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geography

How To Make A DIY Lava Lamp Lesson Plan

May 12, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, I’m sharing how to make a diy lava lamp lesson plan. Also, look at my page Hands-On Simple And Best Homeschool Geography Ideas & Tips for more activities.

We used North Star Geography as part of our study of geography during our middle and high school years.

So though we have been able to read and talk about our geography we didn’t do any hands-on projects, which is the best part of geography because we did not have any supplies.

It has taken a few months to find supplies here in Ecuador. 

Now that we have a good amount of things on hand, we are eager to get started with the hands-on things we have been missing.

We started our homeschool geography with a diy lava lamp.

First, look at this list of geography resources for middle and high school.

Homeschool High School Geography Resources and Books

Geography for high school should still be fun and hands-on. It can take years to find the right resources. However, I’ve gathered up some of my favorite books and resources.

North Star Geography

North Star Geography covers basic geography skills (maps, navigation) as well as physical geography (topography, biosphere, structure of the earth) and human geography (environmental stewardship, agriculture, culture, heritage & more)—all from a Christian perspective. Each lesson in the Reader is approximately 10-15 pages and geared toward junior high-high school students, though it may be adapted for younger students; the text features full-color maps, illustrations, and interesting sidebars. Accompanying each lesson on the Companion Guide, hands-on project options, as well as an “atlas building” section where students label outline maps, are provided. Note-taking pages feature ten questions taken from the text that can be used for review or comprehension questions, as well as for a study guide for the exam

Welcome to the Wonderful World of Geography

Brenda Runkle’s World Physical Geography makes an often-boring topic come to life!

With our world seeming to shrink with each passing week, knowing about virtually all peoples and nations is more important than ever.

World Physical Geography

It focuses on physical geography, providing the basis for learning the fundamentals of geography. 

Geography Challenge

Challenges students to remember important facts and encourages them to enjoy themselves in the process.Deals with facts and principles related to the study of life science, physical science, and earth and space science.

Around the World in 180 Days, 2nd Edition (two-volume set)

Around the World in 180 Days is a geography and history program covering the history, geography, and culture of each continent. And yet this is not a textbook. It is a series of questions that the student must research in order to answer. Plenty of resources are suggested to help students conduct their research, and the teacher's edition provides all the answers. This revised and updated curriculum is written with a multilevel approach with study questions for students of all grade levels, making this a curriculum your whole family can do together! This two-volume set includes an illustrated teacher's edition and a student workbook.

Eat Your Way Around the World

Get out the sombrero for your Mexican fiesta! Chinese egg rolls! Corn pancakes from Venezuela! Fried plantains form Nigeria! All this and more is yours when you take your family on a whirlwind tour of over thirty countries in this unique international cookbook. Jam-packed with delicious dinners, divine drinks, and delectable desserts, this book is sure to please. 

Lifepac History & Geography & Geography 11th Grade

Student worktexts include daily instruction and review as well as ample opportunity for assessment of student performance using self tests and unit tests. To encourage individualized instruction, we have included a teacher's guide designed to help you guide your student's learning experience according to his specific interests and needs. This essential teaching resource includes teaching notes for each unit, a complete answer key, and information about additional resources and learning activities.

Trail Guide To World Geography *OP

If you would like a geography course that includes mapping activities, atlas usage, research, notebooking and culture with very little teacher preparation, look no further. The Trail Guide to World Geography is a week one, day one kind of teacher s manual with daily geography drills (answers included) and numerous weekly assignment choices. <P> Multi-level geography course for 36 week school year for elementary through high school. <P> Assign as much or as little as YOU decide.

Hands-on Homeschool Geography

Actually, it has been a bit of an unexpected positive twist, but doing these hands-on activities much later has served as a fun review of what we studied months ago.

For example, in chapter 4 of our North Star Geography we talked about the earth’s structure and convection currents.

It said: “Convection currents: hot liquid rock closer to the core rises toward the surface, rises toward the surface, cools and sinks back to the bottom, where it heats up again.

A great hands-on activity to illustrate this is a lava lamp.

How To Make A DIY Lava Lamp Lesson Plan

Too what I love about a lot of the hands-on ideas in our geography program is that they use a lot of materials you find around the house.

Look at this easy list of things you probably have around the house to do the lava lamp activity:

  • Vegetable oil
  • water
  • dye
  • alka-seltzer tablets
  • flashlight
How To Make A DIY Lava Lamp Lesson Plan

Fill your contain about 3/4  full with the vegetable oil and the rest of the way with water.

How To Make A DIY Lava Lamp Lesson Plan

Add the dye, the alka-seltzer tablet and watch the color explosion.

How To Make A DIY Lava Lamp Lesson Plan

The lava lamp does not show the heating process the way a true lava lamp would, but it’s fun and similar.

How To Make A DIY Lava Lamp Lesson Plan

Too, add a flashlight behind it or under it to get the true effect.

Did you ever make a lava lamp in school? I did and thought it was the coolest thing I did.

