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homeschoolgeography

Free Physical Landform Vocabulary for an O Ring Fun Geography Activity

May 13, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today I have free printable physical landform vocabulary words for a fun geography activity. Also, look at my page Homeschool Geography for hands-on and simple ideas and tips.

Too, look at my Geography, Country Studies, and Timeline page.

Do you know your butte from your isthmus? Okay, couldn’t resist.

But you’ll love this hands-on geography activity for your kids.

I have a set of 10 pages of words to learn about physical geography.

Free Physical Landform Vocabulary for an O Ring Fun Geography Activity

Besides, teaching geography doesn’t have to be boring or be just about maps.

True, here is an easy way to remember what is a geographer.

Geo = earth, graph = to write or draw, and er = one who.

So, while a geographer is one who writes about or draws maps, geography entails so much more.

Why Use Hands-on Geography

Learning by doing is the best way to learn because what you do sticks.

Reading is a good way to learn but hands-on activities help your child to remember what he is learning.

In addition, there are many ways to learn about geography hands-on.

For example, salt dough maps are not only fun, but children can touch and feel landforms while they’re creating them.

Also, geography entails learning about not just the physical parts like mountain ranges and water systems but it’s about the flora and fauna that make their home in places.

Too, you want to learn about the people and the culture.

Children can appreciate the culture of a country when they study the dress, the food, and even the music and musical instruments of each country.

Free Physical Landform Vocabulary for an O Ring Fun Geography Activity

Too, look at some of these geography resources.

Homeschool High School Geography Resources and Books

Geography for high school should still be fun and hands-on. It can take years to find the right resources. However, I’ve gathered up some of my favorite books and resources.

Image for North Star Geography

North Star Geography

North Star Geography covers basic geography skills (maps, navigation) as well as physical geography (topography, biosphere, structure of the earth) and human geography (environmental stewardship, agriculture, culture, heritage & more)—all from a Christian perspective. Each lesson in the Reader is approximately 10-15 pages and geared toward junior high-high school students, though it may be adapted for younger students; the text features full-color maps, illustrations, and interesting sidebars. Accompanying each lesson on the Companion Guide, hands-on project options, as well as an “atlas building” section where students label outline maps, are provided. Note-taking pages feature ten questions taken from the text that can be used for review or comprehension questions, as well as for a study guide for the exam

Image for Welcome to the Wonderful World of Geography

Welcome to the Wonderful World of Geography

Brenda Runkle’s World Physical Geography makes an often-boring topic come to life!

With our world seeming to shrink with each passing week, knowing about virtually all peoples and nations is more important than ever.

Image for World Physical Geography

World Physical Geography

It focuses on physical geography, providing the basis for learning the fundamentals of geography. 

Image for Geography Challenge

Geography Challenge

Challenges students to remember important facts and encourages them to enjoy themselves in the process.Deals with facts and principles related to the study of life science, physical science, and earth and space science.

Image for Around the World in 180 Days, 2nd Edition (two-volume set)

Around the World in 180 Days, 2nd Edition (two-volume set)

Around the World in 180 Days is a geography and history program covering the history, geography, and culture of each continent. And yet this is not a textbook. It is a series of questions that the student must research in order to answer. Plenty of resources are suggested to help students conduct their research, and the teacher's edition provides all the answers. This revised and updated curriculum is written with a multilevel approach with study questions for students of all grade levels, making this a curriculum your whole family can do together! This two-volume set includes an illustrated teacher's edition and a student workbook.

Image for Eat Your Way Around the World

Eat Your Way Around the World

Get out the sombrero for your Mexican fiesta! Chinese egg rolls! Corn pancakes from Venezuela! Fried plantains form Nigeria! All this and more is yours when you take your family on a whirlwind tour of over thirty countries in this unique international cookbook. Jam-packed with delicious dinners, divine drinks, and delectable desserts, this book is sure to please. 

Image for Lifepac History & Geography & Geography 11th Grade

Lifepac History & Geography & Geography 11th Grade

Student worktexts include daily instruction and review as well as ample opportunity for assessment of student performance using self tests and unit tests. To encourage individualized instruction, we have included a teacher's guide designed to help you guide your student's learning experience according to his specific interests and needs. This essential teaching resource includes teaching notes for each unit, a complete answer key, and information about additional resources and learning activities.

Image for Trail Guide To World Geography *OP

Trail Guide To World Geography *OP

If you would like a geography course that includes mapping activities, atlas usage, research, notebooking and culture with very little teacher preparation, look no further. The Trail Guide to World Geography is a week one, day one kind of teacher s manual with daily geography drills (answers included) and numerous weekly assignment choices. <P> Multi-level geography course for 36 week school year for elementary through high school. <P> Assign as much or as little as YOU decide.

How to Use the O Ring Geography Vocabulary

Next, after you download the free vocabulary words you can use them in many ways.

First, you will want to put them on an O ring.

After you print, fold them in half.

On the front you will see the word and, on the back, will be the definition.

Then laminate them.

After you laminate them, punch hole, and put them on an O ring.

They are easily stored, or you can take them on the go for learning.

In addition, they make a fun hands-on tool which fosters independence.

A child can pick them up and learn with any subject.

Free Physical Landform Vocabulary for an O Ring Fun Geography Activity

Similarly, look at more hands-on geography activities for multiple ages.

