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How to Make Fluffy Lemonade Summer Slime With Kids

May 27, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Summer slime is a great way to beat the heat by coming indoors for a craft project that turns into a fun sensory activity.

Slime poured its way into our homes years ago.

And it shows no signs of slowing down as a favored sensory activity for kids and teenagers.

How to Make Fluffy Lemonade Summer Slime With Kids

This fantastic fluffy lemonade slime is perfect for summer and smells amazing!

You can mix it up and make lemonade, strawberry lemonade, or even other flavors for sensory fun as well as a base for imaginative play with an impromptu pretend lemonade stand.

I really love to turn any kind of activity into a simple learning experience when possible.

This fluffy lemonade summer slime would be a unique way to learn about lemonade, its origins, and even inspire a recipe for a fresh batch.

Fun Lemonade Facts for Kids

I found a two-page layout in Food Anatomy that was all about lemonade including a recipe.

Lemonade means different things depending on where you live, in the US it is a drink made of water, lemons, and sugar.

Australia’s version is carbonated (like Sprite), while the Middle East enjoys their tangy lemonade with a bit of mint.

Send your child on a sweet and sour chase for information by having them research some facts about lemons and lemonade, take a trip to the library to find the answers or search the web.

When was lemonade invented? The first record of lemonade is from the 12th century in Egypt.
Why are lemons sour? Lemon tastes sour due to the acetic acid in their juice.
What country produces the most lemons? India at 17% of the world’s crop.
When is national Lemonade Day? August 20th
How many lemons grow on a lemon tree each year? One lemon tree can produce up to 500 or 600 pounds of lemons in a year.

Looking for a good read aloud that is on theme too?

The Lemonade War is a popular chapter book that is great for a family read or independent reading time.

Can your kids not get enough slime?

Look at these amazingly scented summer slimes like watermelon, beach, slime, and others to keep kids busy.

8 Sensational Summer Slime Recipes

Take a look at my How to Make Fun Watermelon Seed Slime For Summer Learning.
DIY Beach Sand Slime will bring the feel of sandcastles with a slippery gooey twist for a unique activity.
7 Cool Rainforest Science Activities and Create Rainforest Floor Slime.
Celebrate Shark Week with Ocean Slime in a pretty blue that can be used for any ocean animal or theme.
This Snow Cone Slime made me so nostalgic for childhood as soon as I saw it and I think kids will really enjoy this one.
Sparkling Mermaid Slime is so fun and magical for little hands and feels just right for summer.
Cool off with this Ice Cream Sundae Slime, remember not to snack on this one!
This Glow in the Dark Slime Recipe will be a hit for hot summer nights as their oozing creation lights up the night!

Also, look at these summer fun activities for kids.

Summer Ideas for Kids

Next, look at how to make fluffy lemonade summer slime.

How to Make Fluffy Lemonade Summer Slime

You will need:

½ cup white school glue
3-4 cups sensitive shaving cream
1 packet lemonade drink mix
½ teaspoon baking soda
2 Tablespoons Contact solution

Optional*

Yellow food coloring
Yellow craft foam
Mason jar
Colorful straws
Lemon cookie cutters

First, mix the glue, baking soda, and lemonade packet together in a large bowl.

You can use a drink mix or Kool aid mix to give it color and scent.

If it is not strong enough add a little lemon essential oil.

Stir in shaving cream, as much or as little as you like to give it a fluffy texture.

Because of the acids you will see some foaming and the mixture growing right away.

If your drink mix doesn’t give it enough color just add a few drops of yellow food coloring to brighten it up a bit.

Add in the contact solution a little at a time, mixing well between each addition.

You want to add it just until it begins to form together and pulls away from the sides.

To make fun little lemon slices, trace and cut circles and half circles out of yellow craft foam.

Use a fine tip pen to draw in some details like the individual segments seeds and skin.

Add your lemonade slime to a mason jar for a presentation that fits with the theme and include your craft foam lemon slices, straws, and anything else you like to add to the fun.

Are Daisies Wildflowers | How to Make a Wildflower Pounding Towel

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

Have you wondered if daisies are wildflowers? You’ll also love my Wildflowers Unit Study.

Or do you have questions about the beautiful flowers in fields, along the road, and in your own backyard?

