• Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • LinkedIn
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

Activity, Change, Progress

  • HOME
  • How to
    • Preschool
    • Kindergarten
    • Middle School
    • High School
  • Planner
  • Lapbooks
    • Trioramas
    • History Games
  • Shop
  • GET STARTED NOW!
    • Learning Styles
  • 7 Step Planner
    • DIY Best Student Planner
    • Free & Easy DIY Home Management Binder
  • Unit Studies
    • Creation to Ancients
    • Middle Ages to Reform
    • Exploring to Revolution
    • World Wars to Today
    • Science
    • Free Art Curriculum Grades 1 – 8
  • Curriculum
    • More Unit Studies
    • Geography
    • Writing PreK to 12th
    • Geronimo Stilton
  • BootCamp
    • Resources
      • Dynamic Subscriber Freebies
      • Exclusive Subscribers Library
      • Ultimate Unit Study Planner

hands-on

Bioluminescence For Kids: How To Make A Fun Firefly Craft

May 23, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, were doing a bioluminescence for kids fun craft. Besides, the best way to remember any lesson is to do a fun hands-on idea.

We’re making fireflies in a jar craft along with learning some facts about fireflies and bioluminescence.

During the summer those tiny floating lights look like fairy lights. They bring me back to my childhood of spending summer outdoors and waiting for those glowing lights to appear.

Bioluminescence For Kids: How To Make A Fun Firefly Craft

Bioluminescence is when a living creature makes its own light. This glow usually comes from a special chemical reaction.

Bioluminescence mostly happens underwater, where it’s dark and deep. But it can also happen on land.

For example, not only fireflies have it, but so do some glowworms and a special fungi called foxfire.

BOOKS ABOUT FIREFLIES FOR KIDS

Then, grab one or two of these fun books.

I prefer living books when I can find them.

5 Firefly Books For Kids Who Love to Read and Be Read To

Grab some of these fun books about fireflies and add them to your home library or use them in a unit study for the day. Some are just for reading aloud.

Fireflies in the Night (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science 1)

"Clearly written text [tells of a young girl who] learns some interesting facts about fireflies from her grandfather. Alexander uses
richly hued pastels for her illustrations of the young girl, her grandparents' farm, and the creatures of a summer night." (School Library Journal)

It's a Firefly Night

Part glittery counting book, part endearing daddy-daughter story! A favorite childhood activity—catching fireflies—glows from the pages of this story, plus counting. Lilting rhymes chronicle a little girl's capture and release of fireflies, one by one, capped off by a collection of fascinating firefly facts.

Sam and the Firefly

Sam the Owl and Gus the Firefly literally light up the sky in this classic Beginner Book edited by Dr. Seuss. In Sam and the Firefly, P. D. Eastman (author of Are You My Mother? and Go, Dog. Go!) introduces us to the dynamic duo of Sam and Gus, who soar through the air writing words in the night sky. But when Gus’s words end up causing confusion and chaos for the people on the ground, it’s up to Sam to help Gus “write” his wrongs.

When Lightning Comes in a Jar

It’s time for a family reunion! when tricia’s aunts, uncles, and cousins arrive at her house for an annual family reunion, the fun really begins. And this year, gramma has promised to teach the children something wonderful—how to catch “lightning” in a jar. with so many people and so much love, this family reunion will certainly prove to be the most memorable one yet. inspired by her own family, patricia polacco beautifully depicts an endearing family reunion that will surely have readers—young and old— yearning to spend quality time with their family.

Fireflies (Science I Can Read Book)

Describes the physical characteristics of a firefly from the time it is a glowworm until adulthood.

Then, look at some bioluminescence for kids facts.

BIOLUMINESCENCE FOR KIDS FACTS

  • The light is made by mixing two main ingredients.
  • Luciferin is a light-producing chemical.
  • Luciferase is an enzyme that helps the reaction happen.
  • It is called a cold light because when they mix with oxygen they don’t give off heat.
  • Animals use bioluminescence for different reasons.
  • Fireflies blink to attract mates.
  • Some squid shoot glowing ink to ward off predators.
  • Anglerfish use a lantern glowing light to lure in prey.
  • And some fish glow their belly so it matches light from above to hide.
Bioluminescence For Kids: How To Make A Fun Firefly Craft

Also, look How To Mix Glow In The Dark Slime Ingredients To Make Awesome Ocean Slime.

And If you want to park here in this topic of bioluminescence for a while this book, All About Bioluminescence, is full of information and activity ideas.

HOW TO MAKE A FIREFLIES IN A JAR CRAFT

Next, even though they’re called fireflies, they’re actually beetles. Fireflies belong to the insect family called Lampyridae.,

Fireflies blink to talk to each other. It’s mostly to attract a mate. Each species has its own blinking pattern.

And some flash slow, others fast and still others a combination.

Finally, look at how to make this fun and easy fireflies in a jar craft.

