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hands-on

How to Create a Fun Einstein Bottle Biography Project

December 25, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

A bottle biography project is a fun hands-on way for your child to represent whoever they are learning more about.

We are learning about Albert Einstein who was born in Germany in 1879 and wasn’t always seen as a genius. In fact, he struggled in school and some teachers even thought he was slow.

But young Albert had a secret weapon, he had an insatiable curiosity about the world around him.

How to Create a Fun Einstein Bottle Biography Project

He loved to tinker with things, build models, and ask “why” about everything.

This curiosity would eventually lead him to become one of the most famous scientists of all time.

His most famous discovery is the theory of relativity. It’s an idea that changed the way we understand space, time, and gravity.

Imagine space and time as a stretchy fabric, and massive objects like planets and stars create curves in this fabric. That’s gravity!

Einstein also showed that time isn’t the same for everyone – it can speed up or slow down depending on how fast you’re moving!

BOOK SERIES TO USE WITH BOTTLE BIOGRAPHY PROJECTS

Too, look at some of these series.

They make creating a bottle biography project easy.

5 Amazing Book Series for Biography Projects

Add these fun books to your home library if you’re wanting to read biographies.

Jane Goodall: A Little Golden Book Biography

A classic series that has been beloved for ages has moved into stories about famous people in the Little Golden Book Biographies.

The Story of Albert Einstein: An Inspiring Biography for Young Readers (The Story of Biographies)

 From Frida Kahlo to Jane Goodall you will find many interesting famous people in The Story of Biographies.

Ordinary People Change the World Collection 10 books

Learn about the "ordinary people" who have done big things to change the world in this exclusive, collectible boxed set! Dive into these 10 books to explore everything from George Washington to Martin Luther King Jr. to Gandhi and more. The perfect gift to introduce young readers to key figures or for educational family reading .

Davy Crockett: Young Rifleman (Childhood of Famous Americans)

Check out The Childhood of Famous Americans for inspirational stories that encourage children to strive for greatness even at a young age

Who Was...? Children’s Biography Series

This set includes the following 12 books: Who Was Albert Einstein? Who Was King Tut? Who Was Sacagawea? Who Was Claude Monet?, Who Was Walt Disney?, Who Was Amelia Earhart?, Who Was Neil Armstrong?, Who Was Marco Polo?, Who Was William Shakespeare?, Who Was Abraham Lincoln? Who Was Mark Twain?, and Who Was Ronald Reagan? This is a series of illustrated biographies for young readers featuring significant historical figures, including artists, scientists, and world leaders.

And look at a few more fun facts about Einstein.

FUN FACTS ABOUT ALBERT EINSTEIN

E=mc²– It’s the world’s most famous equation, and you’ve probably seen this equation before, even if you don’t know what it means.

This little equation has had a huge impact on everything from nuclear power to our understanding of the universe.

Einstein didn’t just think about big things like the universe; he also studied tiny things like light.

He discovered that light behaves like both a wave and a particle, which was a revolutionary idea at the time.

This discovery, called the photoelectric effect, earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921.

But he wasn’t just a brilliant scientist; he was also a passionate humanitarian-he spoke out against war and violence.

He believed in the importance of education and social justice. He was also a talented musician and loved to play the violin.

Einstein had dyslexia, which can cause problems with reading out loud, retrieving language, and getting thoughts down.

He was famous for his wild hair and his rumpled clothes and he loved to sail, but he wasn’t very good at it and often needed to be rescued.

How to Create a Fun Einstein Bottle Biography Project

He was offered the presidency of Israel, but he turned it down and he had a pet parrot named Polly who he taught to say “relativity.”

Finally, look at how to make this Einstein bottle biography project.

HOW TO CREATE AN EINSTEIN BOTTLE BIOGRAPHY PROJECT

First, you can take this same idea and turn it into anyone.

For example, look at the one I shared How to Make a Fun Bottle Buddy of the Trailblazing Pilot Amelia Earhart Craft.

How to Create a Fun Einstein Bottle Biography Project

You will need:

  • Empty 2-liter bottle
  • Black, blue, white, tan craft felt
  • Craft fur
  • Google eyes
  • 4” half round foam or a foam ball
  • Flesh colored craft paint
  • White paint
  • glue
How to Create a Fun Einstein Bottle Biography Project

First remove the label off your 2-liter bottle and rinse it out, drain well.

Press your half round foam into the bottle cap to get an idea of the size, you can then take a knife or scissors and dig it out to make it fit on top.

How to Create a Fun Einstein Bottle Biography Project

Secure the foam on top with hot glue and then paint the foam with a flesh-colored paint and down the neck of the bottle.

You only need to go about a third of the way down, beyond that his felt clothes will cover everything up.

How to Create a Fun Einstein Bottle Biography Project

Cut a vest from blue felt by cutting a notch in the top and cutting it down to approximately 6”x 8”.

