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4 Cicada Insect Fun Facts For Kids | How to Make A Cicada Clothespin Craft

July 27, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

We’re learning 4 cicada insect fun facts for kids and creating a cicada clothespin craft. Also, look at my Free Kids Insect Unit Study for more ideas.

Have you somehow escaped the “attack” of the cicadas or haven’t seen that this year (2024) is a multiple brood emergence for cicadas?

It is an event that hasn’t happened in over 200 years.

And I have some fun facts for you.

4 Cicada Insect Fun Facts For Kids | How to Make A Cicada Clothespin Craft

There are over 3,000 species of Cicadas worldwide.

They are sorted into two families based on life cycle.

For example, they are either annual or periodical cicadas.

Annual cicadas have dark green or black bodies with green veins in their wings and come out every year.

Periodical cicadas: have black bodies, red eyes and legs, and red veins in their wings.

They live for years underground before they emerge.

While their appearance is startling, Cicadas are harmless.

And they do not endanger crops or people, they are just a noisy nuisance.

Cicadas

Special Double Brood

Cecily Cicada: Special Double Brood Edition

Our special edition of the classic, Cecily Cicada, created for the Midwest's double-brood emergence of 2024.

4 Cicada Insect Fun Facts For Kids

Next, here is a great video Cicadas: The Loudest Bugs in The World for kids all about these interesting insects

  1. For the most part periodical cicadas are found east of the Mississippi River. 13-year cicadas are found in more southern states. The later emerging 17-year cicadas can be found in the more northern states.
  2. The 13- and 17-year lifespan of periodical cicadas is one of the longest of any insect. They spend most of this cycle underground (99%) in the nymph stage. They feed on liquid from plant roots and emerge above ground for just a short time.
  3. When cicadas emerge in a giant mass the noise can reach a deafening crescendo -up to 100 decibels. This is the sound of male mating call and is louder than your neighborhood lawn mower.
  4. Not only do birds and animals enjoy eating them, but many people do also. Cicadas are edible and are considered a delicacy in many areas because they are high in protein, low in fat, and gluten-free, as well as a good source of minerals and vitamins.

In my handy dandy nature anatomy book, I was able to find a little section with an illustration of a 17-year Cicada, these books are a treasure!

4 Cicada Insect Fun Facts For Kids | How to Make A Cicada Clothespin Craft

Also, look at these facts about their life cycle

Cicada Life Cycle

  • Eggs- Females use their ovipositor to carve a groove in a groove in a tree branch or trunk, this protects and provides a nutrient rich fluid.
  • Nymphs- After 10 weeks the eggs hatch into nymphs, feed off the tree and then fall to the ground. They then dig and burrow their way underground and live there for 2-17 years depending on the species. They rely on feeding off plant roots for nourishment.
  •  Adults- When the soil reaches appropriate temperatures the nymphs molt into winged adults on a nearby vertical surface. These are the exoskeletons you find abandoned around the yard.  For about 30 minutes they are extremely vulnerable and soft but after about 30 minutes their new exoskeleton hardens off. Male cicadas then sing mating songs creating a lot of noise.
4 Cicada Insect Fun Facts For Kids | How to Make A Cicada Clothespin Craft

Once emerged cicadas only live for no longer than 6 weeks and they are gone until the cycle begins all over again.

More Insect Hands-on Crafts for Kids

  • Fascinating and Fun Honey Bees Unit Study and Lapbook for Kids
  • How to Make a Fun Ladybug Watercolor Labeled Picture
  • Free Kids Insect Unit Study┃ How to Make Clay Insects
  • 8 Insect Fun Facts About Texas For Kids | Easy Dragonfly Craft
  • Fun and Easy Hands-on Life Cycle Butterfly Activity for Kids

Finally, look at how to make this clothespin cicada craft.

How to Make A Cicada Clothespin Craft

Even though our craft uses hot glue your child will not be directly touching it until completely cooled so this is a great introduction to this useful tool.

You will need:

  • Wooden clothespin
  • Black button
  • Red beads
  • Pipe cleaners
  • Markers
  • Silicone mat
  • Hot glue gun/glue sticks
4 Cicada Insect Fun Facts For Kids | How to Make A Cicada Clothespin Craft

First,[ paint the entire clothespin black and set aside to dry.

4 Cicada Insect Fun Facts For Kids | How to Make A Cicada Clothespin Craft

Now to create the wings. It is really fun.

You want to use a flexible silicone mat because it can take the heat of the hot glue without damage.

Once cooled the hardened glue peels off easily.

Use a light-colored dry erase marker to draw out a pair of wings on the silicone mat.

Now you are going to fill in the outline with a thin but solid layer of hot glue.

Allow it to harden completely.

4 Cicada Insect Fun Facts For Kids | How to Make A Cicada Clothespin Craft

While you are waiting, use hot glue to attach small red beads to either side of the button for eyes.

4 Cicada Insect Fun Facts For Kids | How to Make A Cicada Clothespin Craft

Hot glue button to the end of the dry clothespin.

4 Cicada Insect Fun Facts For Kids | How to Make A Cicada Clothespin Craft

After your glue has hardened you can easily peel up the wings and trim them with scissors if needed.