Look at this easy list of supplies:

  • Glow In the Dark Paint ( green and yellow)
  • Mason jar
  • Paintbrush
  • Paper plate (or something for the paint)

Gather all the supplies needed to create fireflies in a jar.

Bioluminescence For Kids: How To Make A Fun Firefly Craft

Use a clean and dry mason jar.

Apply small dots of green and yellow glow-in-the-dark paint to the outside of the mason jar using a paintbrush.

Bioluminescence For Kids: How To Make A Fun Firefly Craft

Allow the paint to dry.

Bioluminescence For Kids: How To Make A Fun Firefly Craft

Charge the paint by either placing it in a sunny area or with a flashlight on the jar for 10-15 minutes.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: bioluminescence, firefly, hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, life science, science

20 Brain Break Quick And Fast Facts For Kids

May 21, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have a free 20 micro lessons brain break fast facts for kids printable.

In today’s fast paced world, children are constantly taking in information. This is important to feed their insatiable curiosity. However, all learners need a brain break.

A brain break is a short mental pause designed to help children stay fresh and engaged.

20 Brain Break Quick And Fast Facts For Kids

Brain breaks are not a distraction. They’re a vital part of learning.

They help children recharge, refocus, and return to their routine with renewed energy and attention. The key is to make them fun, low-stress, and effective at re-energizing the brain.

Too, there are various forms of brain breaks.

RESOURCES FOR KIDS BRAIN BREAK

First, look at some of these other bran break resources.

I’ve included activities for multiple ages.

7 Brain Break Activities for Kids

Add a few of these fun short activities to give the brain a break. Besides, short pauses and quick lessons give kids a change to refocus.

Exploring Geometry: An Interesting Activity Book for Kids Ages 11 to 14

Discover the fascinating world of geometry through captivating games and activities! The activities in this book are designed to make geometry fun and engaging. Through interactive games and exercises, children will learn complex concepts.

Unlock the fascinating world of shapes, angles, and patterns with "Exploring Geometry"! This engaging activity book is perfect for kids ages 11 to 14, transforming complex geometric concepts into fun and interactive learning experiences.

HOW TO DRAW EVERYTHING SCIENCE FOR CURIOUS KIDS: Step-by-Step Art To Explore The World Around You

This exciting drawing book makes learning about the world around us fun, easy, and incredibly creative.

Packed with cool, and amazing step-by-step drawing lessons, kids will learn how to draw experiences of the world around us from rockets and robots to plants, animals, and atoms. Whether it's their very first how-to-draw book or they’re next drawing adventure, this book takes them on the next step of their artistic and curious journey.

Daring Deeds - World War II Short Stories for Kids: Family-Friendly Stories About Friendship, Bravery, Kindness & Love for 8-14 Year Olds

Is your child obsessed with all things World War II?

Does he or she keep wanting to know more and more about these historic events?

Or maybe they are just always hungry for knowledge and obscure facts..

Have you been wanting to give them the perfect book?

Our big book of short stories has:

  • More than 20 never-before-read short stories from WW2
  • Stories of love, loss, bravery & kindness & other important morals
  • Unknown stories (everybody knows the story of Anne Frank already!)

Mazes for Kids: Maze Activity Book for Ages 4 – 8

Mazes that are fun for kids!
  • Suitable for ages 4 – 8: easy to medium
  • 80 creative designs for hours of entertainment

Brain Breaks for Kids: Recharging Minds, One Break at a Time

Transform any setting with "Brain Breaks for Kids," a practical guide packed with creative ideas for 5-20 minute breaks that recharge kids' minds and bodies, helping them return to their tasks refreshed and ready to learn.

Brain breaks are short bursts of mental and physical activities that let kids pause their tasks to refresh. These quick, revitalizing breaks can include movement, games, music, and mindfulness exercises, all designed to keep kids engaged and energized throughout the day.

Color Sorting Sensory Toys for Toddlers, Color Matching Fidget Toys for Calming, Preschool Learning Montessori Toy Travel Fine Motor Skills Game

Fine Motor Toys: These cute ice cream-shaped color sorting toys allow children to improve their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination by squeezing different colored rubber beads into the corresponding colors. Each color includes 5 beads.

Harkla Sensory Activity Dice – Fun and Effective Brain Breaks for Kids

GRAB, ROLL AND PLAY— Get Instant Sensory Support, No Prep Needed. Just roll the exercise dice and follow the activity—no screens, no setup, just instant movement that supports better behavior and focus.

Too, fast facts for kids can be any resource from short stories to word searches.

WHAT IS INCLUDED 20 MICRO LESSONS BRAIN BREAKS FAST FACTS FOR KIDS

I have 20 micro lessons for kids.

The twenty topics are science based.

From what is a black hole to understanding goose bumps, these engaging science lessons are quick and fun.

Too, there is a challenge if your child wants to dig deeper into topics.

20 Brain Break Quick And Fast Facts For Kids

Then, look at a few more fast fact for kids brain breaks.

