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Easy DIY Fun Salt Winter Watercolor Art Project for Kids

November 14, 2022 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

If your kids are looking for winter watercolor art projects, they’ll love this easy diy salt project. Add it to a winter season unit study for more learning fun.

If you live in Texas like I do, you won’t see a lot of snow unless you’re vacationing somewhere else.

But it’s still nice to dream about beautiful forests under a blanket of snow.

Easy DIY Fun Salt Winter Watercolor Art Project for Kids

So, today we are going to create our own winter watercolor art project to capture some of that snowy magic with a few different types of paint.

I’ve seen a technique like this done using snow but obviously that’s not an option for us.

Instead, I set to thinking about how I could make it happen here and turn into a fun art lesson too.

Over and Under the Snow

And my solution was a spray bottle filled with water instead of letting the snow melt over my picture.

You will probably want to take this one outside or put a plastic tablecloth on the table under your craft to help contain the mess.

No matter what you’re studying this winter or where you live, snow or not, it can still be fun and informative to learn about snow.

Topics like snowflakes, ice, hibernation, glaciers, icebergs, and everything else winter entails keep it fun.

Add a fun book to this winter watercolor art project like Over and Under the Snow to investigate what happens when that white blanket of snow covers the earth.

As a matter of fact, the book which inspired this project progresses from day to dusk to night as the child and father ski over the snow noticing it all.

Easy DIY Fun Salt Winter Watercolor Art Project for Kids

I love the darling images of creatures sleeping beneath the earth.

Winter Subnivean Zone

And above there are busy people, squirrels, owls, and a big full moon.

It is a great way to introduce snow, hibernation and terms like subnivean zone (it’s the network of open spaces and tunnels between the snow and ground) to your kids.

The word subnivean comes from the Latin “sub” (under) and “nives” (snow). 

There is a fantastic appendix of animals at the back of the book.

Easy DIY Fun Salt Winter Watercolor Art Project for Kids

It introduces animals and gives a bit of information on each spotted throughout as well as suggestions for more winter books.

More Winter Season Unit Study Resources

Then, here are some other winter unit study resources you’ll love.

  • Julie of the Wolves Free Hands-on Arctic Unit Study
  • Pine Cone Snowy Owl Winter Craft
  • 3 Fun Cocoa Winter Hands on Science Activities
  • Easy Hands on Snowflake Winter Craft for Kids Who Don’t Have Snow
  • Winter Nature Craft: How to Make Easy DIY Bird Feeders
  • Free Amazing Winter Unit Study and Winter Lapbook for Kids
  • Inuit of the Arctic: How Animals Survive Harsh Winters Fun Blubber Activity
  • Colorful Winter Bird: Northern Cardinal Lapbook & Unit Study
  • Free Winter Copywork for Middle School – Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost
  • 16 Ways to Make Homeschool Memorable During Winter
  • Arctic and Inuit Unit Study. Free Lapbook – Hands-On Ideas

Add in a few of these activities to make a fun learning about winter day.

Easy DIY Fun Salt Winter Watercolor Art Project for Kids

Let’s make this watercolor art project.

How to Make DIY Winter Water Art Project

You will need:

  • Watercolor paper. It really makes a difference with this paper.
  • Fine Salt
  • Food coloring
  • Black craft paint
  • White craft paint
  • Paint brushes
  • Water in a spray bottle
  • Baking sheet
Easy DIY Fun Salt Winter Watercolor Art Project for Kids

First, place watercolor paper on a baking sheet and spritz the entire paper well with water.

Pour a few tablespoons of salt into a small container.

Mix with a few drops of food coloring and repeat for as many colors as you would like to have.

Easy DIY Fun Salt Winter Watercolor Art Project for Kids

Scoop colored salt all over paper randomly and in different sized piles with different thicknesses to create a mottled watercolor effect.

Easy DIY Fun Salt Winter Watercolor Art Project for Kids

Spray the colored salt until completely saturated with the spray bottle.

You want to make sure that the salt is very wet so that the food coloring can absorb into the paper.

Allow it to sit undisturbed for 20 to 30 minutes.

The longer it sits the more saturated the image will be.

Too, you can let it dry overnight if your little one has the patience to wait.

Flip over your paper quickly to remove all the salt and use a dry brush to remove excess or just wait until it dries naturally and brush then.

Easy DIY Fun Salt Winter Watercolor Art Project for Kids

Now you should have a beautiful watercolor paper that resembles a dusky night sky or the aurora borealis.