I’ll help you answer some of those questions.

Are Daisies Wildflowers | How to Make a Wildflower Pounding Craft

I have some wonderful resources for a wildflower study, and show you a simple and inexpensive craft that fits perfectly along with our topic.

A wildflower is a flower that grows in the wild. Wildflowers are not intentionally seeded or planted.

Common wildflowers are spread throughout the United States.

For example, there are Butterfly Weed, Black Eyed Susan, Purple Coneflower, Sage, Yarrow, Hyssop, and Phlox.

Wildflowers are found along highways, at the edge of forests, filling up fields, and in your own backyard.

They come in many different colors, sizes, and species.

For example, there are 20,000 known wildflower species in the United States.

Wildflower Books For Kids

10 Wildflower Books & Resources For Kids Who Love to Read and Be Read To

Spring is especially a good time to learn about wildflowers but you can learn about them anytime. Add a few of these hands-on resources and books and you'll have a fun multiple ages unit study for your homeschooled kids.

Botanicum: Welcome to the Museum

Botanicum, is a brilliantly curated guide to plant life. With artwork from Katie Scott of Animalium fame, Botanicum gives readers the experience of a fascinating exhibition from the pages of a beautiful book. From perennials to bulbs to tropical exotica, Botanicum is a wonderful feast of botanical knowledge complete with superb cross sections of how plants work.

National Geographic Pocket Guide to Wildflowers of North America

With this basic beginner's field guide to North American wildflowers, all who enjoy nature and the outdoors can identify common wildflowers, from backyard weeds to dainty forest blossoms. In a logical, user-friendly, highly visual format, this new title offers key facts about 160 of the most common wildflowers and weeds, coast to coast, including Canada and Alaska.

Wildcraft! an Herbal Adventure Game for Kids

Unlike many kids games 4 and up that turn out to be too confusing for children, Wildcraft! An Herbal Adventure Game, is a fun, strategic challenge that’s also easy to follow– NO READING REQUIRED. Because our learning board games feature clear illustrations and matching icons, even younger kids will learn what the different plants look like and can be used for. It’s the perfect fun game for family game night with kids, and ideal for beginners – no prior plant knowledge necessary!

Wildflower Seeds: Bulk Mix of 21 Varieties

Wide Variety Of Flower Seeds: Our wildflower seeds will provide you with a vibrant selection of flowers in your garden. You will get 21 different varieties of annual seeds including Black Eyed Susans, California Bluebells, African Daisies and more.

Wildflower Bingo Game

Do you know which flower got its name from its resemblance to the sombrero? What is the species of the bluebonnet? Lot of facts about North American wildflowers in this game.

Wildflowers, Blooms & Blossoms (Take Along Guides)

An introduction to the world of insects, caterpillars, and butterflies including identification information, educational activities, and fun facts.Invites young naturalists to spot wildlife. Safety tips are provided and interesting activities are suggested.

Ultimate Explorer Field Guide: Wildflowers

What do you call a garden filled with lots of flowers? A polli-nation! Nat Geo Kids is back with the newest fact- and photo-filled Ultimate Explorer Field Guide, and this one packs some real flower power! This guide to wildflowers will make kids stop and look for all kinds of blossoms blooming right under their noses. From buttercups to bladderworts, primroses to pitcher plants, kids will learn how, where, and when to spot these wildflowers in their backyard, down the street, or all over town! Jam-packed with tons of info, interactive prompts, tips for budding botanists, super stats, and jokes--it's the perfect companion for exploring the backyard or field trips, camping, or vacation. Durable and portable, it's just right for your pocket or backpack!

Wild Flowers of North America (Science Nature Guides)

Did you know that wild plants are still used for food, for medicines, and as dyes? Many of the plants growing in urban areas, in woods and by the side of roads are useful as well as being pretty. Other plants have small and less obvious how many have you seen and not realized that they were flowers? This book will show you the most common wild flowers and where you are most likely to find them. A nature guide designed for elementary grades 2-3, the book includes more than 20 easy-to-do science projects.

