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Make a Fun and Easy Salt Dough Daniel Boone Wilderness Road Map

January 30, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, we made a fun salt dough Daniel Boone Wilderness Road map. And grab my unit study and on my page Daniel Boone – North American Explorer.

Are you studying US expansion or perhaps specializing in a Daniel Boone Unit Study?

You must include this fun hands-on salt dough map of Daniel Boone’s Wilderness Road.

Make a Fun and Easy Salt Dough Daniel Boone Wilderness Road Map

Salt dough is an easy and forgiving medium to work with for homeschool projects.

It’s perfect to include in any number of studies.

Daniel Boone blazed a trail for the Transylvania Company in 1775 from Fort Chiswell in Virginia through the Cumberland Gap.

It was steep and narrow. And could only be traveled on foot or by horseback.

The Cumberland Gap was a notch in the Appalachian Mountains near the intersection of Kentucky, Virginia and Tennessee.

Daniel Boone Wilderness Road Map Facts

The trail was begun on March 10, 1775.
Boone was chosen by The Transylvania Company because he was considered the most experienced and knowledgeable explorer of the area.
Boone and 35 axmen cut the trail from Long Island in Kingsport, Tennessee through the forests and mountains to what is now known as Lexington, Ky.
The Wilderness Road enabled the growth of the first settlements such as Boonsboro, Benjamin Logan’s, and Harrod Town.
It has been estimated that as many as 300,000 settlers traveled the Wilderness Road from 1775 to 1810.
Use of the road began to decline by 1840. The opening of the National Road and water travel like steamboats and ferries became a more popular way to travel.
A segment of Wilderness Road was one of the first roads to be paved in the United States.

A great reference book that you can use is The 50 States.

It is a big colorful book full of images of each state on a two page spread.

It has smaller illustrations of people and places, and lots of great facts and information on each one.

Geography of the Wilderness Road

To add to this study, you could spend a time learning about the states along his route like Kentucky.

And Tennessee

As well as through Virginia.

If you want something for middle and high school, you might opt instead for something like this Merriam Webster Student Atlas.

Creating a salt dough map is a great way to learn specifically about history through Daniel Boone and the Trail he blazed.

Too, it is a great overall geography lesson.

Mixing it up, include some math and learn about animals along the trail and you have science.

Write a little about the trail and you have language arts, and of course your creation is a fantastic art project.

You can just cut out the portion of the US that included the Wilderness Road and surrounding areas, but I like to do the whole map.

Doing this, your child can see where it was in relation to everything else.

Then, look at more Daniel Boone activities.

More Daniel Boone North American Explorer Activities

and add one or two of these fun books.

10 Resources for A Daniel Boone Unit Study

Whether you want to add a hands-on unit study or are looking for a few resources, you'll love one of these.

1. Daniel Boone: The Life and Legend of an American Pioneer

Struggle against the Shawnee defenders of Kentucky. Drawing from popular narrative, public record, documentation from Boone's own hand, and recollection gathered by 19th-century antiquarians, the author employs the methods of the new social history to produce a portrait that defines Daniel Boone and the times he helped shape.

2. Who Was Daniel Boone? (Who Was?)

Called the "Great Pathfinder", Daniel Boone is most famous for opening up the West to settlers through Kentucky. A symbol of America's pioneering spirit Boone was a skilled outdoorsman and an avid reader although he never attended school. Sydelle Kramer skillfully recounts Boone's many adventures such as the day he rescued his own daughter from kidnappers.

3. The Dangerous Book for Boys

The bestselling book—more than 1.5 million copies sold—for every boy from eight to eighty, covering essential boyhood skills such as building tree houses, learning how to fish, finding true north, and even answering the age old question of what the big deal with girls is—now a Prime Original Series created by Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad) and Greg Mottola (Superbad).

In this digital age, there is still a place for knots, skimming stones and stories of incredible courage. This book recaptures Sunday afternoons, stimulates curiosity, and makes for great father-son activities. The brothers Conn and Hal have put together a wonderful collection of all things that make being young or young at heart fun—building go-carts and electromagnets, identifying insects and spiders, and flying the world's best paper airplanes.

