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Simple Flower Dissection & Awesome Spring Science Experiments Middle School

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To celebrate spring, I’m sharing some spring science experiments middle school. Also, look at my page How to Successfully Homeschool Middle School and 4 Weeks Free Spring Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas for more ideas.

Also, we are creating an amazing display for a simple flower dissection but level it up a bit for middle schoolers.

This flower dissection display is wonderful for a home project but can be used for co-op presentations or just to take the ordinary to something more extraordinary while learning.

Simple Flower Dissection & Awesome Spring Science Experiments Middle School

The structure and functions of flower parts all contribute to the intricate process of pollination.

Pollination is essential for plant reproduction and what better way to learn about each one than to dissect and label each.

You can use real flowers if you like or faux silk flowers so that they keep longer.

Try to choose flowers that clearly display the plant’s structure like lilies, tulips, daffodils, alstroemerias, and gladiolus.

By attracting pollinators, producing and receiving pollen, and protecting the developing seeds, flowers play a vital role in the life cycle of plants and the ecosystem.

Let’s look at the role of each part of the flower and where it fits into this

PARTS OF A FLOWER

Sepals: Often green and leaf-like, sepals form the outermost layer of the flower bud.

Their primary function is to protect the developing flower inside from drying out, damage, and pests. In some cases, sepals may be brightly colored and resemble petals, aiding in pollinator attraction. Once the flower blooms, sepals may remain as a support structure or wither away.

Petals: The most visually striking part of a flower, petals are often brightly colored or uniquely shaped to attract pollinators. Their colors, patterns, and sometimes even ultraviolet markings serve as signals to guide insects, birds, and other animals to the flower’s reproductive organs.

Some petals produce scents to further entice pollinators, while others have specialized structures to facilitate landing and pollen collection. In some flowers, petals may also play a role in protecting the reproductive organs from the elements.

Stamens: The male reproductive organs of a flower, stamens are responsible for producing pollen grains, which contain the male gametes. The number, shape, and arrangement of stamens within a flower can vary greatly, often reflecting adaptations for specific types of pollination.

Each stamen consists of two parts:

  • Anther: The sac-like structure that produces and releases pollen.
  • Filament: The stalk that supports the anther, positioning it for effective pollen dispersal.

FLOWER PARTS

Pistil/Carpel: The female reproductive organ of a flower, the pistil (or carpel) houses the ovules, which, after fertilization, develop into seeds.

A pistil typically consists of three parts:

  • Stigma: The sticky or feathery tip that receives pollen grains.
  • Style: The slender stalk that connects the stigma to the ovary.
  • Ovary: The enlarged base that contains the ovules.

The ovary may be located superior (above the other flower parts) or inferior (below the other flower parts), depending on the flower type.

Receptacle: The expanded tip of the flower stalk where all the other flower parts are attached.

It provides structural support for the flower and may also play a role in the development and dispersal of seeds.

Simple Flower Dissection & Awesome Spring Science Experiments Middle School

In some flowers, the receptacle becomes fleshy and forms part of the fruit, aiding in seed dispersal.

Leaves: The main function of a leaf is to produce food for the plant by photosynthesis. Leaves also provide structure and support,  store water and nutrients, and help regulate temperature.

Stem: Stems provide support the the flower. It also transports water and minerals from the roots to the rest of the plant. They also produce new growth to extend the life of the plant.

SPRING SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS MIDDLE SCHOOL

In addition, look these spring science experiments for middle school.

SIMPLE FLOWER DISSECTION SPRING SCIENCE EXPERIMENT MIDDLE SCHOOL

You will need:

  • Corkboard
  • Patterned scrapbook paper
  • Push pins
  • 3×5 cards
  • Real or silk flowers
  • Scissors
  • Letter stickers
Simple Flower Dissection & Awesome Spring Science Experiments Middle School

Take your corkboard and decorate it with patterned scrapbook paper, stickers, ribbon, or washi tape.

You can glue these pieces on but if you want to be able to use your corkboard for other things just attach everything with clear push pins.

Simple Flower Dissection & Awesome Spring Science Experiments Middle School

Have your child first label 3×5 cards with the name of each flower part by hand or using stickers.

Simple Flower Dissection & Awesome Spring Science Experiments Middle School

And a short description of each. 

Simple Flower Dissection & Awesome Spring Science Experiments Middle School

Use scissors to carefully take apart each section of the flower and tape or glue them to the corresponding cards.

Simple Flower Dissection & Awesome Spring Science Experiments Middle School

Arrange the cards around the board for display.

Simple Flower Dissection & Awesome Spring Science Experiments Middle School

Don’t forget to make a title for the top.

