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How To Make A Desert Diorama With Free Printables

June 9, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I’m showing you how to make a desert diorama with a free printable desert diorama you can download.

Creating a desert diorama is a fun hands-on activity that combines art and science.

It sparks creativity while reinforcing key lessons in ecosystems and geography. And a desert biome offers a perfect blend of beauty and fascinating life forms.

How To Make A Desert Diorama With Free Printables

For instance, you can learn about ecosystems, food webs and climate.

Too, learning about the various deserts around the world is a fun way to learn geography.

Personally, I like them with unit studies since you can learn about the flora and fauna along with geography.

DESERT BOOKS FOR KIDS

Also, add some of these books about the desert so you child can explore which deserts interest him.

I have plenty of books below that your child can choose from.

18 Desert Books & Resources for Kids Who Love Reading and Being Read To

Add some of these living books and references books about the desert to your library.

The Seed & the Giant Saguaro

Children's reader on the subject of deserts and what lives there Large book with very large kid friendly illustrations

Cactus Hotel (Rise and Shine)

It is another hot day in the desert. Birds and other animals scurry about looking for food. When they get tired they stop to rest at a giant cactus. It is their hotel in the desert!Many different animals live in the cactus hotel. It protects them; and they protect it, by eating the pests that could harm the cactus.The cactus grows larger and larger and will live for about two hundred years. When one animal moves out, another moves in. There is never a vacancy in the cactus hotel.This story--about a desert, a giant cactus, and the animals who live in it--is one that even the youngest child will understand and enjoy.

Desert Giant: The World of the Saguaro Cactus

A venerable saguaro cactus stands like a statue in the hot desert landscape, its armlike branches reaching fifty feet into the air. From a distance it appears to be completely still and solitary--but appearances can be deceptive. In fact, this giant tree of the desert is alive with activity. Its spiny trunk and branches are home to a surprising number of animals, and its flowers and fruit feed many desert dwellers. Gila woodpeckers and miniature elf owls make their homes inside the saguaro's trunk. Long-nosed bats and fluttering white doves drink the nectar from its showy white flowers. People also play a role in the saguaro's story: each year the Tohono O'odham Indians gather its sweet fruit in a centuries-old harvest ritual.

Where Is the Sahara Desert?

Imagine over three million square miles of sand dunes that are as tall as a ten-story building. That place is real -- it's the Sahara Desert! Vast, yes! And home to fascinating creatures such as ostriches and fennec foxes as well as amazing plant life. The shallow roots of the mesquite tree can grow almost 200 feet across to absorb water. Readers will also learn about the famous trade routes of the past with caravans of up to 10,000 camels, European explorers to the region (some very unlucky ones), and native populations like the Berber and Tuareg, the faces of the men are blue from the dye in the veils they always wear.

Where Is Antarctica?

Antarctica, the earth's southernmost continent, was virtually untouched by humans until the nineteenth century. Many famous explorers journeyed (and often died) there in the hope of discovering a land that
always seemed out of reach. This book introduces readers to this
desert--yes, desert!--continent that holds about 90 percent of the
world's ice; showcases some of the 200 species that call Antarctica
home, including the emperor penguin; and discusses environmental dangers to the continent, underscoring how what happens to Antarctica affects the entire world.

A Desert Scrapbook: Dawn to Dusk in the Sonoran Desert

In the early morning hours, an artist stirs. Gathering her paints and notebook, she heads into the Arizona Sonoran Desert to explore its treasures. Sketching, painting, and writing, she records all that she sees and as night falls, she spreads out her pictures to make this scrapbook of her day, from dawn to dusk.

This Place Is Dry: Arizona's Sonoran Desert

Surveys the living conditions in Arizona's Sonora Desert for the people and unusual animals that live there. Also describes the engineering accomplishment of Hoover Dam.

Desert Solitaire

In Desert Solitaire, Edward Abbey recounts his many escapades, adventures, and epiphanies as an Arches National Park ranger outside Moab, Utah. Brimming with arresting insights, impassioned arguments for wilderness conservation, and a raconteur’s wit, it is one of Abbey’s most critically acclaimed works.   Through stories and philosophical musings, Abbey reflects on the condition of our remaining wilderness, the future of a civilization, and his own internal struggle with morality. As the world continues its rapid development, Abbey’s cry to maintain the natural beauty of the West remains just as relevant today as when this book first appeared in 1968.

Coyote Raid In Cactus Canyon

While the rest of the animals hide from view from a group of rambunctious coyotes, the fearless gang takes full advantage of the open space of Cactus Canyon and participates with great zeal in an array of nighttime activities, but an unexpected encounter with a rattlesnake quickly puts an end to the coyotes fun as they are sent running for cover, too!

