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How To Build A Snowman Using Wooden Spools

November 19, 2025 | Leave a Comment
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We’re learning how to build a snowman using fun wooden spools.Also, grab more ideas and a free lapbook for winter fun on my page Winter Season Unit Study.

Besides, some of the best lessons come wrapped in creativity with a little bit of craft paint. And this wooden spool snowmen craft is just that adorable. And later you can use it for decor in your learning area or home.

Building a snowman using wooden spools is the perfect blend of art, fine motor skills, and educational connection.

How To Build A Snowman Using Wooden Spools

Wooden spools leftover from sewing projects or craft kits make a fun base for building snowmen.

And painting tiny wooden spools, gluing buttons, and tying miniature scarves all help develop fine motor control for your littles. It’s such a fun family project, your oldest child can do it alongside your littlest.

And you can make it it a mini art lesson because you decide how to decorate. You can see the list of materials we used at the bottom.

BOOKS ABOUT WINTER FOR KIDS

Next, look at some of these books about winter and snowmen for kids.

I prefer living books when we can find them.

13 Snow, Snowman, Animals, and Winter Books

Add one or more of these books to your learning day if you're learning about snow, snowflakes, winter or just for fun.

Winter Cottage

Immerse Yourself in This Story of Love and Companionship Amidst Deprivation

It is the fall of 1930, and America has plunged into the Great Depression. On a remote dirt road deep in the snowy woods of northern Wisconsin, misfortune forces the impoverished Sparkes family to take desperate measures.

A wayfaring quartet consisting of thirteen-year-old Araminta (nicknamed Minty), her recently unemployed father-a poetry-quoting widower called Pops-and her younger sister, Eglantine (known as Eggs-a dreamer like Pops), and their dog, Buster, are on their way to Minneapolis to live with the curmudgeonly Aunt Amy. When their car breaks down and they are unable to fix it, the homeless four stumble upon a vacant summer cottage by a lake. In desperate straits, they decide to settle in.

1. The Story of Snow: The Science of Winter's Wonder

How do snow crystals form? What shapes can they take? Are no two snow crystals alike? These questions and more are answered inside this exploration of the science of snow, featuring photos of real snow crystals in all their beautiful diversity. Perfect for reading on winter days, this book by a nature photographer and a snow scientist will inspire wonder and curiosity about the marvels of snow.

2. Sneezy the Snowman

B-R-R-R-R! AH-CHOO! Sneezy the Snowman is cold, cold, cold. To warm up, he drinks cocoa, sits in a hot tub, stands near a warm fire–and melts! But the children know just what to do to build him up again–and make him feel “just right”.

3. Snowmen at Night

Have you ever built a snowman and discovered the next day that his grin has gotten a little crooked, or his tree-branch arms have moved? And you've wondered . . . what do snowmen do at night? This delightful wintertime tale reveals all!

4. The Biggest Snowman Ever

When the mayor of Mouseville announces the town snowman contest, Clayton and Desmond claim that they will each make the biggest snowman ever. But building a huge snowman alone is hard! They work and work, but their snowmen just aren't big enough. Soon they have an idea. As the day of the contest approaches, Clayton and Desmond join forces to build the biggest snowman ever.

5. Over and Under the Snow

Over the snow, the world is hushed and white. But under the snow lies a secret world of squirrels and snow hares, bears and bullfrogs, and many other animals making their winter home under the snow. This beloved nonfiction picture book exploring the subnivean zone reveals the tunnels and caves formed beneath the snow but over the ground, where many kinds of animals live through the winter, safe and warm, awake and busy, but hidden beneath the snow.

A Hat for Minerva Louise

"Stoeke's second book about that intrepid screwball, Minerva Louise, is a rare find."—The Horn Book, starred review. The other chickens hate snowy mornings. But not Minerva Louise! To her a snowy day—like everything else—is an adventure. But this chilly, chipper hen needs something to keep her warm. What she finds—and how she finds it—will keep young readers cackling.

6. How to Catch a Snowman

Our heroes' entry for the snowman contest has magically come to life―and ran away! Can YOU help catch it? Get ready for snow much fun as you travel through a winter wonderland with running, skating, and bouncing through trap after trap to catch the snowman and claim the winning prize. Will the snowman teach our heroes a lesson they'll never forget?