Take a marker and add some vein details to them.

4 Cicada Insect Fun Facts For Kids | How to Make A Cicada Clothespin Craft

Run a little hot glue down the top of the clothespin and attach your wings.

You do not want to apply the glue to the wings directly as the heat from the glue gun will melt them.

4 Cicada Insect Fun Facts For Kids | How to Make A Cicada Clothespin Craft

Cut 6 small legs out of pipe cleaners and hot glue them into place on the underside of the clothespin cicada.

Bend them into two parts.

4 Cicada Insect Fun Facts For Kids | How to Make A Cicada Clothespin Craft

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

7 Easy Cloud Crafts For Preschoolers | Types of Clouds Activity

July 26, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have some great cloud crafts for preschoolers for you. Also, look at my page How to Homeschool Preschool for more ideas.

Use this craft if you’re teaching about clouds or weather in general, springtime, summer skies, or need something with the letter C.

There are 4 basic types of clouds – cumulus, cirrus, stratus, and nimbus.

7 Easy Cloud Crafts For Preschoolers | Types of Clouds Activity

I’m giving you a simple explanation on two more but these four are plenty to focus on for preschoolers.

To help your preschooler understand the different types of clouds I recommend using several approaches.

Of course, the obvious is getting outside and observing clouds firsthand.

Books About Clouds

First, look at these resources about clouds.

Cloud Books & Resources for Kids

Add these cloud books and resources to your unit study.

Clouds (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science 1)

Read and find out about how to forecast a change in weather by looking at the clouds in this colorfully illustrated nonfiction picture book.

At any given time, more than half the earth is covered with different types of clouds. Some are dark and scary rain clouds, and some are just big white puffs. What kind of cloud is in the sky above you, and what can you expect the weather to be? Instead of turning on the TV to find out what the weather will be, you can look out your window at the clouds.

This clear and appealing science book for early elementary age kids, both at home and in the classroom, is a Level 1 Let's-Read-and-Find-Out, which means the book explores introductory concepts perfect for children in the primary grades

Little Cloud board book

At last! Here's a brand-new board book edition of an Eric Carle picture book that's a favorite with littlest cloud gazers everywhere! Little Cloud likes to stand out from the crowd. When all the other clouds drift up, he goes his own way, changing shapes to become a sheep, an airplane, a shark and a funny clown. It?s all lots of fun, but so is playing with friends. So this time, Little Cloud joins the crowd, gathering with his pals into one giant cloud. And then they rain!In Little Cloud, Eric Carle celebrates the possibilities of imagination with textured collages of sky-blue and white in a story that will encourage the youngest child to "read" clouds.

Photo Credit: www.youtube.com

Types Of Clouds - The Dr. Binocs Show

Hey kids, did you know that clouds have different types too? Well, after watching this video, you'd be able to identify most of them.

Next, look at these types of clouds.

Types of Clouds

For an older child you may also go into additional cloud types but the first three are great basic starts.

Cumulus Clouds

  • Look like cotton balls in the sky.
  • Usually brings fair weather.
  • Can grow tall and puffy, like mountains.

Cirrus Clouds

  • Thin, wispy clouds that look like feathers.
  • Made of ice crystals.
  • Often called “mare’s tails”.

Stratus Clouds

  • Gray, flat clouds that cover the entire sky.
  • Often brings drizzle or light rain.
  • Can make the day seem gloomy.

Nimbostratus Clouds

  • Dark, thick clouds that bring rain or snow.
  • Often covers the entire sky.
  • Can make the day seem very dark.

Altocumulus Clouds

  • Gray or white clouds that look like small balls of cotton.
  • Often brings fair weather.
  • Can sometimes indicate that rain or snow is coming.

Altostratus Clouds

  • Can make the day seem gloomy.
  • Gray or blue-gray clouds that cover the entire sky.
  • Often brings drizzle or light rain.
7 Easy Cloud Crafts For Preschoolers | Types of Clouds Activity

Also, look at more crafts for preschoolers.

More Crafts for Preschoolers

  • How to Make Hot Cocoa Cloud Dough | 8 Hot Cocoa Crafts for Preschoolers
  • For the sensory seeking child this Cloud Dough Recipe and Sensory Cloud Activity will have them enthralled and busy for awhile
  • Another fantastic way to learn about the clouds up in the sky is to demonstrate the different types by creating Puffy Paint Clouds.
  • Don’t you love to watch the clouds go by and try to figure out what they look like? This Cloud Watching Craft can be done even on the gloomiest of days.
  • If you are going to get out and observe clouds first hand why not do it in style with this Toilet Paper Roll Binoculars Craft for Cloud Observation.
  • Make a Simple and Fun Hands-On Water Cycle Activity For Kids to show them where clouds fit into our water cycle.
  • Perfect for a weather unit, clouds, or spring this Paper Plate Cloud Craft is adorable, simple, and inexpensive.
  • Include a little science into a Rain Cloud Gravity Painting by teaching your child about the force of gravity in a playful way.

Types of Clouds Activity

For younger preschoolers you may choose to only do a few basic clouds or only do them one at a time each day as you talk about each type.

Older preschoolers and even kindergarteners you could do all of them on the same day and then compare them.

