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Ancient Egyptian Mathematics: Build a LEGO Math Calculator

September 24, 2024 | 2 Comments
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We’re making a diy lego math calculator. Also, look at my Ancient Civilizations page about Ancient Egypt for more ideas!

Ancient Egypt was an advanced society.

We know that from the structures and texts left behind.

Ancient Egyptian Mathematics: Build a LEGO Math Calculator

The Great Pyramids are one of many structures that are considered marvels in engineering and mathematics for the time.

Math isn’t always a subject kids are excited about.

How did something that has history to the beginnings of society get such a bad rap? That’s a good question.

One of the issues with any academic subject is a desire to keep common people from understanding.

Hieroglyphics themselves were designed as a language of the gods and not meant for common people.

Common people are smart and developed a less complex form of writing called demotic.

Creating barriers to learning has created mistrust in academics from the earliest time in history.

The other issue is human nature. People like what they understand and can do easily.

Complex mathematics systems quickly became more time consuming than many hard working people had time to pursue.

Basic mathematics became an integral part of life just as it is today.

Ancient Egyptian Mathematics: How to Build a DIY LEGO Calculator

Ancient Egyptians used addition and subtraction much like we do today, with one glaring exception… they were missing a zero.

Two other civilizations later developed zero (independently of each other -Indian and Mayan civilizations).

The lack of zero made large numbers very tedious to write and read.

Division and Fractions

Ancient Egyptians didn’t use a common denominator and relied on unit fractions.

Unit fractions have a 1 as the numerator.

Fractions would be written mostly as ¼ + 1/5 + 1/8 + 1/10. Splitting loaves of bread would become a complex task of dividing.

In modern mathematics, that would be simplified by a common denominator of 40.

10/40 + 8/40 + 5/40 + 4/40= 27/40

Many fractions were written using parts of an important symbol, the eye of Horus.

Since fractions are actually division problems. Division became a difficult task using multiple fractions to arrive at an answer.

Multiplication in Ancient Egypt – Rudimentary Calculators

Ancient Egyptian multiplication was a system of duplication that was arduous, but similar to skip counting that we use today.

Let’s work through some examples of Ancient Egyptian multiplication. . I think you might have a deeper appreciation for modern mathematics after these examples.

Multiply 5×8

The answer is 40. This is accomplished by doubling (multiplying by a factor of 2)

What if you are looking for a number other than multiplying by 2,4 or 8?

5×6

2+4=6

Look at those corresponding numbers on the 5s side and add:

10+20=30

What about 5×5?

1+4=5

Corresponding numbers on the 5s side and add:

5+20=25

How to Create A LEGO Math Calculator

You can create your own Ancient Egyptian Calculator using Lego bricks.

I used a basic building board and some odds and ends blocks we had laying around.

Ancient Egyptian Mathematics: Build a LEGO Math Calculator. Ancient Egypt was an advanced society. We know that from the structures and texts left behind. The Great Pyramids are one of many structures that are considered marvels in engineering and mathematics for the time. Your kids will love this fun hands-on math activity. You can create your own Ancient Egyptian Calculator using Lego bricks. Click here to see how!

This calculator is for multiples of 4.

The yellow blocks are the 1s and the green blocks are the multiples of 4 (4s).

To figure out 6 X 4, combine those quantities:

8+16=24 / 6 X 4=24

You could have kids make these for numbers 2-9.

This would be a great way to instill logic into the tedious task of memorizing math facts.

MORE ANCIENT EGYPT ACTIVITIES

Egypt Crafts For Kindergarten Create a Fun Kid Sized Mummy
Learn about another step in the mummification process and make Canopic Jars
Make a beautiful Cleopatra Collar and Cuffs to wear.
Fun Pharaohs and Queens Ancient Egypt Lapbook and Activities
11 Easy Hands-On Ancient Egypt Projects for Middle School
Hands-on Ancient Egypt: Israelite Mud Bricks for Kids

Written by Kim at The Learning Hypothesis.

Looking for more hands-on math fun?

How to Create Scented Pinecone Crafts for Fall With Kids

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

After gathering on your fall nature walk come home and make pinecone crafts for fall with kids. Look at my Fall Season Unit Study and Free Lapbook for more ideas!

And if we are going to make crafts with them, we might as well work in some teachable moments.

First, it is a good idea to establish what pinecones are.

Talk about some ways they are used besides just for crafts (although that is a perfectly lovely use for them).

How to Create Scented Pinecone Crafts for Fall With Kids

Pinecones help the tree life cycle.

And when they fall they provide homes for small creatures and can provide snacks for bird and squirrels.

Too, you can paint on them.

Too, pinecones are the seed-bearing structures of pine trees.