4. Willy Whitefeather's Outdoor Survival Handbook for Kids

From treating a bee sting to building an overnight shelter, kids will gain the knowledge and confidence they need to survive outdoors.All ages

5. Daniel Boone: Frontiersman (Heroes of History)

Written for readers age 10 and up -- enjoyed by adults!In search of open spaces and land to call his own, Daniel Boone fearlessly led a band of brave settlers into the bountiful Kentucky wilderness. Daniel's expert hunting ability, incredible outdoor survival skills, and courage under fire helped his companions stay alive in a dangerous and unknown land despite threatening encounters with soldiers, Indians, and even other settlers.

6. History Pockets: Explorers of North America, Grades 4-6+

The book includes the following pockets:

Introduction to Explorers of North America
Christopher Columbus
John Cabot
Hernando Cortes
Jacques Cartier
Sir Francis Drake
Henry Hudson
Daniel Boone
James Cook
Lewis and Clark
John Wesley Powell

7. Daniel Boone: Trailblazer

Born in Pennsylvania in 1734, Daniel Boone cut a path west, carving his name into trees. Although he endured repeated property losses, he became a household name and was greatly admired for his surveying skills and the many claims he laid, opening the west for further settlement.

8. Survive & Thrive: A Pocket Guide To Wilderness Safety Skills, Plus 16 Quick-Check Skill Cards

Gear up for outdoor adventure, learn to stay alive, and help yourself thrive – feeling confident that you can handle whatever comes your way!

Accidents happen and nature can be unpredictable, which is why this ultra-portable survival kit is a must-have for casual nature explorers and slightly more adventurous campers in need of essential outdoor guidance that they can carry along with them.

9. Bear Grylls The Complete Adventures Collection 12 Books Set

Titles In This Set:The Blizzard ChallengeThe Desert ChallengeThe Jungle ChallengeThe Sea ChallengeThe River ChallengeThe Earthquake ChallengeThe Volcano ChallengeThe Safari ChallengeThe Cave ChallengeThe Mountain ChallengeThe Arctic ChallengeThe Sailing Challenge

10. Daniel Boone: Young Hunter and Tracker (Childhood of Famous Americans)

A general account of the life of the prominent American frontiersman who is especially remembered for helping to settle Kentucky

Finally, look at how to create this salt dough map.

Besides just marking the original trail of the Wilderness Road we also continued along in a different color showing the path of the Great Valley Road.

That road is traveled by Native Americans who called it the Great Warriors Path. It started in Pennsylvania and stretched to Boone’s Wilderness Road. It really helps tie the two time periods together.

How to Create Salt Dough Daniel Boone Wilderness Road Map

You will need:

1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup salt
½ to ¾ cup of water
Paint or markers
2 Printouts of a US Map
Gallon Ziploc bag
Large bowl for mixing
Spatula
Measuring cups
Skewer or toothpick

Print 2 copies of a US map.

Trim the edges down so that it fits in a gallon ziploc.

And then place inside the bag. Using the link above, there is both a labeled and unlabeled map.

Print one of each and set one aside.

Combine flour and salt in a large bowl until mixed well.

Add water a little at a time until you get a playdough consistency.

You do not want your dough to be sticky and wet but neither should it be crumbly.

We need a baby bear porridge situation here… just right.

Knead dough for 2-3 minutes by hand to make sure it is all well combined.

Once you are satisfied with the consistency of your dough you can begin spreading it out all over the map in the bag.

To get a thinner and even thickness roll it out with a rolling pin.

Or just use a smooth jar to make it a quarter inch thick or less.

This will help it dry faster and reduce the risk of mold growing.

Cut away the excess using a craft stick,

If you cut too much it’s very simple to press and pinch the dough to straighten up your edges of the map.

Take your second paper map print out and trace Daniel Boone’s Journey.

We also traced the Mississippi River as a landmark to show that the trail was on the eastern side of it.

Daniel Boone Wilderness Road Map Activity

Lay the map over your salt dough map.

Lining it up as closely as you can.

Then use a skewer or toothpick to trace the trail by poking over the lines into the dough

Remove the paper and deepen your marks a little to give them definition.

Pinch up the dough just a bit along the area where the Appalachian Mountains would be.

Add a little muted paint if you like to give it some more texture.

You can use a marker or paint on a very thin brush to trace the river and the routes.

But paint will allow you to do it right away instead of waiting on your salt dough map to dry.