You will need:

  • Cotton balls/pillow stuffing
  • Blue card stock
  • Craft sticks
  • Glue
  • Marker
  • Craft paint/paintbrush.
7 Easy Cloud Crafts For Preschoolers | Types of Clouds Activity

Take a sheet of card stock or construction paper and cut it into 4 equal squares.

If you choose to create all 6 types listed above simply cut more paper squares.

7 Easy Cloud Crafts For Preschoolers | Types of Clouds Activity

Write the name of each of the types of clouds you are choosing to do across the bottom of each piece.

7 Easy Cloud Crafts For Preschoolers | Types of Clouds Activity

I find the easiest way to get the glue onto the strips is to put a little bit in a dish and let your child paint it on thickly with a paintbrush.

It is best to go ahead and ‘paint’ the shape of the cloud on with the glue.

7 Easy Cloud Crafts For Preschoolers | Types of Clouds Activity

Using a book or pictures on the internet as a reference helps them to create each type of cloud.

Press the cotton onto the glue and add or remove pieces as needed to achieve the shape.

7 Easy Cloud Crafts For Preschoolers | Types of Clouds Activity

For nimbus, stratocumulus, and cumulonimbus clouds you can have your child add a bit of gray/blue craft paint to darken the cotton.

7 Easy Cloud Crafts For Preschoolers | Types of Clouds Activity

Allow the paint and glue to dry completely on the cards then flip them over and attach a craft stick to create a handle.

Now you can use these cards as a game where you call out a cloud and they hold up the one that correctly matches.

7 Easy Cloud Crafts For Preschoolers | Types of Clouds Activity

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Is Sunflower A Wildflower | How to Make a Canning Lid Craft

July 25, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Is sunflower a wildflower? Yes, they are wildflowers native to North and Central Americas as well as South America. You’ll also love my Wildflowers Unit Study.

These tall stunning flowers are the subject of famous paintings.

And used for food for both wildlife and humans, shelter and as feed for livestock.

Is Sunflower A Wildflower | How to Make a Canning Lid Craft

Stroll through a wildflower unit study with books and activities.

Too, learn how to make a canning lid craft look like a beautiful sunflower.

I love using items out of craft supplies already on hand.

As you build your sunflower this is a great time to talk about the different parts with younger children- seeds, stems, petals, and the disc.

This sunflower is perfect for hanging on the wall.

Or hang it on the door or put it in a vase to show off your child’s work as they learn about the beautiful world of wildflowers.

Books About Wildflowers for Kids

Next, look at some of these books about wildflowers.

10 Wildflower Books & Resources For Kids Who Love to Read and Be Read To

Spring is especially a good time to learn about wildflowers but you can learn about them anytime. Add a few of these hands-on resources and books and you'll have a fun multiple ages unit study for your homeschooled kids.

Botanicum: Welcome to the Museum

Botanicum, is a brilliantly curated guide to plant life. With artwork from Katie Scott of Animalium fame, Botanicum gives readers the experience of a fascinating exhibition from the pages of a beautiful book. From perennials to bulbs to tropical exotica, Botanicum is a wonderful feast of botanical knowledge complete with superb cross sections of how plants work.

National Geographic Pocket Guide to Wildflowers of North America

With this basic beginner's field guide to North American wildflowers, all who enjoy nature and the outdoors can identify common wildflowers, from backyard weeds to dainty forest blossoms. In a logical, user-friendly, highly visual format, this new title offers key facts about 160 of the most common wildflowers and weeds, coast to coast, including Canada and Alaska.

Wildcraft! an Herbal Adventure Game for Kids

Unlike many kids games 4 and up that turn out to be too confusing for children, Wildcraft! An Herbal Adventure Game, is a fun, strategic challenge that’s also easy to follow– NO READING REQUIRED. Because our learning board games feature clear illustrations and matching icons, even younger kids will learn what the different plants look like and can be used for. It’s the perfect fun game for family game night with kids, and ideal for beginners – no prior plant knowledge necessary!

Wildflower Seeds: Bulk Mix of 21 Varieties

Wide Variety Of Flower Seeds: Our wildflower seeds will provide you with a vibrant selection of flowers in your garden. You will get 21 different varieties of annual seeds including Black Eyed Susans, California Bluebells, African Daisies and more.

Wildflower Bingo Game

Do you know which flower got its name from its resemblance to the sombrero? What is the species of the bluebonnet? Lot of facts about North American wildflowers in this game.

Wildflowers, Blooms & Blossoms (Take Along Guides)

An introduction to the world of insects, caterpillars, and butterflies including identification information, educational activities, and fun facts.Invites young naturalists to spot wildlife. Safety tips are provided and interesting activities are suggested. 

Ultimate Explorer Field Guide: Wildflowers

What do you call a garden filled with lots of flowers? A polli-nation! Nat Geo Kids is back with the newest fact- and photo-filled Ultimate Explorer Field Guide, and this one packs some real flower power! This guide to wildflowers will make kids stop and look for all kinds of blossoms blooming right under their noses. From buttercups to bladderworts, primroses to pitcher plants, kids will learn how, where, and when to spot these wildflowers in their backyard, down the street, or all over town! Jam-packed with tons of info, interactive prompts, tips for budding botanists, super stats, and jokes--it's the perfect companion for exploring the backyard or field trips, camping, or vacation. Durable and portable, it's just right for your pocket or backpack!