Pinecones are not just forest treasures but a vital part of nature’s cycle.

First, look at some of these living books about trees.

TREE BOOKS FOR KIDS

I like to look at a few with my kids when we start a craft.

Too, add a few of them to your home library.

9 Tree Books & Resources for Kids Who Love Reading and Being Read To

You'll love using one of these books as a science reference or to use for art to inspire life science lessons.

Celebritrees: Historic & Famous Trees of the World

Some trees have lived many lifetimes, standing as silent witnesses to history. Some are remarkable for their age and stature; others for their usefulness. A bristlecone pine tree in California has outlived man by almost 4,000 years; a baobab tree in Australia served as a prison for Aboriginal prisoners at the turn of the twentieth century; and a major oak in England was used as a hiding place for Robin Hood and his men (or so the story goes…).

The fourteen trees in this book have earned the title "Celebritrees" for their global fame and significance. Both in fact and in legend, these fascinating trees remind us not only how much pleasure trees bring, but what they can tell us about history.

The Busy Tree

Spectacular illustrations rendered in oil paint, and a rhyming text that describes a tree’s activities from its roots to its branches, introduce young readers to the amazing activities that go on in a tree. Acorns nibbled by chipmunks, ants scurrying across a trunk, a spider spinning a web, leaves “breathing out air for all to breathe in”—everything adds up to a “busy tree” for all to “come and see.”

The Tree Book for Kids and Their Grown-Ups

This is a fantastic reference book to have on hand for tree studies.

It has great illustrations and covers everything from how a tree “eats and drinks” to types of trees, seeds, how they change in the seasons, why we need them and more

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

Acclaimed illustrator Julia Rothman combines art and science in this exciting and educational guide to the structure, function, and personality of the natural world.

Trees, Leaves & Bark (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.

Tree Full of Wonder: An educational, rhyming book about magic of trees for children

Tree Full of Wonder is a vibrant, rhyming, educational and unique picture book showing the unbreakable bond between people and trees. For children ages 3-8. Kids will fall in love with nature and will become Protectors of the Trees.

The Magic and Mystery of Trees (The Magic and Mystery of Nature)

From the highest branch and leaf down to the complex “wood wide web” of roots, it’s no wonder every part of a tree plays an important role in its own growth and the habitat of the whole forest or woodland. The Magic & Mystery of Trees is a nature book that takes children on a fascinating journey of exploration, showing them just how special these mighty organisms are.

Figurines of Pine, Elm, Juniper, Monkey Puzzle, Topiary, Petticoat, Aspen, Two Maples

Learn and Play: These figurines provide a fun and educational way to learn about different tree species, promoting environmental awareness and appreciation.

Fandex Family Field Guides: Trees

Bringing the world of TREES to your fingertips, FANDEX presents a foolproof field guide. Four visual keys--die-cut leaf, bark pattern, flower, nut or seed, and photo of the full tree--plus descriptions of habitat and more combine to give a complete picture of North America's forest and backyard trees.

In addition, TREES is a cultural history--of the mighty White Oak, California Redwood, Aillanthus, the tree that grows in Brooklyn, and the stately White Ash, as important for the bows of early Native Americans as for the baseball bats of today.

WHAT ARE PINECONES

Pinecones are the reproductive parts of pine trees that grow right at the top of the branches.

They’re made up of overlapping scales that protect and look after the pine tree seeds until they’re ready to be spread around, which happens in a variety of ways.

Pinecones open and close in different weather conditions to protect their seeds and help them grow into trees.

In cold wet weather they close to protect their seeds from freezing and to prevent animals from eating them.

They come in all shapes and sizes, from tiny and round to big and long.

They can be bright green, earthy brown, or even a cool purple.

But they do a lot more than just help reproduce pine trees and look pretty-animals like squirrels, chipmunks, and other small creatures eat pinecones.

Also, Native Americans used pinecones to start fires, ate pine nuts from the cones, to make baskets, tools, and even houses.

Today we are going to use them to make scented pinecone crafts to make your house smell amazing.

Too, you can also give them as hostess gifts throughout the fall and winter season.

As you collect your pinecones stop to take a closer look at the bark and needles as well, comparing them to other types of trees.

5 COOL PINECONE FACTS

Pinecones can stay on the tree for a long time, sometimes up to two years, before they fall off.
Methuselah, a Bristlecone Pine in California is thought to be the Oldest Living Organism on Earth. Look at my post Famous and Historic Trees Fun Nature and History Homeschool Unit Study to learn more about this tree.
Pinecones can float on water, which helps them travel far and wide and spread pine tree seeds to new places.
Pinecones are a symbol of fertility and new life in many cultures including Greco-Roman mythology, Ancient Celtic, and even in modern day Sicily.
The pinecone was chosen as the state flower of Maine in 1895.