You can either let your map sit undisturbed to dry or bake at 200 degrees until completely dry.

If you are air drying, flip the map over after 24 hours and let it sit another day.

Continue flipping back and forth until completely dried out.

If you want to preserve your map longer you can give it a couple coats of mod podge or spray it with a couple coats of clear sealer outdoors.

Bird Craft For Kindergarten Make an Adorable Fun American Robin Foot Print

January 21, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have three fun learning ideas for your kindergartener. One is a bird craft for kindergarten. Also, grab my other tips, ideas, and crafts for kindergarten on my page Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum.

Too, I have a free American Robin Unit Study and Lapbook you want to add these fun crafts and Dynamic and Delightful Hands-on Bird Unit Study and Lapbook.

So, I’m sharing three simple activities that you can do with your child for an easy bird unit study.

Bird Craft For Kindergarten Make an Adorable Fun American Robin Foot Print

One is a sweet little footprint bird with a nest, an egg craft, and a math game.

Also known as robin red breast, the American Robin is one of the most recognized birds in North America.

You will find some great books for preschool through kindergarten and some more fun hands-on activities.

American Robin Fun Facts

First, here are some fun American Robin facts.

It’s breast is actually a warm orange-reddish color which is immediately noticeable.
It has been noted that early English colonist named this thrush after the robin red breast of their native homeland, England.
One of the more unique facts about the American Robin is its ability to live in just about any type of habitat from mountain forests to wilderness in Alaska.
It’s scientific name is Turdus Migratorius, commonly known as the North American Robin.
Robins do not mate for life.
Robins stay in the egg for about 12 to 14 days, and they lay 1 egg per day for about 5 to 6 eggs in the nest.
They mater normally about one year after they were born.

Additionally, add more bird craft for kindergarten ideas below.

More Bird Craft For Kindergarten Ideas

In addition to the other resources, you’ll love some of these books too.

American Robin Bird Books and Resources

11 Fun Resources and Books to Learn About North American Robin Birds

Studying about North American Robin birds is fun to do anytime of the year with all ages. You'll love adding one ore more of these resources to your study.

1. All About Robins

A robin is one of the most familiar and beloved of all birds that are found throughout North America. You may see robins running across lawns or going after earthworms in your yard or a park. You can also find robins by listening for their clear, melodic singing.There are many facts about robins that most people don’t know. If your children have ever wondered about robins and how they grow from chicks to adult birds, this book is for them. The book contains dozens of beautiful photos of robins from the time they first hatch, to when their mother feeds them, until they take their first flight. It also includes many little-known facts that are sure to captivate young naturalists.

2. Model Backyard Birds Toys

Set of bird figurine toys, which contains 7 different small plastic birds. The weight of bird figure toy is 96G / 0.2LB. The set of small plastic bird contains 7 pieces of toy birds, such as robin, bluebird, oriole, woodpecker, etc. Please refer to the picture for the actual size and color.

3. Big Book of Birds

The book draws in children and parents alike with captivating information about and charming illustrations of hummingbirds, peacocks, flamingos, bald eagles, secretary birds, puffins, red-crowned cranes, and more. The book also invites young bird-watchers to protect birds where they live and make their gardens bird-friendly. The text is chatty, funny, and full of remarkable facts.

4. A Nest Full of Eggs (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science 1)

Named a Best Children's Science Book of the Year by Science Books & Films, this picture book shows how the birds develop inside their eggs during the spring; how they mature into fledglings in the summer; how they learn to fly in the fall; and how they leave for warmer climates in winter—only to return when spring comes around again.

5. BACKYARD BIRDSONG GUIDE EASTERN AND CENT (cl) (Cornell Lab of Ornithology)

Suitable for beginning bird watchers, Backyard Birdsongs is an interactive handbook of birds and their songs. With a touch-button electronic module that contains common vocalizations of seventy-five species from across eastern and central North America, this volume offers a truly sensory way to identify and get to know local birds. Crisply detailed, scientifically accurate illustrations accompany each entry, and up-to-date range maps provide clear geographical reference points. With an introduction that will inspire readers to look out their windows and venture into the field, this unique book gives people of all ages an exciting entryway into the subtle art of using birdsong to identify birds.

