homeschoolscience

Free Ocean Lapbook and Fun Homeschool Unit Study Ideas

February 7, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

This free ocean lapbook and homeschool unit study is a topic that is a fun topic to do with multiple ages. Too, I have more ideas on my pages Oceans and Best Homeschool Unit Studies.

Whether your children want to focus on exploring the ocean, marine life, or wrecked ships, there are no shortage of topics to learn about.

Free Ocean Lapbook and Fun Homeschool Unit Study Ideas

I’ve gathered some of the best resources and I have a free ocean lapbook to add more hands-on ideas to your study.

The oceans cover more than two-thirds of the earth’s surface.

Though the waters on the earth are really one world ocean, they are referred to by many names: Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Arctic, and Southern.

Ocean Themed Resources

Add some of these books to your study which can also be used as a spine if you’re not wanting to purchase curriculum or a textbook.

16 Ocean Books for Kids Who Love to Read and Be Read To

Choose a few of these ocean themed books to go along with your study of the Oceans. Whether you're looking for a spine for a unit study or literature, you'll love this roundup.

The Burgess Seashore Book for Children in color

Join Danny Meadow Mouse, Jimmy Skunk, and Reddy Fox as they explore the seashore and take a closer look at the habits and habitats of the creatures they find. Discover the Seahorse, Shrimp, Crab, Anemone, Gull, and so many more.

The Burgess Seashore Book for Children is a wonderful way to introduce young ones to the fascinating world beneath us and is a perfect compliment to earlier books in this series, the Bird, Animal, and Flower books.

This edition is complete and unabridged with all of the beautiful illustrations by W.H. Southwick and George Sutton

Seaside Naturalist: Seaside Naturalist

Seaside Naturalist is an illustrated guide to marine plants and animals includes the characteristics of protozoa, arthropods, sponges, mollusks, reptiles, birds, fish, and mammals.

The Big Book of the Blue (The Big Book Series)

The book opens by explaining how different types of animals are able to breathe and survive underwater, and the different families to which they belong. Subsequent pages are dedicated to specific creatures, including sea turtles, whales, sharks, stingrays, and seahorses, and show varied life in specific habitats, such as a coral reef or deep sea bed. The Big Book of the Blue also explores the underwater world thematically, looking at animals in danger, learning how to spot creatures at the beach, and discovering how to do our part to save sea life. Beautiful and filled with fascinating facts, young, curious readers won’t be able to tear their eyes away from the page.

Scott O'Dell Set: Island of the Blue Dolphins + Zia

Island of the Blue Dolphins begins with a young girl named Karana who is living on the Island of the Blue Dolphins (fancy name, right?) with her younger brother, Ramo, and sister, Ulape. One day, a group of Russian hunters (Aleutians) land on the island to hunt for otter. This is when the trouble really begins.

Manfish: A Story of Jacques Cousteau (Underwater Picture Book for Kids)

Once upon a time in France, a baby was born under the summer sun. His parents named him Jacques. As he grew, Jacques fell in love with the sea. He dreamed of breathing beneath the waves and swimming as gracefully as a fish. In fact, he longed to become a manfish. Jacques Cousteau grew up to become a champion of the seas and one of the best-known oceanographers in the world. In this lovely biography, now in paperback, poetic text and gorgeous paintings come together to create a portrait of Cousteau that is as magical as it is inspiring.

Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas (Illustrated 1875 Edition):

A beautiful edition with 110 images from the 1875 English edition. Use Amazon's Look inside feature to compare this edition with others. You'll be impressed by the differences. Don't be fooled by other versions that have no illustrations or contain very small print. Reading our edition will make you feel that you are traveling the seas with Captain Nemo himself.

Swiss Family Robinson (Illustrated Classic): 200th Anniversary Collection

More than 100 original illustrations by Louis Rhead. You want to read this book with illustrations.

An introduction by W. D. Howells.

Nicely formatted text in an easy-to-read font.

A beautiful cover from the 1891 edition.

Ocean: A Visual Encyclopedia

Embark on a captivating tour of the waters that cover 70 percent of our planet! See our oceans come to life in mind-blowing detail. This is the ultimate children’s visual encyclopedia about the awe-inspiring blue planet!

