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handson

Free World War II Unit Study Ideas and Fun Lapbook

June 27, 2023 | 2 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have a free World War II unit study and lapbook. Grab more ideas on my lapbook ideas and on my best homeschool unit studies pages.

Two world powers, Germany and Japan had plunged into war in the 1930s.

They were known as the “Axis” powers and countries friendly to the United States were known as the “Allies.”

Free World War II Unit Study Ideas and Fun Lapbook

The United States had hoped to stay neutral.

However, on December 7, 1941, Japanese planes bombed the U.S. Naval Base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

America prepared for war.

World War II Time Line of Events Before & After War

Next, look at this timeline of events in history which lead up to the war and include the war.

Having a glimpse of dates can help your family decide what you want to study.

  • 1918 World War I ends and Germany surrenders.
  • 1921 Adolph Hitler becomes the leader of the National Socialist Party (Nazis) in Germany.
  • 1932 Franklin Roosevelt becomes President of the United States.
  • 1934 Adolph Hitler gains power as the Fuhrer of Germany.
  • 1937 Japan, Germany, and Italy sign Axis Power Treaty.
  • 1940 Winston Churchill becomes Prime Minister of Great Britain.
  • 1941 Japan attacks Pearl Harbor.
  • 1941 The United States and Britain declare war on Japan.
  • 1944 The Allies invade Normandy, France on June 6. This is called D-day.
  • 1945 The Allies liberate the concentration camps of Buchenwald and Bergen-Belsen concentration camps. President Roosevelt dies and Harry Truman becomes President. Mussolini is captured and hanged. Hitler commits suicide. The United States drops an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan on August 6 and on Nagasaki, Japan on August 9.

Then include some hands-on activities like these Ration Cakes or make a secret deck.

Free World War II Unit Study Ideas and Fun Lapbook

Next, look at some hands-on activities.

More World War II Unit Study Hands-on Activities

  • 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: Minibooks Causes & Great Depression
  • World War II Homeschool History: Staged For War & Quick Facts Minibooks & Links
  • World War II Homeschool History Free Unit Study and Lapbook
  • How to Make an Easy Anderson Shelter World War II Activity Craft
  • World War II Homeschool History: Life During the War & Pearl Harbor Minibook
  • Free Navajo Code Talkers Worksheet and How to Make Dog Tags Activity
  • World War I & II History Toys For Kids that Make Learning Exciting

Then, look at some of these books and resources about World War 2 for your unit study.

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.

Image for The Book Thief

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.

Moreover, look at more lapbook ideas.

More Lapbook Ideas

  • Carnivorous Plants Lapbook and Fun Homeschool Unit Study Ideas
  • Egg to Sea Turtle Lesson Plans & Lapbook
  • Free Coral Reef Printable Lapbook and Fun Hands-on Unit Study Ideas
  • Peregrine Falcon Lapbook And Fun Unit Study Ideas
  • Bird Unit Study and Lapbook And Fun Edible Bird Nests
  • North American Robin Bird Lapbook and Fun Homeschool Unit Study Ideas
  • Homeschool Unit Study Ideas | Lewis and Clark Exploration Lapbook
  • Amazing Daniel Boone Explorer Lapbook and Fun Hands-on Unit Study
  • Free Lapbook Maya and Fun Hands-on Meso-America Unit Study Ideas
  • US Westward Expansion Lapbook and Hands-on Unit Study Ideas
  • Beautiful And Colorful Amazonian Rainforest Animals Lapbook For Kids
  • 3 Free and Amazing Amazon Rainforest Lapbooks for Kids
  • South America Printable Lapbook and Fun Hands-on Unit Study Ideas
  • Texas Homeschool Lapbook and Fun Homeschool Unit Study Ideas
  • Pirate Unit Study Ideas and Free Pirates Lapbook
  •  Printable Strawberries Lapbook and Fun Homeschool Unit Study Ideas

Look below at the minibooks.

Free World War II Unit Study Ideas and Fun Lapbook

World War II Printable Minibooks

Also, look at these minibooks which come in the free World War II lapbook 13 page download.

  • Quick Facts at a Glance About World War II
  • Life During War
  • Staged for War
  • What is the Manhattan Project
  • The Great Depression
  • 5 Causes of World War II
  • Anne Frank
  • Attack, Attack, Attack – Pearl Harbor
  • To Victory Vocabulary pocket and words

How to Get the Free World War II Unit Lapbook

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

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

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

2 CommentsFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, history, history resources, homeschoolhistory, lapbook, lapbooking, lapbookresources, lapbooks, world history, world war II

Meteors, Meteorites, Comets and Meteoroids Today And Make a Fun Windsock

June 25, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

We’ll be learning about meteors, meteorites, comets, and meteoroids today and making a fun windsock. Also, you’ll love my Exploring Space and Astronomy Free Unit Study for Multiple Ages.

