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homeschool

100 Reasons Why Homeschooling is a SUPERIOR Education

September 23, 2026 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have 100 reasons why homeschooling is a superior education. Also, you’ll love more tips on my page The Dynamics of How to Homeschool Easily and Smarter.

In the early 1980s, my mom homeschooled my youngest sister. Then, folks thought homeschooling was illegal. It wasn’t, but it felt that way.

100 Reasons Why Homeschooling is a SUPERIOR Education

As my mom researched about homeschooling, I read the same research as meager as it was, but I came to appreciate that homeschoooling is a superior education for many reasons.

I was in public high school and close to graduating when my mom began her homeschool journey.

Later, I started my family and now I have 3 homeschool grads. I’ve seen many changes – big and small.

One thing which has exploded is my BIG list of reasons why homeschooling is better than school.

Too, we have stats now for you to analyze, but the hundreds and hundreds of personal success stories are of greater value to me.

I don’t think homeschooling is for everyone.
There are valid reasons why folks can’t homeschool, but not having favorable circumstances doesn’t negate the superior value of the homeschool approach.

I wished EVERY family could give their kids one-to-one tutoring. Those odds are hard to beat.

100 REASONS WHY TO HOMESCHOOL IS A SUPERIOR APPROACH

Look at these 100 reasons why the homeschool approach is better than a public school education.

100 Reasons Why Homeschooling is a SUPERIOR Education. I don't think homeschooling is for everyone.  

There are valid reasons why folks can't homeschool, but not having favorable circumstances doesn't negate the superior value of the homeschool approach. CLICK HERE to read this long list of how homeschooling is a superior education.
#homeschool #homeschooling #newhomeschooler
  1. Education is different than schooling. ALL children can be educated, but if a child doesn’t step in sync to public standards in a school he is failed. The public standard is put ahead of the child. The self-confidence that a child has is undermined.
  2. Bullying by students and teachers isn’t tolerated in the homeschool world.
  3. Education at home is in sync with how a child develops and as he masters concepts.
  4. More time is spent outdoors and nature becomes the child’s schoolmaster.
  5. Sleep, diet, and wellness of the child is superior at home because of the ability to adapt to the needs of each child.
  6. Passions are intensely pursued which turns to mastery of topics by children.
  7. Children will read well on their timetable which sets them up for lifelong success. Waiting on a child to read sets them up for loving to read instead of having to read. One is a delight the other is drudgery.
  8. The parents are hands-on with their children and children flourish with personal and loving attention.
  9. Freedom. It’s the true meaning of a superior education when you’re not told what to learn each day.
  10. Open-ended questions become the segue to mastery of material, not being spoon-fed.
100 Reasons Why Homeschooling is a SUPERIOR Education

WHY CHOOSE TO HOMESCHOOL

  1. Learning is not looked at as grade levels, but for longer periods of time. Did you know that a lot of homeschooled kids don’t care what grade they’re in until they get older? Grade levels compartmentalize learning.
  2. We trust the fact the children have a natural curiosity to learn and it shouldn’t be contained in workbooks.
  3. Homeschooled kids learn excellence without the two Ws that public school enforces – walls and workbooks.
  4. Education happens while you travel and see the world. Even a child’s own backyard is his science lab.
  5. Customized learning is the BEST.
  6. Children are not exposed to active shooter drills. Children focus on celebrating childhood not being in fear of it.
  7. By not being up at 5 a.m. to walk in the dark and catch a school bus, children wake up later rested and go for a nature walk. Playing piano or practicing art before the formal part of their day begins is the norm.
  8. Instead of constantly cutting or washing their children’s hair because they’re exposed to lice, they are outside playing in a leaf pile or making snow angels.
  9. Instead of focusing on how vaccines are harmful to children, the family is focusing on a vacation to learn about caves or the beach.
  10. Sex education is the parent’s right to teach their children at a time he is ready. A parent protects the innocence of her children because she knows the exact time to expose her children to sensitive matters.

WHY PARENTS HOMESCHOOL THEIR KIDS

  1. Fear of gangs does not have to be present.
  2. Parents and not peers are the best to influence their children.
  3. The family chooses ideals they want their children rooted in instead of society deciding what is accepted and not accepted.
  4. Education is not forced-fed.
  5. When it comes to what our children are learning, most families want more.
100 Reasons Why Homeschooling is a SUPERIOR Education
  1. Gifted children can move ahead and not get in trouble because they became bored in a traditional classroom.
  2. We want our children to learn how to read proficiently and to be a lifelong reader.
  3. Our children are exposed to more topics and are not learning to just pass state required tests.
  4. We teach our kids skills that will be practical for them in life.
  5. Does anybody else find it bizarre to turn their children over to a complete stranger and who spends most of their day with them?
  6. Children are not constantly sick and missing out on learning opportunities.
  7. You can teach in a relaxed way without jumping through hoops to meet rules.
  8. Learning at home is more exploratory and not workbook driven.
  9. It’s unhealthy for children of any age to sit for six hours a day.
  10. Home fosters a love for learning.