Secrets of the Sea: The Story of Jeanne Power, Revolutionary Marine Scientist

How did a nineteenth-century dressmaker revolutionize science? Jeanne Power was creative: she wanted to learn about the creatures that swim beneath the ocean waves, so she built glass tanks and changed the way we study underwater life forever. Jeanne Power was groundbreaking: she solved mysteries of sea animals and published her findings at a time when few of women’s contributions to science were acknowledged. Jeanne Power was persistent: when records of her research were lost, she set to work repeating her studies. And when men tried to take credit for her achievements, she stood firm and insisted on the recognition due to her.

Ocean Anatomy: The Curious Parts & Pieces of the World under the Sea

Follow Rothman’s inquisitive mind and perceptive eye along shorelines, across the open ocean, and below the waves for an artistic exploration of the watery universe. Through her drawings, discover how the world’s oceans formed, why the sea is salty, and the forces behind oceanic phenomena such as rogue waves. Colorful anatomical profiles of sea creatures from crustacean to cetacean, surveys of seafaring vessels and lighthouses, and the impact of plastic and warming water temperatures are just part of this compendium of curiosities that will entertain and educate readers of all ages.

The Fascinating Ocean Book for Kids: 500 Incredible Facts!

Do you know a kid who’s captivated by what goes on beneath the ocean’s surface? This amazing entry into ocean books for kids is packed with hundreds of incredible facts for hours of underwater exploration. Pages of full-color pictures feature life in and around the sea including fish, dolphins, and shipwrecks!

All About Bioluminescence: Deep Sea Animals

Dive into the mesmerizing world of bioluminescence with "All About Bioluminescence." In this captivating book, readers embark on a journey through the depths of the ocean to discover the extraordinary glow-in-the-dark creatures that inhabit its mysterious realm. From the enchanting sea angel to the infamous anglerfish, each page is filled with stunning illustrations and fascinating facts about these luminous beings.With a focus on deep-sea dwellers, readers will uncover the secrets behind bioluminescence and learn how these creatures use light to communicate, camouflage, and lure prey. But the adventure doesn't stop there! "All About Bioluminescence" also includes hands-on activities like a glow stick experiment, allowing readers to experience the magic of bioluminescence firsthand.

Treasure Island (Dover Thrift Editions: Classic Novels)

One of the most enduringly popular adventure tales, Treasure Island began in 1881 as a serialized adventure entitled "The Sea-Cook"in the periodical Young Folks. Completed during a stay at Davos, Switzerland, where Stevenson had gone for his health, it was published in 1883 in the form we know today.Set in the eighteenth century, Treasure Island spins a heady tale of piracy, a mysterious treasure map, and a host of sinister characters charged with diabolical intentions. Seen through the eyes of Jim Hawkins, the cabin boy of the Hispaniola, the action-packed adventure tells of a perilous sea journey across the Spanish Main, a mutiny led by the infamous Long John Silver, and a lethal scramble for buried treasure on an exotic isle.

Oceans and Seas!: With 25 Science Projects for Kids

In Oceans and Seas! With 25 Science Projects for Kids readers ages 7 though 10 dive into the underwater world of some of the most amazing landscapes on Earth. On this amazing underwater adventure, kids experience the ocean’s tropical reefs and spot crabs, sea sponges, and thousands of kinds of fish darting in its crags and folds. They’ll meet a giant squid with eyes the size of dinner plates and an mbrella-like bioluminescent jellyfish.

Discover the Oceans: The World's Largest Ecosystem (Discover Your World)

From both a historical and scientific point of view, above and below the surface, this engaging guide brings the world’s oceans to life through fun facts, illustrations, and in-depth information. Interactive activities appear throughout, ranging from making solar stills and simple fishing spears to experimenting with a homemade diving bell and figuring out how much water it really takes to survive. With the oceans being the least explored environment on Earth, this reference illuminates some of the most incredible and surprising plants and animals as well as how to survive and navigate these vast expanses.

Pagoo

An intricate study of tide pool life is presented in text and pictures through the story of Pagoo, a her-mit crab.

Too, look at RMS Titanic Unit Study and Free Lapbook and Coral Reef Unit Study and Lapbook.

Marine Life Resources and Crafts

Next, look at some of these ocean life resources.