Roxaboxen

Marian called it Roxaboxen. There across the road, it looked like any rocky hill—nothing but sand and rocks, and some old wooden boxes. But it was a special place. And all children needed to go there was a long stick and a soaring imagination.

Why Oh Why Are Deserts Dry? All About Deserts

n this latest installation of the Cat in the Hat's Learning Library, the Cat takes Sally and Dick to explore different kinds of deserts around the world,  from the hot, dry Sonoran and Mojavi to the bitter cold Gobi and Antarctica. Young readers learn why deserts are dry, and how plants and animals—including cactus, kangaroos, camels, penguins, roadrunners, and many others—have adapted to survive the unforgiving climate. Also included: how sand dunes are formed; the reason we see mirages, and how shallow water beneath the surface of the ground can create an oasis. Fans of the new PBS preschool science show The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That! (which is based on the Learning Library series) won't want to miss this hot new addition to the series!

One Day in the Desert

‘A wounded mountain lion moves from his mountain habitat to a Papago Indian hut in Arizona’s Sonoran desert during a record-breaking July day. All creation adapts to the blistering heat until a cloudburst causes a flash flood. With a measured yet vivid style, this introduction to desert ecology makes a memorable impact."

Deserts

This intriguing yet simple description will captivate young readers who have an interest in the unfamiliar.

A Walk in the Desert (Biomes of North America)

Take a walk through the desert. This hot, dry biome of the southwest is full of life. How do plants and animals of the desert live? As you wander through the desert, discover how each and every plant and animal relies on the others to live and grow.

Wildlife of the Southwest Deserts

Learn about the fascinating creatures of the desert Southwest including: Venomous Animals Insects and Arthropods Rattlesnakes, Lizards, Desert Tortoise The Roadrunner and other Birds Bighorn Sheep, Kit Fox, Coyote.

Indian Uses of Desert Plants

Now in its fourth edition, this is a beautiful book with both historical and contemporary images showing the most important plants used by Native Americans. Medicinal, food resources, tools and shelter are just some of the uses discussed. Plants shown and described are among the most widespread plants in the desert Southwest.

Desert Snakes

Learn all about desert snakes with the beautiful book by James W. Cornett.

The Namib Desert

An excellent introduction to the natural history of the Namib Desert of southwest Africa. At its heart, second only to the Atacama Desert of Chile and Peru as the driest place on Earth. Also, it is the oldest desert on our planet and the only desert with a megafauna including elephant, giraffe, and rhinoceros. The lofty orange dunes, highest in the world, are also shown and discussed.

Next, look at more activities to go with this free printable desert diorama.

MORE HANDS-ON DESERT ACTIVITIES

  • How To Create An Engaging Desert Sensory Bin For Hands-On Play
  • Check out these 8 Desert Craft Ideas | How To Make Egg Carton Cactus to focus a bit on the flora of the desert biome.
  • 7 Desert Crafts For Kids: How To Make A Clay Cactus Jewelry Holder
  • Exploring Edible Cactus: Hands-on Learning (The Desert)
  • Easy Desert Animal Crafts And A Scorpion Creation
  • Explore 3 completely different desert habitats and learn How to Make A Desert Triorama About the Gobi, Sahara, & Antarctica to display the flora and fauna of each.
  • While you are learning about snakes of the desert here is a fun craft Celebrate Snakes | How To Make A Fake Snakeskin Snake Craft Preschool to learn about this aspect of snakes.
  • Make a Hygrometer: Day 1 Hands-on Learning (Humidity in the Desert)

How To Make A Desert Diorama With Free Printables

Finally, grab the free printable desert diorama.

HOW TO GET THE FREE DESERT DIORAMA WITH FREE PRINTABLES

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.

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: Uncategorized Tagged With: desert, diorama, habitat, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool, science

How To Make A Simple Sea Urchin Craft: Echinoderms For Kids

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

There are many great crafts and activities to learn about echinoderms for kids. Also, look at my page Oceans Unit Study and Lapbook.

Have you ever wondered about the incredible creatures that live in the big, blue ocean? Well, let’s dive into the fascinating world of echinoderms.

Echinoderms are a group of sea animals that have some really unique features, setting them apart from all other life in the ocean.

How To Make A Simple Sea Urchin Craft: Echinoderms For Kids

Echinoderms are marine animals, meaning they spend their entire lives in saltwater environments.

They can be found in all sorts of ocean habitats, from shallow tide pools to the deepest parts of the sea.

The name “echinoderm” comes from Greek words that mean “spiny skin.”

Many echinoderms, like sea urchins, have a tough outer layer that can be covered in bumps, plates, or even sharp spines.

BOOKS FOR KIDS ABOUT ECHINODERMS

These spines can be used for protection against predators, helping them stay safe in the ocean. Even those that don’t have obvious spines often have hard, bumpy skin.