MORE FAST FACTS FOR KIDS BRAIN BREAKS ACTIVITIES

  • 16 Brain Break Ideas to Get Kids Moving
  • 10 Brain Break Activities for Kids
  • Brain Breaks! 10 Crossing the Midline Activities for Kids
  • Remote Learning Brain Breaks for Kids To Improve Focus
  • Brain Breaks for Kindergarten Students

Finally, look at how to download the fast facts 20 micro lessons  perfect for brain breaks.

HOW TO DOWNLOAD THE FREE FAST FACTS 20 MICRO LESSONS  PERFECT FOR BRAIN BREAKS

Now, how to grab the freebie. 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) CLICK HERE ON THIS LINK TO SIGN UP ON MY EMAIL LIST & TO GET THIS FREEBIE

2) Grab the freebie instantly.

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: brain break, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool, science

Easy Mexican Crafts: How to Make a Taco Craft

May 20, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have some easy Mexican crafts. Too, we’re making a fun taco craft but this would really be fun if you could make it a fun cooking day. Also, look at my pages Mexico Unit Study for more hands-on ideas.

Too, you will find more hands-on history on my page Meso-America Free Unit Study and Lapbook.

We’re learning about where tacos come from and learning some things about Mexican culture.

Easy Mexican Crafts: How to Make a Taco Craft

One of the most important and fun things to know about delicious tacos is that you eat them with your hands. It’s like a fold up sandwich.

Just grab and go. And tacos can be eaten anywhere or for any meal, even for a dessert.

First, add some fun books about Mexico to your craft day.

BOOKS ABOUT MEXICO FOR KIDS

Sneak in a bit of learning while the kids are playing.

I always prefer living books first if I can find them.

10 Mexico Books & Resources For Kids Who Love Reading and Being Read To

Add some of these books to your home library about Mexico. Also, use them for a homeschool unit study.

The Underdogs: A Novel of the Mexican Revolution (Penguin Classics)

The Underdogs is the first great novel about the first great revolution of the twentieth century. Demetrio Macias, a poor, illiterate Indian, must join the rebels to save his family. Courageous and charismatic, he earns a generalship in Pancho Villa’s army, only to become discouraged with the cause after it becomes hopelessly factionalized. At once a spare, moving depiction of the limits of political idealism, an authentic representation of Mexico’s peasant life, and a timeless portrait of revolution, The Underdogs is an iconic novel of the Latin American experience and a powerful novel about the disillusionment of war.

Stories from Mexico

Tales from Mexican folklore including The Palace of Canela, In Through the Window, The Coyote and the Sheep, The Cu Bird, and SenÄor Coyote and Juan's Maguey.

Adelita

Hace mucho tiempo—a long time ago—there lived a beautiful young woman named Adelita. So begins the age-old tale of a kindhearted young woman, her jealous stepmother, two hateful stepsisters, and a young man in search of a wife. The young man, Javier, falls madly in love with beautiful Adelita, but she disappears from his fiesta at midnight, leaving him with only one clue to her hidden identity: a beautiful rebozo—shawl. With the rebozo in place of a glass slipper, this favorite fairy tale takes a delightful twist. Tomie dePaola's exquisite paintings, filled with the folk art of Mexico, make this a Cinderella story like no other.

Hill Of Fire (I Can Read, Book 3) (I Can Read Level 3)

Every day is the same for Pablo's father. Then one afternoon the ground growls, hisses smoke, and swallows up his plow. A volcano is erupting in the middle of his cornfield!

Mexico in Story and Pictures

Imagine

Have you ever imagined what you might be when you grow up? When he was very young, Juan Felipe Herrera picked chamomile flowers in windy fields and let tadpoles swim across his hands in a creek. He slept outside and learned to say good-bye to his amiguitoseach time his family moved to a new town. He went to school and taught himself to read and write English and filled paper pads with rivers of ink as he walked down the street after school. And when he grew up, he became the United States Poet Laureate and read his poems aloud on the steps of the Library of Congress. If he could do all of that . . . what could you do? With this illustrated poem of endless possibility, Juan Felipe Herrera and Lauren Castillo breathe magic into the hopes and dreams of readers searching
for their place in life.

Old Ramon

Fun novel combining Mexico and California cultures where a young boy learns about life and growing up.

The Princess and the Warrior: A Tale of Two Volcanoes

In the picture book Princess and the Warrior: A Tale of Two Volcanoes, award-winning author and illustrator Duncan Tonatiuh brings a cherished Mexican legend to life.A Pura Belpré Illustrator Honor BookALA/ALSC Notable Children’s Book! “A palette of earthy, evocative colors .

. . A genuine triumph.” ―Kirkus Reviews (Starred Review)“Use this Aztec legend to inspire readers while teaching a bit about dramatic irony.” —School Library Journal Izta was the most beautiful princess in the land, and suitors traveled from far and wide to woo her. Even though she was the daughter of the emperor, Izta had no desire to marry a man of wealth and power. Instead, she fell in love with Popoca, a brave warrior who fought in her father’s army—and a man who did not offer her riches but a promise to stay by her side forever. The emperor did not want his daughter to marry a mere warrior, but he recognized Popoca’s bravery. He offered Popoca a deal: If the warrior could defeat their enemy, Jaguar Claw, then the emperor would permit Popoca and Izta to wed. But Jaguar Claw had a plan to thwart the warrior. Would all be lost? Today two majestic volcanoes—Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl—stand overlooking Mexico City. They have been admired and revered for countless generations and have formed the basis of many origin and creation myths.

