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hands-on activities

Beautiful Bald Eagle Fun Facts And Torn Paper Bird Craft

January 10, 2023 | 1 Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

You’ll love these fun facts about the beautiful bald eagle and torn paper bird craft. Also, grab more information about birds on my page Dynamic and Delightful Hands-on Bird Unit Study and Lapbook.

Besides eagles being beautiful and powerful, they are symbols of hope, freedom, strength, and immortality. 

National Save the Eagles Day is a day to raise awareness about eagles and to give thanks for the conservation efforts to prevent their extinction.

Beautiful Bald Eagle Fun Facts And Torn Paper Bird Craft

We are celebrating with activities, art projects, book lists, and more to learn about these beautiful creatures of prey.

Eagle Facts

● January 10th is Save The Eagles Day.
● Harpy eagles are the largest eagle in the Americas and have a wingspan of up to 6.5 feet wide. They are the most powerful raptors in the Amazon.
● Eagles are large birds of prey which are members of the bird family Accipitridae.
● There are more than 60 eagle species in the world, the majority found in Africa and Asia. Only two species can be found in the United States and Canada which are the Bald Eagle and the Golden Eagle.
● Most eagles build their nests between 50 and 125 feet high. This changes depending on their environment.
● In St. Petersburg, Florida, the largest bald eagle nest was found. It measured 9.5 feet in diameter, 20 feet deep, and almost 6,000 lbs.
● Eagles have a lifespan of 20 years.
● At the top of the food chain are eagles. They are apex predators
● The American bald eagle has been the national bird of the United States since 1782.

Next, look at these fun books and resources.

Books and Resources about Eagles

14 Fun Resources for Studying about Eagles

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

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

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

2. Science Comics: Birds of Prey: Terrifying Talons

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

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

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

4. EAGLE 300 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle

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

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

5 PCS Birds of Prey Figurines

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

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

6. Supertoob: USA,Figure Playsets

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

7. Thunder Birds: Nature’s Flying Predators

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

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

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

Simulated Bald Eagle Figurines Plastic Eagle

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

Is a Bald Eagle Really Bald?

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

Bailey the Bald Eagle and the Great Flight

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

My Little Book of Bald Eagles

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

Harpy Eagle (Apex Predators of the Amazon Rain Forest)

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

Wild Life Realistic Harpy Eagle Figurine -

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

Moreover, here are a few more paper bird crafts.

More Paper Bird Crafts

  • How to Make a Fun Paper Mache American Robin Bird Craft
  • How to Make a Colorful Paper Bird Craft 
  • Rocking Paper Bird Craft
Beautiful Bald Eagle Fun Facts And Torn Paper Bird Craft

Additionally, add more unit studies about specific birds.

More Bird Lapbooks

  • North American Robin Unit Study
  • Peregrine Falcon Unit Study and Lapbook
Beautiful Bald Eagle Fun Facts And Torn Paper Bird Craft

Finally, let’s have fun by making this paper bird craft.

How to Make a Torn Paper Eagle Bird Craft

You will need:

  • White, yellow, blue, and brown construction paper
  • Glue
  • Paintbrush
  • Pencil
  • Google eye
  • Black marker

First, for older children you can let them completely free hand their torn paper artwork.

And for younger children you might lightly pencil in the general shape of the eagle’s head for them to work inside or on the blue construction paper

Beautiful Bald Eagle Fun Facts And Torn Paper Bird Craft

Encourage your child to tear up all the other colors of construction paper into various small sizes and shapes.

Beautiful Bald Eagle Fun Facts And Torn Paper Bird Craft

Provide your child with a small bowl of paint and a paintbrush to paint in the shape of the eagles head.

Next, they can press torn paper into the glue, brown on bottom, white on top, filling in the color well.

Beautiful Bald Eagle Fun Facts And Torn Paper Bird Craft

Add a google eye and yellow torn paper for the beak.

Beautiful Bald Eagle Fun Facts And Torn Paper Bird Craft

Allow to dry completely before displaying. You may need to press under a heavy book once it’s dry to flatten.

Also, illustrate how large the eagle’s nest is by this fun nest activity.

Giant Eagle’s Nest Activity

This activity combines science, some math, and a whole lot of fun.

Bald Eagles hold the record for the largest nests.

To give your child an idea of just how large it is we are going to build a giant eagles nest and do it right in the middle of the living room.

Beautiful Bald Eagle Fun Facts And Torn Paper Bird Craft

You will need:

  • A measuring tape
  • Piles of blankets and sheets
  • Throw pillows

The average eagle’s nest size is 4’-6’. Use the measuring tape to mark out a circle in whatever size you have the space for (the largest nest discovered was 9 ½” feet in diameter

Beautiful Bald Eagle Fun Facts And Torn Paper Bird Craft

Have your child “build” a nest using blankets and sheets in this area, a king size sheet or blanket makes a good-sized base.

We went 6 ½” feet in diameter.

Beautiful Bald Eagle Fun Facts And Torn Paper Bird Craft

Work on building up the sides with throw pillows.

While they are usually more than 3” feet tall that may be a little tough to make with your household bedding extras.

Demonstrate with the measuring tape how tall it would be a minimum.

Tell your child to hop in and experience the roomy comfort that an eaglet would be welcomed to after hatching.

