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5 Tide Pool Facts and Create An Edible Tide Pool Diorama Ideas

July 20, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have five tide pool facts and you’ll love these edible tide pool diorama ideas. Also, look at this free Seashore Watching Unit Study and Beach Lapbook.

Not every diorama has to be cardboard. You’ll love these edible tide pool diorama Ideas that make a tasty new way to learn.

We are creating our own sea creatures that are found in a tide pool with moldable candy, add some fish, and top it with beautiful ocean water.

People love to visit tide pools when the tide is low to observe the fish and other sea life that is contained within, and every tide pool is a unique micro-habitat that is filled with life.

5 Tide Pool Facts and Create An Edible Tide Pool Diorama Ideas

A tide pool is an isolated water pocket that is formed in the ocean’s intertidal zone.

It is made when seawater gets trapped in shallow depressions along the shore as the tide recedes.

This can be on rocky ledges, sandy beaches, and even mudflats.

5 Tide Pool Facts

  1. Tide pools can be anywhere from a few inches to several feet deep and are a living petri dish of sea life with- snails, sea stars, barnacles, mussels, anemones, urchins, crustaceans, seaweed, and small fish.
  2. As ocean water flows outside the tide pool during low tide, the creatures are exposed to long hours in the sun, low oxygen levels, and warmer water temps, not to mention hungry wading birds. The creatures that live in the tide pool must cling fiercely to the rocks.
  3. On the other hand, the waves at high tide bring in fresh nutrients and microscopic organisms, such as plankton making nourishment plentiful for them to keep the cycle going.
  4. The water in tide pools can change temperature significantly because the volume of water is small.
  5. Most marine organisms don’t have to deal with large temperature fluctuations; intertidal organisms do.

Also, look at these books about tide pools.

Tide Pool Resources

Books and resources about tide pools for kids. Add one or two of these books to your unit study.

Image for Tide Pool Secrets

Tide Pool Secrets

Lift the flaps and discover the many hidden creatures of the tide pool.At first glance, there’s nothing much to see . . . but tide pools are full of secrets. What creatures can be found nestling among the rocks and hiding in the seaweed? Dive into these mysterious seashore habitats and learn how to spot the creatures concealed within. With big, easy-to-lift flaps and a glossary of the tide pool’s inhabitants, Narelle Oliver’s lush underwater primer introduces young readers to the wonders just waiting to be revealed in the tide pools of the world.

Image for Life In A Tide Pool

Life In A Tide Pool

The series Life in a Tide Pool explores the fascinating world of tide pools. Tide pools occur in rocky locations where the ocean meets the land. This zone is covered by water and exposed to air periodically throughout the day. The series explores the types of marine life that live in this harsh environment and looks at how these animals can survive.

Image for National Geographic Readers: Tide Pools (L1)

National Geographic Readers: Tide Pools (L1)

Bright starfish, spiky sea anenomes, sea cucumbers, mussels, and colorful fish! Peek into these vibrant shoreline pools and discover amazing ocean habitats teeming with life!

Packed with beautiful and engaging photos, this new leveled reader will teach kids how tide pools work, what kinds of animals live in them, and even how to prepare for a tide pool visit of their own.

With expert-vetted text, brilliant images, and a fun approach to reading, National Geographic Readers have proved to be a winning formula with kids, parents, and educators. Level 1 text is carefully leveled for an early independent reading or read aloud experience, perfect to encourage the scientists and explorers of tomorrow!

Image for What's in the Tide Pool?

What's in the Tide Pool?

What would you see if you sat at the edge of a tidepool, looked into the water and watched the changes taking place in this little world? What life would you discover there? In a charming hand-sized book, Anne Hunter illustrates the creatures that live in and around a tidepool, and describes each animal's characteristics and habits. The gorgeous artwork and simple sense of wonder will inspire children to explore their environment. Fans of Hunter’s two books, WHAT'S IN THE POND? and WHAT'S UNDER THE LOG? will want to add this new title to their collection.

Image for Life in a Tide Pool (Rookie Read-About Science)

Life in a Tide Pool (Rookie Read-About Science)

Explains how tidal pools form and the types of plants and animals that inhabit them

Image for At Home in the Tide Pool

At Home in the Tide Pool

AT HOME IN THE TIDE POOL looks at the creatures and plants found in the mysterious and wonderful world of the tide pool. Children will be fascinated by the amazing creatures and the slippery seaweed. Did you know that crabs can re-grow missing limbs? Or that starfish eat by pushing their stomachs out of their bodies through their mouths. AT HOME IN THE TIDE POOL will entertain and educate readers about life in the tide pool from low to high tide.

Image for What Do You Find in a Tide Pool? (Ecosystems Close-Up)

What Do You Find in a Tide Pool? (Ecosystems Close-Up)

Tide pools form from water left on rocky shores when the tide withdraws. From seaweed and sea snails to shore crabs and seabirds, readers will discover some of the plants and animals that live in and around these ever-changing ecosystems.

Moreover, look at some hands-on ideas.

Whether you’re looking to craft or read about tide pools, you’ll find an idea.