More Hands-on Geography Ideas for Kids

  • Homemade Compass Simple Geography Project Equals Huge Wow Factor
  • Hands-on Geography: Longitude/Latitude Mapmaking Activity
  • How to Make An Embroidered African Map Fun Geography Craft
  • South America Geography Salt Dough Map + Printable Pennants
  • How to Make An Edible Geography Model of Tidal Zones
  • 35 Hands-on Geography Activities to do in 15 Minutes or Less

Homeschool Geography - DIY Lava Lamp @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

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

History Makers Notebooking Pages – Famous Persons from Ancient to Modern – Set 2

May 9, 2024 | 2 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I created the history makers notebooking pages because I don’t use one book or curriculum anymore when teaching homeschool history. Too, look at my page Homeschool Geography for hands-on and simple ideas and tips.

Earlier I shared set 1 of history makers notebooking pages because I do use a variety of reference books when creating unit studies. 

Keeping history lively, eventful and hands-on is my priority right now instead of always focusing on chronological order.

History Makers Notebooking Pages – Famous Persons from Ancient to Modern – Set 2

Teaching about a variety of time periods also allows us to focus on famous people or history makers. 

Because I always like my pages easy and not complicated to figure out, especially for older kids who have a lot of subjects to do anyway, I created this second set the same way as the first set.

History Makers Set 2

Next, look at some of these geography resources.

10 U.S. Geography Resources

If you're looking to teach U.S. geography in a hands-on way, you'll love adding one or two of these resources to your day or study.

The Scrambled States of America Game

Quick! Find a state that ends with the letter A. Now find one that borders Tennessee. Have fun learning about the United States in this madcap game of observation and quick reflexes. 

The 50 States: Explore the U.S.A. with 50 fact-filled maps!

Explore every state of the USA from Alabama to Wyoming with these 51 charmingly illustrated infographic maps! Includes an expansive guide to the state flags and US presidents.Discover more than 2,000 facts about the people, cities, nature and historic events that have helped make America what it is today. Ghost towns, swamp tours, the center of the universe… bacon donuts, brainy berries, salmon jerky… The French Fry King, The Mother of Oregon, The Queen of Blues… be inspired by the inventiveness, beauty and diversity of our great nation in this curious collection of fact-filled maps.

National Geographic Kids U.S. Atlas

 Kids will have fun learning about each and every U.S. state in this amazing 6th edition atlas, packed with maps, stats, facts, and pictures

The U.S. History Cookbook: Delicious Recipes and Exciting Events from the Past

Who knew history could be so delicious? In The U.S. History Cookbook, you'll discover how Americans have lived and dined over the centuries. This scrumptious survey of periods and events in U.S. history mixes together a delectable batter of food timelines, kid-friendly recipes, and fun food facts.

The United States in 100 Words

How do you sum up a whole country in just 100 words? This striking book takes on the challenge! From amendment to Vegas, each of the carefully chosen 100 words has its own 100-word-long description and beautiful illustration, providing a snapshot of what the USA means to people today: its roots, its values, its culture, and customs. Basically, everything you need to know in a nut shell.

Supertoob: USA,Figure Playsets

This Toob includes figurines of the Lincoln Memorial, Hoover Dam, Liberty Bell, Alamo, Mount Rushmore, Statue of Liberty, Gateway Arch, U.S. Capital, Empire State Building, White House, as well as a flag and an eagle.

Geographic USA Scrunch Map

Easy Storage: Unfold and spread flat when you need it or scrunch it up and store away when you're done. The USA map makes a wonderful addition to your home, office, library, kid's room, classroom or playroom.

States & Capitals Flash Cards for Kids – 50 American State Cards

LEARN STATES & CAPITALS IN A FLASH: Get to know each of the 50 states! How well do you know your home state and neighbors? Perfect for all ages

50 FLASH CARDS: Includes 50 educational flash cards for studying important school subjects such as US Geography and History!

9 LEARNING GAMES: Teach and participate in 9 specially made enrichment activities: Name Games, What's the Motto, Heads Up, Region Round-up, State Trivia and more! Fun symbols

1000-piece USA Map Jigsaw Puzzle & Poster 50 States | Illustrated American Landmarks

Test your geography knowledge with Talking Tables beautifully illustrated 1000-piece USA 50 States Map Jigsaw Puzzle & Poster. This USA Map Puzzle features landmarks from across America! Our Jigsaw Puzzles For Adults make for Fun Indoor Activities and can be framed as Wall Art

Geography from A to Z: A Picture Glossary

Have you ever wondered what a badland is? What about a gulch?
Do you know what an isthmus is? Or a seamount? What about the difference between a plateau and a plain, or a knob and a knoll? Well look no further. This broad introduction to the fascinating world around us explores our planet’s physical features from the highest mountain peak to the deepest ocean trench. The team behind Maps & Globes proves that geography can indeed be an adventure.

Write a few important facts about the time period the person lived in and also write about what events made this person famous. 

These pages can be used for middle school or high school ages.

