homeschoolscience

The Wonders of the Great Barrier Reef: An Ecosystem Triorama

January 13, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

The great barrier reef is an amazing model for an ecosystem triorama, showing a colorful slice of the underwater ecosystem. Also, look at my pages Trioramas: How To Create Engaging Visual Narratives For Kids for more ideas and Free 4-Week Kid’s Australia Unit Study Who Love Hands-on Learning.

The great barrier reef is considered one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

So, for this triorama we took a trip to the craft store.

The Wonders of the Great Barrier Reef: An Ecosystem Triorama

What I enjoyed about this method of creating the triorama is that even younger children who can’t write or draw well can still easily make a beautiful reef display.

The Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral reef system, is swarming with an astounding variety of fish species.

It shows an incredible biodiversity of this underwater ecosystem, each playing their part in keeping it healthy.

Even if you’ve never experienced it up close you can see videos, pictures or books full of the wonders that can be found there.

BOOKS ABOUT THE GREAT BARRIER REEF FOR KIDS

First, look at these books about the great barrier reef to add this hands-on activity today.

5 Great Barrier Reef Books

Add some of these fun books about the Great Barrier Reef to your home library.

The Great Barrier Reef (Earth's Incredible Places)

Vibrant, dynamic illustrations illuminate this enchanting place, its animal inhabitants, and the peoples who have embraced it as a centerpiece of their cultures. Learn all about how the reef came to be, its place in the world, and perhaps most importantly, what we can all do to help ensure that The Great Barrier Reef will be around for countless future generations to discover!

The World of Coral Reefs: Explore and Protect the Natural Wonders of the Sea

Coral reefs occupy less than 1% of the ocean floor, but they support 25% of all marine species with food and shelter. In this lavishly illustrated book for ages 7 to 10, marine ecologist and underwater explorer Erin Spencer provides fascinating, scientific information in a highly accessible format, including details about the
types of coral, their anatomy and life cycle, where they live, how reefs develop, and the incredible diversity of marine animals that live among them, including aquarium favorites like clownfish, royal blue tangs, and sea turtles. Kids learn about the interdependent relationships of people and reefs and how human behavior puts reefs in danger, promising conservation work that scientists are undertaking, and solution-oriented ways kids and families can help in the effort.

Where Is the Great Barrier Reef?

The Great Barrier Reef, off the coast of Australia, is the world's largest coral reef system. Stretching more than 1,400 miles, it provides a home to a wide diversity of creatures. Designated a World Heritage Site, the reef is suffering from the effects of climate change but this fascinating book shows this spectacular part of our planet.

The Mystery on the Great Barrier Reef (Around the World in 80 Mysteries (Paperback))

It's a trip Down Under for Christina, 10, Grant, 7, and their mystery-writing grandmother Mimi! Lots of surprises and mysterious activities unfold as the group travels through the Outback, Queensland, and finally to the Great Barrier Reef. During a glass-bottom boat ride, they discover more than coral and fish under the water-scuba divers and flesh-tearing moray eel lurk beneath their boat! They shudder at the eerie screech of the Tasmanian devil and brave the awesome Australian Outback (and Aborigines!) at night. Watch and wonder as Grant ends up in the Camel Cup camel race- will he make it to the finish line? Don't miss a moment of excitement in Christina and Grant's Australian adventure! Download free activities for this book!

Coral Reef

Hardy adventurers ages 6 - 9 dive into a silent watery world where tiny coral animals grow together to form rock gardens of white, pink, and red-orange. In this action-packed undersea circus, jaws snap, tentacles sting, ink gets squirted, and fish suddenly glow while animals that look like plants sway gently and bashful clams hide the lively secrets inside their shells. Surprisingly dry and armed with a few pieces of equipment and their boundless imaginations, children explore this magical realm one small square at a time. "Science education at its best." ― Science Books and Films

Let’s look at some of these fish and the parts they play among the coral.

FISH OF THE GREAT BARRIER REEF ECOSYSTEM

Clownfish are instantly recognizable by their bright orange and white stripes. They are small, agile fish that have a symbiotic relationship with anemones, finding protection within their stinging tentacles and, in turn, they help to keep the anemone clean and healthy.

Damselfish are known for their vibrant colors and territorial behavior. They play a key role in the reef’s food web, grazing on algae and providing a food source for larger fish.