Geography Activity Hands On

  • 3 Reasons Hands-on Geography is Important in Middle and High School Homeschool
  • First Grade Homeschool Curriculum for History and Geography
  • 11 AWESOME Ways to Learn Geography (Other Than Labeling a Map)
  • Simple and Fun Homeschool Geography Ideas for High School
  • Fun Outdoor Activities For Middle Schoolers Geocaching and Nature Study
  • Hands-on Geography Wool Earth Craft to Celebrate Earth Day
  • The Benefits Of Using Games That Teach Geography | Review Of Scrambled States
  • 18+ Fun and Interactive Ways to Learn Geography With Kids
  • STEM and Geography: How to Build an Ancient Viking Ship
  • Hands-on Geography Mesopotamia: Fun Salt Dough Map
  • 100 BEST Books for Kids from all 50 States (Easy Geography)
  • 5 Ways to Raise a Natural Geography Lover Easily
  • Hands-On Geography Activity: Make a Pangaea Puzzle
  • Hands-On Geography: Australia Awesome and Deadly Animal Art
  • Hands-on Geography: Longitude/Latitude Mapmaking Activity
  • 35 Hands-on Geography Activities to do in 15 Minutes or Less
  • 5 Steps to Choosing Geography Living Books Your Children Will Love
  • John Muir Spring Unit Study (and Hands-on Geography Ideas)
Free Physical Landform Vocabulary for an O Ring Fun Geography Activity

How to Get the Free 10 Page Physical Landforms Geography Vocabulary

Now, how to grab the free geography vocabulary printable. This is a subscriber freebie.

 1) Sign up on my list.

2) Grab the freebie instantly.

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

Leave a CommentFiled Under: 1. My FREE Learning Printables {Any Topic} Tagged With: geography, hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool, homeschool geography, homeschoolgeography

9 Free South America Country Reports for Kids Notebooking Pages

May 10, 2023 | 9 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have 9 South America country reports for kids. Too, look at my page Geography, Country Studies & Timelines and lapbook ideas.

I want to share the country reports that I have finished for our geography notebooks.

9 Free South America Country Reports for Kids Notebooking Pages

We did not include these because we worked on our salt dough map, but I wanted to go ahead and do them so we had them.

Next year, I am thinking about putting together a Geography Notebook.

9 South America Country Reports for Kids Notebooking Pages

I have 9 of the countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chili, Ecuador, Paraguay, Guyana, Peru, and Venezuela.

9 South America Country Reports for Kids Notebooking Pages

Here is how the form looks below and you can download the ones from this new set below too.

9 South America Country Reports for Kids Notebooking Pages

Remember I already did Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela with Set 2.

If you didn’t grab those, the link is below if you want to check out the other two sets.

9 South America Country Reports for Kids Notebooking Pages

I have all my geography country reports on my page Geography, Country Studies & Timelines.

Also, add more unit study resources.

More Unit Study Resources

  • Free South America Printable Lapbook and Fun Hands-on Unit Study Ideas
  • Appreciating the Culture of South America Through Dance
  • Free Machu Picchu Mini Book & Completed Lapbook
  • 6 Country Notebooking Pages
  • How to Memorize the Countries of South America & Mountain Climate Zones Minibooks
  • South America Unit Study– Colorful Free Printable Map
  • Geography Salt Dough Map + Printable Pennants
  • South America Unit Study resources
9 South America Country Reports for Kids Notebooking Pages

In addition, you may love some of these books which we liked.

13 Resources for a Study of South America

Add some of these fun books and resources to your study of South America.

Image for South America (Rookie Read-About Geography: Continents)

South America (Rookie Read-About Geography: Continents)

An incredible variety of climates and biomes span the territory of South America. As a result, the continent contains some of the greatest biodiversity on Earth.

Rookie Read-About: Continents series gives the youngest reader (Ages 3-6) an introduction to the components that make each continent distinctive and exceptional. Readers will get to know each continents' geography, history, and wildlife. In this book readers learn about the continent of South America, including the geography, native animals, people and more.

Image for Ancient Civilizations: Aztecs, Maya, Incas!: With 25 Social Studies Projects for Kids (Explore Your World)

Ancient Civilizations: Aztecs, Maya, Incas!: With 25 Social Studies Projects for Kids (Explore Your World)

A full-color, compelling book for ages 7 to 10 offers a deep dive into the three sophisticated ancient civilizations of Mesoamerica―the Aztecs, Maya, and Incas― through hands-on STEAM projects, essential questions, and loads of fascinating facts!

Why were there more than 3,000 steps built at Machu Picchu? Why did the Aztecs roam Mexico for nearly 200 years before finding a place to settle? How did the Maya study the movements of the stars and the planets? Ancient Civilizations: Aztecs, Maya, Incas! With 25 Social Studies Projects for Kids takes kids ages 7 to 10 on a guided tour to experience the history, culture, economics, and daily life of the Aztecs, Maya, and Incas.

Image for Biblioburro: A True Story from Colombia

Biblioburro: A True Story from Colombia

A man, his burros, and his books bring joy to children in remote Colombian villages in this inspiring book based on a true story by celebrated picture book creator Jeanette Winter.Luis loves to read, but soon his house in Colombia is so full of books there’s barely room for the family. What to do? Then he comes up with the perfect solution—a traveling library! He buys two donkeys—Alfa and Beto—and travels with them throughout the land, bringing books and reading to the children in faraway villages.

Image for Secret of the Andes (Puffin Newberry Library)

Secret of the Andes (Puffin Newberry Library)

An Incan boy who tends llamas in a hidden valley in Peru learns the traditions and secrets of his ancestors. 

Image for My Mama&apos;s Little Ranch on the Pampas

My Mama's Little Ranch on the Pampas

In the sequel to On the Pampas, the author recalls her first year on the small Argentinian ranch purchased and managed by her mother, in an account that includes a visual dictionary of the Spanish words and geographical terms used in the text.

