handsonhomeschooling

The Journey Through Time Geronimo Stilton Time Warp Fun Lost City of Atlantis

December 12, 2022 | 1 Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

The Journey Through Time Geronimo Stilton Seventh Journey Time Warp is our next book for adventure. And we’re doing a fun Lost City of Atlantis craft. Be sure to grab more Geronimo Stilton Books ideas and crafts on my page.

This time we are going to visit mythical Atlantis with our favorite globetrotting mouse in Geronimo Stilton Time Warp The Seventh Journey Through Time.

We are going to do it with a magical diorama that lets your child create their own version of the magical city to go along with the reading.

The Journey Through Time Geronimo Stilton Time Warp Fun Lost City of Atlantis

Geronimo finds himself underwater this time in The Time Tentacle 2000 in the lost city of Atlantis.

He speculates about their clothing guessing that it was similar to ancient Greek tunics.

And he shares about the 10 kings of Atlantis who descended from Poseidon, visits the ornate gold palace, and enjoys a banquet with royalty.

Benefits of Introducing Myths, Legends and Fairytales

Also, I know I usually stick to history and reality but there is much to be said about the benefits of imagination, fairy tales, legends and myths.

For example, legends, folktales, and myths:

can teach children about emotional resilience by helping them to connect fictional stories to real life people and circumstances.
help children to deal with adversity by learning to believe in themselves to overcome obstacles and challenges.
help children confront real-life fears and anxieties in a wonderful fantastical setting that makes it easier to deal with.
develop a child’s imagination.
are full of rich insights into humanity and history.
cultivate an appreciation and understanding of other cultures.
open the door to learning about why people came to believe them.

In addition, mythology whether it comes from the Roman Empire, the Greek or the Egyptian region is a part of teaching within language arts.

Stories and myths and names of characters helps to promote vocabulary skills and heightens a child’s interest in following story lines.

About the Lost City of Atlantis

The Lost City of Atlantis is a myth which may have started in Egypt, survived in classical Greek writings, and then emerged in medieval traditions by Arabian geographers

Supposedly, Atlantis disappeared into the sea as a result of earthquakes and floods.

Some historians think suggest that this myth had its roots in the volcanic explosion of Santorini.

And your child will love reading about the Lost City of Atlantis.

Other Geronimo Stilton Chapter Book Activities

Next, look at these other crafts to go with the books.

Now, dioramas are meant to be free form and totally creatively led by your child,.

Use what supplies you have with maybe a couple of special items added.

However, I will give you some loose directions to help get you going.

If you don’t have them on hand already you can get most of the supplies at Dollar Tree.

I grabbed even my cardboard box here, the castle cut out in the unfinished wood craft and the sand.

Too, they carry seashells in the floral aisle as well as paint, and glitter.

Finally, look below at how to make your own diorama.

How to Make A Mythical Lost City of Atlantis Diorama

You will need:

A cardboard box
A castle cut out (Dollar Tree) or you can draw a simple one on cardstock or cardboard and cut it out.
Paint and glitter
Sand
Assorted seashells
Plastic ocean animals
Hot glue gun/glue sticks
Safari LTD Mythical Realms Toob

These mats are fantastic for craft projects, they are easy to clean, safe and are a good way to keep your kitchen table free from paint, hot glue, and other craft messes.

Directions:

The first thing to do is to tape up or hot glue the bottom of the box.

I folded it so there was more coverage rather than like you would for support if shipping something and glued it well.

Next, cut off the flaps on one end except for one, and the larger side of the box to create a 3 walled structure with a floor base.

This gives your child plenty of open space for creativity.

Paint the inside or cover it in blue tissue paper or construction paper to give it a water like look.

You don’t have to paint the bottom unless your child wants to. We will cover it up with sand in a bit. Allow your paint to dry completely.

Next, paint a thick coat of glue on the base and sprinkle generously with sand.

Additionally, you could also use table salt to get the same look.

While you are waiting for the glue to dry paint your castle gold and add glitter if you like.

We added a little more texture to the castle with some hot glue and pressed more glitter into it while the glue is still wet.

Create some depth to your diorama by not just gluing your castle flat to the back but popping it out instead.

How to Make a Cardboard Castle

Too, you can hot glue anything thick to the back to separate it from the back of the box.

I cut several squares of cardboard roughly the same size and glued them together and then to the back.

