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hands-on

A Simple Geronimo Stilton LEGO Tutorial For Mouse Loving Kids

June 14, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Create a simple Geronimo Stilton LEGO to commemorate your child’s love of the mouse. Also, look at my page Geronimo Stilton Books for more great activities.

Too, this activity encourages the skills of creativity, fine motor skills, and following directions.

Do you have a mouse loving kid?

A Simple Geronimo Stilton LEGO Tutorial For Mouse Loving Kids

And by mouse, of course, I mean the adventure loving, time traveling mouse -Geronimo Stilton.

If you do, I have a really fun 2D Portrait Geronimo Stilton LEGO tutorial for them.

In addition, I have a roundup of other unique crafts and ideas to go along with many of the books in the series.

Geronimo Stilton Books for Kids

Geronimo Stilton Books 1 - 20

It is not necessary to go in order, each book is its own stand-alone story, and the main characters are properly reintroduced each time.  So, you can choose the books based on your child's current interest, the season, or a unit study topic.

Image for Lost Treasure of the Emerald Eye

Lost Treasure of the Emerald Eye

Who Is Geronimo Stilton? That's me! I run a newspaper, but my true passion is writing tales of adventure. Here on Mouse Island, my books are all best-sellers! What's that? You've never read one? Well, my books are full of fun. They are whisker-licking good stories, and that's a promise!Lost Treasure of the Emerald Eye. It all started when my sister, Thea, discovered a mysterious map. It showed a secret treasure on a faraway island. And before I could let out a squeak of protest, Thea dragged me into her treasure hunt! In no time at all, we'd set sail for the island. It was an adventure I'd never forget....

Image for The Curse of the Cheese Pyramid (Geronimo Stilton #2)

The Curse of the Cheese Pyramid (Geronimo Stilton #2)

I'm off to Egypt! I climbed onboard a crabby old camel that would take me across the desert to the Great Cheese Pyramid. There, among mummies and hieroglyphics, I would learn the secret of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient Mouse World....

Image for Cat and Mouse in a Haunted House (Geronimo Stilton, No. 3)

Cat and Mouse in a Haunted House (Geronimo Stilton, No. 3)

I was lost in a dark, spooky forest! Until I stumbled upon Curlypaw Cannycat's Castle.

Image for I'm Too Fond of My Fur! (Geronimo Stilton #4)

I'm Too Fond of My Fur! (Geronimo Stilton #4)

Well, my books are full of fun. They are whisker-licking good stories, and that's a promise! I'm Too Fond of My Fur! I was on my way 'round the world to Mouse Everest! The trip was long and dangerous. I almost froze my tail off on the way. And then I was kidnapped by the Abominable Snowman! Yes, it was truly an amazing adventure....

Image for Four Mice Deep in the Jungle (Geronimo Stilton Funny Tales)

Four Mice Deep in the Jungle (Geronimo Stilton Funny Tales)

Enter the world of Geronimo Stilton, where another funny adventure is always right around the corner. Each book is a fast-paced adventure with lively art and a unique format kids 7-10 will love.I have never been a brave mouse... but lately, my fears were taking over my life! Soon I was too afraid even to leave my mousehole. That's when Thea and Trap decided to cure me. They dragged me away on an airplane (I'm afraid of flying!) all the way to the jungle. There I was forced to eat bug soup, climb trees as high as skyscrapers, swim in raging rivers, and even wrangle snakes! How would a 'fraidy mouse like me ever survive?

Image for Paws Off, Cheddarface! (Geronimo Stilton, No. 6)

Paws Off, Cheddarface! (Geronimo Stilton, No. 6)

Who Is Geronimo Stilton? That's me! I run a newspaper, but my true passion is writing tales of adventure. Here on Mouse Island, my books are all best-sellers! They are whisker-licking good tales, and that's a promise!__PAWS OFF, CHEDDARFACE!It was the strangest thing... all across New Mouse City, rodents kept telling me I'd done things I had no memory of! I soon discovered why... there was a Geronimo look-alike out there, pretending to be me. He'd even fooled my sister Thea! And worst of all, he was trying to take over my newspaper. I had to find a way to strike back -- but how??

Image for Red Pizzas for a Blue Count

Red Pizzas for a Blue Count

They are whisker-licking-good tales, and that's a promise! Red Pizzas for a Blue Count My troublemaker cousin was trapped in Transratania! And before I could even squeak, my sister, Thea, dragged me along on her rescue mission. Little did we know that Transratania is the land of vampire bats! Holey cheese, bats give me mouse bumps! Why? Well, there's nothing a bat likes more than sinking its teeth into a nice, juicy mouse....

Image for Attack of the Bandit Cats (Geronimo Stilton, No. 8)

Attack of the Bandit Cats (Geronimo Stilton, No. 8)

Oh, what a day! I had just published New Mouse City's first phone book -- and almost every single number was wrong! My customers were out for my fur. So when Thea, Trap, and Benjamin asked me to join their quest for a legendary island covered in silver, I agreed. But no sooner had we set out than we were attacked by a ship of pirate cats! They mousenapped us and threatened to make us their dinner. Would we escape with our lives... or find ourselves in the soup?

Image for A Fabumouse Vacation for Geronimo (Geronimo Stilton, No. 9)

A Fabumouse Vacation for Geronimo (Geronimo Stilton, No. 9)

Sometimes a busy businessmouse like me needs a nice, relaxing vacation. But of all the rotten rats' luck -- every time I tried to get away, disaster struck. My aunt Dizzy Fur's mouse hole caught on fire, my office was flooded, and our printing press broke down! When I was finally ready to depart, all the good trips were booked up. I was stuck in a flea-ridden old hotel, sharing a room with a bunch of Gerbil Scouts! I couldn't wait to get back to my comfy home in New Mouse City....