Image for Tales from Silver Lands

Tales from Silver Lands

Atmospheric woodcuts illustrate this Newbery Award–winning collection of 19 South American folktales. Charles J. Finger heard the tales firsthand from native storytellers, whose fables of talking animals, witches, giants, and ordinary people in supernatural settings provide remarkable insights into regional values and culture. The first of the stories, "A Tale of Three Tails," tells of an age when the rat had a tail like a horse, the rabbit had a tail like a cat, and the deer's tail was plumed like the tail of a dog. "The Magic Dog" recounts an act of kindness to a stray animal that helps overcome a witch's curse. In "The Calabash Man," the creatures of the jungle assist a suitor in winning his bride, and in "El Enano," a greedy troll's insatiable appetite leads to his downfall. Packed with adventure and full of surprises, these and other stories emphasize the importance of hard work, courage, and loyalty.

Image for Turn Right at Machu Picchu: Rediscovering the Lost City One Step at a Time

Turn Right at Machu Picchu: Rediscovering the Lost City One Step at a Time

In 1911, Hiram Bingham III climbed into the Andes Mountains of Peru and “discovered” Machu Picchu. While history has recast Bingham as a villain who stole both priceless artifacts and credit for finding the great archeological site, Mark Adams set out to retrace the explorer’s perilous path in search of the truth—except he’d written about adventure far more than he’d actually lived it. In fact, he’d never even slept in a tent.

Image for Journey to the River Sea

Journey to the River Sea

With the memorable characters and plot twists she brings to her best-selling fantasies, acclaimed author Eva Ibbotson has written a hair-raising novel, set in turn-of-the-last-century Brazil.Accompanied by Miss Minton, a fierce-looking, no-nonsense governess, Maia, a young orphan, sets off for the wilderness of the Amazon, expecting curtains of orchids, brightly colored macaws, and a loving family. But what she finds is an evil-tempered aunt and uncle and their spoiled daughters. It is only when she is swept up in a mystery involving a young Indian boy, a homesick child actor, and a missing inheritance that Maia lands in the middle of the Amazon adventure she's dreamed of. Readers of every generation will treasure Ibbotson's lush historical adventure that harkens back to the beloved classics of Frances Hodgson Burnett and Louisa May Alco

Image for This Place Is Wet

This Place Is Wet

Can you imagine living in a place where there is so much water some houses need to be built on stilts to protect them when the river rises? Or where it is so wet that some plants can grow on the sides of trees with their roots gathering water from the air? In This Place Is Wet, you'll find out all sorts of things about what it's like to live in the rain forest of Brazil. Try to imagine living there!

Image for Bolivar: American Liberator

Bolivar: American Liberator

It is astonishing that Simón Bolívar, the great Liberator of South America, is not better known in the United States. He freed six countries from Spanish rule, traveled more than 75,000 miles on horseback to do so, and became the greatest figure in Latin American history. His life is epic, heroic, straight out of Hollywood: he fought battle after battle in punishing terrain, forged uncertain coalitions of competing forces and races, lost his beautiful wife soon after they married and never remarried (although he did have a succession of mistresses, including one who held up the revolution and another who saved his life), and he died relatively young, uncertain whether his
achievements would endure.

Image for Ada&apos;s Violin: The Story of the Recycled Orchestra of Paraguay

Ada's Violin: The Story of the Recycled Orchestra of Paraguay

Ada Ríos grew up in Cateura, a small town in Paraguay built on a landfill. She dreamed of playing the violin, but with little money for anything but the bare essentials, it was never an option...until a music teacher named Favio Chávez arrived. He wanted to give the children of Cateura something special, so he made them instruments out of materials found in the trash

Image for Mayans Aztecs Incas Coloring Book: Coloring Pages of Ancient Mexico Civilizations for Adults and Teens

Mayans Aztecs Incas Coloring Book: Coloring Pages of Ancient Mexico Civilizations for Adults and Teens

Mayans Aztecs Incas Coloring Book – Fun And Education For Adults and TeensMake the perfect gift for anyone who loves coloring! Enjoy this Mayans Aztecs Incas Coloring Book for Adults and Teens. Click the cover to reveal what’s inside!About this book:

  • 40 original pages drawings of Symbols, Warriors, Masks and Mandalas.
Image for The Inca Empire (A True Book: Ancient Civilizations) (A True Book (Relaunch))

The Inca Empire (A True Book: Ancient Civilizations) (A True Book (Relaunch))

Explore the Inca empire, including how the Incas survived in the mountains, how the empire was built, and why it disappeared.

A True Book: Ancient Civilizations series allows readers to experience what makes each ancient civilization distinctive and exceptional as well look at its influence on the some of the practices of the modern world. This series includes an age appropriate (grades 3-5) introduction to curriculum-relevant subjects and a robust resource section that encourages independent study.

How to Get the Free 9 Country Reports

Now, how to grab the free country reports. This is a subscriber freebie.

 1) Sign up on my list.
 2) Grab the freebie now.
3) Last, look for all my emails in your inbox. Glad to have you following me!

9 CommentsFiled Under: 1. My FREE Learning Printables {Any Topic}, Geography Based, My Unit Studies {Free Printables & Hands-on Ideas} Tagged With: amazon rain forest, geography, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, history, history resources, homeschoolgeography, notebooking, south america

Simple and Fun Homeschool Geography Ideas for High School

April 18, 2023 | 5 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

If you’re looking for some simple and fun homeschool geography ideas for high school, I have a few resources.Too, I have more tips How to Homeschool High School. Also, look at my page Homeschool Geography for hands-on and simple ideas and tips.

My summer or these past few months anyway reminds me of a quote: ” Life’s up and downs provide windows of opportunity to determine your values and goals. . ..”

Simple and Fun Homeschool Geography Ideas for High School

Well, I have had all kinds of windows over here and more than I would like during any one time.

