geography

Hands-on Geography Wool Earth Craft to Celebrate Earth Day

March 22, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today I have some ideas to incorporate hands-on geography and a fun new handicraft to celebrate Earth Day. Also, look at this other post Hands-on Geography Mesopotamia: Fun Salt Dough Map for more ideas. Too, look at my page Homeschool Geography for hands-on and simple ideas and tips.

This hands-on geography craft gives your child practice in fine motor skills, planning, and problem solving, as well as a fun way to celebrate Earth Day.

I have come up with a wonderful new skill to share with you that incorporates handicrafts into an Earth Day celebration.

Hands-on Geography Wool Earth Craft to Celebrate Earth Day

Have you heard of needle felting?

If you have ever wanted to try it but have been intimidated by its seeming difficulty don’t be.

It is much simpler than it looks, and the end results are super cute.

Also, I have rounded up a list of 8 hands-on ways to celebrate Earth Day.

8 Hands-On Ways To Celebrate Earth Day

Conserving water and electricity, reducing our waste in the landfills, upcycling, recycling, planting food for pollinators, and doing our part in general should be a daily habit.

But it’s nice to have a specific day to reflect on some changes we can make and how we affect the earth we live on.

Look at these 8 hands-on ways to celebrate Earth Day.

Planting wildflowers is a wonderful way to celebrate and give something back to the earth. These Wildflower Seed Bombs are an easy way to spread wildflowers for the pollinators and upcycle paper scraps.

Celebrate with dirt cups for Earth Day and have a discussion about what gardens, switching to natural insecticides and even worms can do for the environment.

Make a Bird Feeder to help our feathered friends who help pollinate the earth, spread nutrients through their droppings, transport seeds, exterminate insects, and help keep ecosystems healthy.

Clean up a park or field in your area. Grab a trash bag and a pair of grabbers and collect all the loose trash you can find. You can often find organized groups going out to clean up parks or beaches, especially around Earth Day but don’t let it stop you if you can’t find one nearby. This is a great family project.

Start recycling, create bins for paper, plastic, and metals. Find a recycling center in your area and drop off regularly.

Research how and then create your own composting bin. Doing this you create your own rich natural soil and fertilizer, reduce your household waste, reduce the need for pesticides and chemical fertilizer.

Make a craft to spread the word about Earth Day to help yourself and others remember just how important this one earth we have is.
Make Earth Day Cookies & Fascinating Earth Facts

I would recommend this activity for kids ages 8 and up as well as adults.

It is a wonderful way to keep hands busy while reading aloud, waiting for a long appointment, or anytime. I love the focus that it helps you keep and the rather quick results you get are very satisfying.

Other Hands-on Geography Activities

Next, look at some other fun hands-on geography ideas.

Then, look at this The Tale of Peter Rabbit Printables for a Fun Spring Unit Study for a fun edible geography idea.

Also, I have a few more resources to make geography come to life.

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.

Then, you’ll love adding this idea for more hands-on geography.

Finally, look at how to make this felt earth wool craft to celebrate Earth Day.

How to Make A Felt Earth Wool Craft

You will need:

Cotton batting or a styrofoam ball
Wool Felt Needle
Felting Pad
Blue and Green Wool

Now you can either use a small styrofoam ball as the center of your earth to save time and get a perfectly round sphere circle or you can use a ball of cotton batting to get started.

Go with whatever you have on hand.

For me that was cotton filler.

The steps after preparing the cotton filler will be the same for the rest of the project.

Grab a piece of cotton and ball it.

Roll it in your hands to create as close to a sphere as you can.

Add more as needed to get a ball slightly smaller than you want your end product to be.

Pull a piece of blue felt from the ball and wrap it around the cotton filling (or styrofoam ball).

Continue covering with a thin layer until it is all wrapped.

So, take your felting needle and move all around the sphere poking with shallow stabs all over until there are no furry spots sticking up off of it.

Add more blue as needed to cover any bare spots.

Moreover, to keep the shape round you can roll and tuck the felt, poking it in those areas a little extra to hold the shape in place.

Once you are happy with your blue wool as the ocean base you can begin building your continents,

Don’t worry about getting the scale or shapes perfect.

