Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

Activity, Change, Progress

hands-on

How to Make A Megalodon Shark Tooth Fun Homeschool Project

| 3 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Learn how to make a megalodon shark tooth homeschool project. Also, look for more ideas on my page Oceans Unit Study and Lapbook.

Megalodon Day is celebrated on June 15 to celebrate one of the largest predators ever known on Earth.

So, because I have a megalodon shark homeschool project to share with you as well as a host of other fun things. 

How to Make A Megalodon Shark Tooth Fun Homeschool Project

If you have a shark or prehistoric creature-loving kid, they are going to enjoy this activity and the other ideas to go along with it.

Not only is it a great science project but it also works in an element of art, math, and research skills.

Like much of homeschooling, a good hands-on activity is fun and covers a multitude of subjects.

Megalodon Day Facts

  • The scientific name for the megalodon is Otodus megalodon.
  • The word megalodon comes from the Greek language and means “giant tooth.”
  • The megalodon bite was thought to be 3 times stronger than a T Rex bite, with a grin of 10 feet wide.
  • Megalodons are estimated to have been 40 to 60 feet in length and weighed 50 to 75 tons.
  • They have found fossil remains of the megalodon off the coast of every continent except Antarctica.
  • Studies done between megalodon, and great white teeth have led scientists to believe that they are closely related and also assume their body shape (though not size) was similar.
  • Since sharks don’t have any bones to examine most of what we know about the ancient megalodon comes from its large fossil teeth.

Then, look at some of these resources.

Megalodon Shark Resources

Add some of these fun Megalodon shark resources to your unit study.

More Hands-On Shark Homeschool Activities

How to Make A Megalodon Shark Tooth Fun Homeschool Project

Finally, look at how to make a megalodon shark tooth.

Megalodon Shark Tooth Homeschool Project

Before starting, look in one of your books or online to get an idea of the shape and coloring of a Megalodon tooth. This helps give a good idea of just how massive a single tooth is.

You will need:

  • Air-Dry Clay
  • Craft paints
  • Paintbrushes
  • Clay roller or rolling pin
  • Toothpicks, craft sticks
  • Ruler
How to Make A Megalodon Shark Tooth Fun Homeschool Project

Begin by pulling off a sizable piece of clay, we will try to get our megalodon tooth close to 7” long.

How to Make A Megalodon Shark Tooth Fun Homeschool Project

Then, forming your shape, we are going for something roughly the shape of a piece of pizza.

Add clay as needed and work it in smoothing it with your fingers.

How to Make A Megalodon Shark Tooth Fun Homeschool Project

This is a great time to pull out your ruler and have your child measure to get the size right, somewhere between 6” and 7 ⅜” (the largest ever found).

How to Make A Megalodon Shark Tooth Fun Homeschool Project

Once you have your general size and shape roll it out to smooth the lumps.

How to Make a Megalodon Shark Tooth

Add a little build-up to the broader end, this is the root, where it would have been inside the shark’s jaw. Smooth with fingers to make it look like a natural transition.

How to Make A Megalodon Shark Tooth Fun Homeschool Project

Before allowing it to dry, add some aging and wear marks like pits and grooves using whatever you have on hand- the backend of your paint brushes, toothpicks, craft sticks, and etc.

Maybe there is a small piece missing out of one edge where he fought with another megalodon?

How to Make A Megalodon Shark Tooth Fun Homeschool Project

Allow to dry, this may take a couple of days, be sure to turn it every 12 hours or so to help it dry more thoroughly. If you place it outside in a sunny spot it will dry fast, be sure to lay it flat so that it dries flat.

Once your tooth is completely dry make a palette of different paint colors like black, white, tan, and gray on a paper plate.

How to Make A Megalodon Shark Tooth Fun Homeschool Project

Paint each section of the tooth and allow it to dry, you only need one thin coat.

If you want your replica megalodon tooth to last even longer give it a couple coats with a clear spray sealant.

How to Make A Megalodon Shark Tooth Fun Homeschool Project

Free Carnivorous Plants Lapbook and Fun Homeschool Unit Study Ideas

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

Today, I have a free carnivorous plants lapbook and fun unit study ideas. Also, I have my page Carnivorous Plants.

