Also, grab more ideas on my best homeschool unit studies pages and Free Wildflowers Unit Study & Lapbook.

They have an obvious and easy to follow life cycle.

And you can usually observe all of them at the same time if you find a sizable patch.

Fun Kids Dandelion Flower Unit Study and Easy Tea Recipe & Notebooking Pages

There are so many activities, art projects, and even recipes that you can try to fill out your study.

Books, facts, and activities are already gathered for you to make your work easier.

I also have some ideas for investigating dandelions, their life cycles, and a yummy recipe for dandelion tea that will delight both you and your child with its light unique flavor.

Dandelion Flower Unit Study Facts

  • Dandelion seeds can float, thanks to the wind, up to 5 miles away from their start point.
  • The word dandelion comes from the French- “dent de lion,” which is “lion’s tooth.”
  • Dandelion flowers open in the morning and close in the evening.
  • They are wildflowers.
  • Though many think so, dandelions are not weeds, they are a member of the sunflower family.
  • Every part of the dandelion is edible from the roots to the bright yellow flowers.
  • Dandelions are from the Taraxacum genus, and there are about 250 different species of dandelions.
  • A dandelion is a perennial plant.
  • You can find dandelions in meadows, in cracks of sidewalks, and along roadsides.
  • The leaves of dandelions are long and deeply toothed.
  • In some places of the United States, they are considered a pesky weed and in other places they are welcomed in the garden.

All over the world, wherever dandelions grow, children love to blow the fluffy white, airborne seeds into the air to predict the number of one’s future children by counting the seeds.

In addition, add some of these books.

Dandelion Flower Unit Study Resources

Picture books are a great way to learn and this nature study idea is no different.

The Dandelion Seed: A Life Cycle Nature Book for Kids (Plants For Children

Follow the journey of a tiny dandelion seed who was afraid to let go. With a poignant, simple storytelling and gorgeous artwork, this best-selling picture book introduces plant life cycles while reminding us to let go and embrace change. A great graduation gift.

One tiny dandelion seed wants to hold onto its dandelion home, until the winter wind carries it away. The seed worries it won't be able to find its place in such a vast and frightening world. But everything is much more beautiful than it ever thought, and perhaps finding a new home isn't such a bad thing after all.

A Seed Is Sleepy: (Nature Books for Kids

Part of the incredible six-book Nature Books series from artist Sylvia Long and author Dianna Hutts Aston, A Seed is Sleepy introduces children to a fascinating array of seed and plant facts.

Why Dandelions Grow

A rhyming story about the connection between dandelions, love, children, and God; explaining why God created dandelions to be bright, colorful, tenacious, full of love, and fun.

Little Dandelion Seeds the World

Did you know dandelions thrive on all seven continents? The cheery blooms are among the most resilient and adaptable in the world. In this lyrical book, learn how the crafty plant travels on the wind and hitches rides in all manner of ways in order to spread far and wide. Includes a map and backmatter on dandelions.

Dandelions (First Step Nonfiction ― Plant Life Cycles)

Get a close-up view of the life of a dandelion.

Also, look at some of these fun activities.

Dandelion Flower Unit Study Hands-On Activities

  • Head out and gather as many Dandelions as you can find to observe and study.
  • Paint a dandelion with watercolors.
Fun Kids Dandelion Flower Unit Study and Easy Tea Recipe & Notebooking Pages
  • Make Dandelion Playdough, then use the playdough to spell out vocabulary words, roll into balls to use as math manipulatives, or just enjoy the natural play dough.
  • Try the Dipping Dandelion STEM Challenge.
  • Make a Dandelion Crown to wear while you learn all about them.
  • Preserve Dandelion Seeds forever with Everlasting Dandelion Clocks.
  • Plant your own Dandelion Seeds to make teas, tinctures, slaves, and more.
  • Hang a Dandelion Botanical Print as you enjoy your study for art inspiration.
  • Work on fine motor skills with Dandelion Threading.
  • Paint with dandelions for a fresh new art project.
  • These Felt Dandelions will never blow away.
  • Create a Dandelion card to bring some sunshine to a friend.
Fun Kids Dandelion Flower Unit Study and Easy Tea Recipe & Notebooking Pages

Moreover, make and sip on dandelion tea while you read aloud from one of the dandelion stories suggested above.

More Flower Unit Study Activities

Additionally, look at some of these other flower unit ideas.

  • Facts About Wildflowers And a Fun Felt Texas Bluebonnet Craft
  • How to Make Fun Pinecone Flowers
  • Free Wildflowers Unit Study & Lapbook
  • How to Easily Make a Simple and Fun Kids DIY Flower Press
  • Fun Kids Activity How to Make Wildflower Seed Bombs
  • Hands-On Mixed Media Flower Art Fun Nature Study
  • Celebrate Arbor Day With A Fun Flowering Cherry Tree Activity

Flower Vocabulary

Add some of these vocabulary words to your study.