Miss Lady Bird's Wildflowers: How a First Lady Changed America

In this warm, engaging look at the life of a great First Lady, Kathi Appelt tells the story behind Lady Bird Johnson's environmental vision. Joy Fisher Hein's colorful wildflowers burst from every page, inviting us to share in Lady Bird's love for natural beauty.

From a lonely childhood in the Piney Woods of East Texas to an exciting life in the White House, Lady Bird Johnson loved wildflowers with all her heart. They were her companions in her youth, greeting her everywhere as she explored wild forests, bayous, and hills.

Wild Flowers of North America: Botanical Illustrations by Mary Vaux Walcott

Published in association with the Smithsonian Institution. What does it take to paint a wildflower that blooms for a single day in a deep forest? For Mary Vaux Walcott, it involved spending up to seventeen hours a day out of doors with her paintbox to capture the shape, movement, and colors of delicate petals and leaves.

Next, look at some of these other questions and answers about wildflowers.

Are Daisies Wildflowers And Other Questions

Are Daisies Wildflowers? Yes, daisies are wildflowers and they come in a variety of colors and species.

Do wildflowers grow everywhere? Yes, wildflowers can grow pretty much anywhere but they do need at least 6 hours of sunlight and well drained soil. You will not find them on Antarctica.

How do you use wildflowers? Wildflowers are used as food, medicine, bug repellant, and for making essential oils.

Why are wildflowers so important? Besides the fact that they are so pretty to look at, wildflowers impact the environment in big ways from improving the health of the soil to pollination which helps our food supply.

What is the difference between annual and perennial wildflowers? Annuals last for the season they’re planted. But perennials come back every year.

In addition, add more of these hands-on wildflower activities.

More Wildflowers Crafts

Fun Kids Activity How to Make Wildflower Seed Bombs
California Landmarks With Naturalist John Muir | How To Make A Poppy Craft
Facts About Wildflowers And a Fun Felt Texas Bluebonnet Craft
Learn How to Easily Make a Simple and Fun Kids DIY Flower Press to preserve all the beautiful wildflowers you find on your nature walks.

Finally, look at how to make this adorable wildflower pounding towel craft.

How to Make a Wildflower Pounding Craft

You will need:

Lots of colorful fresh flowers/greenery
PFD fabric or cotton tea towel
Cardboard or a large board
Waxed paper
Hammer

First, gather up a nice variety of colorful wildflowers.

Scout out your yard, an empty field, or even use a store-bought bouquet before it begins to dry out.

You want to make sure your flowers or plants have plenty of pigment and moisture for a good transfer.

If you use PFD fabric it is already prepared to accept dye well.

If not, you want to treat your tea towels with alum using the following steps:

Wash the fabric in cold water (no detergents or fabric softeners.
Dissolve 2 teaspoons of alum powder in 1 gallon of water that is warm.
Soak the fabric in the bath for about 20–30 minutes.
Wring it out and allow it to dry naturally.

Spread and smooth your towel out flat on top of cardboard or scrap wood.

Then place your flowers and greenery how you like it.

You will get a better impression if you lay them face down.

Cover flowers and towel with wax paper.

Pound all over the paper, hitting the flowers until you have completely crushed them up into the cloth.

Carefully peel up a little bit of the flowers to make sure that the color and shape has transferred.

If there is not enough color lay them back down and repeat, pounding them out.

Continue until the color has transferred to your liking. I went back out and gathered more after the first attempt because it wasn’t enough.

Shake off all the flower residue and either place in a hot dryer for 20 minutes or press well with an iron to seal in the color.

This type of tea towel is purely decorative, the colors will not hold up to repeated use and washing. It makes a lovely gift to wrap another gift in or tuck into a pretty basket.

How To Make Your Own Edible Beach Sand And Shells: A Creative And Delicious Recipe

May 23, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

We’re making edible beach sand and shells. Also, you’ll love more ideas on my Oceans Unit Study and Lapbook and free Seashore Watching Unit Study and Beach Lapbook.

It’s a fun snack that is a great way to end or even begin a beach unit.

It is almost as fun to make it as it is to eat it, but not quite.

You can do this project just for a fun beach theme.

How To Make Your Own Edible Beach Sand And Shells: A Creative And Delicious Recipe

Also, it makes a great starter for discussions on different colors of ocean water, the different colors and types of sand and what creates that sand.