Cut out a small piece of white to be his shirt beneath the vest, a black tie, and some slacks about 4”x 8”.

How to Create a Fun Einstein Bottle Biography Project

Now make arms from strips of white felt with a bit of flesh color at the end for hands.

How to Create a Fun Einstein Bottle Biography Project

Begin gluing and layering the pieces onto the bottle, put the hot glue on the felt rather than the bottle to keep it from melting.

Press into place.

How to Create a Fun Einstein Bottle Biography Project

To create his lab coat fold back two corners and secure it into place with glue for lapels.

How to Create a Fun Einstein Bottle Biography Project

Glue and attach around the body.

How to Create a Fun Einstein Bottle Biography Project

Glue on googly eyes and use white paint to draw on bushy eyebrows and a mustache, add craft fur to create his famous wild mop of hair.

How to Create a Fun Einstein Bottle Biography Project

Finally attach the arms to the side.

You can leave them hanging down or put them forward like we did here.

How to Create a Fun Einstein Bottle Biography Project

We couldn’t resist giving him a ‘chalkboard’ made out of cardstock and a white gel pen with his famous equation.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: biography, einstein, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool, plastic bottle

Explore the Magic: Easy Northern Lights Crafts for Preschoolers

December 24, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I can’t wait to share some easy Northern Lights crafts for preschoolers including my own tutorial for a Northern Lights night light. Also, look at my page How to Homeschool Preschool for more ideas.

Preschoolers will enjoy designing their own night light.

Then they will love being able to turn it on every night to brighten up their nightstand or any little corner of their room

Explore the Magic: Easy Northern Lights Crafts for Preschoolers

If you have more than one child you will be amazed at how the same craft supplies can turn into such unique final results.

I will also share a few other northern lights crafts for preschoolers.

Ad as always I have lots of great information for you to use in your study.

If you are in upper Michigan, Idaho, Minnesota, or another northern state,

I have a list of tips and where to see the Northern Lights in North America.

What an experience that will be.

The Northern Lights are like a magical light show in the night sky.

Imagine colorful ribbons of light dancing and twirling high above, painting the darkness with shades of green, red, blue, and purple.

BOOKS ABOUT AWESOME THINGS IN THE SKIES

First, look at a few of these books to add to your home library.

5 Books About Awesome Things in the Skies

Whether it’s the Northern Lights or shooting stars these books bring the wonder of the skies to life!

Arctic Lights, Arctic Nights

Imagine a land where the sun rises at 1:58 a.m. in the summer and shines for less than four hours on a winter's day. The animals in the wilderness near Fairbanks, Alaska, witness some of the world's greatest temperature extremes and light variations ever year. At an average low of -16 degrees Fahrenheit, the winters may be unpleasantly frigid, but the light shows are always glorious!

The Lights That Dance in the Night

The northern lights bring wonder and joy to all the creatures who bask under their mysterious glow in this gorgeous picture book from the creator of the holiday hit The Tree That's Meant to Be.From tiny specks of dust to gleaming rays in the dark, the northern lights travel across the Arctic, uniting every creature in a celebration over land and sea.In this wonderfully wintery picture book, Yuval Zommer imagines the northern lights' fleeting journey from space to Earth and how they weave a special magic for the animals and people living in the frozen lands below.

Shooting Stars

Explains what shooting stars are, what they are made of, and what happens to them when they land on Earth.

The Mysteries of the Universe: Discover the best-kept secrets of space

Space is so much bigger than young minds can fathom and there is always more to learn. The Mysteries of the Universe is a stunning space encyclopedia for young readers to explore, with reference pages packed with fascinating information, little learners will be captivated as they journey through the vastness of the Universe. From planets and asteroids to black holes and galaxies, every page of this enthralling space book reveals the secrets behind more than 100 celestial objects, and will inspire  youngsters as they journey through the vastness of the Universe. Each celestial body is shown both photographically and illustrated, and children will love poring over the detailed close-up images.Get ready to explore fun facts and exciting new scientific discoveries as this best-selling picture book will illuminate imaginations and spark curious minds to explore the vastness of space. The engaging storybook-style descriptions and simple text shed a light on facts, myths, and key discoveries about the universe, perfect for children aged 6-8 to explore the wonders of our solar system and beyond.

Northern Lights:the award-winning, internationally bestselling, now full-colour illustrated edition

A stunning full-colour illustrated gift hardback to celebrate the 25th anniversary of NORTHERN LIGHTS, with breathtaking art throughout by Chris Wormell.

First published in 1995, and acclaimed as a modern masterpiece, this first book in the series won the UK's top awards for children's literature.

“Without this child, we shall all die.”

Lyra Belacqua and her animal daemon live half-wild and carefree among scholars of Jordan College, Oxford.

The destiny that awaits her will take her to the frozen lands of the Arctic

Where does this amazing light come from?

Well, it all starts with our sun.