Parrotfish have beak-like mouths and vivid hues, they also play a crucial role in maintaining the reef’s health by grazing on algae and contributing to sand production.

Surgeonfish are equipped with sharp spines on their tails, (which resembles a surgeon’s scalpel, hence the name). And they are known for their agility and territorial behavior.

Cod and tuna, also prized for their culinary value, can be found in the reef’s waters, attracting both sport fishermen and commercial fishing operations.

Butterflyfish, with their delicate patterns and graceful movements, are a delight to observe as they flit among the coral branches. They are specialized feeders, often targeting specific types of coral polyps or invertebrates.

Angelfish are adorned with striking colors and distinctive shapes, they definitely add to the visual spectacle of the reef. They are omnivores, feeding on a variety of sponges, algae, and small invertebrates.

Snapper and grouper are popular targets of recreational and commercial fishing. They are important predators that help regulate fish populations, feeding a variety of smaller fish and invertebrates.

The reef also provides habitat for a variety of sharks and rays, including the manta ray and the whale shark.

These apex predators are yet another part of maintaining the delicate balance of the reef’s ecosystem.

Also, look at more coral reef activities.

HANDS-ON ECOSYSTEM TRIORAMA CORAL REEF ACTIVITIES

Also, look at these other themed trioramas.

MORE TRIORAMAS

Finally, look at how to make this ecosystem triorama.

THE WONDERS OF THE GREAT BARRIER REEF: AN ECOSYSTEM TRIORAMA

You will need:

Double Sided tape or glue stick
12×12 cardstock
Scrap multi colored cardstock
Ocean animal/plant stickers
Letter stickers
Scissors

First, as we do with all our trioramas, we are folding our square paper into a triangle and create a nice crease.

Next, unfold and repeat in the opposite direction.

Then, cut from one tip to the center of the folds and mark out one side that doesn’t need to be decorated (one on either side of the cut).

Before folding and gluing it into a pyramid add letter stickers along one side to Spell out ‘Great Barrier Reef’ along one side.

Fold the pyramid and glue the X underneath.

Use colorful cardstock to cut out some various types of coral to give your triorama dimension, leaving a little extra space at the bottom.

Fold over enough of the bottom so that you can glue it onto the triorama base.

Attach with glue, adding them to the front, middle, and back of the base, I like to use a double sided tape dispenser for projects like this.

Now begin adding fish, putting some on the background.

Add them coming in and out of the corals and grasses as well.

Your child can go crazy adding fish and other sea creatures to show off the brimming with life Great Coral Reef ecosystem.

How to Make A Pyramid Diorama For States Of Matter

January 12, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Making a pyramid diorama for the states of matter is a fresh way for your child to show what they have learned about the topic in a fun 3D presentation. Also, look at my page Trioramas: How To Create Engaging Visual Narratives For Kids for more ideas.

Everything around you, from the chair you’re sitting on right to the air that you breathe is made up of matter.

How to Make A Pyramid Diorama For States Of Matter

Matter is anything that takes up space and has mass. Matter exists in different states and can change states.

Let’s dive in and explore the fascinating world of solids, liquids, gases, and plasma.

Understanding the states of matter helps us understand the world around us and how materials behave.

From building strong structures with solid materials to using liquids for transportation and gases for energy, the states of matter play an important role in our everyday lives.

BOOKS ABOUT PHYSICAL SCIENCE TOPICS FOR KIDS

Next, I gathered a few books about physical science.

When possible, we prefer to read living books with our unit studies and to read alongside our experiments.

10 Books About Physical Science

Physical science varies in topic. It can cover states of matter, forces and motion like push and pull, forms of energy like simple circuits, light and sound to earth and space.

What Is the World Made Of?: All About Solids, Liquids, and Gases

Can you make an ice cube disappear? Put it on a hot sidewalk. It melts into water and then vanishes! The ice cube changes from solid to liquid to gas. This Level 2 Let's-Read-and-Find-Out picture book is a fascinating exploration of the three states of matter. This clear and appealing science book for early elementary age kids, both at home and in the classroom, uses simple, fun diagrams to explain the difference between solids, liquids, and gases. This book also includes a find out more section with experiments designed to encourage further exploration and introduce record keeping.