Growing Up In Aztec Times (Growing Up In series)

Describes the daily life of the Aztecs, discussing life in the city, life in the country, education, food and drink, and other aspects.

The Tale of Rabbit and Coyote

Poor Coyote! What’s he doing, hanging upside down in the farmer’s house, next to a pot of boiling water? How’d he wind up underneath the jicara tree, getting bonked by rock-hard fruit? Who tricked him into whacking a wasps’ nest with a stick? And why is he always howling at the moon? Because of Rabbit, that’s why! Longtime collaborators Tony Johnston and Tomie dePaola look to the folklore of Oaxaca, Mexico, for this nutty, naughty tale of trickery and hijinks. Written with sly humor and illustrated in the vibrant golds, blues, and reds of the Southwest, this is a story with a flavor as distinctive as chile peppers.

Next, look at these easy Mexican crafts.

EASY MEXICAN CRAFTS

  • 5 Mexico Crafts For Preschoolers And Free Activity Pages
  • How to make paper rosettes and Señoritas 
  • Mexico Unit Study and Make a Fun Easy Floral Headband
  • I Spy Cinco de Mayo Free Printable
  • When Were Mayans Alive | The Vanishing Mayan Civilization Free Printable
  • Mexican Mirrors
  • Cardboard Box Guitar Craft for Kids
  • Maracas Craft

Then, look at some of these facts about tacos.

FACTS ABOUT MEXICAN TACOS

  • First, tacos come from Mexico but from a long time ago.
  • The ancient Aztecs, who were from Mexico, used flat corn tortillas to hold their food.
  • The word taco means light meal, plug or a wedge or wad.
  • Tortillas can be made from flour or corn but traditionally from corn.
  • Then the filling can be an endless list of delicious ingredients like meat, beans, eggs and even vegetables. Some love rice in them too as part of the filling.
  • Next, there is just as long list of toppings like cheese of your liking or Mexican cheese, sour cream, avocado, black olives, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cilantro and don’t forget the salsa.
  • And like most countries where food differs from each region, tacos vary from region to region.

For example, there are tacos al pastor, tacos de carnitas, tacos de pescado (fish) and taco de barbacoa.

Easy Mexican Crafts: How to Make a Taco Craft

Finally, look at this fun craft you can add to your study of Mexico or you can for go it and make some right now.

HOW TO MAKE A FUN MEXICAN TACO

First, look at this easy list of supplies.

  • 1 paper plate
  • Yellow paint and paintbrush
  • Construction paper (green, red, yellow)
  • Scissors
  • Glue
Easy Mexican Crafts: How to Make a Taco Craft

 Fold a paper plate in half like a taco shell.

 Paint the outside of the folded plate yellow. Let it dry completely.

Easy Mexican Crafts: How to Make a Taco Craft


  Cut out your taco fillings from construction paper.

Lettuce: Cut green paper into leafy shapes.

Cheese: Cut yellow paper into small rectangles or strips.

Tomatoes: Cut red paper into circles.

Easy Mexican Crafts: How to Make a Taco Craft

 Open the folded paper plate slightly.

And glue your “lettuce,” “cheese,” and “tomatoes” along the inside edge of the back side of the plate, so they stick out when the plate is folded.

Easy Mexican Crafts: How to Make a Taco Craft

Seal the taco.  

Easy Mexican Crafts: How to Make a Taco Craft

Apply glue along the inside edge of the front flap and press the two sides of the plate together to seal your taco.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, history, mesopotamia, Mexico

How To Create An Engaging Desert Sensory Bin For Hands-On Play

May 19, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

A desert sensory bin is a fun way to introduce your toddlers and preschoolers to desert animals and the characteristics of the desert.

A sensory bin is like a buildable interactive diorama for younger children that lets them explore their senses and whatever the topic is you have chosen for them to learn about.

In this case it is a desert sensory bin to discover the dry, sandy climate and some of the animals that make their home there.

How To Create An Engaging Desert Sensory Bin For Hands-On Play

During the day, the desert sun is very strong, and it gets super-hot.

But when the sun goes down at night, the desert can get very chilly.

So, the animals and plants have to be ready for big changes in temperature. It’s like two different worlds in one amazing place.

BOOKS ABOUT THE DESERT FOR KIDS

Too, look at these books about the desert.

When possible we prefer learning through living books so I add them as I find them.

18 Desert Books & Resources for Kids Who Love Reading and Being Read To

Add some of these living books and references books about the desert to your library.

