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homeschoolinginwinter

6 Facts About the Snowy Owl & Stuffed Heat Pack Winter Owl Craft

October 29, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

This stuffed heat pack winter owl craft is not only a fun and easy craft, but it makes a wonderful heating pad for cold feet or for headache relief. Grab more ideas for winter fun on my page Winter Season Unit Study.

Felt is a very easy to use and forgiving material for learning how to sew and this activity does not require a pattern or fancy materials.

You need just a few pieces of felt and a bag of rice, both of which can even be found at Dollar Tree making it a $3 or less craft.

6 Facts About the Snowy Owl & Stuffed Heat Pack Winter Owl Craft

While it is a great craft to make for learning a basic life skill it is also ideal for gifting and can also be used with essential oil to create another layer of soothing comfort.

First, look at these facts about the snowy owl.

6 Facts About the Snowy Owl

  1. Snowy owls are the largest Arctic bird predator and one of the largest of all the owls in the world.
  2. When their wings are fully expanded the span can be as wide as 4 to 5 feet from tip to tip.
  3. The Snowy owl is also known as the arctic owl, ghost owl, great white owl, and Scandinavian night bird but their scientific name is Bubo scandiacus.
  4. Unlike most other species of owls, snowy owls are diurnal, which means they are active during the day instead of night.
  5. In the wild a snowy owl has a lifespan of 10 years or more. But owls in captivity can live almost 30 years.
  6. Snowy Owls fly at an impressive speed of up to 46 mph.

Next, I have some fun resources to learn about snowy owls.

Books and Resources for Learning about Snowy Owls

Add some of these fun resources to your unit study about snowy owls.

Snowy Owl Family Animal Adventures

Each member of the Snowy Owl family has a special role in the flock. Kevin Torline's colorful artwork showcases how a special family of birds works together to live in the frosty Arctic tundra.

This book is special because:

  • Sharing books with your little one strengthens your bond
  • Adorable books support empathy for animals
  • Educational focus: reading skills, early learning, animal facts, snowy owls, arctic, birds

Snowy Owls

Snowy owls make their homes in the icy white lands of the north. In these snowy places, they are perfectly camouflaged. Learn more about this giant owl with full color photos, range maps, and carefully leveled text.

Snowy Owls Are Awesome (Polar Animals)

Snowy owls call the bitterly cold Arctic their home. Learn how they live in this harsh environment. Snowy Owls tells readers how these birds find their prey, what dangers they have to watch out for, and more.

Nature Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces of the Natural World

See the world in a whole new way! Acclaimed illustrator Julia Rothman combines art and science in this exciting and educational guide to the structure, function, and personality of the natural world. Explore the anatomy of a jellyfish, the inside of a volcano, monarch butterfly migration, how sunsets work, and much more. Rothman’s whimsical illustrations are paired with interactive activities that encourage curiosity and inspire you to look more closely at the world all around you. Nature Anatomy is the second book in Rothman's Anatomy series – you'll love Nature Anatomy Notebook, Ocean Anatomy, Food Anatomy, and Farm Anatomy, too!

Snowy Owl Figurine

This adorable snowy owl would be great for a diorama, sensory bin, or even just to add to a winter themed science shelf.

A Snowy Owl Story (Wildlife on the Move)

One winter, as food gets scarce, a snowy owl finds himself forced to look in new and unfamiliar spots in order to find food and a place to call home. Based on a true story, A Snowy Owl Story describes, through the tale of one particular owl, the recent irruption of snowy owls all across the United States. Through this simple narrative, youngsters will learn about migration, adaptation, and respectful human interaction with nature. This unique title (first in a projected series of four board books) is written and designed specifically for a preschool market; few board books exist that tell conservation stories for this age range. Published in cooperation with Maine Audubon.

Also, here are more winter craft ideas.

Winter Craft Ideas

  • Winter Craft Ideas for Kids Animals in Winter Fun Snow Slime
  • Kindergarten Crafts for Winter An Easy and Fun Polar Bear Fork Painting
  • Two Fun Candy Cane Hands-on Science Winter Experiments
  • Cardinal Birds in Winter and Birch Trees Easy Watercolor Kids Activity
  • Cute and Simple Snowman Story Stones Winter Art Activities For Preschoolers
  • Winter Craft Ideas How to Make Fun Pinecone Flowers
  • Easy DIY Fun Salt Winter Watercolor Art Project for Kids
  • Free Easy Arctic and Inuit Science Lapbook & Unit Study
  • Julie of the Wolves Free Hands-on Arctic Unit Study
  • Easy and Fun Pine Cone Snowy Owl Winter Craft for Kindergarten
  • 3 Fun Cocoa Winter Hands on Science Activities
  • Free Amazing Winter Unit Study and Winter Lapbook for Kids
6 Facts About the Snowy Owl & Stuffed Heat Pack Winter Owl Craft

Finally, look how to make a stuffed heat pack winter owl craft.

You can absolutely make your owl any color you like but we opted to avoid white for this project since it gets dirty so quickly.

Stuffed Heat Pack Winter Owl Craft

If you don’t have a sewing machine, you can follow the same steps below but sewing by hand instead.

You will need:

  • 2 pieces of 9×12 felt for the body- same color
  • A half piece of any color for the wings
  • A small scrap of black, white, and yellow felt
  • Sewing machine or needle and thread
  • 1 to 2 pounds of rice.
  • Fabric or tacky glue
6 Facts About the Snowy Owl & Stuffed Heat Pack Winter Owl Craft

The first thing that you want to do is lay your two pieces of felt together and either trace with a white pencil or marker or free hand cut an owl shape. 