Next, look at some books about echinoderms.

11 Books About Fascinating Echinoderms Marine Animals

This group of animals sea stars, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, brittle stars, star fish and crinoids. All of these are marine animals with radial symmetry in their body shapes.

What's in the Tide Pool?

What would you see if you sat at the edge of a tidepool, looked into the water and watched the changes taking place in this little world? What life would you discover there? In a charming hand-sized book, Anne Hunter illustrates the creatures that live in and around a tidepool, and describes each animal's characteristics and habits. The gorgeous artwork and simple sense of wonder will inspire children to explore their environment. Fans of Hunter’s two books, WHAT'S IN THE POND? and WHAT'S UNDER THE LOG? will want to add this new title to their collection.

Sand Dollars by the Seashore

Sand Dollars by the Seashore is a charming and educational poem for children about the wonders of the beach and the importance of respecting nature. It encourages young readers to explore the shoreline and discover its beauty while learning the difference between living sand dollars and cherishing their shell souvenirs as a special gift from the sea. Perfect for a day at the beach or a bedtime read, Sand Dollars by the Seashore is sure to delight and inspire young imaginations.

Sea Stars (Ocean Life Up Close: Blastoff Readers, Level 3)

Did you know that sea stars pump water instead of blood through their systems? Although commonly called starfish, these life forms are not fish! Instead, they are part of a group containing other animals like sea urchins and sand dollars. Sea stars are hardy animals that can grow new limbs and open clam shells. In this interesting title, students will enjoy learning more about these shining ocean stars!

Sea Urchins (Ocean Life Up Close)

Sea urchins look like fireworks exploding underwater. The spines that create their unusual appearance do have a purpose: they protect the tiny animals from dangerous predators. In this title, sea urchins of all shapes, sizes, and colors are on display for early readers!

The Burgess Seashore Book for Children (Dover Children's Classics)

Familiar burgess characters Danny Meadow Mouse, Jimmy Skunk, and Reddy Fox explore every nook and cranny of the shoreline and learn first hand about the habits and habitats of spider crabs, sea cucumbers, sand eels, and that strangest of little fishes — the sea horse.Veteran storyteller and nature lover Thornton W. Burgess provides fascinating information to young readers as he describes coastal areas along the Atlantic Ocean. Along the way he weaves the area's many life forms into
an entertaining tale that's also an illustrated guide to the seashore's natural history.

The Sand Dollar

While walking on the shore of the Sea of Cortez a man has a remarkable dialog with the sea. Using the naturally occurring dove like structures found in sand dollars, the sea relates its past wars with the sun, the wind, the mountains, and the moon and addresses its ongoing war with man. The sea's explanation of the need for the fifth dove is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression with readers of all ages.

The Big Book of the Blue (The Big Book Series)

Following the wild success of The Big Book of Bugs and The Big Book of Beasts, The Big Book of the Blue is the third installment in Yuval Zommer’s beloved series. Alongside everything the young oceanographer needs to know, Zommer’s charming illustrations bring to life some of the slipperiest, scaliest, strangest, and most monstrous underwater animals.

The book opens by explaining how different types of animals are able to breathe and survive underwater, and the different families to which they belong. Subsequent pages are dedicated to specific creatures, including sea turtles, whales, sharks, stingrays, and seahorses, and show varied life in specific habitats, such as a coral reef or deep sea bed. The Big Book of the Blue also explores the underwater world thematically, looking at animals in danger, learning how to spot creatures at the beach, and discovering how to do our part to save sea life. Beautiful and filled with fascinating facts, young, curious readers won’t be able to tear their eyes away from the page.

Oceanarium: Welcome to the Museum

This stunning new offering from the Welcome to the Museum series guides readers around the world's oceans, from sandy shorelines to the darkest depths. Learn about the ocean’s most fascinating animals, including giant whale sharks, tiny tropical fish, and majestic manatees, among many others. With expert text by marine biologist Loveday Trinick and stunning illustrations by Teagan White, travel the world from frozen Arctic seas to shimmering coral reefs, and learn why it is so important that we protect our oceans.

Ocean Anatomy: The Curious Parts & Pieces of the World under the Sea

Follow Rothman’s inquisitive mind and perceptive eye along shorelines, across the open ocean, and below the waves for an artistic exploration of the watery universe. Through her drawings, discover how the world’s oceans formed, why the sea is salty, and the forces behind oceanic phenomena such as rogue waves. Colorful anatomical profiles of sea creatures from crustacean to cetacean, surveys of seafaring vessels and lighthouses, and the impact of plastic and warming water temperatures are just part of this compendium of curiosities that will entertain and educate readers of all ages. 