5 Tide Pool Facts and Create An Edible Tide Pool Diorama Ideas

Tide Pool Diorama Ideas and Resources

  • Create a classic diorama like the FIAR Night of The Moon Jellies Tide Pool Diorama.
  • You could also make a Tide Pool Art Project for a different slant.
  • Here is a great simple backyard Tide Pool Science Experiment that your kids will love to explore if you don’t have your own nearby.
  • Watch The Secret Life of Tidepools for a peek into this unique habitat.
  • Free Oceans Unit Study and Lapbook.
  • Or check out Exploring Tide Pools for Kids.
  • I found this fantastic resource for Tidepool Math from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management which has resources for grades k-12.
  • Save your voice, grab a coffee, and play this read loud In One Tidepool on Youtube.
  • Free Seashore Watching Unit Study and Beach Lapbook.
  • Be sure to grab some Ocean Animal toys for making dioramas or just fun dramatic play, this set has plenty of tide pool items like crabs, sea stars, seaweed, and more.
  • Look at this beautiful two-page spread I found in Ocean Anatomy, besides that there are individual pages on individual creatures and things you would find in a tide pool, what a great resource.
5 Tide Pool Facts and Create An Edible Tide Pool Diorama Ideas

Finally, look how to make an edible tide pool diorama.

How to Make an Edible Tide Pool Diorama

Before you begin your activity, you will want to look up some tide pool creatures to help your child decide what to make in books or use Google as well.

5 Tide Pool Facts and Create An Edible Tide Pool Diorama Ideas

You will need:

  • Gummy fish
  • Airheads
  • Nerds
  • 3 oz box blue jello
  • Clear glass dish
  • Tan cardstock
  • Sanitized scissors
5 Tide Pool Facts and Create An Edible Tide Pool Diorama Ideas

First, trace the bottom of your clear glass dish using tan paper and cut it out, set aside.

5 Tide Pool Facts and Create An Edible Tide Pool Diorama Ideas

Cut open the airheads.

I chose this candy because it molds very nicely, like clay, especially when warmed slightly by your hands.

Pinch, pull, cut, and twist airheads into shapes like barnacles, anemones, seaweed, etc.

5 Tide Pool Facts and Create An Edible Tide Pool Diorama Ideas

How cute is this little crab we made?

5 Tide Pool Facts and Create An Edible Tide Pool Diorama Ideas

Tape tan paper to the underside of the dish to look like the ocean floor.

Warm the dish in the microwave for 30 seconds. And you just want it the slightest bit warm (not hot!), gently press your sea creatures onto the dish.

The heat will help melt the airheads and make them grip the plate a bit so they are not displaced when you pour in the jello. Add your jellyfish at this time too.

5 Tide Pool Facts and Create An Edible Tide Pool Diorama Ideas

Prepare jello according to package directions.

If you want a clearer view to the tide pool you may opt for yellow jello with the tiniest bit of blue food coloring,.

You will be able to see through the final product a little better.

5 Tide Pool Facts and Create An Edible Tide Pool Diorama Ideas

Allow jello to cool completely but not start to gel up in the refrigerator.

Also, pouring cooled jello over your candy makes it dissolve and lose color a lot less than hot would.

Pour carefully into the dish to fill it.

5 Tide Pool Facts and Create An Edible Tide Pool Diorama Ideas

You can still see your creatures very well at this point.

5 Tide Pool Facts and Create An Edible Tide Pool Diorama Ideas

Allow it to set for 3-4 hours or until “solid”.

Use sanitized tweezers, spoons, and a magnifying glass to move the water aside and find ocean life living in your tide pool.

5 Tide Pool Facts and Create An Edible Tide Pool Diorama Ideas

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschoolscience, life science, ocean, science, tide pool

Free Navajo Code Talkers Worksheet and How to Make Dog Tags Activity

July 17, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, I have a Navajo Code Talkers worksheet for you to use while studying World War II. Also, grab my Free World War II Unit Study Ideas and Fun Lapbook.

And of course, I have some other great activities, ideas, and resources.

Wondering exactly what the Navajo Code Talkers were? During WWII the Marine Corps leaders chose 29 Navajo men, the Navajo Code Talkers, who created a code based on the complex, unwritten Navajo language.

Free Navajo Code Talkers Worksheet and How to Make Dog Tags Activity

It was used to relay messages because the Japanese had broken every other code sent over the radio.

Navajo code was not able to be broken because the Navajo language has no definite rules and a guttural tone.

It was used to relay messages on Japanese troop movements and battlefield tactics, as well as other critical information.

How the Navajo Language Was Translated to Code

Code talkers first had to translate each Navajo word into its English equivalent. Then they used the first letter of the English equivalent. 

 Most letters had several Navajo words that represented them.

For instance, the Navajo word for “ant,” wo-la-chee was used for the letter “A”.

Some words did not have to be spelled out.

They assigned Navajo words to over 450 commonly used military terms such as Da-Ah-Hi-Dzi-Tsio for the word battle and Chay-Da-Gahi-Nail-Tsaidi for tank destroyer (which literally translated means, tortoise killer).

You can see why they were so important to the US military at the time.

Free Navajo Code Talkers Worksheet and How to Make Dog Tags Activity

Use my worksheet, you can get it at the bottom of the post to have your child learn more about these amazing men.

5 Navajo Code Talker Facts

  1. Aug. 14, 1982, was declared by our then-President Ronald Reagan as Navajo Code Talkers Day.
  2. The reason Navajo was first chosen was because of its complexity and because it wasn’t a written language.
  3. Because of its great success, the military started recruiting from Native nations all over the United States and they served in every single branch of the military. 
  4. The Navajo Code was the only military code, in modern history, that was never broken by an enemy.
  5. Three code talkers that were part of the U.S. Marine Corps. are still alive today. They are Peter MacDonald, John Kinsel Sr., and Thomas H. Begay.
Free Navajo Code Talkers Worksheet and How to Make Dog Tags Activity

Also, add some hands-on activities to your study.