Winter Crafts

Allow your paper to dry completely.

Then, paint a few straight lines straight up from the bottom using a thin flat brush. Draw any amount of trees you want, just leave room for the branches.

Easy DIY Fun Salt Winter Watercolor Art Project for Kids

Take the same brush dipped in black paint and start at the top line and drag it away from the line in a downward stroke.

This creates the shape of an evergreen tree.

Also, draw some scraggly spindly trees with just limbs and branches using a small, pointed tip brushed if you like.

Easy DIY Fun Salt Winter Watercolor Art Project for Kids

Finally, allow your black paint to dry a little and then dip your paintbrush in white paint.

If it’s thick, add a tiny bit of water to loosen it up.

You’re gonna want your paint a little runny so that you can tap it on your hand over the paper and create splatters for snow.

Paint a moon if you’d like up in the corner. 

Easy DIY Fun Salt Winter Watercolor Art Project for Kids

Let your completed painting dry.

Because the paper was so saturated it may crinkle up a bit. Lay a couple heavy books on top once it’s dry to help smooth and flatten it.

What do you think? Easy winter art?

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: art, crafts, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschoolinginwinter, watercolor, winter crafts, winter season

15 World History Board Games Guaranteed to Make Learning Fun

November 13, 2022 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, I’ve rounded up some fun world history board games. Also, you’ll love grabbing more ideas for history games on my page.

If you are digging deep into a study on Ancient Egypt, The Fall of Rome, or The Middle Ages the best ways to learn and have fun at the same time is with a great board game.

While not all may actually teach specifics of history they are a great way to get a taste and understanding of life back then.

15 World History Board Games Guaranteed to Make Learning Fun

Of course you don’t have to be studying a specific history topic.

All of these games are great for any history lover in general and have a lot to offer for fun and game schooling.

Learn about history through strategy, trivia, combat, role playing games and more.

Start by exploring three main periods of history

The three main time periods I’ve covered in these games are

  • The  Ancient World
  • Middle Ages,
  • and Modern History of the world.

Cool History Games

After all, those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it according to George Santayana.

Besides the facts these games can help teach a period of history game play is just amazing for family bonding.

Too, family board games help your children learn other things like cooperation, strategy, memorization, and reading comprehension.

Besides being a diversion from the normal routine of your homeschool day, cool history games can motivate your kids if they find history boring.

I’ve divided up board games by time periods so that you can easily match to your unit studies.

15 World History Board Games Guaranteed to Make Learning Fun. I've rounded up some fun world history board games. Also, you’ll love grabbing more ideas for history games on my page. If you are digging deep into a study on Ancient Egypt, The Fall of Rome, or The Middle Ages the best ways to learn and have fun at the same time is with a great board game. While not all may actually teach specifics of history they are a great way to get a taste and understanding of life then. #worldhistoryboardgames

More Fun History Games

  • The Geronimo Stilton Book Fourth Journey Fun Egypt Game
  • 7 Super Fun History Games to Bring the Past to Life
  • Ancient Egypt Mehen Printable Board Game (Hands-on History)
  • Ancient Greece Go Fish Game – Ancient Greece Unit Study
  • 13 Free and Fun BEST Printable History Board Game
  • Easy Hands-on Fun Ancient Greek Games for Kids DIY Knucklebones

I know you’ll find something you’ll love in one of these time periods.

15 World History Board Games Guaranteed to Make Learning Fun

Ancient World History Board Games

This period covers the oldest records of human history from 3000 BCE – 500 CE. It ends with the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the Han Dynasty in China, and the Gupta Empire in India. It teaches us about origins, cultures, traditions, and beginning civilizations. Here is where we
learn of Egyptian Kings and Queens, the Trojan War, and Genghis Khan. It begins rising out of Mesopotamia and Egypt and ends with the fall of the Roman Empire

Imhotep Builder of Egypt | Family Board Game

Imhotep is the legendary architect of the Egyptian monuments like the Step Pyramid, in this game you play as him working to build in five different construction sites.  This game is a great way to introduce or refresh some Egyptian vocabulary as well as just enjoy the theme.

Ancient Egypt Press Go Fish Cards

There is always a time and a place for a fun game of Go Fish, but these cards can be used for more than that.

Pandemic Fall of Rome Board Game

There are several versions of this game but in this one you travel back in time and try to stop the fall of Rome. This is a cooperative game for 1-5 players and is a great family game.