I have a cool space-themed craft.

We are creating a fun meteor windsock which can be used indoors or out.

This simple craft is a great way to introduce meteors, what they are, how they form, what they look like, and more.

 As you create it together you can talk about facts, watch a video on meteors, or look for inspiration in your favorite book.

Before we jump into the craft let’s learn a bit more about what meteors are and what they aren’t.

Did you know that meteoroids, meteorites, and meteors are all the same things?

Meteors, Meteorites, Comets and Meteoroids Today And Make a Fun Windsock

These are just different classifications that tell us about their position.

  • A meteoroid is a small body moving in the solar system that will become a meteor if it enters the earth’s atmosphere.
  • A meteor is a streak of light in the sky caused by a meteoroid passing through earth’s atmosphere.
  • A meteorite is a small asteroid that has survived its passage through the planet’s atmosphere.

Asteroid or Meteor? If it is larger than 1 meter/3.2 feet in diameter, it is an asteroid. If it is 2 millimeters/.0078 inches to 1 meter/3.2 feet in size, then it is a meteoroid.

Comet or Meteor? A comet is a ball of ice and dust that orbits around the sun. A meteoroid is a small piece of an asteroid or a comet.

Meteor Shower- A meteor shower is what we call when a lot of meteors enter the atmosphere during a short period of time.

Meteor showers happen when Earth passes through the debris field of a comet or asteroid as these objects make their way around the sun and they drop smaller pieces along the way.

This is why scientists can generally predict known meteors around the same time each calendar year.

7 Interesting Facts About Meteors, Meteorites, Meteoroids, and Comets

  1. Meteors don’t have tails like comets. What you may see trailing behind is either a plasma trail or a dust tail.
  2. About 40 meteorite craters have been found on earth by scientists which are 12 miles in diameter or larger. 
  3. Meteors are commonly called falling stars or shooting stars.
  4. Most asteroids orbit the sun in the area between Mars and Jupiter. This is called the asteroid belt.
  5. As comets orbit far from the sun, they travel at about 2,000 miles per hour. As they get closer to the sun, the speed increases- as fast as 100,000 miles per hour.
  6. More than 150 asteroids are known to have moons.
  7. Earth’s moon, Mars, and Mercury are covered with round impact craters from asteroid and meteor impacts.
Meteors, Meteorites, Comets and Meteoroids Today And Make a Fun Windsock

Next, look at these meteorite activities.

Meteors, Meteorites, Meteoroids, and Comet Activities

  • Watch What is a Meteor? Are Meteors The Same As Shooting Stars? on Youtube.
  • Or look at Learn Brights Comets, Asteroids, and Meteors | Learn all about what they are made of and how they differ.
  • This Burning Asteroid Craft is a great simple craft for younger learners.
  • Work on preschoolers’ gross motor skills and hand-eye coordination with Asteroid Toss.
  • A Glow in the Dark Comet project is a great way to illustrate the comet hurtling through space.
  • I love to get out and actually experience as much as I can with kids. Here is a great post on How to Watch a Meteor Shower With Your Kids.
Meteors, Meteorites, Comets and Meteoroids Today And Make a Fun Windsock

Moreover, look at my astronomy ideas below.

More Meteors, Meteorites, Comets and Meteoroids Today

Look at some of these crafts about astronomy and space to go along with this study today.

  • About Astronomy and Space Science Fun Quick Unit Study
  • Geronimo Stilton Mouse into Space:How to Make an EASY Straw Rocket
  • Geronimo Stilton Theme Mouse in Space Fun Puffy Moon Craft (Glow in the Dark)

And add my space lapbook for a fun unit study.

Meteors, Meteorites, Comets and Meteoroids Today And Make a Fun Windsock

It’s created for kids of multiple ages.

  • Dynamic Astronomy Lapbook for Multiple Ages

    Dynamic Astronomy Lapbook for Multiple Ages

    $4.00
    Add to cart

In addition, look at some of these books about astronomy.

11 Astronomy Resources & Books

Add one or two books to your unit study or use one as a spine for studying about space.

Image for The Planets

The Planets

From the burning surface of Venus to the freezing darkness of Neptune, Gail Gibbons takes children on a tour of our planetary neighbors—which are very different from each other in size, shape, orbit, and even weather.

Image for The Planets

The Planets

With her bestsellers Longitude and Galileo's Daughter, Dava Sobel introduced readers to her rare gift for weaving complex scientific concepts into a compelling narrative. Now Sobel brings her full talents to bear on what is perhaps her most ambitious topic to date-the planets of our solar system. Sobel explores the origins and oddities of the planets through the lens of popular culture, from astrology, mythology, and science fiction to art, music, poetry, biography, and history. Written in her characteristically graceful prose, The Planets is a stunningly original celebration of our solar system and offers a distinctive view of our place in the universe.

Image for Who Was Neil Armstrong?