Wild Flowers of North America (Science Nature Guides)

Did you know that wild plants are still used for food, for medicines, and as dyes? Many of the plants growing in urban areas, in woods and by the side of roads are useful as well as being pretty. Other plants have small and less obvious how many have you seen and not realized that they were flowers? This book will show you the most common wild flowers and where you are most likely to find them. A nature guide designed for elementary grades 2-3, the book includes more than 20 easy-to-do science projects.

Miss Lady Bird's Wildflowers: How a First Lady Changed America

In this warm, engaging look at the life of a great First Lady, Kathi Appelt tells the story behind Lady Bird Johnson's environmental vision. Joy Fisher Hein's colorful wildflowers burst from every page, inviting us to share in Lady Bird's love for natural beauty. 

From a lonely childhood in the Piney Woods of East Texas to an exciting life in the White House, Lady Bird Johnson loved wildflowers with all her heart. They were her companions in her youth, greeting her everywhere as she explored wild forests, bayous, and hills. 

Wild Flowers of North America: Botanical Illustrations by Mary Vaux Walcott

Published in association with the Smithsonian Institution. What does it take to paint a wildflower that blooms for a single day in a deep forest? For Mary Vaux Walcott, it involved spending up to seventeen hours a day out of doors with her paintbox to capture the shape, movement, and colors of delicate petals and leaves.

Then, look at some of these facts about sunflowers.

And some more wildflower hands-on activity.

5 Facts About the Beautiful Sunflower

  1. There are around 70 different species of sunflowers with the most common being Helianthus annuus.
  2. Not every sunflower is yellow, there are also red and purple sunflowers of many different shades and sizes.
  3. While there are sunflowers that grow 12’ to 16’ there are also dwarf varieties that do not reach over 3’ tall.
  4. They are not just pretty. Sunflower oil is used for cooking, in beauty products as well as for its health benefits like anti-Inflammatory properties, and the ability to reduce cholesterol.
  5. While mature sunflowers face east, young sunflowers spend their day tracking the sun from sunrise to sunset every day and repeat this cycle until maturity. This is called ‘heliotropism’.
Is Sunflower A Wildflower | How to Make a Canning Lid Craft

Look at the hands-on wildflower activities below.

Before you make your own sunflower canning lid craft check out a few more hands on ideas.

More Wildflowers Hands-on Activities

They will round out your lesson and give you a wealth of craft and activities to teach the topic in such a fun and memorable way.

  • Learn more Facts About Wildflowers And a Fun Felt Texas Bluebonnet Craft to highlight the state flower of the great state of Texas.
  • Recreate this beautiful DIY Wildflower Painting, I think this makes a wonderfully challenging art project for teens.
  • Find out, Are Daisies Wildflowers | How to Make a Wildflower Pounding Craft using local wildflowers or those out of your own backyard.
  • Make a Pressed Flower Bookmark to keep track of your pages as you enjoy a story or keep place in your book.
  • Check out my Fun Kids Activity How to Make Wildflower Seed Bombs to use in your own gardens or gift them.
  • Little hands will love creating a Paper Plate Sunflower Craft to learn not only about its anatomy but create a pretty craft to display.
Is Sunflower A Wildflower | How to Make a Canning Lid Craft

Finally, look at how to make this fun sunflower craft.

How to Make a Sunflower Canning Lid Craft

You can use any scrap fabric you have on hand like a faded old yellow flannel or a fabric fat quarter.

I found a great selection of material at my local Dollar Tree.

You will need:

  • Yellow fabric
  • Burlap fabric
  • buttons
  • Wide mouth mason jar ring
  • Wide mouth mason jar lid
  • Sturdy stick
  • Stuffing/cotton balls
  • Hot glue gun/stick
Is Sunflower A Wildflower | How to Make a Canning Lid Craft

First place a nice little mound of cotton stuffing in the center of your mason jar lid.

Leave enough space around the edges that it fits inside the ring.

Is Sunflower A Wildflower | How to Make a Canning Lid Craft

Cut a piece of burlap or other fabric about 2” larger than the ring.

over the cotton stuffing, wrap around to the back of the ring and hot glue into place.

Is Sunflower A Wildflower | How to Make a Canning Lid Craft

Cut your yellow fabric into strips 1”x10” long, you will need about 30 strips.

Is Sunflower A Wildflower | How to Make a Canning Lid Craft

Fold a strip in half and lay it on top of the ring like this.

Is Sunflower A Wildflower | How to Make a Canning Lid Craft

Pull the loose ends up and through the loop until tightened.

Is Sunflower A Wildflower | How to Make a Canning Lid Craft

Repeat all the way around until it is full.

Is Sunflower A Wildflower | How to Make a Canning Lid Craft

Trim the flower petals to the length you would like or leave them long and full.

You can also pull on the loose threads at the end to give it a more rustic look.

Press the lid piece into the center after adding some hot glue to the inside.

Because of the excess fabric you will have to bend it a bit to fit it back in.