It will be obvious when you do what you have created.

Experiment with rolling the green into balls or twisting it to get various shapes for your continents before felting them onto the blue.

Again, just tap the needle all over the green until it is moderately smooth.

Add to the landforms as you need. It’s easy to add more small pieces.

If you gently tug on the fibers and they fray and become loose you will need to poke it a bit more to give it a tighter weave.

Enjoy your new felt earth globe.

Make a Fun and Easy Salt Dough Daniel Boone Wilderness Road Map

January 30, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, we made a fun salt dough Daniel Boone Wilderness Road map. And grab my unit study and on my page Daniel Boone – North American Explorer.

Are you studying US expansion or perhaps specializing in a Daniel Boone Unit Study?

You must include this fun hands-on salt dough map of Daniel Boone’s Wilderness Road.

Make a Fun and Easy Salt Dough Daniel Boone Wilderness Road Map

Salt dough is an easy and forgiving medium to work with for homeschool projects.

It’s perfect to include in any number of studies.

Daniel Boone blazed a trail for the Transylvania Company in 1775 from Fort Chiswell in Virginia through the Cumberland Gap.

It was steep and narrow. And could only be traveled on foot or by horseback.

The Cumberland Gap was a notch in the Appalachian Mountains near the intersection of Kentucky, Virginia and Tennessee.

Daniel Boone Wilderness Road Map Facts

The trail was begun on March 10, 1775.
Boone was chosen by The Transylvania Company because he was considered the most experienced and knowledgeable explorer of the area.
Boone and 35 axmen cut the trail from Long Island in Kingsport, Tennessee through the forests and mountains to what is now known as Lexington, Ky.
The Wilderness Road enabled the growth of the first settlements such as Boonsboro, Benjamin Logan’s, and Harrod Town.
It has been estimated that as many as 300,000 settlers traveled the Wilderness Road from 1775 to 1810.
Use of the road began to decline by 1840. The opening of the National Road and water travel like steamboats and ferries became a more popular way to travel.
A segment of Wilderness Road was one of the first roads to be paved in the United States.

A great reference book that you can use is The 50 States.

It is a big colorful book full of images of each state on a two page spread.

It has smaller illustrations of people and places, and lots of great facts and information on each one.

Geography of the Wilderness Road

To add to this study, you could spend a time learning about the states along his route like Kentucky.

And Tennessee

As well as through Virginia.

If you want something for middle and high school, you might opt instead for something like this Merriam Webster Student Atlas.

Creating a salt dough map is a great way to learn specifically about history through Daniel Boone and the Trail he blazed.

Too, it is a great overall geography lesson.

Mixing it up, include some math and learn about animals along the trail and you have science.

Write a little about the trail and you have language arts, and of course your creation is a fantastic art project.

You can just cut out the portion of the US that included the Wilderness Road and surrounding areas, but I like to do the whole map.

Doing this, your child can see where it was in relation to everything else.

Then, look at more Daniel Boone activities.

More Daniel Boone North American Explorer Activities

and add one or two of these fun books.

10 Resources for A Daniel Boone Unit Study

Whether you want to add a hands-on unit study or are looking for a few resources, you'll love one of these.

1. Daniel Boone: The Life and Legend of an American Pioneer

Struggle against the Shawnee defenders of Kentucky. Drawing from popular narrative, public record, documentation from Boone's own hand, and recollection gathered by 19th-century antiquarians, the author employs the methods of the new social history to produce a portrait that defines Daniel Boone and the times he helped shape.

2. Who Was Daniel Boone? (Who Was?)

Called the "Great Pathfinder", Daniel Boone is most famous for opening up the West to settlers through Kentucky. A symbol of America's pioneering spirit Boone was a skilled outdoorsman and an avid reader although he never attended school. Sydelle Kramer skillfully recounts Boone's many adventures such as the day he rescued his own daughter from kidnappers.

3. The Dangerous Book for Boys

The bestselling book—more than 1.5 million copies sold—for every boy from eight to eighty, covering essential boyhood skills such as building tree houses, learning how to fish, finding true north, and even answering the age old question of what the big deal with girls is—now a Prime Original Series created by Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad) and Greg Mottola (Superbad).