6. A Nest for Celeste: A Story About Art, Inspiration, and the Meaning of Home (Nest for Celeste, 1)

Beautifully illustrated with hundreds of black-and-white drawings, A Nest for Celeste is a short novel that tells the story a mouse living in the 1800s and his friendship with John James Audubon’s young apprentice. While enjoying this sweet amd appealing story, young readers will also learn about nineteenth-century plantation life and the famous naturalist who was known for his paintings of birds and American wildlife.

7. An Egg Is Quiet: (Picture Book, Kids Book about Eggs)

This stunningly beautiful and wonderfully informative book from award-winning artist Sylvia Long and author Dianna Hutts Aston makes for a fascinating introduction to the vast and amazing world of eggs. Featuring poetic text and an elegant design, this acclaimed book teaches children countless interesting facts about eggs. Full of wit and charm, An Egg Is Quiet will at once spark the imagination and cultivate a love of science.

8. Robins!: How They Grow Up

Robins are the most familiar and beloved of all birds, found throughout North America and celebrated as one of the first signs of spring. But there's a lot about them that most people don’t know! In this visually stunning picture book that features comic-book panels combined with painterly illustrations, Eileen Christelow tells the story of two young robins’ first year, and reveals plenty of little-known facts that are sure to captivate young naturalists. Narrated with humor and filled with kid-pleasing details, this fascinating account of how robins grow up includes an Author’s Note, Glossary, More About Robins, and Sources.

9. Rob the Robin: A Tale of a Feathered Friend

Join Rob the Robin on his adventure as he discovers first the difficulty of surviving a long winter and then the wonders of spring. Written as an early reader, this tale is sure to delight children with captivating photography and pictures that visually tell the story in such a way that will interest both readers and non-readers alike.

10. The American Robin

In this book, Roland Wauer offers a complete natural history of the American Robin for a popular audience. Combining his own observations as a field naturalist with data gleaned from the scientific literature, he described the American Robin from every angle - appearance and biology, distribution, behavior, life cycle, and enemies and threats. In addition, he explores the legends and lore surrounding robins ("Whoever kills a robin redbreast will never have good luck were they to live a thousand years") and offers suggestions for attracting robins to your yard with favorite food, water, landscape plantings, and nesting places.

11. American Robin Plush Authentic Bird Sound

Kids and adults love this bird stuffed animal and are captivated by its realistic sound. They are also great baby toys and used as sensory toys. With one squeeze, Audubon birds produce beautifully authentic bird calls provided by the Cornell lab of Ornithology’s bird recording archives.

And here are more kindergarten homeschool curriculum ideas below.

Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum And Crafts

Finally, let’s make some fun American Robin crafts.

Footprint American Robin Craft

You will need:

Cardstock
Red and brown craft paint
Markers
Google eye
Raffia or straw
Craft glue
Paintbrushes

First, grab a cute little foot and paint all the way from toes to the heel with brown craft paint, leaving a little on the instep unpainted.

Paint the instep red to create the robin’s red breast.

Quickly press the foot onto cardstock, red pointing downward, pushing firmly all over to make a solid imprint.

Let your child attach a google eye with glue and add details like feet and a beak with markers.

Next, cut up small bits of raffia, straw, or even tan paper and set aside.

Create a nest by adding a blob of glue wherever your child wants.

Sprinkle raffia over glue and press in gently until full.

Let the glue dry and your footprint robin and nest are ready to show off.

Use letter tiles to demonstrate to your child how to spell simple words like bird, egg, robin, nest, etc..

Second, move on to the next fun bird craft idea.

How to Make Painted Robin Eggs

Paint one or a nest full of unfinished wooden eggs to look like any bird your child would like.

We stayed with the American Robin theme and made it teal with black spots but you could recreate any type you like.

We finished it off by tucking it into a small nest we had.

Third, do some fun bird math.

Hands-on Bird Math

Lastly, here is an idea for a simple math game you can play with your child requires only some plastic birds like these ones and a numbered die or two.

Have your child roll the die and count out the corresponding number of birds.

You can practice simple addition and subtraction by rolling more than one and creating basic math problems for them.

Winter Craft Ideas for Kids Animals in Winter Fun Snow Slime

January 20, 2023 | 1 Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

If you’re looking for more winter craft ideas for kids, you’ll love this snow slime inspired by the book Animals in Winter. Be sure you grab more ideas for winter fun on my page winter season unit study.

