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history

Easy Lewis And Clark Map Activity For Young History Buffs (Free Maps)

November 29, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have an easy Lewis and Clark map activity for your budding history buffs. Also, look at my page Lewis and Clark Fun Homeschool Unit Study and Lapbook for more ideas.

Additionally, I have a free map that can be used as an outline to teach younger children, and I share ways you can expand it for older learners. You can download the map at the bottom.

Lewis and Clark along with their team are the ultimate explorers in U.S. history. However, introducing the feat they accomplished on their journey to the Pacific is not easy to present to younger children.

Easy Lewis And Clark Map Activity For Young History Buffs

Even older learners may not have an idea of their trek. This easy hands-on assignment using push pins and a map gives them a chance to touch history and makes their story have meaning.

And by tracing and learning about the expedition, learners understand that history happened in real places.

Too, if you happen to live in an area that Lewis and Clark traveled in or visited an area they trekked, history takes on personal meaning.

LEWIS AND CLARK BOOKS FOR KIDS

Next, I’ve rounded up some living books and other resources for multiple ages.

Add one or two to your home library.

14 Lewis and Clark | Sacagawea Exploration Unit Study Resources

Lewis and Clark is one of the most significant periods in American history and you can spend weeks exploring the lands and people west of the Mississippi with these fun books and resources.

How We Crossed The West: The Adventures Of Lewis And Clark

Appealing art and descriptive text bring Lewis and Clark alive for young adventurers. Carefully chosen text from Lewis and Clark's actual journals opens a fascinating window into this country's exciting history.

National Geographic Readers: Sacagawea

Explore one of the most recognized figures in American history with this biography of Sacagawea. Kids will learn about her crucial role in the Lewis and Clark expedition and her influential legacy.  The level 3 text provides accessible, yet wide-ranging, information for independent readers.

Of Courage Undaunted: Across the Continent with Lewis & Clark

Commissioned in 1803 by President Thomas Jefferson to explore and open up this vast territory, Lewis and Clark felt it was the realization of a lifelong dream. Against the hardships of the wilderness, possible attack by hostile Indians, sudden blizzards and terrifying natural obstacles, these two men led the Corps of Discovery ably and nobly to complete their mission. Their Corps included American Indians from the Sioux, Mandan, Shoshone, Clatsop and Chopunnish tribes. Sacajawea, the only woman on the trip, was a Shoshone woman who contributed invaluable service as interpreter and guide. Daugherty's evocative sepia and black ink illustrations depict individuals of humor, vitality, passion, and strength.

Undaunted Courage: Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson, and the Opening of the American West

From the New York Times bestselling author the definitive book on Lewis and Clark’s exploration of the Louisiana Purchase, the most momentous expedition in American history and one of the great adventure stories of all time.

The Truth About Sacajawea (Lewis & Clark Expedition)

The only book ever written that tells the eyewitness truth about this famous teenage Indian mother who was indispensable to the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

The Journals of Lewis and Clark: 1805: Volume II

On May 14, 1804, the Corps of Discovery set out from Camp Dubois, Illinois, heading westward under the command of Captain Meriwether Lewis and his Second Lieutenant, William Clark. While Lewis led the group in terms of rank, the two men became de facto equals, giving their names jointly to a journey that would shape the future of the fledgling United States — the Lewis and Clark Expedition. This book presents journal entries taken directly from the expedition.

Sacagawea: American Pathfinder

Describes how Sacagawea found adventure guiding Lewis and Clark to the Oregon coast.

Along the Trail with Lewis and Clark (Third Edition): A Guide to the Trail Today

Take Your Own Journey through History on the Lewis & Clark Trail! Follow the journey of the Corps of Discovery from Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello through the Midwest and the Rockies, to the Pacific Ocean and back with this detailed chronicle of the Lewis & Clark Expedition. This third edition of the classic guidebook features accessible text that combines the historical sites and color maps that merge the past and present in a user-friendly and entertaining way.

The Lewis and Clark Expedition (Graphic History)

In this epic graphic novel, follow the dramatic story of  the Lewis and Clark expedition. In 1804, these two explorers, along with their "Corps of Discovery," traversed the unmapped American West, leading to scientific discoveries, interactions with Native nations, and route to the Pacific Ocean. Dramatic illustrations and fast-paced text provide a "you-are-there" experience. With extensive back matter, including a bibliography, extended reading list, glossary, and further Internet sources, young readers will gobble up this action-packed comic book about one of history's most compelling moments.

The Oregon Trail: The Journey Across the Country From Lewis and Clark to the Transcontinental Railroad With 25 Projects

In The Oregon Trail: The Journey Across the Country from Lewis and Clark to the Transcontinental Railroad, readers ages 9 to 12 can delve into the explorations of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark and other explorers. They can learn about the more than half a million people who followed during the nineteenth century. What challenges did these pioneers face on the 2,170-mile journey? How were Native American tribes and nations affected by this mass migration? Primary sources allow readers to feel like a part of the Oregon Trail experience while biographical sidebars will introduce the compelling people who were part of this time in U.S. history. Investigative, hands-on projects and critical thinking activities such as writing a treaty and researching artistic impressions of the Oregon Trail invite readers to further their understanding of life on the trail, early towns and forts, and the Transcontinental Railroad that followed the wagons into new lands and territories that would eventually become states.

Seaman's Journal

A trade paperback edition of the award-winning tale of the journey of Lewis and Clark. When Seaman, a Newfoundland dog, met his new master in August of 1803, he didn't know that he would spend the next three years on an adventure of more than 8,000 miles to the Pacific Ocean and back. Seaman's Journal is based on actual entries in Meriwether Lewis s journal describing Seaman, and it presents an account of the Lewis and Clark expedition as seen from the viewpoint of Lewis s dog. Join Seaman before the trip as preparations take place. Meet the Native American guides and friends they encountered along the way. And read of Seaman s love for Sacajawea, the Shoshone woman whose husband acted as interpreter and guide. Ages 5-8.