WHAT IS A SUPERIOR EDUCATION

  1. We teach things that public school can’t teach like how to budget, how to save, and how to not get in debt.
  2. As parents we ARE the experts. An expert is one who has an authoritative knowledge of a skill. Parents are the experts for their children.
  3. We change curriculum instantly when it’s not working. We don’t wait on red tape or even the start of a new school year to make changes.
  4. Adjusting the hours and days to suit our family’s life keeps learning a privilege and something children look forward to each day.
  5. Pushing our children out of their comfort zone, but in a secure environment elevates their learning to another level.
  6. We want our children to pursue learning as a lifestyle and not a list to check off.
  7. It takes less time to learn at home. There are no unnatural interruptions at home. Children are used to natural interruptions like younger siblings or a change in a parent’s schedule.
  8. We have the choice to put our children in front of a computer for school, crack open a physical book, or both.
  9. We do not need to answer to the government. It’s been my experience that most parents exceed any government standard.
  10. Tests should have a purpose, not be meaningless. Parents are the ones to best determine if a tests suits their needs.

HOW TO START HOMESCHOOLING

  1. Face to face discussions everyday with your children gives you a window into their heart and what is on their mind. Channeling children to do good is part of a superior education.
  2. Academics can be delayed for young children so they have more time to play and be little boys and girls.
  3. Children learn from experiences and not just from children their same age.
  4. Children can be ready for higher level courses on their timetable. Sometimes that is earlier than what is considered the high school years.
  5. Instead of reading about science in a boring textbooks, children get their hands dirty doing science.
  6. Homework is a nightmare. While at home, children learn at times that are good for them. What are they doing all day in public school?
  7. Parents don’t want to feel disconnected from their children because children get up at dark:30 and are exhausted when they come home.
  8. Free public school doesn’t mean better. Parents decide which curriculum is free and which curriculum is paid.
  9. Children learn at home what is a true entrepreneur.
  10. Children learn cursive at home which always been the standard of a well-educated man. Learning to read cursive is a skill that many children are losing.
  11. There is no mind numbing busy work at home.
  12. Public school suffers budget cuts, but at home even the most modest budget is ample for children.
  13. No one gets left behind at home because the pace is set to each child.
  14. The learning style of each child is important and learning is tailored to strengths.
  15. There is not constant focus on what a child cannot do, but how to pursue what he can do.
100 Reasons Why Homeschooling is a SUPERIOR Education

WHY YOU HOMESCHOOL

  1. Home is the best place to prepare children for adulthood which is the true meaning of education.
  2. Special needs children can learn in a safe environment instead of being made fun of by both teachers and children.
  3. Extracurricular activities can be increased or limited to the needs of each family.
  4. Common sense is used as a measure of what to teach and not common core.
  5. There is less pressure on young children at an early age.
  6. Parents want the say over what to teach their children.
  7. One approach or curriculum can be used for one child and a completely different curriculum and approach for another child.
  8. Teens don’t have to spend four years in high school and waste time on subjects they’ve mastered. They can move on to college level work in high school or sooner if they’re ready.
  9. Mistakes by a child are viewed as learning experiences. Failure is a good teacher. Learning that early on teaches a child to try again and critical thinking skills.
  10. Getting children out of their comfort zone teaches them to take charge of their learning.
  11. Unless you plan to homeschool under a rock, children have frequent socialization with adults and children. They learn the true meaning of socialization which is how to behave in a mixed aged group.
  12. Children learn compassion and kindness when they take care of family members who have become sick. Waiting to teach children how to be kind when they’re adults could be turning out self-centered people. Children learn early to put their needs on the back burner while caring for those hit with sickness.
  13. Religion or lack of it is the SOLE responsibility of the parent.
  14. Being at home allows children to dig deeper and not have to move on until their curiosity has piqued.
  15. Parents are the ones enjoying the best times with their children instead of someone else. That love fosters a strong desire to learn because children know they’re in a secure and safe environment.

INDIVIDUALIZED HOMESCHOOL EDUCATION

  1. When a child has medical issues, his learning is not delayed.
  2. Children do have to have a substitute teacher who may care little to none about a child.
  3. Parents want their children to enjoy learning as long as possible.
  4. While being educated, children have the flexibility to run a family-based business.
  5. Time spent with children is superior quality.
  6. Field trips in the homeschool world can happen every week if the family chooses to and not just while children are in Kindergarten.
  7. It’s just a better education tailored to each child.
  8. Parents don’t want their children away from them for so many hours.
  9. Families aren’t locked into school calendars of when children should learn.
  10. Children want to be outside a lot and play.
100 Reasons Why Homeschooling is a SUPERIOR Education

Top Reasons to Homeschool

  1. Some children choose a career or college track and can pursue their objectives better at home with the freedom they need.
  2. The pace in Kindergarten has gone to ridiculous for little kids. Standardized tests in Kindergarten is becoming the norm.
  3. Children can travel the world and learn about it instead of inside a crowded classroom.
  4. Families teach children about being a member of society by being in it and getting children involved it.
  5. There are not tons of useless meetings with teachers or administrators who may care little about the success of your children.
  6. Families can address immediately any perceived gaps in a child’s education.
  7. Testing is not used as the gauge of what children know and do not know.
  8. A school setting is arbitrary and unnatural.
  9. Families can allow humor and grace to meet in the day which aids children to be emotionally sound.
  10. More time is spent reading together as a family.
  11. Children are valued instead of demeaned by being told to raise their hand to go to the bathroom, eat, or drink. That is very opposite of the real world.
  12. It is the right of a parent to pick associates or peers instead of children being poorly influenced in a classroom.
  13. Nobody knows children better than the parents. Nobody.
  14. College tuition is overpriced and homeschool parents have options like CLEP and dual credit.
  15. Public schools cannot simply meet the needs of all children.