Marine Life Encyclopedia – “Explore the Marine Life Encyclopedia to learn fun facts and more about your favorite marine animals. From sharks and sea turtles to ecosystems and corals, you’re in the right place to take a deep dive into life under the sea.”
The Ocean’s Weirdest Creatures! – “You’ll meet some seriously strange creatures here…”
From Egg to Sea Turtle Unit Study & Lapbook
Egg Carton Sea Life Recycled Craft
Fish Paper Craft for Kids
Free Shark Information Printables

And here are a few more:

Over 15 Ocean Animals Theme Unit Activities for Kids

Additionally, look at these hands-on ideas.

Hands-on Ocean Homeschool Unit Study Ideas

The best way to learn any topic is hands-on. So, I’ve gathered some hands-on ideas for multiple ages below.

Yum. Edible Ocean Layers @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus — Edible Ocean Layers Activity

Moreover, add these other ideas.

Videos Ocean Resources

Also, you’ll love these other activities.

Finally, look below how to grab the free lapbook.

HOW TO DOWNLOAD THE FREE OCEAN LAPBOOK

It’s a subscriber freebie.

That means when you sign up to follow me, you get access my subscribers library.

However, not all of my freebies are in the library (wink).

I like to keep up to date with what is valuable to you so I can give you more, some freebies you must sign up again on the form below even if you are already a follower.

It’s the only way I have of freely delivering them to you. Just follow the steps below.

► 1) Sign up on my list.
► 2) Grab your freebie.
►3) Last, look for my emails in your inbox. Glad to have you as a follower of me by email updates.

George Washington Carver Fun Peanut Quick Unit Study & Notebooking Pages

January 24, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

George Washington Carver study makes for a fun peanut unit study. Also, you love my Gardening Projects For Homeschool Easy Composting With the Amazing Dr. George Carver (Free Printable About Compost and my page Best Homeschool Unit Studies.

Besides, National Peanut Butter Day is January 24^th and I have some fun ideas to learn about peanuts and peanut butter.

George Washington Carver Fun Peanut Quick Unit Study & Notebooking Pages

We are celebrating it by making a batch of easy 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies and enjoying a mini peanut unit study.

Learn about the process, the people, and fun facts about the peanut while you enjoy peanutty treats.

Peanuts are versatile and used in much more than just peanut butter.

First, you’ll love some of these fun peanut facts.

For example, Jimmy Carter, our 39th president, came from humble roots in Plains, Georgia.

He took over his father’s peanut farm prior to becoming president.

Jimmy Carter sold peanuts on the streets at just 5 years old, peanuts are in his blood.

Too, Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States was a peanut farmer and a botanist.

He is credited with the boost to the peanut’s popularity as he was the first American president to grow peanuts. He was famed for his other amazing garden treasures at Monticello.

More Peanut Facts

There are four different types of peanuts – Runner, Valencia, Spanish and Virginia.
It takes roughly 540 peanuts to make one 12-ounce jar of peanut butter.
There have been two peanut farmers to have been elected president of the USA – Thomas Jefferson from Virginia and Jimmy Carter from Georgia,
Peanuts are not actually “nuts” they are classified as legumes, related to beans.
There are 6 different cities in the United States named Peanut:

Peanut, California
Lower Peanut- Pennsylvania
Upper Peanut, Pennsylvania
Peanut, Pennsylvania
Peanut, Tennessee
Peanut West Virginia

“Goober” is a nickname for peanuts.
The highest peanut producing states are: Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Texas, North Carolina, and South Carolina, Arkansas, Virginia, Mississippi, and Oklahoma. Do you live in one of these peanut rich states?
It is believed that the peanut plant probably originated in Brazil or Peru.

Then, learn about the science of peanuts.

And I have some notebooking pages for you too.

A Pea or a Nut?

First, Argentina, Brazil, Malawi, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, and Sudan are major peanut-growing countries.

However, the peanut is not really a nut such as a pecan or walnut but are the seeds of the peanut plant.

As the plant grows, it puts forth yellow flowers that pollinate themselves.

Additionally, the peanut is a legume—a member of the pea family.

And peanuts do not grow on trees, but they grow on low bushes.

They produce their fruit underground.