Matter: Physical Science for Kids

In Matter: Physical Science for Kids, kids ages 5 to 8 explore the definition of matter and the different states of matter, plus the stuff in our world that isn’t matter, such as sound and light! In this nonfiction picture book, children are introduced to physical science through detailed illustrations paired with a compelling narrative that uses fun language to convey familiar examples of real-world science connections. By recognizing the basic physics concept of matter and identifying the different ways matter appears in real life, kids develop a fundamental understanding of physical science and are impressed with the idea that science is a constant part of our lives and not limited to classrooms and
laboratories

The Disappearing Spoon: And Other True Tales of Madness, Love, and the History of the World from the Periodic Table of the Elements

Why did Gandhi hate iodine (I, 53)? How did radium (Ra, 88) nearly ruin Marie Curie's reputation? And why is gallium (Ga, 31) the go-to element for laboratory pranksters?The Periodic Table is a crowning scientific achievement, but it's also a treasure trove of adventure, betrayal, and obsession. These fascinating tales follow every element on the table as they play out their parts in human history, and in the lives of the (frequently) mad scientists who discovered them. The Disappearing Spoon masterfully fuses science with the classic lore of invention, investigation, and discovery.

Archimedes and the Door of Science (Living History Library)

Jeanne Bendick, through text and pictures, admirably succeeds in bringing to life the ancient Greek mathematician who enriched mathematics and all branches of science. Against the backdrop of Archimedes' life and culture, the author discusses the man's work, his discoveries and the knowledge later based upon it. The simple, often humorous, illustrations and diagrams greatly enhance the text.

Michael Faraday: Father of Electronics

Charles Ludwig retells Michael Faraday’s remarkable life story in fictionalized form. Here is the father of the electric motor, the dynamo, the transformer, the generator. Few persons are aware of the brilliant man’s deep Christian convictions and his determination to live by the Sermon on the Mount. For ages 12 to 15.

Junior Science Book of Electricity

Book about electricity for children.

Energy Makes Things Happen

Did you know that energy comes from the food you eat? From the sun and wind? From fuel and heat? You get energy every time you eat. You transfer energy to other things every time you play baseball.

Waves: Principles of Light, Electricity and Magnetism (The Secrets of the Universe)

Have you ever wondered why a prism turns ordinary sunlight into a rainbow? Isaac Newton knew why. How can a magnet be used to generate electricity? Michael Faraday could have told you. Can you explain how a toaster toasts bread? In this book, author Paul Fleisher answers these and many more questions as he looks at the laws that describe how waves behave. Through simple experiments, detailed illustrations and concepts that are easy to understand, readers are introduced to the basic principles of light, electricity and magnetism in a fun, exciting way.

Liquids and Gases: Principles of Fluid Mechanics (Secrets of the Universe)

Have you ever wondered why a 10-tonne boat floats but a tiny pebble sinks? Archimedes knew why. How does a basketball or tennis ball bounce? Robert Boyle could have described how! Can you explain why a hot-air balloon rises but a balloon you blow up drops to the ground? To answer these questions and many more, author Paul Fleisher explains the laws that define how and why liquids and gases behave the way they do. Through simple experiments, detailed illustrations and concepts that are easy to understand, readers are introduced to the basic principles of fluid mechanics in a fun, exciting way.

Marbles,Roller Skates,Doorknob

Explains the concepts of simple and complex machines and mechanical advantage, and describes how wheels, including gears and ball bearings, work

Before we move onto the pyramid triorama, look at the different states of matter to get a good understanding of each.

FACTS ABOUT SOLIDS STATES OF MATTER

Solids are all around us, your toys, your books, and even your bones.

They have a definite shape and volume, meaning they don’t change their shape easily and take up a specific amount of space.

Think of a brick; it stays a brick whether you put it in a box or on the ground.

It’s about the tiny particles inside them.

These particles are packed tightly together and can only vibrate in place.

This tight arrangement gives solids their strength and keeps them from flowing like water.

Fun Fact: Some solids, like glass, may seem hard but are very brittle and can shatter easily.

FACTS ABOUT LIQUIDS STATES OF MATTER

They have a definite volume but take the shape of their container.

Think of pouring juice into a glass – the juice takes the shape of the glass but keeps the same amount.