FACTS ABOUT THE NORTHERN LIGHTS

The Sun sends out tiny particles called solar wind.

These particles travel through space and sometimes reach Earth. When they bump into Earth’s atmosphere, they create a beautiful display of light – the Northern Lights!

The Northern Lights can take on many shapes and forms.

Sometimes they look like shimmering curtains, other times they ripple like waves, and sometimes they even swirl like spirals!

They can be bright or faint, and their colors can change quickly, making them even more mesmerizing to watch.

The Lights are most visible during the winter months when the nights are long and dark.

 They’re also more common in places close to the North Pole, like Alaska, Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, and even parts of Scotland and Russia.

They’re called the Northern Lights because they’re most often seen in the northern part of the world.

But they can also be seen in the southern part of the world, where they’re called the Southern Lights or Aurora Australis

They also have a scientific name- Aurora Borealis! Aurora means “dawn” and Borealis means “north” in Latin.

Some people believe that the Northern Lights make sounds, like crackling or whistling, but scientists are still studying this.

The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, and we can’t control when or where they appear. That’s part of what makes them so special.

Explore the Magic: Easy Northern Lights Crafts for Preschoolers

Before you get into the craft projects watch The Northern Lights| Science for kids gives a simple but thorough explanation into the how and why.

NORTHERN LIGHTS CRAFTS FOR PRESCHOOLERS

  • Preschoolers will love exploring this bonus activity Make the Northern Lights! Sensory Tray + Science Experiment.
  • Try making the Northern Lights With Watercolors for another fun but simple craft.
  • Learn about Exploring Northern Lights With Kids Through Art And Music .
  • Northern Lights Art For Kids
  • How cute would these Northern Lights Sugar Cookies be to bake and enjoy with your preschooler for this unit?
  • This Paint Splat Northern Lights project is simple but amazes kids in the way that it creates mirrored images on both sides of the paper by pressing it.
Explore the Magic: Easy Northern Lights Crafts for Preschoolers

Finally, look at how to make this fun nightlight to lean about the Northern Lights.

NORTHERN LIGHTS CRAFT FOR PRESCHOOLERS – NIGHTLIGHT

You will need:

  • Mason or other jar
  • Tissue paper
  • School glue
  • Foam brush
  • Small battery operated light
Explore the Magic: Easy Northern Lights Crafts for Preschoolers

First, you want to do is make a mixture of half school glue and half water, stir It up well.

Explore the Magic: Easy Northern Lights Crafts for Preschoolers

Your child rip thin long strips of a multitude of colors.

The most seen in the northern lights are green, blue, purple, and pink.

You can also shred up some black tissue paper if you like in order to create a shadow of the mountains, hillsides, or trees.

Explore the Magic: Easy Northern Lights Crafts for Preschoolers

Turn your jar on its side and spread a thin layer of the glue mixture on a small portion of the jar. We started at the bottom with our black silhouette shapes.

 After you’ve pressed the tissue paper onto the glue tap over top of it with the brush to add glue.

Explore the Magic: Easy Northern Lights Crafts for Preschoolers

Continue covering the remainder of the jar, adding a little glue at a time, pressing tissue paper into it and then covering with another layer of glue.

Explore the Magic: Easy Northern Lights Crafts for Preschoolers

Set aside and allow to dry completely.

Explore the Magic: Easy Northern Lights Crafts for Preschoolers

Add a small battery-operated light to your jar like a tealight or a tap light.

I linked one above that we really like, it comes with a remote control as well.

Explore the Magic: Easy Northern Lights Crafts for Preschoolers

If you are using a mason jar you can replace the lid and ring or just the ring to let more light out, or place whatever cap you have back on it.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: crafts, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, preschool, science, winter crafts

How to Make a Toilet Roll Owl & Elf Owl Facts

December 22, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, I’m showing you how to make a toilet roll owl and sharing some fun elf owl facts. Also, look at more ideas on my pages Free Kids Owl Unit Study Ideas | How to Dissect Pellets.

Too, I have a free owl template you can download which makes this toilet roll owl easy peazy.

This easy craft turns an ordinary household item into an adorable little bird.

How to Make a Toilet Roll Owl & Elf Owl Facts

And it’s a fantastic way to recycle materials while making something both cute and useful learning manipulative.

Too, while you’re studying about owls with your older kids, include your little kids by doing this craft.

It’s a way to include your littles in a fun owl unit study.

First, look at these owl books.

FUN OWL BOOKS FOR KIDS

We prefer living books in our reading diet.

They bring any subject to life in a fun narrative form.

Look at some of the ones I’ve rounded up.

13 Books for Kids Who Love to Read and Be Read to About Owls

Add some of these books about owls to your home library or for your unit study.

Owls in the Family

Every child needs to have a pet. No one could argue with that.   But what happens when your pet is an owl, and your owl is terrorizing the neighbourhood?  