How To Make An Awesome Slime Flask Activity | Fun Facts About Marie Curie For Kids

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Besides fun facts about Marie Curie for kids we are going to discover some amazing books, activities, and even make a “radioactive” slime flask for fun.

Marie Curie was born in Poland. She loved learning, especially about science.

And she became famous for her studies and use of the term “radioactive”, a word to describe the phenomenon of elements spontaneously emitting radiation.

How To Make An Awesome Slime Flask Activity | Fun Facts About Marie Curie For Kids

So of course, we had to make a slime that celebrates her discovery and is just plain fun to experiment with.

Slime is a simple foray into the world of chemistry using a non-Newtonian fluid that acts like both a solid and a liquid.

Slime is made up of polymers, which are made of long chains of molecules that bind together when the ingredients blend.

It creates a wonderful tactile sensory experience that kids love and they are not likely to forget when you talk to them about Marie Curie while they explore the science of slime.

5 FUN FACTS ABOUT MARIE CURIE FOR KIDS

There are several important things that you should share with your child about Marie Curie so that they can understand who she was and what made her so remarkable.

  1. She Loved Learning- Marie was very smart and always wanted to learn more. Even when it was hard, she never gave up.
  2. She Discovered New Things-Marie discovered two new elements: polonium and radium. These are special materials that glow in the dark.
  3. She Won Big Prizes- Marie Curie won the Nobel Prize, the biggest prize in science, not just once, but twice. She was the first woman to win this award.
  4. She Helped People- Marie used her discoveries to help people. During wars, she helped doctors use special machines to take pictures of bones and help injured soldiers.
  5. She Worked Really Hard- Marie worked very hard in her lab. She spent long hours doing experiments and figuring things out until she understood them better.

Marie Curie showed everyone that women could be incredible scientists too.

She taught us that with hard work and curiosity, you can discover amazing things and make the world a better place.

How To Make An Awesome Slime Flask Activity | Fun Facts About Marie Curie For Kids

Next, look at some of her achievements.

MOST AMAZING ACHIEVEMENTS FUN FACTS ABOUT MARIE CURIE

  • Discovered Polonium, a new element named after her home country, Poland.
  • Discovered Radium, a glowing element that helped in medical treatments.
  • Won the Nobel Prize in physics for her research on radioactivity.
  • Won the Nobel Prize in chemistry for discovering the elements polonium and radium.
  • Medical Advances, she used her knowledge to help create mobile X-ray units to help injured soldiers in wartime.

Also, look at these activities and resources.

MARIE CURIE ACTIVITIES AND RESOURCES

As a reference to use along with our fun slime experiment, we opened up Superstars of Science to learn a bit about Marie Curie.

How To Make An Awesome Slime Flask Activity | Fun Facts About Marie Curie For Kids

Finally, look at how to make “radioactive” slime.

HOW TO MAKE “RADIOACTIVE” SLIME

You will need:

How To Make An Awesome Slime Flask Activity | Fun Facts About Marie Curie For Kids

First, pour glue into a bowl and add the glow in the dark paint, stir to combine. You can use any glow in the dark craft paint that you find.

How To Make An Awesome Slime Flask Activity | Fun Facts About Marie Curie For Kids

Mix in baking soda well.

How To Make An Awesome Slime Flask Activity | Fun Facts About Marie Curie For Kids

Add your first tablespoon of contact solution to the mixture and stir, add ½ tablespoon at a time until the mixture starts to lose its stickiness, mix well between each addition to check the texture,  if you want it slimier add less, for a thicker slime mixture add more.

How To Make An Awesome Slime Flask Activity | Fun Facts About Marie Curie For Kids

Knead the mixture by hand for a few minutes.

How To Make An Awesome Slime Flask Activity | Fun Facts About Marie Curie For Kids

To make it fun and give it a Marie Curie twist add it to a graduated cylinder or beaker.

Turn out the lights and be amazed by your “radioactive” creation.

Free Summer Handwriting Worksheets & Setting Up A Writing Station

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This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Summer handwriting worksheets are perfect to keep fine motor and other writing skills sharp throughout the summer break. Or, if you school year-round, it gives your child a fun change of pace for their handwriting practice. Also, look at my page Practical Homeschool Writing Curriculum from Pre-K To High School for more tips. 

To really embrace the summer theme, we are also creating a summer writing station.

Free Summer Handwriting Worksheets & Setting Up A Writing Station

And the beauty of it is that you can customize it for preschoolers all the way up to high school by personalizing it with challenging worksheets and inviting supplies.

Why would you want to make your child write through the summer?

