history resources

The Benefits Of Using Games That Teach Geography | Review Of Scrambled States

December 19, 2022 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

When teaching history, sometimes you have to come in sideways or use games that teach geography. I have more fun game ideas for teaching history on my history games page.

For example, gameschooling has become one of the most popular methods for teaching your child.

It doesn’t matter if you gameschool exclusively, unschool, use a packaged curriculum, online lessons, or put together unit studies.

Games that teach geography can be added to your day and teach so much through playing and enjoying time together.

The Benefits Of Using Games That Teach Geography | Review Of Scrambled States

First, you can build an entire lesson or even a full unit study around a game.

I’m sharing one of favorite games for learning geography.

Besides geography and history can go hand in hand.

Too, I’m showing you other items and activities to add to keep the lessons going as long as you want.

Everything from movies to books, a few more games, and other items helps to round out a geography or history slant or both.

What is Geography

The word geography comes from the Greek geo, which means “Earth,” and graphy, which means “writing or description.

So, geography means to learn about the Earth’s land its surface, and features including water and air.

However, geography also includes learning about the people of the area, understand landmarks, and appreciating cultural differences

Immediately, you can see a tie in between learning about the natural resources of an area and the people.

Additionally, look at some of these hands-on geography ideas.

Finally, be sure to check out my post on the 100 Best Books From All 50 States

Hands-on Geography

11 AWESOME Ways to Learn Geography (Other Than Labeling a Map)
Make a salt dough US Map or focus on one state at a time.
Homemade Compass. Simple Geography Projects Equals Huge Wow Factors
Edible Geography – Sea Levels
Homeschool Geography – DIY Lava Lamp

If you have been around for any length of time you know I am a fan of these Toobs for Safari Ltd.

This USA Landmarks and Symbols set is perfect for learning about symbolism and important places throughout the United States.

Use them as drawing inspiration, in sensory bins for younger children, as part of a diorama, or use them as game markers.

Fun History Games

Too, look at these games below which can be games that teach geography with history.

In addition, look at these fun books and resources to help U.S. geography more lively.

10 U.S. Geography Resources

If you're looking to teach U.S. geography in a hands-on way, you'll love adding one or two of these resources to your day or study.

The Scrambled States of America Game

Quick! Find a state that ends with the letter A. Now find one that borders Tennessee. Have fun learning about the United States in this madcap game of observation and quick reflexes.

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

Explore every state of the USA from Alabama to Wyoming with these 51 charmingly illustrated infographic maps! Includes an expansive guide to the state flags and US presidents.Discover more than 2,000 facts about the people, cities, nature and historic events that have helped make America what it is today. Ghost towns, swamp tours, the center of the universe… bacon donuts, brainy berries, salmon jerky… The French Fry King, The Mother of Oregon, The Queen of Blues… be inspired by the inventiveness, beauty and diversity of our great nation in this curious collection of fact-filled maps.

National Geographic Kids U.S. Atlas

Kids will have fun learning about each and every U.S. state in this amazing 6th edition atlas, packed with maps, stats, facts, and pictures

The U.S. History Cookbook: Delicious Recipes and Exciting Events from the Past

Who knew history could be so delicious? In The U.S. History Cookbook, you'll discover how Americans have lived and dined over the centuries. This scrumptious survey of periods and events in U.S. history mixes together a delectable batter of food timelines, kid-friendly recipes, and fun food facts.

The United States in 100 Words

How do you sum up a whole country in just 100 words? This striking book takes on the challenge! From amendment to Vegas, each of the carefully chosen 100 words has its own 100-word-long description and beautiful illustration, providing a snapshot of what the USA means to people today: its roots, its values, its culture, and customs. Basically, everything you need to know in a nut shell.

Supertoob: USA,Figure Playsets

This Toob includes figurines of the Lincoln Memorial, Hoover Dam, Liberty Bell, Alamo, Mount Rushmore, Statue of Liberty, Gateway Arch, U.S. Capital, Empire State Building, White House, as well as a flag and an eagle.

Geographic USA Scrunch Map

Easy Storage: Unfold and spread flat when you need it or scrunch it up and store away when you're done. The USA map makes a wonderful addition to your home, office, library, kid's room, classroom or playroom.

States & Capitals Flash Cards for Kids – 50 American State Cards

LEARN STATES & CAPITALS IN A FLASH: Get to know each of the 50 states! How well do you know your home state and neighbors? Perfect for all ages

50 FLASH CARDS: Includes 50 educational flash cards for studying important school subjects such as US Geography and History!