In Farley Mowat’s exciting children’s story, a young boy’s pet menagerie—which includes crows, magpies, gophers and a dog—grows out of control with the addition of two cantankerous pet owls. The story of how Wol and Weeps turn the whole town upside down s warm, funny, and bursting with adventure and suspense.

An owl and three pussycats

A baby owl and three kittens receive a bit of extra help in growing up on Maple Hill Farm.

Owl Moon

Late one winter night a little girl and her father go owling. The trees stand still as statues and the world is silent as a dream. Whoo-whoo-whoo, the father calls to the mysterious nighttime bird. But there is no answer.Wordlessly the two companions walk along, for when you go owling you don't need words. You don't need anything but hope. Sometimes there isn't an owl, but sometimes there is. Distinguished author Jane Yolen has created a gentle, poetic story that lovingly depicts the special companionship of a young child and her father as well as humankind's close relationship to the natural world. Wonderfully complemented by John Schoenherr's soft, exquisite watercolor illustrations, this is a verbal and visual treasure, perfect for reading around and sharing at bedtime.

The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark

Plop, the baby barn owl, is like every barn owl there ever was, except for one thing—he is afraid of the dark! Mrs. Barn Owl sends him down from the nest-hole to find out more about the dark, and it's not long before Plop finds out that DARK IS SUPER! This comforting story filled with gentle humor and warm and soothing illustrations has been enjoyed for decades by parents and children who want to snuggle down with a good read.

Little Owl's Night

Little Owl enjoys a lovely night in the forest visiting his friend the raccoon, listening to the frogs croak and the crickets chirp, and watching the fog that hovers overhead.

Owls

On silent wings a bird sweeps down in the moonlight...   With their striking appearance and distinctive hoot, hoot, owls are one of the most recognizable birds in the world.  But did you know there are more than 140 types of owls living in the world?   Gail Gibbons' Owls celebrates the similarities and differences in the many species of owls, from large to small, living in diverse environments and making many different kinds of nests.  The book covers basics of owl behavior, information on how they hunt, and the many factors that have led some types of owls to become endangered.   The boldly colored illustrations feature clear labeling, and all new words are defined and reinforced with clear, simple language, appropriate for young readers.  The book also features a page of intriguing owl trivia.

Barn Owl (Science I Can Read Book)

Easy-to-read text and illustrations trace the life of a barn owl from his birth until he leaves the nest and finds a mate of his own.

The Book of North American Owls

Everything you ever wanted to know about owls on the North American continent. Features the twenty-one species of owls and all their vital statistics. Includes a detailed, illustrated glossary with maps showing residence and breeding ranges.

There's an Owl in the Shower

It’s people versus owls in this laugh-out-loud story about one family’s love for a special little owl, from bestselling nature writer and Newbery Medal winner Jean Craighead George!

Borden Watson’s father is out of job, and it’s all the spotted owls’ fault. The birds are endangered, which means loggers, like Mr. Watson, are no longer allowed to cut down trees.

It doesn’t make sense to Borden. Why are owls being put first over the citizens?

But when Borden finds an owlet in the forest who needs his care, he brings it back home—much to Mr. Watson’s displeasure. Hilarious chaos soon ensues, as the tiny owl makes big changes in this logging family’s home, and makes his way into their hearts.

This heartwarming story is a great way for young readers to learn about important topics, like endangered species, conservation, and environmentalism.

Knight Owl (Caldecott Honor Book) (The Knight Owl Series, 1)

A determined Owl builds strength and confidence in this medieval picture book about the real mettle of a hero: wits, humor, and heart.  Since the day he hatched, Owl dreamed of becoming a real knight. He may not be the biggest or the strongest, but his sharp nocturnal instincts can help protect the castle, especially since many knights have recently gone missing. While holding guard during Knight Night Watch, Owl is faced with the ultimate trial—a frightening intruder. It’s a daunting duel by any measure. But what Owl lacks in size, he makes up for in good ideas. Full of wordplay and optimism, this surprising display of bravery proves that cleverness (and friendship) can rule over brawn. 

A Snowy Owl Story (Wildlife on the Move)

One winter, as food gets scarce, a snowy owl finds himself forced to look in new and unfamiliar spots in order to find food and a place to call home. Based on a true story, A Snowy Owl Story describes, through the tale of one particular owl, the recent irruption of snowy owls all across the United States. Through this simple narrative, youngsters will learn about migration, adaptation, and respectful human interaction with nature. This unique title (first in a projected series of four board books) is written and designed specifically for a preschool market; few board books exist that tell conservation stories for this age range. Published in cooperation with Maine Audubon.