Next, look at more pinecone crafts for fall with kids.

PINECONE CRAFTS FOR FALL

Make an Easy and Fun PineCone Snowy Owl Winter Craft for Kindergarten using your foraged pinecones.

These DIY | Pinecone Fire Starter Favors are excellent gifts and can be used to start backyard bonfires or camping fires and are easy on the environment.

Here are 10 Fun Crafts to Do with Pinecones and a Turkey Pinecone Craft for Kids that is a neat decoration to use throughout fall.

Create a Pine Cone Crafts Bird Feeder to help out your feathered backyard buddies through the cooler months when it’s harder to find food.

You will find some great Winter Craft Ideas and also learn How to Make Fun Pinecone Flowers with your extra ones.

Another great way to use our cinnamon scented pine cones we are making today is to string them into this Pinecone Garland.

Add some homemade salt dough and create this Easy PineCone Hedgehog DIY

Finally, look at how to make these cute fall scented pinecones.

HOW TO CREATE SCENTED PINECONES

You will need:

Pinecones
Cinnamon fragrance oil or essential oil
Gallon zippered bags
A baking sheet
A bowl

First, gather up a nice selection of pinecones.

If you can’t find them on the ground near you, they also sell bags of them at craft stores or grab an assortment from Amazon.

Shake and tap them a bit to remove as much loose particles as you can.

Rinse your pinecones to remove excess dirt.

Then soak them in a bowl full of water with a couple drops of dishwashing liquid.

This will help remove anything else that might be in them.

You will want to put a pot or something on top to help hold them down as they will float.

While this may make them close, they will reopen in the next step as they are warmed up in the oven.

Let them soak for about 20 minutes.

Rinse thoroughly.

Preheat the oven to 225 degrees F.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Place the pinecones on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 1 hour, or until dry.

Remove from the oven and let cool completely.

Add 20-30 drops of cinnamon essential oil into the bag, leaving a little room in the bag so they can move around.

Use two bags if needed.

Shake the bag and tumble the pinecones around until all are well coated.

Now, the hard part is letting them sit in the bag for at least 5-7 days, you can shake the bag occasionally.

Remove them from the bag when ready and place them in a pretty bowl for display.

10 Fun Facts About Kapok Trees You’ll Love

September 18, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today is all about fun facts about Kapok trees. Also, look at my pages Rain Forest – Amazon, Rain Forest – Animals of the Amazon, and Rainforest Activities for Kids for more ideas, crafts and activities.

And this is a super easy learning activity with things you should already have on hand.

For preschoolers you will want to keep this activity very simple.

10 Fun Facts About Kapok Trees You’ll Love

But older kids can add more detail and even label the different layers of the rainforest.

Rainforests are like giant, green umbrellas that cover about 6% of the Earth’s land surface.

They’re found near the equator in South America, Africa, and Asia.

They are full of tall trees, lush plants, and amazing animals.

In fact, over half of the world’s plant and animal species live in rainforests.

Kapok trees are towering, important parts of rainforests.

They have been brought to our front door by wonderful classic books like The Great Kapok Tree.

The beautiful images make it more real to children and show how they are a central part to the flora and fauna there.

I love using literature as a base for unit studies.

While we cover a lot of great rainforest information we are going to focus on Kapok trees with our chosen story.

BOOKS ABOUT THE RAINFOREST FOR KIDS

First, look at some of these fun books about the Amazon to add to your reading day.

I choose living books when I can find them.

21 Rain Forest Animals For Kids Books and Resources

Add these rain forest animal books, games, and toys to round out your study of the animals of the rain forest.

Wildlife Animal Model Toy Red Eye Tree Frog Figure

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

All the Way Down: Amazon Rainforest

This book explores the rainforest layer by layer and the creatures that make their home in each part of the rainforest.

Rainforest Animals (Who Am I?)

Which rainforest animal is a frog that uses its eyes to help it swallow its food? Which rainforest animal is a bird with a big, colorful bill? Let's learn more about rainforest animals such as sloths, poison dart frogs, toucans, and more! Read With You's Who Am I? series encourages children to be more curious about the world around them as they learn fun facts about animals from across the globe.

Over and Under the Rainforest

Part of the critically acclaimed Over and Under series that includes Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt and Over and Under the Snow!Under the canopy of the rainforest hundreds of animals make their homes, but up in the leaves hides another world. Turn the pages of this beautiful and educational book to discover in words and mesmerizing illustration:

Animals like the slender parrot snake and the blue morpho butterfly.

The canopies where toucans and pale-billed woodpeckers chatter and call.