The Big Snow

When the geese begin to fly south, the leaves flutter down from the trees and the cold winds begin to blow from the north, the animals of the woods and meadows, big and small, prepare for the long, cold winter ahead when the countryside is hidden under a deep blanket of snow. They gather food and look for warm, snug places in the ground, trees, caves or thickets, where they can find protection against the icy winds.It might have been hard for the birds and animals of the hillside to survive when the Big Snow came if their good friends, who lived in the little stone house, had not remembered to put food out for them.Here, in many beautiful pictures, the Haders show how winter comes to the woodland as the busy animals make their preparations.

7. Curious About Snow (Smithsonian)

The Smithsonian does things right and this Curious About Snow book is a
great introduction for curious kiddos with real images and simple explanations.

8. Animals in Winter

This is a clear and appealing book for early elementary age kids, both at home and in the classroom. Introduce kids to basic science ideas as part of discussions about the seasons and animals.

9. Arctic Figurines, Including A Harp Seal, Husky, Caribou, Arctic Rabbit, Killer Whale, Walrus, Arctic Fox, Beluga Whale, Igloo, And Polar Bear

SET OF 10 FUN AND FRIGID FIGURES – It’s hard to stay warm at the North Pole, but you can discover its wonders in your home with these frigid friends. This TOOB includes a Harp Seal, Husky, Caribou, Arctic Rabbit, Killer Whale, Walrus, Arctic Fox, Beluga Whale, Igloo, and Polar Bear.

10. Nature Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces of the Natural World

See the world in a whole new way! Acclaimed illustrator Julia Rothman combines art and science in this exciting and educational guide to the structure, function, and personality of the natural world. Explore the anatomy of a jellyfish, the inside of a volcano, monarch butterfly migration, how sunsets work, and much more. Rothman’s whimsical illustrations are paired with interactive activities that encourage curiosity and inspire you to look more closely at the world all around you.

And then look at more activities about snowmen to include in your winter learning unit studies.

MORE SNOWMAN ACTIVITIES AND IDEAS

Finally, look at how to make this adorable wooden spool snowman.

WOODEN SPOOL SNOWMEN CRAFT

Three wooden spools from the craft store transform into cute snowman with craft paint, fabric, and twine to create snowy home decor.

This snowman goes together in just about 30 minutes with limited supplies.

Look at this list of supplies:

Wooden Craft Spools
Buttons, Black – Dollar Store
Fabric, Plaid – Dollar Store
Craft Felt – Orange
Craft Paint – White, Black, Pink
Glue Gun and Glue Sticks – Dollar Store
Paintbrush
Scissors

STEP ONE

Gather all supplies.

Basecoat the three wooden spools with white acrylic craft paint. Let the paint dry, and apply a second coat, if necessary.

STEP TWO

Using scissors, cut out a carrot shape from orange craft felt.

Colored cardstock, heavy fabric, or craft foam would work for this project as well.

STEP THREE

Attach the craft felt carrot nose with a glue gun and glue sticks

STEP FOUR

Create a cheek by dotting with the end of a paintbrush and pink acrylic craft paint.

HOW TO BUILD A SNOWMAN

Stamp two eyes and a mouth onto the snowman by dipping the end of a paintbrush black acrylic craft paint. Let dry.

STEP FIVE

Select three small black buttons, and attach to the second and third spools with a glue gun and glue sticks.

STEP SIX

Snip and rip plaid fabric into one strip that is approximately 1” wide by 8” long. Cut into the edge of the fabric ½” with scissors, then tear the fabric into strips.

This will produce a frayed edge.

STEP SEVEN

Tie the fabric in a knot about 1” from the end.

Gather the opposite end of the fabric strip and thread the spool with one button on first.

STEP EIGHT

Tie the fabric in a knot above the first spool. Thread on the spool with two buttons on second.

Tie the fabric in a knot above the second spool and thread on the snowman’s head third.

Secure all three spools with an additional knot.

STEP NINE

Measure and cut a 12” length of natural jute twine and tie around the snowman’s neck to create a scarf.

To finish secure the twine in a bow and trim any long ends with scissors.

Your family and friends will never know how quick and easy this trendy wooden spool snowman was to create.

Perfect for your snowy home décor or your winter tiered tray.

How Cacti Drink: A Fun and Easy Desert Science Experiment

November 18, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Try this fun and easy desert science experiment using a simple household item and find out fantastic facts about cacti.