Image for All Because of a Cup of Coffee (Geronimo Stilton, No. 10)

All Because of a Cup of Coffee (Geronimo Stilton, No. 10)

I, Geronimo Stilton, was in love! I went out for a cup of coffee one morning and laid eyes on the most beautiful rodent I'd ever seen. Unfortunately, I immediately tripped over my paws and ended up with my tail in a toaster! I was one mortified mouse. But I was determined to prove that I wasn't a complete stumblemouse. So I decided to join my family on their most daring adventure yet -- a journey to the eighth wonder of the world! There I made a discovery so truly amazing, I knew I could win the heart of my darling ratlette....

Image for The Phantom of the Subway (Geronimo Stilton, No. 13)

The Phantom of the Subway (Geronimo Stilton, No. 13)

When my sister Thea told me a ghost was haunting New Mouse City's subway tunnels, I knew I had to get the scoop for The Rodents Gazette! So I set off with Thea, Trap, and my assistant editor Pinky Pick. We soon discovered that Sally Ratmousen, the editor of The Daily Rat, was also on the trail of the mysterious ghost. But we were all in for the fright of our wee mouse lives... because the ghost turned out to be a CAT!

Image for The Temple of the Ruby of Fire (Geronimo Stilton, No. 14)

The Temple of the Ruby of Fire (Geronimo Stilton, No. 14)

It was my most thrilling adventure yet! My old friend Professor von Volt had discovered the location of the famous Ruby of Fire. And before I could let out a squeak of protest, my sister Thea had dragged me into race to be the first to find the legendary gem. The jewel was protected by thousands of ancient booby-traps -- a 'fraidy mouse's worst nightmare? Would I make it through with my fur?

Image for The Mona Mousa Code (Geronimo Stilton, No. 15)

The Mona Mousa Code (Geronimo Stilton, No. 15)

Do you like art? I do! So when Thea heard that there was a secret map hidden beneath Mouse Island's most famous painting, the Monamouse, I knew we had to get the scoop! Together we began to investigate, and soon we discovered secret clues that led us to the most fabumouse secret. And it all lay beneath the streets of New Mouse City!

Image for A Cheese-Colored Camper[GERONIMO STILTON #16 CHEESE-CO][Paperback]

A Cheese-Colored Camper[GERONIMO STILTON #16 CHEESE-CO][Paperback]

My grandfather William Shortpaws -- also known as Cheap Mouse Willy -- was back at The Rodent's Gazette, and he was determined to torture me. He wanted to publish a guide book to Ratzikistan, the Siberia of Mouse Island. And he ordered *me* to go there to write it! But as you know, dear reader,

Image for Watch Your Whiskers, Stilton! (Geronimo Stilton, No. 17)

Watch Your Whiskers, Stilton! (Geronimo Stilton, No. 17)

Cheesecake! A mysterious one-eyed rat was trying to steal The Rodent's Gazette from under my snout! I had to stop him -- but how? My business manager, Shif T. Paws, came up with a plan. He arranged for me to appear on a TV quiz show. If I won, the Gazette was safe. But if I lost -- SQUEAK! -- I had to give up my tail!

Image for Shipwreck on the Pirate Islands (Geronimo Stilton, No. 18)

Shipwreck on the Pirate Islands (Geronimo Stilton, No. 18)

My sister had come up with a new way to torment me. She'd combined my two least favorite things - travel and ghosts! Thea had heard rumors of a haunted pirate treasure buried on a desert island. And before I could say "avast ye scurvy rats," she'd dragged me into her treasure hunt!

Image for My Name Is Stilton, Geronimo Stilton (Geronimo Stilton, No. 19)

My Name Is Stilton, Geronimo Stilton (Geronimo Stilton, No. 19)

Have you met my very young assistant editor, Pinky Pick? She is only thirteen years old, but she is one of the cleverest mice I've ever known. If you've ever wondered how Pinky came to work for me at The Rodent's Gazette, this is the book for you! It's a looooong story... and one that's full of adventure, laughs, and of course, like all of my books, lots of embarrassing moments for yours truly!

Image for Surf's Up, Geronimo! (Geronimo Stilton, No. 20)

Surf's Up, Geronimo! (Geronimo Stilton, No. 20)

Ah, there's nothing like a relaxing vacation on the beach! I would spread out by the crystal-clear water with a good book. What more could a mouse want? At least, that was the plan. But somehow, my vacations never seem to go according to plan. Instead of a beautiful seaside resort, I found myself in a fleabag hotel that was falling down around my ears! Oh, would I ever be able to relax and enjoy my vacation

What I love about the books besides the fact that they are intriguing to kids and build reading fluency and vocabulary skills is that they have great illustrations.

They show actual artifacts, clothing, and people throughout history as well as current places to naturally build geography skills through familiarity.

The series is humorous and contains lots of great facts presented in an entertaining way, he definitely has earned a portrait of his own.

The majority of the bricks needed for this craft, or a very close substitute can be found in the LEGO Classic Large Creative Brick Box.

More Geronimo Stilton Book Series Activities

  • Top 5 Reasons to Love Geronimo Stilton And Geronimo Stilton Book List 1-20
  • Geronimo Stilton Race Against Time And Make Pottery Like Ancient Greeks
  • Geronimo Stilton Back in Time Second Journey Through Time and Fun Mayan Mask
  • Geronimo Stilton The Journey Through Time Fun Easy No Sew Dinosaur Mat
  • The Race Against Time Geronimo Stilton Activity Craft Fun Dragon Eggs
  • Cheese Corner Bookmark
  • Another idea for a bookmark is this Geronimo Stilton Journey Through Time Craft a Fun England Tower Guard.
  • While this Geronimo Stilton Storyboard and Character Costume was designed for a school setting I think it is awesome and can still be used as a fun project and dress up idea for your homeschooled child.
A Simple Geronimo Stilton LEGO Tutorial For Mouse Loving Kids

Geronimo Stilton LEGO Tutorial

The cone we used for the nose is not in the basic brick boxes, but you may have it in your stash, if not there are other tapered bricks that can give you a similar look.