Who Was Neil Armstrong?

On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong stepped on the moon and, to an audience of over 450 million people, proclaimed his step a "giant leap for mankind."

Image for Find the Constellations

Find the Constellations

Containing star charts, a guide to the constellations, and details about seasons and the movement of the objects we see in the sky, this classic book makes H. A. Rey’s passion for astronomy evident on every page.

New updates concentrate on the planetary and solar system information in the latter part of the book. Facts and figures for each planet have been revised, and new scientific information has been added, such as Pluto’s reclassification as a dwarf planet.

Image for Where Is Our Solar System?

Where Is Our Solar System?

Our solar system consists of eight planets, as well as numerous moons, comets, asteroids, and meteoroids. For thousands of years, humans believed that Earth was at the center of the Universe, but all of that changed in the 17th century. Astronomers like Nicolaus Copernicus, Galileo Galilei, Johannes Kepler, and Isaac Newton proposed the unthinkable theory that Earth and the other planets actually revolved around the Sun. 

Image for Signs and Seasons Understanding the Elements of Classical Astronomy

Signs and Seasons Understanding the Elements of Classical Astronomy

Gorgeous. Worth every penny! Signs & Seasons is an introduction to “Classical Astronomy,” the traditional, historical approach to the sky, as had been practiced from ancient times. The biblical basis for astronomy

Image for The Mysteries of the Universe: Discover the best-kept secrets

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

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. 

Image for Basher Science: Astronomy: Out of this World!

Basher Science: Astronomy: Out of this World!

Like a Facebook for the universe, Astronomy gives every important celestial body and concept its own page, where readers can learn its behaviors, likes, and dislikes up close and personal. From the flashy stars to the shadowy and strange objects that hang out like loners at the edges of the universe, no player goes unnoticed. 

Image for Stargazer's Guide to the Night Sky, The

Stargazer's Guide to the Night Sky, The

The Stargazers Guide to the Night Sky offers everything you need to explore the remarkable beauty of the stars, moon, and planets. Dr. Jason Lisle, a research scientist with a masters and Ph.D. in astrophysics provides a very thorough, practical and easy to read resource to fuel the curiosity of amateur astronomers ages 10 to 100.

Image for Solar System Puzzle Wooden Space Toys for Kids

Solar System Puzzle Wooden Space Toys for Kids

【Planet Toys for Kids】Our wooden solar system puzzle is the PERFECT CHOICE for you and your kids as it is made from natural wood, vivid planet patten with well designed. This preschool learning activities is suitable for 3+ years kids and represents the perfect activity to learn through play!

Image for Solar System Planetarium - DIY Glow In The Dark Astronomy Planet Model

Solar System Planetarium - DIY Glow In The Dark Astronomy Planet Model

The Solar System Planetarium set teaches children about the wonders of the solar system. Just assemble, paint and learn.

This set includes planets, stencils, squeeze glow paint pen, rods, string, a fact filled wall chart and 10 sets of Kidz Quiz questions.

How to Make Meteor Windsock

You want to go with the larger sheets of craft foam, like the 9×12, for this project so you have long trailing tails on the end.

You will need:

  • Craft foam
  • Hot glue
  • Scissors
  • School glue
  • Hole punch
  • Chenille stems
  • String
  • Glitter
  • Glue gun/sticks
Meteors, Meteorites, Comets and Meteoroids Today And Make a Fun Windsock

First, cut a piece of dark blue craft foam so that it is roughly 9×6 to represent the night sky.

Meteors, Meteorites, Comets and Meteoroids Today And Make a Fun Windsock

With school glue “draw” stars, a milky way, or whatever you want on the sky.

Meteors, Meteorites, Comets and Meteoroids Today And Make a Fun Windsock

Sprinkle with glitter and press into the glue gently. Set aside to dry.

Meteors, Meteorites, Comets and Meteoroids Today And Make a Fun Windsock

Cut a large rocky meteor out of black or grey foam, draw with the glue, and add glitter to your meteor also if you wish.

Meteors, Meteorites, Comets and Meteoroids Today And Make a Fun Windsock

Allow all the glue to dry completely.

While your glue is drying cut long streamers, to give the impression of the plasma trail of the comet. You want these fairly thin, so they are more flexible and move with the breeze.

Meteors, Meteorites, Comets and Meteoroids Today And Make a Fun Windsock


Once the glue is dry, attach the meteor to the sky, I recommend a glue gun to fix it more permanently, take care not to touch the hot metal end directly to the foam.

Cut up smaller pieces of chenille stems to add to your meteor and tuck them under the edge as if they are trailing behind.

Meteors, Meteorites, Comets and Meteoroids Today And Make a Fun Windsock

Give it a couple of minutes for the hot glue to set completely.

Punch a hole through either end and the center of the top of the blue section (sky).