Reggie The Burrowing Owl: The True Story Of How A Family Found And Raised A Burrowing Owl

This is the true story about how one, little orphaned burrowing owl brought five children and their parents together on a mission to care for him as best they could back in 1967. While taking care of, Reggie, we learned that—there’s no such thing as an ordinary day with a burrowing owl around. This is not just a story for children, but the whole family and though our days revolved around Reggie, it was the unique way Reggie impacted ours and those around us ordinary lives which makes this story so special. We hope you will find it so as well."Populations of burrowing owls are declining in some areas due to pesticide use, poisoning of prairie dog colonies, and automobile collisions. Conservation concerns differ by region, and in various states they are listed as endangered, threatened, or as a species of concern.

Owl at Home (I Can Read Level 2)

Owl lives by himself in a warm little house. But whether Owl is inviting Winter in on a snowy night or welcoming a new friend he meets while on a stroll, Owl always has room for visitors!

Arnold Lobel's beloved Level 2 I Can Read classic was created for kids who read on their own but still need a little help. Whether shared at home or in a classroom, the engaging stories, longer sentences, and language play of Level Two books are proven to help kids take their next steps toward reading success.

Also, look at these hands on owl activities.

MORE OWL ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS

  • Free Kids Owl Unit Study Ideas | How to Dissect Pellets
  • Owl and Mouse Food Chain Worksheet
  • Letter O is for Owl Preschool Craft | Fun Great Horned Owl Study
  • OWL VISION – Recycled paper roll OWL binocular STEM Craft!
  • 6 Facts About the Snowy Owl & Stuffed Heat Pack Winter Owl Craft
  • Paper Weaving Owl Craft
How to Make a Toilet Roll Owl & Elf Owl Facts

Also, look at these fun facts about the elf owl.

Have you ever heard of it?

FACTS ABOUT ELF OWLS

The elf owl is the smallest owl in the world.

It’s only about 5 or 6 inches.

  • Although small in stature, it’s a skilled hunter.
  • And it weighs only about one ounce.
  • Listen to the puppylike call.
  • The are nocturnal.
  • They live in the deserts of the United States and Mexico.
  • They eat insects like moths, grasshoppers, and beetles.
  • And they have huge eyes.
  • Baby Elf owls stay with their parents for a while. They’re family oriented.
  • Because of their incredible camouflage with tree trunks and cactus they are protected from predators like hawks.
  • And they have very sharp hearing ability.

Finally, look at how to make this toilet roll owl.

HOW TO MAKE A TOILET ROLL OWL

Look at this list of supplies.

  • Toilet Paper Roll.
  • Construction Papers.
  • Pencil.
  • Scissors.
  • Glue.
  • Ruler.

Step 1:

How to Make a Toilet Roll Owl & Elf Owl Facts

Select the toilet paper roll you want to use for your toilet paper roll boat craft.

Step 2:

How to Make a Toilet Roll Owl & Elf Owl Facts

Slightly press down the toilet paper roll and use the templates to trace and cut the toilet paper roll to shape it.

Step 3:

How to Make a Toilet Roll Owl & Elf Owl Facts

Press the top part of the toilet paper roll inwards. This will create two pointed edges on two corners.

Step 4:

How to Make a Toilet Roll Owl & Elf Owl Facts

Now once again use the templates and colorful craft papers to cut out the rest of the patterns for the owl. 

Step 5:

How to Make a Toilet Roll Owl & Elf Owl Facts

Use a brown marker pen to draw wavy patterns on the half oval-shaped pattern.

Step 6:

How to Make a Toilet Roll Owl & Elf Owl Facts

Glue the half oval-shaped pattern on the bottom middle part of the toilet paper roll owl base.

Step 7:

How to Make a Toilet Roll Owl & Elf Owl Facts

Glue the two wings on two sides of the toilet paper roll base.

Step 8:

How to Make a Toilet Roll Owl & Elf Owl Facts

Then glue the two paper eye cutouts on the top part of the toilet paper roll owl base.

Step 9:

How to Make a Toilet Roll Owl & Elf Owl Facts

Glue the beak right bow the two eyes.

Step 10:

How to Make a Toilet Roll Owl & Elf Owl Facts

Now glue the cheeks on two sides of the beak.

Step 11:

How to Make a Toilet Roll Owl & Elf Owl Facts

Finally, glue both feet on the bottom part of the toilet paper roll owl base to finish making your toilet paper roll owl craft. 

GRAB THE FREE OWL TEMPLATE FOR THE CRAFT

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Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool, owl, toilet paper roll

Exciting Books About the Great Barrier Reef| Faux Coral Craft

December 21, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

If you are studying coral reefs, you will need a host of wonderful books about the Great Barrier Reef for kids to make a rich and full study. Also, grab more ideas on my Coral Reef page.

Also, I have plenty of fun and exciting hands-on activities to do for all ages that will make this one of your best units yet.

The Great Barrier reef is in the Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland, Australia.

And it is the world’s largest coral reef system.

Exciting Books About the Great Barrier Reef| Faux Coral Craft

It is composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching for over 1,400 miles over an area of approximately 133,000 square miles.