Besides, carnivorous plants are a fascinating topic for every age.

For example, like all green plants they make their food by photosynthesis.

In addition, they are sometimes called insectivorous plants.

Free Carnivorous Plants Lapbook and Fun Homeschool Unit Study Ideas

Carnivorous plants are plants which derive some or most of their nutrients from trapping and consuming animals or protozoans, typically insects and other arthropods.

And as mentioned they still generate some of their energy from photosynthesis.

6 Types of Traps

Next look at some of the types of traps which can be found in insectivorous plants.

  • Lobsterpot trap
  • Snap trap
  • Bladder trap
  • Flypaper trap
  • Pitfall trap
Free Carnivorous Plants Lapbook and Fun Homeschool Unit Study Ideas

Also, look at the types of plants.

Types of Carnivorous Plants

Next, look at some of the names and facts about the types of plants.

Carnivorous plants are plants that can absorb certain nutrients from animals they trap. 

All plants need nitrogen to live. They can live in areas where there is poor soil and where nitrogen is not easily absorbed.

So, the plants do not eat the insects for food but digest the captured insects as a source of nitrogen.

Some common carnivorous plants are

  • venus flytrap,
  • bladderworts,
  • pitcher plant
  • and sundew.

Vocabulary Words

  • nitrogen – A nutrient needed in order to make molecules so that a plant can thrive and reproduce. This is normally taken from the soil but if the soil is poor in nitrogen, it gets it from the insect.
  • nutrients – A nutrient is a chemical that an organism needs to live and grow, or a substance used in an organism’s metabolism which must be taken in from its environment.
  • angiosperm – Plants that make their seeds from pollinated flowers.
  • insectivorous – Another term used to describe carnivorous plants.
  • photosynthesis – The process by which plants produce food. By using light, leaves put together carbon dioxide and water to make sugar and oxygen.

More Activities and Resources about Plants

Also, look at more resources for learning about plants.

In addition, look at these books and resources for a fun unit study.

11 Carnivorous Plants Resources

Add some of these books and resources for a carnivorous plants unit study for multiple ages.

More Best Homeschool Unit Studies

Minibooks for the Lapbook

Moreover, look at these minibooks which come in the free download.

  • 2 color covers
  • Where can you find carnivorous plants in the US?
  • The sower and the seed
  • Types of trap
  • Venus flytrap
  • Pitcher plant
  • Bladder wort
  • Sundew
  • Vocabulary words
  • What is a carnivorous plant
Free Carnivorous Plants Lapbook and Fun Homeschool Unit Study Ideas

Now, how to grab the free carnivorous plants lapbook. This is a subscriber freebie.

How to Get the Free 12 Page Carnivorous Plants Lapbook

That means when you sign up to follow me, you get instant access to this freebie.

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

Fun Hands-on Coral Reef Activities and Play Dough Invitation to Play

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

I have some fun coral reef activities and play dough invitation to play. Also, grab more ideas on my Coral Reef page and Oceans Unit Study and Lapbook.

June 9th is all about celebrating Coral Triangle Day.

It’s a day to promote ocean conservation and protection, especially in the Coral Triangle.

To mark it, I have fun coral reef activities and a play dough invitation to play.

Additionally, the Coral Triangle includes the waters of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and the Solomon Islands.

Fun Hands-on Coral Reef Activities and Play Dough Invitation to Play

While coral reefs everywhere are important, the coral triangle gains a lot of attention for its diversity within its waters.

Let’s dive into an ocean of learning about the beauty and diversity of coral reefs and the Coral Triangle.

I have books, hands-on activities, facts, and more.

Summer is the perfect time to learn more about the oceans that surround us and the unique coral reefs in them.

Coral Reef Activities Facts

  • The Coral Triangle is also known as the Amazon of the Seas.
  • Here, in the triangle, live 6 out of the world’s 7 species of marine turtles.
  • It is one of the eight major coral reef zones throughout the world, and it is recognized as a very important place of marine biodiversity and a major priority for conservation.
  • Over 600 different species of reef-building coral make their home in the triangle.
  • 76% of all the world’s coral species are found in the Coral Triangle. The area boasts the highest coral diversity in the world.
  • Researchers believe that the Coral Triangle may be where all Coral Reefs once began.
  • The most endangered species in the area are Yellowfin, Tuna Skipjack, and Bigeye Tuna.