The particles in liquids are close together but not as tightly packed as in solids.

They can move around and slide past each other, allowing liquids to flow and take the shape of their container.

Fun Fact: Water is the most common liquid on Earth and is essential for all life.

FACTS ABOUT GASES: INVISIBLE AIR

Gases are all around us, even though we can’t always see them.

They have no definite shape or volume and expand to fill their container.

Think of blowing up a balloon – the air inside expands to fill the balloon’s shape.

The particles in gases are far apart and move around quickly. They have lots of space to zoom around, which is why gases can be compressed easily and expand to fill any space.

Fun Fact: The air we breathe is a mixture of different gases, mostly nitrogen and oxygen.

PLASMA

Plasma is the fourth state of matter and is not as common as solids, liquids, and gases on Earth.

It’s like a superheated gas where the particles are so energized that they break apart into charged particles.

Plasma is found in stars, lightning, and even some neon signs.

Fun Fact: The Sun is a giant ball of plasma.

CHANGING STATES

Matter can change from one state to another through processes like melting, freezing, boiling, and condensation.

Condensation: When a gas turns into a liquid (like steam condensing into water droplets on a mirror).
Melting: When a solid turns into a liquid (like ice melting into water).
Freezing: When a liquid turns into a solid (like water freezing into ice).
Boiling: When a liquid turns into a gas (like water boiling into steam).

MORE PHYSICAL SCIENCE ACTIVITIES

Then look at these other themed ideas.

MORE TRIORAMA IDEAS

Finally, look at how to make this pyramid diorama for states of matter.

HOW TO MAKE A PYRAMID DIORAMA FOR STATES OF MATTER

You will need:

12×12 Cardstock
Fine line pens
Markers, crayons, or colored pencils

First, choose your states of matter- Liquid, gas, solid, plasma and then choose which substance will represent each.

We are going to go with water, ice, and steam to keep it simple for this triorama but encourage your child to branch out into new states of matter as well.

To create your pyramid we are going to need to fold and cut that square, start by folding it from diagonal corner to corner like this.

Open the fold and do it again in the opposite direction so that you now have two intersecting lines across the paper.

Cut from one corner until you just get to the center point.

Put an X on one of the triangles on one side of the cut or the other to note which piece will be glued and hidden. I like to leave most of our trioramas flat until they are completed because it makes it so much easier to write or draw on a flat surface.

On another sheet of cardstock your child can draw states of matter in whatever form they have chosen, keeping them small enough to fit on the page with room for information.

Color them in.

Cut around the images.

Trace the image shapes onto your 3 triangles of the folded paper so you can write without worry of covering up the words.

To make our images literally pop off the page we are going to accordion fold strips of cardstock just a few times and then glue them to the back of the images and set aside.

On the 3 folded triangles have your child write all about a state of matter on each, leaving the outlined space free.

Attach the pictures by the strips to the designated area on the page.

Fold the X under the other side and glue securely into place to form your pyramid.

How to Craft a Stunning Wolf Animal Triorama

January 9, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Create a stunning animal triorama with me that highlights the habitat and food chain of the wolf. Also, look at my page Trioramas: How To Create Engaging Visual Narratives For Kids for more ideas.

The food chain is pretty simple.

Plants, shrubs, and trees are the main producers in a forest food web.

How to Craft a Stunning Wolf Animal Triorama

They use photosynthesis to create their own food.

When they are eaten by primary consumers (herbivores like deer and elk) the energy and nutrients move from plants to the herbivores consuming them.

And then to the carnivores or omnivores preying upon the herbivores.

Wolves are tertiary consumers/top carnivores in the chain because they are at the top of the food chain.

They prefer to eat large hoofed mammals such as deer, elk, bison, and moose.

But they will also hunt smaller mammals such as beavers, rodents, and hares.

Besides ruling at the top of the food chain, wolves live and thrive in diverse habitats from the tundra to woodlands, forests, grasslands and deserts.

We will recreate one of those habitats in our triorama as well as learning fascinating facts about these apex predators.

And even choose another hands-on activity or two to round out a study.

BOOKS ABOUT WOLVES FOR KIDS

First, look at some of these books about wolves.

Reading and learning about wolves through living books is our preferred way to learn.

