life science

How to Make an Ocean-Inspired Sea Shell Necklace | 8 Summer Beach Crafts

August 2, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Summer beach crafts are a great way to end a long fun summer with memories of the beach and help you hold onto that carefree feeling just a little longer. Also, look at my page Oceans Unit Study and Lapbook and Seashore Beach Watching Unit Study and Seashore Lapbook.

If you are going to ‘dive’ into an ocean themed unit you will want to include some good books, a video or two, and of course hands on activities.

How to Make an Ocean-Inspired Sea Shell Necklace | 8 Summer Beach Crafts

I am bringing you an ocean inspired seas shell necklace tutorial.

Too, I have 8 more summer beach crafts to inspire a creative side, from candles to edible crafts.

You can add these summer-y crafts to any unit on the ocean or just use them as a fun activity for you and the kids.

I enjoy capping off the summer with a beach trip, crafts, and a little bit of learning.

When choosing shells take a look at a shell guide and learn the name of your inspiration, find one for your particular area.

This necklace tutorial has a really fun surprise.

At first glance it looks like a simple little pearl nestled into the shell but when you step outside into the sun it turns a bright color.

Check out these really cool UV beads I found. They start out like this.

And after just a few seconds in the sun they change to bright colors.

Isn’t that just the coolest for the kids?

Facts About Seashells

Sea shells have been used by more than just creatures as homes.
They have been used as currency. Also they are used as tools for scraping out bowls or boats, and as part of weapons.
A seashell isn’t an animal, rather it is a portable home for a wide variety of animals.
It was once part of a sea creature’s protective outer layer. The creature dies and the body disappears. Just the shell is left behind. But there is one exception, the hermit crab, which is a crustacean.
There are two main shell types- The first is a smooth, round design. This design makes it easy for animals living inside to move quickly over the ocean floor to avoid predators. The second type of shell is covered with spikes and irregular surfaces. This type is found in tropical waters and the uninviting design of the shell is the protection.

Next, look at some of these fun books about seashells.

4 Seashells Books for Kids

Add one or two of these books or resources to your unit study about sea shells.

What Lives in a Shell?

This clear and appealing book for early elementary age kids, both at home and in the classroom, is a fascinating exploration of the many creatures that make a home in a shell. This picture book features beautifully accurate illustrations of the many types of shells—inside and out! Young readers will love exploring the fascinating homes of creatures like hermit crabs, scallops, and turtles.

Fascinating Shells: An Introduction to 121 of the World’s Most Wonderful Mollusks

Beautiful photographs of stunning shells from London's Natural History Museum, home to one of the most significant and comprehensive collections in the world.Collected and treasured for their beauty, used in religious rituals, or even traded as currency, shells have fascinated humans for millennia. Ancient and enchanting, dazzling in form and variety, these beautiful objects come from mollusks, one of the most diverse groups in the animal kingdom, including snails, oysters, cuttlefish, and chitons. Soft-bodied, these creatures rely on shells for protection from enemies and their environments, from snowy mountains to arid deserts, in deep-sea hydrothermal vents and the jungles of the tropics, on rocky shores, and in coral reefs.

Seashells & Beachcombing for Kids: An Introduction to Beach Life of the Atlantic, Gulf, and Pacific Coasts

Ocean beaches capture our attention like few places on Earth—and for good reason. Two vastly different ecosystems merge here, attracting a wide variety of life forms. Become a young oceanographer. Learn all about beaches and the plants and animals found there. East Coast expert Erika Zambello and West Coast naturalist Stephanie Panlasigui present a kids’ introduction to beach life. The children’s book, ideal for early and middle-grade readers, conveys fascinating information for beginners.

Start by learning about beaches and their various habitats, as well as tips on beach safety, collecting etiquette, an

What A Shell Can Tell

Award-winning marine biologist Helen Scales introduces children to the wonders of shells (from seashells to land snails) through the art of observation. Using a friendly question-and-answer format, she explores, through a richly sensory experience, the incredible diversity of shells around the world and showcases the environments molluscs inhabit. From what a shell's shape, color, or texture can reveal about its inhabitant, to where shells are found (from the deepest seas to jungly treetops), with this book, readers can get up close with nature to observe its wonders.

Also, look at more sea shell crafts.