The Lewis & Clark Expedition: Join the Corps of Discovery to Explore Uncharted Territory

Describes the expedition led by Lewis and Clark to explore the unknown western regions of America at the beginning of the nineteenth century.

Lewis and Clark for Kids: Their Journey of Discovery with 21 Activities

Following Meriwether Lewis and William Clark’s Corps of Discovery as they navigate the muddy Missouri River and begin a great adventure, this activity book is set against the background of the vast North American continent. It takes children from President Jefferson’s vision of an exploratory mission across a continent full of unique plants and animals through their dangerous and challenging journey into the unknown to the expedition’s triumphant return to the frontier town of St. Louis. Twenty-one activities bring to life the Native American tribes they encountered, the plants and animals they discovered, and the camping and navigating techniques they used. A glossary of terms and listings of Lewis and Clark sites, museums, and related websites round out this comprehensive activity book.

It's Her Story Sacajawea A Graphic Novel

Sacajawea was a brilliant, multilingual Shoshone girl who was torn from her home at a young age. In 1804, she set out with the Lewis and Clark Expedition, acting as an interpreter and guide across hundreds of miles of unmapped land to reach the Pacific Ocean. Almost 200 years later, she became the first Indigenous woman to appear on a US coin. This is her story.

Also, look at these other Lewis and Clark activities.

MORE LEWIS AND CLARK ACTIVITIES

  • Spectacular Lewis And Clark Plants Drawings | 7 Quick Botany Art Lessons
  • What Plants And Animals Did Lewis And Clark Discover on their Famous Trek & Bitterroot Craft
  • 7 Fun Sacagawea Facts For Kids | How To Make Lewis & Clark & Sacagawea Peg Dolls
  • Fun Homeschool Unit Study Ideas | Lewis and Clark Exploration Lapbook
  • Lewis and Clark Expedition Botany 1 and 2 Interactive Minibooks
  • 22 Free Lewis & Clark Activity Posters (You Don’t Want to Miss These)
  • Lewis & Clark – Mighty Mississippi book & Sediment Activity
  • Lewis and Clark:Cooking on the Trail
  • Lewis and Clark Expedition – The Ultimate Guide
  • Lewis and Clark Louisiana Purchase Edible Map
  • Reliving The Past: Lewis And Clark’s Hands-on Experience With Simple Char Cloth
Easy Lewis And Clark Map Activity For Young History Buffs (Free Maps)

Finally, look at how to make this easy map for a visual of the area Lewis and Clark trekked.

LEWIS AND CLARK MAP ACTIVITY USING PUSHPINS

First, look at this easy list of supplies.

  • Large U.S. outline map printed on cardstock (grab this by adding your email at the bottom and you’ll get it instantly)
  • Cork board
  • Push pins
  • String or thin twine
  • Tape (optional, for securing the map to the cork board)
Easy Lewis And Clark Map Activity For Young History Buffs

Prepare the Map: Place the U.S. outline map on top of the cork board. Use tape at the corners if you want it to stay in place while the kids work.

Mark the Starting Point: Find St. Louis, Missouri, on the map.

Easy Lewis And Clark Map Activity For Young History Buffs

Place the first push pin there to mark the beginning of Lewis and Clark’s journey.

Map the Route: Look at a reference map of Lewis and Clark’s expedition.

Easy Lewis And Clark Map Activity For Young History Buffs

Add push pins along the path they traveled as they made their way northwest across the country.

Connect the Path: Tie a slip knot at the end of string and place around the first pin in St. Louis.

Easy Lewis And Clark Map Activity For Young History Buffs (Free Maps)

Then stretch the string from pin to pin, wrapping it around each push pin as kids trace the route all the way to the Pacific Ocean.

Easy Lewis And Clark Map Activity For Young History Buffs (Free Maps)

Review the Journey: Once the route is complete, have kids point out major stops or areas they recognize, and talk about how long and challenging the journey would have been.

LEWIS & MAP IDEAS FOR OLDER LEARNERS

So the outline of the states is an easy enough activity to introduce young history buffs to because it gives them the shape of the U.S.

Plus you can introduce easy cardinal directions.

However, you can expand this activity and use the maps in several ways.

Use the blank map to have your child label the states and also research some landmarks along the way.

For example, Pompeys’ Pillar and Fort Clatsop. And mark rivers and oceans. It gives your older learner a deeper appreciating of the area they explored when they can see how many states were covered.

BENEFITS OF AN EASY LEWIS AND CLARK MAP

Problem-Solving: Following a historical route encourages kids to compare maps, estimate distances, and make logical decisions about where to place pins.

Hands-On Geography: Kids learn U.S. geography in a tactile way by placing pins and following landmarks across the map.

History Connections: Mapping the route helps kids visualize Lewis and Clark’s expedition and understand how far they traveled.

Spatial Awareness: Kids get practice reading maps, understanding direction, and seeing how different regions connect.

HOW TO GET THE TWO FREE PRINTABLE MAPS

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

Easy Lewis And Clark Map Activity For Young History Buffs (Free Maps)

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

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

2) Grab the freebie instantly.

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

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, history, homeschool

Cardboard Crafting: How to Make Your Own Taj Mahal Asian Activity

November 8, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have a fun Asian activity today. The Taj Mahal is one of the most beautiful and recognizable buildings in the world, it is known for its graceful white domes, perfect symmetry, and romantic history. Also, look at my post Free Lapbook India for Kids Who Love Hands-on History for more ideas.

The Taj Mahal is located in Agra, India and was built between 1631 and 1648 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as a tomb for his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal.