The Master of Tides

In the city of Tarian, where mastery over the tides is essential for the city’s very existence, an unforeseen and unthinkable thing has happened. The Master of Tides—Tarian’s guardian for over seven hundred years—has died, and the Sand Coin, the object that gives the Master his power, has vanished into the shadows.

With the Sand Coin missing and Tarian under threat from an impending cataclysmic event, Cora, a spirited orphan girl laboring in the city’s Water Works, embarks on a desperate quest to save her city.

Along with Will, her charming yet unwelcome companion, Cora discovers that to find the Sand Coin, she must join the magical Wandering Circus. But who in this mysterious and dangerous troupe of young performers can she trust? And how far will Cora have to travel with the circus in order to bring the Sand Coin home?

Starfish (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science)

Starfish have arms, but no legs. They have feet, but no toes. Starfish aren't fish, but they are living animals. In this Let's-Read-and-Find-Out classic, learn how starfish move, eat, and grow. 

This is a clear and appealing science book for early elementary age kids, both at home and in the classroom. It's a Level 1 Let's-Read-and-Find-Out, which means the book explores introductory concepts perfect for children in the primary grades. The 100+ titles in this leading nonfiction series are:

  • hands-on and visual

Next, look at these facts about echinoderms for kids.

FACTS ABOUT ECHINODERMS FOR KIDS

Most animals, including humans, have what’s called bilateral symmetry. This means if you draw a line down the middle of our body, the left and right sides are pretty much mirror images of each other.

But echinoderms are different! Most of them have radial symmetry as adults. Imagine a bicycle wheel: all the parts radiate out from a central point.

That’s how an adult starfish or sea urchin is structured. They often have five or more arms or sections arranged around their middle. Baby echinoderms actually start out with bilateral symmetry and then develop radial symmetry as they grow up.

Echinoderms have a fascinating way of moving using tiny structures called tube feet. These are small, flexible, hollow appendages that are usually found on the underside of their arms or body. They are part of a special system called the water vascular system.

This system is a network of canals filled with seawater. Echinoderms can control the water pressure in these canals, which allows them to extend and retract their tube feet. These little feet act like suction cups, helping the animals to grip onto surfaces, crawl along the seabed, and hold onto their food.

ECHINODERMS FACTS FOR KIDS

Echinoderms don’t have a brain like we do. Instead, they have a simpler nervous system. They usually have a nerve ring that circles their mouth and radial nerves that extend out into each of their arms or along their body.

This network of nerves helps them sense their environment, detect food, and coordinate their movements.

How To Make A Simple Sea Urchin Craft: Echinoderms For Kids

Some echinoderms have an amazing ability called regeneration. This means they can regrow lost or damaged body parts! Starfish are famous for this.

If a starfish loses an arm, it can often grow a completely new one. In some cases, if a piece of a starfish arm breaks off along with a part of the central disc (the middle part), that piece can even grow into a whole new starfish!

TYPES OF ECHINODERMS

  • Starfish- Probably the most recognizable echinoderms. They typically have five arms radiating from a central disc, but some species can have many more.

They use their tube feet on the underside of their arms to slowly crawl along rocks and the seafloor.

Starfish are often predators, feeding on things like clams and mussels by using their strong arms to pry open the shells and then pushing their stomach out to digest the soft part.

Here is a super fun and Free Summer Unit Study For Kids and Fun Starfish Craft to try.

These Butterscotch Crunch Starfish look delicious.

  • Sea urchins- Round or oval-shaped and are covered in spines of different lengths and thicknesses. These spines provide protection and can sometimes even be venomous. Sea urchins mostly eat algae and other small bits of organic matter.

They have a special mouth on their underside with five teeth that they use to scrape food off surfaces. You can find sea urchins in various colors, from black and brown to purple and red.

Preschoolers will love this U is for Urchin Zoo Craft.

  • Sea cucumbers- Have long, soft, and leathery bodies, making them look quite different from other echinoderms. They move slowly along the ocean floor using their tube feet and sometimes by wiggling their bodies.

Sea cucumbers are important scavengers, meaning they eat tiny particles of food and organic matter that they find in the sediment.

Some sea cucumbers can even eject parts of their internal organs as a defense mechanism, and then regenerate those parts later!

For an art project you can learn How to Draw a Sea Cucumber.

  • Sand dollars- are flat, round echinoderms that live on sandy bottoms in shallow coastal areas. They are often found partially or completely buried in the sand.

ECHINODERMS FOR KIDS

They have tiny spines and tube feet on their upper and lower surfaces that help them move and collect food particles from the sand. The beautiful patterns you often see on the shells of dead sand dollars are made up of the arrangement of their skeletal plates.

Paper plates sand dollars are easy and a great way to learn about the features of starfish. Look at my post Fascinating Life Cycle Of A Sand Dollar & Hydro Dipped Craft.