In this digital age, there is still a place for knots, skimming stones and stories of incredible courage. This book recaptures Sunday afternoons, stimulates curiosity, and makes for great father-son activities. The brothers Conn and Hal have put together a wonderful collection of all things that make being young or young at heart fun—building go-carts and electromagnets, identifying insects and spiders, and flying the world's best paper airplanes.

4. 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.All ages

5. Daniel Boone: Frontiersman (Heroes of History)

Written for readers age 10 and up -- enjoyed by adults!In search of open spaces and land to call his own, Daniel Boone fearlessly led a band of brave settlers into the bountiful Kentucky wilderness. Daniel's expert hunting ability, incredible outdoor survival skills, and courage under fire helped his companions stay alive in a dangerous and unknown land despite threatening encounters with soldiers, Indians, and even other settlers.

6. History Pockets: Explorers of North America, Grades 4-6+

The book includes the following pockets:

Introduction to Explorers of North America
Christopher Columbus
John Cabot
Hernando Cortes
Jacques Cartier
Sir Francis Drake
Henry Hudson
Daniel Boone
James Cook
Lewis and Clark
John Wesley Powell

7. Daniel Boone: Trailblazer

Born in Pennsylvania in 1734, Daniel Boone cut a path west, carving his name into trees. Although he endured repeated property losses, he became a household name and was greatly admired for his surveying skills and the many claims he laid, opening the west for further settlement.

8. Survive & Thrive: A Pocket Guide To Wilderness Safety Skills, Plus 16 Quick-Check Skill Cards

Gear up for outdoor adventure, learn to stay alive, and help yourself thrive – feeling confident that you can handle whatever comes your way!

Accidents happen and nature can be unpredictable, which is why this ultra-portable survival kit is a must-have for casual nature explorers and slightly more adventurous campers in need of essential outdoor guidance that they can carry along with them.

9. Bear Grylls The Complete Adventures Collection 12 Books Set

Titles In This Set:The Blizzard ChallengeThe Desert ChallengeThe Jungle ChallengeThe Sea ChallengeThe River ChallengeThe Earthquake ChallengeThe Volcano ChallengeThe Safari ChallengeThe Cave ChallengeThe Mountain ChallengeThe Arctic ChallengeThe Sailing Challenge

10. Daniel Boone: Young Hunter and Tracker (Childhood of Famous Americans)

A general account of the life of the prominent American frontiersman who is especially remembered for helping to settle Kentucky

Finally, look at how to create this salt dough map.

Besides just marking the original trail of the Wilderness Road we also continued along in a different color showing the path of the Great Valley Road.

That road is traveled by Native Americans who called it the Great Warriors Path. It started in Pennsylvania and stretched to Boone’s Wilderness Road. It really helps tie the two time periods together.

How to Create Salt Dough Daniel Boone Wilderness Road Map

You will need:

1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup salt
½ to ¾ cup of water
Paint or markers
2 Printouts of a US Map
Gallon Ziploc bag
Large bowl for mixing
Spatula
Measuring cups
Skewer or toothpick

Print 2 copies of a US map.

Trim the edges down so that it fits in a gallon ziploc.

And then place inside the bag. Using the link above, there is both a labeled and unlabeled map.

Print one of each and set one aside.

Combine flour and salt in a large bowl until mixed well.

Add water a little at a time until you get a playdough consistency.

You do not want your dough to be sticky and wet but neither should it be crumbly.

We need a baby bear porridge situation here… just right.

Knead dough for 2-3 minutes by hand to make sure it is all well combined.

Once you are satisfied with the consistency of your dough you can begin spreading it out all over the map in the bag.

To get a thinner and even thickness roll it out with a rolling pin.

Or just use a smooth jar to make it a quarter inch thick or less.

This will help it dry faster and reduce the risk of mold growing.

Cut away the excess using a craft stick,

If you cut too much it’s very simple to press and pinch the dough to straighten up your edges of the map.

Take your second paper map print out and trace Daniel Boone’s Journey.

We also traced the Mississippi River as a landmark to show that the trail was on the eastern side of it.

Daniel Boone Wilderness Road Map Activity

Lay the map over your salt dough map.

Lining it up as closely as you can.