Now the really fun part for us was creating coral and other undersea items from hot glue.

This is a good introduction to the glue gun for kids because there is really no need for their fingers to get near the glue until it is completely cooled.

All you do is squeeze out the glue and make underwater shapes on your silicone mat or waxed paper.

Make sure that each piece is connected and thick enough that it can support itself upright.

Create grassy shapes and twisting coral and let them cool for a few minutes until hard.

If you want to add glitter, sprinkle some on the glue immediately before it sets.

Or you can paint the hot glue shapes once hardened.

Peel your shapes off and make a small puddle of hot glue to create a base.

Immediately put your shapes on the base and hold until hardened or use whatever objects you can to hold them in place upright until ready.

Place your Mythical Toob figures, ocean animals, and shells around to fill up your Atlantis diorama.

Daniel Boone Exploration DIY Easy Compass Activity and Survival Ideas

December 11, 2022 | 1 Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, we’re learning about Daniel Boone exploration and ideas to learn from his life. You’ll love my unit study and other ideas on my page Daniel Boone – North American Explorer.

And when you think about Daniel Boone and his life you think about his amazing skills on the frontier.

After all, he is best known for exploring and settling the area we now know as Kentucky.

Daniel Boone Exploration DIY Easy Compass Activity and Survival Ideas

He used his knowledge of the area and the skills he learned growing up to become a folk hero and create a legacy that lives on today.

What was commonplace living then is considered survival skills in today’s world.

Survival skills are something that you might want to incorporate into your child’s homeschool goals.

Survival Skill Ideas for Kids

Some things that you might want to teach them that would have been a part of the upbringing in Daniel Boone’s world are:

Building a shelter- How to gather and arrange whatever is at hand to protect themselves from the elements.
Starting a fire- Not only arranging wood but starting a fire without a lighter or matches.
Using a compass- A good skill to help them find their way in the wilderness.
Finding and filtering clean water- Knowing how to find and different methods for purifying water.
Basic First Aid- Learning to clean and care for basic emergencies.
How to use a knife-Safely handling and storing
Acquiring food- An important basic wilderness skill, identifying edible plants, making fish traps, and animal traps.
And be sure to grab my free Daniel Boone Lapbook.

Even if you did not grow up this way teaching these skills may appeal to you, but how do you teach what you aren’t skilled in yourself?

Grab some of these resources to help you.

First, I have a Foraging and Feasting Nature Unit Study and Lapbook.

Books for Daniel Boone Unit Study & Survival Ideas

Second, one of my favorite resources to learn anything and about Daniel Boone Exploration are 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

Then learn about how a compass works.

How a Compass Works

Here is a bit of science,

How does this work? A needle is made from steel which contains iron.

When you stroke the needle on the magnet the iron particles are magnetized. It only works temporarily, but you do get to see a cool effect of a needle working like a compass.

The metals iron, steel, nickel and cobalt are magnetic.

Now, a compass works by detecting and responding to the Earth’s natural magnetic fields – always pointing north.

Earth’s core is made of iron that is part liquid and part solid crystal.

The movement of the liquid core produces the earth’s magnetic field.

Now, look at these easy directions in how to make a compass.

How to Make a Compass

You will need:

Small cork
Fine sharpie
A needle
A Small cup
Water
A magnet

The first thing you want to do is slice off a piece of the cork about ¼” thick.

Slide the needle through the center of the cork, it helps to use a pair of needle nose pliers rather than trying to do it with your bare fingers.

Next rub the pointed tip of the needle back and forth across the magnet 25-30 times to magnetize it.

Fill a small jar about ⅔ full of water and place your compass in the water, the needle will point north/south.

You can use a real compass or a compass on your phone to test and be sure which direction is north to prove it.

Use a fine point sharpie to mark North, South, East, and West on the cork.

Place it back into the jar of water.

Remember you will need to re-magnetize it for each use.

Homeschool Literature The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Raft Craft

December 10, 2022 | 1 Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today in 1884 The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn was published and was banned quickly. And because reading should be fun, I have a fun stem raft craft to go along with The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn homeschool literature.

Although the book is on the banned books lists by libraries, it is a book that many homeschoolers read.

If you had to read it in junior high or high school, like me you have preconceived ideas.

Homeschool Literature The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Raft Craft

The book, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn was written by Mark Twain at a time of racism and slavery. It was written pre-Civil War.