Age of Civilization Strategy Card Game

Get ready for war in this card game that can be played in as little as 30 minutes. Wage war, build civilizations with this set in ancient times, build wonders like the Hanging Gardens, Machu Pichu,
Great Pyramids, and Stonehenge. This is such a fun way to learn about ancient history.

Middle Ages World History Board Games

The Middle Ages refers to that time in European history that started with the collapse of Roman civilization in the 5th century CE to the Renaissance. It is full of conquerors, explorers, scholars, brave knights and Vikings.

Carcassonne Board Game

This strategy game lets you develop your medieval city and can be played with as few as 2 players and up to 5, or more with expansion packs! If you are into the Middle Ages this is your game.

Battle Line: Medieval

If you want a Medieval card game with quick play this is one to grab. Win battlefields with your strong card formations, recommended for 14 and up. You can also get this in other versions as well-
WWII or Ancient Greek.

Raiders of The North Sea

Do you wish to set sail with the adventurous Vikings? This game takes a little over an hour on average and puts you right in the action assembling a crew, battling, and on journeys.

(Dungeons & Dragons Intro Adventure Set)

While it is a fantasy game, Dungeons & Dragons develops strategy, risk assessment, communication, math, science, history, culture, ethics, critical reading, and introduces lots of Medieval vocabulary.

CATAN Cities & Knights Board Game

Defend against attack and build up the land of Catan of the Middle Ages in this expansion pack with knights, barbarians, merchants, and more. You will need the base Catan to play this version as it is an add on.

Modern Age World History Board Games

Explore card and strategy games that take place from the end of the Middle Ages to the middle of the 20th Century. Test your knowledge on things like the Industrial Revolution, Cold War, and the Wright Brothers first flight.

CHRONOLOGY - The Game Where You Make History

This timeline board game has you racing to be the first to place 10 timeline cards in the correct order. Do you know if the first bikini was introduced before the first man landed on the moon?  This is a great family game for learning and reinforcing what you know about Modern History.

Anno 1800 - | A Civilization Game

Explore and build a city during the Industrial Revolution in the old world. Plot trade routes and gather resources to grow. This game is great for teaching about exploration and trade routes, the importance of gathering resources, and civilization growth and development

Axis & Allies Pacific 1940 Second Edition WWII Strategy Board Game

This strategy game is a great way to learn about the cold war playing as either President John F. Kennedy or the USSR Premier Nikita Khrushchev with the goal to avoid nuclear war.

World History Board Games Covering Multiple Time Periods

These games cover ancient to modern history for those that want a broader scope of time. Test your knowledge of everything from Ancient Egypt to Adolph Hitler and see who will hold the title of Hero of History.

Trekking Through History

Pack your bags and prepare to travel through 108 of some of the most famous achievements 
in history with this beautifully designed game. From the board to the cards this one is a beautiful gift to give to yourself or someone else.

World History Card Game

Brain Box Games are amazing for younger kids but are fun to play for their grown ups as well. Simple and quick play make these games a great choice for entertainment and learning.

History of the World

Forge your empire in one of 5 epochs of history covering important periods from the ancient 3000 B.C. Sumerians to pre-WW1 Germany.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: ancient civilizations, ancient egypt, Ancient Greece, Ancient HIstory, Ancient Rome, Ancient Sumer, ancientegypt, games, hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, history, history resources, historyspine, homeschoolhistory, world history

How to Make an Adorable Toilet Roll Snowman for Winter Crafts

November 10, 2022 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

If you’re looking to make an adorable toilet roll snowman well actually the cutest pair of snow people ever, you’ll love this for winter crafts or a winter season unit study.

You don’t need snow in your backyard to create these adorable toilet roll snowmen or ahem or is that snowman and snowwoman?

Just some toilet paper rolls pilfered from the recycling box and a few items from the craft room and you have toilet roll snowman.

How to Make an Adorable Toilet Roll Snowman for Winter Crafts

If you’re missing anything you can easily find it at Dollar Tree. 

These are so fun to make and so darling you are going to want to create an army of precious snow people with your child.

Winter Snow Ideas

One of my favorite science books Nature Anatomy has a few pages on weather and a few on snowflakes.

I love this page.

The book is a great reference book to go along with the craft and to toss in a little educational twist to your toilet roll snow man craft.

How to Make an Adorable Toilet Roll Snowman for Winter Crafts

Too, add in some other winter themed learning fun to this craft.

Winter Learning Ideas

Look at these ideas below.