There are plenty of reasons why you should, if not every day at least a couple times a week

BENEFITS OF SUMMER HANDWRITING WORKSHEETS PRACTICE

  • Strengthens hand and finger muscles.
  • Enhance dexterity and coordination.
  • Prevents summer learning loss.
  • Enhanced Cognitive Development.
  • Boosts memory and recall.
  • Improves focus and attention.
  • Preparation for the next academic year.
  • Makes the transition back to writing tasks smoother.
  • Encourages journaling and storytelling.
  • Provides an outlet for self-expression.
  • Build confidence in writing abilities.
  • Fosters a sense of accomplishment.

Also, look at more homeschool writing curriculum and tips.

MORE HOMESCHOOL WRITING CURRICULUM & TIPS

Free Summer Handwriting Worksheets & Setting Up A Writing Station

The best writing practice utilizes handwriting skills and creative writing, maybe even some grammar.

So, I have gathered up a little of each as they work hand in hand.

15 FREE SUMMER HANDWRITING WORKSHEETS

  1. Try Summer Writing Topics For Kids if you or they are at a loss for writing ideas and stop the stall.
  2. My Free Under the Sea Worksheets : Dive into the Ocean’s Wonders give your child practice with writing,drawing, and unscrambling.
  3. Tracing the Free Print Handwriting Worksheets for ABCs of Summer Fun daily is great practice, whether it’s on paper or you laminate them and use dry erase markers.
  4. What screams summer more than Ocean Themed Writing Prompts? A great way to get the creativity going.
  5. How about a free worksheet Summer Writing Challenge Calendar that gives an idea for each day.
  6. Summer Writing Activity
  7. Free Printable Summer Tracing Worksheets for Preschool
  8. Preschoolers can color and practice simple letter formation using Summer Alphabet Worksheets.
  9. For older children you will want to work on a skill like Cursive Summer Tracing Words Challenge.
  10. With just a little bit of writing the Summer Word Scramble is a great quick practice idea.
  11. Use these free Editable Writing Sheets for name practice, sight words, or any summer words you would like. If you have a vacation planned you can sneak in some words related to that.
  12. Free Printable Summer Theme Pre Writing Practice Tracing Paths for Toddlers & Preschoolers are for pre writers, great practice for developing fine motor skills and hand eye coordination.
  13. Easy and straightforward these Summer Months Coloring and Writing Pages familiarize younger children with summer months.
  14. A Summer Goals Printable Worksheet is good for elementary through high school.
  15. A blank Summer Bucket List that can be colored as well is a perfect blank slate for practicing writing while making summer plans.

Finally, look at how to make this fun summer themed writing station.

HOW TO MAKE A SUMMER HANDWRITING STATION

You will need:

Free Summer Handwriting Worksheets & Setting Up A Writing Station

First, begin by cutting out summer patterned scrapbook paper the size of your acrylic drawers and line them to create a fun backdrop for the season.

Free Summer Handwriting Worksheets & Setting Up A Writing Station

To add another layer of fun you can let your child decorate the drawers with themed stickers as well.

When the next season comes along you can simply apply a bit of heat with a hair dryer to loosen up the adhesive and remove them, swapping them out for new ones.

Free Summer Handwriting Worksheets & Setting Up A Writing Station

In one drawer place writing paper that is for whatever level your child is at, primary, wide, college-ruled, etc.

HOW TO MAKE A HANDWRITING STATION

You could also include some handwriting worksheets.

Free Summer Handwriting Worksheets & Setting Up A Writing Station

In the other drawer add some envelopes, postcards, stickers, post-it notes, pencil sharpener etc…

Free Summer Handwriting Worksheets & Setting Up A Writing Station

Finally, fill up the sand bucket with pencils, markers, and pens in fun colors and different sizes.

You can just pop this on top for an inviting summer themed writing station.

Free Summer Handwriting Worksheets & Setting Up A Writing Station

You can change out the stickers, use different types of paper, and include fun prompts like one of the worksheets listed above each week during the summer to keep it fresh.

Think about adding fun erasers, scented markers, and other items other than basic pens and pencils to make the writing station more inviting.

You might also occasionally include a treat or coupon for one like “go out for ice cream” once their handwriting practice is done.

Free Summer Handwriting Worksheets & Setting Up A Writing Station

Now that you have set  up a writing station that is summer themed your child can use it to write:

  • thank you notes for gifts received
  • postcards to friends and family
  • a short story
  • letters to pen pals
  • out favorite song lyrics
  • a summer menu for the week
  • a review of a book or movie

Then, use it to practice:

  • letters or numbers
  • their name and address
  • common sight words
  • short sentences

Finally, keep a summer journal, create a summer bucket list and write out each activity and creating a comic strip with captions give you a variety of activities.