You can see here it’s just a modified oval with two points on the top for ears.

6 Facts About the Snowy Owl & Stuffed Heat Pack Winter Owl Craft

Take the color that you chose for the wings and lay it across the bottom half of the body where you would like to position the wings.

Then flip your fabric over and cut along the edge of your main felt so that they are the same size.

6 Facts About the Snowy Owl & Stuffed Heat Pack Winter Owl Craft

Flip it back over and cut your wing piece in half, then cut one side into the shape of a wing.

6 Facts About the Snowy Owl & Stuffed Heat Pack Winter Owl Craft

Lay it on the other piece and cut out the exact same piece so that they match.

6 Facts About the Snowy Owl & Stuffed Heat Pack Winter Owl Craft

Now, taking into consideration the scale of your owl that you’ve chosen, cut out a yellow beak shape.

And two large white circles, and two smaller black circles to create the eyes.

6 Facts About the Snowy Owl & Stuffed Heat Pack Winter Owl Craft

Keep the small pieces in place while you sew by gluing them with tacky glue or a fabric clue rather than pins.

6 Facts About the Snowy Owl & Stuffed Heat Pack Winter Owl Craft

The first thing you want to sew is about a quarter inch all the way around the wings to secure them to the body piece on each side.

6 Facts About the Snowy Owl & Stuffed Heat Pack Winter Owl Craft

Next, sew a circle around the white eyes and inside the black as well as around the nose.

6 Facts About the Snowy Owl & Stuffed Heat Pack Winter Owl Craft

Trim off the excess thread everywhere, use a black permanent marker to blend the white thread into the black eyes.

6 Facts About the Snowy Owl & Stuffed Heat Pack Winter Owl Craft

Heat Pack Winter Owl Craft

Now you will need to match up your two main body pieces with the wings and the eyes facing inward, so it is “wrong side out”.

6 Facts About the Snowy Owl & Stuffed Heat Pack Winter Owl Craft

Sew all the way around the body except for the bottom.

There are two ways you can do this.

First, sew leaving just a couple inches unsewn, use a funnel to fill the bag.

6 Facts About the Snowy Owl & Stuffed Heat Pack Winter Owl Craft

 Fold the remaining sedition inward and sew a hidden seam in between the folds.

6 Facts About the Snowy Owl & Stuffed Heat Pack Winter Owl Craft

Second, if you have a beginner sewer or just want an easier method, leave the bottom completely unsewn.

Fill it up, and then hold the weight of the bag up as you do an external stitch all the way across the bottom.

6 Facts About the Snowy Owl & Stuffed Heat Pack Winter Owl Craft

To heat up your warmer, throw the rice pack in the microwave for 30 second intervals until desired heat is reached.

You can also add a few drops of essential oil like lavender, which is great for headaches and anxiety.

On cold days, you might wish to use a warm seasonal scent like cinnamon or peppermint.

6 Facts About the Snowy Owl & Stuffed Heat Pack Winter Owl Craft

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: arctic, crafts, handicraft, hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, homeschoolinginwinter, owl, winter crafts, winter season

Winter Craft Ideas for Kids Animals in Winter Fun Snow Slime

January 20, 2023 | 1 Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

If you’re looking for more winter craft ideas for kids, you’ll love this snow slime inspired by the book Animals in Winter. Be sure you grab more ideas for winter fun on my page winter season unit study.

Slime has been a hot sensory activity for years and it shows no signs of slowing down.

So, when I looked for a fun winter craft idea for kids, I looked no further than the box of borax to turn it into a wonderful stretchy slime as a base for winter animal play.

Winter Craft Ideas for Kids Animals in Winter Fun Snow Slime

Even older kids love the relaxing and appealing texture of slime sliding through their fingers.

Playing with slime is a great way to take up some time on a long winter afternoon when you are stuck indoors.

In addition, it can be very calming as well.

However, that doesn’t mean you can’t turn it into a simple lesson by adding a book and some winter animals.

This slime as I mentioned was inspired by Animals in Winter, Let’s Read and Find Out.

These books are great for younger elementary and teach concept in simple way without talking down to kids.

Winter Books and Snow Resources

When you add in more hands-on activities learning sticks.

13 Snow, Snowman, Animals, and Winter Books

Add one or more of these books to your learning day if you're learning about snow, snowflakes, winter or just for fun.

Winter Cottage

Immerse Yourself in This Story of Love and Companionship Amidst Deprivation

It is the fall of 1930, and America has plunged into the Great Depression. On a remote dirt road deep in the snowy woods of northern Wisconsin, misfortune forces the impoverished Sparkes family to take desperate measures.

A wayfaring quartet consisting of thirteen-year-old Araminta (nicknamed Minty), her recently unemployed father-a poetry-quoting widower called Pops-and her younger sister, Eglantine (known as Eggs-a dreamer like Pops), and their dog, Buster, are on their way to Minneapolis to live with the curmudgeonly Aunt Amy. When their car breaks down and they are unable to fix it, the homeless four stumble upon a vacant summer cottage by a lake. In desperate straits, they decide to settle in.

1. The Story of Snow: The Science of Winter's Wonder

How do snow crystals form? What shapes can they take? Are no two snow crystals alike? These questions and more are answered inside this exploration of the science of snow, featuring photos of real snow crystals in all their beautiful diversity. Perfect for reading on winter days, this book by a nature photographer and a snow scientist will inspire wonder and curiosity about the marvels of snow. 