Deserts are some of the most fascinating places on Earth. They may look dry and empty at first glance, but they’re full of amazing plants and animals specially designed to survive extreme heat and very little rain.

One of the most incredible things to not only survive but thrive in the desert is the cactus.

How Cacti Drink: A Fun and Easy Desert Science Experiment

Even though months may pass without a drop of rain, cacti can stay alive and healthy because they have a secret ability…to store water deep inside their thick, sponge-like stems.

I have an easy and fun science experiment that lets kids see how cacti absorb and hold water using an everyday object you already have at home -a sponge

This experiment is an excellent way to introduce younger learners to biology topics like plant structures, habitats, and adaptation.

BOOKS ABOUT THE DESERT FOR KIDS

Next, look at these books about the desert.

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

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

The Seed & the Giant Saguaro

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

Cactus Hotel (Rise and Shine)

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

Desert Giant: The World of the Saguaro Cactus

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

Where Is the Sahara Desert?

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

Where Is Antarctica?

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

A Desert Scrapbook: Dawn to Dusk in the Sonoran Desert

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

This Place Is Dry: Arizona's Sonoran Desert

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

Desert Solitaire

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

Coyote Raid In Cactus Canyon

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

Roxaboxen

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

Why Oh Why Are Deserts Dry? All About Deserts

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

One Day in the Desert

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

Deserts

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

A Walk in the Desert (Biomes of North America)

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

Wildlife of the Southwest Deserts

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

Indian Uses of Desert Plants

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

Desert Snakes

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

The Namib Desert

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

Also, look at these facts about cactus.

THE AMAZING WORLD OF THE CACTUS

Cacti are the champions of survival in the desert. They live in some of the driest regions on Earth, places where rain might only fall once or twice a year. To thrive in such a harsh environment, they’ve developed special adaptations:

Thick, waxy skin that prevents water from evaporating in the hot sun.
Spongy inner tissues that can store large amounts of water.
Shallow, spreading roots that quickly absorb water when rain comes.
Spines instead of leaves, which reduce water loss and provide shade.

Our sponge cactus acts as a model for these adaptations. The sponge represents the cactus’s water-storing tissue, and the plastic spines show how it protects itself and collects moisture.

To make this more than just a quick experiment, ask your child some questions that make them think, and recall what you have already talked about.

How does the cactus’s design show God’s wisdom in creation?
How do the cactus’s spines help it survive in the desert?
What would happen if a cactus had big leaves instead of spines?
Why do you think a cactus stores water instead of using it all right away?

Next, look at these other desert activities.

DESERT ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS

How To Make A Desert Diorama With Free Printables
How To Create An Engaging Desert Sensory Bin For Hands-On Play
Check out these 8 Desert Craft Ideas | How To Make Egg Carton Cactus to focus a bit on the flora of the desert biome.
7 Desert Crafts For Kids: How To Make A Clay Cactus Jewelry Holder
Exploring Edible Cactus: Hands-on Learning (The Desert)
Easy Desert Animal Crafts And A Scorpion Creation
Explore 3 completely different desert habitats and learn How to Make A Desert Triorama About the Gobi, Sahara, & Antarctica to display the flora and fauna of each.
While you are learning about snakes of the desert here is a fun craft Celebrate Snakes | How To Make A Fake Snakeskin Snake Craft Preschool to learn about this aspect of snakes.
Make a Hygrometer: Day 1 Hands-on Learning (Humidity in the Desert)

Finally, look at how cacti drink.

HOW DO CACTI DRINK DESERT SCIENCE EXPERIMENT

You will need:

Several clean sponges (green ones look most cactus-like)
Scissors
A shallow dish or tray
Water
toothpicks
sand, small rocks

First, take a sponge and use a marker to draw the shape of a cactus. You can make a tall saguaro with “arms” or a short, round barrel cactus.

Encourage kids to be creative with their shapes; no two cacti are exactly alike in the wild.

Use scissors to cut it out of shape.

Insert small bits of toothpicks into your sponge cactus to simulate its spines. Talk about how cactus spines are not just for protection; they also provide shade and help collect moisture from the air.

To make it more realistic add sand and small rocks in the bottom of the shallow dish. Explain that most deserts have sandy or rocky soil that drains water quickly, which is why cactus roots must act fast when it rains.

Place your cactus in a shallow dish.

Now, pour a small amount of water around the base of your cactus. Watch as the sponge quickly soaks up the water. This demonstrates how cactus roots absorb every drop of rain the moment it hits the ground.