Capuchin monkeys who swing from vines and slow-moving sloths who wait out daily thunderstorms.

Wild Animal Jungle Sloth Toy Figurine

Sloth Toy Figurine

In the Rainforest (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science 2)

The rainforest is home to millions of plant and animal species. Some animals live high up in the trees, some crawl across the forest floor, and some tunnel underground, but they all depend on one another and the rain to survive. With colorful illustrations and fascinating diagrams from author-illustrator Kate Duke, In the Rainforest is a lively look at the most vibrant ecosystem on our planet.

Anacondas (Rain Forest Animals)

This book introduces readers to the largest snake in the world: the anaconda. Readers learn about the life cycle, behavior, physical characteristics, and habitat of anacondas

Learn to Draw Rainforest & Jungle Animals

Expanding the popular collection of animal books in the Learn to Draw Series, Learn to Draw Rainforest & Jungle Animals will teach kids how easy it is to draw a variety of exciting and exotic creatures from around the world. Each project starts with a basic shape and progresses with simple-to-follow steps to a finished realistic final colored artwork. While they’re learning, kids will also discover fun facts about each featured animal.

The Rainforest Grew All Around

Imaginations will soar from the forest floor, up through the canopy and back down again, following the circle of life in this clever adaptation of the song “The Green Grass Grew All Around.” The jungle comes alive as children learn about a wide variety of the animals (jaguars, emerald tree boas, leafcutter ants, sloths, poison dart frogs, toucans, and bats) and plants (kapok trees, liana vines, and bromeliads) living in the lush Amazon rainforest. Delve even deeper into the jungle using sidebars and the three-page “For Creative Minds” educational section.

Wildlife Anatomy: The Curious Lives & Features of Wild Animals around the World

While it covers more than just the rainforest this is a fabulous resource to have on your shelves. You will find plenty of great pictures and information on many animals that live there- crocodiles, harpy eagles, monkeys, tapir , sloths,Jaguarundi, and the food web.

Rainforest Glow-in-The-Dark Puzzle, Rainforest Animals, Birds, Plants and More

COLORFUL ARTWORK: Kids will love the colorful puzzle artwork showing the animals, plants, trees and birds that call the rainforest home. The storage box shows the completed puzzle artwork and is an ideal place to keep pieces safe and free from damage.

The Great Kapok Tree: A Tale of the Amazon Rain Forest

Tells a story of a man who came to cut down a kapok tree and encounters many of the beautiful and exotic native creatures who make their home in the Amazon Rainforest.

Professor Noggin's Reptiles and Amphibians Trivia Card Game

FUN FACTS: How about Reptiles versus Amphibians?! That's just one of the topic cards in this kids card game. Find out more fun facts from Eggs to the Komodo Dragon!

Rainforest Gummi Frogs Candy

How fun!

FRESH & FRUITY: Fruidles single-flavor gummies pack giant taste into one delicious flavor. After one bite of these fruity gummies, you'll taste the difference of giant fresh fruit flavors & a deliciously soft chew you won't find with other gummy candies.

Hello, World! Rainforest Animals

This bright and exciting Hello, World! board book teaches toddlers all about the amazing world of a rainforest—with easy-to-understand facts about the incredible animals who make their home there.

Where Is the Amazon?

Human beings have inhabited the banks of the Amazon River since 13,000 BC and yet they make up just a small percentage of the "population" of this geographic wonderland. The Amazon River basin teems with life—animal and plant alike.

Canopy, Card Game, Features 25 Unique Species of Rainforest Animals and Plants

Compete to grow the most bountiful rainforest! Carefully select what grows in your forest, and give rise to a thriving ecosystem.

LEGO Creator Rainforest Animals

Features a frog, a fly and a parrot with articulated wings and tail, opening mouth and rotatable eyes 3-in-1 model: rebuilds into a chameleon or a tropical fish

Afternoon on the Amazon

Vampire bats and killer ants? That's what Jack and Annie are about to run into when the Magic Tree House whisks them away to the Amazon River. It's not long before they get hopelessly lost. Will they be able to find their way back to the tree house? Or are Jack and Annie stuck forever in the rain forest?

Red-eyed Tree Frog (Scholastic Bookshelf)

NatureI n a tropical rain forest in Central America, a red-eyed tree frog spends the night looking for food while avoiding potential predators. Award-winning photographer Nic Bishop's larger-than-life, gorgeous images document the hunt, which ends happily with the frog settling down in the leaves to spend his daylight hours sleeping! Joy Cowley's simple, readable text makes the frog's story fun, interesting, and accessible to young readers.