Beautiful Bald Eagle Fun Facts And Torn Paper Bird Craft

1 CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: bald eagle, birds, eagles, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschoolscience, life science, science

7 Fun Ways to Play Go Fish Egyptian Games for Kids

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

I have 7 ways to play Go Fish Egyptian Games for Kids. I have more fun game ideas for teaching history on my history games page.

The beauty of an interest-based study is that it can grow from a simple interest and from one book or even a game into a full fun unit that is easily adapted to your child. 

This one stemmed from a simple game that was purchased a while back.

I wanted to pull it back out to see if I couldn’t give it new life by figuring out a few different ways to play with it.

7 Fun Ways to Play Go Fish Egyptian Games for Kids

Ancient Egypt Go Fish is one of a line of history go fish games created by Birdcage Press.

Games are a wonderful way to work in historical information in a way that seems less like school and more like fun.

If you have a child that is drawn to Ancient Egypt like mine was, you will have no problem getting them excited about this game and these other resources that I have gathered for you.

Hands-on Ancient Egypt Activities

First, look at these fun hands-on activities.

  • Try this Egypt Crafts For Kindergarten Create a Fun Kid Sized Mummy.
  • Make a beautiful Cleopatra Cuffs and Collar.
  • Craft these Fun and Easy Hands-On Ancient Egypt Craft: Create Canopic Jars.
  • Pharaohs and Queens Ancient Egypt Lapbook and Activities
  • 11 Easy Hands-On Ancient Egypt Projects for Middle School
  • Egyptian Mathematics: Build a LEGO Math Calculator
  • Papyrus and Hieroglyph Activity
  • Mehen Printable Board Game (Hands-on History)
  • King Narmer Crown craft
  • Ancient Egypt Homeschool Unit Study

While Safari Toobs are geared at younger children I have found them to be so very useful even in later stages for everything from dioramas to game pieces, decorations for a theme, and even turned into jewelry.

7 Fun Ways to Play Go Fish Egyptian Games for Kids

They are probably one of the longest used homeschool items right up there with dictionaries and pencil sharpeners.

Fun History Games

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

  • The Benefits Of Using Games That Teach Geography | Review Of Scrambled States
  • Kids Art History Board Game Ideas
  • Ancient Egypt DIY Simple and Fun Mummification Process Game
  • Entertaining Games in the Past How to Make an Easy Backgammon Game
  • Easy Hands-on Fun Ancient Greek Games for Kids DIY Knucklebones
  • Unit Study: French Revolution + Free Storming the Bastille Game
  • 7 Super Fun History Games to Bring the Past to Life
  • Ancient Egypt Mehen free Printable Board Game (Hands-on History)
  • Free Ancient Greece Go Fish Game – Ancient Greece Unit Study
  • 13 Free and Fun BEST Printable History Board Game
7 Fun Ways to Play Go Fish Egyptian Games for Kids

Finally, look at some fun ways to use this game to do homeschool history.

7 Ways to Play Go Fish Egyptian Games for Kids

First, play by the directions. There is enough content and information that you can count it as history for the day.

Besides, learning history should be fun.

    1. Play traditional Go Fish.

    Next this just like traditional go fish except the pictures are not the same on the card.

    2. Match up cards in the same categories to create sets.

    There are 6 different categories- gods, goddesses, symbols, pharaohs, mummies, and afterlife.

    Each category has a total of 6 cards each. The object is to collect as many complete sets as you can to win.

    There is a simplified play for younger children.

    Children can ask for one of a general category for example “do you have any mummies” etc…  to create simple pairs.

    There is a mini book that comes with the cards.

    It contains the instructions as well as a breakdown of each item on every card.

    Use the mini book like a textbook to learn more about Ancient Egypt.

    7 Fun Ways to Play Go Fish Egyptian Games for Kids

    There is a fun hieroglyphics chart in the book so that your child can write out a message.

    7 Fun Ways to Play Go Fish Egyptian Games for Kids

    3. Play memory.

    While the pictures do not match the numbers for each category are the same and items from the same category can be matched.

    7 Fun Ways to Play Go Fish Egyptian Games for Kids

    4. Pick a card to choose a history topic.

    Choose a card at random or let your child choose their topic.

    Then use the card as a topic of study to dive deeper into. Use the internet or resource books to study more about the topic.

    7 Fun Ways to Play Go Fish Egyptian Games for Kids

    5. Use the cards for art inspiration.

    Use the artwork on the cards as inspiration for your child to create from.

    Your child can make their own hieroglyphics, clay sarcophagus, or paint a picture of an ancient symbol or god.

    7 Fun Ways to Play Go Fish Egyptian Games for Kids

    6. Play War.

    Shuffle up the deck and divide it between two players.

    Have each player flip their top card at the same time, the player with the higher number wins the pair.

    Whoever has the most pairs at the end wins.

    To keep it educational at the beginning and end of each round players must flip through their deck and share one fun fact about Egypt.

    7. Ask random questions.

    Each player grabs a card at random, players ask up to 10 questions to try and guess the card.

    If they are able to guess correctly they get to keep the card and the player with the most at the end wins.

    Example questions- Is this card a symbol? Is this card a bug? Does this card represent a god that is a bird?

    Leave a CommentFiled Under: History Resources Tagged With: ancient civilizations, ancient egypt, Ancient HIstory, ancientegypt, egypt, games, hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, history, history resources, historyspine, homeschoolhistory

    Galileo Discovery of Jupiter Moons and Fun Hands-On Moon Crater Experiment

    January 7, 2023 | Leave a Comment
    This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

    This fun hands-on moon crater experiment is a great introduction to learn about Galileo Galilei and his discover of Jupiter’s moons. Add it to my Exploring Space and Astronomy Free Unit Study for a fun study.