Meteors, Meteorites, Comets and Meteoroids Today And Make a Fun Windsock

Flip over the piece and hot glue down the streamers all along the bottom. Wait 2 minutes for the glue to set.

Meteors, Meteorites, Comets and Meteoroids Today And Make a Fun Windsock

Carefully roll the entire thing and hot glue the ends together, hold them into place, or clamp them with clothespins until hardened.

Meteors, Meteorites, Comets and Meteoroids Today And Make a Fun Windsock

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: astronomy, crafts, earth science, earthscience, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, science, space

American Frontier Legends and Hero Paul Bunyan Blue Ox Craft

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

Today, I have a craft about folk hero Paul Bunyan if you’re learning about American frontier legends. Also, look at my Westward Ho Free Unit Study and lapbook.

What exactly are frontier legends?

They are the tales and ideas of people and places that exist at the edge of a civilization, particularly out west, during expansion.

American Frontier Legends and Hero Paul Bunyan Blue Ox Craft

Many famous names make the list but we are going to especially focus on the Tale of John Bunyan and his blue ox Babe of Wisconsin.

June 28th marks Paul Bunyan Day and no wonder, his legend goes way back to the 18th century and has been told in over 1,000 books.

American Frontier Legends – Paul Bunyan

Paul Bunyan is a giant lumberjack of folk hero tales in America and Canada.

These stories involve his superhuman strength and work. 

Although Paul Bunyan wasn’t a real person, he was probably based on people and ideas of the time.

What started out as an oral retelling of a folk hero for working-class loggers became tales of a man of mythical proportions.

American Frontier Legends and Hero Paul Bunyan Blue Ox Craft

Look at some of the tall tales told about Paul Bunyan.

Tall Tales told about Paul Bunyan

  • He created the mighty Mississippi simply by dragging his ax behind him.
  • He and his trusty rusty bovine, Babe the Blue Ox, dug out the Great Lakes.
  • As a child, his parents needed 10 cows, 50 eggs, and 10 containers of potatoes every day to feed him.
  • Paul went out and found a baby ox trapped in the snow, he took him home and warmed him up by the fireplace, but his fur remained blue. Blue grew larger every day.
  • He had trouble removing trees from a winding road so he tied the road to Babe and had him pull it straight.
  • Some say Babe and Paul are responsible for creating Puget Sound in the western state of Washington.
  • Paul brought 7 more men who were each 6 ½” tall and 350 pounds to his work crew. They were known as the Seven Axe Men, each one was named Elmer so they all came running when he called.
American Frontier Legends and Hero Paul Bunyan Blue Ox Craft

Also, look at more frontier legends to learn about.

More American Frontier Legends to Learn About

  • Lewis and Clark- Best known for their expedition, Corps of Discovery, from the Mississippi River to the West Coast and then back. Sacagawea is the most well known member of their traveling party. Look at my Lewis and Clark Unit Study and Lapbook.
  • Davy Crockett- “King of The Wild Frontier” was an American folk hero, frontiersman, soldier, and politician. It is believed he died fighting a battle at the Alamo.
  • Christopher “Kit” Carson-American frontiersman, fur trapper, wilderness guide, Indian agent, and U.S. Army officer. He fought a violent war against the Navajo that resulted in their removal from the Four Corners area to southeastern New Mexico.
  • Daniel Boone-American frontiersman and legendary hero who helped blaze a trail through Cumberland Gap. His family migrated to America to escape religious persecution. Look at my Daniel Boone North America Explorer Unit Study and Lapbook.
  • William “Buffalo” Bill Cody- Buffalo Bill was an American soldier, bison hunter, and showman. He supported women’s rights and suffrage as well as civil liberties for Native Americans.
  • Also, look at my Pecos Bill copywork included in my Westward Ho Unit Study and Lapbook.
American Frontier Legends and Hero Paul Bunyan Blue Ox Craft

Next, add some of these books and movies to your leraning day.

7 American Frontier Legends Books & Resources

Choose a favorite American frontier legends movie and book.

Image for Bunyan & Babe

Bunyan & Babe

Travis falls through a magical portal which transports him to the world of American hero Paul Bunyan and his big, blue, talking ox, Babe

Image for Kit Carson and the Wild Frontier

Kit Carson and the Wild Frontier

In 1826 an undersized sixteen-year-old apprentice ran away from a saddle maker in Franklin, Missouri, to join one of the first wagon trains crossing the prairie on the Santa Fe Trail. Kit Carson (1809–68) wanted to be a mountain man, and he spent his next sixteen years learning the paths of the West, the ways of its Native inhabitants, and the habits of the beaver, becoming the most successful and respected fur trapper of his time.

Image for Tall Tale: The Unbelievable Adventures of Pecos Bill

Tall Tale: The Unbelievable Adventures of Pecos Bill

A young boy's imagination summons cowboy legend Pecos Bill; who helps him save the family farm from a greedy land-grabber.