It was constructed from gleaming white marble, and decorated with semi-precious gemstones, floral carvings, and elegant calligraphy.

Cardboard Crafting: How to Make Your Own Taj Mahal Asian Activity

The amazing complex features gardens, reflecting pools, and a mosque, all meticulously arranged to represent paradise in accordance with Islamic design principles.

Every detail of the Taj Mahal was created with symbolism and spiritual meaning.

Its perfect symmetry represents the balance and harmony found in both nature and faith.

BOOKS ABOUT INDIA FOR KIDS

Next, look at these books about the Taj Mahal and about India.

We love living books when we can find them.

12 Books About or Set in India for Kids

Grab some of these books about India for your unit study or learning day.

T is for Taj Mahal: An India Alphabet (Discover the World)

From the quiet grandeur of the Himalaya Mountains to the urban city of Calcutta, T is for Taj Mahal: An India Alphabet showcases India's exotic treasures. Visit the haunting Taj Mahal, a tribute from an emperor to his dead wife. Traverse the bustling streets of Mumbai, the second most populated city in the world. Sample a traditional meal fragrant with garam masala spices, or attend a cricket match where some games have lasted up to five days! Varsha Bajaj was born in Mumbai, India. Her book, How Many Kisses Do You Want Tonight?, was named to the 2005 Texas Library Association 2X2 Reading List. Varsha lives in Houston, Texas. Robert Crawford's paintings have appeared on the cover of major magazines such as The Atlantic and U.S. News and World Report, as well as books. He also illustrated Sleeping Bear Press's The Legend of the Old Man of the Mountain. Robert lives in Woodbury, Connecticut.

The Lost Kingdom

Thirteen-year-old Rodmika is well acquainted with the crystal-clear rivers and tangled vines of the Green Jungle. So when his family moves to the other side of the jungle, leaving behind his chance for an education, Rodmika is perfectly suited to find a way to return. As Rodmika searches for a way back to the place of his schooling, he uncovers much more than a path.Set against the backdrop of a lush, untamed Indian rainforest, The Lost Kingdom weaves adventure and mystery into a thrilling tale that will resonate with readers who have a love for exploration and excitement.

Seasons of Splendour: Tales, Myths and Legends of India

A vibrant collection of Indian myths and legends illustrated in beautiful watercolors and told by one of India's sparkling personalities, Madhur Jaffrey.Seasons of Splendour is a richly illustrated treasury of stories about Indian gods and goddesses, kings and queens, princes and demons. Here are engaging and beautifully told tales of Krishna, Ram, and Sita, along with stories based on the Hindu epics the Ramayana and Mahabharata, as well as others of ancient origin with no known source. When Madhur Jaffrey was a young girl growing up in her grandfather’s house in Delhi, storytelling was an integral part of life. After dinner, she would huddle with her cousins and siblings around a seated aunt, grandmother, or mother and listen.

Burying the Moon

In Latika’s village in rural India, there are no toilets. No toilets mean that the women have to wait until night to do their business in a field. There are scorpions and snakes in the field, and germs that make people sick. For the girls in the village, no toilets mean leaving school when they reach puberty.

No one in the village wants to talk about this shameful problem. But Latika has had enough. When a government representative visits their village, she sees her chance to make one of her dreams come true: the construction of public toilets, which would be safer for everybody in her village. 

Rikki-Tikki-Tavi (Illustrated)

Rikki-Tikki-Tavi is the tale of a courageous young mongoose who saves a boy and his family from the evil snakes lurking in the garden.

Aru Shah Series Books 1 - 5 Collection by Roshani Chokshi

Twelve-year-old Aru Shah has a tendency to stretch the truth in order to fit in at school. Whilst her classmates are jetting off to exotic locales, she'll be at home, in the Museum of Ancient Indian Art and Culture where her mother works. Is it any wonder that Aru makes up stories about being royalty.

Malgudi Days

Introducing this collection of stories, R. K. Narayan describes how in India "the writer has only to look out of the window to pick up a character and thereby a story." Composed of powerful, magical portraits of all kinds of people, and comprising stories written over almost forty years, Malgudi Days presents Narayan's imaginary city in full color, revealing the essence of India and of human experience.

Tiger Boy

"One of the new tiger cubs has escaped from the reserve!"When a tiger cub escapes from a nature reserve near Neel's island village, the rangers and villagers hurry to find her before the cub's anxious mother follows suit and endangers them all. Mr. Gupta, a rich newcomer to the island, is also searching--he wants to sell the cub's body parts on the black market. Neel and his sister, Rupa, resolve to find the cub first and bring her back to the reserve where she belongs.The hunt for the cub interrupts Neel's preparations for an exam to win a prestigious scholarship at a boarding school far from home. Neel doesn't mind--he dreads the exam and would rather stay on his beloved island in the Sunderbans of West Bengal with his family and friends.

Boys without Names

For eleven-year-old Gopal and his family, life in their rural Indian village is over: We stay, we starve, his baba has warned. They flee to the big city of Mumbai in hopes of finding work and a brighter future. Gopal is eager to help support his struggling family, so when a stranger approaches him with the promise of a factory job, he jumps at the offer.

?But there is no factory, just a stuffy sweatshop where he and five other boys are forced to work for no money and little food. The boys are forbidden to talk or even to call one another by their real names. Locked away in a rundown building, Gopal despairs of ever seeing his family again.

Homeless Bird: A National Book Award Winner

Like many girls her age in India, thirteen-year-old Koly faces her arranged marriage with hope and courage. But Koly's story takes a terrible turn when in the wake of the ceremony, she discovers she's been horribly misled—her life has been sold for a dowry. Can she forge her own future, even in the face of time-worn tradition? 

Perfect for schools and classrooms, this universally acclaimed, bestselling, and award-winning novel by master of historical fiction Gloria Whelan is a gripping tale of hope that will transport readers of all ages.