2. Sneezy the Snowman

B-R-R-R-R! AH-CHOO! Sneezy the Snowman is cold, cold, cold. To warm up, he drinks cocoa, sits in a hot tub, stands near a warm fire–and melts! But the children know just what to do to build him up again–and make him feel “just right”.

3. Snowmen at Night

Have you ever built a snowman and discovered the next day that his grin has gotten a little crooked, or his tree-branch arms have moved? And you've wondered . . . what do snowmen do at night? This delightful wintertime tale reveals all!

4. The Biggest Snowman Ever

When the mayor of Mouseville announces the town snowman contest, Clayton and Desmond claim that they will each make the biggest snowman ever. But building a huge snowman alone is hard! They work and work, but their snowmen just aren't big enough. Soon they have an idea. As the day of the contest approaches, Clayton and Desmond join forces to build the biggest snowman ever.

5. Over and Under the Snow

Over the snow, the world is hushed and white. But under the snow lies a secret world of squirrels and snow hares, bears and bullfrogs, and many other animals making their winter home under the snow. This beloved nonfiction picture book exploring the subnivean zone reveals the tunnels and caves formed beneath the snow but over the ground, where many kinds of animals live through the winter, safe and warm, awake and busy, but hidden beneath the snow.

A Hat for Minerva Louise

"Stoeke's second book about that intrepid screwball, Minerva Louise, is a rare find."—The Horn Book, starred review. The other chickens hate snowy mornings. But not Minerva Louise! To her a snowy day—like everything else—is an adventure. But this chilly, chipper hen needs something to keep her warm. What she finds—and how she finds it—will keep young readers cackling.

6. How to Catch a Snowman

Our heroes' entry for the snowman contest has magically come to life―and ran away! Can YOU help catch it? Get ready for snow much fun as you travel through a winter wonderland with running, skating, and bouncing through trap after trap to catch the snowman and claim the winning prize. Will the snowman teach our heroes a lesson they'll never forget?

The Big Snow

When the geese begin to fly south, the leaves flutter down from the trees and the cold winds begin to blow from the north, the animals of the woods and meadows, big and small, prepare for the long, cold winter ahead when the countryside is hidden under a deep blanket of snow. They gather food and look for warm, snug places in the ground, trees, caves or thickets, where they can find protection against the icy winds.It might have been hard for the birds and animals of the hillside to survive when the Big Snow came if their good friends, who lived in the little stone house, had not remembered to put food out for them.Here, in many beautiful pictures, the Haders show how winter comes to the woodland as the busy animals make their preparations.

7. Curious About Snow (Smithsonian)

The Smithsonian does things right and this Curious About Snow book is a
great introduction for curious kiddos with real images and simple explanations.

8. Animals in Winter

This is a clear and appealing book for early elementary age kids, both at home and in the classroom. Introduce kids to basic science ideas as part of discussions about the seasons and animals.

9. Arctic Figurines, Including A Harp Seal, Husky, Caribou, Arctic Rabbit, Killer Whale, Walrus, Arctic Fox, Beluga Whale, Igloo, And Polar Bear

SET OF 10 FUN AND FRIGID FIGURES – It’s hard to stay warm at the North Pole, but you can discover its wonders in your home with these frigid friends. This TOOB includes a Harp Seal, Husky, Caribou, Arctic Rabbit, Killer Whale, Walrus, Arctic Fox, Beluga Whale, Igloo, and Polar Bear.

10. Nature Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces of the Natural World

See the world in a whole new way! Acclaimed illustrator Julia Rothman combines art and science in this exciting and educational guide to the structure, function, and personality of the natural world. Explore the anatomy of a jellyfish, the inside of a volcano, monarch butterfly migration, how sunsets work, and much more. Rothman’s whimsical illustrations are paired with interactive activities that encourage curiosity and inspire you to look more closely at the world all around you.

Then, add in ideas for studying about animals in the winter.

You can focus on one animal or just ask general questions about animals survive in the winter.

Winter Craft Ideas for Kids Animals in Winter Fun Snow Slime

Animal Themed Questions

Talk about and explore the answers to some winter themed questions using books or the internet while your child plays with their snow slime

  • Why are some animal coats white?
  • What is hibernation?
  • Which types of animals hibernate?
  • How do animals get ready for winter?
  • How do animals not freeze in winter?
  • What is adaptation?
  • What is migration?
  • Do animals in your area hibernate or migrate?
  • What makes it snow? Does it snow where you live?

Besides the craft aspect of snow slime this is a great opportunity to talk about the science behind slime.

Slime is simple chemistry, and it is made through a chemical reaction between two main ingredients which are polyvinyl alcohol (glue) and borate ion (baking soda or borax).

Try dividing your mixture and adding more and less borax to it.

Then ask, what happens to the texture of the slime.

Additionally, here are more winter unit study resources.

More Winter Craft Ideas for Kids Resources

Look at these other winter unit study resources.