Image for Who Was Annie Oakley?

Who Was Annie Oakley?

You want girl power? Meet Annie Oakley! Born in 1860, she became one of the best-loved and most famous women of her generation. She amazed audiences all over the world with her sharpshooting, horse-riding, action-packed performances. In an age when most women stayed home, she traveled the world and forged a new image for American women.

Image for Daniel Boone: Season 1

Daniel Boone: Season 1

Fess Parker stars as one of the West's most iconic figures in Season One of Daniel Boone. 

Image for Davy Crockett, King Of The Wild Frontier

Davy Crockett, King Of The Wild Frontier

Climb aboard for a rip-roaring adventure with Davy Crockett.

Image for Buffalo Bill: Showman of the West: Host: Jack Perkins

Buffalo Bill: Showman of the West: Host: Jack Perkins

The real-life adventures of William F. Cody, alias Buffalo Bill, whose exploits as a frontiersman were exaggerated and immortalized by writer Ned Buntline in his pulp stories.

Finally, look at how to make this adorable blue ox craft.

How to Make A Blue Ox Paper Plate Craft

You will need:

  • 2 paper plates
  • Large googly eyes
  • Blue, black, tan, and white craft paint
  • Craft glue or glue gun
American Frontier Legends and Hero Paul Bunyan Blue Ox Craft

You can make this entire blue ox out of just two paper plates. Set one aside for the head.

Using the 2nd paper plate cut out two long horns along the ruffled edge, and ears. You can cut them half on smooth and half on ridges if you like for some extra texture.

American Frontier Legends and Hero Paul Bunyan Blue Ox Craft

Cut an oval muzzle and two ears from the smooth section.

American Frontier Legends and Hero Paul Bunyan Blue Ox Craft

Then, cut a long curve on either side of the other plate to give a bit of shape to your ox head like this.

American Frontier Legends and Hero Paul Bunyan Blue Ox Craft

Paint that plate with a coat of blue and set it aside to dry.

American Frontier Legends and Hero Paul Bunyan Blue Ox Craft

While the first plate is drying, paint the muzzle and horns tan. Top the horns with a bit of black and finish off the muzzle with two long black nostrils. Allow it to dry.

American Frontier Legends and Hero Paul Bunyan Blue Ox Craft

Add a little forelock to your oxes head with paint, it really gives him a little fun personality.

American Frontier Legends and Hero Paul Bunyan Blue Ox Craft

Once everything has dried begin attaching all the pieces with glue, place the muzzle low, and add large googly eyes above it. Glue on ears and horns, let the glue dry.

American Frontier Legends and Hero Paul Bunyan Blue Ox Craft

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: crafts, follk hero, frontier, hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, literature

Fun and Easy Mosaic Art Sea Turtle Activity For Kids

June 18, 2023 | 1 Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today I have an easy mosaic art sea turtle activity. Add ideas from my fun From Egg to Sea Turtle Nature Unit Study & Lapbook page to make it for multiple ages.

Activities for middle schoolers can be a little more challenging to find.

So, we did this mosaic sea turtle activity to let them show off their artistic side while they learn at the same time.

It uses only 3 items and is great for art but also helps continue developing fine motor skills, patience, planning, creativity, and problem-solving.

Fun and Easy Mosaic Art Sea Turtle Activity For Kids

 While putting together the mosaic your middle schooler can watch a video on sea turtles, listen to an audiobook, or listen to you read aloud.

While this is a more challenging activity, a patient elementary student could handle this as well.

Studying marine biology covers science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and is a wonderful option for middle or high school.

Even without a curriculum, your child can get a well-rounded education through interesting texts, videos, field trips, and hands-on learning like this sea turtle activity.

5 Fun Sea Turtle Facts

First, look at these sea turtle facts.

  • Jellyfish are the main food for the leatherback sea turtle.
  • The digestive systems of adult hawksbill sea turtles can neutralize the sharp, glass spicules and the toxic chemicals that are found in many of the sponges they eat.
  • Olive ridley turtles practice nesting in large groups, known as “arribada”, in fact, the mass group can include up to 300,00 individual females laying their eggs on the beach.
  • The Kemp’s ridley turtle is the most endangered sea turtle species, and the smallest.
  • Loggerhead turtles take up to 39 years to reach sexual maturity.

We used Ocean Anatomy as our reference for the design and found plenty of great sea turtle information like the life cycle, identifying different species, and what types of things endanger them.

The first thing you need to do before starting is decide on your design.

Fun and Easy Mosaic Art Sea Turtle Activity For Kids

 It can be simpler than mine if you like, you can just make one larger sea turtle with a rainbow of beads all the way around it or come up with an even more intricate design.

You can create adult or baby sea turtles for your design, a nest on the beach, swimming in the ocean, or a combination of both.