Activities To Go With Navajo Code Talkers Worksheet

  • Free World War II Unit Study Ideas and Fun Lapbook
  • World War II Hands-On History – Make Ration Cakes
  • World War II Hands-On History – Make a Secret Message Deck
  • 8 World War II Historical Fiction Books for Middle School
  • World War II Free Resources For a Middle School Unit Study & Make Victory Garden Soup
  • World War II Homeschool History-Manhattan Project, Vocabulary & A. Frank
  • World War II Homeschool History: Life During the War & Pearl Harbor Minibook
  • World War II Homeschool History: Minibooks Causes & Great Depression

Also, look at sone of these books to add to your study about World War II and the Navajo Code Talkers.

15 Books and Resources for Studying About World War II

Add some of these books about World War II and the time in history when there has been no other war before or after that killed so many people.

Image for Number the Stars: A Newbery Award Winner

Number the Stars: A Newbery Award Winner

Through the eyes of ten-year-old Annemarie, we watch as the Danish Resistance smuggles almost the entire Jewish population of Denmark, nearly seven thousand people, across the sea to Sweden. The heroism of an entire nation reminds us that there was pride and human decency in the world even during a time of terror and war.

Image for Great World War II Projects: You Can Build Yourself

Great World War II Projects: You Can Build Yourself

From spy maps and victory banners to spotter planes and ration cakes, Great World War II Projects You Can Build Yourself brings one of the most defining periods of American and world history to life through hands-on building projects and activities. Detailed step-by-step instructions for creating each project combine with historical facts and anecdotes, biographies, and trivia about the real-life models. Together they give kids a first-hand look at daily life at home and on the front lines during America's war years.

Image for Snow Treasure

Snow Treasure

In the bleak winter of 1940, Nazi troops parachuted into Peter Lundstrom's tiny Norwegian village and held it captive. Nobody thought the Nazis could be defeated—until Uncle Victor told Peter how the children could fool the enemy. It was a dangerous plan. They had to slip past Nazi guards with nine million dollars in gold hidden on their sleds. It meant risking their country's treasure—and their lives. This classic story of how a group of children outwitted the Nazis and sent the treasure to America has captivated generations of readers.

Image for The Tuskegee Airmen Story

The Tuskegee Airmen Story

A grandfather reminisces about his service as a Tuskegee Airman.

Image for Voices of Pearl Harbor (Voices of History)

Voices of Pearl Harbor (Voices of History)

December 7, 1941-the day a sleeping giant awoke. Japan's surprise attack devastated the American Naval Fleet at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and forced the Americans into WWII. These moving accounts of the lives affected by the assault capture the scope of the day's emotions and repercussions. Viewpoints of both historical and imagined characters include the mother of a Japanese pilot, officials from both countries, and the grandchild of a WWII veteran.Powerful illustrations accompany every tale.

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The Book Thief

It is 1939. Nazi Germany. The country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier, and will become busier still. Liesel Meminger is a foster girl living outside of Munich, who scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist–books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement. 

Image for Who Was Anne Frank?

Who Was Anne Frank?

In her amazing diary, Anne Frank revealed the challenges and dreams common for any young girl. But Hitler brought her childhood to an end and forced her and her family into hiding. Who Was Anne Frank looks closely at Anne’s life before the secret annex, what life was like in hiding, and the legacy of her diary. Black-and-white illustrations including maps and diagrams provide historical and visual reference in an easy-to-read biography written in a way that is appropriate and accessible for younger readers.

Image for The Chestry Oak

The Chestry Oak

As he watches his homeland of Hungary being taken over and run by invaders from Nazi Germany, young Prince Michael of Chestry strives to retain his identity and integrity during one of the most dangerous seasons in human history.

Michael carries an acorn all the way from his castle home in Chestry Valley to the warm soil of
the Hudson Valley farm in the USA where he makes a new home after WWII.

Image for Enemy Brothers

Enemy Brothers

British airman Dym Ingleford is convinced that the young German prisoner, Max Eckermann, is his brother Anthony who was kidnapped years before. Raised in the Nazi ideology, Tony has by chance tumbled into British hands. Dym has brought him back, at least temporarily, to the family he neither remembers nor will acknowledge as his own. As Tony keeps attempting to escape, his stubborn anger is whittled away by the patient kindness he finds at the White Priory. Then, just as he is resigning himself to stay with this English family, a new chance suddenly opens for him to return home-to Germany!

Image for Making Bombs for Hitler

Making Bombs for Hitler

Lida thought she was safe. Her neighbors wearing the yellow star were all taken away, but Lida is not Jewish. She will be fine, won't she?But she cannot escape the horrors of World War II.Lida's parents are ripped away from her and she is separated from her beloved sister, Larissa. The Nazis take Lida to a brutal work camp, where she and other Ukrainian children are forced into backbreaking labor. Starving and terrified, Lida bonds with her fellow prisoners, but none of them know if they'll live to see tomorrow

Image for World War II for Kids: A History with 21 Activities

World War II for Kids: A History with 21 Activities

This book is packed with information that kids will find fascinating—excerpts from actual wartime letters written to and by American and German troops, personal anecdotes from people who lived
through the war in the United States, Germany, Britain, Russia, Hungary, and Japan, and gripping stories from Holocaust survivors—all adding a humanizing global perspective to the war.

Image for Who Were the Navajo Code Talkers? (Who Was?)

Who Were the Navajo Code Talkers? (Who Was?)