Add enough glue to secure it well.

Is Sunflower A Wildflower | How to Make a Canning Lid Craft

Glue brown buttons to the center for seeds.

Is Sunflower A Wildflower | How to Make a Canning Lid Craft

Create leaves by tying ribbon onto a large stick.

Is Sunflower A Wildflower | How to Make a Canning Lid Craft

Hot glue the stick to the back of your flower to make a stem.

Add a small loop of fabric to the top back for a hanger.

Is Sunflower A Wildflower | How to Make a Canning Lid Craft

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

5 Facts About Ice Cream | How to Make Ice Cream In A Bag Science

July 23, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have a cool ice cream in a bag science experiment and amazing 5 facts about ice cream to tell you a little about its history. Also, look at my Free Summer Unit Study For Kids and Fun Starfish Craft for more ideas.

You scream, I scream…We all scream for ice cream.

 Who doesn’t love a good bowl of ice cream?

I know that your kids are going to go wild for this science lesson on how ice cream is formed into an emulsion by using freezing point depression.

5 Facts About Ice Cream | How to Make Ice Cream In A Bag Science

Follow along as we go into some of the explanation of how and why ice cream forms with our simple recipe to make it a wonderful learning experience.

You don’t have to own a fancy ice cream maker to enjoy your own creamy delicious custom flavor.

In about 20 minutes with just a few ingredients and a willing kid, you have your own creation.

To extend the science lesson you can repeat the experiment using milk or heavy whipping cream, as well as different types of salt.

5 Facts About Ice Cream

  1. It takes A LOT of milk to produce just 1 gallon of ice cream, 12 pounds (about 3 gallons) to be exact, to make that creamy delicious carton. That’s about half a day’s work for one cow.
  1. The FDA requires that to use the name ‘Ice Cream’, the manufacturer’s recipe must contain at least 10% milk fat and 6–10% milk and nonfat milk solids.
  1. Ice cream, or at least a very close relative of it, has been around since the reign of Cyrus the Great in 500 BC. Way back then sweetened ice was crushed up and mixed with different flavors, fruits, and toppings.
  1. Do you know the most popular ice cream flavors? They come with cookies & cream at #3, chocolate at #2, and vanilla making the top of the list at #1.
  1. Have you ever wondered why you get a headache if you eat your ice cream too fast? That is because when something cold touches the roof of your mouth, the blood vessels that run between your mouth and your brain tense up. This in turn traps blood in your brain. The pressure from the extra blood causes pain in the brain.
5 Facts About Ice Cream | How to Make Ice Cream In A Bag Science

Also, look at my post 5 Facts About The Moon Landing and Make Fun Astronaut Ice Cream for more hands-on fun.

Next, before we make and enjoy our frozen treat learn about the science behind ice cream.

About Ice Cream

Grab this fun cookbook about ice cream.

Hello, My Name Is Ice Cream: The Art and Science of the Scoop: A Cookbook

With more than 100 recipes for ice cream flavors and revolutionary mix-ins from a James Beard - nominated pastry chef, Hello, My Name is Ice Cream explains not only how to make amazing ice cream, but also the science behind the recipes so you can understand ice cream like a pro.

The Science of Ice Cream

The reason why this method works so well is because salt lowers the freezing temperature of water.

This makes ice melt faster and that is why they salt icy roads when it snows, to get rid of it in a hurry. 

This physical reaction is called freezing point depression.

 Then the ice pulls the heat from whatever surrounds it, the cream mixture.

Then the ice cream mixture freezes, pure water freezes at 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit), but water mixed with salt freezes below 0 degrees Celsius.

Another science concept in this activity is making an emulsion.

Emulsion is a combo of two liquids that are not typically mixed like water and fat.

The fat molecules in the half and half are changed with the addition of water, ice crystals, sugar and air to create the tasty concoction.

  • For older kids who love to cook, check out this cookbook, Hello, My Name Is Ice Cream: The Art and Science of the Scoop with recipes, developing flavors, and the science behind the tasty treat.
  • Watch How Ice Cream is Made in Factories  by How It’s Made to find out how ice cream is made step by step in a factory.

Finally, look at how to make ice cream in a bag.

Ice Cream in a Bag Recipe

You will need:

  • Quart ziploc bag
  • Gallon ziploc bag
  • 3-4 cups of Ice
  • ½ cup Salt
  • 1 cup Half and half
  • 1 Tbsp. Granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon Vanilla extract (or any extract flavor)
5 Facts About Ice Cream | How to Make Ice Cream In A Bag Science

Optional mix-ins- chocolate chips, broken cookie pieces, coconut, cocoa powder, nuts, mm’s, etc.

First, place ice and ¼ cup of salt into the gallon bag.

5 Facts About Ice Cream | How to Make Ice Cream In A Bag Science

Pour half and half, sugar, and extract into the quart sized bag.

Press out air and seal well to avoid getting salt in your ice cream.

5 Facts About Ice Cream | How to Make Ice Cream In A Bag Science

We made chocolate ice cream, so I added a heaping spoon of cocoa to the bag and a bit more sugar.

Place the half and half bag into the center of the larger bag in the ice.