History Makers Notebooking Pages

Too, I added a box for drawing just in case you had a younger learner or sometimes the time period that the famous history maker lived in lends itself to an invention to illustrate or something to label.

Also, both sets cover a variety of time periods from ancient to modern.

One thing you will notice is that on each page, I have chronological boxes, so that your child can either lightly shade in the box or check the box this famous person lived in. 

It helps when you are covering history in chronological order to be able to see where this person lived in the stream of time.

This way you can coordinate and plan your unit studies too with what I have on my website already.

So that area on the notebooking pages basically helps you in two ways. 

One, it helps you keep your history in chronological order when you do need to cover it that way and two, you can coordinate with the free units on my site.

I hope that all made sense.

Too, hopefully, these will help you to add to your history collection because it covers the more significant history makers in each time period instead of covering every history maker. 

As I say often, sometimes we just need the highlights of history and not every single famous person.

List of 11 History Makers

  • Muhammad Al Pasha
  • Askia Muhammad
  • Nelson Mandela
  • Seretse Khama
  • Hammurabi
  • Mohandas Gandi
  • Confucius
  • Kim Jong II
  • Tokugawa Ieyasu
  • Aung San Suu Kyi
  • Charles Perkins

Too, grab Set I History Makers here 12 Free & Unique Geography Resource History Makers Pages.

Geography Curriculum and Resources

  • 18+ Fun and Interactive Ways to Learn Geography With Kids
  • 22 Homeschool Geography Go To Resources
  • The Benefits Of Using Games That Teach Geography | Review Of Scrambled States
  • Fun Outdoor Activities For Middle Schoolers Geocaching and Nature Study
  • Hands-on Geography: Longitude/Latitude Mapmaking Activity
  • How to Make An Edible Geography Model of Tidal Zones

How to Get the 11 Free History Makers Notebooking Pages

Now, how to grab the subscriber freebie.

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

1) Sign up on my email list.

2) Grab the freebie.

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

History Makers Notebooking Set 2 Collage

2 CommentsFiled Under: History Resources, Notebooking Pages Tagged With: geography, hands on history, history, history resources, notebooking

12 Free & Unique Geography Resource History Makers Pages

May 8, 2024 | 8 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, I have 12 free geography resource history makers pages. Too, look at my page Homeschool Geography for hands-on and simple ideas and tips.

Because I want to stay on track somewhat with our school because of how crazy my summer has been, I am sharing my first set of history maker freebies.

I’ve learned that at times history needs to be mixed up.

12 Free & Unique Geography Resource History Makers Pages

For example, if you study one period in history or one event, things could get boring fast.

Creating my history maker pages makes for a nice segue in your history day.

First, look at these fun resources if you’re studying American history.

10 U.S. Geography Resources

If you're looking to teach U.S. geography in a hands-on way, you'll love adding one or two of these resources to your day or study.

The Scrambled States of America Game

Quick! Find a state that ends with the letter A. Now find one that borders Tennessee. Have fun learning about the United States in this madcap game of observation and quick reflexes. 

The 50 States: Explore the U.S.A. with 50 fact-filled maps!

Explore every state of the USA from Alabama to Wyoming with these 51 charmingly illustrated infographic maps! Includes an expansive guide to the state flags and US presidents.Discover more than 2,000 facts about the people, cities, nature and historic events that have helped make America what it is today. Ghost towns, swamp tours, the center of the universe… bacon donuts, brainy berries, salmon jerky… The French Fry King, The Mother of Oregon, The Queen of Blues… be inspired by the inventiveness, beauty and diversity of our great nation in this curious collection of fact-filled maps.

National Geographic Kids U.S. Atlas

 Kids will have fun learning about each and every U.S. state in this amazing 6th edition atlas, packed with maps, stats, facts, and pictures

The U.S. History Cookbook: Delicious Recipes and Exciting Events from the Past

Who knew history could be so delicious? In The U.S. History Cookbook, you'll discover how Americans have lived and dined over the centuries. This scrumptious survey of periods and events in U.S. history mixes together a delectable batter of food timelines, kid-friendly recipes, and fun food facts.

The United States in 100 Words

How do you sum up a whole country in just 100 words? This striking book takes on the challenge! From amendment to Vegas, each of the carefully chosen 100 words has its own 100-word-long description and beautiful illustration, providing a snapshot of what the USA means to people today: its roots, its values, its culture, and customs. Basically, everything you need to know in a nut shell.

Supertoob: USA,Figure Playsets

This Toob includes figurines of the Lincoln Memorial, Hoover Dam, Liberty Bell, Alamo, Mount Rushmore, Statue of Liberty, Gateway Arch, U.S. Capital, Empire State Building, White House, as well as a flag and an eagle.

Geographic USA Scrunch Map

Easy Storage: Unfold and spread flat when you need it or scrunch it up and store away when you're done. The USA map makes a wonderful addition to your home, office, library, kid's room, classroom or playroom.

States & Capitals Flash Cards for Kids – 50 American State Cards

LEARN STATES & CAPITALS IN A FLASH: Get to know each of the 50 states! How well do you know your home state and neighbors? Perfect for all ages

50 FLASH CARDS: Includes 50 educational flash cards for studying important school subjects such as US Geography and History!