  • Snow and Snowflake Facts for Kids and Fun Hands-on Exploding Snowman
  • Two Fun Candy Cane Hands-on Science Winter Experiments
  • Cardinal Birds in Winter and Birch Trees Easy Watercolor Kids Activity
  • Cute and Simple Snowman Story Stones Winter Art Activities
  • Winter Craft Ideas How to Make Fun Pinecone Flowers
  • How to Make an Adorable Toilet Roll Snowman for Winter Crafts
  • Easy and Fun Pinecone Snowy Owl Winter Craft for Kindergarten
  • Free Amazing Winter Unit Study and Winter Lapbook for Kids
  • Easy Hands on Snowflake Winter Craft for Kids Who Don’t Have Snow
  • Winter Nature Craft: How to Make Easy DIY Bird Feeders
  • 3 Fun Cocoa Winter Hands on Science Activities
  • How to Make an Easy Build a Snowman Kid’s Game (free printable cube)
  • Winter Nature Craft: How to Make Easy DIY Bird Feeders
  • 21 Hands On Homeschooling Ideas to Keep the Winter Chill Off {Activities for Tots to Teens}
  • Free Winter Copywork for Middle School – Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost
  • Fun Winter Craft Ideas for Middle School Homeschool

Winter Craft Ideas for Kids Animals in Winter Fun Snow Slime

Finally, let’s make some fun snow slime.

How to Make Snow Slime

Here is a list of supplies:

  • 8 oz bottle school glue
  • 1 cup warm water
  • 1-2 teaspoons borax
  • Blue glitter
  • Craft paint-optional
  • Bowl
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Spoon for stirring
Winter Craft Ideas for Kids Animals in Winter Fun Snow Slime

First, pour the school glue and half of the water into a large bowl and stir to combine thoroughly.

In a second container dissolve 1-2 teaspoons of borax into the other ½ cup of warm water.

Winter Craft Ideas for Kids Animals in Winter Fun Snow Slime

Mix in as much glitter as you like, you could also add a little paint at this point if you wanted to color it. Blue would be so pretty.

Winter Craft Ideas for Kids Animals in Winter Fun Snow Slime

Add the borax mixture to the glue mixture just a teaspoon or two at a time until your slime has the right consistency.

It may take a minute for each addition to mix in well and reduce the stickiness.

Winter Craft Ideas for Kids Animals in Winter Fun Snow Slime

You want it just a bit sticky but not enough to make it hard to get it off your hands.

Two to three tablespoons seemed about right for us and you can always add more borax but once you add too much it’s hard to fix it.

Now, add bowls, plastic animals, winter themed cookie cutters, craft sticks for cutting, and other small play items to your slime to keep the fun going for hours.

Store slime in an airtight container between uses.

Remove slime from bowl and knead for 1 minute to combine. Heads up: Children should wash hands well after each use.

Winter Craft Ideas for Kids Animals in Winter Fun Snow Slime

1 CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: crafts, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschoolinginwinter, physical science, science, slime, snow, winter crafts, winter season

Snow and Snowflake Facts for Kids and Fun Hands-on Exploding Snowman

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

I have some fun snowflake facts for kids and an exploding snowman. Be sure you grab more ideas for winter fun on my page winter season unit study.

Snow can be a hard concept for a younger child to grasp if they have never seen it in person. Sure, they know it’s white and cold from books and TV and may see it fall at home.

Most of them are familiar with Frosty and Olaf but really grasping the properties and the conditions needed for snow to form can be more challenging.

Snow and Snowflake Facts for Kids and Fun Hands-on Exploding Snowman

As with any topic you can layer on the information as they are able to understand it.

Start with what they know and build on concepts forming a “snowball” effect, pun intended.

Use books, movies, and hands-on activities to bring it to life until they can go walk in a winter wonderland for themselves.

Snow and Snowflake Facts

How is snow formed?

(Answer: Snow forms when tiny ice crystals in clouds stick together and become snowflakes.)

When enough of these crystals stick together, they become heavy and fall to the ground. 

Snow and Snowflake Facts for Kids and Fun Hands-on Exploding Snowman

How do snowflakes form?

(Answer: A snowflake begins to form when an extremely cold water drop freezes onto a pollen or dust particle in the sky.)

This creates what is known as an ice crystal.

As the ice crystal falls to the ground, water vapor freezes onto the initial crystal, building new crystals and creating the six arms of the snowflake.

Then add some snow vocabulary.

Snow and Snowflake Facts for Kids and Fun Hands-on Exploding Snowman

Here are some fun snow vocabulary words.

Snowflake For Kids Vocabulary

  • Hexagon -A shape with 6 sides
  • Crystal- When frozen water molecules bond together and have 6 sides.
  • Precipitation-Snow, sleet, rain, or hail falling to the ground.
  • Water vapor-the gas phase of water.
  • Frozen- When something has turned to ice.

Snow Movies

Next, here are a few fun movies to share about the concepts of snow, ice, snowflakes, and winter.

  • Wild Kratts- How a Snowflake is Formed.
  • SciShow Kids Brr 5 Videos About Winter
  • Peekaboo Kids–Everything About Winter Season
  • The Snowman
  • Daniel Tiger Snowy Adventures
  • The Snowy Day

Also, look at these fun snow and winter resources.

Snow and Snowflake Facts for Kids and Fun Hands-on Exploding Snowman

Add a book or two to your snow day.

13 Snow, Snowman, Animals, and Winter Books

Add one or more of these books to your learning day if you're learning about snow, snowflakes, winter or just for fun.

Winter Cottage

Immerse Yourself in This Story of Love and Companionship Amidst Deprivation

It is the fall of 1930, and America has plunged into the Great Depression. On a remote dirt road deep in the snowy woods of northern Wisconsin, misfortune forces the impoverished Sparkes family to take desperate measures.