MORE RESOURCES TO SUPPORT YOUR LIFESTYLE CHANGE

  • Must-Have Best Homeschooling Materials for The New Homeschooler
  • Free Boot Camp Online Self Paced New Homeschooler Course
  • Transitioning from Public School to Homeschool For a Relaxed Lifestyle
  • How to Cope Successfully With Homeschool Mental Stress
  • Socialization – A Homeschool Hallucination?
  • How Do I Socialize My Homeschooled Kids?
  • 12 Easy Ways Homeschooled Teens and Tweens Socialize
  • It’s a New Homeschool Year and My Child Wants to Go Back to Public School
  • Deschool – Get off the Public School Treadmill!
  • Why My Homeschooled Kids Are Not Given the Choice to Go to Public School
100 Reasons Why Homeschooling is a SUPERIOR Education. I don't think homeschooling is for everyone.  

There are valid reasons why folks can't homeschool, but not having favorable circumstances doesn't negate the superior value of the homeschool approach. CLICK HERE! #homeschool #homeschooling #newhomeschooler

I don’t EVER talk folks into homeschooling because some days are flat out hard, but in the end it’s been worth every bit of stress.

Nothing beats the unique journey which each of my children have had. They’ve all had a private and elite education with less then half the cost of public education.

In the process, they have formed lifelong friends; we constantly have had to cut back on time spent in 4 H club, art classes, foreign language classes and ballroom dance classes to name a few so we could be at home.

What else will I add to my list in the next 10 years?

What questions do you have about homeschooling?

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Begin Homeschooling, Homeschool Simply, Homeschooling, Kick Off Your Homeschool Year Tagged With: deschooling, homeschool, homeschool challenges, homeschool joy, homeschool lifestyle, homeschoolplanning, newbeehomeschooler, reasonstohomeschool

Free Magnet Lapbook Science And Resources for Kids

September 22, 2026 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have a free magnet lapbook science and resources today for a fun study about magnets. Too, on my Homeschool Lapbooks – Powerful Tools For Mastery Learning page you can find more free homeschool lapbooks.

A magnet lapbook can turn an ordinary science topic into an interactive exploration of forces, materials, energy, electricity, and technology.

Free Magnet Lapbook Science And Resources for Kids

And studying magnets provides an opportunity to explore invisible forces, conduct experiments, make observations, and discover how magnetic fields work

Magnets can attract certain materials without even touching them.

They can push and pull on other magnets, and their force can act through objects.

KIDS BOOKS ABOUT PHYSICAL SCIENCE

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.

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

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.

Image for Matter: Physical Science for Kids

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

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

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.

Image for Archimedes and the Door of Science (Living History Library)

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.

Image for Michael Faraday: Father of Electronics

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.

Image for Junior Science Book of Electricity

Junior Science Book of Electricity

Book about electricity for children.

Image for Energy Makes Things Happen

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Image for Marbles,Roller Skates,Doorknob

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 some resources and activities about magnets.

ACTIVITIES & RESOURCES TO STUDY MAGNETS

  • Junior Science Book of Magnets
  • Exploring Symmetry with Magna-Tiles
  • The Story of Electricity and Magnetism
  • Magna Tiles Rocket Ship Building Activity with Tin Cans
  • Magnet Arts and Crafts for Kids
  • Magnet Experiments
Free Magnet Lapbook Science And Resources for Kids

Last, look the minibooks included in this free download.

FREE MAGNET LAPBOOK MINIBOOKS

  • What Happens When We Put 2 Magnets Together
  • Did You Know
  • Magnets What is a Magnet
  • Separating Mixtures
  • The Earth is a Giant Magnet
  • Earth Has Magnetic Poles

Now, how to grab the freebie.

It’s a subscriber freebie.

HOW TO GET THE FREE MAGNET LAPBOOK

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: Lapbooks Tagged With: elementary science, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool, homeschoolscience, magnets, science

Easy Chemistry Experiments To Do At Home

September 7, 2026 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

There are so many easy chemistry experiments to do at home using just basic household supplies in your pantry or under the sink.

You don’t need a lab coat or a cabinet full of chemicals to explore real chemistry. Some of the most fascinating reactions happen with stuff you probably already have in your kitchen.

Easy Chemistry Experiments To Do At Home

Milk, vinegar, baking soda, and food coloring aren’t just cooking staples; they’re active chemical ingredients.

Acids, bases, proteins, and gases are all sitting in your pantry, just waiting for the right combination to set off a reaction.

You don’t need a fancy lab to see real chemical reactions in action.

Curdling milk into plastic, watching an egg turn rubbery, or making a volcano erupt on your countertop are all genuine demonstrations of acid-base chemistry, protein structure, and gas production.

That makes your kitchen one of the best (and safest) places to introduce chemistry concepts. For example, acid-base reactions, protein denaturation, and gas production can be learned in the kitchen.

BOOKS AND RESOURCES FOR A CHEMISTRY UNIT STUDY

Next, look at these books about chemistry and with fun chemistry activities.

12 Chemistry Books & Resources for Kids of All Ages

But first here are some resources that are a great introduction and more to chemistry for kids.