Slime has been a hot sensory activity for years and it shows no signs of slowing down.

So, when I looked for a fun winter craft idea for kids, I looked no further than the box of borax to turn it into a wonderful stretchy slime as a base for winter animal play.

Winter Craft Ideas for Kids Animals in Winter Fun Snow Slime

Even older kids love the relaxing and appealing texture of slime sliding through their fingers.

Playing with slime is a great way to take up some time on a long winter afternoon when you are stuck indoors.

In addition, it can be very calming as well.

However, that doesn’t mean you can’t turn it into a simple lesson by adding a book and some winter animals.

This slime as I mentioned was inspired by Animals in Winter, Let’s Read and Find Out.

These books are great for younger elementary and teach concept in simple way without talking down to kids.

Winter Books and Snow Resources

When you add in more hands-on activities learning sticks.

13 Snow, Snowman, Animals, and Winter Books

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

Winter Cottage

Immerse Yourself in This Story of Love and Companionship Amidst Deprivation

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

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

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

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

2. Sneezy the Snowman

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

3. Snowmen at Night

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

4. The Biggest Snowman Ever

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

5. Over and Under the Snow

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

A Hat for Minerva Louise

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

6. How to Catch a Snowman

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

The Big Snow

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

7. Curious About Snow (Smithsonian)

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

8. Animals in Winter

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

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

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

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

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

Then, add in ideas for studying about animals in the winter.

You can focus on one animal or just ask general questions about animals survive in the winter.

Animal Themed Questions

Talk about and explore the answers to some winter themed questions using books or the internet while your child plays with their snow slime

Why are some animal coats white?
What is hibernation?
Which types of animals hibernate?
How do animals get ready for winter?
How do animals not freeze in winter?
What is adaptation?
What is migration?
Do animals in your area hibernate or migrate?
What makes it snow? Does it snow where you live?

Besides the craft aspect of snow slime this is a great opportunity to talk about the science behind slime.

Slime is simple chemistry, and it is made through a chemical reaction between two main ingredients which are polyvinyl alcohol (glue) and borate ion (baking soda or borax).

Try dividing your mixture and adding more and less borax to it.

Then ask, what happens to the texture of the slime.

Additionally, here are more winter unit study resources.

More Winter Craft Ideas for Kids Resources

Look at these other winter unit study resources.

Finally, let’s make some fun snow slime.

How to Make Snow Slime

Here is a list of supplies:

8 oz bottle school glue
1 cup warm water
1-2 teaspoons borax
Blue glitter
Craft paint-optional
Bowl
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
Spoon for stirring

First, pour the school glue and half of the water into a large bowl and stir to combine thoroughly.

In a second container dissolve 1-2 teaspoons of borax into the other ½ cup of warm water.

Mix in as much glitter as you like, you could also add a little paint at this point if you wanted to color it. Blue would be so pretty.

Add the borax mixture to the glue mixture just a teaspoon or two at a time until your slime has the right consistency.

It may take a minute for each addition to mix in well and reduce the stickiness.

You want it just a bit sticky but not enough to make it hard to get it off your hands.

Two to three tablespoons seemed about right for us and you can always add more borax but once you add too much it’s hard to fix it.

Now, add bowls, plastic animals, winter themed cookie cutters, craft sticks for cutting, and other small play items to your slime to keep the fun going for hours.

Store slime in an airtight container between uses.

Remove slime from bowl and knead for 1 minute to combine. Heads up: Children should wash hands well after each use.

Popcorn Science Mini Unit Study Which Brand Pops the Best

January 19, 2023 | 1 Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

You’ll love this popcorn science mini unit study. Also, you’ll love my mini corn book on my fall unit study and Best Homeschool Unit Studies.

This mini unit study includes the whole family in on the tasty fun, with plenty of hands-on activities, books, videos, and more.

Also, I have a fun science experiment that is easy to do for all ages and expandable for a more in-depth activity.

Learn about the history of popcorn with some fun facts.

Dive into an experiment, make a sensory bin, play a game, read a book, or watch a quick video.