Learn how this heroic group of American Indian men created a secret, unbreakable code and helped the US win major battles during World War II in this new addition to the #1 New York Times bestselling series.By the time the United States joined the Second World War in 1941, the fight against Nazi and Axis powers had already been under way for two years. In order to win the war and protect its soldiers, the US Marines recruited twenty-nine Navajo men to create a secret code that could be used to send military messages quickly and safely across battlefields. In this new book within the #1 New York Times bestelling series, author James Buckley Jr. explains how these brave and intelligent men developed their amazing code, recounts some of their riskiest missions, and discusses how the country treated them before, during, and after the war.

Image for Tales of the Mighty Code Talkers

Tales of the Mighty Code Talkers

Written and illustrated by Native Americans from various tribal nations, these graphic novels detail the deep emotions of leaving one's homeland to fight in a war far away, the comfort and benefit in finding those who speak our native language, and the pride in knowing you served your country while honoring your people. A high percentage of Native Americans serve in the U.S. military and bring special talents that have aided their fighting units during wartime, including the famed code talkers of World War I.

Image for World War II Inspiring Stories for Kids: A Collection of Unbelievable True Tales About Goodness, Friendship, Courage, and Rescue

World War II Inspiring Stories for Kids: A Collection of Unbelievable True Tales About Goodness, Friendship, Courage, and Rescue

Note: This book does not give any content about torture & distortion stories, kidnapping, burn, or any negative events that had a relationship with killing,

This book is a collection of stories based on real-life events during World War II. A selection of 10 inspiring stories, introduces us to unique characters with different characteristics.

Image for Great Battles for Boys: WW2 Europe

Great Battles for Boys: WW2 Europe

Now you can, with these exciting tales of World War II written especially for reluctant readers.

In his highly acclaimed middle-school class “Great Battles for Boys," author Joe Giorello has ignited a love of military history in hundreds of boys. Now with this engaging non-fiction book written specifically for boys ages 8-14, your son can experience that same thrilling adventure in learning.

Finally, look at this fun hands-on activity to learn more about the Navajo Code Talkers.

Free Navajo Code Talkers Worksheet and How to Make Dog Tags Activity

Navajo Code Talkers Worksheet and Dog Tags

We used this site to get the Navajo Code Talkers’ Dictionary and choose our words.

We then made 2 dog tags, one with the word in English, and the other with it in Navajo.

Your child can choose their word or words from the list and create one for everyone in the family.

You will need:

  • Blank Dog Tags
  • Metal Stamping Kit
  • Small Hammer
  • Enamel Stamping Marker or Sharpie
  • Masking or painter’s tape.
Free Navajo Code Talkers Worksheet and How to Make Dog Tags Activity

First, you will want to practice first to determine how hard and how many times you need to hit to get a good depth to your stamping in the metal.

Tape your dog tag down to the metal bench block.

That is the piece that absorbs the impact with minimal noise and gives you a solid surface for making the impressions.

I had some tape that is designed for spacing letters on stamped jewelry.

You don’t have to use this.

Just make marks on your masking tape, or let your child have free reign with imperfections-perfectly imperfect.

Free Navajo Code Talkers Worksheet and How to Make Dog Tags Activity

Be sure that you have enough room on your tag for all your letters.

Then hold each stamp in place.

For the correct positioning my stamps had an engraved letter on one side that needed to be facing me.

Tap firmly 2 or 3 times on the stamp with the hammer.

Free Navajo Code Talkers Worksheet and How to Make Dog Tags Activity

Continue until your entire word is spelled out.

Free Navajo Code Talkers Worksheet and How to Make Dog Tags Activity

Cover the stamped word with the enamel marker or Sharpie and allow it to sit for about 1 minute.

Free Navajo Code Talkers Worksheet and How to Make Dog Tags Activity

Take a paper towel or soft cloth and buff off the excess, you don’t want to pull it out of the grooves, this is going to help your lettering stand out more.

Free Navajo Code Talkers Worksheet and How to Make Dog Tags Activity

Add your tags to the chain and it’s ready to wear.

Free Navajo Code Talkers Worksheet and How to Make Dog Tags Activity

Moreover, grab this Navajo Code Talker worksheet. It’s one page two different ways.

One page is blank for your student to research and the second page has a few facts if you simply want to add it to a lapbook or a notebook.

How to Get the Free Navajo Code Talker Notebooking Page

Now, how to grab the free printable. This is a subscriber 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!

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, world history, world war II

How to Make Fun DIY Kinetic Sand And Easy Sand Art

July 16, 2023 | 1 Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

In honor of Global Kinetic Sand Day on August 11th, I have an easy sand art DIY kinetic sand for you to make and enjoy. Also, look at ideas on my post Desert Sand Art: Day 2 Hands-on Learning (Colors of the Desert).

I have 12 other fun sand art activities.

Summer just gets you thinking about sand and everything that it entails.

So, even if you can’t make it to the beach there are lots of ways to enjoy playing with sand.

How to Make Fun DIY Kinetic Sand And Easy Sand Art

We all remember the cool activity of layering sand in a bottle, and we know there are many ways to create art with it.

Kinetic sand is a super fun sensory activity, but that stuff can get crazy expensive.

 Making it yourself saves a lot of money and allows you to customize it with fun colors.

Besides the fun of making it, you can then use it for fun layered creations, in sensory bins or trays, and with cookie cutters and mold.

5 Sand Facts

What exactly is sand anyway?

The definition of sand is any material made up of grains within a certain size range. Sugar and salt can qualify as sand.