India on a Plate!: Indian Food from A to Z

Kids love learning about food, they need to learn their ABC's, and this mouth-watering alphabet book covers both in the most delicious way! From spicy achaar to sweet zafrani pulao, flip through food from every corner of India, for all kinds of occasions.

Where Is the Taj Mahal?

The Taj Mahal may look like a palace, but it's actually a tomb and a lasting testament to one of the world's great love stories. In 1612, Mogul emperor Shah Jahan married Mumtaz Mahal. It had been love at first sight and for nineteen years they were so inseparable that Mumtaz even accompanied Shah Jahan to battlefields. When she died suddenly giving birth to their fourteenth child, the emperor set about building a magnificent memorial to his wife. Everything about the Taj was perfectly planned, from the white marble walls that shimmer in the sunlight and sparkle by moonlight, to the countless decorative flowers made from precious gems that still astound visitors today.

Then, look at more facts about the Taj Mahal.

MORE FACTS ABOUT THE TAJ MAHAL ASIAN ACTIVITY

Its perfect symmetry represents the balance and harmony found in both nature and faith.

The central dome, rising up toward the sky, symbolizes the heavens, while the surrounding gardens are arranged in four parts to represent the four rivers of paradise described in the Quran.

Even the Taj Mahal’s white marble is also symbolic. In Mughal culture, white represented purity, peace, and eternity, which is fitting for a monument dedicated to eternal love.

The light shining across the marble surface changes color throughout the day, glowing pink in the morning, brilliant white at noon, and golden at sunset.

This shifting light mirrors the passage of time and the idea that true beauty shines in every season of life.

Even the reflecting pool has special meaning. It doubles the beauty of the monument and reminds visitors of reflection, peace, and stillness. 

When studying Asia, history, or world architecture, creating your own Taj Mahal model from cardboard is a fun and hands-on way to learn about this magnificent landmark and its connection to the Seven Wonders of the World.

Cardboard Crafting: How to Make Your Own Taj Mahal Asian Activity

Also, look at more Asian activity.

MORE ASIAN ACTIVITIES

  • Learn About Indigenous Animal Geography Fun Activity for Preschool to Elementary
  • Mythical Stories For Kids From Asia | Amazing Yeti Cupcakes
  • 5 Asia Activities For Kids & Free Color by Number Camel
  • Quick and Easy Ancient Chinese Paper making for Kids
  • Free Ancient China Lapbook for Kids Who Love Hands-on History
  • Marco Polo Unit Study and Lapbook
  • Medieval Japan Unit Study and Lapbook
  • How to Make an Easy Bird Craft Fun Paper Plate Peacock

HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN TAJ MAHAL ASIAN ACTIVITY

You will need:

  • Cardboard recycled boxes/cereal boxes
  • Scissors or a utility knife
  • White paint or white paper
  • Styrofoam
  • Glue or tape
  • Markers or metallic pens
Cardboard Crafting: How to Make Your Own Taj Mahal Asian Activity

Choose a large enough piece of cardboard to act as the base to hold your structure, minarets, reflecting pool, and some of the garden, you will cut the rest of your pieces to fit this.

Paint this base green for grass and set it aside.

Cardboard Crafting: How to Make Your Own Taj Mahal Asian Activity

Draw the following pieces out onto cardboard- a long slim rectangle of cardboard for the base , a large square for the main structure of the building, two smaller squares-these will need to fit within the width of your base,  and 4 minarets (domed towers) with two being a bit smaller to add perspective to our layers.

Cardboard Crafting: How to Make Your Own Taj Mahal Asian Activity

Use a utility knife to cut out all your pieces.

Paint everything white and set aside to dry.

Draw in any windows and arches you would like to cut out.

Cardboard Crafting: How to Make Your Own Taj Mahal Asian Activity

While you are waiting on the structure to dry, move on to the landscaping, drawing and cutting out the tall cypress trees that line either side of the reflecting pool, we did the same here, cutting each set slightly smaller to force some perspective.

Paint them green and set aside to dry.

Cardboard Crafting: How to Make Your Own Taj Mahal Asian Activity

If your base is dry, paint a strip down the middle to represent the reflecting pond. We went with a teal color to go along with our inspiration photo up above.

TAJ MAHAL ASIAN ACTIVITY

Once your base is dry glue strips of red cardstock or paint on either side for the walkway. I found this red piece in my stash that was perfect for bricks.

Cardboard Crafting: How to Make Your Own Taj Mahal Asian Activity

Hot glue all the pieces of your structure into place, layering everything to give it dimension. bend pieces of cardboard behind it to make supports and hot glue into place.

Cardboard Crafting: How to Make Your Own Taj Mahal Asian Activity

Cut tall strips of cardboard and paint gold, these will be spires to finish off the onion domes on top of your Taj Mahal.

Cardboard Crafting: How to Make Your Own Taj Mahal Asian Activity

Once these dry hot glue to the tops.

 The final step is to add bits of gold to your structure using a gold paint and paint brush or a gold paint pen.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, history, homeschool

Free The World Of Columbus And Sons Lapbook For Kids Who Love Hands-On Learning

October 13, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have a free lapbook based on a small part of the book The World Of Columbus And Sons. Also, look at my page Homeschool Lapbooks – Powerful Tools For Mastery Learning.

Too, this lapbook is geared toward middle and high school students. And like the book, The World Of Columbus And Sons the lapbook is based on the events during the life of Columbus.

We now have the completed lapbook. And the minibooks are based on the Renaissance events which happened during the The World Of Columbus And Sons.

Free The World Of Columbus And Sons Lapbook For Kids Who Love Hands-On Learning

Besides, Genevieve Foster, author of the book beautifully weaves together the stories of artists, scientists, rulers, and explorers from across the globe during the same time period.