Sea Shell Science & Crafts

8 Summer Beach Crafts

Inexpensive and easy to make, this Salt Dough Starfish Craft is a great decor piece anywhere in the house.
Good clean fun, your kids will definitely have Fun Making Ocean Layers Soap Summer Activities for Middle Schoolers as they learn about each layer of our deep oceans.
I just love this mermaid inspired Glitter SeaShell Picture Frame.
Hold onto every drop of summer and create these DIY Underwater Seashell Candles to bring a little bit of the beach home.
Enhance already beautiful pieces of smooth beach glass and learn How to Grow Borax Crystals on Beach Glass to give it a little more sparkle.
Make a Craft Stick Beach Craft to give a little seaside flair to doors or anywhere else.
Adorable DIY Seashell Book–What a fun gift or mini memory book of summer!
Find 10 Edible Beach Crafts For Teens and Make Edible Beach Glass.

How to Make an Ocean-Inspired Seashell Necklace

You can’t tell what color the uv beads will be until the sun has changed them.

So, you can either make your necklace and let it be a surprise or take them outside and change them so you get your choice of color.

You will need:

UV Beads
Seashells
Stretchy jewelry string
Small tipped screw
Small hammer

First, choose your shell.

With the concave side facing down, place the screw tip where you would like the hole and tap gently with the hammer.

If your shell is weak it may crack.

But a sturdy shell will give way with gentle taps just where the pressure is applied.

Once there is a small hole, flip the shell back and forth, twisting the screw gently to widen it just until it is big enough for your string to go through.

You can leave your shell plain or add a little bit of gold around the edges to give it a little extra special touch.l

Cut a length of stretchy necklace string longer than you need and knot a uv bead into the center of it.

Run the two open ends of the string through the hole in the shell, nestling the bead in the center.

Now at this point you can either keep it simple with just the shell and single bead or add beads up either side of the string.

Adjust the necklace to the length you like, knot the ends several times and then cut off the excess.

And after just a few seconds in the sun, the surprise is revealed.

Free Chicken Life Cycle Worksheet For Kids & Hands-on Activity

July 31, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Grab my free chicken life cycle worksheet for kids and check out my list of hands-on activity ideas. Also, check out my post Free Homeschool Chicken Unit Study and Anatomy of an Egg Felt Activity & Worksheet.

But in addition to the worksheet, I have a cute and easy hands-on activity for creating your own chicken life cycle.

It can be customized and even works some art into the day.

Free Chicken Life Cycle Worksheet For Kids & Hands-on Activity

While there are ready made chicken life cycle models this one is much less expensive and really helps your child to remember each step.

They literally create a model of the life cycle with their own hands.

The life cycle of a chicken, from a tiny egg to a fully grown adult, is a fascinating journey that is full of remarkable physical and behavioral transformations.

Each stage plays out in a unique sequence, shaping the chicken’s development, growth, and adaptation to its environment.

First, look at some of these fun books about chickens.

Fun Books About Chickens for Kids

When possible, I prefer to choose living books and then add reference books to round out our study.

Too, I have a variety of reading levels.

9 Books and Resources for a Fun Chicken Unit Study

Whether you’re wanting to do a chicken unit study or study chickens for the day, you’ll love these books and resources to add to your collection.

Chicks & Chickens

Cheep . . . cheep . . . cluck! Everything you ever wanted to know about chickens and eggs—except which came first. With bright watercolor illustrations and simple, clear language, nonfiction master Gail Gibbons shows young readers everything there is to know about chickens. See what different breeds of chickens look like, discover how eggs are laid and hatched, and learn how big and little farms take care of their birds. Key vocabulary words about chicken behavior and anatomy are introduced throughout Chicks and Chickens, and new words are reinforced in accessible language for young readers.

4 PCS Chicken Farm Animal Life Cycle Growth Model

Children can see how animals change and grow. Realistic detail showing a different stage in the development of animals.

Uniquely molded textures and richly painted details bring them to life and help inspire creativity for kids.

It is a great way to expand the growth with children through physical science.