  1. The most common material to make up sand is silica,  which is made of quartz crystals that have broken down as far as they naturally will.
  2. Beach sand is silica sand mixed with fragments of coral, shell, and other materials.
  3. Sand is commonly used in making concrete, glass, mortar, paint, and brick.
  4. In over 3 dozen deserts around the world, there’s a phenomenon known as “singing sand.” As wind passes over the dunes or when the sand is disturbed, it creates a deep, humming sound. It is believed to be the vibrations of the grains of sand.
  5. The recommended ratio for the perfect sandcastle is 8:1, that is 8 parts dry sand and 1 part water.
How to Make Fun DIY Kinetic Sand And Easy Sand Art

Then, here are some fun art ideas.

12 Easy Sand Art Ideas

Here are 12 more easy sand art activities to try for kids of all ages and their parents.

  1. I remember having something similar to this Easy Aqua Sand Recipe and it was a blast, like a sand lava lamp that you customize.
  2. I love the pretty layering in this Colored Sand Art, I also like that it will be a unique art piece every time you make it.
  3. Desert Sand Art: Day 2 Hands-on Learning (Colors of the Desert).
  4. We had to include a simple DIY Colored Sand tutorial for you to make your own and do whatever you want with it. It works great with several of the activities here or make up your own ideas.
  5. Create Sand Castle Sand Art during a beach study, for summer fun, or to mark a family beach trip.
  6. This Ocean Sand Art For Kids has limitless possibilities to create beautiful ocean scenes with colored sand.
  7. Faux sand still counts right? Make your own Sand Art With Salt, salt is very inexpensive and easy to find, making it a good alternative to sand.
  8. Doubling as a pretty art piece and a planter the Rainbow Sand Art Terrarium is a really fun sand art piece.
  9. How Accurate is a Sand Clock? 
  10. These DIY Sand Art Candles are unique and would make a great handmade gift anytime or a colorful addition to a teen’s bedroom.
  11. This Glow in The Dark Sand will no doubt be a big hit with everyone for creating sand art.
  12. Of course, I had to include something tasty, how about this Edible Sand Art Recipe? What a fun party favor or co-op activity this would be.
How to Make Fun DIY Kinetic Sand And Easy Sand Art

There are so many good ideas here, unique ways I never thought to use sand to make art.

How to Make DIY Kinetic Sand

You will need:

  • 2 cups fine white sand (dollar tree)
  • 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 Tablespoon clear dish soap
  • ½ cup white school glue
  • Food coloring
How to Make Fun DIY Kinetic Sand And Easy Sand Art

First, combine the sand and the cornstarch until thoroughly mixed, I find it is easier to get a better mix when you don’t stir everything in all at once.

How to Make Fun DIY Kinetic Sand And Easy Sand Art

Next, stir in dish soap and glue, mixing them in for several minutes until all ingredients are well combined.

How to Make Fun DIY Kinetic Sand And Easy Sand Art

Separate sand into as many containers as you would like to make different colors.

How to Make Fun DIY Kinetic Sand And Easy Sand Art

Add food coloring until satisfied with the color, we left one natural. A fork makes a great tool for mixing color into the sand.

How to Make Fun DIY Kinetic Sand And Easy Sand Art

Spread out the sand in a container as much as you can for drying.

Allow mixture to “dry” for 15-30 minutes until it becomes a texture that is not super sticky and flows well in your hands.

You want to be able to squeeze it into a solid mass that slowly flows out of shape.

How to Make Fun DIY Kinetic Sand And Easy Sand Art

Transfer to containers with a lid (or you can use baggies).

Add a tray to keep the mess contained and cookie cutters.

You can press through the kinetic sand with cookie cutters, but it is also fun to lay down the cutter and add sand, watching it “ooze” to fill in the entire space.

How to Make Fun DIY Kinetic Sand And Easy Sand Art

Even after the colors become mixed up, it is still a pretty and fun kinetic sand.

Store in a sealable container like a zipper baggie or mason jar with a lid.

How to Make Fun DIY Kinetic Sand And Easy Sand Art

1 CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: art, crafts, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, sand

8 Facts about African Elephants and a Cute Paper Plate Elephant

July 14, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, I have 8 facts about African elephants and a cute paper plate elephant. Also, look at my pages Free Africa Unit Study for Kids Who Love Hands-on Learning | Free Continent & Country Reports and 6 World Wildlife Day Activities to Learn About African Lions for more ideas.

Do you need a great activity to go along with a study of Africa and its animals?

This simple paper plate elephant can be used for display and learning.

8 Facts about African Elephants and a Cute Paper Plate Elephant

I enjoy a craft that is inexpensive and can be used as an effective learning tool.

With this one, we can learn about the different parts of the African elephant.

For example, you can learn about why their ears are so large, why they have tusks, and compare them to Asian elephants.

Comparing African To Asian Elephants

African elephants are giant creatures that roam the savannas of sub-Saharan Africa and the rainforests of Central and West Africa in herds.

Their hide is much more wrinkled than that of their Asian counterpart.

And they have two “fingers” on their trunk while Asians only have one.

Another distinction between the two is the length of the tusks.

While African elephants have long tusks on both males and females, Asian elephants have short tusks that are generally only visible on the males.

8 Facts about African Elephants and a Cute Paper Plate Elephant

Next, look at these facts about African elephants.