    On January 7th, 1610, Jupiter’s first four moons were discovered by Galileo Galilei through a homemade telescope.

    It is one of Galileo Galilei’s most important contributions to science.

    Galileo Discovery of Jupiter Moons and Fun Hands-On Moon Crater Experiment

    The 4 Galilean Moons are named lo or Jupiter 1, Europa, Ganymede and Callisto. 

    Earth has 1 moon, but did you know that there are over 200 moons in our solar system?

     Most of the major planets, except Mercury and Venus have moons. 

    Even Pluto and some of the other dwarf planets have small moons. Some asteroids even have moons.

    If you look up at our moon, even with the naked eye you can see craters.

    These craters were formed when rocks or comets smashed through space to hit the surface of the Moon.

    And we’re going to do a fun moon crater experiment, but first look at these fun facts about Galileo Galilei

    Facts about Galileo Galilei and the Jupiter Moons

    • Galileo Galilei was born in the year 1564.and he was born in the town of Pisa, in what is now Italy.
    • His father was Vincenzio Galilei who was a cloth merchant and musician.
    • Although Galileo’s dad wanted him to be a doctor, Galileo was good in math and didn’t want to be a doctor.
    • He invented the telescope and realized his telescope could magnify things to be large.
    • One of his first observations was the moon. At that time people thought the moon was smooth. However, Galileo said the moon was full of bumps and craters.
    • In 1592, Galileo became a professor of mathematics at the University of Padua.
    • One of the many things that set Galileo apart was that he believed in the Copernican system. There were 3 things he believed was 1 ) rotation of the earth on its axis 2) that the planets revolve around the sun  and 3) conical axial motion of the earth to explain a fixed earth’s orientation in space.
    • Ganymede is the largest moon in the Solar System, is larger than the planet Mercury.
    • Io or Jupiter 1 is covered in volcanoes and lava.
    • Europa is covered in ice and has a huge saltwater sea beneath the ice.
    • Callisto is thought to be a dead world with hardly any geologic activity on its surface.
    • 57 more of Jupiter’s moons have been given names and the rest are waiting.
    Galileo Discovery of Jupiter Moons and Fun Hands-On Moon Crater Experiment

    Also, add some moon vocabulary words.

    Moon Vocabulary Words

    Additionally, learn moon vocabulary words which can be added to your lapbook.

    For example, look at these moon vocabulary words below.

    • Moon (Answer: A celestial body that makes an orbit around a planet)
    • Celestial (Answer: A natural object that exists outside of the earth’s atmosphere)
    • Orbit (Answer: The path an object makes around a particular point in space, like around the earth)
    • Crater (Answer: Holes on the surface of moons caused by the impact of meteoroid)
    • Lunar (Answer: Something that is related to the moon)
    • Revolve (Answer: To move in a circle around a fixed point)

    Too, here are some fun books and resources.

    12 Resources and Books For Studying About the Moon and Galileo

    If you want to focus on the moon in your astronomy and space unit study, add one of these fun resources to your day.

    1. Who Was Galileo?

    Like Michelangelo, Galileo is another Renaissance great known just by his first name--a name that is synonymous with scientific achievement. Born in Pisa, Italy, in the sixteenth century, Galileo contributed to the era's great rebirth of knowledge. He invented a telescope to observe the heavens. From there, not even the sky was the limit!

    2. The Moon Book (New & Updated Edition)

    This newly revised edition, available in time for the 50th anniversary of the moon landing, incorporates new, up-to-date information based on recent discoveries, and includes an updated map of the moon's surface. Thoroughly vetted by an astrophysics expert, The Moon Book is a perfect introduction to lunar phases, orbit, the history of space exploration, and more.

    3. Galileo and the Magic Numbers

    Sixteenth century Italy produced a genius who marked the world with his studies and hypotheses about mathematical, physical and astronomical truths. His father, musician Vincenzio Galilei said, “Truth is not found behind a man’s reputation. Truth appears only when the answers to questions are searched out by a free mind. This is not the easy path in life but it is the most rewarding.” Galileo challenged divine law and the physics of Aristotle, and questioned everything in search of truths. And it was through this quest for truth that he was able to establish a structure for modern science.

    4. Moon: A Peek-Through Picture Book

    It’s the perfect light nonfiction book for young stargazers—and an ideal bedtime book, ending with a giant moon hovering over a sleepy town hunkered down for bed.

    5. Moon Lamp

    Novelty Moon Lighting: Realistic Colorful Star Galaxy printed 🌌 Moon Lamp with advanced 3D technology. Now decorate your bedroom, hall, office or desk with our Space Theme gorgeous Galaxy Lamp. Your guests will definitely admire the beauty of this lively moon light.

    6. Refracting Telescope for Kids Beginners

    Quality Optics: 400mm(f/5.7) focal length and 70mm aperture, fully coated optics glass lens with high transmission coatings creates stunning images and protect your eyes. Perfect telescope for astronomers to explore stars and moon.

    7. Jupiter (Planets in Our Solar System)

    Everything about Jupiter is big! Its size is big. Even its storms are big! Get the big and small facts about this gas giant that can be seen glowing in the night sky.