In addition, you can learn about all the different varieties of seashells.

If you are lucky enough to live near a beach, you can incorporate a field trip to study beach sand up close.

Sigh, it’s a tough job but someone must do it.

Next, look at some of these books about the beach and ocean.

Books About the Beach and Ocean

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.

Next, look at these facts about beach sand.

Colors of Ocean Water

Because most white pudding still has a yellow tint it is going to make your ocean more green than blue.

This is a great opportunity to understand why oceans run the gamut from blue to green and all shades in between.

The oceans are often blue because water absorbs those colors in the red part of the light spectrum. Much as a filter does this leaves behind colors in the blue part of the light spectrum for us to see, showing them as light to brilliant shades of jewel blue.

Some oceans appear greener due to the presence of algae and plant life. Photosynthetic organisms contain chlorophyll which looks green. Depending on the type of phytoplankton the ocean may look anywhere from blue green to emerald green.

Also, look at these facts about beach sand.

5 Fascinating Facts about Beach Sand

Sand is often made from silica but is not a single mineral, rather it is made up of multiple minerals like quartz, feldspar, mica, magnetite, etc. This composition of minerals varies with the region that it is found in.
Sand comes in a rainbow of colors. The variety of colors is because of the composition of minerals and ph levels with other components. Black sand is rich in volcanic ash, white is full of quartz, pink is due to the single-celled organisms called foraminifera.
It takes thousands of years for a single grain of sand to form as larger minerals like quartz go through decomposition and erosion into small fragments.
The Sand Sea, located in the heart of the rich Sahara Desert, is the oldest desert in the world.
The World’s Tallest Sandcastle was Made in Germany and stood almost 70 feet tall.

Next, look at these other beach activities.

Hands-on Beach, Ocean and Sea Shells Activities

Finally, look at how to make your own edible beach sand and shells.

How To Make Your Own Edible Beach Sand And Shells

You will need:

White melting chocolate
Seashell silicone mold
One package of graham crackers
Vanilla pudding
Blue raspberry drink packet
1/4 cup brown sugar
Food coloring – optional
Small paintbrush

First, prepare pudding according to package directions and then stir in as much or little flavoring/color you like.

Now, even though the vanilla pudding is white it does have a bit of a yellow tint to it so when you add the blue, it’s going to turn it a pretty green/teal.

It’s just another discussion on how bodies of water are colored differently and why.

Remember that mistakes or near misses are just great opportunities for discussion.

This gave us an intro to talk about how the ocean water in different parts of the world are very different colors.

Place pudding in the refrigerator to set.

Add graham crackers and brown sugar to either a powerful blender or a food processor.

Pulse until very fine, like beach sand then set aside.

Finally, on to the seashells- you can leave them white or you can buy various colors of chocolate melts, we decided to give them a little bit of color by brushing a small amount of food coloring onto the mold.

Next place your desired amount of melted chocolate in a microwave safe container and heat for one minute ,stir, and then heat in 30 second increments each time until it is completely melted.

Carefully spoon melted chocolate into the seashell molds. You can pop it in the refrigerator if you like to harden it quicker.

Carefully remove each from the mold.

Now all that’s left is assembling your edible beach, grab a shallow bowl and spoon half of your ocean water/pudding on it.

Sprinkle your graham cracker mixture on the other half for beach sand, slightly overlapping area and then with your edible seashells.

How to Make a Fun Paper Plate Fish | F is for Fish

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

F is for fish. And a fun way to teach that concept is to create an adorable and recognizable fish from a couple of paper plates. Also, I have more alphabet letter fun on my page How to Homeschool Preschool.

There are a couple of fish that are just iconic and well known because they are true movie stars.

For example, one is a clown fish and the other a blue tang with short term memory loss (maybe).

Those movies have taught kids so much about life under the ocean and so much more so I thought that they would make a wonderful subject for our F is for fish craft.

How to Make a Fun Paperplate Fish | F is for Fish

Your child can make their fish any make-believe fantasy species they like, or you can challenge them to choose a favorite type of ocean fish and recreate it.

There are so many beautiful options out there, especially saltwater fish.

First, look at these books about the ocean and the animals that live in it.