9 LEARNING GAMES: Teach and participate in 9 specially made enrichment activities: Name Games, What's the Motto, Heads Up, Region Round-up, State Trivia and more! Fun symbols

1000-piece USA Map Jigsaw Puzzle & Poster 50 States | Illustrated American Landmarks

Test your geography knowledge with Talking Tables beautifully illustrated 1000-piece USA 50 States Map Jigsaw Puzzle & Poster. This USA Map Puzzle features landmarks from across America! Our Jigsaw Puzzles For Adults make for Fun Indoor Activities and can be framed as Wall Art

Geography from A to Z: A Picture Glossary

Have you ever wondered what a badland is? What about a gulch?
Do you know what an isthmus is? Or a seamount? What about the difference between a plateau and a plain, or a knob and a knoll? Well look no further. This broad introduction to the fascinating world around us explores our planet’s physical features from the highest mountain peak to the deepest ocean trench. The team behind Maps & Globes proves that geography can indeed be an adventure.

Additionally, look at these other geography resources.

Geography Curriculum and Resources

  • First Grade Homeschool Curriculum for History and Geography
  • Free Physical Landform Vocabulary for an O Ring Fun Geography Activity
  • 100 BEST Books for Kids from all 50 States (Easy Geography)
  • Simple and Fun Homeschool Geography Ideas for High School
  • The Benefits Of Using Games That Teach Geography | Review Of Scrambled States
  • 5 Steps to Choosing Geography Living Books Your Children Will Love

Geography Resource

You can download it at the bottom, but I wanted to give you a quick glance at the textbook we have been using off/on and that inspired this set.

12 Free & Unique Geography Resource History Makers Pages

The geography book which is by World Cultures and Geography that I mentioned last week turned out to be real useful when I had little time to plan while hubby has been at the hospital.

The thing that I don’t like about textbook because you know I normally loathe them, is actually exactly what I need right now. 

Sometimes just a sprinkling or smidgen of facts is what I need so that I can plan and still do my own thing.

12 Free & Unique Geography Resource History Makers Pages

Just the fact the book had cultures in the title told me the book wasn’t just about spatial things or physical geography but had some tidbits of history or the people which is what keeps us eagerly coming back to studying geography.

The section we used over the last few weeks is the History Makers section.

The people mentioned in each box scattered throughout the book are from ancient to modern periods.

This has gone well with my focus on wanting to cover history in some broad strokes as well.

12 Free & Unique Geography Resource History Makers Pages

So I created the first set of History Makers from the textbook.

12 Free & Unique Geography Resource History Makers Pages

Here is a bigger picture of one of the pages so I can explain how we are using it.

It has just a few lines at the top to jot down some of the important facts.

In the middle section, I added the time period so that your child can lightly shade it in or check it off if they want to.

When they are finished it is easy to put the pages in chronological order or in your timeline notebook.

Making it something that even the youngest or most reluctant writer can use, I created a space at the bottom to draw or illustrate.

So if your child is not up for much writing or you either, then have them illustrate something about that person.

The whole idea is to do a little bit of independent research, become familiar with some of these people and locate them in the stream of time.

List of 12 History Makers

Next, look at the history makers pages included in this download.

  1. Abraham Lincoln
  2. William Lyon Mackenzie King
  3. Father Miguel Hidalgo
  4. Benito Juarez
  5. Fidel Castro
  6. Oscar Niemeyer
  7. Alexandar
  8. Prince Henry
  9. Winston Churchill
  10. Vaclav Havel
  11. Peter the Great
  12. Joseph Stalin

How to Get the 12 Free History Makers Notebooking Pages

Now, how to grab the subscriber freebie.

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

1) Sign up on my email list.

2) Grab the freebie.

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

8 CommentsFiled Under: Geography Tagged With: geography, hands on history, history, history resources, textbooks

How To Make A Swiss Family Robinson Map | Easy Swiss Geography

April 1, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Reading The Swiss Family Robinson is the perfect excuse to learn some Swiss geography as well as other geographical terms and phrases. Also, you’ll love more ideas on my post Free Swiss Family Robinson Unit Study. Too, look at my page Homeschool Geography for hands-on and simple ideas and tips.

We are creating a fantasy map with real geographical features to learn about them in a new and fun way.

The Robinsons ended up on their island as they were heading to a New Guinea colony to escape the Napoleonic Wars.

Their ship was abandoned by the crew in the midst of a wild storm and the family and a handful of animals managed to survive and end up in what is believed to be the East Indies.

How To Make A Swiss Family Robinson Map | Easy Swiss Geography

Their island was filled with creatures, flora and fauna that was unknown to them.

And they had to band together to not only survive but thrive on their island.

It is an incredible story of survival, family, ingenuity, love, and adventure.

If you haven’t read it yet I cannot recommend enough making it a family read aloud experience.