  • Have a snowball fight using cotton balls.
  • Practice spelling snowy words like snow, ice, snowflake, winter, chilly, and cold.
  • Make paper snowflakes.
  • Watch this Wild Kratts How a Snowflake is Formed video. 
  • Make and enjoy some hot cocoa together
  •  This Pine Cone Snowy Owl Winter Craft would make a great companion craft to this one.
  • If you do live in the snow, go out and build a snowman together.
  • Try one or all of these 3 Fun Cocoa Winter Hands on Science Activities
  • Sing Frosty the Snowman and Let it Snow
  • Make a sensory bin with fake snow as the base.

Next, add in some winter themed books.

Books About Winter

Expand this craft to a unit study or just fun facts about winter with these books.

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.

Other Winter Craft Ideas

Also, look at a few more craft ideas.

  • Free Amazing Winter Unit Study and Winter Lapbook for Kids
  • Easy Hands on Snowflake Winter Craft for Kids Who Don’t Have Snow
  • Winter Nature Craft: How to Make Easy DIY Bird Feeders
  • 3 Fun Cocoa Winter Hands on Science Activities
  • How to Make an Easy Build a Snowman Kid’s Game (free printable cube)

Next, let’s move on to our fun toilet roll craft.

How to Make an Adorable Toilet Roll Snowman for Winter Crafts

Let’s get on with building our all weather not gonna melt cute toilet roll snow people.

You will need:

  • Empty toilet paper rolls
  • White paint
  • Foam paintbrush
  • Yarn
  • Pipe cleaners
  • Pompoms
  • Markers/paint pens

How to Make Fun Toilet Roll Snow People

How to Make an Adorable Toilet Roll Snowman for Winter Crafts

Then paint toilet paper rolls completely white.

Allow the paint to dry completely. You child can paint inside and out if they like.

Then cut a small hole in each side directly opposite of each other.

Thread half of a brown chenille stem through each side to create the arms.

How to Make an Adorable Toilet Roll Snowman for Winter Crafts

Give your child markers or paint pens to draw on details like buttons, eyes, a mouth, and a carrot nose.

How to Make an Adorable Toilet Roll Snowman for Winter Crafts

Create a simple scarf by wrapping some yarn around the neck a few times and knotting it.

For the cute little ear muffs we just glued pom-poms on either side about where we thought the snowman‘s ears would be.

And then topped it off with a short length of pipe cleaner that we glued in place as well.

How to Make an Adorable Toilet Roll Snowman for Winter Crafts

To create the cute and fuzzy winter hat, cut off an ½” circle from the end of another toilet roll.

And then cut the yarn into links 5 inches to 6 inches long, fold in half.

How to Make an Adorable Toilet Roll Snowman for Winter Crafts

Next, slip the yarn through the slice of toilet paper roll pull the two loosens through the loop at the top. Pull tightly.

How to Make an Adorable Toilet Roll Snowman for Winter Crafts

Also, repeat all the way around until it is completely full.

Then, draw all the yarn upward and tie another piece of yarn around the top to secure.

How to Make an Adorable Toilet Roll Snowman for Winter Crafts

Finally, snip off excess yarn thus creating a pom-pom at the top.

How to Make an Adorable Toilet Roll Snowman for Winter Crafts

To fit the head on your snowman you will need to pinch the tops of the toilet paper roll to make it slightly smaller so you can press it securely over the top.

Isn’t this little couple just precious?

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: crafts, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschoolinginwinter, snowman, winter crafts, winter season

National STEM Day – Popsicle Sticks for Creative DIY STEM Projects

November 8, 2022 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

If you’re looking for DIY stem projects, you’ll love these ideas for National Stem Day.

What is so great about STEM?

A STEM activity is one that incorporates one or more of its components.

  • Science,
  • technology,
  • engineering, and math in a learning activity.

Stem is hands-on which is always a great method for learning.

National STEM Day - Popsicle Sticks for Creative DIY STEM Projects

It teaches children about science and technology, problem solving, critical thinking, curiosity, accepting failure, initiative, flexibility, creativity, innovation, and so much more.

It has its place in your homeschool whether you are an unschooler, Charlotte Mason, classical, or eclectic family.

Careers in STEM

There are many fascinating careers in STEM that your child might be interested in-

  • Computer Sciences
  • Software Developer
  • Web Developer
  • Mechanical Engineer
  • Statistician
  • Mathematician
  • Actuary
  • Accountant
  • Cartographer
  • Aeronautics-aviation, aerospace, and astronautics
  • Biology
  • Biotechnology
  • Chemistry
  • Civil Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Environmental Science
National STEM Day - Popsicle Sticks for Creative DIY STEM Projects

This isn’t even an exhaustive list just some that jumped out at me.