Farm Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces of Country Life

Learn the difference between a farrow and a barrow, and what distinguishes a weanling from a yearling. Country and city mice alike will delight in Julia Rothman’s charming illustrated guide to the curious parts and pieces of rural living. Dissecting everything from the shapes of squash varieties to how a barn is constructed and what makes up a beehive to crop rotation patterns, Rothman gives a richly entertaining tour of the quirky details of country life.

Where Do Chicks Come From?

Read and find out about eggs—and how baby chicks grow inside of them—in this colorfully illustrated nonfiction picture book.

Learn how chicks develop, how they get the food they need to grow, and how a mother hen helps keep them safe in this introduction to the life cycle of a baby chick.

This is a clear and appealing science book for early elementary age kids, both at home and in the classroom. It's a Level 1 Let's-Read-and-Find-Out, which means the book explores introductory concepts perfect for children in the primary grades. The 100+ titles in this leading nonfiction series are:

Chickenology: The Ultimate Encyclopedia

A great educational book, covering:• Different breeds of chickens, like Padovana and Silkie• The difference between roosters and hens• How chicks are formed in the egg• Chickens sounds and noises• Chicken anatomy and feather anatomy and colors• Chickens and eggs around the world• Chicken history and folklore• Raising chickens at home• Chickens as pets

LEGO Creator Easter Chickens 30643

These LEGO Chickens are a fun and easy add on for little ones joining in the fun.

Farm Animal for Kids, Chicken Coop

DETAILED & REALISTIC. Crafted with precision and authentic detail to create a lifelike toy that teaches and inspires toddlers and kids of every age; helps introduce children to animals. From the first sketch to the intricate finishing touches, we see value in every detail.

Farm Animal Chicken Coop Building Blocks

Chicken Coop Building Blocks. It contains a coop, twenty chicken and ten eggs.

Compatible with LEGO: It's made of LEGO-compatible bricks. It will enrich your MOC blocks. It can be put together with a lot of block scenes, such as farm, house, castle, village, animal and so on.

Farm Animals Figurines Simulated Farm Life

These little chicken figurines would also make a great addition to a chicken study, put them in a sensory bin with a little birdseed or cracked corn for hours of fun.

Next, look at these facts you can use for your chicken life cycle worksheet.

The Chicken Life Cycle

Stage 1: Embryonic Development

The life cycle begins with a fertilized egg, where the embryo undergoes a series of complex processes.

During the first week, the embryo’s organs and tissues begin to form, including the heart, brain, and eyes.

By the end of the third week, the embryo is fully formed and resembles a miniature chicken, complete with feathers and a beak.

Stage 2: Hatching

Around the 21st day of incubation, the chick begins to break out of its shell using a specialized egg tooth.

This process, known as hatching, can take several hours or even days.

Once the chick emerges, it is covered in wet feathers and has a large yolk sac attached to its belly, providing nourishment for the first few days of life.

Stage 3: Brooding

After hatching, the chick relies on its mother’s warmth and protection during the brooding period, which typically lasts for several weeks.

The hen provides shelter, food, and teaches the chicks essential survival skills, such as foraging and predator avoidance.

Stage 4: Growth and Development

As the chick grows, its feathers begin to dry and fluff up, transforming it from a fuzzy ball into a feathered bird.

Finally, at around 6 weeks of age, the chick’s juvenile feathers are replaced by adult feathers, and it gradually develops its full adult plumage.

Stage 5: Sexual Maturity

By around 16-20 weeks of age, chickens reach sexual maturity and become capable of reproducing.

Hens begin to lay eggs, and roosters develop the ability to fertilize them.

The reproductive cycle of chickens is influenced by factors such as daylight hours, nutrition, and breed.

Stage 6: Adulthood

Adult chickens typically live for around 5-8 years, depending on the breed and individual health.

During this stage, chickens continue to lay eggs (in the case of hens).

More Chicken Life Activities

If you have the chance to have chickens or see them locally at a farm it is the best experience as they are entertaining and seeing them in person is very educational.

The other part of chickens is gathering and enjoying farm fresh eggs, there is nothing like it.

Try eggs in several different ways with your child- fried, scrambled, hard boiled, over easy, etc..

Next, look at how to make this hands-on chicken life cycle craft.

Chicken Life Cycle Hands-On Activity

You will need:

Air dry clay
Craft paints
Paintbrushes

First, decide how much of the 21-day egg cycle you would like to recreate.