Then use a skewer or toothpick to trace the trail by poking over the lines into the dough

Remove the paper and deepen your marks a little to give them definition.

Pinch up the dough just a bit along the area where the Appalachian Mountains would be.

Add a little muted paint if you like to give it some more texture.

You can use a marker or paint on a very thin brush to trace the river and the routes.

But paint will allow you to do it right away instead of waiting on your salt dough map to dry.

You can either let your map sit undisturbed to dry or bake at 200 degrees until completely dry.

If you are air drying, flip the map over after 24 hours and let it sit another day.

Continue flipping back and forth until completely dried out.

If you want to preserve your map longer you can give it a couple coats of mod podge or spray it with a couple coats of clear sealer outdoors.

The Benefits Of Using Games That Teach Geography | Review Of Scrambled States

December 19, 2022 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

When teaching history, sometimes you have to come in sideways or use games that teach geography. I have more fun game ideas for teaching history on my history games page.

For example, gameschooling has become one of the most popular methods for teaching your child.

It doesn’t matter if you gameschool exclusively, unschool, use a packaged curriculum, online lessons, or put together unit studies.

Games that teach geography can be added to your day and teach so much through playing and enjoying time together.

The Benefits Of Using Games That Teach Geography | Review Of Scrambled States

First, you can build an entire lesson or even a full unit study around a game.

I’m sharing one of favorite games for learning geography.

Besides geography and history can go hand in hand.

Too, I’m showing you other items and activities to add to keep the lessons going as long as you want.

Everything from movies to books, a few more games, and other items helps to round out a geography or history slant or both.

What is Geography

The word geography comes from the Greek geo, which means “Earth,” and graphy, which means “writing or description.

So, geography means to learn about the Earth’s land its surface, and features including water and air.

However, geography also includes learning about the people of the area, understand landmarks, and appreciating cultural differences

Immediately, you can see a tie in between learning about the natural resources of an area and the people.

Additionally, look at some of these hands-on geography ideas.

Finally, be sure to check out my post on the 100 Best Books From All 50 States

Hands-on Geography

11 AWESOME Ways to Learn Geography (Other Than Labeling a Map)
Make a salt dough US Map or focus on one state at a time.
Homemade Compass. Simple Geography Projects Equals Huge Wow Factors
Edible Geography – Sea Levels
Homeschool Geography – DIY Lava Lamp

If you have been around for any length of time you know I am a fan of these Toobs for Safari Ltd.

This USA Landmarks and Symbols set is perfect for learning about symbolism and important places throughout the United States.

Use them as drawing inspiration, in sensory bins for younger children, as part of a diorama, or use them as game markers.

Fun History Games

Too, look at these games below which can be games that teach geography with history.

In addition, look at these fun books and resources to help U.S. geography more lively.

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!

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

The United States in 100 Words

Supertoob: USA,Figure Playsets

Geographic USA Scrunch Map

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

Geography from A to Z: A Picture Glossary

As you can see combining geography and history is a natural fit.

Finally, look at how to play the scrambled states of America.

Scrambles States of America

First, The Scrambled States of America is a silly colorful game which introduces states as a game that requires observation and quick reflexes.

You collect the state cards, match them with neighbors, and more.

And you win by familiarizing yourself with the state cards you’re dealt.

Then, you try to be the quickest to respond to action cards like – capital that starts with D or a state that is south of Colorado.

It even comes with a small copy of THE Scrambled States of America Book. Fun.

While this game probably is best for middle to upper elementary. I definitely think that it is still fun for middle school kids.

It is a gentle approach to learning US Geography for anyone that needs to learn or refresh what they already know.

I don’t really have a con for this game except that older kids may feel that it is baby-ish.

However, if they can get past that it’s a great learning tool for the whole family.

The Geronimo Stilton Series: Make a Fun Edible Coral Reef

September 10, 2022 | 2 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, for book Number 29 Down and Out Down Under of the Geronimo Stilton series, we’re making an edible coral reef. The Geronimo Stilton books are for ages 7 to 10 years old and are full of mouse fun and adventure.

In the Geronimo Stilton series book Down and Out Down Under, Geronimo is off to learn on adventure to Australia.