Also, look at some of these fun coral reef books and resources.

Coral Reef Unit Study Resources

Add some of these coral reef unit study resources to your unit study.

Also, look at these hands on ideas to study about the ocean and coral reef.

More Coral Reef Activities and Resources

Fun Hands-on Coral Reef Activities and Play Dough Invitation to Play

Moreover, look at my huge Ocean Unit Study and Sea Turtle Unit Study.

Coral Reef Activities Play Dough Invitation

You will need:

  • 1 cup Flour
  • ½ cup table salt
  • 1 cup of Water
  • 1 Tbsp. Coconut Oil (or vegetable oil)
  • 1 tsp. Cream of tartar
  • Food coloring
  • Optional-essential oils

Also, you will need:

  • Small bowls, cups, or a divided tray
  • Shells
  • Plastic ocean creatures
  • Beads
  • Toothpicks
  • Aquarium pebbles
  • Chenille stems

First, combine flour, salt, water, coconut oil, and cream of tartar in a medium pot over medium-high heat.

Fun Hands-on Coral Reef Activities and Play Dough Invitation to Play

Stir constantly until the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the pan and is no longer sticky.

Fun Hands-on Coral Reef Activities and Play Dough Invitation to Play

Quickly remove from heat and put the dough onto a smooth surface.

When it cools enough to touch, knead it for a few minutes and add food coloring and essential oil mixing well.

This is the perfect time to mix in a fun beachy scented essential oil like coconut or pineapple.

Fun Hands-on Coral Reef Activities and Play Dough Invitation to Play

Now that your playdough is ready to go you can begin building your coral reef Hands-on invitation to play.

Grab some small clear cups or use a divided tray to place all your items out in an inviting way.

Cut colorful pipe cleaners down into different lengths.

Fun Hands-on Coral Reef Activities and Play Dough Invitation to Play

Put playdough in one bowl, beads and toothpicks in another, chenille stems, toys, shells, and any other little items you have each in their own bowl.

Fun Hands-on Coral Reef Activities and Play Dough Invitation to Play

Encourage your child to build an ocean base with the playdough, press chenille stems into it, poke in toothpicks and stack pony beads on them, Add fish and other ocean toys.

Fun Hands-on Coral Reef Activities and Play Dough Invitation to Play

Your child can build and rebuild unique coral reefs as they learn about their beauty and importance.

Fun Hands-on Coral Reef Activities and Play Dough Invitation to Play

Free Peregrine Falcon Lapbook And Fun Unit Study Ideas

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

I have a free Peregrine Falcon lapbook. Too, look at my Peregrine Falcons Unit Study and my lapbook ideas,

The Peregrine Falcon was almost extinct in the 1960s.

The Peregrine Falcon is an endangered species but can dwell in cities.

Additionally, the falcon is a common bird of prey which also includes eagles and hawks.

Free Peregrine Falcon Lapbook And Fun Unit Study Ideas

A bird of prey is a hunting bird.

And the Peregrine Falcon is the most common falcon.

However, there are more species of falcons.

There are the:

  • American Krestel
  • Merlin
  • Prairie Falcon
  • Collared Forest Falcon

Too, look at some of these facts about falcons.

More Peregrine Falcons Facts

  • The adults have blue-gray wings with dark brown backs.
  • And they are 16 to 19 inches long,
  • Their name comes from the Latin word peregrinus, which means “one from abroad” or “to wander.”
  • Females are slightly larger than the males.
  • Beaks are slate blue.
  • Flight speed can be more than 60 mph.
  • They have long pointed wings.
  • Juveniles are marked with vertical streaks instead of horizontal bars on the breast.
  • When falcons catch birds in a fast dive in the air it’s called a stoop.
  • Besides dwelling in cities, they can nest and perch on cliffs and other tall structures.
Free Peregrine Falcon Lapbook And Fun Unit Study Ideas

Next, add some of these vocabulary words to your unit study.