Use these shells, starfish, and sand dollars to create sensory bins, dioramas, or add to the science shelf for exploration.

  • Brittle stars- look a bit like starfish, but their arms are much longer, thinner, and more flexible. They move much more quickly than starfish by using snake-like movements of their arms.

Unlike starfish, their arms are quite brittle and can easily break off if they are threatened.

However, just like starfish, they can regenerate lost arms. Brittle stars are very common in many marine habitats and can be found hiding under rocks or in crevices.

Ocean Anatomy is a wonderful resource to learn about all echinoderms including the brittle sea star.

Finally, look at how to make simple sea urchin craft.

HOW TO MAKE A SIMPLE SEA URCHIN CRAFT

You will need:

  • Foam balls
  • Toothpicks
  • Craft paint
  • Craft glue
How To Make A Simple Sea Urchin Craft: Echinoderms For Kids

First, if you can only find round styrofoam balls instead of the half use a knife to carefully slice them in half.

Paint your styrofoam half whatever color you desire and set it aside.

How To Make A Simple Sea Urchin Craft: Echinoderms For Kids

For older children, you can have them cut away a small cross-section like this to create an area for drawing the sea urchins anatomy inside.

How To Make A Simple Sea Urchin Craft: Echinoderms For Kids

For younger learners skip this step and focus on the outside.

The quickest way I found to paint all the toothpicks is to put some paint in a bowl with a little water to thin it out and roll them around in the watered-down paint.

You will need a lot of toothpicks to make a nice full sea urchin.

How To Make A Simple Sea Urchin Craft: Echinoderms For Kids

Shake off the excess (wear gloves to avoid painted fingertips) and press the toothpicks into the styrofoam ball.

How To Make A Simple Sea Urchin Craft: Echinoderms For Kids

You can use a paintbrush to add a little more color to give it depth and contrast, we did white tips to create the Pacific Purple Sea Urchin.

How To Make A Simple Sea Urchin Craft: Echinoderms For Kids

Allow to dry completely.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool, life science, ocean, science, sea animals, sea life, sea urchin

Children’s Books About Castles and Simple Mary Blair-Inspired Craft

June 7, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have some children’s books about castles and a Mary Blair artist castle cut and paste craft. Also look at my post 4 Week Free Middle Ages Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas for more castle activities.

Too, if you’re wanting more artist ideas and activities look at my page Free Art Units for more ideas.

Castles aren’t just in fairy tales but children love reading books about castles. Castles were real places where kings, queens, knights, and even regular people lived.

Children's Books About Castles and Simple Mary Blair-Inspired Craft

Castles were made mostly of stone and often had high walls, towers, drawbridges, and moats to keep enemies out.

Maybe it was the design of castles that drew Mary Blair, artist to design the concept of castles for Disney.

However, castles back in the middle ages weren’t just for looks, they served many purposes.

For example, castles served as a defense, a place to shelter people, a time for a king and queen to show off their wealth and a place for central government.

Next, look at a few more castle activities.

MORE CASTLE ACTIVITIES

  • 5 Usborne Knights And Castles Books | How To Make A Medieval Toilet Roll Castle
  • Create a Cardboard Castle
  • 4 Week Free Middle Ages Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas.
  • Free 3D Paper Craft Castle Model Printable!
  • 20+ Castle Activities for Preschoolers
  • How to Make a Rapunzel Tower Out Of Cardboard
Children's Books About Castles and Simple Mary Blair-Inspired Craft

Then look at a few facts about Mary Blair.

FACTS FOR KIDS ABOUT MARY BLAIR ARTIST

  • Mary Blair was born in 1911 in Oklahoma and grew up loving to draw and paint.
  • She started working for Disney in the 1940s.
  • And she became known for her unique style: vibrant colors, simple shapes, and imaginative designs.
  • Mary Blair didn’t follow the “normal” rules of art.
  • She helped design design Cinderella movie. Although she didn’t do the final animation, she created the concept art and Cinderella’s castle became the Disney castle.
  • We imagine since Blair love bright and bold colors and shapes she was drawn to castles.

Additionally, look at these children’s books about castles.

8 Castle Books for Kids

Add some of these fun books about castles to your unit study or learning day.

Castle: How It Works

Every part of the castle has a function. Walls keep the enemy out. Towers protect the lord and the soldiers. From the moat and portcullis to the great hall and dungeon, see how a castle works as an enemy army tries to storm the walls.

The Door in the Wall:

Ever since he can remember, Robin, child of Sir John de Bureford, has been told what is expected of him as the son of a nobleman. He must learn the ways of knighthood. But Robin’s destiny is changed suddenly when he falls ill and loses the use of his legs. Fearing a plague, his servants abandon him, and Robin is left alone.   A monk named Brother Luke rescues Robin and takes him to the hospice of St. Mark’s, where he is taught woodcarving and patience and strength. Says Brother Luke, “Thou hast only to follow the wall far enough and there will be a door in it.”   Robin learns soon enough what Brother Luke means. When the great castle of Lindsay is in danger, Robin discovers that there is more than one way to serve his king.