Whether you teach Columbus as villain or friend, you can use the lapbook to teach other subjects like geography and Magellan’s route.

For example, I only have 1 minibook about Columbus.

The other minibooks in the lapbook are the printing press, fall of Constantinople and even about art of the Renaissance period.

Too, I have several notebooking pages that can be folded to add to your lapbook.

THE WORLD OF COLUMBUS AND SONS BOOKS FOR KIDS

Next, look at this list of books for all ages.

The World of Columbus and Sons

 The World of Columbus and Sons offers a unique window into one of the most transformative periods in world history.

The World of Columbus and Sons

This is the story of a wonderful, changing, reawakening world of the Renaissance and Reformation. Measured by the lifetime of Columbus and his sons, this book spans the years from 1451-1539. With Columbus as the central figure of this narrative, readers will also learn the fascinating stories of Prince Henry the Navigator, Ivan III of Russia, Gutenberg, Queen Isabella, Leonardo da Vinci, Mohammed II, the African ruler Nomi Mansa, Martin Luther, Erasmus, Albrecht Dürer, Copernicus, Michaelangelo and many others.

Columbus

As is their custom, the d'Aulaires have thoroughly researched their subject in order to provide the most historically accurate account of the life of the man Samuel Eliot Morrison called "the greatest mariner that ever lived." In their pursuit, the d'Aulaires traveled to Spain, Portugal, and the Caribbean Islands to research original documents on the life of Columbus. Their text reflects many little-known facts not generally included in the typical biographies of Columbus. Readers will learn that it was the saga of Leif Erickson that was one of the inspirations for Columbus's voyage to the East. They will also learn that Columbus was such a skilled astronomer that he knew the exact date when the next eclipse of the moon was and used that knowledge to his advantage. They will also learn that though "Columbus was a great man, he was not a modest man. He wanted too much, and so he did not get enough" (54).

Where Do You Think You're Going, Christopher Columbus?

Christopher Columbus thought he knew where he was going. He had planned to be the first to cross the ocean and reach the rich lands of the Indies. And when he returned to Spain, he insisted to everyone who would listen that he'd succeeded. But that wasn't exactly true. Little did Columbus know that his mistake would come to be known as America!

Encounter (Voyager Books)

When Christopher Columbus landed on the island of San Salvador in 1492, what he discovered were the Taino Indians. Told from a young Taino boy’s point of view, this is a story of how the boy tried to warn his people against welcoming the strangers, who seemed more interested in golden ornaments than friendship. Years later the boy, now an old man, looks back at the destruction of his people and their culture by the colonizers.

In addition, look at these other activities for learning about the time that Columbus lived in.

OTHER ACTIVITIES DURING COLUMBUS LIFETIME

  • Renaissance Unit Study
  • Glass Blowing Unit Study
  • 7 Awesome Renaissance Events & Easy Goblet Craft
  • The Journey Through Time Book And Knights Armor Engraving Fun Kids Craft
  • Renaissance Inventors: How To Make A Fascinating Da Vinci Submarine Craft
  • Dragon Unit Study Ideas and Salt Dough Dragon Craft
  • How To Make A Kids Easy Medieval Stained Glass Window
Free The World Of Columbus And Sons Lapbook For Kids Who Love Hands-On Learning

Then, look at the minibooks and notebooking pages I’ve included in this free lapbook.

FREE MINIBOOKS

I released minibooks gradually over my 5 day series, 5 Days of Learning Printables:The World of Columbus and Sons Day 1 For Middle and High School..

However, I have all the minibooks from the 5 day series in this 1 download.

  • Two outside front cover pages for your lapbook. One is color and one is black/white.
  • English Seaport During Middle Ages – Everyday Life
  • Johannes Gutenberg Print Press Notebooking page AND second notebooking page with answers filled in. Look at my post How to Turn Boring Worksheets into Fun Minibooks – From Boring to Interactive.
  • Fall of Constantinople notebooking page AND second notebooking page with answers filled in.
  • Prince Henry The Navigator notebooking page with map.
  • Ships 1400 to 1600 notebooking page
  • Italian Renaissance Art – Sandro Botticelli notebooking pages 3 pages of art Primavera or Allegory of Spring, Adoration of Magi, Virgin and Child, Pallas and the Centaur and Birth of Venus.
  • The Medici: Patrons of the Renaissance
  • The War of the Roses
  • Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand of Aragon – United Spain
  • Who was Marco Polo?
  • World According to Ptolemy
  • Spanish Inquisition
  • The Battle of Bosworth
  • City of Granada notebooking page
  • Alhambra notebooking page
  • Renaissance Geography
  • States of Italy map

USE AS NOTEBOOKING PAGES OR LAPBOOKING

Additionally, I have way more pages than fit in one lapbook. One teen did a notebook and another did a lapbook.

You have the flexibility to use this how your teen wants to. And I do believe you can add in some of your younger children for some of the pages.

Next, if you don’t want the whole lapbook and only certain minibooks, look at my 5 days series.

Day 1.
5 Days of Learning Printables:The World of Columbus and Sons Day 1 For Middle and High School.
Day 2.
5 Days of Learning Printables:The World of Columbus and Sons Day 2 For Middle and High School.
Day 3. 
5 Days of Learning Printables:The World of Columbus and Sons Day 3 For Middle and High School.
Day 4.
5 Days of Learning Printables:The World of Columbus and Sons Day 4 For Middle and High School.
Day 5.
5 Days of Learning Printables:The World of Columbus and Sons Day 5 For Middle and High School.

HOW TO GET THE FREE THE WORLD OF COLUMBUS & SONS LAPBOOK

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

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

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The World Of Slimy Insects: Snails Versus Slugs Unique Comparison

October 12, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Most kids love slimy insects like snails, slugs, worms and grubs. They find them endlessly fascinating to observe, poke, capture in jars, sometimes in pockets, and squeal in delight to. Also, look at my page Free Kids Insect Unit Study for more ideas.