Popsicle sticks are an amazing homeschool tool.

And you have probably used them for art projects but have you ever considered their many uses as a STEM tool?

They open an amazing world of possibilities for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

In addition, they are inexpensive, very versatile and easy to get your hands on.

It’s a great idea to keep a bunch on hand in different sizes for all sorts of projects. 

Jumbo ones are fun and oversized.

    And Rainbow popsicle sticks add a little flair and color to your projects.

    Too, standard popsicle sticks the backbone of most diy stem projects.

    More STEM Resources

    If you want to put together a STEM kit for your young scientists, mathematicians, or  engineers to tinker with these are a few more great items you might want  to add to your supplies.

    First, look at these LED lights.

    Next, add copper tape.

    Too, rubber bands are important.

    Binder clips, rulers, pipe cleaners and lithium batteries.

    National STEM Day - Popsicle Sticks for Creative DIY STEM Projects

    Finally, look at these STEM ideas.

    13 Fantastic Popsicle Stick STEM Activities

    1. Medieval Catapult. Try this Medieval catapult using the oversized jumbo craft sticks, catapults are a great lesson in force, mass, and acceleration.
    2. 100 Brilliant STEM Activities Using Everyday Items.
    3. STEM: Build a Da Vinci Parachute Activity
    4. Popsicle Stick Chain Reaction. Teach your child about potential energy turning into kinetic energy and chain reactions by giving them the tools they need to create an exploding chain reaction.
    5. Popsicle Stick Gears. These are a great way to learn about mechanical concepts, simple machines, motion and force. This is a great basic project to use as a springboard for more advanced activities.
    6. Craft Stick Crossbow. Not only is this tiny crossbow fun but it teaches physics lessons in force, energy, motion, trajectory and projectiles.
    7. Rubber Band Powered Boat. Launch this lesson on potential energy on the water. Popsicle sticks and rubber bands are all you need.
    8. STEM and Geography: How to Build an Ancient Viking Ship
    9. Rubber Band Powered Car. Same concept but on firm ground rather than the water. Use the stored potential energy in the tightly round rubber band to launch a car
    10. LED Flashlight. Explore circuits, positive and negative charges,
    11. Newton’s Cradle. What a fun way to learn about kinetic energy with Newton’s Third Law of Motion. “For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.” Kids love that clickety clack perpetual motion
    12. Truss Bridge With Craft Sticks, The STEM activity of building bridges gives your child a hands-on opportunity to learn about engineering through weight distribution, gravity, changing loads, and tension.
    13. STEM Ferris Wheel. Enjoy a turn on a popsicle stick ferris wheel that introduces axles, problem solving, creating symmetrical sides, and engineering with a fun activity.

    Leave a CommentFiled Under: Teach Homeschool Science Tagged With: elementary science, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschoolscience, science, STEM

    The Journey Through Time #2 Back In Time Ancient Rome Fun Mosaic

    November 7, 2022 | Leave a Comment
    This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

    The Geronimo Stilton The Journey Through Time #2: Back In Time has your kids going back in time to Ancient Rome. If you love the Geronimo Stilton Books, you’ll love this craft which is making a fun mosaic.

    Traveling with this wandering mouse we will be introduced to Romulus and Remus, the birth of Rome, the official language of Ancient Rome, fashions of the time, thermal baths, and chariot races.

    The Journey Through Time #2 Back In Time Ancient Rome Fun Mosaic

    There are even some puny Roman jokes.

    I always learn so much myself from just a small section of Geronimo Stilton’s adventures and The Journey Through Time #2: Back in Time (Geronimo Stilton Special Edition) is no different.

    The Journey Through Time #2 Back In Time Ancient Rome Fun Mosaic

    The series of books really weave so much about that time into an entertaining story with colorful inviting words, images, and a storyline that draws in the most reluctant readers.

    About Ancient Mosaics

    Today, we are going to be creating a Roman mosaic in honor of Geronimo’s visit to Ancient Rome.

    We did a profile of a Roman soldier but you can choose anyone or anything you like to make.

    This hands-on activity is great for learning about history through an ancient art form, working fine motor skills, and you can create a special piece to display.

    A mosaic is just a picture or pattern that is made with small pieces of ceramic tile.

    The Romans used to create very large and elaborate mosaic pieces, covering walls and sometimes the entire floor in their art.

    Be sure you grab the SuperToob Ancient Rome to go along with your study.