The Seed & the Giant Saguaro

Children's reader on the subject of deserts and what lives there Large book with very large kid friendly illustrations

Cactus Hotel (Rise and Shine)

It is another hot day in the desert. Birds and other animals scurry about looking for food. When they get tired they stop to rest at a giant cactus. It is their hotel in the desert!Many different animals live in the cactus hotel. It protects them; and they protect it, by eating the pests that could harm the cactus.The cactus grows larger and larger and will live for about two hundred years. When one animal moves out, another moves in. There is never a vacancy in the cactus hotel.This story--about a desert, a giant cactus, and the animals who live in it--is one that even the youngest child will understand and enjoy.

Desert Giant: The World of the Saguaro Cactus

A venerable saguaro cactus stands like a statue in the hot desert landscape, its armlike branches reaching fifty feet into the air. From a distance it appears to be completely still and solitary--but appearances can be deceptive. In fact, this giant tree of the desert is alive with activity. Its spiny trunk and branches are home to a surprising number of animals, and its flowers and fruit feed many desert dwellers. Gila woodpeckers and miniature elf owls make their homes inside the saguaro's trunk. Long-nosed bats and fluttering white doves drink the nectar from its showy white flowers. People also play a role in the saguaro's story: each year the Tohono O'odham Indians gather its sweet fruit in a centuries-old harvest ritual.

Where Is the Sahara Desert?

Imagine over three million square miles of sand dunes that are as tall as a ten-story building. That place is real -- it's the Sahara Desert! Vast, yes! And home to fascinating creatures such as ostriches and fennec foxes as well as amazing plant life. The shallow roots of the mesquite tree can grow almost 200 feet across to absorb water. Readers will also learn about the famous trade routes of the past with caravans of up to 10,000 camels, European explorers to the region (some very unlucky ones), and native populations like the Berber and Tuareg, the faces of the men are blue from the dye in the veils they always wear.

Where Is Antarctica?

Antarctica, the earth's southernmost continent, was virtually untouched by humans until the nineteenth century. Many famous explorers journeyed (and often died) there in the hope of discovering a land that
always seemed out of reach. This book introduces readers to this
desert--yes, desert!--continent that holds about 90 percent of the
world's ice; showcases some of the 200 species that call Antarctica
home, including the emperor penguin; and discusses environmental dangers to the continent, underscoring how what happens to Antarctica affects the entire world.

A Desert Scrapbook: Dawn to Dusk in the Sonoran Desert

In the early morning hours, an artist stirs. Gathering her paints and notebook, she heads into the Arizona Sonoran Desert to explore its treasures. Sketching, painting, and writing, she records all that she sees and as night falls, she spreads out her pictures to make this scrapbook of her day, from dawn to dusk.

This Place Is Dry: Arizona's Sonoran Desert

Surveys the living conditions in Arizona's Sonora Desert for the people and unusual animals that live there. Also describes the engineering accomplishment of Hoover Dam.

Desert Solitaire

In Desert Solitaire, Edward Abbey recounts his many escapades, adventures, and epiphanies as an Arches National Park ranger outside Moab, Utah. Brimming with arresting insights, impassioned arguments for wilderness conservation, and a raconteur’s wit, it is one of Abbey’s most critically acclaimed works.   Through stories and philosophical musings, Abbey reflects on the condition of our remaining wilderness, the future of a civilization, and his own internal struggle with morality. As the world continues its rapid development, Abbey’s cry to maintain the natural beauty of the West remains just as relevant today as when this book first appeared in 1968.

Coyote Raid In Cactus Canyon

While the rest of the animals hide from view from a group of rambunctious coyotes, the fearless gang takes full advantage of the open space of Cactus Canyon and participates with great zeal in an array of nighttime activities, but an unexpected encounter with a rattlesnake quickly puts an end to the coyotes fun as they are sent running for cover, too!

Roxaboxen

Marian called it Roxaboxen. There across the road, it looked like any rocky hill—nothing but sand and rocks, and some old wooden boxes. But it was a special place. And all children needed to go there was a long stick and a soaring imagination.

Why Oh Why Are Deserts Dry? All About Deserts

n this latest installation of the Cat in the Hat's Learning Library, the Cat takes Sally and Dick to explore different kinds of deserts around the world,  from the hot, dry Sonoran and Mojavi to the bitter cold Gobi and Antarctica. Young readers learn why deserts are dry, and how plants and animals—including cactus, kangaroos, camels, penguins, roadrunners, and many others—have adapted to survive the unforgiving climate. Also included: how sand dunes are formed; the reason we see mirages, and how shallow water beneath the surface of the ground can create an oasis. Fans of the new PBS preschool science show The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That! (which is based on the Learning Library series) won't want to miss this hot new addition to the series!

One Day in the Desert

‘A wounded mountain lion moves from his mountain habitat to a Papago Indian hut in Arizona’s Sonoran desert during a record-breaking July day. All creation adapts to the blistering heat until a cloudburst causes a flash flood. With a measured yet vivid style, this introduction to desert ecology makes a memorable impact."