I highly recommend that even if your child has a lot of LEGO bricks already that you purchase one or two of these and keep them separate from all other bricks to use for builds like this.

They are also really fun for challenges and can be used during reading aloud to keep hands busy.

You will need:

  • 2 LEGO Eyes
  • 1 single brown round stud
  • 2 Pink 1×2 LEGO Bricks
  • 9 Tan 2×2 LEGO Bricks
  • 6 Tan 1×2 LEGO Bricks
  • 2 Tan Studs (single)
  • 3 Red 2×2 LEGO Bricks
  • 6 White 1×2 LEGO Bricks
  • 10 Green 2×2 LEGO Bricks
  • 2 Green 1×2 LEGO Slope Bricks
  • Small baseplate

First, place your 9 tan 2×2 LEGO bricks in the center of a small baseplate to form a square, any plate 16×16 and larger will work great.

A Simple Geronimo Stilton LEGO Tutorial For Mouse Loving Kids

Place your 3 red 2×2 bricks right down the center right to the bottom edge.

A Simple Geronimo Stilton LEGO Tutorial For Mouse Loving Kids

Now put the white 1×2’s down either side of the red to form his shirt and tie.

A Simple Geronimo Stilton LEGO Tutorial For Mouse Loving Kids

Place three 2×2 green bricks down either side and then 2 of the 2×2 green bricks outside of that, topping them with a sloped brick to create the appearance of shoulders/arms.

If you don’t have those sloped pieces, no worries, just use another couple 2×2 bricks.

A Simple Geronimo Stilton LEGO Tutorial For Mouse Loving Kids

Starting at each of the top corners of the head make ears by placing your 3 tan 1×2 bricks and the single 1×1 tan brick in a “circle”

A Simple Geronimo Stilton LEGO Tutorial For Mouse Loving Kids

Fill in with a pink 1×2 brick.

A Simple Geronimo Stilton LEGO Tutorial For Mouse Loving Kids

Finally place a brown round single stud on top of a cone or other sloped piece and press in the center of the face and add your eyes.

A Simple Geronimo Stilton LEGO Tutorial For Mouse Loving Kids

What a handsome mouse he is!

A Simple Geronimo Stilton LEGO Tutorial For Mouse Loving Kids

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: Geronimo Stilton, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool, LEGO, literature, mouse, reading

Hands-on Homeschool History Free Ancient Civilization Cards for O Ring

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

I have another set ready for the easy and interactive hands on homeschool history on an O ring series that I want to do. Also, look at my Ancient Civilizations page.

Adding the cards today, which are for Ancient Civilizations, I now have 4 sets of cards.

These cards have very general information and I made them so we can hit broad strokes when studying these topics and as a way to memorize some of our unit studies.

Hands-on Homeschool History Free Ancient Civilization Cards for O Ring

The four I have done so far are

  • Westward Ho,
  • The Titanic,
  • French and Indian War

And today, like I mentioned are the Ancient Civilizations.

Because I may study some of our history topics several times with each child, I have been wanting to make up these cards to allow my sons a way to study independently.

Too, through the years I have had one son interested in delving deeper into one topic that another son may not be so interested in.

A remedy to that problem is to make these O rings which they can grab, and do interactively.

This way if they are not as interested in a topic, at least they know some broad strokes about that topic.

Ancient Civilization Resources for Kids

Next, look at some of these fun resources for learning about Ancient Civilizations.

13 Ancient Civilization Hands-on Resources and Books

Add some of these fun resources to your unit study or study for the day of Ancient Civilizations.

Image for The Greeks Pop-up: Pop-up Book to Make Yourself (Ancient Civilisations Pop-Ups)

The Greeks Pop-up: Pop-up Book to Make Yourself (Ancient Civilisations Pop-Ups)

Tarquin Popups are a special kind of do it yourself activity book. Not only is there the fun of making the scenes and seeing them popup but they are full of interesting information and ideas. This book contains six main scenes to make: Knossos, the Palace of Minos, the Lion Gate at Mycenae, the Battle of Salamis, the Golden Age of Athens, the Theatre, Alexander the Great and King Porus.

Image for The Ancient Egypt Pop-up Book:

The Ancient Egypt Pop-up Book:

A magnificently illustrated, interactive pop-up book chronicles the history of ancient Egypt and its diverse cultural innovations, covering everything to the construction of the Egyptian pyramids and the elaborate mummification process, to the mysterious rites performed at an Egyptian god's temple and the ancient hieroglyphic writings.

Image for Ancient Israelites and Their Neighbors: An Activity Guide (Cultures of the Ancient World)

Ancient Israelites and Their Neighbors: An Activity Guide (Cultures of the Ancient World)

Children can try their hand at re-creating ancient Israelite culture—along with the cultures of their neighbors, the Philistines and Phoenicians—in a way that will provide perspective on current events. The book covers a key period from the Israelites’ settlement in Canaan in 1200 B.C.E. to their return from exile in Babylonia in 538 B.C.E. This part of the Middle East—no larger than modern-day Michigan—was the birthplace of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. More than 35 projects include stomping grapes into juice, building a model Phoenician trading ship, making a Philistine headdress, and writing on a broken clay pot. Israelites', Phoenicians', and Philistines' writing and languages, the way they built their homes, the food they ate, the clothes they wore, and the work they did, and of course, their many interesting stories.