More Sea Turtle Activity Ideas

  • If you can’t include a field trip to your own local aquarium to see the sea turtles check out Loggerhead MarineLife Centers Live Turtle Cam.
  • Here is a  simple Sea Turtle Art Project by Easy Peasy Art School on youtube.
  • Hands-on Egg Carton Sea Turtle Life Cycle Activity
  • This step-by-step clay turtle is another fun project for older kids.
  • Cutest Ever Egg Carton Sea Turtle Craft and Learning Activities for Kids
  • Egg Carton Sea Turtle Life Cycle Activity
  • Travel Channel has a list of places where you can observe sea turtle nests in the U.S. if you happen to live near or are traveling near the beach.

Also, look at some of these books about sea turtles.

10 Sea Turtle Resources

Add some books about sea turtles and hands-on resources to your lesson or unit study to bring it to life.

Image for Sea Turtles

Sea Turtles

Sea turtles are fascinating. Hatched from eggs smaller than a baseball, some can grow to weigh over a thousand pounds. Once adults, they can live to be around 100 years old. And when it's time to nest, they migrate more than 1,000 miles. With colorful, clear illustrations and straightforward text, Gail Gibbons introduces the eight kinds of sea turtles living in the ocean today. Learn the similarities and differences with labeled diagrams and experience the hatching of the tiny turtle babies with detailed illustrations. This updated edition now includes the most up-to-date information about these beloved reptiles, as reviewed by an expert vetter in the field of herpetology.

Image for I'll Follow the Moon

I'll Follow the Moon

Celebrating the love between mother and child comes an achingly beautiful story that has captured hearts around the world. Written by a new mom, by accident, when she sang a little song to her fussing newborn, I'll Follow the Moon proudly donates proceeds to charity: every book saves a turtle.

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

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

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

Image for National Geographic Readers: Sea Turtles

National Geographic Readers: Sea Turtles

Who could resist celebrating sea turtles? They may seem like lazy ocean reptiles drifting with the oceans’ currents, but they are actually long-distance swimmers that spend their entire lives searching for food and a mate. What’s more, they come with their own built-in GPS, returning to the exact beach where they were born to lay their own eggs. Kids will learn all about these tranquil and mysterious animals through brilliant photography and illustrations, plus the trusted and distinctive content you love from NG Kids!

Image for Tammy Turtle: A Tale of Saving Sea Turtles

Tammy Turtle: A Tale of Saving Sea Turtles

A book that tells how turtles survive with the help of protection programs.

Image for Our Sea Turtles: A Practical Guide for the Atlantic and Gulf, from Canada to Mexico

Our Sea Turtles: A Practical Guide for the Atlantic and Gulf, from Canada to Mexico

The book's pithy, well-organized sections are lavishly illustrated. It is a guide for anyone who is the least bit curious about these fascinating marine animals. Bite-sized installments harmonize with multiple images on each page to make this book a unique and entertaining resource. The story it tells covers understanding, experiencing, and saving our sea turtles, with descriptions of how these endangered animals contribute to our happiness and why they deserve a helping hand.

Image for Sea Turtle Scientist (Scientists in the Field)

Sea Turtle Scientist (Scientists in the Field)

The mother turtle has a vital job to do: dig a nest in which she will lay eggs that will hatch into part of the next generation of leatherbacks. With only one in a thousand of the eggs for this critically endangered species resulting in an adult sea turtle, the odds are stacked against her and her offspring. 

Image for 4 PCS Sea Turtle Life Cycle

4 PCS Sea Turtle Life Cycle

Children can see how animals change and grow. Realistic detail showing a different stage in the development of animals.

Uniquely molded textures and richly painted details bring them to life and help inspire creativity for kids.

It is a great way to expand the growth with children through physical science.

Image for Follow the Moon Home

Follow the Moon Home

A triumphant story of environmental activism, community, and friendship: Acclaimed activist Philippe Cousteau and renowned author Deborah Hopkinson team up to offer a story of the powerful difference young people can make in the world. Meet Viv, who has a new home and a new school by the sea and follow her as she finds her way in a new place and helps bring together a whole community to save the sea turtles of the South Carolina coast.

Image for The Life Cycle of a Sea Turtle

The Life Cycle of a Sea Turtle

Describes the life cycle of sea turtles discussing reproduction, birth, and adult life.

Finally, look how to make thise fun mosaic sea turtle activity.

How to Make a Mosaic Art Sea Turtle Activity

You will need:

  • Pony beads
  • Cheap round cake pan (Dollar Tree)
  • Permanent markers
Fun and Easy Mosaic Art Sea Turtle Activity For Kids

Grab a small round cake pan.

I suggest using a Dollar Tree pan because you will not want to use it for food once the chemicals from the beads have contaminated it.

Fun and Easy Mosaic Art Sea Turtle Activity For Kids

Place it where you will be working, you want to move it around as little as possible once you start working on it.

If your beads are not sorted, spread them out so they are easier to sort through, we put ours on a larger baking sheet.