Deserts

This intriguing yet simple description will captivate young readers who have an interest in the unfamiliar.

A Walk in the Desert (Biomes of North America)

Take a walk through the desert. This hot, dry biome of the southwest is full of life. How do plants and animals of the desert live? As you wander through the desert, discover how each and every plant and animal relies on the others to live and grow.

Wildlife of the Southwest Deserts

Learn about the fascinating creatures of the desert Southwest including: Venomous Animals Insects and Arthropods Rattlesnakes, Lizards, Desert Tortoise The Roadrunner and other Birds Bighorn Sheep, Kit Fox, Coyote.

Indian Uses of Desert Plants

Now in its fourth edition, this is a beautiful book with both historical and contemporary images showing the most important plants used by Native Americans. Medicinal, food resources, tools and shelter are just some of the uses discussed. Plants shown and described are among the most widespread plants in the desert Southwest.

Desert Snakes

Learn all about desert snakes with the beautiful book by James W. Cornett.

The Namib Desert

An excellent introduction to the natural history of the Namib Desert of southwest Africa. At its heart, second only to the Atacama Desert of Chile and Peru as the driest place on Earth. Also, it is the oldest desert on our planet and the only desert with a megafauna including elephant, giraffe, and rhinoceros. The lofty orange dunes, highest in the world, are also shown and discussed.

Also, many animals make their home in the desert. Some animals, like camels, are big and strong.

Others, like lizards, are small and speed, they all have special ways to stay cool and find food in the desert.

 Let’s learn about some of these “cool” desert animals

DESERT ANIMALS

CAMELS

  • Often called “ships of the desert” due to their endurance.
  • Humps- Store fat reserves for energy, not water. Enables survival during limited food.
  • Long Eyelashes- Protect eyes from sand, maintaining visibility in dust storms.
  • Wide Feet- Improve movement on sand by distributing weight and preventing sinking.

LIZARDS

  • Prefer sun exposure and basking on rocks.
  • Scales: Provide protection, thermoregulation, and camouflage.
  • Tail: Some can detach their tail as a defense mechanism; it regenerates.
  • Food: Diets vary, including insects, plants, and small vertebrates.

SNAKES

  • Move via slithering.
  • Skin: Scaly, shed periodically for growth and repair.
  • Tongue: Used as a chemosensory organ for detecting stimuli and prey.
  • Food: Varying diets, swallowing prey whole.

SCORPIONS

  • Possess an exoskeleton and venomous stinger.
  • Claws-Used for prey capture.
  • Stinger- Used for venom injection in predation or defense.
  • Nighttime-Mostly active at night to avoid heat.

VULTURES

  • Vultures are big birds that help keep the desert clean. They eat animals that have died.
  • Wings-They can fly very high in the sky and can see far distances.
  • Heads-Their bald heads help keep them clean when they eat.
  • Groups-Vultures often fly in groups called kettles.

MEERKATS

  • Food-Opportunistic omnivores, eating insects, small vertebrates, and plants.
  • Live in social groups called mobs or gangs.
  • Group Living- Enhances predator detection, defense, and offspring rearing.
  • Lookouts- Individuals act as sentinels, surveying for threats.
How To Create An Engaging Desert Sensory Bin For Hands-On Play

Then look at these activities to learn more about the desert.

DESERT ACTIVITIES AND RESOURCES

  • Check out these 8 Desert Craft Ideas | How To Make Egg Carton Cactus to focus a bit on the flora of the desert biome.
  • Get little ones active while still on theme with these Desert Themed Yoga ideas.
  • 7 Desert Crafts For Kids: How To Make A Clay Cactus Jewelry Holder
  • Watch the video What Animals Live in the Desert? To learn more about some of the most common creatures who live there.
  • Exploring Edible Cactus: Hands-on Learning (The Desert)
  • Build fine motor skills while you work on bending and folding paper with Scorpion Origami.
  • The book based Camel Race STEAM Activity Inspired by The Wooden Camel gets kids thinking critically.
  • Easy Desert Animal Crafts And A Scorpion Creation
  • Memory games are great for strengthening various cognitive skills, including memory, attention, focus, and problem-solving. Here are Free Printable Shape Matching Games for Desert Theme that also incorporate early math.
  • Explore 3 completely different desert habitats and learn How to Make A Desert Triorama About the Gobi, Sahara, & Antarctica to display the flora and fauna of each.
  • While you are learning about snakes of the desert here is a fun craft Celebrate Snakes | How To Make A Fake Snakeskin Snake Craft Preschool to learn about this aspect of snakes.

 

Of course a good reference book nearby is important as well. Both Nature Anatomy and Wildlife Anatomy are a treasure trove of information for little learners on up to upper grades.

HOW TO CREATE AN ENGAGING DESERT SENSORY BIN

I recommend including your child in the creation of the sensory bin from the start so you can talk about the characteristics of each element as you put them in place.

You will need:

  • Safari Desert Animals
  • Sensory Bin Tub
  • Play Sand
  • Small pebbles
  • Air dry clay, paint

Start with a good sized bin.