And enjoy this fun collection of corny ideas for your unit study

10 Popping Popcorn Facts

January 19th is National Popcorn Day.
It’s over 5000 years old.
The first commercial popcorn machine was invented in 1885 by Charles Cretors.
Convenient microwaveable popcorn was invented by the Pillsbury company in 1982.
The unpopped kernels at the bottom of a bag are called old maids.
Kernels are made up of about 4% water and that water causes it to pop when it’s heated up.
Nebraska produces the most popcorn in America at about 250 million pounds per year.
Way back in the 1800’s, it was often eaten as a cereal with milk and sugar.
The scientific name is Zea Mays Everta.
It was not allowed in movie theaters in the early 1900’s.

Also, you’ll love some history facts.

Besides being a delicious snack, your child will appreciate a bit of corn and popped corn history.

History of Corn and Popcorn

It was introduced to early American settlers by the Indians.

The first corn farmers were the American Indians, the Aztecs, the Incas, the Mayas and others.

Additionally, there are varieties like black corn, pink corn, red corn and white corn, besides the better-known yellow corn.

Writing of Peruvian Indians in 1650, the Spaniard Cobo says, “They toast a certain kind of corn until it bursts. They call it pisancalla, and they use it as a confection.”

Pre-Inca Peruvians worshipped a corn goddess adorned with a crown of corn ears radiating from her head like the spokes of a wheel.

How does corn grow? The kernel is the seed. The seed is planted in the soil. The stalk begins to grow. The stalk is the stem. Leaves grow from the nodes.

Ears of corn grow from the nodes. Each plant is male and female. The silk catches pollen from the tassels.

Then pollen travels down the silk and fertilizes the kernels.

Next, here are some book ideas.

Resource for a Fun Popcorn Study

10 Fun Popcorn Unit Study Resources

Grab some of these resources for a fun popcorn unit study.

1. The Physics Of Popcorn : Discover And Learn With 22 Experiments

In The Physics of Popcorn, you’ll discover the truth about toast, learn how the microwave oven works, and conduct experiments with static electricity!

2. Tomie dePaola's The Popcorn Book

Tony likes to cook. Tiny likes to read. And both twins like to eat . . . POPCORN!So while Tiny cooks it, Tony reads about it: what popcorn is, how it's stored and prepared, legends and stories about it, and its history in Europe and North America.

3. Pop!: Otto, the Kernel Who Didn't Pop

Meet Otto, a young Kernel who’s been dreaming about the day he would pop. But what happens when Pop Day finally arrives, and things don’t go as planned? When all the Kernels pop except for Otto, he's left wondering what went wrong. Otto returns to his jar, alone, until a delicious smell leads to an exciting discovery. Perhaps Otto didn’t need to pop to do everything he’d always dreamed of!

4. Popcorn! (Charlesbridge)

Pull up a chair and dig in! POPCORN is chock-full of tidbits about one of America's favorite snack foods. Learn what makes popcorn pop, how Native Americans liked their popcorn, and how television almost wiped out popcorn's future. Cooking tips, recipes, and resources included.

5. Growing Popcorn (James's Garden)

From seed to bowl of popcorn, James learns the value of patience and neighborly generosity as he grows a backyard crop of corn with his family. Included is a recipe for stovetop popcorn that you too can share with your neighbors and friends!

6. Popcorn Party -Fast Paced Family Game of Dice, Cards, Matching and Pops

HIGH FLYING FUN: What’s a party without the popcorn? With matches being rolled on just about every turn, you never know who will be popping next in this high-flying, catch-the-kernel food frenzy!

FAST PACED ACTION: Get your game face on and get ready to roll, pop, match, and catch to win! But watch out; don't try to catch the kernel when it's not time or you may get popped with a penalty!

7. Popcorn Dice

Popcorn Dice is a fast & fun dice game for the whole family!

Gameplay is simple to learn and games usually take less than 15 minutes.

Roll your dice to pop your popcorn, but careful not to let it burn.

8. Word Families Game

WORD GAMES FOR KIDS: Children create and learn words with common endings in this fast-paced game

EDUCATIONAL GAMES STRENGTHEN VOCABULARY: Strengthens vocabulary, spelling, and fluency

9. Learning Resources Smart Snacks Count 'em Up Popcorn

Learn numbers and counting with food you can play with

Build number sense and recognition, and practice counting

Set includes 15 jumbo popcorn pieces to count into 5 different-size bowls (printed with numbers 1-5)

10. Moose Racing Popcorn Poppin'

TIME FOR POPCORN FUN: Wind up the timer at the bottom of the popcorn bucket by pulling the string.