And although the folksy language, intentional misspellings and faulty grammar can be hard for a young reader, it can make for great discussions.

But I always encourage parents to read sites like Common Sense Media to get a quick review of books.

Ultimately, you are the one deciding if it’s appropriate for your family or not.

3 Questions for Literature Curriculum For Middle School

In addition, books can make it easier to explain to your children about sensitive subjects.

It gives them a safe environment to discuss their feelings.

Look at these questions which help to further the discussion

For example because Mark Twain uses language which is not appropriate for today what does this teach us about stereotyping.

Also, Jim and Huck have both ran away because of freedom. What is freedom and how are their journeys different?

Third, Huck flees from those who would civilize him. What is social acceptance? Is that a negative or positive thing?

These types of questions allow introductory literary analysis for homeschool literature at an age when your child is ready.

In addition, when you use lower grade level books for middle school, literary elements are easier to highlight.

However, when you add a hands-on element to any literature it makes the reading memorable.

Hands-on Literature Activities

Keep learning about and enjoying the treasure of Mark Twain’s legacy by adding one or more of these activities to the reading of the book:

After reading the book, watch The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn on Amazon or you can also catch it on Disney+.
Have your child locate Missouri on a map where Huck Finn takes place.
Encourage your child to draw a rough map of Missouri and use a blue marker to show where the Mississippi River runs through it.
Mighty Mississippi minibook & Sediment Activity
Build a stem raft (instructions below) and see how much weight it can hold.
Create a book club in your co-op to share thoughts, themed snacks, and read a louds with.

“What’s the use of learning to do right when it’s troublesome to do right and ain’t no trouble to do wrong, and the wages is just the same?”

Besides doing a hands-on activity, you can focus on an author study or do it simultaneously with reading the story.

Mark Twain Facts

Samuel Langhorne Clemens was born on November 30, 1835, in Florida, Missouri.
Huckleberry Finn was based on a real person, an older boy that Twain knew while he was growing up.
Mark Twain, besides being a famous writer, had a career as a riverboat captain.
Twain has no direct living descendants even though he had 4 children. One of his children died as a toddler, two more died in their twenties. And the grandchildren from the fourth child passed away without children.
He quit school after 5th grade to become a printer’s apprentice but continued to love learning throughout his life in the library and through life experiences. He was a big critic of the school system of his time.
It took Twain 7 years to complete The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.

“I don’t want no better book than what your face is.”

More Homeschool Literature Resources

Back when I read The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn I imagined Huck floating down the river, free as a bird on a raft.

I think about this part “One night we catched a little section of a lumber raft—nice pine planks. It was twelve foot wide and about fifteen or sixteen foot long, and the top stood above the water six or seven inches.”

We could assume that their raft was made of small logs lashed together.

But it was actually a lumber raft made of boards.

In spite of that, I think making a rustic raft would be fun.

Too, I really enjoy these Classic Starts versions of the books for younger readers.

Additionally, if a child is struggling with reading a longer version they are perfect since they’re shorter.

Moreover, they have a few black and white illustrations which keeps it interesting.

Further, here are some more literature resources.

Finally, look below at this fun raft stem craft.

How to Make a Huck Finn Raft

You will need:

Small sticks or popsicle sticks
Twine
Bucket or tub
loppers/pruners/trimmers
Water
Rocks or something with weight

First, to create a raft from sticks you first want to gather a bunch together of roughly the same diameter.

Next, decide how wide you want your raft to be. And then cut two of the twigs down to that length, these will be the brace pieces underneath

Third, choose your length and cut enough sticks with the shrub trimmers to go across the width of your brace pieces.

Grab one brace and one of your longer sticks and start wrapping it around both like this.

Add another stick and continue in the same way until you have reached the end. Be sure to move each stick as close together as possible.

Lay your second brace piece underneath the opposite end and lash each cross piece to it.

Tie your ends off tightly and cut off excess.

If you choose to do this activity with popsicle sticks you can build it in pretty much in the same fashion with the two cross pieces underneath but use hot glue to hold it together in place of string.

When your raft is done, float it in a small bucket or tub. Then add a rock or something else with a little heft to it, does it still float? If not this is a great learning opportunity to figure out why.