Image for Superstars of Science

Superstars of Science

Discover fun facts about the greatest scientists from history through Basher's fresh and unique illustration style.

Did you know that Marie Curie used to keep radioactive materials in her pockets? Or that Mendeleyev literally dreamed up his famous periodic table? Superstars of Science tells the stories behind the big ideas in the fields of physics, chemistry, medicine, mathematics, cosmology, earth sciences, and engineering. Read about 40 great scientists including Newton and Einstein who produced theories that explained the way in which the Universe works, Crick and Watson who uncovered the structure of DNA, and Alexander Graham Bell who had the big idea that became the telephone. Each one of these greats of science has had some vital flash of insight that has changed the way we see the world and the way we live. Come meet the superstars of science!

Image for Basher Science: Chemistry: Getting a Big Reaction

Basher Science: Chemistry: Getting a Big Reaction

Discover the secrets of chemistry, and learn about the properties of matter and the ways in which they interact, combine and change. Chemistry is a compelling guide to a community of characters who make up everything around us.

Image for Crucibles: The Story of Chemistry from Ancient Alchemy to Nuclear Fission

Crucibles: The Story of Chemistry from Ancient Alchemy to Nuclear Fission

This book is a classic in the field of popular science. Standard reading since the 1930s, it is one of the few histories of chemistry to concentrate on the lives of the great chemists. Through these dramatic and human stories, it gives an authoritative and entertaining account of the great discoveries and advances in this scientific field. After many printings in three previous editions, this book has been newly revised by the author for this fourth edition. Beginning with Trevisan and his lifelong search for the "philosopher's stone," the author narrates the lives and discoveries of such towering figures as Paracelsus and his chemical treatment of disease; Priestley looking for phlogiston and finding oxygen and carbon dioxide, Lavoisier creating a new language of chemistry; Dalton and his Atomic Theory; Avogadro and the idea of molecules, Mendeleeff arranging the table of elements under his Periodic Law; the Curies isolating radium; Thomson discovering the electron; Moseley and his Law of Atomic Numbers; Lawrence and the construction of the cyclotron; and more. Probably the most dramatic chapter in the book, the account of the development of nuclear fission, ends the story of chemistry at its most monumental achievement.

Image for The Chemistry of Cola

The Chemistry of Cola

You’ll be amazed at all you can learn from this favorite drink – what’s in it, why it fizzes, what you can do with it, the containers it’s in, and more!

Image for Napoleon's Buttons: How 17 Molecules Changed History

Napoleon's Buttons: How 17 Molecules Changed History

Napoleon's Buttons is the fascinating account of seventeen groups of molecules that have greatly influenced the course of history. These molecules provided the impetus for early exploration, and made possible the voyages of discovery that ensued. The molecules resulted in grand feats of engineering and spurred advances in medicine and law; they determined what we now eat, drink, and wear. A change as small as the position of an atom can lead to enormous alterations in the properties of a substance-which, in turn, can result in great historical shifts.

Image for 52 Extreme Kids Chemistry Experiments Set - STEM Activities & Science Kits

52 Extreme Kids Chemistry Experiments Set - STEM Activities & Science Kits

If you want your child to be able to explore and complete some simple chemistry experiments without running around grabbing all the items an all in on kit is just the thing to add to your chemistry studies.

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

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 -- from the Big Bang through the end of time.

Image for Chemistry Fluxx Card Game - Science Games Card Games for Kids

Chemistry Fluxx Card Game - Science Games Card Games for Kids

 Chemistry EditionChemistry Fluxx is the perfect compound of chance, skill and strategy-use atoms and laboratory tools to match the current goal of the game and win! The rules are always changing in Fluxx. The Keepers, Goals, Rules and Action cards determine how the game will be played.

Image for Illustrated Guide to Home Chemistry Experiments: All Lab, No Lecture (DIY Science)

Illustrated Guide to Home Chemistry Experiments: All Lab, No Lecture (DIY Science)

For students, DIY hobbyists, and science buffs, who can no longer get real chemistry sets, this one-of-a-kind guide explains how to set up and use a home chemistry lab, with step-by-step instructions for conducting experiments in basic chemistry -- not just to make pretty colors and stinky smells, but to learn how to do real lab work:

  • Purify alcohol by distillation
  • Produce hydrogen and oxygen gas by electrolysis
  • Smelt metallic copper from copper ore you make yourself
  • Analyze the makeup of seawater, bone, and other common substances
  • Synthesize oil of wintergreen from aspirin and rayon fiber from paper
  • Perform forensics tests for fingerprints, blood, drugs, and poisons
  • and much more
Image for The Joy of Chemistry: The Amazing Science of Familiar Things

The Joy of Chemistry: The Amazing Science of Familiar Things

Written for lay readers, provides an introduction to the principles of chemistry and includes quotations from popular literature to show how chemistry and everyday life intertwine.

Image for The Cartoon Guide to Chemistry (Cartoon Guide Series)

The Cartoon Guide to Chemistry (Cartoon Guide Series)

If you have ever suspected that "heavy water" is the title of a bootleg Pink Floyd album, believed that surface tension is an anxiety disorder, or imagined that a noble gas is the result of a heavy meal at Buckingham Palace, then you need The Cartoon Guide to Chemistry to set you on the road to chemical literacy.