FOLLOW THE RULES: Pop the die, once the die has popped, you follow the instructions on the die (next, reverse, repeat, skip or choose)

In addition, here are more corn posts.

Corn and Hands-on Ideas

Geronimo Stilton Field Trip to Niagara Falls Summary And Fun Corn Craft
Fall Unit Study {Pumpkins, Leaves, Corn, & More}
Preschoolers will love exploring their five senses with this Popcorn 5 Senses Activities
Your little one will love learning How to Make Dancing Popcorn through this easy experiment.
If you were a Little House fan you will remember the popcorn and milk “trick” from Farmer Boy. Recreate it in your own kitchen with your child with the Popcorn and Milk experiment.
This Popcorn Letter Practice is not only great for prewriting activities but doubles as a sensory bin too.
Popcorn: How It’s Made YouTube
Why Does Popcorn Pop? YouTube
How Popcorn Works YouTube
For a quick activity, toss some unpopped kernels and a few popped ones in a shallow dish, include tongs for fine motor practice, a magnifying glass to examine popcorn closer, and some letter beads to practice spelling out popcorn related words with little ones.

Finally, here is a fun and simple experiment.

You can easily add on to this experiment by adding more brands, different varieties, or by trying to pop them via different methods.

Track the results. For example, by microwave, pan pop and air pop.

Or by using this method I am showing you that is the easiest for all age groups- microwaved in a paper bag.

Popcorn Science Experiment

Before you begin you want to stress to your child that in a scientific experiment

You want to keep all variables the same except for one thing which is the brand.

It is very important that you use the same method to pop all 3 types of popcorn and that you use the exact same amount for each one.

You will need:

3 different brands of popcorn
3 paper bags
Smalls bowls
Pen

Directions:

Start by having your child make a hypothesis (an educated guess) on which brand they think will pop the most and the least.

Label each of your paper bags with the brand of corn you are using.

Then, have your child count out 100 of each type of popcorn into little bowls, make labels to keep track as you transfer popcorn.

Transfer each bowl to the correct paper bag and roll it down tightly.

Heat in the microwave for 3 minutes.

Repeat for each bag.

Remove bags and have your child either count the number of unpopped kernels left or the number of popped for each and write it down on your label.

Talk about the results, was their hypothesis correct? Were they surprised by any of the outcomes?

6 Facts About When And Where Was Daniel Boone Born And Edible Log Cabin

January 17, 2023 | Leave a Comment
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When and where was Daniel Boone born is an important part of American history. And you’ll love my unit study and other ideas on my page Daniel Boone – North American Explorer.

And when American explorers and pioneers first arrived to new land, one of the first things they had to do was build a house.

In areas where there were plenty of trees, they would build log cabins.

6 Facts About When And Where Was Daniel Boone Born And Edible Log Cabin

Long before contractors and blueprints people needed to build functional housing that would protect them from the elements, animals, and other dangers.

They had to do it without the aid of lumber mills. There was no cutting of smooth even boards and no place for nails.

Even once lumber mills, and railways were established to make getting goods easier as people pushed westward these things were impossible to come by.

American explorers like Daniel Boone built their sturdy homes by literally stacking tree trunks one on top of another and overlapping the logs at the corners.

First, before we learn more about the pioneer cabins, look at some of these facts about Daniel Boone’s early life.

6 When And Where Was Daniel Boone Born Facts

Boone is most known for his connection to Kentucky. But did you know that he was born and grew up in eastern Pennsylvania?
On November 2, 1734, frontiersman, Daniel Boone was born.
As a boy, Boone did not attend much school.
Boone was born in eastern Pennsylvania. He spent much of his childhood hunting and farming along with his father and brothers.
He was the sixth of eleven children born to a Quaker family.
His family farm has been preserved as the Daniel Boone Homestead.

The original log cabin that his father built is no longer standing. However, the cellar is a piece of the original homestead.

You can still visit the last standing Daniel Boone cabin built by him in 1795 in Carlisle Kentucky where he lived with his wife and 10 children until he moved westward to Missouri.

In addition, I’ve rounded up some fun books and resources when you’re studying about Daniel Boone.

10 Resources for A Daniel Boone Unit Study

Whether you want to add a hands-on unit study or are looking for a few resources, you'll love one of these.