A wayfaring quartet consisting of thirteen-year-old Araminta (nicknamed Minty), her recently unemployed father-a poetry-quoting widower called Pops-and her younger sister, Eglantine (known as Eggs-a dreamer like Pops), and their dog, Buster, are on their way to Minneapolis to live with the curmudgeonly Aunt Amy. When their car breaks down and they are unable to fix it, the homeless four stumble upon a vacant summer cottage by a lake. In desperate straits, they decide to settle in.

1. The Story of Snow: The Science of Winter's Wonder

How do snow crystals form? What shapes can they take? Are no two snow crystals alike? These questions and more are answered inside this exploration of the science of snow, featuring photos of real snow crystals in all their beautiful diversity. Perfect for reading on winter days, this book by a nature photographer and a snow scientist will inspire wonder and curiosity about the marvels of snow. 

2. Sneezy the Snowman

B-R-R-R-R! AH-CHOO! Sneezy the Snowman is cold, cold, cold. To warm up, he drinks cocoa, sits in a hot tub, stands near a warm fire–and melts! But the children know just what to do to build him up again–and make him feel “just right”.

3. Snowmen at Night

Have you ever built a snowman and discovered the next day that his grin has gotten a little crooked, or his tree-branch arms have moved? And you've wondered . . . what do snowmen do at night? This delightful wintertime tale reveals all!

4. The Biggest Snowman Ever

When the mayor of Mouseville announces the town snowman contest, Clayton and Desmond claim that they will each make the biggest snowman ever. But building a huge snowman alone is hard! They work and work, but their snowmen just aren't big enough. Soon they have an idea. As the day of the contest approaches, Clayton and Desmond join forces to build the biggest snowman ever.

5. Over and Under the Snow

Over the snow, the world is hushed and white. But under the snow lies a secret world of squirrels and snow hares, bears and bullfrogs, and many other animals making their winter home under the snow. This beloved nonfiction picture book exploring the subnivean zone reveals the tunnels and caves formed beneath the snow but over the ground, where many kinds of animals live through the winter, safe and warm, awake and busy, but hidden beneath the snow.

A Hat for Minerva Louise

"Stoeke's second book about that intrepid screwball, Minerva Louise, is a rare find."—The Horn Book, starred review. The other chickens hate snowy mornings. But not Minerva Louise! To her a snowy day—like everything else—is an adventure. But this chilly, chipper hen needs something to keep her warm. What she finds—and how she finds it—will keep young readers cackling.

6. How to Catch a Snowman

Our heroes' entry for the snowman contest has magically come to life―and ran away! Can YOU help catch it? Get ready for snow much fun as you travel through a winter wonderland with running, skating, and bouncing through trap after trap to catch the snowman and claim the winning prize. Will the snowman teach our heroes a lesson they'll never forget?

The Big Snow

When the geese begin to fly south, the leaves flutter down from the trees and the cold winds begin to blow from the north, the animals of the woods and meadows, big and small, prepare for the long, cold winter ahead when the countryside is hidden under a deep blanket of snow. They gather food and look for warm, snug places in the ground, trees, caves or thickets, where they can find protection against the icy winds.It might have been hard for the birds and animals of the hillside to survive when the Big Snow came if their good friends, who lived in the little stone house, had not remembered to put food out for them.Here, in many beautiful pictures, the Haders show how winter comes to the woodland as the busy animals make their preparations.

7. Curious About Snow (Smithsonian)

The Smithsonian does things right and this Curious About Snow book is a
great introduction for curious kiddos with real images and simple explanations.

8. Animals in Winter

This is a clear and appealing book for early elementary age kids, both at home and in the classroom. Introduce kids to basic science ideas as part of discussions about the seasons and animals.

9. Arctic Figurines, Including A Harp Seal, Husky, Caribou, Arctic Rabbit, Killer Whale, Walrus, Arctic Fox, Beluga Whale, Igloo, And Polar Bear

SET OF 10 FUN AND FRIGID FIGURES – It’s hard to stay warm at the North Pole, but you can discover its wonders in your home with these frigid friends. This TOOB includes a Harp Seal, Husky, Caribou, Arctic Rabbit, Killer Whale, Walrus, Arctic Fox, Beluga Whale, Igloo, and Polar Bear.

10. Nature Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces of the Natural World

See the world in a whole new way! Acclaimed illustrator Julia Rothman combines art and science in this exciting and educational guide to the structure, function, and personality of the natural world. Explore the anatomy of a jellyfish, the inside of a volcano, monarch butterfly migration, how sunsets work, and much more. Rothman’s whimsical illustrations are paired with interactive activities that encourage curiosity and inspire you to look more closely at the world all around you.

In addition, there are more hands-on snow and snowflake ideas below.

More Winter Unit Study Resources

Look at these other winter unit study resources.

  • Two Fun Candy Cane Hands-on Science Winter Experiments
  • Cardinal Birds in Winter and Birch Trees Easy Watercolor Kids Activity
  • Cute and Simple Snowman Story Stones Winter Art Activities
  • Winter Craft Ideas How to Make Fun Pinecone Flowers
  • How to Make an Adorable Toilet Roll Snowman for Winter Crafts
  • Easy and Fun Pinecone Snowy Owl Winter Craft for Kindergarten
  • Free Amazing Winter Unit Study and Winter Lapbook for Kids
  • Easy Hands on Snowflake Winter Craft for Kids Who Don’t Have Snow
  • Winter Nature Craft: How to Make Easy DIY Bird Feeders
  • 3 Fun Cocoa Winter Hands on Science Activities
  • How to Make an Easy Build a Snowman Kid’s Game (free printable cube)

Additionally, before you began this hands-on activity, look at some exploding snowman science.