You can see the water line here as it draws the water up.

After a few minutes, feel the sponge. Although the outside may feel dry, the inside is still damp. Just like the sponge, a real cactus holds water deep inside its stem.

You can even gently squeeze the sponge to “release” the stored water—like a cactus would use its reserves during dry times.

How To Make An Origami Orca Easy Craft

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

Get ready to get folding. I’m teaching you how to make an origami orca easy craft that goes well with a species-specific study or as part of an overall ocean unit.

Orcas, also called killer whales, are actually the largest members of the dolphin family. Their striking black-and-white bodies make them easy to recognize.

Looking for a fun and educational ocean craft? This origami orca is a perfect mix of creativity, marine science, and hands-on learning.

With just a piece of paper, kids can fold their very own killer whale while learning about one of the most intelligent and fascinating creatures in the sea.

This origami orca craft is simple, engaging, and full of learning potential. Kids will love folding, gluing, and decorating their own ocean creature while exploring the wonders of marine life.

Whether you’re teaching ocean animals, planning an under-the-sea week, or just looking for a rainy-day project, this craft is sure to make a splash.

But we also have amazing orca facts and plenty of great ideas for turning this into more than just a quick craft. There are fun facts about Orca, suggestions for science, math, geography, and so much more.

BOOKS ABOUT THE OCEAN FOR KIDS

Next, look at these books about the ocean and ocean life.

16 Ocean Books for Kids Who Love to Read and Be Read To

Choose a few of these ocean themed books to go along with your study of the Oceans. Whether you're looking for a spine for a unit study or literature, you'll love this roundup.

The Burgess Seashore Book for Children in color

Join Danny Meadow Mouse, Jimmy Skunk, and Reddy Fox as they explore the seashore and take a closer look at the habits and habitats of the creatures they find. Discover the Seahorse, Shrimp, Crab, Anemone, Gull, and so many more.

The Burgess Seashore Book for Children is a wonderful way to introduce young ones to the fascinating world beneath us and is a perfect compliment to earlier books in this series, the Bird, Animal, and Flower books.

This edition is complete and unabridged with all of the beautiful illustrations by W.H. Southwick and George Sutton

Seaside Naturalist: Seaside Naturalist

Seaside Naturalist is an illustrated guide to marine plants and animals includes the characteristics of protozoa, arthropods, sponges, mollusks, reptiles, birds, fish, and mammals.

The Big Book of the Blue (The Big Book Series)

The book opens by explaining how different types of animals are able to breathe and survive underwater, and the different families to which they belong. Subsequent pages are dedicated to specific creatures, including sea turtles, whales, sharks, stingrays, and seahorses, and show varied life in specific habitats, such as a coral reef or deep sea bed. The Big Book of the Blue also explores the underwater world thematically, looking at animals in danger, learning how to spot creatures at the beach, and discovering how to do our part to save sea life. Beautiful and filled with fascinating facts, young, curious readers won’t be able to tear their eyes away from the page.

Scott O'Dell Set: Island of the Blue Dolphins + Zia

Island of the Blue Dolphins begins with a young girl named Karana who is living on the Island of the Blue Dolphins (fancy name, right?) with her younger brother, Ramo, and sister, Ulape. One day, a group of Russian hunters (Aleutians) land on the island to hunt for otter. This is when the trouble really begins.

Manfish: A Story of Jacques Cousteau (Underwater Picture Book for Kids)

Once upon a time in France, a baby was born under the summer sun. His parents named him Jacques. As he grew, Jacques fell in love with the sea. He dreamed of breathing beneath the waves and swimming as gracefully as a fish. In fact, he longed to become a manfish. Jacques Cousteau grew up to become a champion of the seas and one of the best-known oceanographers in the world. In this lovely biography, now in paperback, poetic text and gorgeous paintings come together to create a portrait of Cousteau that is as magical as it is inspiring.

Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas (Illustrated 1875 Edition):

A beautiful edition with 110 images from the 1875 English edition. Use Amazon's Look inside feature to compare this edition with others. You'll be impressed by the differences. Don't be fooled by other versions that have no illustrations or contain very small print. Reading our edition will make you feel that you are traveling the seas with Captain Nemo himself.

Swiss Family Robinson (Illustrated Classic): 200th Anniversary Collection

More than 100 original illustrations by Louis Rhead. You want to read this book with illustrations.