Medieval Japan Lapbook for Kids and Fun Hands-on Ideas

December 9, 2022 | 1 Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

You’ll love this Medieval Japan lapbook for a fun unit study. I have many more on my Homeschool Lapbooks page.

This Medieval Japan Unit Study and Lapbook covers from 1185 – 1600 A.D.{1185 – 1600 A.D.} or from the end of the Heian Period to the Beginning of Tokugawa {Edo} Period.

Medieval Japan Lapbook for Kids and Fun Hands-on Ideas

Too, you’ll love learning about the culture and geography of Japan.

Include some fun hands-on ideas and this fun Medieval Japan lapbook can turn to a unit study for multiple ages.

Facts and Vocabulary Words about Japan

Too, here are some fun facts about Japan.

Geography features and terms are Pacific Ocean; Sea of Japan, four major islands: Hokkaido, Honshu (largest), Shikoku, Kyushu; typhoons, earthquakes, tsunamis and the Pacific Rim
Typhoon. A typhoon is a strong wind storm with winds in excess of 74 miles per hour creating strong winds and heavy rains.
Tsunamis. Tsunamis are giant waves caused when an earthquake on the ocean floor creates waves up to ten stories high,
Pacific Rim. The Pacific Rim is a great circle of lands bordering the Pacific Ocean. And the Philippines, Indonesia, Australia, Chile, California, Alaska, and Japan are part of the Pacific Rim.
Samurai. A samurai is a Japanese warrior whose duty was to serve and protect his lord or give up his life doing so.

Japan lies east of China, in the direction of the sunrise.

The name Japan comes from the Chinese word ri-ben, which means “origin of the sun” or “land of the rising sun.”

Since ancient times, Japan had borrowed ideas, institutions, and culture from the Chinese people.

Japan’s genius was its ability to take in new ideas and make them uniquely its own.

Too, about 4,000 islands make up the Japanese archipelago or island group which extends in an arc
more than 1,200 miles long.

Most Japanese people have lived on the four largest islands: Hokkaido (hah•KY•doh), Honshu (HAHN•shoo), Shikoku (shee•KAW•koo), and Kyushu (kee•OO•shoo).

Also, add this fun Ancient Japan for Kids: Fun and Simple Handwriting Activity.

More Hands-on History Lapbooks

Also, you’ll love these other history homeschool lapbooks.

Additionally, you’ll love the books below.

Books about Japan

I added some fun resources too.

10 Books and Resources for Studying About Japan

You'll love these resources and books for studying about Japan. Add them to my Medieval Japan Unit Study or just fun for the day.

Samurai: An Illustrated History

This Japanese history book traces the story of a unique historical phenomenon: a period of 700 years--equivalent to the entire stretch of Western history between the reigns of the Crusader king Richard the Lionhearted and of Queen Victoria at the height of the British Empire--during which an enclosed civilization was dominated by a single warrior caste.

The historical narrative of samurai history is supported by explanations of samurai armor, weapons, fortifications, tactics, and customs, and illustrated with nearly 800 fascinating color photographs, maps, and sketches, including ancient scroll paintings and surviving suits of armor preserved for centuries in Japanese shrines.

Samurai Arms, Armour & the Tactics of Warfare

Part of the acclaimed Book of Samurai series, which presents for the first time the translated scrolls of the historical Natori-Ryū samurai school of war, this volume offers an exceptional insight into the weaponry and armour of the samurai era, as well as tactical advice for use on and off the battlefield.

Life in Old Japan Coloring Book

More than 40 handsome, ready-to-color illustrations depict samurai warriors, the imperial villa at Kyoto, a Shinto shrine, a tea ceremony, a Noh play, a typical city street, a restaurant, music makers, more. Introduction and detailed captions describe Japanese culture and provide detailed information on art, government, costume, and daily life.

Japanese Picture Dictionary Coloring Book: Over 1500 Japanese Words and Phrases for Creative & Visual Learners of All Ages

Learning a new language is a new way of meeting new people, opening doors in your professional career and attracting fresh opportunities when traveling around the world, as you may know. The great thing is - whether you want to learn Japanese to visit Japan’s precious historic landmarks, watch anime and movies or simply meet wonderful Japanese people - we’ve got you covered!

All About Japan: Stories, Songs, Crafts and Games for Kids

A cultural adventure for kids, All About Japan offers a journey to a new place--and ways to bring it to life! Dive into stories, play some games from Japan, and learn some Japanese songs.