The easiest way I found to lay out the design is to start in the middle with your turtle. Start with a diamond shape and a head and flippers.

Fun and Easy Mosaic Art Sea Turtle Activity For Kids

Tweezers are very helpful to put beads into place, especially when you get into more detailed or crowded areas.

Ocean Mosaic Art

Continue working on your design, you can create a water and sand background.

Fun and Easy Mosaic Art Sea Turtle Activity For Kids

Add white for waves and you can even make a baby sea turtle popping out of an egg on the beach. 

Fill the entire surface, you want your beads to not be able to move much at all.   

Until you fill it all in you will probably need to reposition your more detailed work a bit.                                                                                                                             

Fun and Easy Mosaic Art Sea Turtle Activity For Kids

Once your pan is filled in carefully move it into an oven preheated to 375℉.

Fun and Easy Mosaic Art Sea Turtle Activity For Kids

Bake for 20-30 minutes until melted.

Here is the design after 10 minutes in the oven…

Fun and Easy Mosaic Art Sea Turtle Activity For Kids

20 minutes…

Fun and Easy Mosaic Art Sea Turtle Activity For Kids

30 minutes…

Fun and Easy Mosaic Art Sea Turtle Activity For Kids

Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely, you will hear a little crackling and popping as it cools and releases from the pan.

Once cool it will flip right out of the pan.

Trust the process, even when you flip it over to the smooth side you are gonna think it doesn’t look like much, but we are going to fix that in this next step.

Flip to the smooth side and use a black Sharpie to trace the outline of your turtles, this gives them a little definition and really makes them pop.

If you want to hang it for display, you can hot glue a loop of ribbon to the back.

Fun and Easy Mosaic Art Sea Turtle Activity For Kids

1 CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: elementary science, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, life science, nature study, science, sciencecurriculum, sea turtle, turtles

Learn How to Make an Easy Jellyfish Lights Craft

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

Today we’re making a jellyfish lights crafts. Also, look at my page Oceans Unit Study and Lapbook.

Learn how to make this easy jellyfish lights craft with just a few inexpensive supplies and learn a lot about the life and characteristics of the fascinating jellyfish at the same time.

This is a great way to incorporate a hands-on activity that is fun and themed for summer learning into your day.

Learn How to Make an Easy Jellyfish Lights Craft

Your jellyfish can be as small or large as you like.

Upcycle empty fruit cups or use large plastic clear bowls from the party section to create an entire swarm.

Then use your child’s creation to teach them how to identify the anatomy, learn jellyfish vocabulary, and terminology, as well as create an adorable ocean craft for decoration.

Hands-On Activities-Easy Jellyfish Lights Craft

Ocean Anatomy was the perfect book for our easy jellyfish lights craft.

There is so much to learn in just a few pages.

You can reference it for the life cycle of a jellyfish, the anatomy of a jellyfish, facts, and a quick blurb on 5 different types of jellyfish.  

The watercolor illustrations and tidbits of information are wonderful for reference.

  • Look at this beautiful Watercolor Jellyfish Art Project.
Learn How to Make an Easy Jellyfish Lights Craft
  • Make these fun Jellyfish in a Jar to observe their movement.
  • This stunning wooden Jellyfish Puzzle would make a wonderful hands-on activity as well as a keepsake for the whole family, especially middle to high school ages.
  • Younger children will enjoy making this Paper Plate Jellyfish.
  • How about a sweet and easy Paper Bag Jellyfish craft?
  • These Free Printable Jellyfish Clip cards are perfect for preschoolers learning to count and identify numbers.
  • Jellyfish Lacing Craft is ideal for building fine motor skills.
  • Build your own jellyfish with these PlusPlus interlocking blocks.
  • Head to your local aquarium to see some jellyfish in person or check out the live Jelly Cam at the Monterey Bay Aquarium while you put together your craft.

Jellyfish Facts

  • A group of jellyfish is known as a swarm or a bloom, which can contain millions of jellyfish and spread out over 10 square miles.
  • Jellyfish are not really fish or made of jelly, they are made of 95% water and classified as invertebrates from the phylum Cnidaria.
  • There are at least 2000 different species of jellyfish and they come in a wide range of shapes and colors like pink, white, yellow, orange, green, and blue, as well as multicolored.
  • They have no brain and no heart.
  • Jellyfish eat and poop from the same spot.
  • While some are tiny, the lion’s mane jellyfish can stretch its tentacles as long as 120 feet.

Challenge your child to create more than one jellyfish species.

Learn How to Make an Easy Jellyfish Lights Craft

Get creative using other craft supplies to make each one as unique as their real counterparts.

I was able to find everything I used at Dollar Tree, but you may already have most of it around the house.