An introduction by W. D. Howells.

Nicely formatted text in an easy-to-read font.

A beautiful cover from the 1891 edition.

Ocean: A Visual Encyclopedia

Embark on a captivating tour of the waters that cover 70 percent of our planet! See our oceans come to life in mind-blowing detail. This is the ultimate children’s visual encyclopedia about the awe-inspiring blue planet!

Secrets of the Sea: The Story of Jeanne Power, Revolutionary Marine Scientist

How did a nineteenth-century dressmaker revolutionize science? Jeanne Power was creative: she wanted to learn about the creatures that swim beneath the ocean waves, so she built glass tanks and changed the way we study underwater life forever. Jeanne Power was groundbreaking: she solved mysteries of sea animals and published her findings at a time when few of women’s contributions to science were acknowledged. Jeanne Power was persistent: when records of her research were lost, she set to work repeating her studies. And when men tried to take credit for her achievements, she stood firm and insisted on the recognition due to her.

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.

The Fascinating Ocean Book for Kids: 500 Incredible Facts!

Do you know a kid who’s captivated by what goes on beneath the ocean’s surface? This amazing entry into ocean books for kids is packed with hundreds of incredible facts for hours of underwater exploration. Pages of full-color pictures feature life in and around the sea including fish, dolphins, and shipwrecks!

All About Bioluminescence: Deep Sea Animals

Dive into the mesmerizing world of bioluminescence with "All About Bioluminescence." In this captivating book, readers embark on a journey through the depths of the ocean to discover the extraordinary glow-in-the-dark creatures that inhabit its mysterious realm. From the enchanting sea angel to the infamous anglerfish, each page is filled with stunning illustrations and fascinating facts about these luminous beings.With a focus on deep-sea dwellers, readers will uncover the secrets behind bioluminescence and learn how these creatures use light to communicate, camouflage, and lure prey. But the adventure doesn't stop there! "All About Bioluminescence" also includes hands-on activities like a glow stick experiment, allowing readers to experience the magic of bioluminescence firsthand.

Treasure Island (Dover Thrift Editions: Classic Novels)

One of the most enduringly popular adventure tales, Treasure Island began in 1881 as a serialized adventure entitled "The Sea-Cook"in the periodical Young Folks. Completed during a stay at Davos, Switzerland, where Stevenson had gone for his health, it was published in 1883 in the form we know today.Set in the eighteenth century, Treasure Island spins a heady tale of piracy, a mysterious treasure map, and a host of sinister characters charged with diabolical intentions. Seen through the eyes of Jim Hawkins, the cabin boy of the Hispaniola, the action-packed adventure tells of a perilous sea journey across the Spanish Main, a mutiny led by the infamous Long John Silver, and a lethal scramble for buried treasure on an exotic isle.

Oceans and Seas!: With 25 Science Projects for Kids

In Oceans and Seas! With 25 Science Projects for Kids readers ages 7 though 10 dive into the underwater world of some of the most amazing landscapes on Earth. On this amazing underwater adventure, kids experience the ocean’s tropical reefs and spot crabs, sea sponges, and thousands of kinds of fish darting in its crags and folds. They’ll meet a giant squid with eyes the size of dinner plates and an mbrella-like bioluminescent jellyfish.

Discover the Oceans: The World's Largest Ecosystem (Discover Your World)

From both a historical and scientific point of view, above and below the surface, this engaging guide brings the world’s oceans to life through fun facts, illustrations, and in-depth information. Interactive activities appear throughout, ranging from making solar stills and simple fishing spears to experimenting with a homemade diving bell and figuring out how much water it really takes to survive. With the oceans being the least explored environment on Earth, this reference illuminates some of the most incredible and surprising plants and animals as well as how to survive and navigate these vast expanses.

Pagoo

An intricate study of tide pool life is presented in text and pictures through the story of Pagoo, a her-mit crab.

Then, next look at these facts about orca.

8 EYE-OPENING ORCA FACTS

Orcas can grow to be up to 30 feet long, roughly the size of a school bus.
They live in family groups called pods, which often stay together for life.
Orcas are found in every ocean, from icy polar seas to warm tropical waters.
They use echolocation, sound waves that bounce off objects, to find food and communicate.
Each pod has its own unique calls and hunting techniques, passed down through generations.
Despite their nickname, orcas rarely harm humans. The term “killer whale” comes from their skill at hunting large prey in the wild.
Orcas are apex predators, meaning they are at the very top of the food chain and have no natural enemies. They help keep marine ecosystems balanced by controlling other animal populations.
Each orca’s dorsal fin and saddle patch are unique, just like human fingerprints. Scientists use these markings to identify and track individual whales in the wild.