Exploding Snowman Science

When baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) combines with vinegar, carbon dioxide is created.

The bag starts to fill with the carbon dioxide gas, and this is what causes the bag to swell up.

If you create enough gas your bag will open, and the pressure will make the bag explode. 

This recipe below did not pop the bag, in fact it stayed inflated for quite a while because the gas did not escape and could be repeated over and over.

If you want your bag to pop open you can add a bit more of the ingredients to create more gas.

And also use a regular gallon zip top instead of a zippered one which holds more securely.

How to Make an Exploding Snowman

You will need:

  • A gallon ziploc bag (zippered is best)
  • Black and colored permanent markers
  • Rubbing alcohol/towel
  • Baking soda
  • Vinegar

Directions:

If your bag has printed designs or writing on it, take some rubbing alcohol and pour it on the baggie over the design.

Then rub gently with a towel and it will easily remove the design from the bag leaving it plain.

Snow and Snowflake Facts for Kids and Fun Hands-on Exploding Snowman

Next, create a fun snowman or snow lady face with markers.

Give him rosy cheeks, a wide smile, and a cute carrot nose.

Snow and Snowflake Facts for Kids and Fun Hands-on Exploding Snowman

Pour ¼ cup of baking soda into the bottom of the bag and take it outside.

Snow and Snowflake Facts for Kids and Fun Hands-on Exploding Snowman

Once outside pour in 8 oz. of white vinegar and quickly close up the bag.

Ziploc bags work best to give you a quick closing top.

Snow and Snowflake Facts for Kids and Fun Hands-on Exploding Snowman

Your snowman will swell up immediately.

If you put in extra ingredients your bag will pop open within 30 seconds.

Look how inflated the bag was within just seconds!

Snow and Snowflake Facts for Kids and Fun Hands-on Exploding Snowman

If you have more than one kid, you can let them have a contest to see who’s snowman pops first.

Snow and Snowflake Facts for Kids and Fun Hands-on Exploding Snowman

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: earthscience, elementary science, hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, homeschoolinginwinter, science, snow, snowman, winter crafts, winter season

Two Fun Candy Cane Hands-on Science Winter Experiments

December 26, 2022 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have two fun candy cane hands-on winter experiments today. Be sure you grab more ideas for winter fun on my page winter season unit study.

Candy canes are plentiful right now and did you know that they make for a tasty, easy, and inexpensive item for science experiments? 

Your kids will love tasting and exploring the world of science with these two simple hands on science experiments in honor of National Candy Cane Day on December 26. 

Two Fun Candy Cane Hands-on Science Winter Experiments

These experiments are a great way to introduce all sorts of scientific terms like hypothesis and bonds.

You can encourage them to make educated guesses (hypothesis) document results, make observations, and learn about how experiments work in general.

Don’t forget to save some to munch on while you learn about them.

Cool Candy Cane Facts

  • They were first made in 1670 but didn’t make their way to American until 1847.
  • Candy canes were once white, no one is sure when the red stripe was added but looking at images prior 1900, they were always white.
  • The world’s largest candy cane was 63 feet tall and was created in 2011.
  • Candy canes have no fat or cholesterol.
  • Two billion candy canes are made each year.
  • The hooks were created by hand until 1921 when a machine was invented to do it.
  • The original candy cane flavor was originally used as a medicine for indigestion and nausea and then the oil was also used to help cover up the flavor of more unpleasant medicinal concoctions.

Furthermore, add some other hands-on candy cane activities.

Candy Cane Hands-on Activities

  • Before you begin investigating watch How Candy Canes Are Made on YouTube.
  • Here is another fun experiment you can do with candy canes Fizzing Candy Canes.
  • Make some Candy Cane Paint to add some art.
  • Use candy canes as counters and manipulatives for math, measure the length, grab various sizes and let your younger child arrange them in size order.

More Winter Unit Study Resources

Look at these other winter unit study resources.

  • Cardinal Birds in Winter and Birch Trees Easy Watercolor Kids Activity
  • Cute and Simple Snowman Story Stones Winter Art Activities
  • Winter Craft Ideas How to Make Fun Pinecone Flowers
  • How to Make an Adorable Toilet Roll Snowman for Winter Crafts
  • Easy and Fun Pinecone Snowy Owl Winter Craft for Kindergarten
  • Free Amazing Winter Unit Study and Winter Lapbook for Kids
  • Easy Hands on Snowflake Winter Craft for Kids Who Don’t Have Snow
  • Winter Nature Craft: How to Make Easy DIY Bird Feeders
  • 3 Fun Cocoa Winter Hands on Science Activities
  • How to Make an Easy Build a Snowman Kid’s Game (free printable cube)

Now, let’s have some candy cane fun.

For these two winter science activities, you’ll want to grab the supplies below.

Two Candy Cane Science Activities

Here are all the supplies you will need to gather so that you can complete both experiments:

Two Fun Candy Cane Hands-on Science Winter Experiments
  • Mini Candy Canes
  • Clear bowls or cups
  • 3-5 liquids-water, sprite, milk, vinegar, etc
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • paper/pen

Now, let’s make this first one which is bending candy canes.

1. Bending Candy Canes Science Activity

For the first experiment we are first going to let your child attempt to bend a candy cane fresh out of the package, it just breaks right? Ask them why they think that is? How were candy makers able to bend it in the first place?

Preheat oven to 250 degrees.