More Ocean Themed Activities

  • Free Coral Reef Printable Lapbook and Fun Hands-on Unit Study Ideas
  • How Do Sharks Float STEM Activity Free Shark Unit Study & Notebooking Pages
  • Kids Hands-on Egg Carton Sea Turtle Life Cycle Activity
  • Free Ocean Lapbook and Fun Homeschool Unit Study Ideas
  • Easy Salt water Density Ocean Science Experiments 
  • Make an Edible Coral Reef
  • Aquarium Jar Craft
  • Beware of Ocean Pollution

And add Blow Painting Coral Reef Hands-On Activity.

Learn How to Make an Easy Jellyfish Lights Craft

Moreover, look at some of these books and fun resources to learn about jellyfish.

7 Books and Resources about Jellyfish

Add some of these books and resources to your study of jellyfish.

Image for Jellyfish: A Natural History

Jellyfish: A Natural History

With their undulating umbrella-shaped bells and sprawling tentacles, they are compelling and gorgeous, strange and dangerous. In many places they’re also vastly increasing in number, and these population blooms may be an ominous indicator of the rising temperatures and toxicity of the oceans.

Image for Jellyfish (A Day in the Life: Sea Animals)

Jellyfish (A Day in the Life: Sea Animals)

Beautiful and translucent, jellyfish can be deadly but some are perfectly harmless. Learn about the physical traits of jellyfish, how they move, where they are found, and their hunting and sleeping habits.

Image for Moon Jelly Swims Through the Sea

Moon Jelly Swims Through the Sea

Describes the life cycle of a female moon jellyfish as she escapes the many hazards of the sea to develop from planula to polyp to ephyra to a young adult ready to lay her own fertilized eggs.

Image for Jellyfish - 70 Piece Tube Building Stem/Steam Toy

Jellyfish - 70 Piece Tube Building Stem/Steam Toy

SIMPLE DESIGN - FUELS CREATIVITY: One shape, endless possibility! Every brick easily connects to the next. Create colorful flat mosaics or work in 3-D to make more intricate builds. Mix and match any Plus-Plus set to bring more ideas to life!

Image for Jellyfish Wooden Jigsaw Puzzles

Jellyfish Wooden Jigsaw Puzzles

CHALLENGE GAME - Wooden jigsaw puzzles with uniquely shaped pieces are actually more challenging than traditional woodcut puzzles. It is absolutely going to be a great adventure!

Image for A Jellyfish Is Not a Fish (Let'S-Read-And-Find-Out Science Book)

A Jellyfish Is Not a Fish (Let'S-Read-And-Find-Out Science Book)

Describes the general characteristics and functions of a variety of jellyfish with emphasis on the ones to avoid.

Image for Bloom

Bloom

Once, the ocean was full of friends. Then a little jellyfish notices that things are changing--friends are disappearing! He sets out to discover the truth and learns that everyone has a part to play in protecting the careful balance of the ocean. "Bloom" refers to a substantial increase in jellyfish population that can be caused by climate change and pollution. In this beautifully illustrated, timely, and topical tale, the jellyfish band together to deliver an important message.

Finally, look how to make this fun jellyfish light craft.

Easy Jellyfish Light Craft

You will need:

  • Push light (or battery-operated tea light)
  • Clear plastic bowls or cups
  • Tissue paper
  • Ribbon
  • Hot glue gun/ stick
  • school glue

You want to make sure that your light fits inside of your bowl.

The tea lights fit everything, but they put out less light than the little tap light I used (from Dollar Tree).

First, place your bowl upside down and paint the outside with a full coat of watered-down school glue or use mod podge.

Learn How to Make an Easy Jellyfish Lights Craft

Cover with tissue paper in whatever color you like and press firmly into the glue. You can add multiple layers, but I like the translucent look.

Learn How to Make an Easy Jellyfish Lights Craft

“Paint” another coat of glue all over the top of the tissue paper to seal it well. Press the paper until it is mostly smooth. Allow it to dry.

Learn How to Make an Easy Jellyfish Lights Craft

Once it is completely dry you can rip off or cut the excess tissue paper left on the edges.

Flip the bowl over and glue the light into place on the inside.

I used a generous amount of hot glue and only secured the back so that I could twist off the front to change out the batteries.

You could also secure your light with adhesive velcro strips for easy removal.

Learn How to Make an Easy Jellyfish Lights Craft

Cut 2 or more types of ribbon to the same length, ruffled or shimmer ribbon is fun with the lights and resembles the tentacles more.

Learn How to Make an Easy Jellyfish Lights Craft

Hot glue the ribbon just inside the edge of the bowl all the way around.

Learn How to Make an Easy Jellyfish Lights Craft

If you want to, add a little detail to the body with markers or watercolor paint.

Finally, to hang your jellyfish, make a little loop on top with some of your leftover ribbons and secure it with hot glue.

How fun and simple was this easy jellyfish lights craft?

Learn How to Make an Easy Jellyfish Lights Craft

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

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