Image for Treasury of Greek Mythology: Classic Stories of Gods, Goddesses, Heroes & Monsters

Treasury of Greek Mythology: Classic Stories of Gods, Goddesses, Heroes & Monsters

The new National Geographic Treasury of Greek Mythology offers timeless stories of Greek myths in a beautiful new volume. Brought to life with lyrical text by award-winning author Donna Jo Napoli and stunning artwork by award-winning illustrator Christina Balit, the tales of gods and goddesses such as Zeus, Aphrodite, Apollo, and Athena and heroes and monsters such as Helen of Troy, Perseus, and Medusa will fascinate and engage children’s imaginations.

Image for Activity Study: Great Empires
Photo Credit: store.homeschoolinthewoods.com

Activity Study: Great Empires

Included in this study are over 35 projects, games, recipes, links, and the history of fourteen empires! Generally, each empire's materials can be covered in 1-3 days

Image for Tools of the Ancient Romans: A Kid's Guide to the History & Science of Life in Ancient Rome

Tools of the Ancient Romans: A Kid's Guide to the History & Science of Life in Ancient Rome

Tools of the Ancient Greeks: A Kid’s Guide to the History and Science of Life in Ancient Greece explores the scientific discoveries, athletic innovations, engineering marvels, and innovative ideas created more than two thousand years ago. Through biographical sidebars, interesting facts, fascinating anecdotes, and fifteen hands-on activities, readers will learn how Greek innovations and ideas have shaped world history and our own world view.

Image for Ancient Egypt Activity Book For Kids: Ancient Egypt

Ancient Egypt Activity Book For Kids: Ancient Egypt

Is your child fascinated by Ancient Egypt? if so then this Ancient Egypt themed activity book is just for them. This is a great book for boys and girls who have an interest in Ancient Egypt. This Ancient Egypt themed activity book will keep them entertained and happy for hours.

Image for Great Ancient China Projects You Can Build Yourself (Build It Yourself)

Great Ancient China Projects You Can Build Yourself (Build It Yourself)

Great Ancient China Projects You Can Build Yourself explores the incredible ingenuity and history of ancient China with 25 hands-on projects for readers ages 9 and up. Great Ancient China Projects covers topics from porcelain pottery, paper, gunpowder, and dynasties, to martial arts, medicinal healers, jade carvers, and terracotta warriors.

Image for Tools of the Ancient Greeks: A Kid's Guide to the History & Science of Life in Ancient Greece (Build It Yourself)

Tools of the Ancient Greeks: A Kid's Guide to the History & Science of Life in Ancient Greece (Build It Yourself)

Tools of the Ancient Greeks: A Kid’s Guide to the History and Science of Life in Ancient Greece explores the scientific discoveries, athletic innovations, engineering marvels, and innovative ideas created more than two thousand years ago. Through biographical sidebars, interesting facts, fascinating anecdotes, and fifteen hands-on activities, readers will learn how Greek innovations and ideas have shaped world history and our own world view.

Image for Sumerian Mythology: History for kids: A captivating guide to ancient Sumerian history,Sumerian myths of Sumerian Gods, Goddesses, and Monsters

Sumerian Mythology: History for kids: A captivating guide to ancient Sumerian history,Sumerian myths of Sumerian Gods, Goddesses, and Monsters

What humans call “civilization” didn’t always exist. We didn’t always live in big cities, have roads to get places easier, or grow food on farms. For a long time, humans were hunter-gatherers. Hunter-gatherers wandered from place to place looking for food. They didn’t build homes or stay in one place. The Sumerians, as far as we know, were the first people to start a civilization.

Image for History Pockets: Ancient Civilizations, Grades 1-3

History Pockets: Ancient Civilizations, Grades 1-3

The book includes the following pockets:

  • What Is History?
  • Ancient Mesopotamia
  • Ancient Egypt
  • Ancient Greece
  • Ancient Rome
  • Ancient China
  • Ancient Aztec World

This resource contains teacher support pages, reproducible student pages, and an answer key.

Image for Cleopatra and Ancient Egypt for Kids: Her Life and World, with 21 Activities (69)

Cleopatra and Ancient Egypt for Kids: Her Life and World, with 21 Activities (69)

Cleopatra has been called intelligent and scheming, ambitious and ruthless, sensual and indulgent. This unique biography captures the excitement of her life story, including portions that have been largely neglected, such as her interest in literature and science and her role as a mother, and allows readers to draw their own conclusions. Cleopatra and Ancient Egypt for Kids also includes maps, time lines, online resources, a glossary, and 21 engaging hands-on activities to help readers better appreciate the ancient culture.

Image for DIY Ancient Egypt Box, Learn About Geography and World History, Hands on Learning for Kids

DIY Ancient Egypt Box, Learn About Geography and World History, Hands on Learning for Kids

HANDS ON LEARNING: Supernow educational boxes includes an adventure box with 4 hands-on projects and interactive digital content to bring the projects to life!

INTERACTIVE PLAY: Kids get a monthly adventure box that serves as a portal to an immersive adventure. Participate in an unfolding mission by attending live, interactive classes and solving fun clues.

Also, if you want to flesh out your study on these topics, then look at my pages, which match up with these history cards.

  • Lapbook and unit study for Westward Ho.
  • Lapbook and unit  study for the Titanic.
  • Lapbook and unit study for the French and Indian War.
  • Lapbook and unit study for Ancient Civilizations Page I and Page II.

I plan to do another set soon, so hope you enjoy these.

How to Get the Free Ancient Civilization History Cards

Now, how to grab the free history o ring cards. It’s a subscriber freebie.

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

1) Sign up on my email list.
2) Grab the freebie now.
3) Last, look for all my emails in your inbox. Glad to have you following me!

Don’t forget to follow BOTH of my Pinterest accounts for more AWESOME pins.

Visit Tina Robertson’s profile on Pinterest.