Knights and Castles and Feudal Life

Knights and Castles and Feudal Life

The Minstrel in the Tower (Stepping Stone)

An adventurous rescue set in the time of medieval knights, castles, bandits, and music. Before their father returns to France from the Crusades, daring Alice and
musical Roger set off on their own journey: to find their long-lost uncle. But on the way, the siblings are kidnapped and locked in an ancient hidden tower. To finish their quest, they need to escape—and fast! Can Alice use her courage to slip away and find help? And can Roger use his musical talents to guide her back before it’s too late?

Look Inside a Castle (Usborne Look Inside)

This is an innovative flap book offering a fascinating glimpse into the world of sports. Lift the flaps to peek behind the scenes at all sorts of exciting sports-thrilling cycling races, athletic events, swimming and diving competitions and soccer matches at a busy sports stadium. 60 flaps to lift!

Make This Medieval Castle

Printed on stiff card, this book contains templates to cut out and construct a superb model of a 14th century castle crammed with authentic detail. The model includes miniature characters for re-creating castle life, including market stalls and jousting knights as well as a portcullis that lifts and falls.

Raise the Drawbridge: Stories and Legends of Welsh Castles

This charming book was originally published in 1938 in Wales. Its main virtue is its historical accuracy; these epic stories are very well researched and are all based on historical evidence. The eighteen stories cover all areas of Wales and deal with some of its most famous castles. From ""The Blind Knight of Whitecastle"" to ""When Harlech Castle was Besieged"", these tales will appeal to all children whose imaginations are drawn to the great castles and knights of old.

Stephen Biesty's Cross-Sections Castle

History comes alive in this incredible children's illustrated book about castles.Slicing through different areas of a medieval fortress, extraordinary views reveal the people busy inside, preparing for battle as an enemy army approaches. Packed with facts, you'll find out what it takes to build a massive 14th-century castle, dress a knight in armor, or prepare a feast fit for a king or queen. From the drawbridge to the dungeon, Cross-Sections Castle swarms with the people who keep the castle going--the workers, craftsmen, and servants. And, as you pore over every page, look out for the villainous spy. Is he in the well... the keep... the moat? No? Keep looking, he's there somewhere!

Finally, look below to grab the free Mary Blair inspired castle cut and paste craft.

Read a castle book or two your child loves while they do this fun craft.

HOW TO GET THE FREE MARY BLAIR CASTLE INSPIRED CUT AND PASTE CRAFT

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

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

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

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10 Fun Facts About Molecules | How To Do A Surface Tension Experiment

June 6, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I’m sharing fun facts about molecules and show how molecules love to stick together through a surface tension experiment. Also, look at my post 4 Weeks Free Physical Science Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas.

Teaching about molecules, their interaction with each other and what we learn about them can be hard to teach.

And one of the best ways to teach about molecules is through a hands-on science experiment.

10 Fun Facts About Molecules | How To Do A Surface Tension Experiment

For example, we’re learning about surface tension.

We’re doing a surface tension experiment with just a few simple things you have laying around the house.

And we’re learning how molecules are attracted together.

BOOKS ABOUT PHYSICAL SCIENCE FOR KIDS

First, look at some of these books to add to your day.

10 Books About Physical Science

Physical science varies in topic. It can cover states of matter, forces and motion like push and pull, forms of energy like simple circuits, light and sound to earth and space.

What Is the World Made Of?: All About Solids, Liquids, and Gases

Can you make an ice cube disappear? Put it on a hot sidewalk. It melts into water and then vanishes! The ice cube changes from solid to liquid to gas. This Level 2 Let's-Read-and-Find-Out picture book is a fascinating exploration of the three states of matter. This clear and appealing science book for early elementary age kids, both at home and in the classroom, uses simple, fun diagrams to explain the difference between solids, liquids, and gases. This book also includes a find out more section with experiments designed to encourage further exploration and introduce record keeping.

Matter: Physical Science for Kids

In Matter: Physical Science for Kids, kids ages 5 to 8 explore the definition of matter and the different states of matter, plus the stuff in our world that isn’t matter, such as sound and light! In this nonfiction picture book, children are introduced to physical science through detailed illustrations paired with a compelling narrative that uses fun language to convey familiar examples of real-world science connections. By recognizing the basic physics concept of matter and identifying the different ways matter appears in real life, kids develop a fundamental understanding of physical science and are impressed with the idea that science is a constant part of our lives and not limited to classrooms and
laboratories

The Disappearing Spoon: And Other True Tales of Madness, Love, and the History of the World from the Periodic Table of the Elements

Why did Gandhi hate iodine (I, 53)? How did radium (Ra, 88) nearly ruin Marie Curie's reputation? And why is gallium (Ga, 31) the go-to element for laboratory pranksters?The Periodic Table is a crowning scientific achievement, but it's also a treasure trove of adventure, betrayal, and obsession. These fascinating tales follow every element on the table as they play out their parts in human history, and in the lives of the (frequently) mad scientists who discovered them. The Disappearing Spoon masterfully fuses science with the classic lore of invention, investigation, and discovery.