  • pollen – A fine powdery substance, typically yellow, consisting of microscopic grains discharged from the male part of a flower or from a male cone.
  • anther – The part of the stamen where pollen is produced.
  • stigma – The part of the pistil where pollen germinates.
  • ovary – The enlarged portion of the pistil where ovules are produced.
  • flower head – A compact mass of flowers at the top of a stem,
  • stamen – The male fertilizing organ of a flower, typically consisting of a pollen-containing anther and a filament.
  • pistil – The female organs of a flower, comprising the stigma, style, and ovary.
  • style –  This is the name for the stalk of the pistil.

Then here are more homeschool unit studies.

More Best Homeschool Unit Studies

  • France Unit Study and Make Easy French Bread
  • Free Greek Mythology Unit Study and Greece Lapbook & Fun Hands on LEGO Zeus
  • How Do Sharks Float STEM Activity Free Shark Unit Study & Notebooking Pages
  • Free Homeschool Chicken Unit Study and Anatomy of an Egg Felt Activity & Worksheet
  • How to Incorporate Subjects into a Fun Homeschool Cooking Unit Study
  • Volcano Unit Study and Fun Apple Volcano
  • Solar System Unit Study and Hands-on Planets Activity
  • Charlotte’s Web Homeschool Unit Study and Fun Hands-on Ideas
  • Homeschool Unit Study Ideas | Lewis and Clark Exploration Lapbook
  • Mushroom Unit Study and Kids Learning Activities
  • Little House on The Prairie Unit Study and Fun Punched Tin Lantern
Fun Kids Dandelion Flower Unit Study and Easy Tea Recipe & Notebooking Pages

Too, do a flower unit investigation.

Flower Unit Study Investigation

Carefully pull up an entire dandelion plant from the root up, you may want to take a trowel with you to be sure that you are able to get everything. 

Try to get a plant that includes a flower, buds, and a seed head.

Wash away the dirt and pat dry.

Lay the plant on a piece of paper. If you are missing sections of the plant like buds or seed heads you can add them to the bunch now.

Fun Kids Dandelion Flower Unit Study and Easy Tea Recipe & Notebooking Pages

Write out each part of the plant you want your child to identify (or they can do that part as well)

For younger children you may just choose to do flowers, seeds, roots, leaves, stem.

Older children may label every part of the plant including the various stages of the life cycle.

Fun Kids Dandelion Flower Unit Study and Easy Tea Recipe & Noteboooking Pages

Have your child place the labels next to the flowers.

Fun Kids Dandelion Flower Unit Study and Easy Tea Recipe & Notebooking Pages

Next take different Dandelions in different stages and have your child place them in the order of the life cycle.

Fun Kids Dandelion Flower Unit Study and Easy Tea Recipe & Notebooking Pages

Now add a magnifying glass and tweezers and encourage them to take apart the flowers, look at them closer, and investigate it well from leaves to flowers.

Fun Kids Dandelion Flower Unit Study and Easy Tea Recipe & Notebooking Pages

Explore the seeds and talk about how they are dispersed by the wind to restart the cycle all over.

Fun Kids Dandelion Flower Unit Study and Easy Tea Recipe & Notebooking Pages

In addition, you’ll love these free dandelion notebooking pages.

I’ve created 3 notebooking pages. However, I included two sets of each one.

Fun Kids Dandelion Flower Unit Study and Easy Tea Recipe & Notebooking Pages

One set is blank so that your student can add his own ideas about the topics.

And the second set has a few facts added. Sometimes you need a reference for younger children, or some children are reluctant writers.

Moreover, you decide which set each student gets.

Lastly, the topics on each page are:

  • List other names of dandelions.
  • Describe a dandelion.
  • Which parts of the dandelion are useful?
  • Eating a dandelion.
  • Name and learn the 5 life cycle stages of a dandelion.

How to Make Dandelion Tea

Finally, look how to make dandelion teas.

The most important part of this recipe is that you collect flowers from an area that you know has not been sprayed with any kind of chemicals.

You will need:

  • Dandelions
  • Water
  • Honey or another sweetener

Gather a bunch of dandelion flower heads.

Rinse them all well.

Pull the yellow petals off, while the green won’t hurt you it can make your tea bitter.

Fun Kids Dandelion Flower Unit Study and Easy Tea Recipe & Notebooking Pages

Boil 1 cup of water.

Fun Kids Dandelion Flower Unit Study and Easy Tea Recipe & Notebooking Pages

Add 2-3 tablespoons of dandelion flowers and allow it to steep for 10 minutes.

Fun Kids Dandelion Flower Unit Study and Easy Tea Recipe & Notebooking Pages

Strain out flower petals.

Fun Kids Dandelion Flower Unit Study and Easy Tea Recipe & Notebooking Pages

Stir in honey or other sweetener to desired sweetness.

Enjoy!

Fun Kids Dandelion Flower Unit Study and Easy Tea Recipe & Notebooking Pages

How to Get the Free Dandelion Notebooking Pages

Now, how to grab the free dandelion notebooking pages. This is a subscriber freebie.

Fun Kids Dandelion Flower Unit Study and Easy Tea Recipe & Notebooking Pages

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Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: dandelion, earth science, earthscience, elementary science, flowers, hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, life science, science, unit studies, unit study

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