Visit Tinas Dynamic Homeschool ‘s profile on Pinterest.

Free History Cards. Put on an O ring and learn facts about Ancient Civilizations, Westward Ho, the Titanic and the French and Indian War. Grab them @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

Leave a CommentFiled Under: 1. My FREE Learning Printables {Any Topic}, Ancient Civilizations, Geography Based, Hands-On Activities, History Based, History Resources, Science Based Tagged With: ancient civilizations, ancientegypt, hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, history, history resources, lewis and clark, lewisandclark, titanic, westwardho

7 Fun Geometry Hands On Activities For High School

June 10, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Fun geometry hands-on activities for high school can mean the difference in just getting by and really getting engaged in lessons. Also, look at my page How to Homeschool High School for more ideas.

Just because your child is in high school does not mean that they’ve set aside their love for Lego.

A fantastic way to incorporate Lego into lessons is to use them to create examples and identify angles.

7 Fun Geometry Hands On Activities For High School

We have done Lego math in the past. But you can even use it for high school manipulatives for learning geometry.

First let’s talk about what geometry is.

Geometry is the part of mathematics that we use for calculating the distance around a circle, the angles that make up a triangle, or the amount of room inside of a cube.

We use it daily in art, navigation, in construction, sports, and even simple household tasks like measuring a surface area for wallpaper.

So, you can see why it is a necessary skill for your teen to learn.

7 Fun Geometry Hands On Activities For High School

Next, look at some of these activities.

These activities are a wonderful way to create a break in the typical textbook, worksheet lesson of high school geometry and can help make complicated lessons more understandable.

  1. Look at this LEGO for geometry idea Pythagorean Theorem Lego Proof.
  2. This Geometry Roller Coaster Project is a large scale lesson in engineering and problem solving. Although it’s written for a classroom, it can be used for one or two students.
  3. Using Hands-On Inquiry in High School Geometry gives you ideas for creating some hands-on geometry lessons that include their observations and geometry tools.
  4. Play the Simplyfun Shape Whiz game for an enjoyable lesson to reinforce some basic geometry shape information.
  5. Bonus, this one post includes 5 Geometry Projects for Middle and High School that are fun while
  6. Grab your deck of uno cards and try Using Uno as an Intro to Teaching Proofs for an advanced geometry lesson.
  7. While Geometric Art For Kids is geared to younger kids I still really think it has value and appeal for the high school bunch as well.
7 Fun Geometry Hands On Activities For High School

Also, look at my post Ancient Greece Unit Study Play Stomachion Like Archimedes {Explore Geometry} to add a math element to your favorite unit study.

The resource Everything You Need to Ace Geometry in One Big Fat Notebook is a fantastic supplement to any curriculum.

In addition, it can be used for independent study and worked well to use with my LEGO activity I have for you today.

Teaching Geometry With LEGO Activities For High School

You will need:

  • LEGO
  • LEGO Baseplate
  • cardstock
  • Pen
7 Fun Geometry Hands On Activities For High School

Single row, long LEGO bricks work best for these activities.

And if you need a good basic set of LEGO because you don’t already have them lying around the house this is a fantastic option.

Two ways we discovered to practice basic geometry are through learning terms and identifying examples of them as well as identifying different angles.

The first way I have to practice geometry is a way to introduce or reinforce geometry terms.

Geometry Vocabulary

  • Point- Indicates a location.
  • Line-a straight path that extends infinitely in both directions.
  • Line segment –Part of a line with two endpoints.
  • Ray- Part of a line that starts at a point and extends infinitely in one direction.
  • Vertex  –The point of intersection of two or more line segments.
  • Triangle – A shape with 3 sides and 3 vertices.
  • Angle- is formed of two rays with the same endpoint, vertex.
  • Parallel lines- Two lines in the same plane that are at equal distance from each other and never meet.
  • Perpendicular lines– Lines that intersect at a 90 degrees angle.

Write each of these terms onto cardstock and cut them into small strips to create labels.

7 Fun Geometry Hands On Activities For High School

You can carry out the activity in one of two ways, either create examples of the terms using various LEGO pieces or lay down the terms onto the base plate and have your highschooler create an example by building it with LEGO bricks.

7 Fun Geometry Hands On Activities For High School

Get creative with using single row bricks to create the examples, use single studs for your points, and make arrows at the end of rays with smaller pieces.

7 Fun Geometry Hands On Activities For High School

In the same way, create labels for acute, right, and obtuse angles and make examples for your student to match or let them create an example of each using random LEGO pieces.

7 Fun Geometry Hands On Activities For High School

Because LEGOs are meant to snap together at right angles and not obtuse or acute you will need a little help. Place your long skinny bricks on single studs to lift them above the base plate

7 Fun Geometry Hands On Activities For High School

You will then be able to swing them around freely to create different angles.

7 Fun Geometry Hands On Activities For High School

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: geometry, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, high school, homeschool, homeschool highschool, homeschool math, homeschoolhighschool, LEGO, math

Under the Sea Science Activities With Amazing Disappearing Octopus Ink

June 6, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Under the sea science activities can teach your child so much more about the amazing creatures that live below the ocean than any worksheet ever could. Also, you’ll love more ideas on my Oceans Unit Study and Lapbook.

I have always been a hands-on teaching mom, preferring an activity to or in addition to books and papers.

Today I have an amazing disappearing octopus ink science experiment for you and more great under the sea science activities to get excited about.

Under the Sea Science Activities With Amazing Disappearing Octopus Ink

And learn amazing things about the depths by testing saltwater density, watching animals live in action, or creating a memorable ocean themed lapbook.

If you are studying oceans for any length of time a must have reference book for studying undersea science is Ocean Anatomy by Julia Rothman.

I found wonderful illustrations and interesting tidbits about the octopus as well as other ocean creatures inside.