We opted to just go for a chicken, an egg, a fertilized egg, an egg with a developing embryo, and a hatched chick.

Take air dry clay in golf ball sized clumps and form it into each stage.

To smooth it out you can add a little water to your fingertips.

You can use clay tools, or if you don’t have them, forks, wooden craft sticks, toothpicks and other household items to create feathers and other details in the clay.

Allow the clay to dry for 2-3 days until completely hardened.

Paint each part of your chicken life cycle carefully using small paintbrushes and set aside to dry.

Use additional paint or paint pens to add more details to your life cycle steps.

Allow the paint to dry completely.

Finally, look at how to grab the free chicken life cycle worksheet.

How to Download the Free Chicken Life Cycle Worksheet

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

That means when you sign up to follow me, you get my emails in your inbox and you get this freebie.

1) Sign up on my email list.

2) Grab the freebie now by instantly downloading it.

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

4 Cicada Insect Fun Facts For Kids | How to Make A Cicada Clothespin Craft

July 27, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

We’re learning 4 cicada insect fun facts for kids and creating a cicada clothespin craft. Also, look at my Free Kids Insect Unit Study for more ideas.

Have you somehow escaped the “attack” of the cicadas or haven’t seen that this year (2024) is a multiple brood emergence for cicadas?

It is an event that hasn’t happened in over 200 years.

And I have some fun facts for you.

4 Cicada Insect Fun Facts For Kids | How to Make A Cicada Clothespin Craft

There are over 3,000 species of Cicadas worldwide.

They are sorted into two families based on life cycle.

For example, they are either annual or periodical cicadas.

Annual cicadas have dark green or black bodies with green veins in their wings and come out every year.

Periodical cicadas: have black bodies, red eyes and legs, and red veins in their wings.

They live for years underground before they emerge.

While their appearance is startling, Cicadas are harmless.

And they do not endanger crops or people, they are just a noisy nuisance.

Cicadas

Special Double Brood

Cecily Cicada: Special Double Brood Edition

Our special edition of the classic, Cecily Cicada, created for the Midwest's double-brood emergence of 2024.

4 Cicada Insect Fun Facts For Kids

Next, here is a great video Cicadas: The Loudest Bugs in The World for kids all about these interesting insects

For the most part periodical cicadas are found east of the Mississippi River. 13-year cicadas are found in more southern states. The later emerging 17-year cicadas can be found in the more northern states.
The 13- and 17-year lifespan of periodical cicadas is one of the longest of any insect. They spend most of this cycle underground (99%) in the nymph stage. They feed on liquid from plant roots and emerge above ground for just a short time.
When cicadas emerge in a giant mass the noise can reach a deafening crescendo -up to 100 decibels. This is the sound of male mating call and is louder than your neighborhood lawn mower.
Not only do birds and animals enjoy eating them, but many people do also. Cicadas are edible and are considered a delicacy in many areas because they are high in protein, low in fat, and gluten-free, as well as a good source of minerals and vitamins.

In my handy dandy nature anatomy book, I was able to find a little section with an illustration of a 17-year Cicada, these books are a treasure!

Also, look at these facts about their life cycle

Cicada Life Cycle

Eggs- Females use their ovipositor to carve a groove in a groove in a tree branch or trunk, this protects and provides a nutrient rich fluid.

Nymphs- After 10 weeks the eggs hatch into nymphs, feed off the tree and then fall to the ground. They then dig and burrow their way underground and live there for 2-17 years depending on the species. They rely on feeding off plant roots for nourishment.

Adults- When the soil reaches appropriate temperatures the nymphs molt into winged adults on a nearby vertical surface. These are the exoskeletons you find abandoned around the yard. For about 30 minutes they are extremely vulnerable and soft but after about 30 minutes their new exoskeleton hardens off. Male cicadas then sing mating songs creating a lot of noise.

Once emerged cicadas only live for no longer than 6 weeks and they are gone until the cycle begins all over again.

More Insect Hands-on Crafts for Kids

Finally, look at how to make this clothespin cicada craft.

How to Make A Cicada Clothespin Craft

Even though our craft uses hot glue your child will not be directly touching it until completely cooled so this is a great introduction to this useful tool.