Protecting the Amazon Rainforest (Saving Earth's Biomes)

Explores the richness of the Amazon rainforest, how humans have damaged it, and efforts being taken to protect it. Clear text, vibrant photos, and helpful infographics make this book an accessible and engaging read.

Then look at facts about Kapok trees.

10 FUN FACTS ABOUT KAPOK TREES FOR KIDS

The kapok tree is also a symbol of strength and resilience, and it is often used in art and literature to represent these qualities.

Kapok trees are native to tropical rainforests in Central and South America.

They can grow to be over 200 feet tall, making them one of the tallest trees in the rainforest.

Kapok trees have large, buttressed roots that help to support their massive trunks.

The bark of the kapok tree is smooth and gray, and it is covered in small, sharp spines.

The leaves of the kapok tree are large and compound, with each leaf divided into several smaller leaflets.

The flowers of the kapok tree are large and white, and they bloom in clusters.

The fruit of the kapok tree is a large, brown capsule that contains hundreds of small, fluffy seeds.

The seeds of the kapok tree are used to make a variety of products, including stuffing for pillows and mattresses, insulation, and life jackets.

Kapok trees are an important part of the rainforest ecosystem, and they provide food and shelter for many animals.

Before we began our craft, we read The Great Kapok Tree to learn all about the animals of the rainforest.

It was also a wonderful reference throughout to know where to place them.

We also pulled out our Professor Noggin Wildlife Safari game to explore the animals and pulled out those that live in the rainforest which led to matching them with our plastic animals.

Do you need a few more ideas to round out your rainforest study?

Here are ideas for Kapok trees as well as the amazing animals that make their home there.

KAPOK TREES AND OTHER SYMBOLS OF THE RAINFOREST

Here are 7 Cool Rainforest Science Activities and Create Rainforest Floor Slime for a wonderful sensory experience.

Take a virtual field trip into the fascinating Rainforest among thick greenery and past flying exotic birds with these 25 Facts About The Amazon Rainforest.

Learn about and make some of these 20 Tropical Rainforest Foods and Make an Acai Bowl for hands-on learning.

Beautiful And Colorful Amazonian Rainforest Animals Lapbook For Kids

Use your plastic animals to create a Rainforest Sensory Bin for hours of open ended play and investigation.

How to Make an Easy Rainforest Triorama With Kids

Find out questions like Do Geckos Live in the Rainforest and 10 Facts About Reptiles and make a replica of a Turnip Tailed Gecko too.

Fun Easy Amazon Rainforest Crafts and Make a Bubble Wrap Pattern Anaconda

This is a great idea for turning our book into an interactive and fun The Great Kapok Tree Lapbook Project.

Finally, look at how to make this easy Kapok tree activity.

HANDS-ON KAPOK TREE ACTIVITY

You will need:

1 brown construction paper
2 blue construction paper
2 green construction paper Plastic rainforest animals
Glue stick

First, we’re keeping this easy and use a minimum of supplies.

Start by tearing brown paper in half to create the trunk and ripping up the green into large irregular pieces for the tree’s foliage.

We also tore off a strip to create the forest floor.

Slightly overlap and glue together two blue pieces of construction paper to create a tall blue column.

Stack the two halves of torn brown for the trunk of your tree and glue into place.

Glue down a forest floor from one or several strips of paper.

Place your large pieces of greenery all over the top of the tree to create the canopy, gluing into place.

Create a thick canopy with lots of leaf layers.

Once the glue is dry the animals can be placed while you talk about where in the tree each of the animals might live within the layers.

How To Mix Glow In The Dark Slime Ingredients To Make Awesome Ocean Slime

September 17, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Let’s mix glow in the dark slime ingredients to make an incredible ocean themed slime with a special feature bioluminescence. Also, look at my page Oceans Unit Study and Lapbook for more ocean animals and activities.

Have you ever marveled at the sight of a glowing animal in the darkness?

If so, you’ve witnessed the captivating phenomenon known as bioluminescence.

It is a natural light show performed by a diverse variety of creatures, from deep-sea fish to fireflies.

How To Mix Glow In The Dark Slime Ingredients To Make Awesome Ocean Slime

For this activity we are going to focus on those living in the ocean, particularly plankton blooms.

The light from plankton can be red, yellow, green, blue, or even violet.

But in the ocean, it’s usually blue green in color.

And they use this feature to defend themselves, attract prey, and lure mates.

Bioluminescence serves a variety of purposes for different organisms.

It’s like a secret language that lets them communicate with each other through intricate patterns of light.

For example, some deep-sea fish create mesmerizing light displays to attract mates, while others use bioluminescence to ward off predators.

But some predators also use bioluminescence as a cunning hunting strategy.