The beauty of this is that as a read aloud it is a wonderful unit for a wide variety of ages and activities, like our map, can be adjusted for everyone to do at the same time.

The Swiss Family Robinson Book

8 Books & Resources for Learning About The Swiss Family Robinson

Add some of these books to your unit study of The Swiss Family Robinson and their adventures on a deserted island.

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

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

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

See the world in a whole new way! Acclaimed illustrator Julia Rothman combines art and science in this exciting and educational guide to the structure, function, and personality of the natural world.
Explore the anatomy of a jellyfish, the inside of a volcano, monarch butterfly migration, how sunsets work, and much more. Rothman’s whimsical illustrations are paired with interactive activities that encourage curiosity and inspire you to look more closely at the world all around you.

Tracks, Scats and Signs (Take Along Guides)

Become a nature detective with this illustrative, engaging and fun Take-Along-Guide. You may not know where to look, or what to look for, but animal signs are everywhere and this guide will help you learn how to read them. You'll learn how to spot and identify common clues that 17 wildlife species leave behind in the woods, in the fields and along ponds.

Swiss Family Robinson Movie

The heroic tale of the courageous exploits of the Robinson family after they are shipwrecked on a deserted island. Using teamwork and ingenuity, they overcome the obstacles of nature and transform their new home into a "civilized" community.

Willy Whitefeather's Outdoor Survival Handbook for Kids

From treating a bee sting to building an overnight shelter, kids will gain the knowledge and confidence they need to survive outdoors.

Bear Grylls The Complete Adventures Collection 12 Books Set

Bear Grylls The Complete Adventures Collection 12 Books Set: Titles In This Set: The Blizzard Challenge The Desert Challenge The Jungle Challenge The Sea Challenge The River Challenge The Earthquake Challenge The Volcano Challenge The Safari Challenge The Cave Challenge The Mountain Challenge The Arctic Challenge The Sailing Challenge

Knot Tying Kit | Pro-Knot Best Rope Knot Cards, two practice cords and a carabiner

By Pro-Knot, the number one trusted name in Knots with over 7,000 5 Star reviews! This complete knot tying KIT includes everything you need to learn and practice how to tie 23 essential rope knots. The six card/twelve page waterproof plastic card set contains 23 best all purpose rope knots
clearly illustrated and described, bound together with a no-rust brass grommet in the corner!

Foraging Wild Edible Plants of North America: More than 150 Delicious Recipes Using Nature's Edibles

Edible wild plants are nature’s natural food source, growing along roadsides, sprouting in backyards, and blooming in country fields. North America’s diverse geography overflows with edible plant species.

Swiss Geography Study Ideas

There are many ways to learn about Swiss geography through hands-on activities.

There is never a need to pick up a pen to do it, and I have a lot of ideas here for you to turn this literature study into a geography lesson as well.

Choose one or multiples to add a unique dimension to your unit.

Find Switzerland on a world map.

Scrunch maps are a great easy item to keep on hand for locating countries.

How To Make A Swiss Family Robinson Map | Easy Swiss Geography
  • Locate the capital of Switzerland (Bern).
  • Check out this entire Switzerland Homeschool Geography Unit Study (and Lapbook) with loads of great ideas for Swiss geography.
  • Switzerland is made up of 3 geographic regions, The Alps making up about 58% of the country, the Central Plateau making up around 31, and the Jura ( mountain range) at 11%. Have your child identify each of these regions on a map, atlas, or even an online map.
  • Research the largest body of water in Switzerland (Lake Geneva).
  • Take a virtual tour of land locked Switzerland in Switzerland for Kids.

Create your own imaginary island with my fantasy map tutorial below, including topographical features like mountains, rivers, patches of trees, and bodies of water.

How To Make A Swiss Family Robinson Map | Easy Swiss Geography

More The Swiss Family Robinson Activities

  • Where Did Swiss Family Robinson Land And Their Unique Homes | Cave Activity
  • From Switzerland to the Author of Swiss Family Robinson Quick Study
  • How to Create Swiss Family Treehouse Blueprints With Kids
  • What is the Swiss Family Robinson About | Simple Jeopardy Style Game
  • How to Make Adorable Swiss Family Robinson Book Characters Bookmarks
  • Exciting Swiss Family Robinson Activities | From Oyster To Pearl
  • The Swiss Family Robinson Fun and Easy Movie Night Ideas
  • Embrace Island Life: How To Eat A Coconut Like Swiss Family Robinson
  • Animals in The Swiss Family Robinson Book | Parrot Craft
  • Lost In Adventure: 10 Books Like Swiss Family Robinson
  • How to Build a LEGO Swiss Family Robinson STEM Challenge Treehouse
  • Survival to Inspiration The Swiss Family Robinson Book | Brick Book
  • How To Make A Swiss Family Robinson Map | Easy Swiss Geography
  • DIY Easy Compass Activity and Survival Ideas
  • Simple Candle
  • Hunting Deer
  • How to Plan And Start an Easy Gardening Unit Study for Kids

Finally, look how to make a Swiss Family Robinson map.