You will need:

Wooden clothespin
Black button
Red beads
Pipe cleaners
Markers
Silicone mat
Hot glue gun/glue sticks

First,[ paint the entire clothespin black and set aside to dry.

Now to create the wings. It is really fun.

You want to use a flexible silicone mat because it can take the heat of the hot glue without damage.

Once cooled the hardened glue peels off easily.

Use a light-colored dry erase marker to draw out a pair of wings on the silicone mat.

Now you are going to fill in the outline with a thin but solid layer of hot glue.

Allow it to harden completely.

While you are waiting, use hot glue to attach small red beads to either side of the button for eyes.

Hot glue button to the end of the dry clothespin.

After your glue has hardened you can easily peel up the wings and trim them with scissors if needed.

Take a marker and add some vein details to them.

Run a little hot glue down the top of the clothespin and attach your wings.

You do not want to apply the glue to the wings directly as the heat from the glue gun will melt them.

Cut 6 small legs out of pipe cleaners and hot glue them into place on the underside of the clothespin cicada.

Bend them into two parts.

Is Sunflower A Wildflower | How to Make a Canning Lid Craft

July 25, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Is sunflower a wildflower? Yes, they are wildflowers native to North and Central Americas as well as South America. You’ll also love my Wildflowers Unit Study.

These tall stunning flowers are the subject of famous paintings.

And used for food for both wildlife and humans, shelter and as feed for livestock.

Is Sunflower A Wildflower | How to Make a Canning Lid Craft

Stroll through a wildflower unit study with books and activities.

Too, learn how to make a canning lid craft look like a beautiful sunflower.

I love using items out of craft supplies already on hand.

As you build your sunflower this is a great time to talk about the different parts with younger children- seeds, stems, petals, and the disc.

This sunflower is perfect for hanging on the wall.

Or hang it on the door or put it in a vase to show off your child’s work as they learn about the beautiful world of wildflowers.

Books About Wildflowers for Kids

Next, look at some of these books about wildflowers.

10 Wildflower Books & Resources For Kids Who Love to Read and Be Read To

Spring is especially a good time to learn about wildflowers but you can learn about them anytime. Add a few of these hands-on resources and books and you'll have a fun multiple ages unit study for your homeschooled kids.

Botanicum: Welcome to the Museum

Botanicum, is a brilliantly curated guide to plant life. With artwork from Katie Scott of Animalium fame, Botanicum gives readers the experience of a fascinating exhibition from the pages of a beautiful book. From perennials to bulbs to tropical exotica, Botanicum is a wonderful feast of botanical knowledge complete with superb cross sections of how plants work.

National Geographic Pocket Guide to Wildflowers of North America

With this basic beginner's field guide to North American wildflowers, all who enjoy nature and the outdoors can identify common wildflowers, from backyard weeds to dainty forest blossoms. In a logical, user-friendly, highly visual format, this new title offers key facts about 160 of the most common wildflowers and weeds, coast to coast, including Canada and Alaska.

Wildcraft! an Herbal Adventure Game for Kids

Unlike many kids games 4 and up that turn out to be too confusing for children, Wildcraft! An Herbal Adventure Game, is a fun, strategic challenge that’s also easy to follow– NO READING REQUIRED. Because our learning board games feature clear illustrations and matching icons, even younger kids will learn what the different plants look like and can be used for. It’s the perfect fun game for family game night with kids, and ideal for beginners – no prior plant knowledge necessary!

Wildflower Seeds: Bulk Mix of 21 Varieties

Wide Variety Of Flower Seeds: Our wildflower seeds will provide you with a vibrant selection of flowers in your garden. You will get 21 different varieties of annual seeds including Black Eyed Susans, California Bluebells, African Daisies and more.

Wildflower Bingo Game

Do you know which flower got its name from its resemblance to the sombrero? What is the species of the bluebonnet? Lot of facts about North American wildflowers in this game.

Wildflowers, Blooms & Blossoms (Take Along Guides)

An introduction to the world of insects, caterpillars, and butterflies including identification information, educational activities, and fun facts.Invites young naturalists to spot wildlife. Safety tips are provided and interesting activities are suggested.