10 Books About Wolves

Add some of these fun books about wolves to your home library. Use them for a fun wolf unit study or just reading for the day.

Look to the North: A Wolf Pup Diary

Newbery Medalist Jean Craighead George lovingly tells the story of three wolf pups--from the moment they open their eyes to the time they lead the hunt. Lyrical passages in her wolf pup diary describe how the pups tumble and play and when they first learn to howl and talk wolf talk. Readers are reminded of the changes in nature that are happening in the lower 48 states as they "look to the north" to watch the wolf pups grow. Jean George's words and Lucia Washburn's breathtaking paintings give the reader a rare glimpse of one of nature's noblest creatures: the wolf.

Julie of the Wolves: A Newbery Award Winner

To her small village, she is known as Miyax; to her friend in San Francisco, she is Julie. When her life in the village becomes dangerous, Miyax runs away, only to find herself lost in the Alaskan wilderness.

Miyax tries to survive by copying the ways of a pack of wolves and soon grows to love her new wolf family. Life in the wilderness is a struggle, but when she finds her way back to civilization, Miyax is torn between her old and new lives. Is she the Miyax of her human village—or Julie of the wolves?

The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: Book I: The Mysterious Howling

Discovered in the forest of Ashton Place, the Incorrigibles are no ordinary children. Luckily, Miss Penelope Lumley is no ordinary governess. A recent graduate of the Swanburne Academy for Poor Bright Females, Penelope embraces the challenge of her new position. Though she is eager to instruct the children in Latin verbs and the proper use of globes, first she must eliminate their canine tendencies.

White Fang

From Jack London, one of the greatest American writers of all time, comes this masterpiece in adventure story telling: WHITE FANG!!!
Can White Fang the timber wolf pup ever be tamed? WHITE FANG (PART 1 of 2) examines the violent world of wild animals and the equally violent world of humans. WHITE FANG! A tale of animal heroism, survival and adventure like never before seen in American literature.

The Wolves Are Back

Introduces young readers to the beauty and majesty of these creatures of the wild, the areas in which they live and breed today, and the way they almost came to extinction at the hands of man through intentional acts of persecution during the past one hundred years.

A Wolf Called Wander (A Voice of the Wilderness Novel)

This gripping novel about survival and family is based on the real story of one wolf’s incredible journey to find a safe place to call
home. Illustrated throughout, this irresistible tale by award-winning author Rosanne Parry is for fans of Sara Pennypacker’s Pax and Katherine Applegate’s The One and Only Ivan.

Swift, a young wolf cub, lives with his pack in the mountains learning to hunt, competing with his brothers and sisters for hierarchy, and watching over a new litter of cubs. Then a rival pack attacks, and Swift and his family scatter.

Alone and scared, Swift must flee and find a new home. His journey takes him a remarkable one thousand miles across the Pacific Northwest. The trip is full of peril, and Swift encounters forest fires, hunters, highways, and hunger before he finds his new home.

The Moon of the Gray Wolves (The Thirteen Moons Series)

Describes the experiences of a wolf pack in the Toklat Pass of Alaska during the November moon.

Kavik the Wolf Dog

When Andy Evans stumbles upon the snow-covered wreckage of a small plane, he’s shocked to find a survivor. Should he put the gravely injured dog out of his misery? The look in the animal’s eyes says he’s not ready to die. It turns out that Kävik’s a champion sled dog, and soon he makes a full recovery. When his rightful owner finds out Kävikvis alive, he wants the dog back. But Kävik has other ideas.

When the Wolves Returned: Restoring Nature's Balance in Yellowstone

Yellowstone National Park's majestic geologic wonders and remarkable wildlife draw millions of visitors each year. But there was a time when these natural treasures were in great danger, all because after years of unrestricted hunting, one key piece of the puzzle had been eliminated-the wolf. Now, more than a decade after scientists realized the wolves' essential role and returned them to Yellowstone, the park's natural balance is gradually being restored. The informative dual-level text and spectacular full-color photographs show the wolves in the natural habitat that was almost lost without them. Readers of all ages will be inspired by the delicate natural system that is Yellowstone.