Too, Mr. Awesome is a different type of learner than Mr. Senior 2013. He is okay with geography but doesn’t want anything over the top exhaustive.

And nothing gets me more excited than to get into a geography groove.

I have been mulling over several options this year.

One book that we been using has been a life saver for us over the last few weeks.

Fun Homeschool Geography

You know I’m not a huge text book fan, but when I find a good one and it is geared toward an older child, I like to share.

Simple and Fun Homeschool Geography Ideas for High School

It is by McDougal Littell and it is called World Cultures and Geography.

I like it because it has a hodgepodge of things in it. Some of the features are analyzing primary sources, fun facts and a history makers section.

Of course like most text books, it has only bits and pieces of those things and it is not real expansive, but that is all we want. So it serves as a nice reference book for us. I am hoping to share some pictures of the inside too.

Mr. Awesome has been using it for a history makers unit we have be doing. I will share that next week.

Runkle Geography Simple and Fun Homeschool Geography Ideas for High School

Then of course you know how much I love Runkle Geography and it will be a mainstay for our journey in geography through all the years

Simple Homeschool Geography

Updated: We ended up using Runkle Geography and absolutely loved it. 

In addition, we used North Star Geography as another fun and simple geography resource.

I would like to add one more hands-on or interactive resource so I have been eyeballing Geography Challenge.

Simple and Fun Homeschool Geography Ideas for High School

Mr. Awesome, unlike Mr. Senior 2013 has a low tolerance for bookish work.

Sure, the kid is obedient but I am not trying to run an obedience school. I want a kid that loves it and I save bookish work for his essays.

Homeschool High School Geography Resources and Books

Geography for high school should still be fun and hands-on. It can take years to find the right resources. However, I’ve gathered up some of my favorite books and resources.

Image for North Star Geography

North Star Geography

North Star Geography covers basic geography skills (maps, navigation) as well as physical geography (topography, biosphere, structure of the earth) and human geography (environmental stewardship, agriculture, culture, heritage & more)—all from a Christian perspective. Each lesson in the Reader is approximately 10-15 pages and geared toward junior high-high school students, though it may be adapted for younger students; the text features full-color maps, illustrations, and interesting sidebars. Accompanying each lesson on the Companion Guide, hands-on project options, as well as an “atlas building” section where students label outline maps, are provided. Note-taking pages feature ten questions taken from the text that can be used for review or comprehension questions, as well as for a study guide for the exam

Image for Welcome to the Wonderful World of Geography

Welcome to the Wonderful World of Geography

Brenda Runkle’s World Physical Geography makes an often-boring topic come to life!

With our world seeming to shrink with each passing week, knowing about virtually all peoples and nations is more important than ever.

Image for World Physical Geography

World Physical Geography

It focuses on physical geography, providing the basis for learning the fundamentals of geography. 

Image for Geography Challenge

Geography Challenge

Challenges students to remember important facts and encourages them to enjoy themselves in the process.Deals with facts and principles related to the study of life science, physical science, and earth and space science.

Image for Around the World in 180 Days, 2nd Edition (two-volume set)

Around the World in 180 Days, 2nd Edition (two-volume set)

Around the World in 180 Days is a geography and history program covering the history, geography, and culture of each continent. And yet this is not a textbook. It is a series of questions that the student must research in order to answer. Plenty of resources are suggested to help students conduct their research, and the teacher's edition provides all the answers. This revised and updated curriculum is written with a multilevel approach with study questions for students of all grade levels, making this a curriculum your whole family can do together! This two-volume set includes an illustrated teacher's edition and a student workbook.

Image for Eat Your Way Around the World

Eat Your Way Around the World

Get out the sombrero for your Mexican fiesta! Chinese egg rolls! Corn pancakes from Venezuela! Fried plantains form Nigeria! All this and more is yours when you take your family on a whirlwind tour of over thirty countries in this unique international cookbook. Jam-packed with delicious dinners, divine drinks, and delectable desserts, this book is sure to please. 

Image for Lifepac History & Geography & Geography 11th Grade

Lifepac History & Geography & Geography 11th Grade

Student worktexts include daily instruction and review as well as ample opportunity for assessment of student performance using self tests and unit tests. To encourage individualized instruction, we have included a teacher's guide designed to help you guide your student's learning experience according to his specific interests and needs. This essential teaching resource includes teaching notes for each unit, a complete answer key, and information about additional resources and learning activities.

Image for Trail Guide To World Geography *OP

Trail Guide To World Geography *OP

If you would like a geography course that includes mapping activities, atlas usage, research, notebooking and culture with very little teacher preparation, look no further. The Trail Guide to World Geography is a week one, day one kind of teacher s manual with daily geography drills (answers included) and numerous weekly assignment choices. <P> Multi-level geography course for 36 week school year for elementary through high school. <P> Assign as much or as little as YOU decide.

And, because I have always been determined to feed him through his mode of hands on and creative,  learning geography through a game may make a good fit this year. 

Of course, this means I would be the one having to play it with him. But I do see that this could benefit Tiny too as he could have access to the questions which are the answers.