The Inch-High Samurai

The brave little boy who sailed to the Capital in a teacup and fought a demon with a needle to win the love of a Lady is a Japanese cousin to Tom Thumb.

Commodore Perry the Opening of Japan (Landmark Series, #56)

For more than 200 years Japan had isolated herself from the world - now Commodore Perry, representing the US government had arrived on the shore of Japan. Perry's mission was to open a door into Japan so US ships might stop for fuel & water on their route to China.

3D Puzzle Wooden Craft Kits DIY Model Building Kit

This 3D wooden Puzzle is the oldest tower in Japan and one of the iconic buildings, ancient and elegant.

Japan Tokyo Skyline Famous Architecture Model Block Set

The iconic landmark you love,Build this detailed Japan skyline model!Features an elaborate façade with Tokyo Tower,Tokyo SKYTREE, Mount Fuji,Sensoji Temple,Osaka Castle and more.

Japanese Flower Pavilion Cherry Blossom Bonsai Tree Bricks Kit

Japan Sakura Tree House Building Set consists of 1810pcs + mini-blocks. It includes detailed step-by-step color instructions, and exquisite details of various sizes and color componentsand.

Medieval Japan Lapbook Minibooks

Next, look at the minibooks you get in this free lapbook download.

There are 4 lapbook covers and most of the pages have parts for your child to color. Glue on the outside of your lapbook.
Feudal system layered book.
Japanese fan book to add your own research about the history of the fan or other research.
Japanese Swords minibook. Add the history of the swords from my printed page in the download or add your own information.
Map of Japan to label.
Kimono shaped book to add my printed information on the kimono or add your own.
One page so you can write facts or illustrate information about Japanese women.
Samurai minibook to explain who they were.
Theater minibook. Explain what influence the theater had on the Japanese.

How to Get the Free Lapbook 14 page download

Finally, how to grab the free lapbook and notebooking pages. It’s a subscriber freebie.

That means when you sign up to follow me, you get access my subscribers library and this freebie.

However, not all of my freebies are in the library (wink).

I like to keep up to date with what is valuable to you so I can give you more, some freebies you must sign up again on the form below even if you are already a follower.

It’s the only way I have of freely delivering them to you. Just follow the steps below.

1) Sign up on my list or re-enter your email if you’re a follower because your email is your password.
2) Download the freebie,
3) Last, look for my emails in your inbox. If you’re new, glad to have you following!

Growing a Seed Activity For Kindergarten Science Kids Activity

December 8, 2022 | 1 Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Growing a seed activity for kindergarten science is one of the easiest and delight science experiments with kids. Also, grab my other tips, ideas, and crafts for kindergarten on my page Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum.

A seed activity for kindergarten is a great way to introduce your child to life science.

For this science experiment, I wanted to keep it simple while also letting the kids fully see the seed as it sprouts.

Too, by not being hampered by soil or being tucked inside a paper towel your kids will be amazed at the growing stages.

Growing a Seed Activity For Kindergarten Science Kids Activity

For this seed experiment we are going to investigate if seeds need darkness to sprout.

Begin by explaining that seeds need the proper temperature, moisture, air, and light conditions to germinate.

But they do not require being covered in soil.

Let’s investigate if the light or dark makes a difference.

You can keep activities simple and still learn so much by investigating life around you with your child.

A Seed is Sleepy Activity

In addition, I based this experiment off the book A Seed is Sleepy.

Aa beautiful picture book that is a great science reference book for preschoolers to middle elementary students.

The illustrations are rich and the snippets of information it provides give a lot of great information for young learners.

Also, below you will see a list of some other books you can use as well

Books About Seeds for Kids Science

Even picture books can be used with older learners.

5 Fun Books About Seeds

Children of all ages love activities about seeds. Add a few of these books to your learning day or use as a unit study.

A Seed Is Sleepy: (Nature Books for Kids)

This gorgeous book from award winning artist Sylvia Long and author Dianna Hutts Aston offers children a beautiful and informative look at the intricate, complex, and often surprising world of seeds. Poetic in voice and elegant in design, the book introduces children to a fascinating array of seed and plant facts, making it perfect reading material at home or in the classroom.

Seeds Move!

Every seed, big or small, needs sunlight, water, and an uncrowded place to put down roots. But how do seeds get to the perfect place to grow?