The Great Barrier Reef is important for many reasons.

For example, it’s biodiversity is important, its impact on tourism, the protection it gives the coastline from storms and erosion, and the food and medicine that can be found there as well.

In addition to sharing books about the Great Barrier Reef, I have a faux coral reef craft project that will add a beautiful touch to any room.

BOOKS ABOUT THE GREAT BARRIER REEF FOR KIDS

First, look at some of these books about the reef.

When possible, I add living books to our reading list.

5 Great Barrier Reef Books

Add some of these fun books about the Great Barrier Reef to your home library.

The Great Barrier Reef (Earth's Incredible Places)

Vibrant, dynamic illustrations illuminate this enchanting place, its animal inhabitants, and the peoples who have embraced it as a centerpiece of their cultures. Learn all about how the reef came to be, its place in the world, and perhaps most importantly, what we can all do to help ensure that The Great Barrier Reef will be around for countless future generations to discover!

The World of Coral Reefs: Explore and Protect the Natural Wonders of the Sea

Coral reefs occupy less than 1% of the ocean floor, but they support 25% of all marine species with food and shelter. In this lavishly illustrated book for ages 7 to 10, marine ecologist and underwater explorer Erin Spencer provides fascinating, scientific information in a highly accessible format, including details about the
types of coral, their anatomy and life cycle, where they live, how reefs develop, and the incredible diversity of marine animals that live among them, including aquarium favorites like clownfish, royal blue tangs, and sea turtles. Kids learn about the interdependent relationships of people and reefs and how human behavior puts reefs in danger, promising conservation work that scientists are undertaking, and solution-oriented ways kids and families can help in the effort. 

Where Is the Great Barrier Reef?

The Great Barrier Reef, off the coast of Australia, is the world's largest coral reef system. Stretching more than 1,400 miles, it provides a home to a wide diversity of creatures. Designated a World Heritage Site, the reef is suffering from the effects of climate change but this fascinating book shows this spectacular part of our planet.

The Mystery on the Great Barrier Reef (Around the World in 80 Mysteries (Paperback))

It's a trip Down Under for Christina, 10, Grant, 7, and their mystery-writing grandmother Mimi! Lots of surprises and mysterious activities unfold as the group travels through the Outback, Queensland, and finally to the Great Barrier Reef. During a glass-bottom boat ride, they discover more than coral and fish under the water-scuba divers and flesh-tearing moray eel lurk beneath their boat! They shudder at the eerie screech of the Tasmanian devil and brave the awesome Australian Outback (and Aborigines!) at night. Watch and wonder as Grant ends up in the Camel Cup camel race- will he make it to the finish line? Don't miss a moment of excitement in Christina and Grant's Australian adventure! Download free activities for this book!

Coral Reef

Hardy adventurers ages 6 - 9 dive into a silent watery world where tiny coral animals grow together to form rock gardens of white, pink, and red-orange. In this action-packed undersea circus, jaws snap, tentacles sting, ink gets squirted, and fish suddenly glow while animals that look like plants sway gently and bashful clams hide the lively secrets inside their shells. Surprisingly dry and armed with a few pieces of equipment and their boundless imaginations, children explore this magical realm one small square at a time. "Science education at its best." ― Science Books and Films

We are going to use hot glue and paint.

Then transforming them into unique coral pieces while we learn about the different types and specifically about The Great Barrier Reef and its inhabitants.

GREAT BARRIER REEF FACTS

The Great Barrier Reef has an abundance of life with:

  • Fish: Over 1,600 species of fish, including clownfish, angelfish, and parrotfish.
  • Corals: Over 600 species of hard and soft corals.
  • Sea Turtles: Six of the world’s seven species of sea turtles.
  • Sharks and Rays: Over 30 species of sharks and rays.
  • Marine Mammals: Whales, dolphins, and dugongs.
  • Seabirds: Over 200 species of seabirds.

The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s biggest single structure made by living organisms.

It is so big that it can be seen from space.

The reef is home to more than 1,500 species of fish – that’s more than in the entire Caribbean Sea.

Some of the corals in the Great Barrier Reef are over 1,000 years old, coral of the Great Barrier Reef has gradually been destroyed in recent years by a pest known as the Crown of Thorns Seastar, a marine organism that eats Coral Polyps.

Exciting Books About the Great Barrier Reef| Faux Coral Craft

The Great Barrier Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which means it is recognized as a place of outstanding universal value and is recognized as one of the 7 natural wonders of the world.

HANDS ON GREAT BARRIER REEF ACTIVITIES

  • Fun Hands-on Coral Reef Activities and Play Dough Invitation to Play
  • How To Make Your Own Magic Crystal Coral Reef
  • Free Coral Reef Printable Lapbook and Fun Hands-on Unit Study Ideas
  • The Geronimo Stilton Series: Make a Fun Edible Coral Reef
  • Celebrate World Reef Day with a Blow Painting Coral Reef Hands-On Activity
  • Egg Carton Coral Reef Craft
Exciting Books About the Great Barrier Reef| Faux Coral Craft

Finally, look at how to make this coral reef hot glue art.