Under the Sea Science Activities With Amazing Disappearing Octopus Ink

Under the Sea Books For Kids

Next, add some of these books to your home library to add to your unit study or just for fun reading.

16 Ocean Books for Kids Who Love to Read and Be Read To

Choose a few of these ocean themed books to go along with your study of the Oceans. Whether you're looking for a spine for a unit study or literature, you'll love this roundup.

Image for The Burgess Seashore Book for Children in color

The Burgess Seashore Book for Children in color

Join Danny Meadow Mouse, Jimmy Skunk, and Reddy Fox as they explore the seashore and take a closer look at the habits and habitats of the creatures they find. Discover the Seahorse, Shrimp, Crab, Anemone, Gull, and so many more.

The Burgess Seashore Book for Children is a wonderful way to introduce young ones to the fascinating world beneath us and is a perfect compliment to earlier books in this series, the Bird, Animal, and Flower books.

This edition is complete and unabridged with all of the beautiful illustrations by W.H. Southwick and George Sutton

Image for Seaside Naturalist: Seaside Naturalist

Seaside Naturalist: Seaside Naturalist

Seaside Naturalist is an illustrated guide to marine plants and animals includes the characteristics of protozoa, arthropods, sponges, mollusks, reptiles, birds, fish, and mammals.

Image for The Big Book of the Blue (The Big Book Series)

The Big Book of the Blue (The Big Book Series)

The book opens by explaining how different types of animals are able to breathe and survive underwater, and the different families to which they belong. Subsequent pages are dedicated to specific creatures, including sea turtles, whales, sharks, stingrays, and seahorses, and show varied life in specific habitats, such as a coral reef or deep sea bed. The Big Book of the Blue also explores the underwater world thematically, looking at animals in danger, learning how to spot creatures at the beach, and discovering how to do our part to save sea life. Beautiful and filled with fascinating facts, young, curious readers won’t be able to tear their eyes away from the page.

Image for Scott O'Dell Set: Island of the Blue Dolphins + Zia

Scott O'Dell Set: Island of the Blue Dolphins + Zia

Island of the Blue Dolphins begins with a young girl named Karana who is living on the Island of the Blue Dolphins (fancy name, right?) with her younger brother, Ramo, and sister, Ulape. One day, a group of Russian hunters (Aleutians) land on the island to hunt for otter. This is when the trouble really begins.

Image for Manfish: A Story of Jacques Cousteau (Underwater Picture Book for Kids)

Manfish: A Story of Jacques Cousteau (Underwater Picture Book for Kids)

Once upon a time in France, a baby was born under the summer sun. His parents named him Jacques. As he grew, Jacques fell in love with the sea. He dreamed of breathing beneath the waves and swimming as gracefully as a fish. In fact, he longed to become a manfish. Jacques Cousteau grew up to become a champion of the seas and one of the best-known oceanographers in the world. In this lovely biography, now in paperback, poetic text and gorgeous paintings come together to create a portrait of Cousteau that is as magical as it is inspiring.

Image for Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas (Illustrated 1875 Edition):

Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas (Illustrated 1875 Edition):

A beautiful edition with 110 images from the 1875 English edition. Use Amazon's Look inside feature to compare this edition with others. You'll be impressed by the differences. Don't be fooled by other versions that have no illustrations or contain very small print. Reading our edition will make you feel that you are traveling the seas with Captain Nemo himself.

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

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

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

An introduction by W. D. Howells.

Nicely formatted text in an easy-to-read font.

A beautiful cover from the 1891 edition.

Image for Ocean: A Visual Encyclopedia

Ocean: A Visual Encyclopedia

Embark on a captivating tour of the waters that cover 70 percent of our planet! See our oceans come to life in mind-blowing detail. This is the ultimate children’s visual encyclopedia about the awe-inspiring blue planet! 

Image for Secrets of the Sea: The Story of Jeanne Power, Revolutionary Marine Scientist

Secrets of the Sea: The Story of Jeanne Power, Revolutionary Marine Scientist

How did a nineteenth-century dressmaker revolutionize science? Jeanne Power was creative: she wanted to learn about the creatures that swim beneath the ocean waves, so she built glass tanks and changed the way we study underwater life forever. Jeanne Power was groundbreaking: she solved mysteries of sea animals and published her findings at a time when few of women’s contributions to science were acknowledged. Jeanne Power was persistent: when records of her research were lost, she set to work repeating her studies. And when men tried to take credit for her achievements, she stood firm and insisted on the recognition due to her.

Image for Ocean Anatomy: The Curious Parts & Pieces of the World under the Sea

Ocean Anatomy: The Curious Parts & Pieces of the World under the Sea

Follow Rothman’s inquisitive mind and perceptive eye along shorelines, across the open ocean, and below the waves for an artistic exploration of the watery universe. Through her drawings, discover how the world’s oceans formed, why the sea is salty, and the forces behind oceanic phenomena such as rogue waves. Colorful anatomical profiles of sea creatures from crustacean to cetacean, surveys of seafaring vessels and lighthouses, and the impact of plastic and warming water temperatures are just part of this compendium of curiosities that will entertain and educate readers of all ages. 

Image for The Fascinating Ocean Book for Kids: 500 Incredible Facts!

The Fascinating Ocean Book for Kids: 500 Incredible Facts!

Do you know a kid who’s captivated by what goes on beneath the ocean’s surface? This amazing entry into ocean books for kids is packed with hundreds of incredible facts for hours of underwater exploration. Pages of full-color pictures feature life in and around the sea including fish, dolphins, and shipwrecks!