How To Make A Swiss Family Robinson Map

Even younger children can complete this activity by simplifying some of the steps.

It can be used as an opportunity to explain the difference in islands, peninsulas, archipelago and other land formations.

You will need:

  • Watercolor paper
  • Watercolor paints
  • Fine line pen
  • Dry uncooked rice
How To Make A Swiss Family Robinson Map | Easy Swiss Geography

First, on a sheet of watercolor paper pour handfuls of rice around the page, adding as little or as much as you like. 

It creates more visual interest if you make larger and smaller piles.

How To Make A Swiss Family Robinson Map | Easy Swiss Geography

Next, take a fine line pen and trace around the majority of the rice to create various-sized pieces of land.

How To Make A Swiss Family Robinson Map

You can trace around single pieces of loose rice or larger groupings.

I like to use these fine-line Sharpie permanent markers you don’t want to use regular markers because the water makes the marker bleed and blurs your edges.

How To Make A Swiss Family Robinson Map | Easy Swiss Geography

How To Make A Swiss Family Robinson Map

Pour the rice off the page into a container to save for another project.

How To Make A Swiss Family Robinson Map | Easy Swiss Geography

Give the pen a few minutes to dry and decide what colors you would like to use on your Island, I went for shades of tan and green.

Fill in the center of your land areas with your various colors using different opaqueness of watercolor paint to create interest and dimension.

How To Make A Swiss Family Robinson Map | Easy Swiss Geography

Allow the paint to dry and then watercolor whatever shades of blue you would like around the outside of the land for water.

Go back and add more layers of color to the land if you would like to further define the areas for trees, mountains, sand and any other areas you want to create.

This will keep your mat from looking so flat.

How To Make A Swiss Family Robinson Map | Easy Swiss Geography

Let the water and the rest of the page dry completely, this really doesn’t take long.

Once dry, retrace the outline of your map to make it a nice and dark outline.

Draw a small compass rose in the corner of your map.

How To Make A Swiss Family Robinson Map | Easy Swiss Geography

I would say, “Now, here’s the fun part”, but to me every step of this process was really fun!

Begin by creating areas of mountains, trees, and other details on your map.

Upside down V’s make mountains.

How To Make A Swiss Family Robinson Map | Easy Swiss Geography

Create little bushes like blobs for trees or make evergreens for forest patches.

We even sketched out a little hut and farmland.

To create a plot of farmland, make a square with 3 small lines in one direction and then another square with 3 small lines in the other direction, repeating until it is the size you want.

How To Make A Swiss Family Robinson Map | Easy Swiss Geography

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Famous and Historic Trees Fun Nature and History Homeschool Unit Study

March 9, 2024 | 7 Comments
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The beauty of unit studies is the ability to combine multiple subjects. This famous and historic trees fun study combines nature, history, and geography. Also, look at my other Lapbooks Ideas and my page Best Homeschool Unit Studies. Add in some art and music and it’s a memorable unit study.

So today, I rounded up some fun resources for creating a famous and historic trees nature and history unit study.

Famous and Historic Trees Fun Nature and History Homeschool Unit Study

First, look at this book we fell in love with which gave us the kick start to our ideas.

Celebritrees Historic & Famous Trees of the World states it’s for grades 2 to 4, but this idea can be used for a super great unit study for multiple ages.

Besides, the history and legend of the famous trees in the book gives plenty of chance for a deep unit study.

Famous and Historic Trees Fun Nature and History Homeschool Unit Study
Famous and Historic Trees Fun Nature and History Homeschool Unit Study
Famous and Historic Trees Fun Nature and History Homeschool Unit Study

Next, add in some of these fun books.

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

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

Celebritrees: Historic & Famous Trees of the World

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

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

The Busy Tree

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

The Tree Book for Kids and Their Grown-Ups

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

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

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

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

Trees, Leaves & Bark (Take Along Guides)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fandex Family Field Guides: Trees

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

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

Also, there are plenty of books about the nature of trees and science and even poetry, but we loved learning about the famous trees of the world.

Famous and Historic Trees

Although the book only lists 14 famous and historic trees of the world, you could easily add other features to the search besides the oldest, tallest, or biggest trunk.

Science of Trees

Next, add in a bit of science. How are trees defined? Look below at some of their characteristics.

Trees usually have a single stem, or trunk.Trees are woody plants.
Trees are at least 15 feet tall.Trees have a branched-out top called a crown.

Moreover ,trees clean the air, give shade, cool our house, conserve energy and attract songbirds. Also, trees reduce erosion and conserve energy.

MORE TREE CRAFTS

  • From Forest to Fun: Unique Crafts With Tree Bark
  • Easy Pine Craft Tree Ideas And A Free Life Cycle Printable

Furthermore, look at the information on the historic trees.

Learning about the Methuselah Tree

The Methuselah Tree has lived more than 4,600 years. It is a Bristlecone Pine and it’s located in California.