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.

Michael Faraday: Father of Electronics

Charles Ludwig retells Michael Faraday’s remarkable life story in fictionalized form. Here is the father of the electric motor, the dynamo, the transformer, the generator. Few persons are aware of the brilliant man’s deep Christian convictions and his determination to live by the Sermon on the Mount. For ages 12 to 15.

Junior Science Book of Electricity

Book about electricity for children.

Energy Makes Things Happen

Did you know that energy comes from the food you eat? From the sun and wind? From fuel and heat? You get energy every time you eat. You transfer energy to other things every time you play baseball.

Waves: Principles of Light, Electricity and Magnetism (The Secrets of the Universe)

Have you ever wondered why a prism turns ordinary sunlight into a rainbow? Isaac Newton knew why. How can a magnet be used to generate electricity? Michael Faraday could have told you. Can you explain how a toaster toasts bread? In this book, author Paul Fleisher answers these and many more questions as he looks at the laws that describe how waves behave. Through simple experiments, detailed illustrations and concepts that are easy to understand, readers are introduced to the basic principles of light, electricity and magnetism in a fun, exciting way.

Liquids and Gases: Principles of Fluid Mechanics (Secrets of the Universe)

Have you ever wondered why a 10-tonne boat floats but a tiny pebble sinks? Archimedes knew why. How does a basketball or tennis ball bounce? Robert Boyle could have described how! Can you explain why a hot-air balloon rises but a balloon you blow up drops to the ground? To answer these questions and many more, author Paul Fleisher explains the laws that define how and why liquids and gases behave the way they do. Through simple experiments, detailed illustrations and concepts that are easy to understand, readers are introduced to the basic principles of fluid mechanics in a fun, exciting way.

Marbles,Roller Skates,Doorknob

Explains the concepts of simple and complex machines and mechanical advantage, and describes how wheels, including gears and ball bearings, work

Then, look at these fun facts about molecules.

10 FUN FACTS ABOUT MOLECULES

  1. Molecules like to stick together.
  2. They are super tiny.
  3. Everything is made of molecules.
  4. Molecules are always moving.
  5. Heat makes molecules move faster
  6. Some molecules are simple but others can be very complex.
  7. When water molecules are attracted to each other his force is called cohesion.
  8. The strong pull between molecules creates surface tension. This acts like a “skin” or elastic like layer.
  9. Basically molecules act in very specific ways.
  10. One famous molecule is water.
10 Fun Facts About Molecules | How To Do A Surface Tension Experiment

Next, look at these additional activities to add to the fun facts about molecules.

OTHER ACTIVITIES TO LEARN ABOUT MOLECULES

  • How To Make An Awesome Slime Flask Activity | Fun Facts About Marie Curie For Kids
  • Colorful Chemistry: Exciting M&M Science Experiment To Try At Home
  • How To Do An Easy Pencil Electrolysis Activity On Electricity
  • How to Make Elephant Toothpaste | Fun Chemistry Activities & Printable
  • Meteorology For Kids Made Fun: Amazing Potato Straw Experiment | Free Printable
  • Physical Science For Kindergarten: Free States Of Matter Pages
  • Easy Atom Model Project: How To Create A Fun Lego Version
  • How To Make Crystals | Facts About Crystals For Kids
  • 5 Facts About Ice Cream | How to Make Ice Cream In A Bag Science
  • Intro to Atoms, Molecules, Bonding, Chemistry

Finally, look at how to do this surface tension experiment.

HOW TO DO A SURFACE TENSION EXPERIMENT

First, look at this short list of supplies.

  • Measuring cup
  • Water
  • Glass cup
  • Craft stick
  • Small rubber duck (or another small toy)
10 Fun Facts About Molecules | How To Do A Surface Tension Experiment

Fill the glass ¾ of the way full.

10 Fun Facts About Molecules | How To Do A Surface Tension Experiment

Place the craft stick onto the cup (but do not balance it on the other side of the cup).

10 Fun Facts About Molecules | How To Do A Surface Tension Experiment

Place the toy on the craft stick. Does it stay up or fall?

10 Fun Facts About Molecules | How To Do A Surface Tension Experiment

Next, fill the cup to the brim with water.