Ultimate Explorer Field Guide: Wildflowers

What do you call a garden filled with lots of flowers? A polli-nation! Nat Geo Kids is back with the newest fact- and photo-filled Ultimate Explorer Field Guide, and this one packs some real flower power! This guide to wildflowers will make kids stop and look for all kinds of blossoms blooming right under their noses. From buttercups to bladderworts, primroses to pitcher plants, kids will learn how, where, and when to spot these wildflowers in their backyard, down the street, or all over town! Jam-packed with tons of info, interactive prompts, tips for budding botanists, super stats, and jokes--it's the perfect companion for exploring the backyard or field trips, camping, or vacation. Durable and portable, it's just right for your pocket or backpack!

Wild Flowers of North America (Science Nature Guides)

Did you know that wild plants are still used for food, for medicines, and as dyes? Many of the plants growing in urban areas, in woods and by the side of roads are useful as well as being pretty. Other plants have small and less obvious how many have you seen and not realized that they were flowers? This book will show you the most common wild flowers and where you are most likely to find them. A nature guide designed for elementary grades 2-3, the book includes more than 20 easy-to-do science projects.

Miss Lady Bird's Wildflowers: How a First Lady Changed America

In this warm, engaging look at the life of a great First Lady, Kathi Appelt tells the story behind Lady Bird Johnson's environmental vision. Joy Fisher Hein's colorful wildflowers burst from every page, inviting us to share in Lady Bird's love for natural beauty.

From a lonely childhood in the Piney Woods of East Texas to an exciting life in the White House, Lady Bird Johnson loved wildflowers with all her heart. They were her companions in her youth, greeting her everywhere as she explored wild forests, bayous, and hills.

Wild Flowers of North America: Botanical Illustrations by Mary Vaux Walcott

Published in association with the Smithsonian Institution. What does it take to paint a wildflower that blooms for a single day in a deep forest? For Mary Vaux Walcott, it involved spending up to seventeen hours a day out of doors with her paintbox to capture the shape, movement, and colors of delicate petals and leaves.

Then, look at some of these facts about sunflowers.

And some more wildflower hands-on activity.

5 Facts About the Beautiful Sunflower

There are around 70 different species of sunflowers with the most common being Helianthus annuus.
Not every sunflower is yellow, there are also red and purple sunflowers of many different shades and sizes.
While there are sunflowers that grow 12’ to 16’ there are also dwarf varieties that do not reach over 3’ tall.
They are not just pretty. Sunflower oil is used for cooking, in beauty products as well as for its health benefits like anti-Inflammatory properties, and the ability to reduce cholesterol.
While mature sunflowers face east, young sunflowers spend their day tracking the sun from sunrise to sunset every day and repeat this cycle until maturity. This is called ‘heliotropism’.

Look at the hands-on wildflower activities below.

Before you make your own sunflower canning lid craft check out a few more hands on ideas.

More Wildflowers Hands-on Activities

They will round out your lesson and give you a wealth of craft and activities to teach the topic in such a fun and memorable way.

Learn more Facts About Wildflowers And a Fun Felt Texas Bluebonnet Craft to highlight the state flower of the great state of Texas.
Recreate this beautiful DIY Wildflower Painting, I think this makes a wonderfully challenging art project for teens.
Find out, Are Daisies Wildflowers | How to Make a Wildflower Pounding Craft using local wildflowers or those out of your own backyard.
Make a Pressed Flower Bookmark to keep track of your pages as you enjoy a story or keep place in your book.
Check out my Fun Kids Activity How to Make Wildflower Seed Bombs to use in your own gardens or gift them.
Little hands will love creating a Paper Plate Sunflower Craft to learn not only about its anatomy but create a pretty craft to display.

Finally, look at how to make this fun sunflower craft.

How to Make a Sunflower Canning Lid Craft

You can use any scrap fabric you have on hand like a faded old yellow flannel or a fabric fat quarter.

I found a great selection of material at my local Dollar Tree.

You will need:

Yellow fabric
Burlap fabric
buttons
Wide mouth mason jar ring
Wide mouth mason jar lid
Sturdy stick
Stuffing/cotton balls
Hot glue gun/stick

First place a nice little mound of cotton stuffing in the center of your mason jar lid.

Leave enough space around the edges that it fits inside the ring.