8 Facts About African Elephants

  1. The African Savanna elephant is the world’s largest land animal. The word “elephant” is actually Latin for “huge Arch”.
  2. August 12th is World Elephant Day; a day created to educate and bring attention to the plight of African and Asian Elephants.
  3. A baby elephant can stand within just 20 minutes of being born, a baby African Elephant weighs almost 200 pounds at birth.
  4. Elephant tusks are enlarged incisor teeth and show when elephants are around 2 years old. These tusks will continue to grow throughout their lives.
  5. 90% of the African elephant populations have been wiped out in the last century.
  6. African elephants live in sub-Saharan Africa, the rain forests of Central and West Africa, and the Sahel desert in Mali.
  7. African elephants are made up of two living elephant species, the African bush elephant, and the smaller African forest elephant.
  8. African elephants live in a sunnier, hotter climate than Asian elephants do which is why their larger ears are better suited to them. Take a closer look at them, they also resemble the shape of the continent of Africa.
8 Facts about African Elephants and a Cute Paper Plate Elephant

Look at more paper plate elephant activities.

Resources to Go Along With the Paper Plate Elephant

  •  Easy How to Draw an African Elephant for Kids Tutorial Video 
  • This elephant word search is a great simple activity for kids.
  • Grab a map, atlas, or globe, and have your child find locations where African Elephants live. We used a small plastic elephant to mark them as we went along. You can find the largest groups in Botswana, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Kenya, Namibia, Zambia, and South Africa.

8 Facts about African Elephants and a Cute Paper Plate Elephant
  • Fold an origami elephant, glue on long paper tusks and you have an African Elephant.
  • Need a good read-aloud? The Magician’s Elephant is a great option for the whole family to keep with the elephant theme.
  • Watch African Elephants from Amazing Animals on YouTube to learn more about them.
  • Add this African elephant family to your collection. Use for dramatic small-world play, in dioramas, sensory bins, and as inspiration for drawings and paintings.
  • Elephants of Africa by Gail Gibbons, a shorter living science book, makes a great resource book as well.
  • Peek in on the live elephant cam at Tembe Elephant Park in South Africa.

African Elephant – Paper Plate Elephant

You will need:

  • 2 paper plates
  • Grey craft paint
  • Black marker/pen
  • Scissors
8 Facts about African Elephants and a Cute Paper Plate Elephant

Cut out 2 tusks and 2 ears from the smooth center of one plate and a trunk from the ridged edge.

When the body is done, trim to size.

8 Facts about African Elephants and a Cute Paper Plate Elephant

Paint the other plate, the trunk, and the ears entirely gray and allow them to dry.

8 Facts about African Elephants and a Cute Paper Plate Elephant

Flip and paint the other sides, as you will be able to see some of both sides in the final result.

Once your plate is dry, fold it in half, creasing it gently in the center.

8 Facts about African Elephants and a Cute Paper Plate Elephant

Cut out the general shape of the legs, head (minus the trunk), and tail from both sides at the same time.

8 Facts about African Elephants and a Cute Paper Plate Elephant

Add details to your elephant’s body, ears, and trunk like wrinkles and eyes with a fine-tipped black pen or marker.

Glue the tusk and trunk in between the fold of the paper plate.

Attach the ears to either side of the head.

You can now open your elephant and put it on display. It will stand nicely and look great as part of your collection.

8 Facts about African Elephants and a Cute Paper Plate Elephant

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: Africa, crafts, elephants, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, life science, science

What Plants And Animals Did Lewis And Clark Discover on their Famous Trek & Bitterroot Craft

July 13, 2023 | Leave a Comment
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Today, we’re learning what plants and animals did Lewis And Clark discover on their long journey. Also, grab more ideas on my page Lewis and Clark Fun Homeschool Unit Study and Lapbook.

The Corps of Discovery was an expedition that was led by Captain Meriwether Lewis and Lieutenant William Clark.

This long journey was almost 8,000 miles.

What Plants And Animals Did Lewis And Clark Discover on their Famous Trek & Bitterroot Craft

It was taken over the span of May of 1804 to September of 1806 and was made on foot, on horseback, and by canoe.

It led the group down the Ohio River, up the Missouri River, across the Continental Divide, through the Great Plains, over the Rocky Mountains, and to the Pacific Ocean.

Facts About What Plants And Animals Did Lewis And Clark Discover

The group was made up of almost 50 including 27 young soldiers, a French Indian interpreter, and Clark’s Slave, York.

One of the most famous members of the party, Sacagawea, joined the Corps of Discovery at about 16 years old.

During this time, they found many yet unknown plants and animals.

They recorded 178 plants and 122 animals that were not previously known to science.

In his journal, Lewis recorded and pressed, and preserved 240 different plant species and brought them back with him.

The expedition also brought back skins, skeletons, horns, a live prairie dog, a magpie, and many more specimens.

What Plants And Animals Did Lewis And Clark Discover on their Famous Trek & Bitterroot Craft

They named many of the geographic locations after expedition members, peers, loved ones, and even their dog.

Additionally, they made maps of uncharted land, rivers, and mountains.

Too, they filled their journals overflowing with details about navigation, Native American tribes, and scientific notes about plants and animals.

The tales of their adventures sent many Americans westward in search of all the wonders that they found and more.

Lewis and Clark Exploration Hands-on Activities

Moreover, a Lewis and Clark unit study and lapbook lends well to tons of fun hands-on activities.

Activities are numerous and I a few here to get your creative juices flowing.

  • Unit Study Ideas | Lewis and Clark Exploration Lapbook
  • 22 Free Lewis & Clark Activity Posters (You Don’t Want to Miss These)
  • Mighty Mississippi book & Sediment Activity
  • Cooking on the Trail
  • Lewis and Clark Expedition – The Ultimate Guide
  • Lewis and Clark Louisiana Purchase Edible Map
  • Hands-on History. Make a Char Cloth
  • How To Make An Easy Ink pot & Quill Pen with Berry Ink
  • Free Westward Ho History Cards
  • 10 Westward Expansion History Fun Coloring Pages

Books About Lewis and Clark

Also, look at some of these books to add your study of Lewis and Clark’s trek.