You don't need to be a scientist to grasp these and many other complex ideas, because The Cartoon Guide to Chemistry explains them all: the history and basics of chemistry, atomic theory, combustion, solubility, reaction stoichiometry, the mole, entropy, and much more—all explained in simple, clear, and yes, funny illustrations. Chemistry will never be the same!

Image for Air Is Not Oxygen: Essential Science You Should Have Learned ... But Probably Didn't!

Air Is Not Oxygen: Essential Science You Should Have Learned ... But Probably Didn't!

AIR IS NOT OXYGEN is a fun way to brush up on essential science concepts you missed in school. (Admit it. You probably thought you had better things to do than study!) Clear, short chapters focus on mastering key concepts instead of memorizing facts. Dozens of optional hands-on activities make science come alive! In a style described as “Dave Barry meets Bill Nye with a touch of the Mythbusters,” award-winning author, Bill Morelan, debunks common misconceptions about basic science. Reflecting both the National Science Content Standards and the Next Generation Science Standards, AIR IS NOT OXYGEN covers Life Science, Earth Science, Physical Science, and Science Methods.A fun, informative read, AIR IS NOT OXYGEN helps fill the gaps in your science education. (Never be humiliated by science geeks again!) Perfect for sharing, or as a handy basic reference tool. Makes a great book for kids, too.

Best of all, the ingredients are already in your kitchen, so nothing stops you from starting your first experiment today.

Below I have links to 10 simple experiments you can try today. And take a deeper dive into the coolest one: turning milk into moldable plastic.

 EASY CHEMISTRY EXPERIMENTS TO DO AT HOME

Gather up your baking soda, yeast, watercolors, vinegar, and other basic items and get ready to amaze your kids with your scientific genius.

Look at the science fun I have found for you below.

  1. Try these Gummy Juice Noodles: Food Chemistry Experiment for Kids.
  2. 2 Fun Chemistry for Kids Experiments & John Dalton Notebooking Pages
  3. Watch a Baking Soda Growing Tree form overnight.
  4. 10 Facts About Oxygen For Kids | How To Do An Underwater Flame Experiment |Free Printable
  5. Make a Simple Chemistry Hatching Dino Egg for the dino lover.
  6. Learn How to Make Elephant Toothpaste | Fun Chemistry Activities & Printable
  7. Medieval Chemistry and Homeschool History – Fun Hands-On Activity
  8. Simple Chemical Reaction Experiment – Steel wool and vinegar reaction is great for preschool through early elementary.
  9. How to Make Elephant Toothpaste | Fun Chemistry Activities & Printable
  10. Enjoy edible Delightfully Fizzy Sherbet – Go Science Girls.
Easy Chemistry Experiments To Do At Home

 
Even though these experiments use safe household products, this is a great time to introduce lab safety and encourage your child to use proper equipment like gloves and safety goggles.

TURNING MILK INTO MOLDABLE PLASTIC EXPERIMENT

This is the star of the show today; I am giving you the simple breakdown for this one.  With just two ingredients, you can watch milk transform from a liquid into a moldable, rubbery solid, essentially homemade bioplastic.

First, talk about the chemistry behind it with your learner. 

Milk contains a protein called casein, which normally stays suspended in the liquid because of its electrical charge and the milk’s pH balance.

Vinegar is acetic acid, and adding it lowers the pH of the milk.  

That change causes the casein proteins to lose their charge and clump together in a process called curdling or denaturation.

In fact, casein plastic (sometimes called “Galalith”) was actually used commercially in the early 1900s to make buttons, jewelry, and pen casings before synthetic plastics took over-amazing!

You will need:

  • 1 cup of milk (whole milk works best)
  • 4 tablespoons of white vinegar
  • A saucepan
  • A strainer or cheesecloth
  • A bowl of cold water
  • Cookie cutters or molds
  • Paper towels
Easy Chemistry Experiments To Do At Home

Heat the milk in a saucepan over medium heat until it’s warm but not boiling (small bubbles forming at the edges are your cue).

Easy Chemistry Experiments To Do At Home

Remove from heat and stir in the vinegar.

The solid curds you’re left with are almost pure casein, and this protein has a naturally plastic-like structure.

MILK AND VINEGAR PLASTIC (CASEIN PLASTIC)

Watch closely; within seconds, you’ll see white clumps (curds) separate from a yellowish liquid (whey). This is the reaction in action.

Easy Chemistry Experiments To Do At Home

Let it sit for a minute, then pour the mixture through a strainer to separate the curds from the liquid.

Easy Chemistry Experiments To Do At Home

I will say this batch doesn’t make much, so if you have more than one kid or want to create a larger plastic shape, you will want to double or triple the recipe to be sure you have plenty.

Rinse the curds gently under cold water, then press out excess moisture with paper towels.

Easy Chemistry Experiments To Do At Home

While it’s still warm and pliable, knead the curds like dough or press flat for the cookie cutter.

Easy Chemistry Experiments To Do At Home

Press them into a mold, shape them by hand, or flatten out and cut them with a cookie cutter.

Easy Chemistry Experiments To Do At Home

Let your creation air-dry for 24–48 hours.

Easy Chemistry Experiments To Do At Home

As it dries, it hardens into a solid, plastic-like material.

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

Free France Lapbook for Kids Who Love Hands-on History

September 4, 2026 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Fill this free France lapbook with my printables or add some your child created. Too, on my Homeschool Lapbooks – Powerful Tools For Mastery Learning page you can find more free homeschool lapbooks.