If you’ve ever walked outside after a rainy day, you may have spotted slimy little creatures crawling on the ground or across a leaf.

Sometimes it’s a snail carrying its spiral shell, and sometimes it’s a slug, which looks a lot like a snail but without the shell.

The World Of Slimy Insects: Snails Versus Slugs Unique Comparison

First, let’s explore what makes slugs and snails the same and then what makes them different, and of course, why both are fascinating creatures.

After that, we are going to design our own adorable little snails from an egg carton that turns a science lesson into an art lesson.

BOOKS ABOUT MOLLUSKS FOR KIDS

8 Books About Mollusks

Add some of these books to your home library or to your unit study for the day.

About Mollusks: A Guide for Children

The book uses simple, easy-to-understand language to teach children what mollusks are, how they look, how they move, what they eat, and where they live. The beautifully detailed, realistic paintings of noted wildlife illustrator John Sill introduce readers to a variety of mollusks—from the small garden snail to the giant Pacific octopus. An afterword provides more details about the animals in the book.

Giant Squid (Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Honor (Awards))

The giant squid is one of the most elusive creatures in the world. As large as whales, they hide beyond reach deep within the sea, forcing scientists to piece together their story from those clues they leave behind.An injured whale's ring-shaped scars indicate an encounter with a giant squid. A piece of beak broken off in the whale's belly; a flash of ink dispersed as a blinding defense to allow the squid to escape-- these fragments of proof were all we had . . . until a giant squid was finally filmed in its natural habitat only two years ago.In this beautiful and clever nonfiction picture book about the giant squid, Candace Fleming and Eric Rohmann explore, both visually and poetically, this hidden creature's mysterious life.

Matisse's Magical Trail

A young snail's artistic trail inspires a whole class of children to be creative too!

The snail's spell

"Brilliant illustrations and a short text invite an unnamed sleeping, pajama-clad child into a garden teeming with wildlife. The boy gradually shrinks until he is so small he experiences things as a snail would. The incredibly detailed drawings and the idea of shrinking to enter another world should capture children's imaginations

Escargot

Escargot is an adorable French snail who only wants two things: 1) To be your favorite animal, and 2) To eat the delicious salad at the end of this book. Except this delicious salad has a carrot in it. And Escargot hates carrots. But when he finally tries one―with a little help from you!―he realizes that it’s not so bad after all.

The Snail House

Here is the story Grandma tells one evening on her wide veranda steps. It has Michael and Hannah and the disappearing baby in it, a tigerish bird, raindrops like sacks of water, and the hugest apple you ever saw. Oh yes . . . and the Snail House. So gather round, climb up now into Grandma’s lap. Darkness is falling, the air is still, and the story is just about to begin.

Snail in the woods (A Nature I can read book)

A snail's life from the time it is hatched to the time it lays its own eggs.

The Biggest House in the World

A young snail dreams of having the biggest house—or shell—in the world. Then one day, his wise father tells him the story of another snail with the same dream. He grew and grew, adding bright colors and beautiful designs, until he found that his house came at a terrible cost. The young snail decides that a small, easy-to-carry shell might be best for a life of adventure and exploration.

Next, look at these facts about slimy insects.

5 SLIMY INSECT FACTS

  1. Some snails can live on land, while others live in water-there are more than 40,000 species of snails in the world.
  2. Slugs and snails have thousands of tiny teeth. They don’t chew like people do. Instead, they use a special tongue called a radula, which works like a rough file to scrape or cut up food.
  3. The biggest land snail, the Giant African Land Snail, can grow as long as a loaf of bread!
  4. Slugs and snails both have tentacles on their heads. The longer pair has eyes at the tips, while the shorter pair helps them smell and feel.
  5. Their slime isn’t just gross—it’s useful! It helps them stick to surfaces and even crawl upside down.
The World Of Slimy Insects: Snails Versus Slugs Unique Comparison

Also, look at the similarities and differences between slugs and snails.

SIMILARITIES BETWEEN SLUGS AND SNAILS

They have a family connection– Slugs and snails are both gastropods, which is a fancy word that means “stomach-foot.” That’s because they crawl using a big, muscular foot located on the underside of their body.

They both leave slime trails– Both leave behind a trail of slime or mucus. This helps them move smoothly over rough surfaces and keeps their bodies from drying out.

They are moisture lovers– They both need damp places to survive because their skin can dry out easily. That’s why you usually see them after rain or in shady gardens.

They share favorite foods–  Slugs and snails both munch on plants, fruits, vegetables, and even decaying leaves. Gardeners often have to watch out for them, because they can nibble on lettuce and strawberries.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SLUGS AND SNAILS

Shell or No Shell- Snails carry a coiled shell on their back. They use it as a home and protection from predators. If danger comes, a snail can pull its body inside the shell. Slugs don’t have a visible shell. Without one, they have to hide under rocks, soil, or leaves to keep safe and stay moist.

Size and Shape- Snails often look bulkier because of their shell. Slugs are slimmer and can squeeze into smaller spaces, like under bark or into tiny garden cracks.

Speed- Neither slugs nor snails are very fast (there’s a reason we say something is moving “at a snail’s pace”). But without a shell to carry, slugs can sometimes move a little quicker.

Protection- Snails have their shells as natural armor. Slugs rely on camouflage and staying hidden. Their soft bodies make them more vulnerable.