Simple and Fun Homeschool Geography Ideas for High School

More Geography Resources

  • Homeschool Geography Go To Resources
  • Homemade Compass. Simple Geography Projects Equals Huge Wow Factors
  • Homeschool High School World Geography Program
  • First Grade Homeschool Curriculum for History and Geography
  • 35 Hands-on Geography Activities to do in 15 Minutes or Less
  • DIY Atlas – North Star Highschool Geography
  • 5 Steps to Choosing Geography Living Books Your Children Will Love
  • How to Find A Well Laid Out Homeschool High School Geography Curriculum
  • Homeschool Geography Go To Resources
  • Mega List of Workbook Style Homeschool Curriculum For K to 12 Kids
  • DIY Atlas – North Star Highschool Geography is Here!
  • Simple and Fun Homeschool Geography Ideas for High School

Here is the review on Amazon about it:

The format of Geography Challenge! is similar to that of a popular game show. A student is given the answer and is asked to provide the question. Games are organized by geographic region of the world. Five levels of difficulty answer key included. Grade Level: 9th – 12th Author:

I like Around the World in 180 days too but it uses more of a notebook and research format, but I don’t think I am looking for that this year.

180 days Simple and Fun Homeschool Geography Ideas for High School

Did you pull the trigger on something already or are you like me taking your time on finding a geography resource this year?

5 CommentsFiled Under: Geography Tagged With: geography, high school, highschoolgeography, homeschool geography, homeschoolgeography

Hands-on Geography Wool Earth Craft to Celebrate Earth Day

March 22, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today I have some ideas to incorporate hands-on geography and a fun new handicraft to celebrate Earth Day. Also, look at this other post Hands-on Geography Mesopotamia: Fun Salt Dough Map for more ideas. Too, look at my page Homeschool Geography for hands-on and simple ideas and tips.

This hands-on geography craft gives your child practice in fine motor skills, planning, and problem solving, as well as a fun way to celebrate Earth Day.

I have come up with a wonderful new skill to share with you that incorporates handicrafts into an Earth Day celebration.

Hands-on Geography Wool Earth Craft to Celebrate Earth Day

Have you heard of needle felting?

If you have ever wanted to try it but have been intimidated by its seeming difficulty don’t be.

It is much simpler than it looks, and the end results are super cute.

Also, I have rounded up a list of 8 hands-on ways to celebrate Earth Day.

8 Hands-On Ways To Celebrate Earth Day

Conserving water and electricity, reducing our waste in the landfills, upcycling, recycling, planting food for pollinators, and doing our part in general should be a daily habit.

But it’s nice to have a specific day to reflect on some changes we can make and how we affect the earth we live on.

Look at these 8 hands-on ways to celebrate Earth Day.

  1. Planting wildflowers is a wonderful way to celebrate and give something back to the earth. These Wildflower Seed Bombs are an easy way to spread wildflowers for the pollinators and upcycle paper scraps.
  1. Celebrate with dirt cups for Earth Day and have a discussion about what gardens, switching to natural insecticides and even worms can do for the environment.
  1. Make a Bird Feeder to help our feathered friends who help pollinate the earth, spread nutrients through their droppings, transport seeds, exterminate insects, and help keep ecosystems healthy.
  1. Clean up a park or field in your area. Grab a trash bag and a pair of grabbers and collect all the loose trash you can find. You can often find organized groups going out to clean up parks or beaches, especially around Earth Day but don’t let it stop you if you can’t find one nearby. This is a great family project.
  1. Start recycling, create bins for paper, plastic, and metals. Find a recycling center in your area and drop off regularly.
  1. Research how and then create your own composting bin. Doing this you create your own rich natural soil and fertilizer, reduce your household waste, reduce the need for pesticides and chemical fertilizer.
  1.  Make a craft to spread the word about Earth Day to help yourself and others remember just how important this one earth we have is.
  2. Make Earth Day Cookies & Fascinating Earth Facts

I would recommend this activity for kids ages 8 and up as well as adults.

Hands-on Geography Wool Earth Craft to Celebrate Earth Day

It is a wonderful way to keep hands busy while reading aloud, waiting for a long appointment, or anytime. I love the focus that it helps you keep and the rather quick results you get are very satisfying.

Other Hands-on Geography Activities

Next, look at some other fun hands-on geography ideas.

  • The Benefits Of Using Games That Teach Geography | Review Of Scrambled States
  • Hands-on Geography Mesopotamia: Fun Salt Dough Map
  • 18+ Fun and Interactive Ways to Learn Geography With Kids
  • STEM and Geography: How to Build an Ancient Viking Ship
  • 100 BEST Books for Kids from all 50 States (Easy Geography)
  • 5 Ways to Raise a Natural Geography Lover Easily
  • Hands-On Geography Activity: Make a Pangaea Puzzle
  • Hands-On Geography: Australia Awesome and Deadly Animal Art
  • Hands-on Geography: Longitude/Latitude Mapmaking Activity

Then, look at this The Tale of Peter Rabbit Printables for a Fun Spring Unit Study for a fun edible geography idea.

Hands-on Geography Wool Earth Craft to Celebrate Earth Day

Also, I have a few more resources to make geography come to life.

10 U.S. Geography Resources

If you're looking to teach U.S. geography in a hands-on way, you'll love adding one or two of these resources to your day or study.

Image for The Scrambled States of America Game

The Scrambled States of America Game

Quick! Find a state that ends with the letter A. Now find one that borders Tennessee. Have fun learning about the United States in this madcap game of observation and quick reflexes. 

Image for The 50 States: Explore the U.S.A. with 50 fact-filled maps!

The 50 States: Explore the U.S.A. with 50 fact-filled maps!

Explore every state of the USA from Alabama to Wyoming with these 51 charmingly illustrated infographic maps! Includes an expansive guide to the state flags and US presidents.Discover more than 2,000 facts about the people, cities, nature and historic events that have helped make America what it is today. Ghost towns, swamp tours, the center of the universe… bacon donuts, brainy berries, salmon jerky… The French Fry King, The Mother of Oregon, The Queen of Blues… be inspired by the inventiveness, beauty and diversity of our great nation in this curious collection of fact-filled maps.