9 LEARNING GAMES: Teach and participate in 9 specially made enrichment activities: Name Games, What's the Motto, Heads Up, Region Round-up, State Trivia and more! Fun symbols

1000-piece USA Map Jigsaw Puzzle & Poster 50 States | Illustrated American Landmarks

Test your geography knowledge with Talking Tables beautifully illustrated 1000-piece USA 50 States Map Jigsaw Puzzle & Poster. This USA Map Puzzle features landmarks from across America! Our Jigsaw Puzzles For Adults make for Fun Indoor Activities and can be framed as Wall Art

Geography from A to Z: A Picture Glossary

Have you ever wondered what a badland is? What about a gulch?
Do you know what an isthmus is? Or a seamount? What about the difference between a plateau and a plain, or a knob and a knoll? Well look no further. This broad introduction to the fascinating world around us explores our planet’s physical features from the highest mountain peak to the deepest ocean trench. The team behind Maps & Globes proves that geography can indeed be an adventure.

As you can see combining geography and history is a natural fit.

Finally, look at how to play the scrambled states of America.

Scrambles States of America

First, The Scrambled States of America is a silly colorful game which introduces states as a game that requires observation and quick reflexes.

You collect the state cards, match them with neighbors, and more.

And you win by familiarizing yourself with the state cards you’re dealt.

Then, you try to be the quickest to respond to action cards like – capital that starts with D or a state that is south of Colorado.

It even comes with a small copy of THE Scrambled States of America Book. Fun.

While this game probably is best for middle to upper elementary. I definitely think that it is still fun for middle school kids.

It is a gentle approach to learning US Geography for anyone that needs to learn or refresh what they already know.

I don’t really have a con for this game except that older kids may feel that it is baby-ish.

However, if they can get past that it’s a great learning tool for the whole family.

How To Upcycle A Monopoly Game History to A Medieval Theme & Free Printables

December 18, 2022 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, how to upcycle a monopoly game history turned medieval monopoly game is a fun twist to learn history. Also, look at the other history games on my page.

Have you ever looked at an old board game in your stash or maybe at a yard sale and think about upcycling it? Me too.

How To Upcycle A Monopoly Game History to A Medieval Theme & Free Printables

So, I took an old unused monopoly game that we had and converted it into a medieval themed version with castles for properties.

Also, I added Safari Ltd Knights and fun cards with references for the time period.

Since, we are learning about the Middle Ages so for this game I decided to make it medieval themed.

However, you could take this idea and make it match any branch of history you want to include in your studies.

These super fun Safari LTD Knights and Dragons have been used for sensory bins, dioramas, block play, counters, and now game pieces.

Teaching Medieval History

Next, look at some of these medieval facts to use in your unit study.

Most of the peasants wore plain clothing which was made from heavy wool to keep them warm in cold weather. The wealthy, of course, wore nicer clothing made from fine wool, velvet, and silk.
Not many people attended school in the Middle Ages. Most peasants learned a job and survival from their parents, apprenticeship, or the guild system.
London’s population went up 500% between the 12th and 14th centuries.
Marriages were often arranged. Noble girls were often married at just 12 years old and the boys at 14.
We got our modern piggy banks from medieval people who had saving accounts termed “pygg” meaning the type of clay the jars they were kept in were made from.
The first castle in England was the Tower of London’s White Tower Castle.
The largest castle in the world is The Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork.

How To Upcycle A Monopoly Game to A Medieval Theme & Free Printables

Hands-on Middle Ages Activities

In addition, look at some hands-on activities.

Medieval Stained Glass Craft
Catapult Stem Challenge
Medieval History for Homeschool Middle School
Medieval Chemistry and Homeschool History – Fun Hands-On Activity
Free Renaissance Lapbook
Free Glass Blowing Lapbook
Da Vinci’s Edible Spine
Da Vinci’s Parachute

Also, here are some rules I want you to know about before you turn a monopoly game board into a medieval themed board.

Monopoly Medieval Themed Board Rules

First, rather than collect Boardwalk, Park Place and the other familiar properties. we are going try to collect Medieval Castles from all over Europe.

Also, try to collect some cool Medieval collections like banners and a library and see who ends up with the most spoils at the end.

I used as much of the board as possible and stuck with the same rules to make it easier to transition to a new game.

The property stickers will fit right under the colors so you can keep them and I made the matching property cards so players can keep track of the properties they own.

You can add a little color to the top of the cards with markers if you like to make it easier to spot them.

The rules are pretty much standard monopoly, including whatever house rules you would like to incorporate.

For example, house rules like whoever lands on free parking gets the money in the center, allowing players to buy property on the first trip around the board.

I have left out houses and hotels to simplify and keep with the time period and I did away with rent on the properties with the exception of when a card is drawn from chance or community chest which requires rent.

Too, grab my other fun history games to add to your learning day.

Fun History Games

Look at them below.

Now, let’s look at how to make the game.

How to Make A Monopoly Game to Medieval Game

You will need:

An old monopoly board
Sticker paper
Cardstock
Knight figures
paper cutter

We are reusing the board, money, and dice.