Free 30 Days PreK To High School Simple Writing Activities

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I have a free 30 printable writing prompts for simple writing activities. The free printable prompts are for grades prek to high school to give you ideas for all your children. Also, look at my page Practical Homeschool Writing Curriculum from Pre-K To High School for more tips. 

And one of the best ways to improve the writing process and foster creativity is through writing prompts.

Prompts take all the stress out of what you write about.

Free 30 Days PreK To High School Simple Writing Activities

It allows writers of any level to focus on their creativity, their thoughts and personal expression.

Those reasons are the very ones we want to teach our children to write for.

Not to seek a grade, not to please other people with their topics but kids should write for their own intrinsic value.

And just what are writing prompts?

Writing prompts are short, thought-provoking statements or questions which spark creativity.

WRITING PROMPT BOOKS FOR KIDS

Next, look at these books to help spark ideas for your children.

5 Writing Prompt Books & Story Starters

Use these fun books and story starters to stir the imagination of your writer.

Story Starters: Helping Children Write Like They've Never Written Before

Karen Andreola's charming book is part of The Gentle Art of Learning series. It has all the right ingredients to inspire even the reluctant writer or the student who has experienced discouragement. Karen's JUMBO book of Story Starters encourage children to write in ways they have never written before. Karen's carefully-crafted story starter suspends a student in the middle of a predicament. He is then faced with the question; What happens next? This is his cue to expand and embellish the story however he wants. He learns to write freely; with imagination and zest - and with far more boldness than he may be accustomed to. The action-packed stories are especially appealing to boys. Thumb through the pages to choose whatever story or illustration catches your fancy. Karen has written a large selection to satisfy the varied interests of both boys and girls. To spark even more curiosity, each story is illustrated with one or more engaging, and often amazing, 19th century pictures. The settings are sometimes: intense, sometimes funny, sometimes sweetly domestic, but always pose a challenge. Here is your child s opportunity to: rescue those in danger, comfort the sick, cheer the lonely, laugh with the ridiculous, tame the wild, and do battle for good! Awaken the dormant writer in your child with this lively approach to creative writing.

The Storymatic Kids – Writing Prompts for Young Writers – Storytelling Games – Teacher Tool

  • Gazillions of Writing Prompts: Make writing fun with 360 storytelling prompt cards and story starters for kids; A creative, family-friendly activity that little and big kids can play together; Age 5 and up, up, up; A gift for writers of all ages

    • How to Use: The basics are super easy: combine yellow character cards with blue complication cards and let your imagination take over; Includes a booklet with creative prompts and non-competitive storytelling games; Play by yourself or in a group

    Writing Prompts for Kids: A Creative Writing Workbook To Inspire Young Writers

    Writing stories is one of the best ways for children to give focus to their creativity while learning and having fun. With this fabulous book, your child will find all the guidance and help they need to hone their writing skills and create amazing original stories.Packed with ingenious and inventive writing prompts, this guide inspires kids to channel their inner author. Every child should be encouraged to give free rein to their imagination… These story starters give them the help they need to put pen to paper and create something truly magical.

    101 Story Starters for Teens: Creative Writing Prompts to Kick Your Imagination into High Gear (Story Starters for Kids)

    Take your writing skills to the next level with these fun and creative story starters for teens. This workbook contains over 100 creative writing prompts for teenagers in middle school and high school. Kids in grades 8-12 will get plenty of ideas for their next Language Arts class, short story assignment, or storytelling project.

    Whether you're using this book in the classroom or at home, these story starters will banish blank-page anxiety and kick your teen's imagination into high gear. It's great for teachers, parents, students, aspiring authors, and anyone who loves to write exciting young adult stories.

    The Ultimate Writing Prompt Book for Kids Ages 8-12: a creative workbook to boost literacy skills and spark imagination while exploring exciting story themes and genres.

    This fun, stress-free workbook is much more than a collection of prompts—it helps kids develop strong writing skills, ignite their imagination, and build confidence in storytelling! With engaging prompts and creative exercises, young writers will explore different genres, experiment with new ideas, and discover their unique storytelling voice.

    Then, look at more simple writing activities.

    MORE HOMESCHOOL WRITING CURRICULUM & TIPS

    Free 30 Days PreK To High School Simple Writing Activities

    ABOUT THE 6 PAGE FREE PRINTABLE WRITING CHALLENGE

    Next, look at what is included in this free printable writing challenge.