  • Methuselah Tree Lesson Plan
  • A Bristlecone Pine Named ‘Methuselah’
  • Here is an outline map of California
  • About the Ancient Bristle Cone Pine
  • Read about the Bristle Cone Pine here
  • Learn about California history here

Moon Trees

Stuart Roosa was a former U.S. Forest Service worker who orbited in the command module of the Apollo 14 in 1971. He conducted scientific experiments in lunar orbit.

He put hundreds of tree seeds in a packet and took with him to space.

When he got back to earth, the seeds were germinated and are known as “moon trees” and are found all over the U.S. and the world.

  • Read about the Moon Trees here.
  • Where on Earth Did NASA Plant Moon Trees
  • Moon Trees Stand as Living Testaments to First Voyages to Moon
  • Making of a Moon Tree Map

Famous Scythe Tree

This next tree is in Waterloo, New York and the Balm-of-Gilead stands as living monument to a young soldier that went off to fight in the American Civil War.

  • Scythe Tree
  • Read about the Story of the Scythe tree
  • New York word search
  • Here is a mini unit study too about New York.
  • Why is an Upstate NY historian trying to save a really old tree?
  • Map where some animals live in New York
  • New York Outline Map

Prison Boab Famous Tree

Another tree is the Prison Boab which is located in Australia.

It is a Baobab tree. It has many names. One is the Upside-Down Tree because it’s branches look like roots and it’s also just named Boab.

Famous and Historic Trees Fun Nature and History Homeschool Unit Study
  • Derby Boab ‘Prison Tree’
  • Read here Inventing a Colonial Dark History: The Derby Boab ‘Prison’ Tree
  • Boab Trees YouTube
  • The Boab Prison Tree
  • Hands-On Geography: Australia Awesome and Deadly Animal Art

The Tule Tree

El Árbol del Tule (The Tule Tree) is located in Santa María del Tule, Mexico.

It is a Montezuma Cypress and it’s estimated to be 1,400 years old.

Famous and Historic Trees Fun Nature and History Homeschool Unit Study
  • Read about the Taxodium mucronatum tree here
  • Mexico geography
  • Mexico Lapbook
  • Learn some facts about Mexico from National Geographic
  • Mexico Unit Study and Make a Fun Easy Floral Headband

Chapel Oak Famous Tree

Another famous tree is the the Chapel Oak which is located in Allouville-Bellefosse, France.

It is a huge oak with two chapels inside and a spiral staircase and looks like something out of a fairy tale.

It is one of the biggest and oldest trees in France.

Famous and Historic Trees Fun Nature and History Homeschool Unit Study
  • Read about the Le Chêne Chapelle (The Chapel Oak)
  • The Peculiar Chapel Of Allouville-Bellefosse
  • Look at this France Unit Study
  • The Ancient Oak Tree Chapel as Old As France Itself
  • Learn About the Geography of France by Creating A Solar Oven
  • Mighty Oaks from Little Acorns

Ficus Religiosa or The Bodhi Tree

This is a kind of fig tree in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka which is sacred to the Buddhists. They believe Buddha gained “bodhi” or enlightenment while sitting under it and meditating.

  • You can read about the fig tree here.
  • Geography for Kids about Sri Lanka
  • Read here about the characteristics of the tree
  • Map of Sri Lanka

The Famous and Historic General Sherman Tree

Famous and Historic Trees Fun Nature and History Homeschool Unit Study

In the Sequoia National Park in California is the General Sherman or a giant sequoia.

The giant sequoias are very special because they are among the oldest and largest living things on earth

. The General Sherman Tree, found in Sequoia National Park, is the largest living thing on earth.

It is 274.9 feet tall, has a circumference (4.5 ft. above the base) of 83.2 feet, a base circumference of 102.6 feet, and a volume of nearly 58,000 cubic feet.

Famous and Historic Trees Fun Nature and History Homeschool Unit Study
  • Read about the General Sherman here
  • 12 page lesson plan
  • Our Giant Sequoia Forests 12 page beautiful download
  • The largest trees in the world
  • The Giant Sequoia curriculum pdf

MORE Famous and Historic Trees of the World

There are other trees to read about like

  • Anne Frank’s Chestnut Tree
  • Isaac Newton’s Apple Tree (Woolsthorpe, England)
  • Dueling Oaks in New Orleans, Louisiana
  • The Major Oak, Sherwood Forest, England
  • and the Emancipation Oak (Hampton, Virginia).

Study Tree Art

Add some beautiful art to your study about historic trees. Read about Joseph Farrington and his The Oak Tree. Read about Paul Cezanne and his Forest art.

Also read about Georges Seurat and The Morning Walk.

Famous and Historic Trees Fun Nature and History Homeschool Unit Study
The Oak Tree by Joseph Farrington
Famous and Historic Trees Fun Nature and History Homeschool Unit Study
Forest by Paul Cezanne

Also, look at Hands-On Literature Nature Study: Simple Tree Craft.

Tree Poetry

Learning and memorizing poetry about trees could also be copywork or to make nature journals.