Next, look at these activities.

MORE ORCA WHALE AND DOLPHIN ACTIVITIES

Triple Canvas Whale Art {low cost project}
Measure the difference between a real orca and your paper one. Use a long rope or garden hose to demonstrate for your child just how long an orca is.
Talk about how orcas use echolocation and teamwork to hunt. Explore the concept with this Fun and Easy Echolocation Activity for Kids.
Jumping Dolphin Craft
Mark on a map where orcas live, in every ocean around the world. Once you have gone through it a couple of times, cover the ocean names on your map or globe and see if your child can name them.
Expand to other ocean creatures with a How to Make an Easy Antarctica Diorama With Your Kids.

Too, look at these other origami crafts.

MORE ORIGAMI CRAFTS FOR KIDS

Finally, look at how to make an easy origami orca craft.

HOW TO MAKE AN ORIGAMI ORCA EASY CRAFT

If you can’t find black and white origami paper, grab some black paper in the scrapbook section that is white on the opposite side. You can use any size paper you like.

One important thing to remember is to press into the crease each time you fold with the edge of a ruler, a bone folder, or even your fingernail to get a clean , sharp fold.

You will need:

Black and white origami paper
Glue stick
Ruler or bone folder

First, start with your paper turned like a diamond. Too, fold it in half horizontally and unfold to make a crease.

Also, fold both top corners down to meet the center line, creating a kite shape.

Fold the side flaps backward slightly; these will become the orca’s side fins.

Fold the top point (the unfolded portion) toward the center to refine the orca’s body.

Then, fold down the tip to give its head some shape.

Next, fold the tip of the paper at the opposite end upward to create the orca’s tail fin.

Fold inward so white is touching white, and pull out the fins just slightly.

Glue googly eyes on either side.

Physics For Kids Free The Physics Of Play Printable

November 16, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

In our physics for kids topic I have a free physics of play study guide printable.

Besides, physics isn’t just about formulas. It’s about the science of matter, energy, and motion. And the physics play study guide is where we mix science with fun.

And physics is the branch of science that tries to answer one question which is how does the world works.

Physics For Kids Free The Physics Of Play Printable

Physics helps us build the world we live in.

In my study guide unit you’ll explore how toys and playground equipment use forces like motion, gravity,balance, and elasticity. By the end, you’ll understand how physics makes swings swing, seesaws seesaw, and balls bounce.

Also, I love this study guide because normally physics is a math heavy science in high school, but this study guide can be used to introduce physics earlier.

BOOKS ABOUT PHYSICS FOR KIDS

Next, look at these books about physics for kids.

7 Physics Books For Kids

Physics is the science of matter, energy, and motion. Basically, it explains why everything happens.

Michael Faraday: Father of Electronics

Charles Ludwig retells Michael Faraday’s remarkable life story in fictionalized form. Here is the father of the electric motor, the dynamo, the transformer, the generator. Few persons are aware of the brilliant man’s deep Christian convictions and his determination to live by the Sermon on the Mount. For ages 12 to 15.

Junior Science Book of Electricity

Book about electricity for children.

Energy Makes Things Happen

Did you know that energy comes from the food you eat? From the sun and wind? From fuel and heat? You get energy every time you eat. You transfer energy to other things every time you play baseball.

Waves: Principles of Light, Electricity and Magnetism (The Secrets of the Universe)

Have you ever wondered why a prism turns ordinary sunlight into a rainbow? Isaac Newton knew why. How can a magnet be used to generate electricity? Michael Faraday could have told you. Can you explain how a toaster toasts bread? In this book, author Paul Fleisher answers these and many more questions as he looks at the laws that describe how waves behave. Through simple experiments, detailed illustrations and concepts that are easy to understand, readers are introduced to the basic principles of light, electricity and magnetism in a fun, exciting way.