14 Lewis and Clark | Sacagawea Exploration Unit Study Resources

Lewis and Clark is one of the most significant periods in American history and you can spend weeks exploring the lands and people west of the Mississippi with these fun books and resources.

Image for How We Crossed The West: The Adventures Of Lewis And Clark

How We Crossed The West: The Adventures Of Lewis And Clark

Appealing art and descriptive text bring Lewis and Clark alive for young adventurers. Carefully chosen text from Lewis and Clark's actual journals opens a fascinating window into this country's exciting history.

Image for National Geographic Readers: Sacagawea

National Geographic Readers: Sacagawea

Explore one of the most recognized figures in American history with this biography of Sacagawea. Kids will learn about her crucial role in the Lewis and Clark expedition and her influential legacy.  The level 3 text provides accessible, yet wide-ranging, information for independent readers.

Image for Of Courage Undaunted: Across the Continent with Lewis & Clark

Of Courage Undaunted: Across the Continent with Lewis & Clark

Commissioned in 1803 by President Thomas Jefferson to explore and open up this vast territory, Lewis and Clark felt it was the realization of a lifelong dream. Against the hardships of the wilderness, possible attack by hostile Indians, sudden blizzards and terrifying natural obstacles, these two men led the Corps of Discovery ably and nobly to complete their mission. Their Corps included American Indians from the Sioux, Mandan, Shoshone, Clatsop and Chopunnish tribes. Sacajawea, the only woman on the trip, was a Shoshone woman who contributed invaluable service as interpreter and guide. Daugherty's evocative sepia and black ink illustrations depict individuals of humor, vitality, passion, and strength.

Image for Undaunted Courage: Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson, and the Opening of the American West

Undaunted Courage: Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson, and the Opening of the American West

From the New York Times bestselling author the definitive book on Lewis and Clark’s exploration of the Louisiana Purchase, the most momentous expedition in American history and one of the great adventure stories of all time.

Image for The Truth About Sacajawea (Lewis & Clark Expedition)

The Truth About Sacajawea (Lewis & Clark Expedition)

The only book ever written that tells the eyewitness truth about this famous teenage Indian mother who was indispensable to the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

Image for The Journals of Lewis and Clark: 1805: Volume II

The Journals of Lewis and Clark: 1805: Volume II

On May 14, 1804, the Corps of Discovery set out from Camp Dubois, Illinois, heading westward under the command of Captain Meriwether Lewis and his Second Lieutenant, William Clark. While Lewis led the group in terms of rank, the two men became de facto equals, giving their names jointly to a journey that would shape the future of the fledgling United States — the Lewis and Clark Expedition. This book presents journal entries taken directly from the expedition.

Image for Sacagawea: American Pathfinder

Sacagawea: American Pathfinder

Describes how Sacagawea found adventure guiding Lewis and Clark to the Oregon coast.

Image for Along the Trail with Lewis and Clark (Third Edition): A Guide to the Trail Today

Along the Trail with Lewis and Clark (Third Edition): A Guide to the Trail Today

Take Your Own Journey through History on the Lewis & Clark Trail! Follow the journey of the Corps of Discovery from Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello through the Midwest and the Rockies, to the Pacific Ocean and back with this detailed chronicle of the Lewis & Clark Expedition. This third edition of the classic guidebook features accessible text that combines the historical sites and color maps that merge the past and present in a user-friendly and entertaining way.

Image for The Lewis and Clark Expedition (Graphic History)

The Lewis and Clark Expedition (Graphic History)

In this epic graphic novel, follow the dramatic story of  the Lewis and Clark expedition. In 1804, these two explorers, along with their "Corps of Discovery," traversed the unmapped American West, leading to scientific discoveries, interactions with Native nations, and route to the Pacific Ocean. Dramatic illustrations and fast-paced text provide a "you-are-there" experience. With extensive back matter, including a bibliography, extended reading list, glossary, and further Internet sources, young readers will gobble up this action-packed comic book about one of history's most compelling moments.

Image for The Oregon Trail: The Journey Across the Country From Lewis and Clark to the Transcontinental Railroad With 25 Projects

The Oregon Trail: The Journey Across the Country From Lewis and Clark to the Transcontinental Railroad With 25 Projects

In The Oregon Trail: The Journey Across the Country from Lewis and Clark to the Transcontinental Railroad, readers ages 9 to 12 can delve into the explorations of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark and other explorers. They can learn about the more than half a million people who followed during the nineteenth century. What challenges did these pioneers face on the 2,170-mile journey? How were Native American tribes and nations affected by this mass migration? Primary sources allow readers to feel like a part of the Oregon Trail experience while biographical sidebars will introduce the compelling people who were part of this time in U.S. history. Investigative, hands-on projects and critical thinking activities such as writing a treaty and researching artistic impressions of the Oregon Trail invite readers to further their understanding of life on the trail, early towns and forts, and the Transcontinental Railroad that followed the wagons into new lands and territories that would eventually become states.

Image for Seaman's Journal

Seaman's Journal

A trade paperback edition of the award-winning tale of the journey of Lewis and Clark. When Seaman, a Newfoundland dog, met his new master in August of 1803, he didn't know that he would spend the next three years on an adventure of more than 8,000 miles to the Pacific Ocean and back. Seaman's Journal is based on actual entries in Meriwether Lewis s journal describing Seaman, and it presents an account of the Lewis and Clark expedition as seen from the viewpoint of Lewis s dog. Join Seaman before the trip as preparations take place. Meet the Native American guides and friends they encountered along the way. And read of Seaman s love for Sacajawea, the Shoshone woman whose husband acted as interpreter and guide. Ages 5-8.