    8. Galileo Galilei (Genius Series)

    Astronomer, physicist, and philosopher Galileo Galilei was referred to as "The Father of Modern Science," because of his groundbreaking research. Making observations about nature, and using mathematics to back them up, he proved the Copernican Theory true: the Sun, not the Earth, is the center of the universe. Join Galileo on his pioneering journey to see why his work had such long-lasting implications, and why the Catholic Church even condemned him for heresy.

    9. What the Moon is Like

    Imagine that you're walking on the moon. What is it like? For thousands of years people looked up at the moon and wondered about it. Now we know what the moon is like. There is no air on the moon and nothing grows, but there are towering mountains and deep craters—and much more.

    Colder than the desert, the hotter than the desert, the moon is an amazing place to explore.

    10. A Kite for Moon

    What would it be like if the moon was your friend? Find out as you walk alongside a little boy who journeys through life to achieve his dream of becoming an astronaut. And then blast off with your little one as you zoom to the moon together!

    The story begins when a little boy, who is flying his kite, notices a sad Moon. He sends up kites to her, writing notes promising he will come see her someday. This promise propels him through years of studying, learning, and training to become an astronaut. Until … he finally goes up, up, up in a big rocket ship with a fiery tail.

    A Kite for Moon:

    • Features over 20 gorgeous illustrations by award-winning artist Matt Phelan
    • Is the perfect storybook for children ages 4 to 8
    • Celebrates every child’s fascination with space

    11. Large Massive Meteorite Specimen

    You could also grab these meteorite specimens (artificial) to let your child use for impact craters!

    Moon! Earth's Best Friend (Our Universe, 3)

    Meet Moon! She's more than just a rock―she’s Earth’s rock, her best friend she can always count on. Moon never turns her back on her friend (literally: she's always facing Earth with the same side!). These two will stick together forever. With characteristic humor and charm, Stacy McAnulty channels the voice of Moon in this next celestial "autobiography" in the Our Universe series. Rich with kid-friendly facts and beautifully brought to life by Stevie Lewis, this is an equally charming and irresistible companion to Earth! My First 4.54 Billion Years and Sun! One in a Billion.

    Additionally, look at these hands-on moon activities and space and astronomy activities.

    Moon Activities and Space and Astronomy Ideas

    • Exploring Space and Astronomy Free Unit Study for Multiple Ages
    • Make a fun Puffy Moon Craft (Glow in the Dark) to display with more craters.
    • Track the moon cycles with my Free Moon Journal.
    • Quick astronomy and space study.
    • What a fun moon craft. 3-D Light Up Moon with Tissue.
    • Make an EASY Straw Rocket

    Also, add this fun hands on Exploring Space and Astronomy Lapbook.

    Galileo Discovery of Jupiter Moons and Fun Hands-On Moon Crater Experiment

    And these minibooks can be used for notebooking pages or a lapbook.

    Galileo Discovery of Jupiter Moons and Fun Hands-On Moon Crater Experiment
    • Dynamic Astronomy Lapbook for Multiple Ages

      Dynamic Astronomy Lapbook for Multiple Ages

      $4.00
      Add to cart

    Finally, do this fun moon crater experiment with your kids.

    Galileo Discovery of Jupiter Moons and Fun Hands-On Moon Crater Experiment

    Moon Crater Experiment

    You will need:

    • A round shallow dish
    • Baking flour
    • Different sizes of weighted objects- rocks, marbles, etc.

    Directions:

    First, place a round dish on the floor.

    Too, take this outside so the mess is easier to contain as the flour will spread and settle out a bit.

    Smooth the flour a bit by hand or with a paintbrush.

    Galileo Discovery of Jupiter Moons and Fun Hands-On Moon Crater Experiment

    Have your child drop the objects from various heights to recreate the impact of comets and rocks hitting the moons surface.

    You could also grab these meteorite specimens (artificial) to let your child use for impact craters.

    Carefully remove the objects and point out to your child how the objects colliding into the surface left impressions in much the same way impacts in space leave craters.

    Smooth your “moons” surface and repeat as many times as your child wants.

    Galileo Discovery of Jupiter Moons and Fun Hands-On Moon Crater Experiment

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

    Gardening Projects For Homeschool Easy Composting With the Amazing Dr. George Carver (Free Printable About Compost)

    January 6, 2023 | Leave a Comment
    This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

    If you’re looking to do some beginner gardening projects for homeschool this easy composting idea will get you started. Too, learn about the amazing Dr. George Washington Carver will make it a fun day. Check out more ideas too at Easy Seed and Gardening Unit Study for Kids (Middle – Upper Elementary).

    And because January 5th is George Washington Carver Day, it’s the perfect time to learn about him.

    Gardening Projects For Homeschool Easy Composting With the Amazing Dr. George Carver

    Focus on his hardships and he overcame them, what he did to help people understand about crops and to help people in the south better understand soil.

    George Washington Carver made many contributions to his time that are still very relevant and helpful today. 

    While most of us know him for his work with peanuts and sweet potatoes there is so much more to it than that.

    Gardening Projects For Homeschool Easy Composting With the Amazing Dr. George Carver

    About Dr. George Washington Carver

    Dr. Carver was born into slavery and all the way through his graduate studies he struggled to find schools that would admit him because he was African American.

    George Washington Carver was born sometime during the Civil War,

    He was known as “Carver’s George,” and was enslaved to Susan and Moses Carver, successful Missouri farmers.

    He taught and was the head of the Agriculture Department at Tuskegee Institute.

    Dr. Carver was a botanist, agronomist, chemist, and inventor as well as a teacher.