5 Facts About Ice Cream | How to Make Ice Cream In A Bag Science

Press the air out of the large bag and seal.

Now the fun (and tiring) part begins.

It’s time to shake, roll, and massage the ice and salt all around the bag of cream.

Do this for about 15 to 20 minutes.

You will probably need to trade off before the ice cream begins to thicken and freeze.

5 Facts About Ice Cream | How to Make Ice Cream In A Bag Science

You will notice the ice melts quickly and feels much colder than it typically would.

The ice cream is ready when it is about the consistency of soft serve.

Eat it right out of the bag.

Beware of the salt on the outside or transfer your ice cream to a fun dish to enjoy.

5 Facts About Ice Cream | How to Make Ice Cream In A Bag Science

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Fun Hands-On History: Ancient Egyptian Collar Craft

July 20, 2024 | 2 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

We’re making an Ancient Egyptian collar craft. Also, there are more Ancient Civilization hands-on ideas on my page.

Ancient Egypt was one of the first civilizations to experience genuine prosperity.

Because the people lived near a reliable water source, food was abundant for farming.

And that left them plenty of time to indulge in a few luxuries, including elaborate hairstyles, culture, and jewelry.

Fun Hands-On History: Ancient Egyptian Collar Craft

One of the most famous forms of jewelry worn by the ancient Egyptians was the Usekh collar.

Rich Egyptians often wore these broad necklaces on a daily basis.

Even though Egyptian men often went shirtless, they still liked to wear the Usekh. That’s how commonly it was worn.

So – for a fun, hands-on history activity, we decided to make our own Ancient Egyptian collar craft! See how we designed ours!

Hands-On History: Ancient Egyptian Collar Craft

To design our Egyptian collar, we studied some examples of actual Usekh collars that have been found by archaeologists.

This one was found on the mummified body of Pharaoh Amenemhat III’s daughter, Neferuptah.

Neferuptah’s Necklace 2012

Naturally, a collar worn by a member of the royal family would be gorgeous and this one is.

Look at all those individual beads that were hand-strung! It must have taken quite a while to make.

Archaeologists have even found images of collars inscribed in relief inside burial tombs.

More Ancient Egypt Crafts

  • Ancient Egypt Narmer Crown Dough Activity
  • Free Ancient Egypt Mehen Printable Board Game
  • How to Make Smokin’ Hot Egyptian Pillars Out of Cardboard
  • Ancient Egypt DIY Simple and Fun Mummification Process Game
  • Egypt Crafts For Kindergarten Create a Fun Kid Sized Mummy
  • Fun Pharaohs and Queens Ancient Egypt Lapbook and Activities
  • The Geronimo Stilton Book Fourth Journey Fun Egypt Game
  • Fun and Easy Hands-On Ancient Egypt Craft: Create Canopic Jars

Also, look at these books about Egypt.

17 Ancient Egypt Books & Resources for Kids Who Love Reading and Being Read To

Add some of these books to your home library and use them for a day of learning or for unit studies.

The Egypt Game

The first time Melanie Ross meets April Hall, she’s not sure they have anything in common. But she soon discovers that they both love anything to do with ancient Egypt. When they stumble upon a deserted storage yard, Melanie and April decide it’s the perfect spot for the Egypt Game. Before long there are six Egyptians, and they all meet to wear costumes, hold ceremonies, and work on their secret code. Everyone thinks it’s just a game until strange things start happening. Has the Egypt Game gone too far?

Tales of Ancient Egypt (Puffin Classics)

These stories include the great myths - of Amen-Ra, who created all the creatures in the world; of Isis, seaching the waters for her dead husband Osiris; of the Bennu Bird and the Book of Thoth. But there are also tales told for pleasure about magic, treasure and adventure - even the first ever Cinderella story.

The Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt (Landmark Books)

For more than 3,000 years, Egypt was a great civilization that thrived along the banks of the Nile River. But when its cities crumbled to dust, Egypt’s culture and the secrets of its hieroglyphic writings were also lost. The Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt explains how archaeologists have pieced together their discoveries to slowly reveal the history of Egypt’s people, its pharaohs, and its golden days.

The Buildings of Ancient Egypt

Uses archeological evidence to describe the construction, decoration, and furnishings of ancient Egyptian tombs, pyramids, and homes

Science in Ancient Egypt (Science of the Past)

Discusses the achievements of the ancient Egyptians in science, mathematics, astronomy, medicine, agriculture, and technology.

Great Ancient Egypt Projects: You Can Build Yourself

From reed boats, papyrus, and amulets, to pyramids, pharaohs, and mummies, Great Ancient Egypt Projects You Can Build Yourself explores the fascinating lives of ancient Egyptians through more than25 hands-on building projects and activities. Great Ancient Egypt Projects You Can Build Yourself gives readers today a chance to experience how the ancient Egyptians lived, cooked, worked, worshipped, entertained themselves, and interacted with their neighbors through building projects that use common household supplies.Detailed step-by-step instructions, diagrams, and templates for creating each project are combined with historical facts and anecdotes, biographies, and trivia for the real-life models of each project. Together they give kids a first-hand look at daily life in ancient Egypt.

The Cat of Bubastes: A Tale of Ancient Egypt (Dover Children's Classics)

Chebron, the young son of an Egyptian high priest, and Amuba, a young slave in the boy's household, are close friends; but their lives are greatly altered when Chebron accidentally kills a cat, an animal held sacred by the ancient Egyptians. Forced to flee for their safety, the boys and their companions begin a long and dangerous journey. A thrilling adventure story, this is also a tale packed with historical facts. Among other fascinating details, young readers learn about the Egyptian religion and geography, how the Nile was used for irrigation, and how the Egyptians made war and were prepared for burial. A captivating book that accurately describes life in a once magnificent civilization, this volume will especially appeal to youngsters fascinated by the life and customs of ancient Egypt.

A History of Ancient Egypt: From the First Farmers to the Great Pyramid (A History of Ancient Egypt, 1)

The ancient world comes to life in the first volume in a two book series on the history of Egypt, spanning the first farmers to the construction of the pyramids. Famed archaeologist John Romer draws on a lifetime of research to tell one history's greatest stories; how, over more than a thousand years, a society of farmers created a rich, vivid world where one of the most astounding of all human-made landmarks, the Great Pyramid, was built. Immersing the reader in the Egypt of the past, Romer examines and challenges the long-held theories about what archaeological finds mean and what stories they tell about how the Egyptians lived. More than just an account of one of the most fascinating periods of history, this engrossing book asks readers to take a step back and question what they've learned about Egypt in the past. Fans of Stacy Schiff's Cleopatra and history buffs will be captivated by this re-telling of Egyptian history, written by one of the top Egyptologists in the world.

Boy of the Pyramids

The pictured wall of an Egyptian tomb supplied the inspiration for this unusual story, which takes place during the building of the Great Pyramid of Khufu more than 4,000 years ago. Kaffe and Sari, an Egyptian noble's son and a slave girl from the nomadic Sand People of the Sinai region, help solve a troublesome mystery and trap its culprit. All told against a colorfully detailed backdrop of ancient Egypt.

The Golden Goblet

Ranofer wants only one thing in the world: to be a master goldsmith like his beloved father was. But how can he when he is all but imprisoned by his evil half brother, Gebu? Ranofer knows the only way he can escape Gebu's abuse is by changing his destiny. But can a poor boy with no skills survive on the cutthroat streets of ancient Thebes? Then Ranofer finds a priceless golden goblet in Gebu's room and he knows his luck−and his destiny−are about to change.

Seeker of Knowledge: The Man Who Deciphered Egyptian Hieroglyphs

In 1802, Jean-Francois Champollion was eleven years old. That year, he vowed to be the first person to read Egypt’s ancient hieroglyphs. Champollion’s dream was to sail up the Nile in Egypt and uncover the secrets of the past, and he dedicated the next twenty years to the challenge.James Rumford introduces the remarkable man who deciphered the ancient Egyptian script and fulfilled a lifelong dream in the process. Stunning watercolors bring Champollion’s adventure to life in a story that challenges the mind and touches the heart.

The Egyptian Cinderella

This Egyptian spin on the classic Cinderella tale was initially recorded in the first century by a Roman historian and is retold here by folklorist Shirley Climo.

Poor Rhodopis! She has nothing—no mother or father, and no friends. She is a slave, from the far-off country of Greece. Only the beautiful rose-red slippers her master gives her can make Rhodopis smile.

So when a falcon swoops down and snatches one of the slippers away, Rhodopis is heartbroken. For how is she to know that the slipper will land in the lap of the great Pharaoh himself? And who would ever guess that the Pharaoh has promised to find the slipper’s owner and make her queen of all Egypt?

Augustus Caesar's World

In her unique approach, Foster weaves a story of the world around her central character; rather than focusing exclusively on geo-political events, as most textbooks do, she includes stories of scientific discovery and invention, music, literature, art, and religion. Her keen intuition for stories will especially delight and amuse youthful readers. In Augustus Caesar's World, Foster traces the seven major civilizations of Rome, Greece, Israel, Egypt, China, India, and Persia from 4500 B.C. to the time of Augustus Caesar in 44 B.C. and culminating in 14 A.D. Within this timeframe readers will learn not only the stories of Julius Caesar, Cleopatra, and Marc Antony, but also the historian Livy and how Virgil came to write the Aeneid. Foster will then take her readers all over the world to learn what was happening at this same time in China, Persia, India and so on. Foster's detailed pen and ink drawings are fresh and appealing, and her illustrated timelines give a clear sense of chronology, enriching the engaging text.

The Lost Queen of Egypt: The Tomb of Nefertiti

For professor of Egyptology Henry Markham, this would be the crowning glory of his career: an intact tomb of Nefertiti, the great royal wife of Akhenaten and the heretic pharaoh of eighteenth dynasty Egypt, whose bust of exquisite beauty resides in the Berlin Museum, which he had searched for the last ten years. He had an unspoken passion for her only excelled by his young assistant, Steven Sinclair, whose visions and dreams of her haunted him, much to the annoyance of Helen Carter, the freelance journalist on-site who, with her business partner Mike Mitcham, the digs photographer, saw Nefertiti as a rival for his affections. Thanks to a gambling debt, Mike finds himself the proud owner of a large luxury mobile home that four Mossad agents are interested in, along with Emil Brogini, who did a drug deal with two Mossad rogue agents since deceased. The arrival of Henry's estranged sister, Millicent, with her friend Jane Evesham, a gifted clairvoyant, does nothing to improve his temper, especially when Jane tells him they are in great danger. Can the danger come from four renegade Mossad agents or Emil Bratislav Brogini, Mr. Big in Cairo, into every racket going? Jane discovers that Helen has a latent gift of clairvoyance which, with their combined powers in a séance, sends them back to the eighteenth dynasty with Nefertiti, Akhenaten, and danger around every corner as they try to discover who is trying to kill them all using a large band of Libyan bandits. They survive ambushes, assassin's knives, and chariot chases, finally getting back to their own time with Nefertiti.

Pyramid

Pyramid is a strong resource for readers looking to expand their knowledge of ancient Egyptian civilization, history, and architecture.

Award-winning author-illustrator David Macaulay explores the philosophy of life and death in ancient Egypt through richly detailed black-and-white illustrations and clear, concise text.

Though created with middle grade readers in mind, all with interest in the topic will enjoy this impressive look at what many consider to be one of the most awesome of humankind's creations.

Pharaoh's Boat

With poetic language and striking illustrations, Weitzman tells the story of how one of the greatest boats of ancient Egypt came to be built and built again.In the shadow of the Great Pyramid at Giza, the most skilled shipwrights in all of Egypt are building an enormous vessel that will transport Cheops, the mighty pharaoh, across the winding waterway and into a new world. Pharaoh's boat will be a wonder to behold, and well prepared for the voyage ahead. But no one, not even the Egyptian king himself, could have imagined just where the journey of Pharaoh's boat would ultimately lead.

The Winged Cat

Merit is a servant girl in the temple of cat goddesses. In a rage, Waha, the High Priest, kills a sacred car, and Merit sees him do it.But when Merit reports the evil deed to Pharaoh, Waha denies that he is guilty.

Ours isn’t quite that ornate.

But it was a lot of fun to craft!

Egyptian Collar Craft

We used the following supplies to make our Ancient Egyptian collar craft:

  • A rectangular piece of posterboard (about 12 inches by 18 inches)
  • Yarn
  • A ruler
  • A pencil
  • Hole punch
  • Assorted color markers
  • Scissors
Tracing a Paper Egyptian Collar

Start by tracing the shape of your collar onto the posterboard.

I used a saucer and laid half of it on the posterboard edge to form the neckline.

Making a Paper Ancient Egypt Collar

Then I laid a dinner plate near the other end of the posterboard to form the outer edge of the collar.

Drawing a Paper Egyptian Collar

Trace both edges like so and you have the shape of your collar.

Designing an Ancient Egypt Collar

Then we cut the collar out and used the hole punch to put a hole in each of the top edges.

That’s where you will string the yarn later.

Making an Ancient Egyptian Collar Craft

Easy Hands-on Homeschool History

Use the ruler to draw several horizontal pencil lines across the collar with a pencil.

Our lines were about an inch and a half apart, but you can use whatever measurement you like.

Fun Hands-On History: Ancient Egyptian Collar Craft

The goal is to create a different design on each line.

That gives the collar the “look” of an elaborate design.

Drawing Designs for an Ancient Egyptian Collar

Then start using your colored markers to add color and shapes as you work down the collar.

After adding your colors, go back and use a black marker to outline the different designs you made.

It makes them stand out more.

Making an Egyptian Collar Craft

See? Adding the black outline really defines the individual designs.

Continue working down the collar, alternating designs as you think of them.

The kids will love to come up with their own ideas for collar decorations!

Colorful Ancient Egyptian Collar Craft

All done!

We went with bright colors, but if you have metallic markers, you can make a collar that actually looks like it’s made out of precious metals – just like the Egyptians would have made.

Finished Ancient Egyptian Collar Craft

Cut about a three-foot length of yarn and string it through the holes at the top of the collar.

Tie it to your child’s neck and let them feel like a rich Egyptian for a day!

This was such a fun activity.

It took us about 45 minutes to make our collar, so it was an eye-opening experience to see how much more time and effort the Egyptians put into making theirs.

It’s no wonder these necklaces were reserved for the elite!

You’ll also love how we used Home School in the Woods to learn about Ancient Egypt. We love their hands-on Ancient Egypt lapbooks.

Be sure to read even more hands-on history ideas for studying Ancient Egypt!

  • Ancient Egypt Narmer Crown Dough Activity
  • Free Ancient Egypt Mehen Printable Board Game
  • How to Make Smokin’ Hot Egyptian Pillars Out of Cardboard

Written by Selena of Look! We’re Learning!

Ancient Egypt was one of the first civilizations to experience genuine prosperity. Because the people lived near a reliable water source, food was abundant for farming. And that left them plenty of time to indulge in a few luxuries, including elaborate hairstyles, culture, and jewelry. Click here to make this fun collar craft!

2 CommentsFiled Under: Ancient Civilizations, Hands-On Activities Tagged With: ancient civilizations, ancient egypt, ancientegypt, hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, history, homeschool

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