Image for The Lewis & Clark Expedition: Join the Corps of Discovery to Explore Uncharted Territory

The Lewis & Clark Expedition: Join the Corps of Discovery to Explore Uncharted Territory

Describes the expedition led by Lewis and Clark to explore the unknown western regions of America at the beginning of the nineteenth century.

Image for Lewis and Clark for Kids: Their Journey of Discovery with 21 Activities

Lewis and Clark for Kids: Their Journey of Discovery with 21 Activities

Following Meriwether Lewis and William Clark’s Corps of Discovery as they navigate the muddy Missouri River and begin a great adventure, this activity book is set against the background of the vast North American continent. It takes children from President Jefferson’s vision of an exploratory mission across a continent full of unique plants and animals through their dangerous and challenging journey into the unknown to the expedition’s triumphant return to the frontier town of St. Louis. Twenty-one activities bring to life the Native American tribes they encountered, the plants and animals they discovered, and the camping and navigating techniques they used. A glossary of terms and listings of Lewis and Clark sites, museums, and related websites round out this comprehensive activity book.

Image for It's Her Story Sacajawea A Graphic Novel

It's Her Story Sacajawea A Graphic Novel

Sacajawea was a brilliant, multilingual Shoshone girl who was torn from her home at a young age. In 1804, she set out with the Lewis and Clark Expedition, acting as an interpreter and guide across hundreds of miles of unmapped land to reach the Pacific Ocean. Almost 200 years later, she became the first Indigenous woman to appear on a US coin. This is her story.

List of What Plants And Animals Did Lewis And Clark Discover

Next, here is a short and longer list of what plants and animals did Lewis and Clark discover.

Have your child choose an animal and a plant from each list below and draw, paint, create a diorama, make a Minecraft scene, or write a report to create a wonderful science and history lesson all rolled into one little project.

The expedition was successful in discovering 178 plants and 122 animals, but I am giving you a quick list of 10 of the most common in each category.

If you want a full list you can find them linked below.

●     Animals

●     Plants

Then look below for a quick list of 10 in each category.

What Plants And Animals Did Lewis And Clark Discover on their Famous Trek & Bitterroot Craft

Animals

  1. Grizzly Bear
  2. Buffalo
  3. Black-Tailed Prairie Dog
  4. Mountain Goat
  5. Western Rattlesnake
  6. Red Fox
  7. Plains Gray Wolf
  8. White-Tailed Deer
  9. Striped Skunk
  10. Harbor Seal

Plants- They found plants that were edible, medicinal, and good wood for building just to name a few uses.

  1. Bitterroot
  2. Blue Elderberry
  3. Cottonwood Tree
  4. Wormwood
  5. Purple Coneflower
  6. Orange Honeysuckle
  7. Tansy
  8. Prickly-Pear Cactus
  9. Tarragon
  10. Cluster Rose
What Plants And Animals Did Lewis And Clark Discover on their Famous Trek & Bitterroot Craft

Next, we chose the Bitterroot flower. We chose this one because it has many uses and fascinating facts.

5 Facts About The Bitterroot Flower

  1. Lewis collected a blossoming Bitterroot specimen near Missoula, Montana, and it was named in honor of Lewis (genus name- Lewisia).
  2. It later became Montana’s State Flower in 1893.
  3. Native Americans used the flower and roots as medicine for sore throats and toothaches.
  4. The Bitterroot is also known as “the resurrection flower” for its ability to survive a year without water.
  5. Three different geographic features are named after the Bitterroot- Bitterroot Mountains, Bitterroot Valley, and Bitterroot River.
What Plants And Animals Did Lewis And Clark Discover on their Famous Trek & Bitterroot Craft

Finally, look how to make an egg carton Bitterroot flower.

How to Make An Egg Carton Bitterroot Flower

You will need:

  • Cardboard egg carton
  • Watercolor paint
  • Scissors
  • School glue
What Plants And Animals Did Lewis And Clark Discover on their Famous Trek & Bitterroot Craft

Usually, when creating something from an egg carton we use the “cup” portion.

This time we are going to cut out the taller piece that separates each cup.

First, cut out as much of their height as you can.

What Plants And Animals Did Lewis And Clark Discover on their Famous Trek & Bitterroot Craft

Make long skinny cuts, creating point tips all the way around, almost to the solid end but not quite.

What Plants And Animals Did Lewis And Clark Discover on their Famous Trek & Bitterroot Craft

Repeat with a second one, you can make this one slightly shorter.

Set your cut pieces upside down and gently press to spread out the petals.

What Plants And Animals Did Lewis And Clark Discover on their Famous Trek & Bitterroot Craft

Glue one inside the other.

What Plants And Animals Did Lewis And Clark Discover on their Famous Trek & Bitterroot Craft

Watercolor the “petals” a bright pink, leaving a bit of the center unwashed.

What Plants And Animals Did Lewis And Clark Discover on their Famous Trek & Bitterroot Craft

To create the stamen, you will need to trim off another piece of the egg carton and cut long skinny strips not quite all the way through.

What Plants And Animals Did Lewis And Clark Discover on their Famous Trek & Bitterroot Craft

Bend the tips down to make.

Paint the tips orange and leave the rest.

Glue inside the flower.

Allow the glue and paint time to dry.

What Plants And Animals Did Lewis And Clark Discover on their Famous Trek & Bitterroot Craft

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: animals, hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, lewis and clark, lewisandclark, life science, plants

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