    Also, Dr. Carver worked with people in the south to help improve the soil and maximize crop yields.

    Additionally, he encouraged farmers to improve their soil without commercial fertilizers either through planting legumes that improved the nitrogen of the soil and were great sources of protein for people but also by using compost.

    If you are interested in gardening or homesteading on any level, composting is an easy thing to start with.

    It is literally just gathering kitchen and yard waste and tossing it in a bin to decompose into free, nutrient rich soil that is perfect for improving small or large gardens.

    Composting also helps cut down on the waste in your garbage and landfills by almost 30%.

    Rather than filling your bins and landfills with this type of waste, you can turn it into soil for gardens or container plants.

    First, add in some books about George Washington Carver for your gardening projects for homeschool.

    11 Gardening and Composting with Dr. George Washington Carver Activities and Resources

    Whether you're doing a gardening unit study or want to learn about the scientist Dr. George Washington Carver, you'll love a few of these resources.

    1. In the Garden with Dr. Carver

    Sally is a young girl living in rural Alabama in the early 1900s, a time when people were struggling to grow food in soil that had been depleted by years of cotton production. One day, Dr. George Washington Carver shows up to help the grown-ups with their farms and the children with their school garden. He teaches them how to restore the soil and respect the balance of nature.

    2. Trees, Leaves, Flowers and Seeds: A Visual Encyclopedia of the Plant Kingdom

    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. 

    3. Who Was George Washington Carver?

    Born in 1860s Missouri, nobody expected George Washington Carver to succeed. Slaves were not allowed to be educated. After the Civil War, Carver enrolled in classes and proved to be a star student. He became the first black student at Iowa State Agricultural College and later its first black professor. He went on to the Tuskegee Institute where he specialized in botany (the study of plants) and developed techniques to grow crops better.

    4. Farm Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces of Country Life

    Learn the difference between a farrow and a barrow, and what distinguishes a weanling from a yearling. Country and city mice alike will delight in Julia Rothman’s charming illustrated guide to the curious parts and pieces of rural living. Dissecting everything from the shapes of squash varieties to how a barn is constructed and what makes up a beehive to crop rotation patterns, Rothman gives a richly entertaining tour of the quirky details of country life. 

    5. Compost: A Family Guide to Making Soil from Scraps (Discover Together Guides)

    Teach your kids that composting is fun with this funky guide that takes you from the nitty-gritty of compost composition and care to Worms and Ladders, a fresh take on a traditional board game.

    6. Compost Stew: An A to Z Recipe for the Earth

    Kids everywhere are seeking knowledge about the environment and climate change. Not only is composting becoming more common in households and residential gardens, but many school gardens feature compost piles, too

    7. Nancy B's Science Club Garbage to Gardens Compost Kit & Decomposition Book

    If you don’t have the yard space or just want to teach your child how composting works on a smaller scale you can grab a mini countertop Compost Kit to watch the breakdown.

    8. Worms Eat My Garbage

    How to Set Up and Maintain a Worm Composting System: Compost Food Waste, Produce Fertilizer for Houseplants and Garden, and Educate Your Kids and Family.

    9. Outdoor Compost Bin

    The compost bin is made of high quality and durable PP material, which is environmentally safe and can withstand cold winters, perfect for gardens, farmland, yards. In addition, the PP material is very durable, can retain heat while regulating moisture, and produce fertilizer as quickly as possible.

    10. Roots, Shoots, Buckets & Boots: Gardening Together with Children

    Here are 12 spirited, easy-to-implement ideas for theme gardens that parents and kids can grow together, connecting children to nature through gardening. Each project includes a plan and the planting recipe--as well as a "Discovery Walk," activities and crafts to make with what you grow. And each is illustrated with author Sharon Lovejoy's lyrical watercolors.

    11. Gardening for beginners

    Great book for beginners.

    Moreover, here are some fun gardening projects to add to your unit about George Washington Carver.

    More Gardening Projects for Homeschool

    • How to Easily Garden Plan With Kids Using LEGO
    • Kinder Gardening to Celebrate Nature and Science
    • Easy Seed and Gardening Unit Study 
    • Growing a Seed Activity For Kindergarten Science Kids Activity
    • How to Easily Make Fun Seed Tape With Kids
    • How to Make a Fun Kids Root Viewer

    Then add a simple compost lesson.

    How to Teach Kids to Compost

    To start composting all you need is an indoor compost container.

    You can use something as simple as a designated bowl for it.

    However, you will want to empty it into your outdoor compost bin at least once a day to avoid drawing bugs and having it emit an odor.

    Gardening Projects For Homeschool Easy Composting With the Amazing Dr. George Carver

     If you use a small countertop compost container like this one below they have a charcoal filter up top and seal nicely.

    With this you can empty it outdoors every other day or so and still have no odor.

    Gardening Projects For Homeschool Easy Composting With the Amazing Dr. George Carver

    As you have kitchen waste, just toss it in the compost container like eggs, coffee grounds, fresh fruit, and vegetable scraps, etc

    Gardening Projects For Homeschool Easy Composting With the Amazing Dr. George Carver

    Next, you will need a compost bin for outdoors, this is where the real action will take place. The combination of waste will help everything break down into a healthy soil.

    Create your own or buy a ready-made one.

    Gardening Projects For Homeschool Easy Composting With the Amazing Dr. George Carver (Free Printable About Compost

    “Stir” your compost pile with a rake or limb every 3 to 4 days to encourage decomposition.