Liquids and Gases: Principles of Fluid Mechanics (Secrets of the Universe)

Have you ever wondered why a 10-tonne boat floats but a tiny pebble sinks? Archimedes knew why. How does a basketball or tennis ball bounce? Robert Boyle could have described how! Can you explain why a hot-air balloon rises but a balloon you blow up drops to the ground? To answer these questions and many more, author Paul Fleisher explains the laws that define how and why liquids and gases behave the way they do. Through simple experiments, detailed illustrations and concepts that are easy to understand, readers are introduced to the basic principles of fluid mechanics in a fun, exciting way.

Fairy Tale Physics: Books 1-4

Step into a world where fairy tales blend seamlessly with physics in Fairy Tale Physics, an enchanting collection of four beautifully illustrated stories that bring science to life! Perfect for curious minds, budding scientists, and lovers of magical adventures, this series combines engaging tales with accessible explanations of real-world
physics concepts.

What Makes the Wheels Go Round: A First-time Physics

A surprising textbook on physics aimed at the elementary school pupil. Simple, easy to understand, yet enormously useful given the often-deplored state of post-millenial education in maths & sciences. While this was written in 1941, it's easy to imagine inquisitive children getting a leg up on their peers at an early age
through use of this book.

Next, look at these other physic activities for kids.

MORE PHYSICS ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS

Now, how to grab the freebie. It’s a subscriber freebie.

HOW TO GET THE FREE PRINTABLE THE PHYSICS OF PLAY STUDY GUIDE

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

1) CLICK HERE ON THIS LINK TO SIGN UP ON MY EMAIL LIST & TO GET THIS FREEBIE.

2) Grab the freebie instantly.

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

Chemistry Activities & Free Printable Science Behind Everyday Compounds

November 14, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Doing chemistry activities and learning about compounds does not have to be intimidating or boring.

Besides having a free printable about the science behind everyday compounds, I have some easy and simple chemistry activities for you to do at home.

Everything around us is made of chemical compounds.

Chemistry Activities & Free Printable Science Behind Everyday Compounds

First, understand what is a chemical compound. A chemical compound means a substance is made when two or more elements join together in a fixed way.

And we used them in our everyday life.

One example is water. Water might seem simple, but it’s one of the most amazing compounds on Earth. It’s made of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. These atoms bond together tightly to form H₂O.

BOOKS AND RESOURCES FOR A CHEMISTRY UNIT STUDY

Next, look at these books about chemistry and with fun chemistry activities.

12 Chemistry Books & Resources for Kids of All Ages

But first here are some resources that are a great introduction and more to chemistry for kids.

Superstars of Science

Discover fun facts about the greatest scientists from history through Basher's fresh and unique illustration style.

Did you know that Marie Curie used to keep radioactive materials in her pockets? Or that Mendeleyev literally dreamed up his famous periodic table? Superstars of Science tells the stories behind the big ideas in the fields of physics, chemistry, medicine, mathematics, cosmology, earth sciences, and engineering. Read about 40 great scientists including Newton and Einstein who produced theories that explained the way in which the Universe works, Crick and Watson who uncovered the structure of DNA, and Alexander Graham Bell who had the big idea that became the telephone. Each one of these greats of science has had some vital flash of insight that has changed the way we see the world and the way we live. Come meet the superstars of science!

Basher Science: Chemistry: Getting a Big Reaction

Discover the secrets of chemistry, and learn about the properties of matter and the ways in which they interact, combine and change. Chemistry is a compelling guide to a community of characters who make up everything around us.

Crucibles: The Story of Chemistry from Ancient Alchemy to Nuclear Fission

This book is a classic in the field of popular science. Standard reading since the 1930s, it is one of the few histories of chemistry to concentrate on the lives of the great chemists. Through these dramatic and human stories, it gives an authoritative and entertaining account of the great discoveries and advances in this scientific field. After many printings in three previous editions, this book has been newly revised by the author for this fourth edition. Beginning with Trevisan and his lifelong search for the "philosopher's stone," the author narrates the lives and discoveries of such towering figures as Paracelsus and his chemical treatment of disease; Priestley looking for phlogiston and finding oxygen and carbon dioxide, Lavoisier creating a new language of chemistry; Dalton and his Atomic Theory; Avogadro and the idea of molecules, Mendeleeff arranging the table of elements under his Periodic Law; the Curies isolating radium; Thomson discovering the electron; Moseley and his Law of Atomic Numbers; Lawrence and the construction of the cyclotron; and more. Probably the most dramatic chapter in the book, the account of the development of nuclear fission, ends the story of chemistry at its most monumental achievement.