Loveliest of Trees, The Cherry Now by A. E. Housman

Loveliest of trees, the cherry now
Is hung with bloom along the bough,
And stands about the woodland ride
Wearing white for Eastertide.

Now, of my threescore years and ten,
Twenty will not come again,
And take from seventy springs a score,
It only leaves me fifty more.

And since to look at things in bloom
Fifty springs are little room,
About the woodlands I will go
To see the cherry hung with snow.


Binsey Poplars by Gerard Manley Hopkins

My aspens dear, whose airy cages quelled,
   Quelled or quenched in leaves the leaping sun,
   All felled, felled, are all felled;
     Of a fresh and following folded rank
                Not spared, not one
                That dandled a sandalled
         Shadow that swam or sank
On meadow and river and wind-wandering weed-winding bank.
   O if we but knew what we do
          When we delve or hew—
     Hack and rack the growing green!
           Since country is so tender
     To touch, her being só slender,
     That, like this sleek and seeing ball
     But a prick will make no eye at all,
     Where we, even where we mean
                To mend her we end her,
           When we hew or delve:
After-comers cannot guess the beauty been.
   Ten or twelve, only ten or twelve
      Strokes of havoc únselve
           The sweet especial scene,
      Rural scene, a rural scene,
      Sweet especial rural scene.


The Way through the Woods by Rudyard Kipling 


They shut the road through the woods
      Seventy years ago.
Weather and rain have undone it again,
      And now you would never know
There was once a road through the woods
      Before they planted the trees.
It is underneath the coppice and heath,
      And the thin anemones.

     Only the keeper sees
That, where the ring-dove broods,
      And the badgers roll at ease,
There was once a road through the woods.

Yet, if you enter the woods
      Of a summer evening late,
When the night-air cools on the trout-ringed pools
      Where the otter whistles his mate,
(They fear not men in the woods,
      Because they see so few.)
You will hear the beat of a horse’s feet,
      And the swish of a skirt in the dew,
      Steadily cantering through
The misty solitudes,
      As though they perfectly knew
      The old lost road through the woods.
But there is no road through the woods.

Famous and Historic Trees of the World Lapbook

Too, I’ve created this fun famous and historic trees lapbook to use with this fun unit study.

Awesome features of my lapbooks.

  • Aimed at elementary to high school.
  • This is a .pdf  instant downloadable product and not a physical product.
  • You are paying for the printables, the lapbook.
  • My lapbooks are created for multiple ages. I aimed for elementary to high school for this lapbook. One of my reasons for aiming this lapbook for the upper grades is that I use a cursive font for the minibooks filled in with information.
  • Most of the minibooks have facts which accompany the minibook and a lot of the minibook are offered two ways. One way where your child uses the facts already provided by the minibook filled in and another way where your child can add his own research and not use the inside pages. Blank pages are provided for your student’s research.
  • You can use any reference materials, books, or online resources to complete the lapbook.
  • I don’t provide links in the lapbooks for filling out the information. This keeps my prices low for my products, but I do try to provide free links on my site as I can.
  • Because I have been a working homeschool mom for more of my journey than not, I need flexibility for using lapbooks. Proving a few facts from the main resource I use is one way I have of saving you time and giving you flexibility in how to use the minibooks.
  • Too, some of your kids may be older and you want them to do more research and some of your kids may be reluctant writers so you may want to mix and match pre-filled minibooks with blank minibooks. Flexibility is the key to my lapbooks.
Famous and Historic Trees Fun Nature and History Homeschool Unit Study

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  • Dynamic Famous and Historic Trees Lapbook for Multiple Ages

    Dynamic Famous and Historic Trees Lapbook for Multiple Ages

    $4.00
    Add to cart

Famous and Historic Trees Fun Nature and History Homeschool Unit Study

More Tree Facts

Also, you’ll love these resources for studying about each of these varieties of trees.

  • Where do trees get their mass from YouTube
  • Parts of tree
  • Download tree diversity sheets with some fun fact cards
  • 680 Tree Fact Sheets

You’ll love these other studies:

  • History of the Texas Cowboy, Cattle Drives, and Chisholm Trail
  • 20 Nature-Inspired Kids’ Novels to Nurture Interest In the Outdoors
  • Above & Below: Pond Unit Study, Hands-on Ideas, & Lapbook.
  • Super Seashore Watching Unit Study and Beach Lapbook.
  • Foraging and Feasting Nature Unit Study and Lapbook.
  • Wildflowers Unit Study & Lapbook.
  • From Egg to Sea Turtle Nature Unit Study & Lapbook.
  • Colorful Winter Bird: Northern Cardinal Lapbook & Unit Study.
  • Free Arctic Ground Squirrel Lapbook & Unit Study Resources

7 CommentsFiled Under: Geography, Geography Based, History Based, Lapbook, Lapbooks, My Unit Studies {Free Printables & Hands-on Ideas}, Nature Based Activities Tagged With: geography, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, history, history resources, homeschool geography, homeschoolgeography, homeschoolscience, lapbook, lapbookresources, life science, nature, nature study, science, sciencecurriculum, trees

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