The Wolf Wilder

Feo’s life is extraordinary. Her mother trains domesticated wolves to be able to fend for themselves in the snowy wilderness of Russia, and Feo is following in her footsteps to become a wolf wilder. She loves taking care of the wolves, especially the three who stay at the house because they refuse to leave Feo, even though they’ve already been wilded. But not everyone is enamored with the wolves, or with the fact that Feo and her mother are turning them wild. And when her mother is taken captive, Feo must travel through the cold, harsh woods to save her—and learn from her wolves how to survive.

There are three widely recognized species of wolves in the world, the red, the gray, and the Ethiopian wolf.

However, there is debate over how many there actually are with various subspecies and whether some should be considered their own species.

WOLF FACTS

Our project focused on the timber wolf, the largest and most commonly known but you can choose any one you like and create a habitat and food cycle to match it.

Too, look at these facts about wolves.

Wolves live in family groups called packs, which typically consist of a breeding pair (the alpha male and alpha female), their offspring, and other nonbreeding adults.
Howling is one of the most iconic wolf behaviors. Wolves howl for various reasons, including communicating with other pack members, marking territory, and attracting mates.
Their thick fur protects them from harsh weather and comes in various colors, including gray, white, black, and brown. The color often helps them blend in with their surroundings.
Wolves are carnivores and primarily feed on meat, they are very skilled hunters and work together to take down large prey such as deer, elk, moose, and caribou.
They need a lot of space to supply them with enough prey. The territories of Gray wolves range from 50 to 1,000 square miles and they will travel up to 30 miles a day when hunting.

Then look at these other themed ideas.

MORE TRIORAMA IDEAS

Then, look at these hands-on activities to learn about wolves.

HANDS-ON WOLF CRAFTS AND ACTIVITIES

Create a simple Paper Plate Wolf Craft using one of the most inexpensive and versatile craft supplies around.

Julie of the Wolves Free Hands-on Arctic Unit Study

This Felt Covered Wolf Notebook Tutorial is perfect for middle and highschoolers, they can even use it as a special project to hold their research while studying wolves.

Look at wolf scat here at my post 10 Gross Scat Facts and How to Make Edible Scat.

If you are looking for a beautifully aesthetic sensory play activity this Midnight Moon Play Box is gorgeous.

Make Your Own Origami Wolf.

Learn How to Make the Cutest Yarn Pom Pom Wolves here.

Watch Wolves for Kids and learn more about these beautiful but dangerous creatures.

Finally, look at how to make this wolf animal triorama.

HOW TO CRAFT A STUNNING WOLF ANIMAL TRIORAMA

You will need:

Any size square of cardstock
Plastic wolf
Plastic prey animals-elk, deer,etc…
Markers,crayons
Scissors

First, to quickly create an 8×8 square from a standard sized cardstock sheet ( 8.5×11) you just need to fold one corner down like this until it is lined up with the bottom.

Usually, we would cut this part off to make a perfect square, but for this triorama we are just going to fold it back out of the way and use it later.

Fold the opposite corner in the same way, as you make each fold press in the crease well to give it sharp folds.

Open the square and cut from one outer corner to the center, mark one triangle on either side of the cut to be the base that will be tucked under and not seen.

You want this to be on a corner opposite the excess flap of paper.

On the remaining corners we are going to highlight one of 3 different parts of the food chain, the wolf, a prey animal, and the last for the vegetation that the prey animal eats.

Use crayons, markers, or colored pencils to color in the background for each scene. You can also use real grass or moss to create more dimension.

Have your child label each of the triangles with the animal or food represented.

Now on the remaining flap your child can write a paragraph about the food chain they have created to finish it off.

Fold the cut piece one side behind the other and glue into place to form your triorama.

Use double sided tape or a bit of glue to put your animal figurines in place.

Electricity Hands-On Homeschool Science Activity

December 12, 2024 | 4 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have a fun electricity hands-on science activity. We’re making a low voltage circuit. Also, look at my post 4 Weeks Free Physical Science Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas.

We have been getting all science-y around here because Tiny has been loving the book Air Is Not Oxygen: Essential Science You Should Have Learned … But Probably Didn’t.

We have been reviewing it, but I accepted it because it is chock-full of easy hands-on science for all ages.

Electricity Hands-On Homeschool Science Activity

Did I mention it is a quick read and for adults too?

As I got some of my organization projects done this past month (where did the month go), Tiny has been reading Air Is Not Oxygen: Essential Science You Should Have Learned … But Probably Didn’t and planning the easy hand-on activities he wanted to try.