Because France is a country with fascinating history, beautiful castles, famous landmarks and delicious food, it makes for a fun unit study too. Also, look at my page Free Quick France Unit Study and Make Easy French Bread to use this lapbook and free France unit study for a whole study project.

Free France Lapbook for Kids Who Love Hands-on History

France is one of the countries that make up Europe and has coastlines along the Atlantic Ocean, the English Channel, and the Mediterranean Sea.

Studying France gives kids a chance to see how people in another country live

Also, add some of these fun books and resources.

BOOKS & RESOURCES ABOUT FRANCE FOR KIDS

We prefer living books when we find them. But add one or two to your day for a read aloud.

Books and Resources for Studying About France

Add some of these books and resources to your unit study about France or the French Empire.

Image for Merriam-Webster’s Student Atlas

Merriam-Webster’s Student Atlas

  • Discover the world’s landforms and bodies of water, the highest and lowest elevations, and learn more about ocean currents, and wind patterns.
  • Thematic maps cover diverse topics such as continental drift, ocean floor, climate, natural resources, and population density.
  • Features up-to-date statistics and global information.
Image for Where Is the Eiffel Tower?

Where Is the Eiffel Tower?

Learn about the Eiffel Tower, beloved and iconic symbol of Paris, France, and one of the most recognizable structures in the world!When the plans for the Eiffel Tower were first announced, many people hated the design of the future landmark, calling it  ungainly and out of step with the beautiful stone buildings of the city. But once it went up for the World's Fair in 1889, the people of Paris quickly fell in love with the tower. Today it seems impossible to imagine Paris without the Eiffel Tower, which greets millions of visitors each year who climb up its wrought-iron stairs, ride its glass elevators, and enjoy the wonderful views of the city spread out below it.

Image for Madeline

Madeline

Nothing frightens Madeline—not tigers, not even mice. With its endearing, courageous heroine, cheerful humor, and wonderful, whimsical drawings of Paris, the Madeline stories are true classics that continue to charm readers, even after 75 years!Ludwig Bemelmans (1898-1962) was the author of the beloved Madeline books, including Madeline, a Caldecott Honor Book, and Madeline's Rescue, winner of the Caldecott Medal.

Image for France ABCs: A Book About the People and Places of France (Country ABCs)

France ABCs: A Book About the People and Places of France (Country ABCs)

An alphabetical exploration of the people, geography, animals, plants, history, and culture of France.

Image for Who Was Claude Monet?

Who Was Claude Monet?

Claude Monet is considered one of the most influential artists of all time. He is a founder of the French Impressionist art movement, and today his paintings sell for millions of dollars. While Monet was alive, however, his work was often criticized and he struggled financially. With over one hundred black-and-white illustrations, this book unveils a true portrait of the artist!

Image for French Picture Dictionary Coloring Book: Over 1500 French Words and Phrases for Creative & Visual Learners of All Ages (Color and Learn)

French Picture Dictionary Coloring Book: Over 1500 French Words and Phrases for Creative & Visual Learners of All Ages (Color and Learn)

You know you’ve never learned French like this before!

Learning a new language is a new way of meeting new people, opening doors in your professional career and attracting fresh opportunities when traveling around the world, as you may know. Spoken by over 280million people all over the world, French is the fifth most spoken language on the planet, so learning it will blow up your social and business circles!

Image for The Everything Kids' Learning French Book: Fun exercises to help you learn francais

The Everything Kids' Learning French Book: Fun exercises to help you learn francais

Bonjour, mon ami! So, you want to learn French but don't know where to start? Start ici, with The Everything Kids' Learning French Book. Inside, you'll find simple exercises, fun facts, tips on pronunciation, and popular phrases that enable you to read and speak French in no time at all.

Image for LEGO Architecture Paris Skyline Building Kit with Eiffel Tower and The Louvre

LEGO Architecture Paris Skyline Building Kit with Eiffel Tower and The Louvre

  • Celebrate Architecture - LEGO Architecture sets celebrate the world of architecture, design, and history through the medium of the LEGO brick, ideal for travel enthusiasts
  • Relaxing Building Experience - This LEGO set is designed for adults and kids aged 12+, providing a rewarding and relaxing building experience, perfect for home or office décor
Image for 100 PICS France Game | Kids Games

100 PICS France Game | Kids Games

PLAY 100 PICS FRANCE: Keep your kids entertained with our card games! 100 PICS is a fun game that can teach your children about the beautiful country of France! Perfect for family game night at home or on the go to take as a vacation essential.

In addition, France has a long and fascinating history.

Kids can explore important periods and events, including medieval France, the French Revolution, and the reign of famous kings and queens.

And include famous landmarks, French art, discover French food and learns some French alongside the free French lapbook.

MORE ACTIVITIES ABOUT THE COUNTRY OF FRANCE

  • 8 France Crafts For Kids And Make Fun Vocabulary Bracelets
  • Free Quick France Unit Study and Make Easy French Bread
  • Unit Study: French Revolution + Free Storming the Bastille Game
  • Make a Sun King Fun Medallion – Louis XIV, also known as Louis the Great or the Sun King, was King of France from 1643 until his death in 1715
  • Free Homeschool History Cards – French and Indian War
  • 15 Hands-on History Ideas for Kids Studying the French and Indian War
  • French Revolution Unit Study + Free Copywork
  • Free 4 Weeks Claude Monet Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas
  • 4 Week Free Middle Ages Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas
  • Famous and Historic Trees Fun Nature and History Homeschool Unit Study
Free France Lapbook for Kids Who Love Hands-on History

Additionally, look at these other lapbooks about countries.