Image for National Geographic Kids U.S. Atlas

National Geographic Kids U.S. Atlas

 Kids will have fun learning about each and every U.S. state in this amazing 6th edition atlas, packed with maps, stats, facts, and pictures

Image for The U.S. History Cookbook: Delicious Recipes and Exciting Events from the Past

The U.S. History Cookbook: Delicious Recipes and Exciting Events from the Past

Who knew history could be so delicious? In The U.S. History Cookbook, you'll discover how Americans have lived and dined over the centuries. This scrumptious survey of periods and events in U.S. history mixes together a delectable batter of food timelines, kid-friendly recipes, and fun food facts.

Image for The United States in 100 Words

The United States in 100 Words

How do you sum up a whole country in just 100 words? This striking book takes on the challenge! From amendment to Vegas, each of the carefully chosen 100 words has its own 100-word-long description and beautiful illustration, providing a snapshot of what the USA means to people today: its roots, its values, its culture, and customs. Basically, everything you need to know in a nut shell.

Image for Supertoob: USA,Figure Playsets

Supertoob: USA,Figure Playsets

This Toob includes figurines of the Lincoln Memorial, Hoover Dam, Liberty Bell, Alamo, Mount Rushmore, Statue of Liberty, Gateway Arch, U.S. Capital, Empire State Building, White House, as well as a flag and an eagle.

Image for Geographic USA Scrunch Map

Geographic USA Scrunch Map

Easy Storage: Unfold and spread flat when you need it or scrunch it up and store away when you're done. The USA map makes a wonderful addition to your home, office, library, kid's room, classroom or playroom.

Image for States & Capitals Flash Cards for Kids – 50 American State Cards

States & Capitals Flash Cards for Kids – 50 American State Cards

LEARN STATES & CAPITALS IN A FLASH: Get to know each of the 50 states! How well do you know your home state and neighbors? Perfect for all ages

50 FLASH CARDS: Includes 50 educational flash cards for studying important school subjects such as US Geography and History!

9 LEARNING GAMES: Teach and participate in 9 specially made enrichment activities: Name Games, What's the Motto, Heads Up, Region Round-up, State Trivia and more! Fun symbols

Image for 1000-piece USA Map Jigsaw Puzzle & Poster 50 States | Illustrated American Landmarks

1000-piece USA Map Jigsaw Puzzle & Poster 50 States | Illustrated American Landmarks

Test your geography knowledge with Talking Tables beautifully illustrated 1000-piece USA 50 States Map Jigsaw Puzzle & Poster. This USA Map Puzzle features landmarks from across America! Our Jigsaw Puzzles For Adults make for Fun Indoor Activities and can be framed as Wall Art

Image for Geography from A to Z: A Picture Glossary

Geography from A to Z: A Picture Glossary

Have you ever wondered what a badland is? What about a gulch?
Do you know what an isthmus is? Or a seamount? What about the difference between a plateau and a plain, or a knob and a knoll? Well look no further. This broad introduction to the fascinating world around us explores our planet’s physical features from the highest mountain peak to the deepest ocean trench. The team behind Maps & Globes proves that geography can indeed be an adventure.

Then, you’ll love adding this idea for more hands-on geography.

Hands-on Geography Wool Earth Craft to Celebrate Earth Day

Finally, look at how to make this felt earth wool craft to celebrate Earth Day.

How to Make A Felt Earth Wool Craft

You will need:

  • Cotton batting or a styrofoam ball
  • Wool Felt Needle
  • Felting Pad
  • Blue and Green Wool
Hands-on Geography Wool Earth Craft to Celebrate Earth Day

Now you can either use a small styrofoam ball as the center of your earth to save time and get a perfectly round sphere circle or you can use a ball of cotton batting to get started.

Go with whatever you have on hand.

For me that was cotton filler.

The steps after preparing the cotton filler will be the same for the rest of the project.

Grab a piece of cotton and ball it.

Roll it in your hands to create as close to a sphere as you can.

Add more as needed to get a ball slightly smaller than you want your end product to be.

Hands-on Geography Wool Earth Craft to Celebrate Earth Day

Pull a piece of blue felt from the ball and wrap it around the cotton filling (or styrofoam ball).

Hands-on Geography Wool Earth Craft to Celebrate Earth Day

Continue covering with a thin layer until it is all wrapped.

So, take your felting needle and move all around the sphere poking with shallow stabs all over until there are no furry spots sticking up off of it.

Hands-on Geography Wool Earth Craft to Celebrate Earth Day

Add more blue as needed to cover any bare spots.

Moreover, to keep the shape round you can roll and tuck the felt, poking it in those areas a little extra to hold the shape in place.

Hands-on Geography Wool Earth Craft to Celebrate Earth Day

Once you are happy with your blue wool as the ocean base you can begin building your continents,

Don’t worry about getting the scale or shapes perfect.

Hands-on Geography Wool Earth Craft to Celebrate Earth Day

It will be obvious when you do what you have created.

Experiment with rolling the green into balls or twisting it to get various shapes for your continents before felting them onto the blue.

Hands-on Geography Wool Earth Craft to Celebrate Earth Day

Again, just tap the needle all over the green until it is moderately smooth.

Add to the landforms as you need. It’s easy to add more small pieces.

Hands-on Geography Wool Earth Craft to Celebrate Earth Day

If you gently tug on the fibers and they fray and become loose you will need to poke it a bit more to give it a tighter weave.

Enjoy your new felt earth globe.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Geography Tagged With: crafts, earth day, geography, hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, highschoolgeography, homeschool geography, homeschoolgeography

Make a Fun and Easy Salt Dough Daniel Boone Wilderness Road Map

January 30, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, we made a fun salt dough Daniel Boone Wilderness Road map. And grab my unit study and on my page Daniel Boone – North American Explorer.