The anglerfish, a deep-sea dweller, dangles a glowing lure, luring unsuspecting prey closer before launching a swift attack.

Even if you have never seen it in person, you have likely seen the images of the ocean that seem to be twinkling and glowing like a mass of stars.

This is the phenomenon known as “blue tide,” and it occurs due to bioluminescent plankton blooms in the water.

I thought this made a perfect subject for creating a glow in the dark slime.

This slime demonstrates bioluminescence giving your child a fun sensory activity that comes with a surprise when they take it into the dark.

Playing with sensory slime can provide numerous benefits.

For example, it includes stress relief, improved fine motor skills, and enhanced creativity as it serves as a great demonstration on this science topic.

Books About Oceans for Kids

Next, looks at some of these living books about the ocean.

Your children will have fun as you read aloud or have your children pick a couple to read.

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 a list of glow in the dark bioluminescence organisms.

10 GLOW IN THE DARK BIOLUMINESCENCE ORGANISMS

Here are 10 amazing organisms that use this ‘power’ in one way or another whether as predator, prey, or just communication.

Cookie Cutter Shark
Anglerfish
Jellyfish
Bacteria
Glowworm
Fireflies
Lantern Fish
Plankton
Fungi
Vampire Squid

MORE BIOLUMINESCENCE GLOW IN THE DARK FUN

Watch this video from Ocean Today and learn facts like -as many as 90% of creatures in the deep ocean produce light for various reasons.

Create this neat Glowing Dough for a different type of sensory experience.

No fireflies in your area? No problem, create your own Firefly Glow Jars.

Learn How To Make Glowing Bubbles and take them outdoors at night to see your bright creation floating through the air.

This Glow in The Dark Rice makes a neat base for sensory bins, in bottles, or layered in jars.

If you want to park here in this topic of bioluminescence for a while this book, All About Bioluminescence, is full of information and activity ideas.

We have been able to get quite a bit of use out of these eeBoo science cards over the years as they cover a great variety of topics like bioluminescence.

Additionally, look at some of these fun ocean hands-on activities.

OCEAN ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS

Finally, look at how to mix glow in the dark slime ingredients to learn about bioluminescence.

MIX GLOW IN THE DARK SLIME INGREDIENTS TO DEMONSTRATE BIOLUMINESCENCE

I love how this slime seems like your basic slime recipe but holds a surprise that only comes to light in the dark, just like the creatures that have this characteristic.

You will need:

1 Tablespoon Glow in the dark paint
Contact solution
½ Tablespoon baking soda
4 oz. white school glue
A few drops blue food coloring
Optional- glitter

First, combine baking soda, glue, and glow in the dark paint and mix well with a rubber spatula.

Mix in a drop or two food coloring and some glitter if you like.

Add the contact solution just a teaspoon at a time, stirring between each addition.

Add and stir until the slime begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl and it is no longer sticky.

If you add too much it will harden and not give you that nice elasticity that slime should have.

Once the consistency is right you can add some sea creatures to your ocean slime.

Now, at first it may not look like much, just pretty blue slime but take it into a dark space like a closet and look at how much this mixture glows!

Just like the organisms in the ocean.

When not in use keep your slime in an airtight container or plastic zip top bag and it will last for a week or more.

How to Create A Stunning Night Sky Paper Roll Display

September 16, 2024 | Leave a Comment
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We’re creating a stunning night sky paper roll display. Also, look at my post Exploring Space and Astronomy Free Unit Study for Multiple Ages for more fun ideas,

It can be a different scene every time you make it.

But not only are we going to make a beautiful piece of art, we are going to embark on a journey through the night sky,

We’re uncovering some of the most fascinating objects that can be seen with the naked eye or a simple pair of binoculars.

I have lots of great information to share with you as well as.

How to Create A Stunning Night Sky Paper Roll Display

Too, I have a few resources.

Add them to your night sky study and make it a fascinating launch into all things space (from our view here on earth).

As you step outside on a clear night, the first thing you’ll notice is the multitude of stars twinkling above you.

Some stars, like our own Sun, shine with a steady golden light.

Others may appear red, blue, or even green due to their different temperatures and compositions.

If you look out past the stars, you will encounter the planets.

Some of the planets in our solar system that you can sometimes view with the naked eye include Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn.

And occasionally you can view Uranus if you have sharp eyes.

Books About the Moon For Kids

First, look at some of these fun books about the moon.

Add them to you home library and read aloud to your kids as they do this fun craft.

12 Resources and Books For Studying About the Moon and Galileo

If you want to focus on the moon in your astronomy and space unit study, add one of these fun resources to your day.