FREE COUNTRY LAPBOOKS FOR KIDS

  • Free Africa Lapbook for Kids Who Love Hands-on History
  • Free Lapbook India for Kids Who Love Hands-on History
  • Free Lapbook Mexico For Kids Who Love Hands-On Learning
  • Free Lapbook Argentina for Kids Who Love Hands-on History
  • Free Lapbook Canada For Kids Who Love Hands-On Learning
  • Free Ireland Lapbook For Kids Who Love Hands-On Learning
  • Free Scotland Lapbook For Kids Who Love Hands-On Learning
  • Free England Lapbook For Kids Who Love Hands-On Learning
  • Free Lapbook Asia For Kids Who Love Hands-On Learning
  • Free Spain Lapbook for Kids Who Love Hands-on History
  • Free Lapbook Portugal For Kids Who Love Hands-On Learning

Last, look the minibooks included in this free download.

FREE FRANCE LAPBOOK MINIBOOKS

  • Discover France Where is France
  • Let’s learn French
  • French Fashion
  • Famous French People
  • Fun Facts About France
  • Famous Places

Now, how to grab the freebie.

It’s a subscriber freebie.

HOW TO GET THE FREE FRANCE LAPBOOK

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: Lapbooks Tagged With: France, hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool, lapbook, lapbooking, lapbookresources, lapbooks

How to Make a Hanging Banner & 9 More Knight Crafts

August 28, 2026 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Knight crafts are a creative way to explore the medieval world of heroes and what it took to become one. Also, look at my 4 Week Free Middle Ages Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas for more activities.

If your homeschool has been deep in a knights-and-castles unit lately, you know how quickly the craft ideas pile up. We started with a simple hanging banner project.

How to Make a Hanging Banner & 9 More Knight Crafts

And it ended up being one of my favorite things we’ve made all year, both because it turned out beautifully and because it gave my son a chance to think about who he is, not just what knights were.

To give the crafts more meaning, we spent some time talking about who knights actually were, since the pop-culture version (shining armor, dragons, damsels) is only loosely connected to the history.

BOOKS FOR KIDS ABOUT THE MEDIEVAL AGES

Next, add some living books to this hands-on history craft.

9 Medieval History Books & Resources For Kids Who Love Reading and Being Read To

Add a few of these books to your Middle Ages or Medieval unit study.

Image for King Arthur and His Knights of the Round Table (Puffin Classics)

King Arthur and His Knights of the Round Table (Puffin Classics)

King Arthur is one of the greatest legends of all time. From the magical moment when Arthur releases the sword in the stone to the quest for the Holy Grail and the final tragedy of the Last Battle, Roger Lancelyn Green brings the enchanting world of King Arthur stunningly to life. One of the greatest legends of all time, with an inspiring introduction by David Almond, award-winning author of Clay, Skellig, Kit's Wilderness and The Fire-Eaters.

Image for A Castle with Many Rooms: The Story of the Middle Ages

A Castle with Many Rooms: The Story of the Middle Ages

This covers people and events and covers a larger period of time.

Image for Days of Knights and Damsels: An Activity Guide

Days of Knights and Damsels: An Activity Guide

Kids can re-create a long-ago world of kings, castles, jousts, jesters, damsels, magic fairies, and Robin Hood—all they need are their imaginations, materials they can find at home, and the activities in this book. Dressing up in a coat of armor made from plastic milk jugs, whipping up a batch of curds and whey, writing secret messages in invisible ink, and telling time with a sand glass made from soda bottles are just some of the fun projects. Every activity is illustrated, and sidebars highlight colorful facts about life hundreds of years ago.

Image for The Usborne Encyclopedia of World History

The Usborne Encyclopedia of World History

This newly updated book will introduce you to world history, from prehistoric times to the start of the 21st century. Find out about dinosaurs, the first humans, Ancient Egypt, the Aztec Empire, Medieval Europe, the First World War and many more fascinating subjects.

Image for The Door in the Wall

The Door in the Wall

Set in the fourteenth century, the classic story of one boy's personal heroism when he loses the use of his legs.

Image for The Kitchen Knight: A Tale of King Arthur

The Kitchen Knight: A Tale of King Arthur

The Knights of the Round Table were in their glory. When an unknown stranger visits the castle and asks Kin Arthur's favor, he is allowed to serve in the kitchen for his meat and bread. Little does anyone suspect that he is of noble blood and will soon be knighted by the famous Sir Lancelot. Lush illustrations bring the reader into the book, as Sir Gareth meets adventures and battles to free a princess from the fearsome Red Knight of the Plain.

Image for Castle: A Caldecott Honor Award Winner

Castle: A Caldecott Honor Award Winner

In this 1978 Caldecott Honor Book, award-winning author and illustrator David Macaulay explores the history and construction of castles in a richly illustrated resource for curious young readers. The word itself conjures up mystery, romance, intrigue, and grandeur. What could be more perfect for an author/illustrator who has continually stripped away the mystique of architectural structures that have long fascinated modern man? With typical zest and wry sense of humor punctuating his drawings, David Macaulay traces the step-by-step planning and construction of both castle and town.