    • 1 preschool writing challenge page for 30 days
    • 1 elementary writing challenge page for 30 days
    • 1 middle school writing challenge page for 30 days
    • 1 high school writing challenge page for 30 days
    • 2 pages rewards and incentives for preschool to high school

    HOW TO GET THE FREE PRINTABLE WRITING CHALLENGE

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

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

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

    2) Grab the freebie instantly.

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

    8 Best Handwriting Games For Kids Ages 8-12 Will Love

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    This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

    I have 8 of the best handwriting games for kids ages 8 to 12. Also, look at my page Practical Homeschool Writing Curriculum from Pre-K To High School for more tips. 

    Also, I’m including one that I made up that is grab and go.

    As a homeschooling mom, I’m sure there’s already one thing you’ve found out for sure. It is a lot easier to get your kids to do schoolwork when you make it fun and engaging. 

    While there is absolutely nothing wrong with copy work, repetitive cursive practice, worksheets, workbooks, and the like, switching it up sometimes with games can help your child enjoy what is sometimes a dreaded task.

    8 Best Handwriting Games For Kids Ages 8-12 Will Love

    While I have listed ready to buy or make your own handwriting games I also want to share a game I made to encourage writing.

    It also helps build focus, spelling skills, and a little friendly competition.

    It also helps build focus, spelling skills, and a little friendly competition.

    You can do this game in print or cursive with numbers, letters, words, or even sentences.

    And you just need a couple of sheets of paper and dice so it is perfect for morning time, table time, on the go, or anytime you need a quick practice session.

    MORE HOMESCHOOL WRITING CURRICULUM & TIPS

    Then, look at more activities.

    And look at this other fun easy game.

    8 Best Handwriting Games For Kids Ages 8-12 Will Love

    DOUBLES WORD GAME

    You will need a lined piece of paper in whatever line spacing your child is working in.

    After deciding what word or phrase or or whatever it may be that you are writing one person picks up a pencil and begins writing it neatly but quickly as the other person rolls the dice.

    Once the other person gets a double the person writing stops and lays down the pencil and then swap pencil for dice with the other player.

    The other player now begins writing while the other person attempts to roll doubles.

    The “winner “is the first person that reaches the designated number of times that you’ve agreed to write, so say 10 or 15.

    You can be the judge of which ones do not count if they were written to be sloppy or as long as they’re legible, let them all count.

    Another variation is to pull a scrabble tile out and race to write as many words as you can that begin with that letter while the other player  tries to roll doubles.

    Finally,while some of these games are obvious as being handwriting games some you may have to see my vision on the why and how.

    Just remember to get creative with your practice and giving children confidence in spelling and working on fine motor skills long before they begin to write sentences will build a strong foundation for handwriting.

    HANDWRITING GAMES FOR KIDS AGES 8-12

    8 Handwriting Games For Ages 8 to 12

    Your kids will love these handwriting game to mix in with your writing day.

    BLANK SLATE, The Game Where Great Minds Think Alike

    This game is simple and requires some writing, a great way to work in print or cursive practice.
    You just need to pick a Word Cue card, write the word you think best completes the phrase, and try to match it with someone else's word.

    Rory's Story Cubes Spark Imagination with Limitless Storytelling! Creative Game for Kids

    While these can also be used to tell verbal stories, they are wonderful for rolling and having your child write out a paragraph or entire story based on the random roll of the dice.

    Boggle Classic Game | Word Search Games | Ages 8+ | 1 or More Players | Portable Travel Size | Fun Family Dice Games for Adults and Kids

    Shake up the letter dice in the box and into place, then try to make words out of any connected dice, write your words in print or cursive until the timer runs out. Not only
    is it good handwriting practice but it will help with concentration, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills, visuo-spatial skills, pattern recognition, and processing speed.

    A Little Wordy

    A silly game by the makers of Exploding Kittens this is another game that requires some writing,making it perfect for disguising handwriting practice.

    Photo Credit: literacylearn.com

    Spelling Practice Printable Board Game (Free)

    Practice spelling words, handwriting, and play at the same time using this free printable board
    game.

    Bananagrams: Multi-Award-Winning Word Game

    Spell words from the tiles for your child to copy, pull random letters and have them list as many
    words beginning with that letter as they can, or let your child create silly made up words with random tiles and then copy them to paper.

    Photo Credit: alwaysexpectmoore.com

    Sight Word Board Game

    For the younger kids spelling or sight words this handmade sight word board game is a great way to customize it specifically to their level and needs.

    Pictionary Board & Drawing Game

    Drawing is wonderful practice for handwriting through building fine motor skills, spatial awareness,improving creativity, confidence, and learning about details.