Are you studying US expansion or perhaps specializing in a Daniel Boone Unit Study?

You must include this fun hands-on salt dough map of Daniel Boone’s Wilderness Road.

Make a Fun and Easy Salt Dough Daniel Boone Wilderness Road Map

Salt dough is an easy and forgiving medium to work with for homeschool projects.

It’s perfect to include in any number of studies.

Daniel Boone blazed a trail for the Transylvania Company in 1775 from Fort Chiswell in Virginia through the Cumberland Gap. 

It was steep and narrow. And could only be traveled on foot or by horseback. 

The Cumberland Gap was a notch in the Appalachian Mountains near the intersection of Kentucky, Virginia and Tennessee.

Daniel Boone Wilderness Road Map Facts

  1. The trail was begun on March 10, 1775.  
  2. Boone was chosen by The Transylvania Company because he was considered the most experienced and knowledgeable explorer of the area.
  3. Boone and 35 axmen cut the trail from Long Island in Kingsport, Tennessee through the forests and mountains to what is now known as Lexington, Ky.
  4. The Wilderness Road enabled the growth of the first settlements such as Boonsboro, Benjamin Logan’s, and Harrod Town.
  5. It has been estimated that as many as 300,000 settlers traveled the Wilderness Road from 1775 to 1810.
  6. Use of the road began to decline by 1840. The opening of the National Road and water travel like steamboats and ferries became a more popular way to travel.
  7. A segment of Wilderness Road was one of the first roads to be paved in the United States.

A great reference book that you can use is The 50 States.

Make a Fun and Easy Salt Dough Daniel Boone Wilderness Road Map

It is a big colorful book full of images of each state on a two page spread.

It has smaller illustrations of people and places, and lots of great facts and information on each one.

Geography of the Wilderness Road

To add to this study, you could spend a time learning about the states along his route like Kentucky.

Make a Fun and Easy Salt Dough Daniel Boone Wilderness Road Map

 And Tennessee

Make a Fun and Easy Salt Dough Daniel Boone Wilderness Road Map

As well as through Virginia.

If you want something for middle and high school, you might opt instead for something like this Merriam Webster Student Atlas.

Creating a salt dough map is a great way to learn specifically about history through Daniel Boone and the Trail he blazed.

Too, it is a great overall geography lesson.

Mixing it up, include some math and learn about animals along the trail and you have science.

Write a little about the trail and you have language arts, and of course your creation is a fantastic art project.

You can just cut out the portion of the US that included the Wilderness Road and surrounding areas, but I like to do the whole map.

Doing this, your child can see where it was in relation to everything else.

Then, look at more Daniel Boone activities.

More Daniel Boone North American Explorer Activities

  • What Did Daniel Boone Wear And Easy Fringe Shirt Activity for Kid
  • 30 Fun Resources for Learning About Daniel Boone
  • Daniel Boone Explorer Black Bear Unit Study and Fun Edible Bear Poop
  • Daniel Boone Activities Cooking Easy and Delicious Johnny Cakes on the Trail
  • Daniel Boone – North American Explorer
  • Amazing Daniel Boone Explorer Lapbook and Fun Hands-on Unit Study
  • Daniel Boone American Frontiersman History Lesson.
  • Daniel Boone Exploration DIY Easy Compass Activity and Survival Ideas.

and add one or two of these fun books.

10 Resources for A Daniel Boone Unit Study

Whether you want to add a hands-on unit study or are looking for a few resources, you'll love one of these.

Image for 1. Daniel Boone: The Life and Legend of an American Pioneer

1. Daniel Boone: The Life and Legend of an American Pioneer

Struggle against the Shawnee defenders of Kentucky. Drawing from popular narrative, public record, documentation from Boone's own hand, and recollection gathered by 19th-century antiquarians, the author employs the methods of the new social history to produce a portrait that defines Daniel Boone and the times he helped shape.

Image for 2. Who Was Daniel Boone? (Who Was?)

2. Who Was Daniel Boone? (Who Was?)

Called the "Great Pathfinder", Daniel Boone is most famous for opening up the West to settlers through Kentucky. A symbol of America's pioneering spirit Boone was a skilled outdoorsman and an avid reader although he never attended school. Sydelle Kramer skillfully recounts Boone's many adventures such as the day he rescued his own daughter from kidnappers.

Image for 3. The Dangerous Book for Boys

3. The Dangerous Book for Boys

The bestselling book—more than 1.5 million copies sold—for every boy from eight to eighty, covering essential boyhood skills such as building tree houses, learning how to fish, finding true north, and even answering the age old question of what the big deal with girls is—now a Prime Original Series created by Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad) and Greg Mottola (Superbad).

In this digital age, there is still a place for knots, skimming stones and stories of incredible courage. This book recaptures Sunday afternoons, stimulates curiosity, and makes for great father-son activities. The brothers Conn and Hal have put together a wonderful collection of all things that make being young or young at heart fun—building go-carts and electromagnets, identifying insects and spiders, and flying the world's best paper airplanes.

Image for 4. Willy Whitefeather&apos;s Outdoor Survival Handbook for Kids

4. Willy Whitefeather's Outdoor Survival Handbook for Kids

From treating a bee sting to building an overnight shelter, kids will gain the knowledge and confidence they need to survive outdoors.All ages

Image for 5. Daniel Boone: Frontiersman (Heroes of History)

5. Daniel Boone: Frontiersman (Heroes of History)

Written for readers age 10 and up -- enjoyed by adults!In search of open spaces and land to call his own, Daniel Boone fearlessly led a band of brave settlers into the bountiful Kentucky wilderness. Daniel's expert hunting ability, incredible outdoor survival skills, and courage under fire helped his companions stay alive in a dangerous and unknown land despite threatening encounters with soldiers, Indians, and even other settlers.