Image for The Middle Ages: An Interactive History Adventure

The Middle Ages: An Interactive History Adventure

I like to incorporate a wonderful and informational book to support our topic while making it fun and engaging. The Middle Ages, choose your own adventure style book is fantastic for middle elementary.

Image for The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood (First Edition): Illustrated Classics

The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood (First Edition): Illustrated Classics

The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood was written and illustrated by Howard Pyle and published in 1883. It is the best known version of the story of Robin Hood which had been popular throughout the previous century. Pyle popularized Robin Hood, his adventures, and his band of merry men in a way that influenced most later depictions in writing, drawing, and film. The book consists of a series of episodes pitting the outlaw Robin Hood, Little John, Friar Tuck and the rest of his band against corrupt authorities epitomized by the evil Sheriff of Nottingham.

Then, learn about knighthood.

QUICK GLANCE AT KNIGHTHOOD IN MEDIEVAL EUROPE

Knighthood grew out of medieval Europe, roughly the 9th through 16th centuries, as feudal societies needed mounted, armored warriors who owed loyalty to a lord in exchange for land.

Becoming a knight was a process, not just a title.

Boys often started as pages around age 7, became squires in their early teens serving an existing knight, and were finally knighted (often by being tapped on the shoulders with a sword, the “accolade”) in their late teens or twenties.

Knights were expected to follow a code of chivalry- ideals like courage, loyalty, honesty, and protecting the weak- though how well any individual knight lived up to that varied a lot, just like any code of ethics.

Armor evolved a lot over the centuries, from chainmail to the full plate armor most people picture, and it was expensive, which meant knighthood was tied closely to wealth and social class.

How to Make a Hanging Banner & 9 More Knight Crafts

The Knights Templar, which inspired one section of our banner, were a real military-religious order founded in the early 1100s to protect Christian pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem.

Their symbol was a red cross, which is why that’s such a recognizable “knight” image even today.

Tournaments (jousting, sword fighting) weren’t just entertainment; they were how knights trained and kept their combat skills sharp during peacetime.

This is a great time to introduce the idea that “history” and “legend” often blend; a lot of what we picture as knights (dragons, wizards, damsels in towers) comes from medieval and later storytelling, not documented history.

Below, I’m sharing how we made our banner, a little bit of the knight history we covered alongside it, and some movie and show recommendations to round out your unit.

KNIGHT RESOURCES

Add some fun books, movies, figurines and other items to help bring your knight unit to life.

  • How to Train Your Dragon
  • What Are Castles and Knights?
  • The Sword in the Stone
  • The Lion in Winter
  • A Knight’s Tale 
  • The Boy Knight: A Tale of the Crusades – Books
  • Safari Knights and Dragons Toob

Then look at these other crafts about knights.

MORE KNIGHT CRAFTS

  1. How to Make a Knight Templar Helmet for Fun Medieval Times Crafts
  2. Knight Costume from Made Cardboard Amazon Prime Boxes – Sugar Bee Crafts
  3. Knight’s Armor Engraving Craft
  4. Fairy Tale Castles Art Project | Deep Space Sparkle
  5. DIY Knight Costume for under $20! – Sweet Anne Designs
  6. Color Your World: Fun and Easy Dragon Stained Glass Project
  7. Easy Dollar Tree Cake Pan Knight Shield Craft
  8. DIY Dragon Eggs
  9. 5 Usborne Knights And Castles Books | How To Make A Medieval Toilet Roll Castle

Finally, look at how to make this cool hanging knight banner.

HOW TO MAKE A HANGING KNIGHT BANNER

You will need:

  • A canvas banner (ours came from Hobby Lobby)
  • Paint pens
  • A pencil for sketching guidelines first
  • A ruler or yardstick (optional, for dividing the banner evenly)
How to Make a Hanging Banner & 9 More Knight Crafts

First, divide the banner into four sections.

Using a pencil, lightly mark the banner into quarters.

This gives you a simple grid to work within so the design doesn’t feel overwhelming, and it’s an easy way to fit several symbols onto one banner without it looking cluttered.

How to Make a Hanging Banner & 9 More Knight Crafts

Allow your child to choose their symbols; this is the part that made the project special.

Instead of a generic “knight” design, we picked four images that were specifically about my son:

  • A dragon wing (he’s obsessed with dragons)
  • His initial
  • A sword (for courage/knighthood)
  • A Knights Templar cross (tied into what we were learning about medieval knighthood)

Sketch each design lightly in pencil inside its section before committing to paint pen. This lets you fix proportions or placement without any mess.

How to Make a Hanging Banner & 9 More Knight Crafts

Trace and fill in with paint pens.

Paint pens are great for this age/skill level because they give clean lines without the drips or bleed-through you’d get with regular paint and a brush.

Go back over your dividing lines with a paint pen to give the sections more emphasis. Allow the paint to dry before hanging.

How to Make a Hanging Banner & 9 More Knight Crafts

The banner I bought from Hobby Lobby did not come with anything to hang it.

How to Make a Hanging Banner & 9 More Knight Crafts

So, I added ribbon loops through the holes and ran a large dowel rod through them, securing with hot glue.

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

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