    Gardening Projects For Homeschool Easy Composting With the Amazing Dr. George Carver (Free Printable About Compost

    A properly maintained compost bin will heat up and break down items faster than one that is not kept up. 

    The proper percentage of compost waste is 50% green compost and 50% brown compost.

    Green is fresh recently dead materials with life still evident-fresh grass, veggie and fruit scraps, manure, etc.

    Brown is older dead materials like straw, twigs, dead leaves.

    Finally, grab this free printable below. Laminate and put it on your refrigerator.

    Too, you can add it your gardening notebook.

    How to Get the Free Compost Printable

    Finally, how to grab the free compost printable. It’s a subscriber freebie.

    That means when you sign up to follow me, 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 now.

    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: earth science, earthscience, garden, gardening, hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, science

    Free Bird Unit Study and Lapbook And Fun Edible Bird Nests

    January 5, 2023 | 6 Comments
    This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

    You’ll love this free bird unit study and dynamic bird lapbook. Be sure to grab my other lapbook ideas and Best Homeschool Unit Studies on my page.

    And a great way to begin this unit study is to make a delicious and fun edible bird nest.

    This one is a great addition to this bird unit study.

    Free Bird Unit Study and Lapbook And Fun Edible Bird Nests

    It’s easy, adorable and tasty.

    Make these edible bird nests together with your budding ornithologist as part of a bigger study.

    This unit study comes just in time for National Bird Day on January 5th.

    First, begin with some of these topics to cover in the bird study.

    • Common Species
    • Feathers
    • Beaks and their uses
    • Migration
    • Nests
    • Eggs
    • Calls

    In addition, here are two more facts:

    1. All birds have feathers, but not all birds can fly. For example, penguins do not fly.
    2. And all birds lay eggs, breathe air, and are warm blooded.

    Bird Watching Questions

    Next, when we learn about birds, I find a list of questions helps to identify what type of bird we’re looking at.

    These same questions can be used in your nature walk or just looking in your backyard.

    1. What is the bird doing? (Answer: Flying, perching, hopping, in water, climbing,etc.)
    2. What shape is the bird? (Answer: Look at bird head size to body proportion. And beak size to bird head. Notice the bird’s overall body size.)
    3. How big is it?
    4. Explain what are field markings. For instance, stripes, colors, patches and patterns are field markings. So then ask what field markings do you see?
    5. Are the wings round or pointed?
    6. And what shape is the bill?
    7. How is the bird behaving? (Answer: What is the feeding style, how is it moving and is it with a flock or alone,)

    I would highly recommend a field guide and binoculars to do research in real life

    More Hands-on Bird Activities

    • How to Make a Chalk Pastel Bird Nest Easy Drawing
    • How To Make A Blue-Footed Booby Bird Craft
    • How To Make A Fun Animal Soap Carving & A Quick Study on A Swan
    • The Colorful Blue Jays Winter Food | Make Fun Seed Slime
    • How to Make Easy DIY Bird Feeders With Kids

    Free Bird Teacher’s Guides and Lesson Plans

    In addition, here are some fun and free educator guides and lesson plans about birds.

    • A Teacher’s Guide To Hawaiian Birds This has a nice glossary for vocabulary words and pictures too.
    • Lesson Plan for the lower grades.
    • Lesson Plans for middle school.
    • High School Ideas. Citizen Science has some ideas for projects like tracking sightings, nest watch,

    • Beak Variations
    • Migration Challenge. Why do bird migrate?
    • Learning About Bird Migration
    • Preschool to Kindergarten age Lesson Plan

    • What’s in a Bird Song
    • Free Bird Coloring Pages
    • Another lesson plan for early learning.
    • Students examine historical examples of art with birds as the subject. High School
    • Name That Bird Middle to High School

    Moreover, research about different types of bird nests.

    5 Common Types of Bird Nests

    Also, when your child knows how to observe the types of nests, then it helps to match them with type of bird.

    Besides many animals build nests and birds are some of the most expert builders.

    Most birds’ nests fall into 5 main types of nests.

    1. cupped (or half-cupped). Used by songbirds and are round with a dip in the center. And swallows use half-cupped nests which adhere to a surface.
    2. cavity. Woodpeckers used cavities in a tree.
    3. Pendulum or Pendant. Baltimore Orioles use suspending type sac-like nests.
    4. Scrape. Used by ground-nesting birds in open habitats. Killdeer make scrape nests.
    5. Burrow. Burrowing Owls make burrow nests.

    Cupped nest. A cup nest is cup-shaped and can be made with a variety of materials such as grass, moss,
    lichen, or spiderweb

    Cavity nest: A cavity nest is a hollowed-out opening in the trunk of a tree.

    Pendulum or pendant nest: A hanging sac-like shape, usually suspended from a small tree branch.

    Scrape – A type of nest without much material and are shallow ground impressions.

    Burrow – This is either a hole burrowed or borrowed from another animal.

    Free Bird Unit Study and Lapbook And Fun Edible Bird Nests

    Lastly, think about the type of materials a bird collects to build a list. Have your child collect some of them to build his special nest.

    • dried grass
    • twigs
    • green grass
    • feathers
    • hair
    • mud or dirt
    • leaves
    • bark
    • pine needles
    • straw
    • shredded plant stems
    • animal hair
    • moss
    • old spiderwebs
    Free Bird Unit Study and Lapbook And Fun Edible Bird Nests

    Check out some of these resources to help you cover every aspect of birds you might want to learn about.