A Seed is the Start

Meet seeds that pop, hop, creep, and explode in this vividly illustrated introduction to the simplest concepts of botany.

From Seed to Plant

With simple language and bright illustrations, non-fiction master Gail Gibbons introduces young readers to the processes of pollination, seed formation, and germination.

Go Seed, Grow!

Through wind, drought, fire, and water, a seed can be one of the most tenacious miracles on the planet. A seed is life, and life always finds a way. Follow how a seed magically beats the odds time and time again, to transform the world.

Then, look at more seed activities here or choose several and make it a great seed unit study.

Hands-on Seed Activities

Make Wildflower Seed Bombs to plant.
Plant a small container with one or two seeds and track the plant’s growth once it bursts out of the soil.
Learn How to Easily Make Fun Seed Tape With Kids.
Check out this tutorial on How to Make a Fun Kids Root Viewer.
Have a Green Bean Investigation.
Figure out How to Easily Garden Plan With Kids Using LEGO to plot it out.
Look at Easy Seed and Gardening Unit Study for Kids to get some more ideas.
Buy several packages of inexpensive seeds and let your child sort, compare, and investigate them. Research the types by looking in books or online to find out what each seed will become.
Another similar experiment to this one is testing what temperature seeds like best to grow in is found at What Temperature Do Seeds Like Best and
Try out the Do Seeds Need Their Coat Experiment.

You can also use the book to investigate other types of seeds besides fruit and vegetables.

Go on a nature walk and collect pinecones, acorns, seed pods, and flowers to investigate.

More Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum

Look at these other resources.

Then, look below at how to do this easy science activity.

Before you begin the experiment, have your child make a hypothesis as to what they think will happen?

Will both sprout? Which will sprout faster?

If they can, write down their answers so they have the opportunity to see their words in print.

Let your child do as much of this as possible so they have ownership in the experiment.

Help your child create a small booklet by stapling together half sheets of paper.

For example, staple down one side to bind to record the different steps in the experiment with words or just their drawings.

Explain that you want to try and keep everything the same in the experiment except for the one thing which is light and dark so that your results are accurate.

Easy Grow a Seed Activity

You will need:

Seeds (radishes are a quick sprouting seed)
2 containers
Black paper
Paper towels
Water

Directions:

Grab two of the same containers, whatever you have laying around will work, cleaned out yogurt containers, paper cups, etc.

Then, fold a paper towel so that it is small enough to fit in the bottom.

Soak the paper towel and place a few seeds on each damp paper towel in your cup.

Cover one cup completely with black construction paper.

Next, place both in a sunny window. Explain that you want to keep everything the same except for one.

Check both every 24 hours.

Usually at this time they are completely or almost dried out so you will need to rewet the paper towels. Take care not to disturb the seeds.

Here is what our experiment looked like at the start.

After 24 hours, there was really no difference yet in either cup.

At 48 hours we could see a tiny sprout bursting out of the seeds which were covered with the dark paper but nothing on the one exposed to light.

After 72 hours there is an obvious sprout from several seeds in the dark cup.

Also, at this point we noticed that one of the seeds in the cup which was covered finally started to germinate but just a tiny bit.

Look how much has happened with the covered seeds after just 3 days.

It’s clear that seeds need the darkness to sprout.

After the experiment is done you can transplant your seedlings to soil for planting in the garden once they are large enough.

handsonhomeschooling

Benefits of Introducing Myths, Legends and Fairytales

About the Lost City of Atlantis

Other Geronimo Stilton Chapter Book Activities

How to Make A Mythical Lost City of Atlantis Diorama

How to Make a Cardboard Castle

Survival Skill Ideas for Kids

Books for Daniel Boone Unit Study & Survival Ideas

How a Compass Works

How to Make a Compass

3 Questions for Literature Curriculum For Middle School

Hands-on Literature Activities

Mark Twain Facts

More Homeschool Literature Resources

How to Make a Huck Finn Raft

Facts and Vocabulary Words about Japan

More Hands-on History Lapbooks

Books about Japan

Medieval Japan Lapbook Minibooks

How to Get the Free Lapbook 14 page download

A Seed is Sleepy Activity

Books About Seeds for Kids Science

Hands-on Seed Activities

More Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum

Easy Grow a Seed Activity

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