MORE SLIMY INSECT CRAFTS & ACTIVITIES

  • How Do Mollusks Breathe | Easy Pipe Cleaner Snail Craft
  • Slug Printable Craft
  • Preschoolers and toddlers will adore this cute Polka Dot Snail Craft Idea for Spring.
  • Make Air Dry Clay Sea Slugs – Colorful Art Project for Kids to learn about aquatic slugs
  • Get hands-on with some science in the Slimy Slug Races- Why Do Slugs Have Slime?
  • Craft a colorful Cereal Box Snail Puppet to play with.
  • This Snail Sock Craft is a fun way to use up mismatched socks.

Finally, look at how to make this an egg carton craft of a snail.

COLORFUL EGG CARTON SNAIL

You will need:

  • Cardboard egg carton
  • Pipe cleaners
  • Watercolor paints
  • Paint brushes
  • Google eyes
  • Hot glue or tack glue
The World Of Slimy Insects: Snails Versus Slugs Unique Comparison

First, cut out as much of the “cup” of the egg carton as you can, trim it so the bottom is smooth and even.

The World Of Slimy Insects: Snails Versus Slugs Unique Comparison

Let your child use their imagination to paint their snail natural or fanciful colors with watercolor paints and brushes. You can also use regular craft paints. We just love the wash of watercolor on the cardboard.

The World Of Slimy Insects: Snails Versus Slugs Unique Comparison

Set aside to dry.

Bend a pipe cleaner in half, leaving a loop at one end and twisting it from the loop to about ½” to 1” from the end.

The World Of Slimy Insects: Snails Versus Slugs Unique Comparison

Bend the loop end and hot glue it to the underside of the snail shell.

The World Of Slimy Insects: Snails Versus Slugs Unique Comparison

Now glue googly eyes in place on each of the antennae.

The World Of Slimy Insects: Snails Versus Slugs Unique Comparison

That’s it, you now have the cutest little snail or two to play with as you learn all about them.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: crafts, hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, history, homeschool

How To Make A Greek Theatre Mask With Kids

October 11, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Let’s take a simple paper plate and learn how to make a Greek theatre mask with kids as we learn about the ancient time period. Also, look at my page Fun Ancient Greece Homeschool Unit Study and Lapbook and look at my second free Ancient Greece Lapbook for more ideas.

Making a Greek theater mask is a fun and educational craft that connects kids to ancient history and drama. Greek masks were bold, expressive, and exaggerated because they helped actors show emotions clearly in large amphitheaters.

In ancient Greek plays, masks represented stock characters like heroes, villains, gods, or ordinary people and also exaggerated emotions like joy, anger, sorrow, fear.

How To Make A Greek Theatre Mask With Kids

Greek theater masks were not made from paper plates like the ones we use today, instead, ancient craftsmen created them from lightweight, natural materials.

Because the masks were worn for long performances, they needed to be light enough for actors to carry without tiring. Artists painted them with bold colors so the expressions were easy to see from far away.

Unfortunately, since these materials were not very durable, none of the original masks have survived. What we know about them comes from ancient pottery, sculptures, and written descriptions.

KIDS BOOKS ABOUT ANCIENT GREECE

First, look at these books about Ancient Greece.

I prefer living books when I can find them.

8 Living History Books about Ancient Greece

You'll love this roundup of living history books about Ancient Greece.

D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths

In print for over fifty years, D'Aulaires Book of Greek Myths has introduced generations to Greek mythology—and continues to enthrall young readers. Here are the greats of ancient Greece—gods and goddesses, heroes and monsters—as freshly described in words and pictures as if they were alive today. No other volume of Greek mythology has inspired as many young readers as this timeless classic. Both adults and children alike will find this book a treasure for years to come. “For any child fortunate enough to have this generous book . . . the kings and heroes of ancient legend will remain forever matter-of-fact; the pictures interpret the text literally and are full of detail and witty observation.”—The Horn Book

Ancient Greece for Kids Through the Lives of its Philosophers, Lawmakers, and Heroes (History for Kids - Traditional, Story-Based Format)

The suggested reader age for this book is 8 to 14 years old. To write this book, I went back to Herodotus, Plutarch, Diogenes Laertius, and other ancient sources of biographical anecdotes, and extracted from them the stories that will be most memorable to a modern kid. I retold them without adding any fictional color. I have omitted some things, however. Anything gruesome or seriously cruel is not included. Anything off-color, or outside traditional-family-friendly morality is not included. I have included only accounts of the most major battles, and without much detail. Battles are important, but as a kid - maybe as a girl - I was falling asleep over the ancient battles. Politics: Again, I have included only major turns of events.

I wove the information about the social order and geography of Ancient Greece into the stories of the era's historical figures. So, no worries, the kid will learn about the Agora and Acropolis of Athens, the city-states of Corinth and Sparta, daily life in an Ancient Greek household, the major Greek temples, and the three orders of Ancient Greek architecture. This book is richly illustrated. I don't agree that if you are 13 or 16 you should be content with pages and pages of text and no pictures. Illustrations help both kids and grownups to visualize - and therefore to remember - events and descriptions. I have illustrated the book mostly with paintings portraying historical figures or everyday life in classical Greece. Whenever I could, I chose late 19th century and early 20th century art over the older neoclassical paintings for a more accurate representation of the Ancient Greek costume and environment.

The Iliad for Boys and Girls

The Iliad is typically described as one of the greatest war stories of all time. Set during the Trojan War, this timeless poem vividly conveys the horror and heroism of men and gods wrestling with towering emotions and battling amid devastation and destruction. Homer's tale is a compassionate view of human life lived under the shadow of suffering and death in the face of an often uncaring divinity.

Archimedes and the Door of Science (Living History Library)

Jeanne Bendick, through text and pictures, admirably succeeds in bringing to life the ancient Greek mathematician who enriched mathematics and all branches of science. Against the backdrop of Archimedes' life and culture, the author discusses the man's work, his discoveries and the knowledge later based upon it. The simple, often humorous, illustrations and diagrams greatly enhance the text.