Image for 6. History Pockets: Explorers of North America, Grades 4-6+

6. History Pockets: Explorers of North America, Grades 4-6+

The book includes the following pockets:

  • Introduction to Explorers of North America
  • Christopher Columbus
  • John Cabot
  • Hernando Cortes
  • Jacques Cartier
  • Sir Francis Drake
  • Henry Hudson
  • Daniel Boone
  • James Cook
  • Lewis and Clark
  • John Wesley Powell
Image for 7. Daniel Boone: Trailblazer

7. Daniel Boone: Trailblazer

Born in Pennsylvania in 1734, Daniel Boone cut a path west, carving his name into trees. Although he endured repeated property losses, he became a household name and was greatly admired for his surveying skills and the many claims he laid, opening the west for further settlement.

Image for 8. Survive & Thrive: A Pocket Guide To Wilderness Safety Skills, Plus 16 Quick-Check Skill Cards

8. Survive & Thrive: A Pocket Guide To Wilderness Safety Skills, Plus 16 Quick-Check Skill Cards

Gear up for outdoor adventure, learn to stay alive, and help yourself thrive – feeling confident that you can handle whatever comes your way!

Accidents happen and nature can be unpredictable, which is why this ultra-portable survival kit is a must-have for casual nature explorers and slightly more adventurous campers in need of essential outdoor guidance that they can carry along with them.

Image for 9. Bear Grylls The Complete Adventures Collection 12 Books Set

9. Bear Grylls The Complete Adventures Collection 12 Books Set

Titles In This Set:The Blizzard ChallengeThe Desert ChallengeThe Jungle ChallengeThe Sea ChallengeThe River ChallengeThe Earthquake ChallengeThe Volcano ChallengeThe Safari ChallengeThe Cave ChallengeThe Mountain ChallengeThe Arctic ChallengeThe Sailing Challenge

Image for 10. Daniel Boone: Young Hunter and Tracker (Childhood of Famous Americans)

10. Daniel Boone: Young Hunter and Tracker (Childhood of Famous Americans)

A general account of the life of the prominent American frontiersman who is especially remembered for helping to settle Kentucky

Finally, look at how to create this salt dough map.

Besides just marking the original trail of the Wilderness Road we also continued along in a different color showing the path of the Great Valley Road.

Make a Fun and Easy Salt Dough Daniel Boone Wilderness Road Map

That road is traveled by Native Americans who called it the Great Warriors Path. It started in Pennsylvania and stretched to Boone’s Wilderness Road. It really helps tie the two time periods together.

How to Create Salt Dough Daniel Boone Wilderness Road Map

You will need:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup salt
  • ½ to ¾ cup of water
  • Paint or markers
  • 2 Printouts of  a  US Map
  • Gallon Ziploc bag
  • Large bowl for mixing
  • Spatula
  • Measuring cups
  • Skewer or toothpick

Print 2 copies of a US map.

Trim the edges down so that it fits in a gallon ziploc.

And then place inside the bag. Using the link above, there is both a labeled and unlabeled map.

Print one of each and set one aside.

Make a Fun and Easy Salt Dough Daniel Boone Wilderness Road Map

Combine flour and salt in a large bowl until mixed well.

Make a Fun and Easy Salt Dough Daniel Boone Wilderness Road Map

Add water a little at a time until you get a playdough consistency.

You do not want your dough to be sticky and wet but neither should it be crumbly.

We need a baby bear porridge situation here… just right.

Make a Fun and Easy Salt Dough Daniel Boone Wilderness Road Map

Knead dough for 2-3 minutes by hand to make sure it is all well combined.

Make a Fun and Easy Salt Dough Daniel Boone Wilderness Road Map

Once you are satisfied with the consistency of your dough you can begin spreading it out all over the map in the bag.

Make a Fun and Easy Salt Dough Daniel Boone Wilderness Road Map

To get a thinner and even thickness roll it out with a rolling pin.

Or just use a smooth jar to make it a quarter inch thick or less.

This will help it dry faster and reduce the risk of mold growing.

Make a Fun and Easy Salt Dough Daniel Boone Wilderness Road Map

Cut away the excess using a craft stick,

If you cut too much it’s very simple to press and pinch the dough to straighten up your edges of the map.

Make a Fun and Easy Salt Dough Daniel Boone Wilderness Road Map

Take your second paper map print out and trace Daniel Boone’s Journey.

We also traced the Mississippi River as a landmark to show that the trail was on the eastern side of it.

Daniel Boone Wilderness Road Map Activity

Lay the map over your salt dough map.

Lining it up as closely as you can.

Then use a skewer or toothpick to trace the trail by poking over the lines into the dough

Make a Fun and Easy Salt Dough Daniel Boone Wilderness Road Map

Remove the paper and deepen your marks a little to give them definition.

Pinch up the dough just a bit along the area where the Appalachian Mountains would be.

Add a little muted paint if you like to give it some more texture.

You can use a marker or paint on a very thin brush to trace the river and the routes.

But paint will allow you to do it right away instead of waiting on your salt dough map to dry.

You can either let your map sit undisturbed to dry or bake at 200 degrees until completely dry.

If you are air drying, flip the map over after 24 hours and let it sit another day.

Continue flipping back and forth until completely dried out.

If you want to preserve your map longer you can give it a couple coats of mod podge or spray it with a couple coats of clear sealer outdoors.

Make a Fun and Easy Salt Dough Daniel Boone Wilderness Road Map

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: american history, DanielBoone, early American history, geography, hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschoolgeography, salt dough map

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