Image for All About Bioluminescence: Deep Sea Animals

All About Bioluminescence: Deep Sea Animals

Dive into the mesmerizing world of bioluminescence with "All About Bioluminescence." In this captivating book, readers embark on a journey through the depths of the ocean to discover the extraordinary glow-in-the-dark creatures that inhabit its mysterious realm. From the enchanting sea angel to the infamous anglerfish, each page is filled with stunning illustrations and fascinating facts about these luminous beings.With a focus on deep-sea dwellers, readers will uncover the secrets behind bioluminescence and learn how these creatures use light to communicate, camouflage, and lure prey. But the adventure doesn't stop there! "All About Bioluminescence" also includes hands-on activities like a glow stick experiment, allowing readers to experience the magic of bioluminescence firsthand.

Image for Treasure Island (Dover Thrift Editions: Classic Novels)

Treasure Island (Dover Thrift Editions: Classic Novels)

One of the most enduringly popular adventure tales, Treasure Island began in 1881 as a serialized adventure entitled "The Sea-Cook"in the periodical Young Folks. Completed during a stay at Davos, Switzerland, where Stevenson had gone for his health, it was published in 1883 in the form we know today.Set in the eighteenth century, Treasure Island spins a heady tale of piracy, a mysterious treasure map, and a host of sinister characters charged with diabolical intentions. Seen through the eyes of Jim Hawkins, the cabin boy of the Hispaniola, the action-packed adventure tells of a perilous sea journey across the Spanish Main, a mutiny led by the infamous Long John Silver, and a lethal scramble for buried treasure on an exotic isle.

Image for Oceans and Seas!: With 25 Science Projects for Kids

Oceans and Seas!: With 25 Science Projects for Kids

In Oceans and Seas! With 25 Science Projects for Kids readers ages 7 though 10 dive into the underwater world of some of the most amazing landscapes on Earth. On this amazing underwater adventure, kids experience the ocean’s tropical reefs and spot crabs, sea sponges, and thousands of kinds of fish darting in its crags and folds. They’ll meet a giant squid with eyes the size of dinner plates and an mbrella-like bioluminescent jellyfish.

Image for Discover the Oceans: The World's Largest Ecosystem (Discover Your World)

Discover the Oceans: The World's Largest Ecosystem (Discover Your World)

From both a historical and scientific point of view, above and below the surface, this engaging guide brings the world’s oceans to life through fun facts, illustrations, and in-depth information. Interactive activities appear throughout, ranging from making solar stills and simple fishing spears to experimenting with a homemade diving bell and figuring out how much water it really takes to survive. With the oceans being the least explored environment on Earth, this reference illuminates some of the most incredible and surprising plants and animals as well as how to survive and navigate these vast expanses.

Image for Pagoo

Pagoo

An intricate study of tide pool life is presented in text and pictures through the story of Pagoo, a her-mit crab.

Also, learn why does an octopus shoot out ink.

We are going to investigate and find out at the same time as we learn how to make food coloring disappear.

Two fantastic science investigations rolled into one with a fun ocean theme.

Take some time to do a few of the other ideas listed with your child.

15 Under the Sea Science Activities

  1. First up is my Shark and Oceans for Kindergarten Fun Sight Word Activity. While this is heavily language arts based, building the shark together and talking about the makeup of the shark and what they eat turns it into a science lesson as well.
  2. Find out all about coral chemistry and learn the effects of ocean acidification on coral reefs.
  3. Learn all about the different layers of the ocean from the trench to the sunlight zone with Fun Making Ocean Layers Soap | Summer Activities for Middle Schoolers.
  4. Watch one or more of these Live Aquarium Webcams to see sea creatures in action.
  5. Grab my Free Ocean Lapbook and Fun Homeschool Unit Study Ideas
  6. Include some sensory play into your learning with Ocean Waves in a bottle.
  7. How To Make Your Own Edible Beach Sand And Shells: A Creative And Delicious Recipe
  8. Learn How do Fish Breathe Underwater Fun Activity & Animal Science Homeschool Curriculum.
  9. Try out the Salt Water Density Ocean Experiments for Kindergarten for kids of a variety of ages and find out what happens to mass in fresh vs. salt water.
  10. A great selection of plastic ocean animals can be used to observe their features up close, to create sensory bins, dioramas, toppers for cakes, and so much more.
  11. Have you ever wondered How Does Sound Travel Underwater? This activity is a simple way to find out!
  12. Making Ocean Layers Soap
  13. Beware of Ocean Pollution: Fun Science Activity for Kids
  14. How to Make a Fun Paper Plate Fish | F is for Fish
  15. Exciting Swiss Family Robinson Activities | From Oyster To Pearl

Before we get into the activity, I have for you let’s dive into how it works so you are ready to amaze and astound your kiddos!

Why Does Bleach Make The Color Fade

Depending on the concentration of bleach and how much you use your ink may fade or completely disappear.

What makes inky water clear up is the sodium hypochlorite in the bleach and that oxidizes the food coloring.

The color molecules remain in the water, but their shape is changed which means that it no longer absorbs and reflects light the same way and loses its color.

Amazing Disappearing Octopus Ink

You will need:

  • Large clear bowl
  • Plastic octopus
  • Water
  • Food coloring
  • Bleach
  • Dropper

First, place your octopus on the bottom of your glass jar or bowl.

Under the Sea Science Activities With Amazing Disappearing Octopus Ink

Fill the container with water until your octopus is completely covered.

Under the Sea Science Activities With Amazing Disappearing Octopus Ink

Add a few drops of food coloring and talk about what happens as the water darkens around the octopus. Why do they do that? How does it help them?

Under the Sea Science Activities With Amazing Disappearing Octopus Ink

The ‘ink’ creates a great veil for them to get lost in, we could barely see him in the water.

Under the Sea Science Activities With Amazing Disappearing Octopus Ink

Now begin adding bleach a few drops at a time until the water, we started with the blue and while it is a fantastic demonstration for how they use it to hide and escape it would not disappear no matter how much bleach we added. 