You can use anything you have on hand but I really like to use stackable sensory bins like those I listed above.

You can put a variety of base filler like sand, rice, pebbles, and more, leaving them to be turned into an amazing themed sensory bin.

Add sand until it’s about halfway full.

How To Create An Engaging Desert Sensory Bin For Hands-On Play

You can leave it just sand or add some small pebbles or rocks to give it more texture and of course sorting possibilities.

How To Create An Engaging Desert Sensory Bin For Hands-On Play

If you would like to add a few cactus plants you can make some with air dry clay ahead of time and paint them green, add some broken toothpick pieces for spikes.

How To Create An Engaging Desert Sensory Bin For Hands-On Play

Set a few cacti in place.

How To Create An Engaging Desert Sensory Bin For Hands-On Play

Place plastic desert animals in the sensory bin.

How To Create An Engaging Desert Sensory Bin For Hands-On Play

Other items I like to include with a sensory bin are small cups or bowls, slotted spoons, small strainers, and even flash cards with animals related to the topic.

How To Create An Engaging Desert Sensory Bin For Hands-On Play

Finally, look at a few more sensory bins.

SENSORY BINS

  • Sensory Play Made Easy: Crafting a Community Helpers Sensory Bin
  • How To Create An Engaging Cranberry Sensory Bin
  • 10 Kindergarten Sensory Bin Ideas | How To Make A Summer Sensory Bin
  • Discover The Magic Of Nocturnal Creatures | Nocturnal Animal Sensory Bin
  • How to Make a Watermelon Sensory Bin for Play and Learning
  • 9 Hands on Weather Activities for Kids and Awesome Weather Sensory Tray
  • Fun Corn Life Cycle Preschool Sensory Bin and Printable Lifecycle Foldout

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: desert, earth science, hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, history, homeschool, life science, science

Respiratory System Fun Facts For Kids And Free Worksheets

May 17, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

We’re learning some respiratory system fun facts, and I have some free respiratory system activity pages. Also, I have this Human Body Crafts page for more hands-on ideas. And this Beautiful Human Body Lapbook and Fun Unit Study.

We don’t really think about breathing, but it is amazing the way it happens. The respiratory system is the part of your body that helps you breathe and keeps you alive.

The respiratory system is the group of organs and tissues that work together to help you breathe.

Respiratory System Fun Facts For Kids And Free Worksheets

And the respiratory system is your body’s way of bringing in oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide.

Every cell in your body needs oxygen to create energy. Without it, your body wouldn’t be able to move.

So, you’ll love using these easy free activity worksheets to learn about it.

HUMAN BODY BOOKS FOR KIDS

First, look at these human body books to use with your unit study.

I prefer to use living books then add reference books to our research.

16 Human Body Books & Hands-on Resources

Add a few of these fun resources whether you do a couple of lesson plans about the human body or a unit study.

The Way We Work: Getting to Know the Amazing Human Body

One of the resources we used as a reference for this activity was The Way We Work, it covers a lot of interesting topics on the human body.

Medical Torso Human Body Model Anatomy

Vivid Human torso organ structure: 15 Pcs Removable Organs including: Torso, Brain (2-part), Heart, Esophagus and Aorta, Lungs (4-part), Cranial Cap, Stomach, Diaphragm, Liver, pancreas and spleen, small and large intestine. The torso structure showing the relative position, morphological features, anatomy of the head, neck and internal organs, especially the respiratory, digestive, urinary and nervous systems.

Human Organs Shape Silicone Molds 8 Pc

[HUMAN ORGANS SILICONE MOLD]: 8 Pcs Human Organs Mold With Different Shapes, Include 1 Human Heart Mold, 1 Brain Silicone Mold, 1 Liver Mold, 1 Intestinal Mold, 1 Lung Mold, 1 Stomach Mold, 1 Brain Stem Mold, 1 Kidney Mold.

Ooze Labs: Visible Human Body with Squishable Organs

This human body with squishable organs is another great way to identify the organs and become familiar with their layout in the body, it has that gross factor that so many kids love.

Human Body Model for Kids 8PCS Mini Body Parts

8PCS Human Organ Figures Set:Human organ anatomy parts display model children learning toy include small intestine, large intestine, lung, brain, stomach, heart, liver, kidney. Suitable for boys and girls over 6 years old,good for brain ability and imagination.

Anatomy (Quickstudy Academic)

Complete labeled illustrations of over 1,400 anatomical identifications.Loaded with beautifully illustrated diagrams clearly and concisely labeled for easy identification.

Basher Science: Human Body: A Book with Guts!

Basher Science: Human Body, A Book with Guts! Created & illustrated by Simon Basher, written by Dan Green

From the best-selling team that brought you The Periodic Table, Physics, Biology, and Astronomy comes a topic that's close to our hearts-literally! Meet the characters and processes that that keep the human body chugging along. From the basic building blocks like Cell, DNA, and Protein, to Bones, Muscles, and all of the fun-loving Organs, readers will cozy up with the guys on the inside. Trust us-Liver has never looked better!