Next, learn about Dr. George Washington Carver.

About George Washington Carver

Carver was born in 1861 near Diamond Grove, Missouri and died January 5, 1943 in Tuskegee. Alabama.

Carver was the son of a slave owned by Moses Carver. He was separated from his mother at a young age. He taught himself using books and learned from his experiences.

During this time, he supported himself by various jobs, including hotel cook, laundry man, farm laborer, and other odd jobs.

And he was an American agricultural chemist. He experimented with peanuts, sweet potatoes, and soybeans.

One of the most well-known things he did was to help teach people of the South to care for their soil.

A lot of farmers grew cotton, and the dreaded cotton boll weevil would devastate their crop.

He suggested peanuts as a source of income in place of cotton. But also, because it enriched the soil.

Also, he spent most of his career teaching and conducting research at the Tuskegee Institute in Tuskegee, Alabama.

Thereafter, in 1903 George Washington Carver had begun research into new uses for the peanut plant.

He eventually developed more than 300 products from it.

Look at this site List of Products made from the Peanut By Dr. George Washington Carver.

In addition, add some of these books to your study.

Learning About Peanuts Resources

Add in some fun facts about the history of peanuts and some fun books for a quick unit study.

The Life and Times of the Peanut

What are peanuts - are they peas or are they nuts? Do they grow above or below ground? Who invented peanut butter? In the same spirit as his award-winning Life and Times of the Honeybee, Charles Micucci explores one of America's most favorite and enigmatic snack foods. This fascinating picture book, with its concise, detailed text and abundant illustrations, ranging from the humorous to the scientific, offers a spirited introduction to the life cycle, many uses, and historical influences of the peanut.

Food Anatomy: The Curious Parts & Pieces of Our Edible World

Get your recommended daily allowance of facts and fun with Food Anatomy, the third book in Julia Rothman’s best-selling Anatomy series. She starts with an illustrated history of food and ends with a global tour of street eats

Who Was George Washington Carver?

Born in 1860s Missouri, nobody expected George Washington Carver to succeed. Slaves were not allowed to be educated. After the Civil War, Carver enrolled in classes and proved to be a star student. He became the first black student at Iowa State Agricultural College and later its first black professor. He went on to the Tuskegee Institute where he specialized in botany (the study of plants) and developed techniques to grow crops better. His work with vegetables, especially peanuts, made him famous and changed agriculture forever.

Who Is Jimmy Carter?

How did a peanut farmer from a small town in Georgia become the 39th President of the United States? Find out in this addition to the #1 New York Times best-selling Who Was? series!Everyone was rather surprised when small-town farmer Jimmy Carter first announced that he’d be running for president in 1976. When Jimmy told his mother, she replied, “President of what?” But this former naval officer and governor of Georgia was ready for the role.

Hands-On Peanut and Peanut Butter Activities

Next, try a few hands-on activities to make the learning more fun and memorable.

Gardening Projects For Homeschool Easy Composting With the Amazing Dr. George Carver.
Learn How to Make Your Own Peanut Butter.
How to Make Edible Peanut Butter Playdough.
Use shelled peanuts as counters for simple addition and subtraction, or skip counting.
Make this super cute George Washington Carver Paper Plate Peanut Craft.
Grow your own peanuts with these Peanut Seeds.
Make a winter nature craft: How to Make Easy DIY Bird Feeders.
Have a peanut taste test. Try them in every form you can- in the shell, as peanut butter, honey roasted or other flavors, in cookies, peanut brittle, or peanut candies.

Too, here are some videos to add to your quick study.

Videos about Peanuts

Add these YouTube videos.

Check out Food Network’s Unwrapped- How Peanut Butter is Made to learn about the process of creating the base for one of America’s favorite sandwiches.
Watch How Peanuts Are Made to learn how peanuts are processed and packaged for sale.
Follow the Story of George Washington Carver with the Sci Kids to learn about the important contributions he made to agriculture and society.
Learn the Top 10 Health Benefits of Peanuts.

Further, let’s make some easy delicious peanut butter cookies.

Easy 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe

Ingredients:

1 cup creamy or crunchy peanut butter
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg

You will also need:

Bowl and hand mixer or stand mixer.
Baking sheet

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Place peanut butter, eggs, and sugar in a mixer bowl and mix until well combined.