HOW TO MAKE CORAL REEF HOT GLUE ART

You will need:

  • Wooden plaque
  • Hot glue gun/glue sticks
  • Paint
  • paintbrushes
  • Silicone mat
Exciting Books About the Great Barrier Reef| Faux Coral Craft

First, paint your wooden plaque piece blue for the ocean or any color you like.

I found this one along with glue sticks and paint at Dollar Tree, making for a very frugal craft. Set aside to dry.

Exciting Books About the Great Barrier Reef| Faux Coral Craft

If you do not have a silicone mat I cannot recommend one highly enough. They are a fantastic item for painting, slime, and any other messy craft.

On to our beautiful faux coral pieces.

To begin with, use a light marker like a highlighter or even a dry erase marker to draw out your design.

Make any kind of coral you want here.

Exciting Books About the Great Barrier Reef| Faux Coral Craft

I tried some fan coral, a brain coral and some basic branch pieces.

Be mindful of the size wooden plaque that you have chosen to use. You want to make at least 4 or 5 of varying widths, heights, and types to layer on the background.

You want to gather a lot of hot glue for this activity, depending on how many pieces and how large you want to make them.

CORAL REEF HOT GLUE ART

Now you’re going to take your hot glue, gun and draw along the lines that you made with a nice thick line,

You can allow it to cool while you work on another piece and add additional layers of thickness if you like.

Exciting Books About the Great Barrier Reef| Faux Coral Craft

Here is a gorgeous example of fan coral that had been washed up on the beach after a hurricane.

Exciting Books About the Great Barrier Reef| Faux Coral Craft

Allow your designs to dry completely until the glue is hard and it will peel right up off the silicone mat.  I peeled it back just to be sure my lines were thick enough and laid it right back down.

Exciting Books About the Great Barrier Reef| Faux Coral Craft

Now you are going to paint each piece in whatever color combination you like.

Exciting Books About the Great Barrier Reef| Faux Coral Craft

Let the paint dry completely, then begin testing out how you will layer and place your pieces on the plaque.

Exciting Books About the Great Barrier Reef| Faux Coral Craft

Once you’re satisfied, add a little bit of hot glue to the back of each piece and press it into place.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: coral reef, great barrier reef, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool, life science

10 Fun Toilet Paper Roll Activities & How To Make A Paper Roll Giraffe & Free Template

December 20, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have 10 toilet paper roll activities and a fun toilet paper roll giraffe. Also, look at my Free Africa Unit Study for more hands-on ideas.

Because toilet paper rolls are made of cardboard, they’re recyclable and a great way to reuse items.

Also, the soft cardboard material of toilet paper rolls is easy to cut with scissors.

10 Fun Toilet Paper Roll Activities & How To Make A Paper Roll Giraffe & Free Template

Besides, they can be glued and stacked to form any number of projects.

Not only can you build and stack them, but they can be painted on and decorated.

They also make excellent educational toys and learning activities.

Look at some of the ones we made as we studied our different unit studies.

TOILET PAPER ROLL ACTIVITIES

Next, look at some of these toilet paper roll activities.

10 Toilet Paper Roll Activities For Kids

Toilet paper rolls are one of the most fun and versatile craft supplies you have in your house.

How To Create Toilet Paper Roll Penguins For A Bowling Game

We’re making these super cute toilet paper roll penguins for a bowling game. Be sure you grab more ideas for winter fun on my page Winter Season Unit Study.

How To Make A Frog Craft Toilet Paper Roll

We are making a frog craft toilet paper roll. Also, look at my page Free Toad and Frog Lapbook and Fun Homeschool Unit Study Ideas.

It is not only a model for a frog but also, is a fun cup and ball activity for motor development and hand eye coordination.

How to Make a Toilet Paper Roll Honeycomb Honey Bee Activity

This simple honey bee activity is not only a fun dramatic play idea for young learners but also can be used to build fine motor, math, science, and language arts skills. Also, look at my post Fascinating and Fun Honey Bees Unit Study and Lapbook for Kids.

16th President Abraham Lincoln Crafts and Facts | Cute Lincoln Toilet Paper Roll

Here are 8 fun Abraham Lincoln crafts to celebrate the day he delivered the Gettysburg Address – November 19, 1863. You’ll also love my free War Between the States or American Civil War Unit Study and Lapbook page.

Make An Adorable Toilet Roll Winter Village

Toilet paper roll winter crafts are a fantastic way to add a little fun to your winter-themed lessons. Be sure you grab more ideas for winter fun on my page Winter Season Unit Study.

They are fun for themes like snow, snowflakes, animals in winter, or any other topic.