    Bird Books, Activities, and Resources

    Then, add in some of these fun books and resources.

    17 Books, Resources, and Activities About Birds

    You'll love these fun resources if you're studying about birds. Besides, you can study about birds anytime of the year.

    So, add one or two of these to your unit study, nature journaling, or just fun for the day.

    1. A Place for Birds

    In simple yet compelling language, Melissa Stewart showcases twelve North American birds, from the familiar eastern bluebird to the rare Kirtland's warbler. Her clear narrative shows the threats these birds face, and informative sidebars describe a wide variety of efforts to save them. In addition, remarkable full-color illustrations vividly and accurately depict the birds within the ecosystems that support their survival. Range maps and additional bird facts are also included.

    2. Feathers: Not Just for Flying

    Young naturalists explore sixteen birds in this elegant introduction to the many, remarkable uses of feathers. A concise main text highlights how feathers are not just for flying. More curious readers are invited to dig deeper with informative sidebars that underscore how feathers of all shapes and sizes help birds with warming or cooling, protect them from the sun, help them swim, glide or even
    dig.

    3. A Nest Is Noisy (Family Treasure Nature Encylopedias)

    This gorgeous and informative look at the fascinating world of nests, from those of tiny bee hummingbirds to those of orangutans high in the rainforest canopy.

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

    The book draws in children and parents alike with captivating information about and charming illustrations of hummingbirds, peacocks, flamingos, bald eagles, secretary birds, puffins, red-crowned cranes, and more. The book also invites young bird-watchers to protect birds where they live and make their gardens bird-friendly. The text is chatty, funny, and full of remarkable facts.

    5. Peterson Field Guide To Birds

    For decades, the Peterson Field Guide to Birdsof Eastern and Central North America has been a popular and trusted guide for birders of all levels, thanks to its famous system of identification and unparalleled illustrations. Following the Spring 2020 update to Peterson Field Guide to Birds of North America, this guide will feature updated text and range maps, and art updated to reflect current knowledge in ornithology. 

    6. How to Feed Backyard Birds: A Step-by-Step Guide for Kids

    How to Feed Backyard Birds: A Step-by-Step Guide for Kids is the perfect resource for beginners who are young (and not so young) to discover the joy of attracting birds to your yard. Bird lover and expert Chris Earley wants to share his passion for our colorful singing and flying neighbors with the whole family.

    7. Wingspan Board Game - A Bird-Collection, Engine-Building Game

    Competitive, card-driven, engine-building board game.

    Challenging strategy game recommended for those ages 14 plus

    Game includes 170 unique bird cards, 26 bonus cards and 16 Automa cards, 103 food tokens and 75 egg miniatures, 5 custom wooden dice and 5 player mats, 1 birdfeeder dice tower and 2-piece Game Trayz custom tray, 1 goal mat and 8 goal tiles, 1 first-player token and 40 action cubes, 4 clear plastic resource containers, 1 scorepad, and 3 rulebooks.

    8. Beaks!

    Young naturalists explore a variety of birds, their habitats, and how their beaks help them build, eat, and survive. From the twisted beak of a crossbill to the color changing bill of a seagull, readers will learn fun facts about how beaks are designed and used as tools by birds of all shapes and sizes.  Bright, bold cut-paper illustrations create amazingly realistic tableaus of birds in their natural
    environments with their beaks in action.

    9. Bird Figurine Toy Birds for Kids Realistic Bird

    Set of bird figurine toys, which contains 7 different small plastic birds. The weight of bird figure toy is 96G / 0.2LB. The set of small plastic bird contains 7 pecies of toy birds,such as robin, bluebird, oriole, woodpecker, etc. Please refer to the picture for the actual size and color.

    10. Professor Noggin's Birds of North America Trivia Card Game

    PLAY & LEARN: Professor Noggin’s series of educational card games encourages kids to learn interesting facts about their favorite subjects.

    FUN FACTS: Everything young birders need to know about the most common and interesting Birds of North America. Learn to identify different species and discover fascinating facts about their habitat and behavior.

    CARD GAME: Each of the thirty game cards combines trivia, true or false, and multiple-choice questions. A special three-numbered die is included which adds an element of unpredictability.

    11. Audubon's Birds of America Coloring Book

    Including the red-winged blackbird, painted bunting, wood duck, great blue heron, ruby-throated hummingbird, purple finch, and blue jay, 46 different species of birds from all parts of the United States are included in this book. The pictures have been faithfully redrawn by Paul E. Kennedy from originals by John James Aububon (1785–1851), the most famous American painter-naturalist.

    12. The Boy Who Drew Birds: A Story of John James Audubon

    If there was one thing James loved to do more than anything else, it was to be in the great outdoors watching his beloved feathered friends.In the fall of 1804, he was determined to find out if the birds nesting near his Pennsylvania home would really return the following spring. Through careful observation, James laid the foundation for all that we know about migration patterns today.

    13. Attracting Birds to Your Backyard: 536 Ways To Turn Your Yard and Garden Into a Haven For Your Favorite Birds

    Enjoy your home and garden as never before when you have a yard that's filled with colorful birds and bird songs as well as flowers. This A-to-Z guide includes:Terrific tips and plans for building bird feeders, birdbaths, and birdhouses.Recipes for making bird food that is sure to be a hit with your feathered friends--including Chickadee Doughnut Delights and Easy Bird Treat Mini-Muffins.The 25 best plants to grow to attract birds to your yard--including columbine and honeysuckle, hummingbird favorites.How to identify and attract goldfinches, chickadees, cardinals, and more than 50 other favorite birds to your yard. Plus, you'll learn what their songs and antics really mean.