Under the Sea Science Activities With Amazing Disappearing Octopus Ink

So to demonstrate our disappearing ink experiment a little better we tried it with yellow which has a much more dramatic reaction to the bleach.

Under the Sea Science Activities With Amazing Disappearing Octopus Ink

Add the bleach a dropper full at a time and watch the magic happen.

Under the Sea Science Activities With Amazing Disappearing Octopus Ink

As you add more bleach the yellow begins to disappear almost completely from the water.

Extend the lesson-

Try all the colors to compare the differences, use cold water and also try it with hot water. Was there any difference?

Under the Sea Science Activities With Amazing Disappearing Octopus Ink

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

How To Make A Shoebox Toucan Habitat Diorama With Waterfall

June 4, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today we are creating a toucan habitat diorama. Also, look at my page Rain Forest – Amazon, Rain Forest – Animals of the Amazon and Rainforest Activities for Kids or more ideas, crafts and activities.

Our diorama resembles the rainforest canopies of Central and South America where the toucan make their home.

High above the ground, where the covering is lush and thick, Toucans build their nests.

They build them in hollowed out tree cavities sleeping in groups of 5 or 6.

How To Make A Shoebox Toucan Habitat Diorama With Waterfall

They very rarely fly down to the forest floor.

Also, they are prey for forest eagles, hawks, owls, boas, and jaguars.

We are creating a tropical rainforest paradise that is perfect for a bright toucan to hide out in.

It is complete with a unique waterfall just like you might find in the Lacandon Jungle, Mexico or Kaieteur Falls in the Amazon.

This is a pretty safe hot glue craft even for younger kids as they only have to squeeze the glue gun to create their piece and do not touch the glue until it’s completely cooled.

They may just need a little bit of help attaching the waterfall.

What better way to learn about this fascinating and beautiful bird than to study its habitat with a unique rainforest diorama.

5 Fun Facts About Toucans

  1. Toucans use their massive beaks to attract mates, intimidate predators, to reach food that would otherwise be out of reach, and to control their body temperature by regulating blood flow through it.
  2. Vocabulary alert- They are ‘monomorphic’ which means that there is no color difference in males and females, both are equally colorful.
  3. Toucans range in size from the toco toucan (Ramphastos toco) that can be up to 24” down to the tawny-tufted toucanet (Selenidera nattereri) at just 12.5”.
  4. Toucans hang out in groups of 3 to 12, but also as large as groups of 20.
  5. They are very important to the biome of the rainforest. They eat a variety of native fruits and spread the seeds via their droppings, which helps keep the plants growing and maintains the forest’s diversity.
How To Make A Shoebox Toucan Habitat Diorama With Waterfall

Next, add a few more ideas to bring your toucan habitat diorama to life.

Toucan Habitat Resources

  • Toucans! My Incredible World Picture Book
  • If you want another toucan activity that is especially great for younger kids make these. Wildlife in the Amazon Rainforest – Create Fun Macaw and Toucan Crafts
  • Watch All About Toucans to see the big beaked beauties in action.
  • You can include toucans or any rainforest creature in this unique and easy Rainforest Triorama with kids project
How To Make A Shoebox Toucan Habitat Diorama With Waterfall

Finally, look at how to make this fun toucan shoebox diorama.

How To Make A Shoebox Toucan Habitat Diorama With Waterfall

You will need:

  • Glue gun/sticks
  • Box/shoebox
  • Greenery
  • Plastic toucan figure
  • Green and blue craft paint
  • Rocks and sticks
  • Paintbrushes
  • Silicone mat

These messy mats are a must for any project, and they work well to contain paint, glue, playdough, or any other mess.

Perfect for glue gun “sculptures”, they allow you to peel it away so easily.

How To Make A Shoebox Toucan Habitat Diorama With Waterfall

First, decide which way you want to design your box.

We opted to put our box vertically so that we could maximize our waterfall and canopy height.

Paint the inside with thick blobby layers of different greens to create a thick full background, leaving some space for the blue of the waterfall.

How To Make A Shoebox Toucan Habitat Diorama With Waterfall

Let the paint dry (or use a blow dryer to move it along a little faster).

Toucan Habitat Diorama With Waterfall

Then paint your blue waterfall from the top down and on the bottom inside of the box to create a little pool.

How To Make A Shoebox Toucan Habitat Diorama With Waterfall

Allow the paint to dry completely, while you are waiting you can create the waterfall

Lay out your silicone mat and drizzle hot glue in continuous motions up and down as tall and as wide as you like.

Be sure to overlap each of the layers so that each strand of glue is touching in multiple areas.

How To Make A Shoebox Toucan Habitat Diorama With Waterfall

Allow glue to cool and harden, add more to the base of the waterfall for where it splashes up as it hits the pool.

How To Make A Shoebox Toucan Habitat Diorama With Waterfall

Once your glue is hardened you can dab a bit of blue on the glue or leave it clear.

How To Make A Shoebox Toucan Habitat Diorama With Waterfall

When the paint is dry inside your habitat you can begin to assemble it.

Place some hot glue along the top and bottom of your waterfall and layer over where you painted it in the box.

Drip additional hot glue to attach it into place and fill it out as you like.

How To Make A Shoebox Toucan Habitat Diorama With Waterfall

Next, glue in some rocks around the pool and secure some sticks from the yard to use as tree trunks.

How To Make A Shoebox Toucan Habitat Diorama With Waterfall

Then, attach greenery to the “trees” as well as on the ground to create a thick dense rainforest

Finally, add in your toucan and other animals if you would like to represent various parts of the rainforest.

How To Make A Shoebox Toucan Habitat Diorama With Waterfall

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: amazon rain forest, bird, birds, diorama, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool, life science, toucan

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