Next, look at some of these books about electricity.

BOOKS ABOUT ELECTRICITY FOR KIDS

I prefer living books when I can find them.

5 Electricity Books for Kids Who Love to Read and Be Read To

Learning about electricity is a fascinating subject for kids to learn about. Add one or two of these books to your home library.

Electronics for Kids: Play with Simple Circuits and Experiment with Electricity!

Why do the lights in a house turn on when you flip a switch? How does a remote-controlled car move? And what makes lights on TVs and microwaves blink? The technology around you may seem like magic, but most of it wouldn’t run without electricity. Electronics for Kids demystifies electricity with a collection of awesome hands-on projects.
In Part 1, you’ll learn how current, voltage, and circuits work by making a battery out of a lemon, turning a metal bolt into an electromagnet, and transforming a paper cup and some magnets into a spinning motor. In Part 2, you’ll make even more cool stuff as you:–Solder a blinking LED circuit with resistors, capacitors, and relays–Turn a circuit into a touch sensor using your finger as a resistor–Build an alarm clock triggered by the sunrise.

Switch On, Switch Off (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science 2)

Read and find out about electricity in this colorfully illustrated nonfiction picture book.

It seems like magic! It's not—it's electricity. But how does a light actually work? In this clear and simple book learn all about electricity, how it's produced, and how it can be used.

At the end you'll learn how to conduct safe, fun experiments that will let you generate electricity yourself!

Electrical Circuit Experiment Kit White

Size: Battery case: ( L X W X H): 57 x 30 x 13 / 2.24 x 1.18 x 0.51inch.
Material: The mini bulb is a kind of tungsten wire bulb, made of glass, metal, insulation materials.
Application: Used for electrical experiments in primary and middle schools/home DIY circuit test.

Oscar and the Bird: A Book about Electricity (Start with Science)

Start with Science books introduce kids to core science concepts through engaging stories, fresh illustrations, and supplemental activities. When Oscar the kitten finds a tractor in a field and accidentally turns on the windshield wipers, he is full of questions about electricity. Luckily, Bird knows the answers! With the help of his friend, Oscar finds out how electricity is made and stored, which machines need electricity to work, and why we always need to be careful around wires, batteries, plugs, and sockets. Back matter includes an index and supplemental activities.

Nikola Tesla, Electrical Genius

Electrical engineer and inventor Nikola Tesla (1856–1943) was indeed an electrical genius. In language suitable for both young and old, author Arthur J. Beckhard describes all aspects of Tesla’s personal and professional life, including Tesla’s childhood and his education at primary school, at the Higher Real Gymnasium, and at the Polytechnic Institute; his years working for the telegraphic engineering department of Austria, then as an engineer in Paris, and then as an employee of Thomas Edison in America; his substitution of alternating current for direct current—a simpler and more economical method of converting electrical into mechanical energy; his rotary magnetic field, which was used in transmitting the power of Niagara Falls to nearby cities; his independent research at his own electrical laboratories in New Your City; and much more. Originally published in 1959 as part of Messner Publications' "Men of Science" series.

First, Tiny read about the different forms of electricity.

I thought there was just one kind, the kind that comes from the outlet. (you know I run from science).

Anyway, thank goodness the kid knows more than his mother.

But then again, this book has been making it easy for me him to learn about the different forms of electricity.

MORE ELECTRICITY HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS

Look at what he did today that he thought was pretty cool and look at how what we used as we changed this activity a bit to make a low voltage circuit:

Electricity Hands-On Science Activity

Rayovac 6 volt batter from a lantern (because Dad had it). The original activity called for a simple D cell battery.
1 red alligator clip
1 black alligator clip
red side light from a trailer (because its way cooler than a tiny flashlight bulb, which the original activity called for. The trailer light was cheaper too)
bread tie (connected as a ground wire to light)

This is pretty easy with a fun wow factor. First, take the bread tie and wrap it around the metal part of the light fixture to make a ground wife.

This wasn’t on the original activity but it made for a bit more ingenuity for Tiny.

Then, Tiny hooked the black alligator clip wire to the negative side of the battery and then hook the red alligator wire to the positive side of the battery.