Line baking sheet with parchment paper.

Spread out several candy canes on parchment lined sheet.

Two Fun Candy Cane Hands-on Science Winter Experiments

Bake for 7-10 minutes. Start checking at 7 minutes because you want to pull them out before they begin to distort and melt.

Two Fun Candy Cane Hands-on Science Winter Experiments

Immediately remove parchment paper from pan and place on a flat surface away from the hot pan.

Your child can immediately pick them up and begin bending them into shapes.

Two Fun Candy Cane Hands-on Science Winter Experiments

You can make letters, shapes like hearts or knots, or even a cute little candy can make like this one.

Two Fun Candy Cane Hands-on Science Winter Experiments

You’re just a couple of minutes the candy cane will harden again into its new shape.

You can repeat the process in the oven with candy canes after they’ve hardened or with fresh ones to continue experimenting with what you can do.

2. Melting Candy Canes

Now we are going to test and see which liquid melts candy canes the fastest.

So, you will want to check this one often. We put ours in the bowls and forgot for about 45 minutes and came back to this.

Two Fun Candy Cane Hands-on Science Winter Experiments

First, choose your liquids, I would suggest no less than 3 to get a good reading and probably not more than 6 to keep it manageable.

Whatever number you choose to test, place that many clear bowls or cups on a surface where they will not be disturbed. Add a mini candy cane to each.

Two Fun Candy Cane Hands-on Science Winter Experiments

Measure exact amounts of each of the liquids and pour over the candy cane.

This is a good time to explain that when conduction an experiment like this you want to keep everything the same except for the one variable that you are testing, in this case the type of liquid.

Two Fun Candy Cane Hands-on Science Winter Experiments

Write each of the liquids onto a small slip of paper and place it in front of each container to keep track.

Check after 5 minutes to see how much they have dissolved; these ones were noticeably smaller.

Two Fun Candy Cane Hands-on Science Winter Experiments

After the first 5 minutes you want to change to every minute or two because it seems to go so much faster after that.

At less than the 10-minute mark we had a clear winner when we came back, and the vinegar had completely dissolved it.

Two Fun Candy Cane Hands-on Science Winter Experiments

Be sure to have your child record their guesses (hypothesis), then list the types of liquids (variables), and finally their results.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: elementary science, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschoolinginwinter, homeschoolscience, middle school, middleschool, physical science, science, sciencecurriculum, winter crafts, winter season

Cardinal Birds in Winter and Birch Trees Easy Watercolor Kids Activity

December 25, 2022 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

This easy cardinal birds in winter watercolor is a cute project. Be sure you grab more ideas for winter fun on my page winter season unit study.

And the watercolor painting of the cardinal birds in winter and fun birch trees makes a fun display to bring a pop of color.

In addition, you can create it as an art piece on its own or use it as part of a unit on winter birds or winter in general.

Cardinal Birds in Winter and Birch Trees Easy Watercolor Kids Activity

I have some great resources that will help you get started on your unit study.

Too, we are using two different kinds of paint on this cardinal project which are watercolor and acrylic

Also, you’ll learn a new technique to create a unique look to the bark of the birch trees.

But first look at these cardinal bird resources.

Cardinal Bird Hands-on Ideas

  • Do the Hands-On Nature Study: Bird Color Bar Graphing Activity.
  • Work on this Colorful Winter Bird: Northern Cardinal Lapbook & Unit Study.
  • Make a yarn wrapped cardinal art project.
  • Try out my How to Make a Fun Paper Mache American Robin Bird Craft but make it a cardinal.
  • While you learn about these colorful winter birds you can help feed them with this Winter Nature Craft: How to Make Easy DIY Bird Feeders.
  •  Cardinal Fun Fact Coloring Page.
  • Track how many cardinals visit your yard each day for a week, how many are male? How many are female?
  • YouTube, listen to the cardinals song with this video.

Next, add some fun books and resources about cardinals.

12 Northern Cardinal Bird Books and Resources For Children

Add a book or two to your unit study or to your learning day. Cardinals are fun to study anytime of the year.

Wild Bird Guide: Northern Cardinal

Packed with information, the writing is clear and direct and accessible to bird watchers at every level.

Backyard Birding for Kids

With bird facts, an identification guide, and how-to instructions, this is a perfect children’s introduction to bird-watching.

Albert

The morning begins like any other. Albert reaches out the window to check the weather. But from the moment a twig lands in the palm of his hand, life is never the same

Nature Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces of the Natural World

One of my go tos for nature study.

Explore the anatomy of a jellyfish, the inside of a volcano, monarch butterfly migration, how sunsets work, and much more.

Rothman’s whimsical illustrations are paired with interactive activities that encourage curiosity and inspire you to look more closely at the

Toy Bird Figures Kids

Because children's thinking is more visualized, the intuitive demonstration of the model can better help children construct in the brain. This birds playset can help children get a more direct understanding of real birds world and stimulate their interest in exploring nature.

Why Evergreens Keep Their Leaves

One autumn evening, Little Redbird settled down for one last sleep before flying south for winter. As he slept, a strong gust of wind shook him from his cozy nest . . .

. . . Little Redbird hurts his wing and misses his chance to fly south for the winter. As he searches for a new home amongst the trees, he begins to realize that not all trees are fit for the winter cold. As more and more trees refuse him shelter, too preoccupied with their preparations for the frost, Little Redbird fears the worst. That is, until he comes across a friendly bunch of evergreens.