Roll the mixture into ping pong sized balls in your hand.

Place balls on a cookie sheet.

Smash each one down with a fork.

Sprinkle cookies lightly with additional sugar.

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.

Allow to cool for 2-3 minutes then move to a cooling rack.

In addition, you’ll love these free peanut and carver notebooking pages.

How to Get the Free Peanut Notebooking Pages

Now, how to grab the free printable. It’s a subscriber freebie.

That means when you sign up to follow me, you get access my subscribers library and this freebie.

However, not all of my freebies are in the library (wink).

I like to keep up to date with what is valuable to you so I can give you more, some freebies you must sign up again on the form below even if you are already a follower.

It’s the only way I have of freely delivering them to you. Just follow the steps below.

► 1) Sign up on my list.
► 2) Go to your inbox and confirm your email from the automatic reply I sent you.
►3) Last, look for my reply AFTER you confirm your email.

Quick Unit Study & Easy Salt water Density Ocean Science Experiments For Kindergarten

January 23, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Begin your ocean unit study with this salt water density experiment for ocean science experiments for kindergarten. Also, grab my other tips, ideas, and crafts for kindergarten on my page Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum.

While there are many fascinating animals, plants, and shells in the ocean there is so much more to learn about.

As a matter of fact, only 5% of the ocean has even been explored.

Quick Unit Study & Easy Salt water Density Ocean Science Experiments For Kindergarten

But beyond that for simple learning purposes there is much to cover beyond sharks, fish, and coral.

There are also the tides, ocean depth zones, and currents.

And today we are going to learn about salt water density and the effect it has on objects in it.

I have a fun but simple hands-on science experiment to learn about saltwater density.

Before we dive in, here are my suggestions for must haves for an ocean unit kindergarten to make it fun, immersive, and memorable.

Books for Kindergarten Ocean Unit Study

Kindergarten Ocean Unit Study Resources

Add a fun ocean unit study resource for kindergarten to your study for the day.

Big Book of the Blue (The Big Book Series)

Following the wild success of The Big Book of Bugs and The Big Book of Beasts, The Big Book of the Blue is the third installment in Yuval Zommer’s beloved series. Alongside everything the young oceanographer needs to know, Zommer’s charming illustrations bring to life some of the slipperiest, scaliest, strangest, and most monstrous underwater animals.

Ocean Anatomy: The Curious Parts & Pieces of the World under the Sea

Julia Rothman’s best-selling illustrated Anatomy series takes a deep dive into the wonders of the sea with Ocean Anatomy. Follow Rothman’s inquisitive mind and perceptive eye along shorelines, across the open ocean, and below the waves for an artistic exploration of the watery universe. Through her drawings, discover how the world’s oceans formed, why the sea is salty, and the forces behind oceanic phenomena such as rogue waves. Colorful anatomical profiles of sea creatures from crustacean to cetacean, surveys of seafaring vessels and lighthouses, and the impact of plastic and warming water temperatures are just part of this compendium of curiosities that will entertain and educate readers of all ages.

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.

100+ Pcs Beach Seashells Starfish, Various Sizes Ocean Seashells

Package includes about 100 or more pieces mixed beach sea shells. As shown in the picture, random matching includes seashells, starfish, tiny volutes varieties and sea snail, etc.

These seashell decors are exquisite and colorful, which are carefully handpicked and cleaned, generous size from 0.3" to 2.3", weigh about 250g, a wide variety of unique shells for crafts.

All-Natural Brown Play Sand for Mixing

This box has 2.5kg (5.5lb) of natural brown Kinetic Sand to mix, mold, squish, cut and more! Once you pick it up, you won’t be able to put it down! What will you create?

Shark Teeth in Bag Genuine Fossilized Specimens

Real Genuine Shark Teeth

Approximately 30 teeth per bag (plus fossils and bones!)

Great for classroom learning, Arts & Crafts and play "dig sites"

Animal Toy Figurine Models Including Sea Lion, Eagle Ray, Starfish, Turtle, Penguin, Octopus, Humpback Whale, Sperm Whale, Moray Eel, Hammerhead Shark, Tiger Shark, and Dolphin

SET OF 12 FAVORITE FIGURINES – This TOOB brings together 12 of your favorite ocean-dwelling friends, including a sea lion, eagle ray, starfish, turtle, penguin, octopus, humpback whale, sperm whale, moray eel, hammerhead shark, tiger shark, and dolphin!