    What can you use these cute little figures for?

    There are lots of ways to use them to compliment a unit and they come in so many themes.

    • Introduce a new unit with a fun set up.
    • Sensory Bins
    • Dioramas
    • Model for art projects
    • Shadow boxes
    • Cake/cupcake toppers
    The Journey Through Time #2 Back In Time Ancient Rome Fun Mosaic

    Then, add in more fun Ancient Rome activities.

    Ancient Rome Activities

    Here are a few more fun activities to include.

    • Homeschool Pop  Ancient Rome For Kids video on YouTube.
    • Free printable Ancient Rome Definition Cards
    • Ancient Rome Hands on History, Paint a Jester.
    • Paper Dolls of Ancient History. Scroll down a bit for Rome.
    • Create an Edible Roman Road, use those Ancient Romans from the Toobs.
    • How to Make an Easy Roman Helmet & Shield & A Set of Printable Wings
    • Really jump into the study with this Ancient Civilization Lapbook.
    • As alternate or supplement to this project you could have your Minecraft loving kid create a mosaic art project in the game. The blocks are a perfect representation of the little mosaic squares.

    Here are some ideas for additional mosaic tile art subjects you could choose from which keep with the Ancient Rome theme.

    • Colosseum
    • Columns
    • Soldier
    • Gladiator
    • Triumphal Arch
    • Pottery
    • Parthenon
    • Laurel Wreath
    • Roman gods and goddesses

    Too, I recommend that you stick with a simple image for your first project, two to three colors max.

    It is a lot of gluing and arranging.

    Once your children get the hang of it, the sky is the limit.

    The Journey Through Time #2 Back In Time Ancient Rome Fun Mosaic

    Hands-on History Ancient Rome Mosaic

    You could also try making a mosaic of your dog, a cup of coffee, a video game controller, or whatever interests you.

    I used cardstock.

    But you could also upcycle colorful magazine pages and sort the colors for your project, use construction paper, or paint sample cards would be great.

    You will need:

    • Cardstock
    • Scissors or paper cutter
    • Glue stick

    Choose what image you want to create.

    Then lightly draw the most important outlines and features with a pencil.

    You don’t need to be detailed just get the general shape down.

    The Journey Through Time #2 Back In Time Ancient Rome Fun Mosaic

    Grab cardstock in the colors you will need and cut them in about ½” strips with scissors or paper cutter.

    Next, cut the strips down into ½” pieces.

    I cut some slightly larger and smaller to help fill in different areas.

    The Journey Through Time #2 Back In Time Ancient Rome Fun Mosaic

    Add any details you want to put in your picture first, then work around them like the eyes and mouth.

    The Journey Through Time #2 Back In Time Ancient Rome Fun Mosaic

    Apply glue in small sections and work on one color at a time to fill in completely.

    I found that it was easiest to do the outline of the particular section first and then fill in.

    The Journey Through Time #2 Back In Time Ancient Rome Fun Mosaic

    Continue gluing and pressing down squares until your piece is completely filled in.

    Once the glue is completely dry, lay it under a heavy book for a few hours to flatten if you like.

    The Journey Through Time #2 Back In Time Ancient Rome Fun Mosaic

    Other Geronimo Stilton Chapter Book Activities

    • Geronimo Stilton Journey Through Time Series Fifth Journey Fun Eiffel Tower
    • 10 Things to Learn From The Fun Geronimo Stilton Chapter Books
    • Geronimo Stilton The Fourth Journey Through Time Fun Cleopatra Collar
    • Learn About Mozart The Eight Journey Through Time Geronimo Stilton Series
    • The Geronimo Stilton Book Fourth Journey Fun Egypt Game
    • Geronimo Stilton Journey Through Time Craft a Fun England Tower Guard
    • Mouse in Space Fun Puffy Moon Craft (Glow in the Dark)
    • Down and Out Down Under Make a Fun Edible Coral Reef
    • Field Trip to Niagara Falls Summary And Fun Corn Craft
    • The Journey Through Time #2: Back in Time Colosseum Craft
    • The Race Against Time Geronimo Stilton Activities: Fun Edible Spine
    • Journey Through Time #2: Back in Time Mayan Craft
    • The Curse of The Cheese Pyramid Barbie Mummy
    • Who Is Geronimo Stilton Rodent Notebooking Page

    What do you think? Ready to try another fun Geronimo Stilton activity?

    Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: Ancient Rome, crafts, Geronimo Stilton, hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, literature

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