Kid’s Books About the Ocean and Animals

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

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Fascinating Ocean Book for Kids: 500 Incredible Facts!

All About Bioluminescence: Deep Sea Animals

Treasure Island (Dover Thrift Editions: Classic Novels)

Oceans and Seas!: With 25 Science Projects for Kids

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

Pagoo

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

Next, look at these facts about fish.

5 Fun Fish Facts for Preschoolers

A large group of fish is called a ‘school’.
Fish have vertebrae, which means that they have a backbone or a spine.
They breathe with their gills, as the water flows over them they absorb the oxygen in it.
Fish are cold blooded, and that means that their internal body temperature changes depending on the surrounding temperature.
The starfish, jellyfish, and crayfish live in the water but lack a backbone, so they are not truly fish at all.

Just in case you want to turn it into a swimmingly full fish unit I have some ideas for each subject for you that can take it from a quick project to a week or longer deep sea dive!

Math

This Fishing Math Game With Free Printables is a great way to practice number identification but fish can also be paired up for simple addition and subtraction, or even comparing numbers.

Invest in these inexpensive plastic fish to use as math counters for addition, subtraction, and more but they can also be used in small world play and sensory bins as well.

Science

Make a simple Super Easy and Fun Aquarium Jar Craft For Summer Activities for a DIY “snow globe” project.

Learn the science behind Magic Swimming Fish and amaze them with all the cool things you know how to do.

Watch Finding Dory and see how many species of fish you can find and name.

Language Arts

You will appreciate that this sensory F is For Fish Craft is contained and not messy (just watch for holes in the bag!)
Letter F-F is For Fish makes smart use of celery to create fish scales on the letter to make it resemble the slippery ocean dweller we are learning about.

Snacks

Under The Sea Graham Crackers are too adorable to pass up and will be so inviting for your child at snack time.
These Funny Fish Waffles just melted my heart with how precious they are, a great way to start the day.
Ocean Punch using Swedish fish looks swimmingly refreshing doesn’t it?

More How to Homeschool Preschool Letter of the Week Activities

Finally, look how to make this F is for fish adorable craft.

How to Make a Fun Paper Plate Fish

You will need:

2 paper plates
Craft paint
paintbrushes
Scissors
Glue

First, cut a fishtail from the center and the edge of one paper plate, it helps to use a book or Google an image of the fish that you’re making to use as inspiration.

Have your child paint one entire paper plate the base color of whatever fish you choose.

For a blue tang like I did here you want a pretty deep blue.

And then the tail whatever color (yellow here). Set aside to dry.

When the paint is dry you can begin to shape the paper plate a bit with scissors to create a little bit more pointed side for the face and give a little shape to the back end as well.

Use black paint and a small paintbrush (or a paint pen) to add your tang details like an eye and the thick black line that goes around it and runs to the end.

Add a little black detail to the edges of the tail as well and don’t forget to give him a little fin for swimming.

Glue the tail to the backside of the plate and let the glue dry.

Feel free to make an entire ocean of fish as you enjoy your fish journey with your child.

Spectacular Lewis And Clark Plants Drawings | 7 Quick Botany Art Lessons

May 19, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Have you ever looked at the Lewis and Clark plants drawings? And wondered how it must have been to stumble across strange and wonderful plants no one had seen before? Also, look at my Lewis and Clark Fun Homeschool Unit Study and Lapbook.

One of the great contributions that Lewis and Clark made during their expedition across the unexplored Louisiana Purchase and the Pacific Northwest was their journals.

Spectacular Lewis And Clark Plants Drawings | 7 Quick Botany Art Lessons

The journals contained notes, maps, and of course drawings of plants and animals never seen before.

One fantastic way to learn is to incorporate science into a history lesson.

You do this by spinning off one of the subtopics. Today we’re doing botany.

From May 1804 to September 1806 they recorded observations, mapped out routes, sketched plants, and traded with Native American Tribes.

Some of their discoveries included: Bitterroot, Lewis Flax, Cottonwood, Purple Prairie Clover, Golden Currant, Osage Orange, Prickly Pear, and Camas, just to name a few of the more well-known species.

I have a quick and easy challenge with a bit of a chalk pastel lesson to get you going on your journey.