The Geronimo Stilton Series: Make a Fun Edible Coral Reef

And when you think of Australia you may immediately picture cute koalas and terrifying crocodiles but another famous and very important part of Australia is The Great Barrier Reef.

The idea for creating this fun hands-on coral reef is from our latest read which is Down and Out Down Under (Geronimo Stilton #29).

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World and is teeming with incredible life, color, and beauty.

The story covers a lot of topics of interest in Australia.

This fun book mentions land animals, Uluru, Aborigines, topography, and the Great Barrier Reef .

Great Barrier Reef Resources

Today’s hands-on activity is fun, colorful, and a great way to teach all ages about the life that is in the Great Barrier Reef.

If you want to make an impact, hands-on activities are always the best way to fully immerse your kids into your topic.

This hands-on fun activity also appeals to all 5 senses and will make certain that your kids do not forget while they learned anytime soon.

Besides Down and Out Down Under (Geronimo Stilton #29) here are a few beautifully illustrated spines you may want to add to your library.

They are great basics that give great bites of information about the ocean, reefs, ocean animals and plants, and more.

Ocean Anatomy . I am such a big fan of the illustrations in these books but also how much information is contained in each topic. This one covers everything from why the ocean is blue and salty to tides, animal life, and even a section on The Great Barrier Reef specifically!

I am such a big fan of the illustrations in these books but also how much information is contained in each topic.

This one covers everything from why the ocean is blue and salty to tides, animal life, and even a section on The Great Barrier Reef specifically

Facts About the Great Barrier Reef

:Next, here are a few facts to share about the The Great Barrier Reef.

The Great Barrier Reef, located off of the eastern coast of Australia, is the longest coral reef in the world.
It is home to 1500 species of tropical fish and 400 finds of hard and soft coral
The reef serves as a protective habitat for many other forms of marine life.
One of the threats to reefs is coral bleaching.
Crown-of-thorns starfish is one of the predators to the reef which feeds on the soft coral polyps.
A coral reef is a fragile ecosystem which requires very specific conditions. The water must be warm (between 69-84 F) and relatively shallow (to depths of 60-100 ft).
Coral reefs exist in shallow waters because they depend on photosynthesis for food production. Photosynthesis is the chemical process by which plants capture sunlight and convert it, along with water and carbon dioxide into energy.

While your child designs their own little slice of sea life you can talk about the various life that lives here, what is being done to preserve it and where its located.

Next, look at how to make this fun hands-on edible coral reef.

How to Make an Edible Reef

Here is a list of some things we used. Your list can vary depending on what you use for plants and animals

One half sheet cake or a boxed cake mix
Vanilla wafers
Assorted candy – airheads, licorice whips, swedish fish, cookies, sprinkles and white chocolate pretzels
Icing in various colors or food coloring for your own icing

Bake your cake according to package directions and allow to cool completely.

Flip pan to carefully remove cake and cut ⅓ of the cake off.

Flip over the two pieces and stack the smaller one on top of the other.

And because reefs have overhangs and caves, you can make some nooks and caves by digging out some of the cake.

Add a little food coloring to the frosting and stir. Use any shade you like to create your base.

Carefully ice all over the cake making different blobs and creating different textures creating the base mound of your coral.

You want it to look like big rocks.

Cut up airheads, licorice ropes and other candies to create colorful coral and push in all over the cake.

Broken white chocolate pretzels make nice coral.

Use the heat from your hands to soften Airheads or other taffy and make some fan coral for your reef.

Also, you could create a makeshift piping bag by putting warm wax into a sandwich bag, cut off a small corner and squeeze to make coral shapes onto wax paper.

Allow to cool and harden then remove carefully from waxed paper.

Finally, add in some fun sea creatures and you can add some fun decorations.

These are from obviously these are not edible.

Be sure to wash them well before using to disinfect them and keep your cake safe.

And you’ll love these other Geronimo Stilton.

Other Geronimo Stilton Resources:

Too, you’ll love the ocean and coral reef resources I have here.

Ocean and Coral Reef Resources

Geronimo Stilton Field Trip to Niagara Falls Summary And Fun Corn Craft

September 3, 2022 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, for the book Geronimo Stilton field trip to Niagara Falls summary, we’re making a fun flint corn craft. Your kids will love book number 24 Field Trip to Niagara Falls of the Geronimo Stilton books series.