Fun Bat Anatomy Toilet Paper Roll Craft

I have 8 bat science activities preschool age and bat toilet paper roll craft. Also, I have more fun ideas for all ages on my post Why Bats Are Not Birds Fun Homeschool Unit Study and Lapbook.

Cute Colorful Toilet Paper Roll Rainforest Frogs

I have a cute toilet paper roll rainforest frog craft. And I have more ideas on my pages Rain Forest – Amazon, Rain Forest – Animals of the Amazon, and Rainforest Amazon Activities for Kids.

Easy Israel Crafts for Preschoolers: How to Make Mini Torah Scrolls

Teaching ancient history to young children can be daunting, make Israel crafts for preschoolers to simplify it and help them understand. Also, look at my Ancient Civilization page for more activities.

How to Make an Easy Bird Craft Fun Paper Plate Peacock

This easy bird craft paper plate peacock is fun to do to celebrate Bird Day. Also, you’ll love my Free Bird Unit Study. Peacocks are beautiful and easily identifiable.

How to Make an Adorable Toilet Roll Snowman for Winter Crafts

If you’re looking to make an adorable toilet roll snowman well actually the cutest pair of snow people ever, you’ll love this for winter crafts or a winter season unit study.
You don’t need snow in your backyard to create these adorable toilet roll snowmen or ahem or is that snowman and snowwoman?

In addition, we’re making toilet paper roll giraffe to go with our Africa unit study.

Look at some of these fun facts about giraffes.

FUN FACTS ABOUT GIRAFFES

  • Giraffes are the tallest animals on Earth. They can grow up to 18 feet tall.
  • Too their tongues are long – about 18 inches.
  • And there is a reason for their tall necks. Giraffes are herbivores, meaning they eat plants, and their height allows them to reach leaves high up in trees.
  • They sleep standing up and only sleep for about 4 to 5 hours.
  • There are different subspecies of giraffes. For instance, there are Reticulated Giraffes: Known for their distinct, net-like pattern of spot, Masai Giraffe: These giraffes have jagged, irregular spots and live in Kenya and Tanzania, Rothschild’s Giraffe: Found mostly in Uganda and Kenya, they have light-colored spots and are one of the rarest types, and Southern Giraffe: Found in Southern Africa, they have large, star-shaped spots.
10 Fun Toilet Paper Roll Activities & How To Make A Paper Roll Giraffe & Free Template

Finally, look at how to make a toilet paper roll giraffe.

TOILET PAPER ROLL GIRAFFE

First, look at this list of supplies.

  • Toilet Paper Roll.
  • Construction Papers
  • Pencil
  • Scissors
  • Glue
  • Ruler

Step 1:

To make the toilet paper roll giraffe craft you will need a long toilet paper roll.

The tissue paper roll I’m using is 12 inches.

10 Fun Toilet Paper Roll Activities & How To Make A Paper Roll Giraffe & Free Template

Step 2:

Download the templates and cut out the base pattern for the tissue paper roll giraffe.

Place the cutout template over the tissue paper roll and use a pencil to trace the pattern on the tissue paper roll.

Then along the outline.

Step 3:

Cut out the mouth from the templates from a beige colored craft paper.

10 Fun Toilet Paper Roll Activities & How To Make A Paper Roll Giraffe & Free Template

Step 4:

Use a pencil to draw the nostrils and mouth.

10 Fun Toilet Paper Roll Activities & How To Make A Paper Roll Giraffe & Free Template

Step 5:

Then use a pink marker to draw the cheeks.

10 Fun Toilet Paper Roll Activities & How To Make A Paper Roll Giraffe & Free Template

Step 6:

Glue the mouth paper cutout on the top of the tissue paper roll giraffe pattern. 

10 Fun Toilet Paper Roll Activities & How To Make A Paper Roll Giraffe & Free Template

Step 7:

Use a pencil to draw the giraffe’s spots on the tissue paper roll.

10 Fun Toilet Paper Roll Activities & How To Make A Paper Roll Giraffe & Free Template

Step 8:

Then use brown paint to fill in the giraffe’s spots.

10 Fun Toilet Paper Roll Activities & How To Make A Paper Roll Giraffe & Free Template

Step 9:

Glue two googly eyes on the of the giraffe’s head.

10 Fun Toilet Paper Roll Activities & How To Make A Paper Roll Giraffe & Free Template

Step 10:

10 Fun Toilet Paper Roll Activities & How To Make A Paper Roll Giraffe & Free Template

Then glue the ears on the two top corners.

10 Fun Toilet Paper Roll Activities & How To Make A Paper Roll Giraffe & Free Template

Step 11:

10 Fun Toilet Paper Roll Activities & How To Make A Paper Roll Giraffe & Free Template

Finish it off by gluing the two horns in between the giraffe’s ears.

GRAB THE FREE TEMPLATE FOR THE CRAFT

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Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: giraffe, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, toilet paper roll

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