Also, add in some hands-on ocean activities while learning about ocean science experiments for kindergarten.

Ocean Unit Study Hands-on Ideas

Super Easy and Fun Aquarium Jar Craft
Fun Making Ocean Layers Soap
Beware of Ocean Pollution
Ocean Scavenger Hunt
Edible Ocean Layers
Message in a Bottle
Edible Geography – Sea Levels
Ocean Slime
Free Ocean Lapbook and Unit Study

Too, look at more kindergarten homeschool curriculum and craft ideas below.

Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum And Crafts

Finally, let’s do a hands-on easy salt water density experiment.

Ocean Science Experiments For Kindergarten Salt Water Density

So no special supplies needed.

You will need:

3 clear cups
Salt
Warm tap water
3 raw eggs
cardstock/pen

Place 3 clear cups out, you can use plastic or glass just make sure all 3 are the same.

Add equal amounts of warm tap water in each cup.

Measure 1 Tablespoon of salt into one cup, 2 teaspoons in another, and put nothing in the third.

Stir to combine the salt into the water completely.

Make a label for each of the cups to keep them straight and place it in front.

Carefully drop an egg into each cup.

Why happens?

The egg in the cup with the most salt water floats near the top because the density of the water is greater than that of the egg.

The water with less salt water sits about halfway in the water because the density ratio of water vs. object is close.

The raw egg in plain water sinks quickly to the bottom, the reason this happens is because the egg has less density than the water.

Ask your child some questions to get them thinking – Which egg is floating?

What happened to the egg with no salt in the water? Why do you think that happened?

Popcorn Science Mini Unit Study Which Brand Pops the Best

January 19, 2023 | 1 Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

You’ll love this popcorn science mini unit study. Also, you’ll love my mini corn book on my fall unit study and Best Homeschool Unit Studies.

This mini unit study includes the whole family in on the tasty fun, with plenty of hands-on activities, books, videos, and more.

Also, I have a fun science experiment that is easy to do for all ages and expandable for a more in-depth activity.

Learn about the history of popcorn with some fun facts.

Dive into an experiment, make a sensory bin, play a game, read a book, or watch a quick video.

And enjoy this fun collection of corny ideas for your unit study

10 Popping Popcorn Facts

January 19th is National Popcorn Day.
It’s over 5000 years old.
The first commercial popcorn machine was invented in 1885 by Charles Cretors.
Convenient microwaveable popcorn was invented by the Pillsbury company in 1982.
The unpopped kernels at the bottom of a bag are called old maids.
Kernels are made up of about 4% water and that water causes it to pop when it’s heated up.
Nebraska produces the most popcorn in America at about 250 million pounds per year.
Way back in the 1800’s, it was often eaten as a cereal with milk and sugar.
The scientific name is Zea Mays Everta.
It was not allowed in movie theaters in the early 1900’s.

Also, you’ll love some history facts.

Besides being a delicious snack, your child will appreciate a bit of corn and popped corn history.

History of Corn and Popcorn

It was introduced to early American settlers by the Indians.

The first corn farmers were the American Indians, the Aztecs, the Incas, the Mayas and others.

Additionally, there are varieties like black corn, pink corn, red corn and white corn, besides the better-known yellow corn.

Writing of Peruvian Indians in 1650, the Spaniard Cobo says, “They toast a certain kind of corn until it bursts. They call it pisancalla, and they use it as a confection.”

Pre-Inca Peruvians worshipped a corn goddess adorned with a crown of corn ears radiating from her head like the spokes of a wheel.

How does corn grow? The kernel is the seed. The seed is planted in the soil. The stalk begins to grow. The stalk is the stem. Leaves grow from the nodes.

Ears of corn grow from the nodes. Each plant is male and female. The silk catches pollen from the tassels.

Then pollen travels down the silk and fertilizes the kernels.

Next, here are some book ideas.

Resource for a Fun Popcorn Study

10 Fun Popcorn Unit Study Resources

Grab some of these resources for a fun popcorn unit study.