The Great Philosophers: Socrates, Plato & Aristotle - Ancient Greece - 5th Grade Biography - Children's Biographies

You have probably heard about Socrates, Plato and Aristotle. When it comes to ancient minds who created foundations in philosophy, science, and math, these three names would automatically come up. But what exactly did they do to warrant immense respect and admiration? Well, your fifth grader will soon find out from this biography book.

Marathon Looks on the Sea

Illustrated by Erwin Schachner. The story of the Battle of Marathon and how it determined the future of Athens.

Life in Ancient Athens (Picture the Past)

What was it like to live in Ancient Athens? All the people who lived in ancient Greece spoke the same language and worshipped the same gods and goddesses. But they all lived in different city states a city and the land around it that it controlled. These city states were all run differently, and there were often fights between them. Despite their differences, there were things that united the city states. Find out more in this exciting title.

Growing Up In Ancient Greece (Growing Up In series)

Describes daily life in ancient Greece, discussing life in the city, life in the country, school, ceremonies and festivals, food, and other aspects

Next, look at these fun facts about Greek masks.

7 COOL FACTS ABOUT GREEK THEATER MASKS

  1. They were exaggerated on purpose- The eyes, mouths, and expressions were oversized so that even audience members sitting at the very back of the amphitheater could see what was happening on stage.
  2. They showed emotions clearly. Masks helped the audience instantly recognize whether a character was happy, sad, angry, or fearful. This was especially important in tragedies and comedies, where emotions were the heart of the story.
  3. One actor played many roles. In ancient Greek theater, there were only a few actors on stage. They switched masks to display a new character, which allowed one performer to play both a hero and a villain, or even a man and a woman.
  4. The masks were made from lightweight material. Ancient masks were usually made from linen, wood, cork, or stiffened leather, then painted. Unfortunately, none of the original masks have survived because the materials were not durable. We only know what they looked like from paintings, pottery, and descriptions.
  5. The open mouths may have worked like a microphone- Some historians believe the wide-open mouths of the masks helped project sound, making the actors’ voices louder in the large, echoing amphitheaters. They also helped express emotion as well.
  6. They symbolized comedy and tragedy- The two classic masks we often see today,a smiling face and a sad face, come directly from Greek theater. They represent the two main types of plays: comedies, which are lighthearted and funny, and tragedies, which are serious and sad.
  7. They inspired later theater traditions- The use of masks spread to Roman theater and influenced forms of drama around the world, including Italian commedia dell’arte and even some styles of Japanese Noh theater.

    Next, look at these hands-on Ancient Greek activities.

    ANCIENT GREEK CRAFTS AND ACTIVITIES TO TRY

    • Great Minds Of The Past: List Of Ancient Greek Philosophers & How to Make A Wreath
    • Fun Ancient Greece Activities To Learn From The Great Minds
    • Hands-On Ancient Greece Study: Politics and Pottery
    • 9 EASY and Fun Hands-on Ancient Greece Kids Activities
    • Ancient Greece (Hands-on Science)
    • Free Ancient Greece Go Fish Game – Ancient Greece Unit Study
    • Ancient Greece Unit Study Play Stomachion Like Archimedes {Explore Geometry}
    • Hands-on Activity Ancient Greece Chariot
    • Ancient Greece Hands-on Activity Refraction
    • Beware of Greeks Bearing Gifts – Great Big List of Ancient Greece Freebies
    • 13 Living History Books about Ancient Greece
    • Cursive and Free Greece Copywork Poetry
    • Geronimo Stilton The Race Against Time Build a Fun Greek Water Clock
    • Easy Hands-on Fun Ancient Greek Games for Kids DIY Knucklebones
    • How to Make a Trojan Horse Craft | Fascinating Trojan Horse History
    • Geronimo Stilton Race Against Time And Make Pottery Like Ancient Greeks
    • Free Greek Mythology Unit Study and Greece Lapbook & Fun Hands on LEGO Zeus
    • How to Make a Cool Greek Mythology Triorama With Kids
    How To Make A Greek Theatre Mask With Kids

    Finally, look at how to make a Greek theater mask.

    HOW TO MAKE A GREEK THEATER MASK FROM A PAPER PLATE

    You will need:

    • Paper plate or cardboard base
    • Scissors
    • Penci
    • Glue or tape
    • Paint, crayons, or markers
    • Construction paper or tissue paper

    First, have your child choose a character or emotion to portray with their mask. Sketch out basic eye and mouth shapes.

    How To Make A Greek Theatre Mask With Kids

    Fold the plate in half and then open it, with the “back” of the plate facing you.

    Cut the eyes out, be sure they are large enough for your child to see through.

    For an open-mouth “speaking” look that is common in Greek theater masks, cut an oval for the mouth.

    How To Make A Greek Theatre Mask With Kids

    Build up noses, eyebrows, hair, beard, and lips by cutting out pieces of folded paper or cardboard scraps.

    How To Make A Greek Theatre Mask With Kids

    Glue these in place to add more dimension to your mask.

    How To Make A Greek Theatre Mask With Kids

    Use over-exaggerated expressions- make smiles very wide or frowns very deep, since ancient masks needed to be seen from a distance.

    You can either paint on the mask or glue on pieces of construction paper, yarn, or tissue paper for hair, beards, or laurel wreaths. Use bright or dark, contrasting colors so the face is clear from a distance.

    Make curly hair by wrapping paper strips around a pencil.

    How To Make A Greek Theatre Mask With Kids

    Then glue them into place.

    How To Make A Greek Theatre Mask With Kids

    Tape an elastic string to both sides so the mask can be worn. Or attach a craft stick to the bottom to hold it up in front of the face.

    Once the masks are finished, encourage your child to perform short scenes or read lines from a Greek play.

    Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: crafts, greek, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, history, history resources

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