Vocabulary Words – Peregrine Falcon

  • endangered species – an animal or plant at risk of becoming extinct
  • raptor – a bird of prey; a bird that obtains food through the use of force
  • prey – an animal hunted by another for food
  • talon – the claw of a bird of prey
  • scientific name – Falco peregrinus
  • eyrie (pronounced I Ree) – the nest of a bird of prey usually on a high cliff or other tower
  • ornithologist – a biologist who studies birds
  • tiercel – the name for the male
  • clutch – set of eggs
  • Anatum – Latin for “eater or killer of ducks”. The common name in North America for the Peregrine Falcon used to be Duck Hawk.
  • ecosystem – all living and nonliving things in an area that interacts
  • raptor – From a Latin origin meaning “to grasp or seize”.
  • falconry – An ancient sport of using a trained raptor to hunt.
  • thermal – An ascending current of air caused by heat.

Also, look at some of the history of falconry.

Free Peregrine Falcon Lapbook And Fun Unit Study Ideas

History of Falconry

The use of falcons for hunting was developed around 2,000 B.C. in central Asia.

And by the twelfth century A.D., falconry was widely practiced throughout Europe.

Pictorial records and wall hangings show falconers with birds on their wrists in Arabia and Persia.

Falconry is an art.

It requires long hours, constant devotion, finesse, subtlety and skill. The falconer must train a bird of prey to fly free, hunt for a human being and then accept a return to captivity.

Free Peregrine Falcon Lapbook And Fun Unit Study Ideas

More Bird Resources and Activities

Also, study birds with these other activities and resources.

And you’ll love these books.

Bird Of Prey and Peregrine Falcon Resources

Add these books and resources to your unit study about bird of prey or peregrine falcons.

More Best Homeschool Unit Studies

Peregrine Falcons Free Minibooks

Moreover, here are the minibooks included in the download. I find that they are jumping off points for subtopics I covered in the unit study.

  • 2 Birds of Prey Cover pages for the outside of the lapbook
  • Hawks and Falcons Birds of Prey
  • Did You Know . .
  • Anatomy of Peregrine Falcon
  • Falconry – An Ancient Sport
  • Mating and Nesting
  • Prey of Falcon
  • Types of Falcon
  • Natures Finest Flying Machine
  • Vocabulary Words Pocket/Illustration
  • Where Do Falcons Live

How to Get the Free Peregrine Falcon 20 Page Lapbook

Now, how to grab the free lapbook. This is a subscriber freebie.

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

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

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

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

They have an obvious and easy to follow life cycle.

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

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

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

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

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

Dandelion Flower Unit Study Facts

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

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

In addition, add some of these books.

Dandelion Flower Unit Study Resources

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

Also, look at some of these fun activities.

Dandelion Flower Unit Study Hands-On Activities

  • Head out and gather as many Dandelions as you can find to observe and study.
  • Paint a dandelion with watercolors.
Fun Kids Dandelion Flower Unit Study and Easy Tea Recipe & Notebooking Pages
Fun Kids Dandelion Flower Unit Study and Easy Tea Recipe & Notebooking Pages

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

More Flower Unit Study Activities

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

Flower Vocabulary

Add some of these vocabulary words to your study.

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

Then here are more homeschool unit studies.

More Best Homeschool Unit Studies

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

Too, do a flower unit investigation.

Flower Unit Study Investigation

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

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

Wash away the dirt and pat dry.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have your child place the labels next to the flowers.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Moreover, you decide which set each student gets.

Lastly, the topics on each page are:

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

How to Make Dandelion Tea

Finally, look how to make dandelion teas.

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

You will need:

  • Dandelions
  • Water
  • Honey or another sweetener

Gather a bunch of dandelion flower heads.

Rinse them all well.

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

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

Boil 1 cup of water.

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

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

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

Strain out flower petals.

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

Stir in honey or other sweetener to desired sweetness.

Enjoy!

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

How to Get the Free Dandelion Notebooking Pages

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

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

I like to keep up to date with what is valuable to you so I can give you more, some freebies you must sign up again on the form below even if you are already a follower.

And it’s the only way I have of freely delivering them to you. Just follow the steps below.

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