1. The Physics Of Popcorn : Discover And Learn With 22 Experiments

In The Physics of Popcorn, you’ll discover the truth about toast, learn how the microwave oven works, and conduct experiments with static electricity!

2. Tomie dePaola's The Popcorn Book

Tony likes to cook. Tiny likes to read. And both twins like to eat . . . POPCORN!So while Tiny cooks it, Tony reads about it: what popcorn is, how it's stored and prepared, legends and stories about it, and its history in Europe and North America.

3. Pop!: Otto, the Kernel Who Didn't Pop

Meet Otto, a young Kernel who’s been dreaming about the day he would pop. But what happens when Pop Day finally arrives, and things don’t go as planned? When all the Kernels pop except for Otto, he's left wondering what went wrong. Otto returns to his jar, alone, until a delicious smell leads to an exciting discovery. Perhaps Otto didn’t need to pop to do everything he’d always dreamed of!

4. Popcorn! (Charlesbridge)

Pull up a chair and dig in! POPCORN is chock-full of tidbits about one of America's favorite snack foods. Learn what makes popcorn pop, how Native Americans liked their popcorn, and how television almost wiped out popcorn's future. Cooking tips, recipes, and resources included.

5. Growing Popcorn (James's Garden)

From seed to bowl of popcorn, James learns the value of patience and neighborly generosity as he grows a backyard crop of corn with his family. Included is a recipe for stovetop popcorn that you too can share with your neighbors and friends!

6. Popcorn Party -Fast Paced Family Game of Dice, Cards, Matching and Pops

HIGH FLYING FUN: What’s a party without the popcorn? With matches being rolled on just about every turn, you never know who will be popping next in this high-flying, catch-the-kernel food frenzy!

FAST PACED ACTION: Get your game face on and get ready to roll, pop, match, and catch to win! But watch out; don't try to catch the kernel when it's not time or you may get popped with a penalty!

7. Popcorn Dice

Popcorn Dice is a fast & fun dice game for the whole family!

Gameplay is simple to learn and games usually take less than 15 minutes.

Roll your dice to pop your popcorn, but careful not to let it burn.

8. Word Families Game

WORD GAMES FOR KIDS: Children create and learn words with common endings in this fast-paced game

EDUCATIONAL GAMES STRENGTHEN VOCABULARY: Strengthens vocabulary, spelling, and fluency

9. Learning Resources Smart Snacks Count 'em Up Popcorn

Learn numbers and counting with food you can play with

Build number sense and recognition, and practice counting

Set includes 15 jumbo popcorn pieces to count into 5 different-size bowls (printed with numbers 1-5)

10. Moose Racing Popcorn Poppin'

TIME FOR POPCORN FUN: Wind up the timer at the bottom of the popcorn bucket by pulling the string.

FOLLOW THE RULES: Pop the die, once the die has popped, you follow the instructions on the die (next, reverse, repeat, skip or choose)

In addition, here are more corn posts.

Corn and Hands-on Ideas

Geronimo Stilton Field Trip to Niagara Falls Summary And Fun Corn Craft
Fall Unit Study {Pumpkins, Leaves, Corn, & More}
Preschoolers will love exploring their five senses with this Popcorn 5 Senses Activities
Your little one will love learning How to Make Dancing Popcorn through this easy experiment.
If you were a Little House fan you will remember the popcorn and milk “trick” from Farmer Boy. Recreate it in your own kitchen with your child with the Popcorn and Milk experiment.
This Popcorn Letter Practice is not only great for prewriting activities but doubles as a sensory bin too.
Popcorn: How It’s Made YouTube
Why Does Popcorn Pop? YouTube
How Popcorn Works YouTube
For a quick activity, toss some unpopped kernels and a few popped ones in a shallow dish, include tongs for fine motor practice, a magnifying glass to examine popcorn closer, and some letter beads to practice spelling out popcorn related words with little ones.

Finally, here is a fun and simple experiment.

You can easily add on to this experiment by adding more brands, different varieties, or by trying to pop them via different methods.

Track the results. For example, by microwave, pan pop and air pop.

Or by using this method I am showing you that is the easiest for all age groups- microwaved in a paper bag.