    14. Field Guide to the Nests, Eggs, and Nestlings of North American Birds

    Describes all species found in the North American region and offers information on breeding cycles, nesting habits, and provides pictures of nestlings and eggs

    15. What's That Bird? Teacher Guide

    This study guide accompanies What's That Bird? published by Storey Publishing in 2005, incorporating facts to know, comprehension questions, and characteristics of specific birds. Sections include: 'Meet the Bird', 'How Birds Live', and 'The Wider World of Birds'. Student Book and What's That Bird? sold separately.

    16. Paint by Sticker: Birds: Create 12 Stunning Images One Sticker at a Time!

    Nature's Masterpieces—ready for paintingPeel the sticker,Paint the sticker, And watch your painting come to life.Paint by Sticker: Birds celebrates the rainbow of colors and shapes of the avian world: a red-headed woodpecker, a blue jay, an orange and black Baltimore oriole, an electric bright hummingbird.

    17. Sibley Backyard Birding Flashcards

    The Sibley Field Guide to Birds is now transformed into 100 easy-to-reference cards housed in one handsome pull-drawer gift box. Divided into one stack of 50 common Western and Eastern North American birds, and one stack of 50 common birds found across North America, each card features precise illustrations and text concerning habitat, behavior, and voice description necessary for easy identification. Edited with the backyard birder in mind, each bird card is accompanied with a regional map as an additional guide to migratory patterns.

    Delightful Birds Lapbook

    Also, you’ll love this fun delightful birds lapbooks.

    It’s geared toward upper elementary to middle school-ish but of course grades are selective.

    Free Bird Unit Study and Lapbook And Fun Edible Bird Nests

    Awesome Features of the Bird Lapbook

    • You get this SAME lapbook TWO different ones. One lapbook has a facts filled in each minibook and the other lapbook has minibooks with all blank inside pages.
    • Because I use a combination of cursive and print fonts, I aim my lapbooks toward upper elementary up to high school. 
    • This lapbook is aimed at upper elementary to middle school-ish.
    • However, because one lapbook is BLANK you can use it for any age.
    • This is a .pdf instant downloadable product and not a physical product.
    • You are paying for the printables, the lapbook.
    • You can use any reference materials, books, or online resources to complete the lapbook.
    • I don’t provide links in the lapbooks for filling in the information. This keeps my prices low for my products, but I do provide free links and unit studies on my site as I can.
    • My printables are very flexible. You decide which topics you want your children to research.  Also, you can mix and match filled in and blank minibooks of your choice.
    • Dynamic Delightful Bird Lapbook for Multiple Ages

      Dynamic Delightful Bird Lapbook for Multiple Ages

      $4.00
      Add to cart

    Additionally, here are more bird unit study activities.

    Bird Unit Study Resources

    • Free Bird Journal
    • Cardinal Birds in Winter and Birch Trees Easy Watercolor Kids Activity
    • How to Make a Fun Paper Mache American Robin Bird Craft
    • Why Bats Are Not Birds Fun Homeschool Unit Study and Lapbook
    • How to Make a Kid’s Fun and Easy Bird Nest Activity
    • How to Make an Easy Jumbo Stick Bird Feeder with Kids
    • Hands-On Nature Study: Bird Color Bar Graphing Activity
    • Hands-On Nature Study: Make a Fun Bird Nesting Bag
    • Colorful Winter Bird: Northern Cardinal Lapbook & Unit Study
    • Easy and Fun Nature Study: Beautiful Birds
    • How to Make Easy DIY Bird Feeders

    Too, let’s make a fun hands-on edible nest to go with this unit study.

    How to Make Edible Bird Nests

    You will need:

    • 2 cups pretzel sticks
    • ¼ cup butterscotch chips
    • ¼ cup chocolate chips
    • mm’s
    Free Bird Unit Study and Lapbook And Fun Edible Bird Nests

    Directions:

    Lay out a piece of waxed paper on the counter.

    Place both kinds of chips in the microwave in a heat safe bow and heat in 20 second increments until completely melted.

    Stir well to combine.

    Free Bird Unit Study and Lapbook And Fun Edible Bird Nests

    Pour pretzels into a bowl of melted chocolate and stir gently until all pretzels are completely coated.

    Free Bird Unit Study and Lapbook And Fun Edible Bird Nests

    Encourage your child to build a bird’s nest by creating a base of a few flat pretzels and then stacking to build up the sides into a cup shaped bird’s nest.

    We found this recipe made about 4 good sized nests.

    Free Bird Unit Study and Lapbook And Fun Edible Bird Nests

    Add a few m & ms as eggs to the nest.

    Let the nests sit until the chocolate has hardened, about an hour or so if your kitchen is not warm.

    You can also harden it quicker by placing them in the fridge for a bit.

    Once your nest has solidified you can enjoy eating it!

    Free Bird Unit Study and Lapbook And Fun Edible Bird Nests

    6 CommentsFiled Under: My Unit Studies {Free Printables & Hands-on Ideas} Tagged With: birdjournal, birds, cardinal bird, elementary science, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, lapbook, lapbooking, lapbookresources, lapbooks, life science, science

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