1. Who Was Galileo?

Like Michelangelo, Galileo is another Renaissance great known just by his first name--a name that is synonymous with scientific achievement. Born in Pisa, Italy, in the sixteenth century, Galileo contributed to the era's great rebirth of knowledge. He invented a telescope to observe the heavens. From there, not even the sky was the limit!

2. The Moon Book (New & Updated Edition)

This newly revised edition, available in time for the 50th anniversary of the moon landing, incorporates new, up-to-date information based on recent discoveries, and includes an updated map of the moon's surface. Thoroughly vetted by an astrophysics expert, The Moon Book is a perfect introduction to lunar phases, orbit, the history of space exploration, and more.

3. Galileo and the Magic Numbers

Sixteenth century Italy produced a genius who marked the world with his studies and hypotheses about mathematical, physical and astronomical truths. His father, musician Vincenzio Galilei said, “Truth is not found behind a man’s reputation. Truth appears only when the answers to questions are searched out by a free mind. This is not the easy path in life but it is the most rewarding.” Galileo challenged divine law and the physics of Aristotle, and questioned everything in search of truths. And it was through this quest for truth that he was able to establish a structure for modern science.

4. Moon: A Peek-Through Picture Book

It’s the perfect light nonfiction book for young stargazers—and an ideal bedtime book, ending with a giant moon hovering over a sleepy town hunkered down for bed.

5. Moon Lamp

Novelty Moon Lighting: Realistic Colorful Star Galaxy printed 🌌 Moon Lamp with advanced 3D technology. Now decorate your bedroom, hall, office or desk with our Space Theme gorgeous Galaxy Lamp. Your guests will definitely admire the beauty of this lively moon light.

6. Refracting Telescope for Kids Beginners

Quality Optics: 400mm(f/5.7) focal length and 70mm aperture, fully coated optics glass lens with high transmission coatings creates stunning images and protect your eyes. Perfect telescope for astronomers to explore stars and moon.

7. Jupiter (Planets in Our Solar System)

Everything about Jupiter is big! Its size is big. Even its storms are big! Get the big and small facts about this gas giant that can be seen glowing in the night sky.

8. Galileo Galilei (Genius Series)

Astronomer, physicist, and philosopher Galileo Galilei was referred to as "The Father of Modern Science," because of his groundbreaking research. Making observations about nature, and using mathematics to back them up, he proved the Copernican Theory true: the Sun, not the Earth, is the center of the universe. Join Galileo on his pioneering journey to see why his work had such long-lasting implications, and why the Catholic Church even condemned him for heresy.

9. What the Moon is Like

Imagine that you're walking on the moon. What is it like? For thousands of years people looked up at the moon and wondered about it. Now we know what the moon is like. There is no air on the moon and nothing grows, but there are towering mountains and deep craters—and much more.

Colder than the desert, the hotter than the desert, the moon is an amazing place to explore.

10. A Kite for Moon

What would it be like if the moon was your friend? Find out as you walk alongside a little boy who journeys through life to achieve his dream of becoming an astronaut. And then blast off with your little one as you zoom to the moon together!

The story begins when a little boy, who is flying his kite, notices a sad Moon. He sends up kites to her, writing notes promising he will come see her someday. This promise propels him through years of studying, learning, and training to become an astronaut. Until … he finally goes up, up, up in a big rocket ship with a fiery tail.

A Kite for Moon:

Features over 20 gorgeous illustrations by award-winning artist Matt Phelan
Is the perfect storybook for children ages 4 to 8
Celebrates every child’s fascination with space

11. Large Massive Meteorite Specimen

You could also grab these meteorite specimens (artificial) to let your child use for impact craters!

Moon! Earth's Best Friend (Our Universe, 3)

Meet Moon! She's more than just a rock―she’s Earth’s rock, her best friend she can always count on. Moon never turns her back on her friend (literally: she's always facing Earth with the same side!). These two will stick together forever. With characteristic humor and charm, Stacy McAnulty channels the voice of Moon in this next celestial "autobiography" in the Our Universe series. Rich with kid-friendly facts and beautifully brought to life by Stevie Lewis, this is an equally charming and irresistible companion to Earth! My First 4.54 Billion Years and Sun! One in a Billion.

Exploring the Night Sky

Each planet has its own distinct characteristics.

For example, the rings of Saturn, the Great Red Spot on Jupiter, or the methane haze surrounding Neptune, make them fun and easy to recreate.

In the sky we see vast collections of stars, gas, and dust held together by gravity.

Our own Milky Way galaxy is a spiral galaxy, with a bright center surrounded by spiral arms that stretch across the sky.

Other galaxies, such as the Andromeda Galaxy, are visible to the naked eye on dark nights.

Nebulae, ethereal clouds of gas and dust, are another captivating sight in the night sky.