Popcorn Science Experiment

Before you begin you want to stress to your child that in a scientific experiment

You want to keep all variables the same except for one thing which is the brand.

It is very important that you use the same method to pop all 3 types of popcorn and that you use the exact same amount for each one.

You will need:

3 different brands of popcorn
3 paper bags
Smalls bowls
Pen

Directions:

Start by having your child make a hypothesis (an educated guess) on which brand they think will pop the most and the least.

Label each of your paper bags with the brand of corn you are using.

Then, have your child count out 100 of each type of popcorn into little bowls, make labels to keep track as you transfer popcorn.

Transfer each bowl to the correct paper bag and roll it down tightly.

Heat in the microwave for 3 minutes.

Repeat for each bag.

Remove bags and have your child either count the number of unpopped kernels left or the number of popped for each and write it down on your label.

Talk about the results, was their hypothesis correct? Were they surprised by any of the outcomes?

Rock Activities For Kindergarten And Fun Edible Rock Cycle

January 14, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

If you’re doing rock activities for kindergarten, you’ll love this easy edible rock cycle. Also, grab my other tips, ideas, and crafts for kindergarten on my page Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum.

Hands-on activities are one of the best ways to teach a new concept, especially if you can add in the delicious aspect of eating your project.

This edible rock cycle is a great addition to your list of rock activities for kindergarten to teach it in a simple and fun way.

Rock Activities For Kindergarten And Fun Edible Rock Cycle

Books, video, and hands-on experiences looking at rocks themselves will go a long way in teaching your child about geology, the rock cycle, rock types, and more.

Then add some fun rock vocabulary.

Rock Cycle Vocabulary

Geologist (Answer: Someone who studies what the Earth is made of and how it was formed)
Rock (Answer: A rock is a solid that is made up of a bunch of different minerals)
Rock Cycle (Answer: The processes in which the three main rock types: igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary transform from one type into another)
Sedimentary Rocks (Answer: Rocks formed from years of sediment compacting together and becoming hard, this can be grains of sand, mud, pebbles, minerals, fossils or plants)
Metamorphic Rocks (Answer: A rock formed from great heat and pressure inside the earth’s crust
Igneous Rocks (Answer: A rock formed through the cooling of magma or lava)

Also, look at some of these fun books.

6 Rock Unit Study Books & Fun Resources

Whatever grade you're teaching, you'll love adding one of these books or resources to your day.

1. A Rock Is Lively (Family Treasure Nature Encylopedias)

From dazzling blue lapis lazuli to volcanic snowflake obsidian, an incredible variety of rocks are showcased in all their splendor. Poetic in voice and elegant in design, this book introduces an array of facts, making it equally perfect for classroom sharing and family reading.

2. LED Lighted Pocket Microscope

A pocket microscope is a great addition to a science shelf or to add to your bag for nature walks.

3. Rock Cycle Kit, 12 Pieces - Includes Metamorphic, Igneous & Sedimentary Rocks

You can grab a set like this one to start your collection, it contains rocks from each of the 3 types- Sedimentary, Metamorphic, and Igneous.

4. My Book of Rocks and Minerals: Things to Find, Collect, and Treasure

Identify colorful gemstones, sparkly crystals, the toughest rocks, and ancient fossils. Packed with fun facts, information, and extensive photos all about the rocks and minerals that make up the world around us.

Basher: Rocks & Minerals: A Gem of a Book

Simon Basher is back with another zany primer to science! Following his 3 successful titles on the basics of chemistry, physics, and biology, BASHER SCIENCE: ROCKS AND MINERALS is an in-depth look at the ground beneath our feet. Like his other titles, Basher presents these topics through charming and adorable illustrations and pairs them with basic information told from a first person perspective. He develops a community of characters based on the things that form the foundations
of our planet: rocks, gems, crystals, fossils and more. And what's more, he makes it understandable, interesting, and cute. It's not what you expect out of a science primer.

Everybody Needs a Rock (An Aladdin Book)

Everybody needs a rock -- at least that's the way this particular rock hound feels about it in presenting her own highly individualistic rules for finding just the right rock for you.

Geology Movies for Kindergarten

Next, you’ll love this roundup of fun geology movies.