In the spirit of Oscar Wilde's The Happy Prince, Why Evergreens Keep Their Leaves is a timeless story of kindness and why the fir, spruce, and juniper trees are evergreen all winter long. 

Backyard Birding Flashcards: 100 Common Birds

The Sibley Field Guide to Birds is now transformed into 100 easy-to-reference cards housed in one handsome pull-drawer gift box. Divided into one stack of 50 common Western and Eastern North American birds, and one stack of 50 common birds found across North America, each card features precise illustrations and text concerning habitat, behavior, and voice description necessary for easy identification.

Attracting & Feeding Cardinals

The vibrant red of the male Northern Cardinal is stunning any time of year—and nothing is more beautiful than the early spring duets of cardinals singing their hearts out. You love these beloved birds, and you want to see them visiting your backyard or garden. Professional naturalist and award-winning author Stan Tekiela teaches you all that you need to know about cardinals.

Cardinals (Backyard Bird Feeding Guides)

The vibrant red of the male Northern Cardinal is stunning any time of year. And nothing is more beautiful than the early spring duets of cardinals singing their hearts out.

Authentic Bird Sounds, Northern Cardinal, American Goldfinch, Chickadee

Kids and adults of all ages love these birds, and are captivated by their sounds. They also make great baby toys, and sensory toys for kids any age.

Includes 3 Realistically designed bird toys that produce authentic bird calls from the Cornell lab of ornithology archives of bird recordings.

The Burgess Bird Book for Children

The Burgess Bird Book for Children (1919) is a classic nature book by Thornton Burgess, who introduces young listeners to the subject of bird life by means of a series of interviews within a story. Peter Rabbit and Jenny Wren interview Slaty the Junco, Redwing the Blackbird, Melody the Wood Thrush, Spooky the Screech Owl, and many other common birds to learn about their appearance, their eating, mating and nesting habits, and their songs and calls. The text remains popular as an exceptional combination of information and entertainment.

Cardinals (Backyard Birds)

Whos that singing in the backyard? Its a cardinal! Find out where cardinals live, what they eat, and how to identify the birds and their eggs.

Cardinal Birds in Winter and Birch Trees Easy Watercolor Kids Activity

Furthermore, here are some cardinal facts.

Cardinal Facts

  • Northern Cardinals are mostly non migratory and stay in their habitat year round.
  • Their lifespan is about 3 years and the oldest recorded lived to be almost 16 years.
  • Cardinals are usually the first to visit backyard feeders in the morning and the last to visit at night.
  • Both male and female cardinals can sing unlike most other species of songbird. Male cardinals might sing up to 200 songs in just an hour.
  • Male cardinals are the bright red ones you see, females are a dull brown with just a bit of red on tail and wingtips.
  • Northern Cardinals are protected by the Migratory Bird Act, which means you can’t have one as a pet and it is illegal to kill them.
  • They get their red feathers from carotenoids in their food.
Cardinal Birds in Winter and Birch Trees Easy Watercolor Kids Activity

In addition, look at some more winters unit study ideas.

More Winter Unit Study Resources

Look at these other winter unit study resources.

  • Cute and Simple Snowman Story Stones Winter Art Activities
  • Winter Craft Ideas How to Make Fun Pinecone Flowers
  • How to Make an Adorable Toilet Roll Snowman for Winter Crafts
  • Easy and Fun Pinecone Snowy Owl Winter Craft for Kindergarten
  • Free Amazing Winter Unit Study and Winter Lapbook for Kids
  • Easy Hands on Snowflake Winter Craft for Kids Who Don’t Have Snow
  • Winter Nature Craft: How to Make Easy DIY Bird Feeders
  • 3 Fun Cocoa Winter Hands on Science Activities
  • How to Make an Easy Build a Snowman Kid’s Game (free printable cube)

Now, grab your art supplies and make this fun winter art project.

How to Make Cardinal Birds in Winter Watercolor

First, you will need:

  • Watercolor paper
  • Watercolors
  • Paintbrushes
  • Black acrylic paint
  • An old credit card
Cardinal Birds in Winter and Birch Trees Easy Watercolor Kids Activity

Next, here are the direction.

Use a watered down black or gray with a small paintbrush to outline a few general tree shapes and branches.

Cardinal Birds in Winter and Birch Trees Easy Watercolor Kids Activity

On as many branches as you would like, paint a red tear drop shape for your cardinals and add a little wedge at the base for a tail.

Cardinal Birds in Winter and Birch Trees Easy Watercolor Kids Activity

Fill in the blank spaces between the trees with various shades of blue; you don’t have to make it solid, whitespace looks great in watercolors.

Cardinal Birds in Winter and Birch Trees Easy Watercolor Kids Activity

Put a little black paint on a paper plate and tap the edge of a credit card into it, wipe off a little bit of excess.

Cardinal Birds in Winter and Birch Trees Easy Watercolor Kids Activity

Start on one side of the tree outline and set the edge of the card and then drag the card across the tree stopping halfway across.

This will give your bark the look of a birch tree. You can do this as much as you like up and down the tree.

Allow the black paint to dry fully.

Cardinal Birds in Winter and Birch Trees Easy Watercolor Kids Activity

Once paint is dry go back and add a little bit of black to the center of the bird’s face, black feet, and a bit of yellow for a beak.

When everything is dry your cardinals are ready to be displayed in a frame or as is.

What do you think? Ready to try this for a fun homeschool art, science, and hands-on lesson?

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: cardinal bird, crafts, homeschoolinginwinter, watercolor, winter crafts, winter season

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