Some nebulae, like the Orion Nebula, are so bright and colorful that they can be seen with the naked eye.

Other nebulae, such as the Horsehead Nebula, require a telescope to reveal their intricate shapes and glowing tendrils.

In addition to these amazing sights, we can view meteor showers, which are caused by debris from comets or asteroids entering Earth’s atmosphere.

They can produce streaks of light across the sky.

Eclipses, which occur when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun (solar eclipse) or the Earth passes between the Moon and the Sun (lunar eclipse).

Exploring the night sky is not only a fun and educational activity but also a profound experience.

It reminds us of our place in the vastness of the universe and inspires us to dream and wonder about the mysteries that lie beyond our reach.

So, next time you find yourself under a clear night sky, take a moment to appreciate the beauty and wonder of the cosmos that surrounds us.

To bring that beauty a little closer we are going to create a project to model the night sky with any and all of these sights that you want to include.

Imagine you are standing in your backyard or better yet a big field with no streetlights to dim your view.

What would you see if you looked up? What would you like to be able to see? We are going to create that view on paper.

Night Sky Paper Roll Resources

These resources will come in handy before, after, and during your craft project.

10 Moon Craft Ideas and Wrapped Crescent Moon Craft For Kids
Starry Night Sky Game
Watch this beautiful Night Sky Time Lapse that was recorded in Mount Rainier National Park for inspiration.
Free Moon Journal For Homeschool Science
5 Facts About The Moon Landing and Make Fun Astronaut Ice Cream
Exploring The Night Sky
Geronimo Stilton Theme Mouse in Space Fun Puffy Moon Craft (Glow in the Dark)
How To Make Puffy Paint Planets And Free Notebooking Pages
Galileo Discovery of Jupiter Moons and Fun Hands-On Moon Crater Experiment
Grab a Telescope for your budding astronomer to take a closer look at more of the stunning display in the sky.

Finally, look at how to make a fun night sky paper roll.

Night Sky Paper Roll Display

The wonderful thing about this project is that it is adaptable for kids of all ages and abilities from the scribbling 2-year-old to the artistic 16-year-old.

You will need:

Black paper roll
Craft paint
Paint pens
Paintbrushes
Old toothbrush
Various sized lids

For this craft you want to cover your work surface well.

A disposable tablecloth from Dollar Tree works great for protection of your table and for easy clean up.

Once your work surface is protected, roll out a piece of black paper however long you would like it to be.

A good 2’ gives you plenty of space for your night sky.

Gather supplies-paint, a variety of paintbrushes, and several sizes of lids or a circle stamp.

Start by painting a big round moon where you would like it to be on your paper.

Night Sky Paper Craft

Use your fingers, brushes, or sponges to lay the paint on thick and create texture so it appears to have craters.

Next, we are going to use paintbrushes, or a toothbrush works wonderfully to create stars all over our night sky.

Load either one up with paint and then tap against your hand to create a splatter.

Continue moving to cover the page with various sized splatters.

When you are satisfied with your stars it’s time to create whatever planets you would like.

To do this and give variations to the colors put paint in 2-3 shades on your plastic or a paper plate and stamp a lid into it

Transfer to the paper and stamp firmly onto it.

You can also paint directly onto the lid like I did here with ‘Mercury’ and then stamp it on the paper.

To make some planets appear closer use larger lids and for those farther away use smaller ones.

Create star clusters or the milky way by splattering paint closer together or using loose bristled brushes.

By this point your light spatters will probably be mostly dry but the thicker planets may still be wet.

Once everything is dry you can go back in with paint markers or a small, tipped paintbrush.

Add more defined shapes and details like Saturn’s rings.

Hang it up and admire your handiwork night or day.

handson

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TREE BOOKS FOR KIDS

WHAT ARE PINECONES

5 COOL PINECONE FACTS

PINECONE CRAFTS FOR FALL

HOW TO CREATE SCENTED PINECONES

BOOKS ABOUT THE RAINFOREST FOR KIDS

10 FUN FACTS ABOUT KAPOK TREES FOR KIDS

KAPOK TREES AND OTHER SYMBOLS OF THE RAINFOREST

HANDS-ON KAPOK TREE ACTIVITY

Books About Oceans for Kids

10 GLOW IN THE DARK BIOLUMINESCENCE ORGANISMS

MORE BIOLUMINESCENCE GLOW IN THE DARK FUN

OCEAN ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS

MIX GLOW IN THE DARK SLIME INGREDIENTS TO DEMONSTRATE BIOLUMINESCENCE

Books About the Moon For Kids

Exploring the Night Sky

Night Sky Paper Roll Resources

Night Sky Paper Roll Display

Night Sky Paper Craft

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