Again, place the craft stick onto the water (but do not balance it on the other side of the cup).

10 Fun Facts About Molecules | How To Do A Surface Tension Experiment

Place the toy on the craft stick. Does it stay or fall?

How is this possible? Because of surface tension!

The molecules at the top of the water create an elastic-like layer.

This helps the craft stick to “stick” to the surface and not fall even with a toy balancing on it.

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

What Makes Things Fly | Free Science Of Flight Printable

June 5, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

We’re learning what makes things fly. Too, I have a free printable The Science of Flight and understand the four forces of flight.

Flight may seem magic but its about science and particularly physics. And understanding what things fly make for a great unit study or just a fun rabbit trail for the day.

We’re exploring how birds, planes, and rockets fly by uncovering the forces and principles that make flight possible.

What Makes Things Fly | Free Science Of Flight Printable

By understanding the forces of flight you can start to see how everything from birds to jets and even rockets make their way through the sky

The four forces of flight you’ll learn about in the free mini study are lift, thrust, drag, and gravity.

These forces are constantly at work any time a bird flaps its wings or a plane zooms across the sky,

RESOURCES & BOOKS ABOUT FLIGHT

First, add one or two books to your unit study.

I prefer living books when I can find them.

8 Resources About Flight and Flying

Use one of these books to study about airplanes or things that fly.

Who Were the Wright Brothers? (Who Was?)

As young boys, Orville and Wilbur Wright loved all things mechanical.  As young men, they gained invaluable skills essential for their success by working with printing presses, bicycles, motors, and any sort of machinery they could get their hands on.  As adults, the brothers worked together to invent, build, and fly the world’s first successful airplane. This is the fascinating story of the two inventors and aviation pioneers who never lost sight of their dream: to fly, and to soar higher!

Planes!: (And Other Things That Fly) (Things That Go)

Take to the skies with this fun, visual miscellany for younger children who love anything related to airplanes and flying!

Wind, Sand And Stars (Harvest Book)

Recipient of the Grand Prix of the Académie Française, Wind, Sand and Stars captures the grandeur, danger, and isolation of flight. Its exciting account of air adventure, combined with lyrical prose and the
spirit of a philosopher, makes it one of the most popular works ever written about flying.

The Story of the Wright Brothers: A Biography Book

The Wright brothers were the first people ever to build and fly an airplane, doing what many people at the time didn’t think was possible. Before they made history with their airplane, Wilbur and Orville were curious kids who loved learning about the world around them and how it worked. They fell in love with the idea of flying and taught themselves everything they needed to know to make their dream come true.

The Wright Brothers (Good for High School Kids)

On a winter day in 1903, in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, two brothers—bicycle mechanics from Dayton, Ohio—changed history. But it would take the world some time to believe that the age of flight had begun, with the first powered machine carrying a pilot.

Flight: The Complete History of Aviation (DK Smithsonian)

From the early pioneers to the latest spaceflight technology, this groundbreaking book charts the inspirational story behind humankind's conquest of the skies. In the 100 years since the Wright brothers' first powered flight, aviation has witnessed many memorable events. From record-breaking flights and aerial warfare, to advances in aircraft design and the race for space, Flight covers the most memorable moments in the history of aviation

The Sky TOOB

n the sky themed figurines by Safari Ltd. Airplanes, blimp, helicopter, hot air balloon, space shuttle and more replicas have been handpainted and researched for accuracy. Pieces come in a clear toob with a globe top and facts on the inside. These figures are perfect for displays, playing pretend, and more! 12 pieces per package.

The Wright Brothers: Pioneers of American Aviation (Landmark Books)

Young Orville and Wilbur Wright loved building things. From the fastest sled in town to the highest-flying kite, the Wright brothers’ creations were always a step ahead of everyone else’s. They grew up learning all about mechanics from fixing bicycles and studied math and physics. On December 17, 1903, Orville took off in the world’s first flying machine! The Wright airplane is one of the most amazing–and life-changing–

Next, here are a few more activities about flying and flight.

ACTIVITIES ABOUT FLIGHT AND FLYING

  • Awesome & Interesting Facts About Amelia Earhart Disappearance Free Printable
  • B is for Bird Craft | Free Preschool Bluebird Study
  • Wright Brothers And Amazing Airplanes And Other Things That Fly
  • Amazing Facts about Amelia Earhart and Fun Aviator Goggle Craft.
  • How to Make a Fun Bottle Buddy of the Trailblazing Pilot Amelia Earhart Craft
  • Amazing Facts about Amelia Earhart and Fun Aviator Goggle Craft
What Makes Things Fly | Free Science Of Flight Printable

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

HOW TO GET THE FREE MINI UNIT THE SCIENCE OF FLIGHT PRINTABLE

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: flight, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, homeschool, science

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