We are back on another adventure with the globetrotting time traveling fabumouse Geronimo Stilton.

Geronimo Stilton Field Trip to Niagara Falls Summary And Fun Corn Craft

While we’re visiting Niagara Falls, we are learning about camping, the waterfall, various trees and animals of the area, and the Native Americans that called it home.

The book Field Trip to Niagara Falls is book 24 and we loved it.

These books pack a lot of great information into fun and easy to read stories that will get the most reluctant reader excited to see what Geronimo Stilton is up to.

In addition, this book has many ideas for unit studies.

But today we are going to learn more about the Attawandaron tribe.

Geronimo Stilton Field Trip to Niagara Falls Summary

The Attawandaron tribe lived on the shores of the lakes Erie, Huron, and Ontario making the area around the falls their home.

And the Attawandaron tribe was part of the Neutral Confederacy of the Iroquois people.

They were a semi-nomadic group who lived in bark-covered longhouses.

Also, The Maid of the Mist is a legend believed to have come from the Iroquois people and Geronimo does a lovely job of relaying the story.

Next, we’re making a hands-on fall craft that not only provides the perfect set up to teach your child about indigenous people of the area but also makes a beautiful fall decoration.

Types of Corn

While researching we also discovered that Indian corn is now commonly called flint corn or ornamental corn.

It’s been said that these colorful ears are named after the indigenous people of North America, but that is folklore.

It is still okay to call it Indian corn.

Many present day Native Americans call it that.

It was used for food rather than decoration the way we use it now.

Give your child a few other activities to turn this book, Field Trip to Niagara Falls, into a mini unit study.

Geronimo Stilton Niagara Falls Unit Study Ideas

Research the difference between Indian (flint) corn and regular corn.
Have your child identify on a map where the Attawandaron are thought to have lived.
Paint a watercolor picture of Niagara Falls.
Create a diorama of the falls with Safari LTD Native Americans
A lot of the book covers camping near Niagara Falls, have your child list all the things you would need if you were going on a camping trip.
Use the Leaf Snap app to identify trees in your yard.

And a lot of the book covers camping near Niagara Falls.

Have your child list all the things you would need if you were going on a camping trip.

How to Make an Indian Corn Fall Craft

The book has a great section on Native Americans and the area they lived in and covered.

It gives your child a great base for the craft.

List of materials needed for the Indian corn fall craft

54 small wood beads,16 or 20 mm
3 pipe cleaners
Raffia
Craft paint/brushes
Paper plate
Hot glue gun/sticks

First, twist together 3 pipe cleaners directly in the center and fan them out evenly. Set aside.

Add orange, yellow, and red craft paint to a paper plate or bowls. Add a little water to thin it and stir well.

If you want darker colors add less water.

And if you want more of a wash like my example add more water to thin it out more. This will create a light stained look.

Add ⅓ of the beads to each plate and roll around to coat completely.

I left 12 of my beads unpainted to give it a fourth color.

Transfer to a paper towel to dry. Allow to dry completely.

Once dry, your child can begin adding the beads to the pipe cleaner in any pattern they like or no pattern at all.

Each half holds about 9-10 beads of this size, leaving ½” to 1” unbeaded at the top of each.

Once all your stems are filled, bend them up and twist the ends together securely.

Adjust and bend to make it full and round.

Grab a chunk of long raffia and fold it in half.

This will become the husk.

Lay your corn over it to measure how much space it takes up and knot just above the corn.

Add some hot glue to the raffia and press the corn into place.

Tuck the twisted pipe cleaner tip into the knot as much as you can.

Pull some around to the sides and glue it as well. Trim the top if you like.

You could also just go with fall colored pony beads and feel to make it a bit simpler and save a few steps.

But I like the look of these wood beads, don’t you?

Other Geronimo Stilton Resources

This Indian corn craft gives your child a chance to express their creativity, work on fine motor skills, and keeps hands busy while they listen to a read aloud, audiobook, or add it to your unit study.

It makes a lovely decoration for home doesn’t it?

You can prop it up on your desk to add a little fall flair or decorate your table with a whole bundle.