The Expedition of Lewis and Clark Books For Kids

In addition, look at some of these living books to add to your unit study.

Besides living books, add reference books to your learning day.

15 Lewis and Clark | Sacagawea Exploration Unit Study Resources

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

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

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

National Geographic Readers: Sacagawea

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

Of Courage Undaunted: Across the Continent with Lewis & Clark

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

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

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

The Truth About Sacajawea (Lewis & Clark Expedition)

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

The Journals of Lewis and Clark: 1805: Volume II

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

Sacagawea: American Pathfinder

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

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

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

What Was the Lewis and Clark Expedition?

When Meriwether Lewis, William Clark, and the "Corp of Discovery" left St. Louis, Missouri, on May 1, 1804, their mission was to explore the vast, unknown territory acquired a year earlier in the Louisiana Purchase. The travelers hoped to find a waterway that crossed the western half of the United States. They didn't. However, young readers will love this true-life adventure tale of the two-year journey that finally brought the explorers to the Pacific Ocean.

The Lewis and Clark Expedition (Graphic History)

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

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

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

Seaman's Journal

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

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

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

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

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

It's Her Story Sacajawea A Graphic Novel

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

Too, there are 7 more botany art lessons ideas, and everything you need to get started on your own journey creating your own plants drawings.

Besides chalk pastels, explore with oil pastels as well as watercolor, charcoal, colored pencils, and artists markers to not only learn about plants but incorporate some new art techniques as well.

7 Quick Botany Art Lessons

Happy sunflowers make a great subject in the case of this Easy Sunflower Nature Study.
Try a Hands-On Mixed Media Flower Art Fun Nature Study using real flowers and art supplies.
This is a great tutorial for teens-Art Tutorial: Painting a Philodendron Plant with Gouache.
Learn What Plants And Animals Did Lewis And Clark Discover on their Famous Trek & Bitterroot Craft for a more dimensional project.
Not just one but Two Nature Inspired Art Activities for Kids using their powers of observation to create art.
Not all plants are friendly, Carnivorous Plants For Kids and Make a Fun Paper Plate Venus Flytrap Craft is a great way to learn about more aggressive plants.
For younger kids a Q-Tip Painted Lavender Plant Craft is an easy and fun way to create a frameable piece of plant art.

Also, look at a few botany art resources.

Must Have Resources for Botany Art Lessons

For a deep dive into botany turned art lessons there are a few things you will need to have on hand packed up in a fun little tote to take into the field.

Look at this Shoulder Handbag Everything Tote Bag with Compartments.

If you want a really good solid app for identifying plants and animals grab iNaturalist, you can also use it to record your discoveries digitally.

Have a look at the Lewis and Clark Journals for yourself.

Nature Anatomy– If you are going out into the field to study and draw plants and animals you need a couple of great books to act as field guides. I find myself reaching for this one every time I have nature study.
You will need a good sketch journal as well for your drawings.
Chalk Pastels too.

Additionally, you’ll love more Lewis and Clark hands-on history activities.

Lewis And Clark Hands-on History Activities for Kids

Finally, look at how to make these Lewis and Clark plants drawings.

Lewis And Clark Plants Drawings with Chalk Pastels

You will need:

Heavy textured paper
Chalk Pastels
Pencil
Blending Stumps

First, head out to your favorite state or national park.

Wander through a field or forest, near a pond, or even in your own backyard to create a nature journal filled with all kinds of botany themed art.

Once you have found your subject, for us it was an Arrowhead Elephant Ear in the backyard, find it in your field guide.

Or use the iNatural app I listed above to discover what your plants name is.

Lightly draw the outline of your plant with a pencil, erase any areas that are too dark, so they won’t show through your chalk pastel.

Sketch it until you are satisfied with the design.

Take the lightest shade of colors in your plant and draw the outline and stems.

Fill in the center and blend the color out with your fingers or use a blending stump.

Layer on darker shades progressively to deepen the color, shade, and add more detail like the ribbing on the leaves.

Write the common name as well as the scientific name for your plant.

You now have a great start for your botany art journal.

handson

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Must Have Resources for Botany Art Lessons

Lewis And Clark Hands-on History Activities for Kids

Lewis And Clark Plants Drawings with Chalk Pastels

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