1. Daniel Boone: The Life and Legend of an American Pioneer

2. Who Was Daniel Boone? (Who Was?)

3. The Dangerous Book for Boys

4. Willy Whitefeather's Outdoor Survival Handbook for Kids

From treating a bee sting to building an overnight shelter, kids will gain the knowledge and confidence they need to survive outdoors.All ages

5. Daniel Boone: Frontiersman (Heroes of History)

6. History Pockets: Explorers of North America, Grades 4-6+

The book includes the following pockets:

Introduction to Explorers of North America
Christopher Columbus
John Cabot
Hernando Cortes
Jacques Cartier
Sir Francis Drake
Henry Hudson
Daniel Boone
James Cook
Lewis and Clark
John Wesley Powell

7. Daniel Boone: Trailblazer

8. Survive & Thrive: A Pocket Guide To Wilderness Safety Skills, Plus 16 Quick-Check Skill Cards

Gear up for outdoor adventure, learn to stay alive, and help yourself thrive – feeling confident that you can handle whatever comes your way!

9. Bear Grylls The Complete Adventures Collection 12 Books Set

10. Daniel Boone: Young Hunter and Tracker (Childhood of Famous Americans)

A general account of the life of the prominent American frontiersman who is especially remembered for helping to settle Kentucky

Facts About Pennsylvania

In 1681 William Penn, and Englishman and a member of a Christian group called the Quakers, founded the British colony of Pennsylvania
The Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia in 1776.
Philadelphia was once the capital city of the United States.
Besides Daniel Boone other famous Pennsylvanians include the patriot and inventor Benjamin Franklin, painter Mary Cassatt, author Louisa May Alcott, marine biologist, writer, and conservationist Rachel Carson, and inventor Robert Fulton.
Pennsylvania became the second state on December 12, 1787.

Also, you can add some facts about Pennsylvania.

Geography of Pennsylvania

If you're learning about Pennsylvania or the geography of the states, add these books to your study.

Pennsylvania: What's So Great About This State? (Arcadia Kids)

DO YOU KNOW… WHY Pennsylvania is known as the birthplace of the nation? (Hint: It has to do with ideas and ink!)

Pennsylvania (A True Book: My United States) (A True Book (Relaunch))

Pennsylvania is one of America's oldest states-and also one of the most interesting. With its natural beauty, diverse population, and rich culture and history, it has a lot to offer.

The 50 States: Explore the U.S.A. with 50 fact-filled maps!

In 51 charmingly illustrated infographic maps, explore every state of the USA from Alabama to Wyoming and the nation’s capital to discover more than 2,000 facts that celebrate the people, cities, nature, and historic events that have helped make America what it is today. You'll also get an expansive guide to the state flags and US presidents.

Then, here are more Daniel Boone North American Explorer ideas.

Daniel Boone North American Explorer Activities

Finally, make this edible log cabin.

How to Make an Edible Log Cabin

You can make your edible log cabin on a smaller scale with little pretzel sticks.

However, we found it harder to use them.

You will need:

Pretzel rods
Frosting
Graham crackers or peanut butter bars
Ziploc bag

Directions:

You can do your frosting one of two ways.

Either just spread it into place with a spatula or scoop it out of the container and place in a ziploc bag.

Snip off a small piece of the corner and use it like an icing bag and tip.

Add frosting to the bottom of two pretzel rods to help “glue” them into place on whatever plate you are using.

Place them parallel to each other just a little smaller than the length of a pretzel rod.

You can lay one on top to measure the distance.

You will want to break pretzels in half to use on one side to create a doorway. Then an even smaller piece on the other side.

Begin adding frosting to the top of each “log”.

Alternate both sides in one direction and then both sides in the opposite direction.

Add frosting as needed.

Use a knife to cut off a little indention on each end near the tip.

This is much like pioneers would have to create a notch in the logs for a more secure fit.

Continue layering the logs to build it up to desired height.

To create the roof with a little pitch, put two pretzel rods across the center.

Then stack two more on top with frosting.

Pull apart the layers of the peanut butter bars.

Or use graham crackers to “glue” the roof in place by putting frosting on the underside of each end.

Also, you can also use them to create a solid door.

Here is a close up of the final roof.

You can add additional decoration if you like with additional cookies or candy.