If you like you can keep the community chest and chance cards to glue your new cards to so that the backing is stronger and will be easy to identify the stack,

If not, you can just write a C for chance or CC for community chest on the back of the card.

First, we painted over the Monopoly in the center.

Later we will add some of the stickers which I included in the printables to decorate it some. Sand it a bit so the paint sticks better. If you like, you can leave the center of the board as is.

Too, each printable I created tells you whether it should be on cardstock or sticker paper.

Use them for creating the new board labels.

Cut out all of your cardstock and sticker pieces, you can use scissors but a paper slicer makes it easier.

Place all your sticker labels on the board/

The collar amounts correspond with the correct spot.

Additionally, free parking is free steed parking.

Socks is jail, go to the stocks is obviously the go to jail spot.

Besides, you can place the Medieval Collections on any of the railroad spots, as well as the two utilities.

How To Upcycle A Monoply Game to A Medieval Theme & Free Printables

Setup your game board just like you would for traditional Monopoly.

And use your knights, dragons, etc. as your moveable tokens.

How To Upcycle a Game History to A Medieval Theme & Free Printables

What a fun way to learn about Medieval times.

Grab the Free Printable Cards and Stickers

Finally, how to grab the pages because 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 printables.

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.
► 2) Go to your inbox and confirm your email from the automatic reply I sent you.
►3) Last, look for my reply AFTER you confirm your email.

Amazing Daniel Boone Explorer Lapbook and Fun Hands-on Unit Study

December 16, 2022 | 2 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

This amazing Daniel Boone Explorer lapbook is such a fun lapbook. It can go with a study of colonial period, American Revolution or French and Indian War. I have many more lapbooks on my Homeschool Lapbooks page.

Daniel Boone is one of the most famous figures in American history, a legendary frontiersman, hunter and explorer credited with opening up the area now known as Kentucky to settlers.

Amazing Daniel Boone Explorer Lapbook and Fun Hands-on Unit Study

And I especially love this excerpt from a 1910 article by Genealogy Bank.

“He found more profit in the woods than in tilling the soil, and for months at a time he was away hunting beaver, otter, bear, deer, wolves and wildcats.

Garbed in hunting shirt of deerskin, with leggings and moccasins of the same material, and with powder horn, bullet pouch, scalping knife and tomahawk, the world afforded him plenty.

The bare ground or the bushes furnished him a bed, and the sky was his canopy. His skill with a gun or in throwing a tomahawk was marvelous. Of Indian fighting he had enough to satisfy.”

5 Benefits of History Lapbooks

But first, there are many benefits to using history lapbooks.

If a child learns visually, a lapbook helps to cement important events in time.
Hands-on learners grasp history points when they interact with mine timelines or maps placed in the lapbook
Because minibooks can be placed in any order in the lapbooks, they can be placed in sequential order if you want your child to understand events
Not all children do well with trying to memorize facts. So, by opening, closing, and folding the minibooks constantly, kids have an interactive way to relate to the historical facts.
Lastly, lapbooks can be as large or as small as your child wants. If the topic has several events or persons, create more flaps. If you want to focus on a narrow topic then your lapbook adjusts to just the right amount of information for your learner.

However, add some more facts about Daniel Boone’s life to your study or lapbook.

Look below for more facts because he was the ultimate explorer.

Daniel Boone Explorer

First, Daniel Boone, a famous hunter from North Carolina, opened up a road through the forest, from the mountains of Eastern Tennessee to the Kentucky River.

It was called the “Wilderness Road,” and over it thousands of emigrants went into Kentucky to settle. Boone, with others, built the fort at Boonesboro, Kentucky, and went there to live

In his long, adventurous life, Boone was an officer in the American Revolutionary War, a captive of the Shawnees, who later adopted him into their tribe.

Also, he was a successful politician.

It was said that when he died in 1820 that all of America mourned.

Additionally, look at my post here 30 Fun Resources for Learning About Daniel Boone.

More Hands-on History Lapbooks

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

Lastly, look below at how to grab this free lapbook.

How to Get the Free Daniel Boone Explorer Lapbook 15 page download

Finally, how to grab the free lapbook. 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 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 because 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.
► 2) Go to your inbox and confirm your email from the automatic reply I sent you.
►3) Last, look for my reply AFTER you confirm your email.

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.
Also, look at Daniel Boone: The Complete Series.

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.

history resources

What is Geography

Hands-on Geography

Fun History Games

Scrambles States of America

Teaching Medieval History

Hands-on Middle Ages Activities

Monopoly Medieval Themed Board Rules

Fun History Games

How to Make A Monopoly Game to Medieval Game

Grab the Free Printable Cards and Stickers

5 Benefits of History Lapbooks

Daniel Boone Explorer

More Hands-on History Lapbooks

How to Get the Free Daniel Boone Explorer Lapbook 15 page download

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

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