Then connect them to the wire feeding the light bulb. Easy peazy and I can do this.

It’s better to do than to just read about this quick and easy activity that really any kid or adult can do to understand what is a circuit.

When it comes to science, me and Tiny are all hands-on instead of worksheet. A little bit of thrill goes a long way with us.

I have another activity or two coming on this book that we are lapping up!

Electricity STEM: Lighting Up a Shoebox Tiny House

December 12, 2024 | 3 Comments
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I have a fun electricity stem lighting up a shoebox activity.Also, look at my post 4 Weeks Free Physical Science Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas.

Learning how electrical circuits work are important science skills for kids 4th grade and up.

When you understand how electricity works, you can begin to troubleshoot electrical devices and can even begin to build and design your own inventions!

Electricity STEM: Lighting Up a Shoebox Tiny House

It’s important for kids to get hands-on experimenting when learning the different parts of a circuit.

When they have an opportunity to practice using electricity, they’ll soon see the importance electricity plays in our everyday lives.

This highly engaging electrical activity will challenge kids to design their own homes by providing each room with a light, fan, and switch!

I love it when you can combine creativity in a learning project!

BOOKS ABOUT ELECTRICITY FOR KIDS

Next, look at these books to add to your learning day.

5 Electricity Books for Kids Who Love to Read and Be Read To

Learning about electricity is a fascinating subject for kids to learn about. Add one or two of these books to your home library.

Electronics for Kids: Play with Simple Circuits and Experiment with Electricity!

Switch On, Switch Off (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science 2)

Read and find out about electricity in this colorfully illustrated nonfiction picture book.

It seems like magic! It's not—it's electricity. But how does a light actually work? In this clear and simple book learn all about electricity, how it's produced, and how it can be used.

At the end you'll learn how to conduct safe, fun experiments that will let you generate electricity yourself!

Electrical Circuit Experiment Kit White

Size: Battery case: ( L X W X H): 57 x 30 x 13 / 2.24 x 1.18 x 0.51inch.
Material: The mini bulb is a kind of tungsten wire bulb, made of glass, metal, insulation materials.
Application: Used for electrical experiments in primary and middle schools/home DIY circuit test.

Oscar and the Bird: A Book about Electricity (Start with Science)

Nikola Tesla, Electrical Genius

Electrical Shoebox House STEM Activity

When I was a kid in school, I was intimated by science and especially electricity.

I had that stereotypical thought that science was for boys and way too difficult for me to understand.

When I was thinking about classes to teach for my up and coming tutorial year, one word kept jumping at me: STEM.

STEM is a highly used buzz word for educators across the world. It stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.

I was terrified to teach STEM, but I knew if I wanted my kids to be comfortable with science, I was going to have to get over my fear of it. And boy am I glad I did.

If you’re feeling uncertain about your abilities to teach STEM, don’t. Just jump in and do it.

To do this activity you’ll need:

a shoebox
alligator clips (at least 4)
2 AA battery holders with wires connected
4 AA batteries
one motor
one switch
2-3 miniature light bulbs
tape

To begin this activity, your kids will need a good grasp of how a circuit works. You can always have them play around with the circuits to practice lighting up all of the light bulbs and the motor.

EASY HANDS ON HOMESCHOOL SCIENCE

When they have a pretty good understanding of the concept, it’s now time to build the house. First, section off the different rooms of the shoebox. You can use scraps of cardboard to be the dividing walls.

Once the walls are up, it’s time to wire the house.

You may need box cutters to cut holes in the walls (shoebox) to run the wires from the outside of the shoebox into the inside.

Tape may be needed to secure the power source on the outside of the house.Now it’s time to hook up your electricity.

Challenge your kids to light up two rooms of the house and run one fan.

Then, if you want to add a little bit of design into your challenge, your children can cut out a door and design furniture.

This highly engaging electrical activity will challenge kids to design their own homes by providing each room with a light, fan, and switch!Click here to make this fun and easy hands-on homeschool science activity!

It really is a tiny house! What a cool way to learn about electricity!

Want to see a really cool shoebox house? Take a look at this video Shoebox House STEM Project

Get even more ideas for teaching hands-on science in your homeschool below!

MORE ACTIVITIES ABOUT ELECTRICITY

Written by Christa at Little Log Cottage School.

homeschoolscience

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