Heart Anatomy Poster - LAMINATED

High-quality 3 MIL LAMINATION for added durability

Tear Resistant

Human Heart Anatomy Floor Puzzle

HUMAN ORGANS LEARNING: Marvel at the rich complexities of the human heart muscle! Every piece has a unique shape designed to outline each major part of the heart organ, making these an exciting challenge to assemble. Each puzzle includes an Anatomy Reference Guide, so you can learn as you build!

Fixed Bones X-Rays, Black/White, 14 Pieces,

  • Authentic x-ray images
  • Works with any light source or light table)
  • Matching facture card
  • Detailed teaching guide

4 Pack - Anatomical Poster Set - Laminated - Muscular, Skeletal, Ligaments of the Joints, Anatomy of the Spine

  • Set of 4 Posters Made in the USA
  • Posters are 18" x 24” in size
  • High-quality 3 MIL lamination for added durability
  • Tear Resistant

My First Book About the Brain (Dover Science For Kids Coloring Books)

Discover the workings of the body's most complex organ! How does the brain control the rest of the body? How does it enable the senses to function, regulate speech, affect balance, and influence sleep and dreams? These 25 illustrations to color explain every aspect of the brain's important jobs, from communicating with the central nervous system to retaining memories. Suitable for ages 8–12.

Skull Anatomy Coloring Book: Incredibly Detailed Self-Test Human Skull Anatomy Coloring Book

Enjoy This Coloring Book with 34 Beautiful Human Skull Anatomy Coloring Pages.

The Human Skull Anatomy Coloring Book Provides A Means Of Learning About The Structure And Function Of The Human Skull Anatomy Through A Process Of Coloring-By-Directions.

Coloring The Human Skull Anatomy And Its Nerves Is The Most Effective Way To Study The Structure And Functions Of Human Skull Anatomy. You Assimilate Information And Make Visual Associations With Key Terminology When Coloring In The Human Skull Anatomy Coloring Book, All While Having Fun.

1 Pair Plastic Skeleton Hands

Fall is a grea time to grab a set of hands at Dollar Tree but also here is a pair if you're doing a unit study and need one now.

Circulatory System Poster

This poster makes a great reference and can be used with older children to help them add more detail to their project.

The Circulatory System (Your Body Systems: Blastoff! Readers

Our bodies contain a super highway of blood vessels that carry nutrients, waste, and much more from our heads to our toes. This network is the circulatory system! Beginning with a deep breath in, this fact-filled title uses easy-to-follow text and diagrams to allow readers to dive inside the bodys circulatory system!

The human body is a complex being made up of systems that keep us alive and moving! In this series, readers will dive into the bodys systems though engaging, leveled text and related diagrams that follow the parts and functions of each system. Get a microscopic view inside the body with A Closer Look, and put new knowledge into action with a hands-on activity. Check out what is happening inside the body with each title!

Then, look at some respiratory system fun facts.

And i have some hands-on activities too.

RESPIRATORY SYSTEM FUN FACTS

  • Bringing in oxygen (O₂) and remove carbon dioxide (CO₂) is the respiratory system’s main job to exchange gases.
  • Did you know your lungs are not the same size? The left lung is a bit smaller to make space for your heart.
  • You start by breathing in through your nose or mouth. Your nose even helps warm and clean the air.
  • Then the air travels down your throat (pharynx) and passes through the voice box (larynx).
  • Next the air then moves into the trachea, also called your windpipe.
  • The diaphragm is the main muscle involved in breathing.
Respiratory System Fun Facts For Kids And Free Worksheets

Additionally, look at these hands-on activities.

HANDS-ON RESPIRATORY SYSTEM ACTIVITIES

  • 8 Facts About the Respiratory System & Fun Lung Craft for Kids
  • How to Measure Lung Capacity
  • Simple Lung Craft For Preschoolers To Learn About The Human Body
  • Human Body Activities: Respiratory System Model
  • Respiratory System Lesson
  • Lung Science Experiment and Tobacco Prevention Resources

Also, look at the free worksheets included in this download.

  • Respiratory system diagram & labeling activity
  • Alveoli diagram & Parts of the alveol labeling activity
  • Parts and function of the respiratory system
  • Fun word search
  • Coloring page
  • Matching activity

HOW TO DOWNLOAD THE FREE RESPIRATORY WORKSHEETS

Now, how to grab the freebie. 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) CLICK HERE ON THIS LINK TO SIGN UP ON MY EMAIL LIST & TO GET THIS FREEBIE

2) Grab the freebie instantly.

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

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool, human body, human body crafts, life science, respiratory, science

  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Page 1
  • Page 2
  • Page 3
  • Page 4
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Page 177
  • Go to Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

Footer

Privacy Policy | About Me | Reviews | Contact | Advertise

Categories

Archives

Tina Robertson is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2025 · 5 TNT LLC · Log in · Privacy Policy