The Chemistry of Cola

You’ll be amazed at all you can learn from this favorite drink – what’s in it, why it fizzes, what you can do with it, the containers it’s in, and more!

Napoleon's Buttons: How 17 Molecules Changed History

Napoleon's Buttons is the fascinating account of seventeen groups of molecules that have greatly influenced the course of history. These molecules provided the impetus for early exploration, and made possible the voyages of discovery that ensued. The molecules resulted in grand feats of engineering and spurred advances in medicine and law; they determined what we now eat, drink, and wear. A change as small as the position of an atom can lead to enormous alterations in the properties of a substance-which, in turn, can result in great historical shifts.

52 Extreme Kids Chemistry Experiments Set - STEM Activities & Science Kits

If you want your child to be able to explore and complete some simple chemistry experiments without running around grabbing all the items an all in on kit is just the thing to add to your chemistry studies.

The Disappearing Spoon: And Other True Tales of Madness, Love, and the History of the World from the Periodic Table of the Elements

Why did Gandhi hate iodine (I, 53)? How did radium (Ra, 88) nearly ruin Marie Curie's reputation? And why is gallium (Ga, 31) the go-to element for laboratory pranksters? The Periodic Table is a crowning scientific achievement, but it's also a treasure trove of adventure, betrayal, and obsession. These fascinating tales follow every element on the table as they play out their parts in human history, and in the lives of the (frequently) mad scientists who discovered them. The Disappearing Spoon masterfully fuses science with the classic lore of invention, investigation, and discovery -- from the Big Bang through the end of time.

Chemistry Fluxx Card Game - Science Games Card Games for Kids

Chemistry EditionChemistry Fluxx is the perfect compound of chance, skill and strategy-use atoms and laboratory tools to match the current goal of the game and win! The rules are always changing in Fluxx. The Keepers, Goals, Rules and Action cards determine how the game will be played.

Illustrated Guide to Home Chemistry Experiments: All Lab, No Lecture (DIY Science)

For students, DIY hobbyists, and science buffs, who can no longer get real chemistry sets, this one-of-a-kind guide explains how to set up and use a home chemistry lab, with step-by-step instructions for conducting experiments in basic chemistry -- not just to make pretty colors and stinky smells, but to learn how to do real lab work:

Purify alcohol by distillation
Produce hydrogen and oxygen gas by electrolysis
Smelt metallic copper from copper ore you make yourself
Analyze the makeup of seawater, bone, and other common substances
Synthesize oil of wintergreen from aspirin and rayon fiber from paper
Perform forensics tests for fingerprints, blood, drugs, and poisons
and much more

The Joy of Chemistry: The Amazing Science of Familiar Things

Written for lay readers, provides an introduction to the principles of chemistry and includes quotations from popular literature to show how chemistry and everyday life intertwine.

The Cartoon Guide to Chemistry (Cartoon Guide Series)

If you have ever suspected that "heavy water" is the title of a bootleg Pink Floyd album, believed that surface tension is an anxiety disorder, or imagined that a noble gas is the result of a heavy meal at Buckingham Palace, then you need The Cartoon Guide to Chemistry to set you on the road to chemical literacy.

You don't need to be a scientist to grasp these and many other complex ideas, because The Cartoon Guide to Chemistry explains them all: the history and basics of chemistry, atomic theory, combustion, solubility, reaction stoichiometry, the mole, entropy, and much more—all explained in simple, clear, and yes, funny illustrations. Chemistry will never be the same!

Air Is Not Oxygen: Essential Science You Should Have Learned ... But Probably Didn't!

AIR IS NOT OXYGEN is a fun way to brush up on essential science concepts you missed in school. (Admit it. You probably thought you had better things to do than study!) Clear, short chapters focus on mastering key concepts instead of memorizing facts. Dozens of optional hands-on activities make science come alive! In a style described as “Dave Barry meets Bill Nye with a touch of the Mythbusters,” award-winning author, Bill Morelan, debunks common misconceptions about basic science. Reflecting both the National Science Content Standards and the Next Generation Science Standards, AIR IS NOT OXYGEN covers Life Science, Earth Science, Physical Science, and Science Methods.A fun, informative read, AIR IS NOT OXYGEN helps fill the gaps in your science education. (Never be humiliated by science geeks again!) Perfect for sharing, or as a handy basic reference tool. Makes a great book for kids, too.

Then, look at these chemistry activities.

CHEMISTRY ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS