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How To Make A Fun Periodic Table Notes Game With Kids

May 10, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

We’re making a fun periodic table notes game with kids using a seemingly simple office supply in a great new way-sticky notes. Also, look at my post Homeschool High School Chemistry & Free Reference Sheet and Resources for more ideas.

If you are like me, you’re always trying to find fun ways to turn learning into a game.

Besides, your kids will have great memories of being piled on the couch, or around the kitchen table playing rather than hunched over textbooks.

How To Make A Fun Periodic Table Notes Game With Kids

We are going to take sticky notes and make a fun game that can be played over and over in a few different ways to help your children learn the periodic table.

Do you remember the Jeopardy game board we made from sticky notes?

I just flipped it over to the other side and boom we have a double duty game.

And if you keep it very neutral, you’ll be able to use this for Bingo as well as Jeopardy for any topic you like.

First, look at some of these living books about chemistry for kids.

Living Books About Chemistry for Kids

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!

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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
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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.

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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!

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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.

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Next, look at some facts about chemistry.

Periodic Table Notes Groups and Facts

There are 118 elements on the periodic table listed by symbols rather than names. Sodium for example is NA. Elements are further arranged vertically and horizontally.

The elements arranged vertically in columns are called “groups,” and elements arranged horizontally in rows are called “periods.”

There are 18 groups and 7 periods. Finally, they are arranged in the increasing order of atomic numbers. 

We are focusing on the main 8 families of elements.

  1. Alkali metals
  2. Alkaline earth metals
  3. Rare earth metals
  4. Crystallogens.
  5. Pnictogens
  6. Chalcogens
  7. Halogens
  8. Noble gasses
How To Make A Fun Periodic Table Notes Game With Kids

Too, look at these hands-on chemistry activities.

11 More Fun Ways to Teach The Periodic Table

  1. Another really great game variation is this Periodic Table Game for Kids: Periodic Table Battleship.
  2. Use fun and colorful books especially for upper elementary through middle school to catch their attention and make learning a breeze like this Basher Science Periodic Table.
  3. Easy Hands-On Science: Label the Atom Playdough Activity
  4. Combine art and science in this incredible The Periodic Table: Fun Activities For Kids From You Are an Artist.
  5. 10 Popular High School Chemistry Homeschool Curriculum
  6. These Periodic Table Flashcards are free from Thrifty Homeschoolers and make a great tool for visual learners.
  7. Learn The Periodic Table Song | SCIENCE SONGS for kids that are auditory learners.
  8. Medieval Chemistry and Homeschool History – Fun Hands-On Activity
  9. Atomidoodle Chemistry Game App
  10. 21 Fun Chemistry Homeschool Ideas for Kids
  11. 2 Fun Chemistry for Kids Experiments & John Dalton Notebooking Pages
How To Make A Fun Periodic Table Notes Game With Kids

A variation on the periodic table notes game is below.

So, call out a material. Then have your child cover the symbol that the item is made from.

For example: table salt would be an example of sodium (Na). Gold bricks would be gold (Au).

Finding 18 different colored sticky notes for the game is going to be difficult and can get rather expensive.

So, in the interest of time and money we are going to use the older version of the periodic table of 8 to make our game.

Before you play your game let your child become familiar with the periodic table by looking it up in a fun reference book and typing out each element and the symbol on the computer (you can use this later for the game.

Periodic Table Notes Game

You will need:

  • 8 colors of sticky notes
  • Permanent Marker
  • A list of 118 elements & symbols
  • Large ruler
  • White pen or crayon
  • Marker to cover, crackers, cookies, plastic lids etc..
  • A bowl or other container
How To Make A Fun Periodic Table Notes Game With Kids

It can be a little tricky finding many distinct colors of sticky notes, ours were a combination of Walmart, Dollar Tree, and Amazon. 

You could also just use construction paper cut into 3×3 squares or you can not worry about assigning each type its own color and just use a few fun colors.

How To Make A Fun Periodic Table Notes Game With Kids

First, start by finding the center of your board and draw a line across the middle to divide the board in half for each of your two players.

Find the center of the board at either end and make a small mark using a ruler to create a 4×4 grid of 16 squares.

Make them just slightly larger than 3 in square so that your posted notes will fit inside.

How To Make A Fun Periodic Table Notes Game With Kids

Once you’ve written or printed out each of the elements and the symbol to draw from, cut them out, fold or crumple them, and place them into a bowl or other container.

How To Make A Fun Periodic Table Notes Game With Kids

Use a book or some other periodic table for reference and determine which color of sticky notes will go for which elements if you’re going to divide them up by color.

How To Make A Fun Periodic Table Notes Game With Kids

Have your child write the element symbol for each of the 118 elements on the sticky notes or just for the section of the periodic table that you’re working on.

How to Make a Bingo Periodic Table Game

Once done they can choose their 16 elements and place them on to the “Bingo” board.

Pull elements out of the bowl one by one calling out the name of the element and have your child find the symbol on their bingo board and cover it with whatever marker they’ve chosen.

 I highly recommend crackers or cookies to combine snack time with science.

When they have 4 in a row in any direction of course they call out “BINGO!”.

And the game can be started new again. Just move the sticky notes around and use new ones.

How To Make A Fun Periodic Table Notes Game With Kids

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

P Is For Pineapple Craft | How To Make A Fun Handprint Pineapple

May 4, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today’s P is for pineapple craft is a fantastic simple idea for summer that can double as home decor to give your space a tropical fun vibe. Also, I have more alphabet letter fun on my page How to Homeschool Preschool.

Besides, handprint crafts are a wonderful way to preserve those tiny hands.

Before you know it, those hands grow into large ones that reach for the car keys and shy away from having their palms slathered in paint.

P Is For Pineapple Craft | How To Make A Fun Handprint Pineapple

You can create today’s craft on sturdy paper or even on a canvas to create a sturdier art piece.

Even though it’s summer, you can still have lots of fun learning with your preschooler and incorporate the summer theme at the same time.

They will never know all the “juicy tidbits” they are learning about science, geography, math, and more.

It will seem like child’s play.

Next, look at more phonics or letter activities for your little learner.

More How to Homeschool Preschool Letter of the Week Activities

  • Alphabet Letter A is for Apple Craft for Preschool | Fun Apple Study
  • Letter O is for Owl Preschool Craft | Fun Great Horned Owl Study
  • Alphabet Letter H Handprint Craft For Fun Preschool Horse Study
  • How To Make An Alphabet Teeth Cleaning Activity | 5 Preschool Letter T Crafts
  • Alphabet Letter R is for Rainbow Craft for Preschool | Fun Rain Mobile
  • Alphabet Letter M is for Monkey Handprint Preschool Fun Monkey Study
  • Alphabet Letter G is for Gorilla Fun Paper Plate Preschool Mask
  • W Is For Winter Craft Easy Snowman Oobleck Activity
  • Letter E Is For Eagle Easy Preschool Eagle Study
  • Alphabet Letter N Is For Nest Handprint & Fun Nests Preschool Craft
  • B is for Bird Craft | Free Preschool Bluebird Study
  • X is for X Ray Craft | Unique Crayon Resist Skeleton
P Is For Pineapple Craft | How To Make A Fun Handprint Pineapple

Next, look at some fun facts about pineapples.

Facts About Pineapples

First, just a few important things about this tasty fruit:

  • Pineapples belong to the family Bromeliaceae, the only edible fruit of its kind.
  • Their scientific name of Ananas comosus means” excellent fruit” (agreed).
  • They were found in the West Indies by Christopher Columbus. And now can be found all over the world in tropical locations. 
  • They are grown from cuttings, not seeds.
  • Each pineapple plant only produces one pineapple at a time.

Additionally, look at ideas for teaching phonics.

P is for Pineapple Craft Phonics Tips

  • As you are creating your pineapple handprint craft repeat the P sound often to help reinforce it in your child’s mind.
  • Grab any letter tiles or alphabetic magnets that you have in the letter P and point as you say the letter and its sound.
  • Hide letter tiles or pieces of paper with a P drawn on it around the room and have your child find them, identifying what it is each time they find one.
  • If your child is at the stage for writing you can make P’s lightly with a pencil and have them trace over them with a highlighter or crayon to practice.
  • Use pineapple as a starting point, what other words make that sound as well? Pinecone is an easy transition, but also look at the supplies you are using today- paint, pencil, paper. Have your child call out words and write them on a piece of paper for them to look at as they list them.
P Is For Pineapple Craft | How To Make A Fun Handprint Pineapple

Also, look at these hands-on ideas for learning about pineapples.

10 Pineapple Hands-On Activities

  1. Research where the most pineapples are produced, the big 3 countries are Indonesia, the Philippines, and Costa Rica. Hawaii is also known for pineapples. Locate these places on a map.
  2. Middle school students don’t have to miss out on the summer themed fun, check out my Fun Pineapple Candle For Fun Summer Activities for Middle Schoolers
  3. Grab some fresh pineapple from the store and a can as well, taste test each and compare flavor and quality. Encourage your child to use descriptive words like sweet, juicy,sour, etc..
  4. Cut off the pineapple top and plant in soil, this one’s an investment in time but in 18 months or so you can be harvesting your own fresh pineapple.
  5. Put their afternoon snack in a pineapple boat! To do this all you have to do is cut off the bottom of the pineapple when you’re chopping it up for snack time, hollow it out and use it for an ice cream treat or fruit salad.
  6. Learn About Fruits Around the World Fun With Food Activities
  7. Measure a pineapple from base to the tip of the crown, then use a flexible measuring tape to measure its circumference, weigh on a scale if you have one.
  8. Make a Pineapple Volcano, eruptions are always a hit with the preschool bunch!
  9. Try pineapple lacing for an easy way to work on fine motor skills. 
  10. Here is another idea for older kids so that they can join in on the fun too, make a Pineapple Sorbet using just two ingredients, including fresh pineapple.

Handprint Pineapple Craft

You will need:

  • Green craft paint
  • Yellow craft paint
  • Paint brushes
  • Black marker
  • Sturdy paper or canvas
P Is For Pineapple Craft | How To Make A Fun Handprint Pineapple

First, lightly draw a pineapple shape on your sturdy card stock, we are going for the general idea here, not perfection.

P Is For Pineapple Craft | How To Make A Fun Handprint Pineapple

Then erase it until you can just barely see the outline. This is just to give your child a rough shape to follow.

P Is For Pineapple Craft | How To Make A Fun Handprint Pineapple

Dip a thumb or finger into the yellow paint and add dots all over within the circle including the outline. Set aside to dry.

P Is For Pineapple Craft | How To Make A Fun Handprint Pineapple

Once the yellow has dried completely you can erase some of the visible pencil lines if you like.

Paint the entire hand green and have them press it onto the top of the pineapple firmly, repeat  two or three more times to get a full pineapple top.

Let the picture dry and don’t forget to write P is for the pineapple at the bottom to help your child make the connection that letters make words and words tell us what something is.

P Is For Pineapple Craft | How To Make A Fun Handprint Pineapple

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool, homeschool preschool, phonics, pineapple, preschool, preschool skills

California Landmarks With Naturalist John Muir | How To Make A Poppy Craft

April 28, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Naturalist John Muir was not only a naturalist but conservation advocate. You’ll also love the John Muir Spring Unit Study (and Hands-on Geography Ideas).

He dedicated his life to recording and preserving the beauty he saw, so much so that he is called “The Father Of The National Parks”.

Muir was born in Scotland in 1838 but migrated to the States in 1849 with his family.

California Landmarks With Naturalist John Muir | How To Make A Poppy Craft

Though still a traveler with a fierce love for nature, at 30, he decided that California would be his home wherever he went.

He spent much of his time there writing, sketching, and creating landscapes of sights like the peaks of the Sierra Nevada and other places around the globe.

Too, he was at the forefront of developing many national parks like Yosemite, Sequoia, Mount Rainier, and Grand Canyon and fought to maintain their majestic views.

 Today we are focusing on his beloved California and the landmarks there.

Because he claimed California as his home, we are diving into some of the landmarks around the state. 

Next, look at some of these resources.

Books for Kids about John Muir

Add these living books and reference books to your study about John Muir.

11 John Muir Resources

The mountains are calling, and I must go -John Muir

In observance of National Park Service Founders Day and the care and work John Muir put into helping it become a reality, put together a unit study with a book or two, a video, a game, and a few hands-on activities like visiting the closest national park to you. There is plenty to choose from below.

Image for John Muir Wilderness Box Set

John Muir Wilderness Box Set

A collection of John Muir’s best-selling writings and essays collected in 1 set.

Part of John Muir's appeal to modern readers is that he not only explored the American West and wrote about its beauties but also fought for their preservation. His successes dot the landscape and are evident in all the natural features that bear his name: forests, lakes, trails, and glaciers. Collected here in 1 set are some of Muir's finest wilderness essays, national park observations, travels throughout Alaska, and writings about working in the Yosemite Valley. 

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Image for A Thousand Mile Walk to the Gulf

A Thousand Mile Walk to the Gulf

John Muir, one of America’s great environmentalists, has inspired nature lovers for generations with his writings.

A Thousand Mile Walk to the Gulf by John Muir is the adventure that started it all.

Walk with John from Indiana through Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. A story that is sure to inspire your own adventures and love for nature and the off beaten path.

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Image for John Muir: Candlewick Biographies: America's First Environmentalist

John Muir: Candlewick Biographies: America's First Environmentalist

John Muir loved the land. Born in 1838, he was a writer, a scholar, an inventor, a shepherd, a farmer, and an explorer. But above all, he was a naturalist. John Muir was particularly devoted to the high cliffs, waterfalls, and ancient giant sequoia trees that, through his careful influence, were set aside as Yosemite, one of the first national parks in America. Here is the life story of the man who, moved by a commitment to wilderness everywhere, founded the Sierra Club in 1892, a conservation group that carries on his crucial work to this day. Back matter includes an epilogue, a bibliography, and information about the Sierra Club.

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Image for A Passion for Nature: The Life of John Muir

A Passion for Nature: The Life of John Muir

"I am hopelessly and forever a mountaineer," John Muir wrote. "Civilization and fever and all the morbidness that has been hooted at me has not dimmed my glacial eye, and I care to live only to entice people to look at Nature's loveliness. My own special self is nothing."In Donald Worster's magisterial biography, John Muir's "special self" is fully explored as is his extraordinary ability, then and now, to get others to see the sacred beauty of the natural world. A Passion for Nature is the most complete account of the great conservationist and founder of the Sierra Club ever written. It is the first to be based on Muir's full private correspondence and to meet modern scholarly standards. Yet it is also full of rich detail and personal anecdote, uncovering the complex inner life behind the legend of the solitary mountain man. It traces Muir from his boyhood in Scotland and frontier Wisconsin to his adult life in California right after the Civil War up to his death on the eve of World War I. It explores his marriage and family life, his relationship with his abusive father, his many friendships with the humble and famous (including Theodore Roosevelt and Ralph Waldo Emerson), and his role in founding the modern American conservation movement.

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Image for National Geographic Complete National Parks of the United States, 400+ Parks, Monuments, Battlefields, Historic Sites, Scenic Trails, Recreation Areas, and Seashores

National Geographic Complete National Parks of the United States, 400+ Parks, Monuments, Battlefields, Historic Sites, Scenic Trails, Recreation Areas, and Seashores

National Geographic’s wide-ranging travel guide to recreation areas, trails, historic sites, nature hikes, seashores, camping, and campgrounds is geared to everyone who loves outdoor recreation. This 544-page reference is the ultimate travel planner for all things national parks, filled with full-color photos, detailed maps, historical background, and practical facts on the location of the park system properties, as well as the best times to visit and top-rated activities.

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Image for Our National Parks

Our National Parks

ohn Muir (1838–1914) ranks among America's most important and influential environmentalists and nature writers. Devoted to the preservation of wilderness areas, Muir founded the Sierra Club and was active in the establishment of Yosemite National Park. Our National Parks, originally published in 1901, includes ten articles that previously appeared in The Atlantic Monthly. Muir wrote them in hopes of exciting interest in the parks, certain that visitors would fall in love with the scenic grandeur as he had—and that their enthusiasm would ensure the parks' preservation.

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Image for National Parks Scratch Off Map of United States Poster, ALL 63 Parks

National Parks Scratch Off Map of United States Poster, ALL 63 Parks

UNIQUE DESIGN…ARROWHEAD SHAPES: Scratch off each beautifully designed US National Park as you visit them, like Acadia, Zion, Yellowstone, Yosemite, Olympic, Grand Canyon, Arches and others!

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Image for National Parks Trivia: A Card Game: 400 Questions

National Parks Trivia: A Card Game: 400 Questions

Get to know America's 63 national parks with 390 wide-ranging trivia questions that cover their iconic geography, ecology, geology, history, wildlife, and botany—from the authors of Scenic Science of the National Parks.

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Image for Professor Noggin's Wildlife of North America Trivia Card Game

Professor Noggin's Wildlife of North America Trivia Card Game

  • PLAY & LEARN: Professor Noggin’s series of educational card games encourages kids to learn interesting facts about their favorite subjects.
  • FUN FACTS: Journey through the Wildlife of North America discovering facts about our continent’s most interesting animals. From Polar Bears to Pronghorns, from Alligators to Bald Eagles, this game is perfect for young nature lovers.
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Image for Our National Treasures Matching Game  USA National Parks Memory Game for Kids. Yosemite, Yellowstone, Arches, Denali and More

Our National Treasures Matching Game USA National Parks Memory Game for Kids. Yosemite, Yellowstone, Arches, Denali and More

What you get – Our National Treasures Matching Card Game comes with 52 tiles (26 pairs) and instructions

Clear instructions – Easy to learn memory card game. Learn to play in less than five minutes!

Develops critical skills – card games for kids help preschoolers practice their focus, memory, & matching skills.

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Image for Trekking The National Parks -The Perfect Board Game for National Park Lovers

Trekking The National Parks -The Perfect Board Game for National Park Lovers

Wildly Popular National Parks Game - Winner Of The Mensa And Parent's Choice Award

Created By National Parks Enthusiasts - This couple traveled to every single national park and then worked with their son to make the game.

Fun + Educational - It’s the perfect recipe for a family game night! Appeals to a wide range of people: outdoor lovers, board game players, and gift givers. A great board games for kids!

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You are going to want to add this post to your bookmarks for either a California unit or a John Muir unit or combine both for a wonderfully multifaceted study.

John Muir, as he ascended the Pacheco pass wrote:

“At the top of the Pass I obtained my first view of the San Joaquin plain and the glorious Sierra Nevada.

Looking down from a height of fifteen hundred feet, there, extending north and south as far as I could see lay a vast level flower garden, smooch, and level like a lake of gold—the floweriest part of the world I had yet seen.”

Those bright orange California Poppies must have been an incredible sight to behold from above!

Let’s make a bouquet of our own while we learn about their homeland, Muir, and the flowers themselves.

If you want to learn to capture the beautiful landscape, plants, or animals wherever you may live, a copy of The Laws Guide to Nature Drawing and Journaling is a must have.

California Landmarks With Naturalist John Muir

  • There are many recognizable California landmarks, some were highlighted in his art and the topic of his books. Yosemite National Park- The land here is made up of waterfalls, cliffs, meadows, Sequoia trees, and abundant wildlife.
  • Muir Woods Has been a Federally protected National Monument since 1908. It is full of stately old Redwoods from 400 to 800 years old and was named in honor of the naturalist John Muir.
  • Joshua Tree– Here the landscape is studded with Yucca (Joshua Trees), it has two very distinct deserts the Mojave Desert and the lower Colorado Desert, and at night time there’s very little light pollution making the view of the nighttime sky other worldly.
  • Sequoia National Park– 404,064 acres of forested mountain terrain. The park is known for its giant sequoia trees, including the General Sherman tree, the largest tree on Earth by its volume. These mighty trees can reach 350 ft  tall and 24 ft in diameter, living up to 2,000 years.
California Landmarks With Naturalist John Muir | How To Make A Poppy Craft

Then, look at a few more resources.

Kids Activities to Learn About John Muir

  • Grab this fun book Our National Parks.
  • You can also try to grow some of your own California Poppies at home. They are supposed to be pretty easy to grow and like hot, dry spots with even poor soil.
  • 7 John Muir Environmentalist Facts and Fun Teaching Ideas
  • John Muir Spring Unit Study (and Hands-on Geography Ideas)
California Landmarks With Naturalist John Muir | How To Make A Poppy Craft

Finally, look at how to make this fun California poppy craft.

How To Make A Poppy Craft

You will need:

  • Coffee filters
  • Yellow and orange buttons
  • Liquid watercolors
  • paintbrush
  • Green pipe cleaners
California Landmarks With Naturalist John Muir | How To Make A Poppy Craft

First, fold 3 coffee filters in half, then in half again.

Cut the corners to round them off and create a more distinct 4 petal shape.

California Landmarks With Naturalist John Muir | How To Make A Poppy Craft

Combine half a cup of water with 25 drops of yellow and 15 drops of orange, you can make several different cups to get variations on your shading.

California Landmarks With Naturalist John Muir | How To Make A Poppy Craft

Lay coffee filters on a tray or cookie sheet and paint them until fully saturated. 

You can also take straight liquid watercolor and paint or drop onto the coffee filters to create natural shading and patterns.

California Landmarks With Naturalist John Muir | How To Make A Poppy Craft

Set them aside to dry, I laid them on our tray outside with a small rock holding each in place until they dried, which only took about 15 minutes in the hot sun.

Once they’re dry, stack three together and scrunch them up to wrinkle it and make your petals look more natural and ruffled, then press them flat.

California Landmarks With Naturalist John Muir | How To Make A Poppy Craft

Fold the stack in half then in half again, cut a slit ¼” up. Unfold one time and then slip several inches of pipe cleaner all the way through the holes.

Bend and twist it on itself to make the stem.

Gently unfold the petals of each of the layers until you get the look that you like.

To create the center of the poppy glue a yellow or orange button to the middle.

California Landmarks With Naturalist John Muir | How To Make A Poppy Craft

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

Free Butterfly Unit Study For Kids and Fun Sponge Stamping

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

I have a fun hands-on butterfly unit study for kids. Also, look at my page Best Homeschool Unit Studies for more homeschool unit studies.

Also, I have a bit of everything you need to keep on theme with math, science, and language arts for younger learners.

And I have put in a few so we can include older siblings as well.

Free Butterfly Unit Study For Kids and Fun Sponge Stamping

Fun is always the way to go.

Besides for any nature study, I encourage you to get out and do it first!

Since butterflies are found on every continent except Antarctica there are always some fluttering around.

Observe butterflies in the wild, caterpillars climbing on milkweed, flowers that they use for nectar, how they drink, etc.

There is no substitute for seeing it firsthand but there are plenty of great supplemental activities to go along with it to make the most fun unit.

Of course, when you are living life and learning through play you will find that multiple subjects naturally overlap creating a wonderful experience for you both.

Keep on reading for a cute and fun sponge stamping activity at the end that younger kids will enjoy as a unique art project.

Kids’ Books About Butterflies

First, look at these books about butterflies.

I love to add living books to our reading list and next look for reference books especially for science subjects.

10 Butterfly Resources and Book

Fun books and resources to learn about butterflies.

Image for It's a Butterfly's Life

It's a Butterfly's Life

What is a butterfly s life? Its full of twists and turns as butterfly glide on air currents. Its full of dips and dives as they show off for their mates. There are more than 17,000 kinds of butterflies in the world. Some of them will only live for a few days. Others will migrate thousands of miles to winter in a warmer climate. Still others will hibernate through the cold months. For all butterflies, life begins with metamorphosis. In one of nature s most amazing feats, caterpillars become creatures of beauty and grace.

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Image for The Girl Who Drew Butterflies: How Maria Merian's Art Changed Science

The Girl Who Drew Butterflies: How Maria Merian's Art Changed Science

One of the first naturalists to observe live insects directly, Maria Sibylla Merian was also one of the first to document the metamorphosis of the butterfly. 

Richly illustrated throughout with full-color original paintings by Merian herself, The Grew Who Drew Butterflies will enthrall young scientists.

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Image for UANDME 4pcs Butterfly Life Cycle Kit Lifestyle Stages of Monarch Butterfly Teaching Tools for Kids, Students

UANDME 4pcs Butterfly Life Cycle Kit Lifestyle Stages of Monarch Butterfly Teaching Tools for Kids, Students

This is a wonderful, realistic set of the life cycle of a Monarch butterfly, which contains the 4 stages, eggs, caterpillars (larva) with a leaf, a chrysalis (pupa), and a butterfly. It is a good learning toy for homeschoolers teaching.

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Image for Handle with Care: An Unusual Butterfly Journey

Handle with Care: An Unusual Butterfly Journey

Some farms grow vegetables or grains, and some raise cows, sheep, chickens, or pigs. But have you ever heard of a butterfly farm? How do you raise a butterfly?On a farm in Costa Rica, workers care for these delicate, winged creatures as they change from eggs to caterpillars to pupae. Like any other crop, the butterflies will eventually leave the farm. But where will they go? And just how do you ship a butterfly?

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Image for Insect Lore - Butterfly Growing Kit - Butterfly Habitat Kit

Insect Lore - Butterfly Growing Kit - Butterfly Habitat Kit

Pop-up, reusable 11.5-inch tall mesh habitat perfect for butterfly viewing; includes feeding dropper and complete instructions

Witness one of nature's most spectacular transformations up close

Caterpillars ship separately via included Voucher (additional $8.95 for processing); packaging may vary

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Image for Monarch Butterfly (New & Updated)

Monarch Butterfly (New & Updated)

Introduce young readers to the fascinating process of how caterpillars become butterflies.Follow the transformation from a tiny white egg laid on a leaf to a brilliantly colored butterfly in this kid-friendly introduction to metamorphosis.  With detailed, bright watercolors, Gail Gibbons illustrates the life cycle of the monarch butterfly, stage by stage, as it grows, changes, and takes flight.

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Image for Big Book of Bugs (The Big Book Series)

Big Book of Bugs (The Big Book Series)

A beautifully illustrated, informative book for children introducing them to bugs that creep, crawl, bite, fly, and more

From moths and beetles to worms and spiders, the world is crawling with fascinating bugs. The Big Book of Bugs is the first fact-filled book for children to explore the vast array of creepy-crawlies that share our Earth.

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Image for A Butterfly Is Patient: Nature Books for Kids, Children's Books

A Butterfly Is Patient: Nature Books for Kids, Children's Books

From the creators of the award-winning An Egg Is Quiet, A Seed Is Sleepy, and A Rock Is Lively comes this gorgeous and informative introduction to the world of butterflies.Part of the incredible six-book Nature Books series from the award-winning duo of Dianna Hutts Aston and Sylvia Long, A Butterfly Is Patient celebrates a dazzling variety of butterflies in all their beauty and wonder.Turn each page to explore the amazing world of these beautiful winged insects through watercolor illustrations that bring to life garden landscapes filled with flowers, vines, leaves, and sunshine. A BUTTERFLY BOOK TO TREASURE: From the tiny Western Pygmy blue butterfly to the grand Queen Alexandra’s birdwing, from the iridescent blue swallowtail to the brilliant orange monarch, curious kids will find a wealth of information and inspiration in this fascinating picture book.

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Image for National Geographic Readers: Caterpillar to Butterfly

National Geographic Readers: Caterpillar to Butterfly

Butterflies are all around us. It's hard to believe these majestic insects with impressive wingspans and beautifully colored and patterned wings were once creepy crawly caterpillars. How in the world does this transformation happen? This Level 1 Reader gives kids an up-close look at exactly how a caterpillar becomes a butterfly. With bonus information including different types of butterflies and poisonous caterpillars, this reader is one of a kind.

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Image for Crinkleroot's Guide to Knowing Butterflies and Moths

Crinkleroot's Guide to Knowing Butterflies and Moths

Crinkleroot introduces the amazing world of butterflies and moths as he tours the natural world, exposing the facts and behaviors of this fascinating insect group known as Lepidoptera.

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Next, look at these butterfly unit study ideas.

Math Ideas to Learn About Butterflies

  • You can’t get much simpler than using a handful of plastic butterflies for sorting, counting, patterns, and basic addition and subtraction for easy practice.
Free Butterfly Unit Study For Kids and Fun Sponge Stamping
  • Practice counting and number recognition with an easy peasy Butterflies and Flowers Number Line Activity.
  • Learn about Blue Morpho Butterfly Adaptations In The Tropical Rainforest and Fun Symmetry Craft for a beautiful butterfly activity on one that you don’t see every day. 
  • For toddlers and very young preschoolers color matching is one of the first introductions to math through sorting, here is an adorable Cardboard Butterfly Color Matching Activity to make.
  • Count how many different varieties of flowers you see in your yard or on a nature walk as you talk about how caterpillars use plants for food and learn
  • How to Make a Letter C Caterpillar Craft with Kids

Science & Sensory for Studying Butterflies

  • First, raising butterflies inside is just a passage of homeschooling and if you have never done it you just have to experience it with your child. These kits come with the habitat and food.
Free Butterfly Unit Study For Kids and Fun Sponge Stamping
  • See them in all their glorious stages with a Butterfly Sensory Bin that introduces kids to language, sensory experiences, math, and so much more as they play.
  • My Butterfly Life Cycle Activity uses inexpensive craft items that are in most of our supplies to teach the more complex life cycle of butterflies simply.
  • Grab this life cycle as well which also comes with Montessori cards.
Free Butterfly Unit Study For Kids and Fun Sponge Stamping
  • While your little ones are building up fine motor skills and getting sensory input they will also be learning the Parts of a Butterfly on this  Playdough Mat

Nature Anatomy, just look at these beautiful butterfly pages, there is also plenty of info on flowers.

This is a great field guide to take on every nature walk.

Free Butterfly Unit Study For Kids and Fun Sponge Stamping

Language Arts Butterfly Themed Ideas

  • A simple B is for Butterfly activity is a great way to reinforce the sound as well as identify B.
  • If you want to include older children in on the theme you could have them write a paragraph or a whole page on a favorite butterfly to incorporate some language arts.
  • A Butterfly is Patient is a must-read-aloud and then your child will pour over the beautiful illustrations on their own as well.
  • Free Butterfly Lapbook For Kids Who Love Hands-On Learning
Free Butterfly Unit Study For Kids and Fun Sponge Stamping

Finally, look at how to make this butterfly sponge craft.

Butterfly Sponge Stamping

You will need:

  • Sponges
  • Pipe cleaners
  • Craft paint
  • Thick paper
Free Butterfly Unit Study For Kids and Fun Sponge Stamping

Wrap a pipe cleaner around the center of a sponge tightly and twist to secure the middle.

Free Butterfly Unit Study For Kids and Fun Sponge Stamping

Then curl the remaining ends into the shape of antennae.

Free Butterfly Unit Study For Kids and Fun Sponge Stamping

You can either dip the “stamp” into a solid paint color, paint directly onto the sponge, or press into blobs of various colors.

One of my favorites is to load up one half with paint by squeezing it directly from the bottle.

Free Butterfly Unit Study For Kids and Fun Sponge Stamping

Then fold it in half to transfer some of the paint to the other side.

Free Butterfly Unit Study For Kids and Fun Sponge Stamping

Now stamp your coated sponge onto paper.

This is a great intro to learning about symmetry as well.

Be sure to have your child press firmly all over the sponge to be sure it leaves a good imprint.

Repeat as much as they like. Incorporate ideas like patterning, and color symmetry, and talk about the parts of a butterfly after they stamp it.

Free Butterfly Unit Study For Kids and Fun Sponge Stamping

You can reuse these butterflies over and over, just wash them out in the sink and start all over with a fresh batch of colors and designs.

They do work best slightly damp, so they have a bit of flexibility.

If they have dried out just reset and squeeze out as much as you can.

Free Butterfly Unit Study For Kids and Fun Sponge Stamping

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: butterflies, butterfly, hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool, life science, science, unit studies

7 Famous Texans and Easy DIY Elisabet Ney Bust

April 24, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have a list of 7 famous Texans. Also, you may love Free Texas Homeschool Lapbook and Fun Homeschool Unit Study Ideas.

Too, I have a highlight on one famous Texan.

It is an art project which is perfect for any Texas-sized unit study.

You might have heard of Davy Crockett and Sam Houston.

But do you know about the contributions sculpture Elisabet Ney made to the Texas art world and beyond?

Have you studied James S. Hogg, who was the first native Texan to become governor?

7 Famous Texans and Easy DIY Elisabet Ney Bust

Do you know about the exploits of Bonnie and Clyde?

To create a wonderful Texas unit, I have information on these famous Texans and several more to spark a deeper study.

We are focusing on Elisabet Ney in particular and incorporating a self-portrait art project to honor the contributions she made.

Now, for this bust, you can choose one of the famous Texans, someone that you know like a family member, or a famous historical figure.

Although you are not carving the bust it is a fun way to open conversation about Elisabet Ney.

For example, you can learn about the art of creating a bust sculpture. Elizabet Ney made them of marble.

Books About Famous Texans

First, look at these books about Texas.

When preparing unit studies, I like to add both living books and reference type books for a well rounded study.

27 Books For Kids Who Love Reading And Being Read to About Texas

 Forget a boring textbook and add some of these books about Texas to your unit study or add to your learning day.

Image for Susanna of the Alamo: A True Story

Susanna of the Alamo: A True Story

Relates the experiences of the Texas woman who, along with her baby, survived the 1836 massacre at the Alamo.

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Image for The Boy in the Alamo

The Boy in the Alamo

The classic story of the siege of the Alamo, as told for young readers. Originally published in 1958, thousands of children each year enjoy this story from the unique point of view of twelve-year old Billy Campbell.

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Image for Plains Warrior: Chief Quanah Parker and the Comanches

Plains Warrior: Chief Quanah Parker and the Comanches

A biography of the legendary Comanche leader profiles the son of a white woman, who fiercely defended tribal lands against those who tried to seize them and who, after being moved with his people to a reservation, fought for the recognition and decent treatment of his tribe.

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Image for A Paradise Called Texas

A Paradise Called Texas

Searching for a better life, Mina, Papa, and Mama left their German fatherland aboard the brig Margaretha ,bound for Texas. They had been told it was the paradise of North America, but when Mina steps onto the desolate beach at Indian Point on a cold December day in 1845, she wants to go back to Germany and Opa's cozy house in the village of Wehrestedt. But go on they must. In spite of mama's tragic death, Mina and Papa push inland with the Kaufmann family to the Texas Hill Country. There Mina encounters an Indian chief and his young daughter, Amaya, whose help she needs when Papa falls ill. Based on her ancestors' immigration to Texas, Janice Shefelman tells of a journey into the wilderness that is filled with hardship, tragedy and adventure.

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Image for The Texans! Tejas to Today

The Texans! Tejas to Today

Lessons Taught In Story Form.

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Image for Alamo All-Stars (Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales #6): A Texas Tale (Volume 6)

Alamo All-Stars (Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales #6): A Texas Tale (Volume 6)

“Remember the Alamo!” That rallying cry has gone down in Texas history. But what, exactly, should we remember? Who were the ragtag group of adventurers behind the famous slogan, and how did they end up barricaded in a fort against a Mexican army Who survived, who died, and how. In the early 1800s, Native Americans, the Mexican government, and settlers from other areas of the United States were fighting over the territory that would become the Lone Star state. Here, vivid illustrations—rendered in black, white, and shades of gray, with tinges of yellow—and witty text tell the story, from Texas’s near wilderness beginnings to the Battle of the Alamo and General Sam Houston’s ultimate victory over General Antonio López de Santa Anna at the Battle of San Jacinto.

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Image for Indians Who Lived in Texas

Indians Who Lived in Texas

Briefly describes the environment, daily life, and customs of four Indian groups that lived in Texas--the farmers, the fishermen, the plant gatherers, and the hunters.

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Image for Make Way for Sam Houston (Unforgettable Americans)

Make Way for Sam Houston (Unforgettable Americans)

Colorful Sam Houston leaps to life in the pages of this fresh and funny biography, set against the story of Texas's fight for independence from Mexico.

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Image for Wilderness Pioneer, Stephen F. Austin of Texas

Wilderness Pioneer, Stephen F. Austin of Texas

I wanted to tell Austin's story so that boys and girls all over the United States would come to know him not as a stuffy figure in a history book but as a man who had a great dream for the welfare of his fellowmen, and in working to make that dream come true met adventure and danger, heartache and happiness.

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Image for Caleb's Choice (Puffin Novel)

Caleb's Choice (Puffin Novel)

In 1858 Texas, people are violently divided over a law that makes it a crime to help runaway slaves. Caleb isn't sure how he feels. When an escaped slave saves his life, Caleb knows he has a debt to repay. But should he break the law and risk his life to help two slaves escape?

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Image for A Gentle Tour Through Texas History

A Gentle Tour Through Texas History

A guide for teaching Texas History through literature. It is based on a 34-week timeframe and is useful for students in grades K-6/7.

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Image for Johnny Texas

Johnny Texas

In the early days of Texas history, ten-year-old Johann comes from Germany with his family to settle in this vast land and soon grows to love his new home.

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Image for Remember the Alamo! (Landmark books)

Remember the Alamo! (Landmark books)

I love this series of books and this one tends to be fairly accurate.

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Image for A Time to Stand: The Epic of the Alamo

A Time to Stand: The Epic of the Alamo

The #1 New York Times–bestselling author of The Miracle of Dunkirk tells the story of the Texans who fought Santa Anna’s troops at the Battle of the Alamo. Looking out over the walls of the whitewashed Alamo, sweltering in the intense sun of a February heat wave, Colonel William Travis knew his small garrison had little chance of holding back the Mexican army. Even after a call for reinforcements brought dozens of Texans determined to fight for their fledgling republic, the cause remained hopeless. Gunpowder was scarce, food was running out, and the compound was too large to easily defend with less than two hundred soldiers. Still, given the choice, only one man opted to surrender. The rest resolved to fight and die. After thirteen days, the Mexicans charged, and the Texans were slaughtered. In exquisite detail, Walter Lord recreates the fight to uphold the Texan flag. He sheds light not just on frontier celebrities like Jim Bowie and Davy Crockett, but on the ordinary soldiers who died alongside them. Though the fight ended two centuries ago, the men of the Alamo will never be forgotten.

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Image for I Survived the Galveston Hurricane, 1900

I Survived the Galveston Hurricane, 1900

More than a century later, the Galveston Hurricane of 1900 is still America's deadliest disaster. Lauren Tarshis's story of one child surviving the horrible event churns with page-turning action and bold hope.

The city of Galveston, Texas, was booming. Perched on an island off the southern coast of Texas, Galveston had been founded in the 1830s. By 1900, it was Texas's richest and most important city. Boats loaded up with American cotton and wheat steamed from Galveston to countries around the world. Arriving ships were crowded with immigrants. The streets, paved with crushed oyster shells, sparkled like they'd been sprinkled with diamonds.

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Image for Galveston's Summer of the Storm (Chaparral Books)

Galveston's Summer of the Storm (Chaparral Books)

When fourteen-year-old Abby Kate boards the train in Austin to spend three weeks with her grandmother in Galveston, she’s full of excitement—about the train ride and the prospect of days on the beach, exploring Galveston with her cousin Jane, family picnics, and her grandmother’s good food. But things go wrong even before she gets to her grandmother’s house. Abby Kate gets off the train briefly in Houston—and the train leaves without her. Stranded in the railroad station, she is befriended by a man traveling with his two sons and eventually reaches Galveston safely.

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Image for Texas Rangers: Legendary Lawmen

Texas Rangers: Legendary Lawmen

In the 1820s, the Texas frontier was a rugged, lawless place that needed defending. The men that banded together to protect the citizens of Texas from the threats of bandits and raiding native tribes were known as the Texas Rangers. Since bravery was never in short demand, any unmarried man with a good horse and a sharp shot could be selected to join the ranks. As they roamed the Texas frontier maintaining peace and order, the Rangers were present for many of the most famous moments in Texas's exciting history-they defended the Alamo alongside Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie, spied on the Mexican army during the war for independence, and chased down outlaws in the booming oil towns of the Wild West.

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Image for Texas Tomboy

Texas Tomboy

The entire ranch is thirsty—will the rains ever come?

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Image for Remember Goliad: Their Silent Tents

Remember Goliad: Their Silent Tents

Palm Sunday, March 27, 1836, turned out to be the blackest day in the war of independence between Texas and Mexico. Colonel James Walker Fannin Jr. and his men were ruthlessly slaughtered at the Presidio La Bahia near Goliad. The order was given directly by General Santa Anna. The author describes the background leading up to the start of hostilities in October 1835 and the two Mexican armies which threatened to overrun the Texans, with the massacre at the Alamo on March 2 and then the attack on the Presidio La Bahia, which Fannin called Fort Defiance. A description of garrison life and the men under Fannin's command precedes the battle of Coleto Plains, where Fannin's Texans, without an adequate water supply and defenses, were surrounded by General Urrea's army and forced to surrender. One of the more traumatic aspects of the battle and executions involved a group of young soldiers from Alabama, mainly from the same area, whose leader, Dr. Shackleford, was spared to minister to the sick and injured and was forced to witness the deaths of his protégées.

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Image for Jane Long Mother of Texas

Jane Long Mother of Texas

A biography of the brave wife of General James Long who was the first woman of English descent to enter Texas and bear a child there.

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Image for Camel express; A story of the Jeff Davis experiment (Winston adventure books)

Camel express; A story of the Jeff Davis experiment (Winston adventure books)

Story of a little known chapter in American military history; extensive illustrations throughout book by Joseph C. Camana.

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Image for Texas Yankee: The Story of Gail Borden

Texas Yankee: The Story of Gail Borden

Famous as a newspaperman and surveyor in Texas, Gail Borden was the discoverer of how to condense milk. 

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Image for Tex's Tales

Tex's Tales

Picked up by a tornado and swept away from his family in nineteenth-century Texas, a dog has some exciting adventures in the frontier wilderness before making his way home again.

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Image for Miriam “Ma” Ferguson: First Woman Governor of Texas (Volume 3) (Stars of Texas Series)

Miriam “Ma” Ferguson: First Woman Governor of Texas (Volume 3) (Stars of Texas Series)

Miriam Ferguson was a quiet, private person who preferred to stay home in her big house in Temple, Texas, and take care of her husband, raise her two daughters, and tend to her flower garden. But in 1924 she was elected governor of Texas, the first woman governor elected in the United States.

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Image for Texas History for Kids: Lone Star Lives and Legends, with 21 Activities

Texas History for Kids: Lone Star Lives and Legends, with 21 Activities

Encapsulating the 500-year saga of the one-of-a-kind state of Texas, this interactive book takes readers from the founding of the Spanish Missions and the victory at San Jacinto to the Great Storm that destroyed Galveston and the establishment of NASA’s Mission Control in Houston while covering everything in between. Texas History for Kids includes 21 informative and fun activities to help readers better understand the state’s culture, politics, and geography. Kids will recreate one of the six national flags that have flown over the state, make castings of local wildlife tracks, design a ranch’s branding iron, celebrate Juneteenth by reciting General Order Number 3, build a miniature Battle of Flowers float, and more. This valuable resource also includes a timeline of significant events, a list of historic sites to visit or explore online, and web resources for further study.

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Image for Make Way for Sam Houston

Make Way for Sam Houston

Colorful Sam Houston leaps to life in the pages of this fresh and funny biography, set against the story of Texas's fight for independence from Mexico. Lively, readable, and solidly researched, this is the kind of biography every child needs. Booklist, starred review Jean Fritz has done it again. Her writing turns this larger-than-life character into a very real person.School Library Journal, starred review ?Young readers will find the book fast-paced and fact-packed. The New York Times Book Review Jean Fritz lives in Dobbs Ferry, New York.

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Image for Trail Fever: The Life of a Texas Cowboy

Trail Fever: The Life of a Texas Cowboy

The story of one of Texas's most famous cowboys is filled with cattle drives, stampedes, floods, droughts, freezing desert nights, raiders and bandits, and one man's endurance and love of life on the plains.

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Next, look at these famous Texans.

7 Famous Texans You Want to Know About

  1. Elisabet Ney (1833-1907)- or “Franzisca Bernadina Wilhelmina Elisabeth Ney” was born in Europe and migrated to the States at 39 years old with her husband, eventually settling in Austin. After settling in Texas, she built her home and studio named Formosa. And she was commissioned for many portrait busts. For example, including some of those listed below like Sam Houston and Stephen F. Austin.
  2. Sam Houston (1793-1863) Samuel Houston was an American general and statesman who played a very important role in the Texas Revolution. He fought in the war of 1812. Notably he also won two non-consecutive terms as president of the Republic of Texas.
  3. David (Davy) Crockett (1786 – 1836)– Was a frontiersman, Tennessee legislator U.S. congressman, soldier, storyteller, folk hero, and an icon of popular culture. He is perished defending the Alamo fighting for Independence.
  4. Gail Borden(1801-1874).  He was the first person to develop a successful commercial method for condensing milk becoming a dairy pioneer in his 40’s. You have probably heard of him and may have a carton of his still well-known milk sitting in your fridge. Not only was he a milk mogul he was a delegate at the Convention of 1833, where he assisted in writing early drafts of the Republic of Texas constitution.

Famous Texans

  1. James S. Hogg (1851-1906). The first native governor of Texas, he championed 5 major pieces of Texas legislation that changed the local government.
  2. Stephen F. Austin (1793-1836). He is known as the “Father of Texas” and the founder of Anglo Texas. He lead the second and, ultimately, successful colonization of the area. Also known as the Father of the Texas Rangers, he founded the earliest precursor of the famous law enforcement organization. Many places are named after this famous Texan, including the capital!
  3. Jane Long (1798-1880)– The “Mother of Texas” was a powerhouse of a woman. She became widowed at just 24 and survived a long hard winter at the fort with very few supplies along with a twelve-year-old servant and her six-year-old daughter, even keeping Indians at bay by tricking them into thinking that the fort was still protected by a troop of soldiers
7 Famous Texans and Easy DIY Elisabet Ney Bust

Grab my 22 Famous Texans Notebooking Pages (editable) For a Fun History Study,  it includes these 7 famous Texas and 15 more.

7 Famous Texans and Easy DIY Elisabet Ney Bust

The book The 50 States is a beautiful oversized reference and I found loads of information including some more famous faces from the great state of Texas.

7 Famous Texans and Easy DIY Elisabet Ney Bust

While the simple craft idea is not exactly a sculpture, it still gives your learner a peek into what goes into creating an art piece replica of someone else or themselves.

Take note of details that make you or the person you are recreating unique such as eyes, scars, freckles, hair color and texture, glasses, etc.

 Easy DIY Elisabet Ney Bust

You will need:

  • Styrofoam head
  • Craft paints
  • Paint pens
  • Paintbrushes
  • Yarn, ribbon, felt
7 Famous Texans and Easy DIY Elisabet Ney Bust

The first thing you want to do is lay something out on your work surface.

Be it a spread of newspaper or a silicone mat, these are great for many craft projects.

Then, paint a thin layer of flesh-colored paint all over your bust and let it dry until it is at least dry to the touch.

Go back and add another layer or two until you are satisfied with the coverage and again let it dry completely before continuing.

7 Famous Texans and Easy DIY Elisabet Ney Bust

You can start wherever you like but one way to get your ” sculpture” looking like something or someone is to start with the eyes here.

I highly suggest using paint pens as you can get more detail and have a little bit more control over it.

Spend some time adding details like freckles, eyelashes, eyebrows, scars, or anything that makes you or the person you are creating unique.

7 Famous Texans and Easy DIY Elisabet Ney Bust

While the paint is drying, you can determine how you want to do the hair.

Elisabet Ney Bust Texas Crafts for Kids

You can use ribbon, string, yarn, felt, or any other art supply you can think of.

Cut plenty of pieces to cover the head, you may find that you need to come back and do some more, you just want to get a bunch started.

7 Famous Texans and Easy DIY Elisabet Ney Bust

Curling ribbon would be great for curly hair, or you could even just paint on the hair to keep it simple.

To add hair, including beards and mustaches you can use any kind of tacky glue. I like to work with hot glue because it dries so quickly.

Be sure not to touch the hot end of the hot glue gun to the foam or it will melt it.

Just squeeze from an inch or so above covering small areas at a time to add in hair.

7 Famous Texans and Easy DIY Elisabet Ney Bust

Once you are done you can give your “bust” a little trim to even it up and give it a little style.

The hair makes it even more top-heavy so you may want to mount it on a piece of wood or cardboard to make it a little sturdier.

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

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