Cut a piece of burlap or other fabric about 2” larger than the ring.

over the cotton stuffing, wrap around to the back of the ring and hot glue into place.

Cut your yellow fabric into strips 1”x10” long, you will need about 30 strips.

Fold a strip in half and lay it on top of the ring like this.

Pull the loose ends up and through the loop until tightened.

Repeat all the way around until it is full.

Trim the flower petals to the length you would like or leave them long and full.

You can also pull on the loose threads at the end to give it a more rustic look.

Press the lid piece into the center after adding some hot glue to the inside.

Because of the excess fabric you will have to bend it a bit to fit it back in.

Add enough glue to secure it well.

Glue brown buttons to the center for seeds.

Create leaves by tying ribbon onto a large stick.

Hot glue the stick to the back of your flower to make a stem.

Add a small loop of fabric to the top back for a hanger.

16 Beautiful Picture Science Books for Kindergarteners

June 16, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Let’s fill up those bookshelves with quality beautiful picture science books for kindergarteners. Also, grab my other tips, ideas, and crafts for kindergarten on my page Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum.

You want to choose books that will last and be treasured for years to come as reference books, read aloud, and even inspiration for art.

These books should be a combination of nonfiction and fiction, biographies, nature study, and living books.

16 Beautiful Picture Science Books for Kindergarteners

And I also like to make sure some have real life images as well as beautiful illustrations.

But for the most part you want to selectively choose books that follow a few guidelines to make sure that you are getting 3 things.

They are the most bang for your buck-quality and content, books that will last for more than one quick lesson, and most important books that will engage and teach your kids in a fun way.

Gail Gibbons is always a go to, as are Julia Rothmans Anatomy series, The Big Book of series, as well as the Over and Under books.

They create a lovely library of reference and read aloud books which will give your child more science knowledge than daily worksheets will.

I have 5 tips to help you choose your books and then an expansive list of 16 of my favorite picture science books for Kindergarteners.

5 Tips for Choosing Picture Science Books For Kindergarteners

Choose beautifully illustrated oversized picture books that have small bits of information. Most children of this age only will be able to sit for small amounts of time and this is a great way to present the information by reading a bit while you look at the images. Eye catching illustrations will invite questions, investigation, and interest.
Try to choose books that will have use far beyond the kindergarten years,books like the Nature Anatomy series and The Big Book of series have value that will last in my opinion at least through middle school for some reference and definitely as art inspiration when painting, putting together dioramas and more.
Gather a variety to cover all the sciences in the early years. There are typically 3 types of science covered in kindergarten- physical, earth/space, and life science. Choose interesting books for each topic and theme. Concentrate more heavily on your child’s favorites like dinosaurs or bees.
Select a mix of nonfiction, wordless picture books, read aloud, as well as books your child can read independently. Give them variety and make them accessible to your child, teaching them to care for their books.
There are plenty of books out there now about the people of science-Ada Twist Scientist, Temple Grandin, and Eugenie Clark to name a few, don’t forget to choose some of these as well to inspire your child and highlight the contributions they made.

Next, look at some kindergarten science activities to pair with the books.

Kindergarten Science Activities

16 Beautiful Picture Science Books for Kindergarteners

I have done my best to give you a variety of topics, styles, and prices to help you create a wonderful science library made up of beautiful picture science books. Let’s dig in!

The Big Book of Bugs (The Big Book Series)

The Big Book of Bugs as well as any others in the series- Big Book of Blooms, Nature Art, Blue, Beasts, and Birds

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

Botanicum

Part of: Welcome To The Museum (9 books) The 2016 offering from Big Picture Press's Welcome to the Museum series, Botanicum is a stunningly curated guide to plant life. With artwork from Katie Scott of Animalium fame, Botanicum gives readers the experience of a fascinating exhibition from the pages of a beautiful book. From perennials to bulbs to tropical exotica, Botanicum is a wonderful feast of botanical knowledge complete with superb cross sections of how plants work.

Bees: A Honeyed History

One part science, one part cultural history, and countless parts fascination, Bees: A Honeyed History is a picture book that celebrates the important role that these intriguing insects have played in our ecosystem throughout the ages, and today.“Goes beyond the scientific (anatomy, pollination, communication, etc.) to include the bee’s place in history and culture . . . Socha has created what is quite possibly the sweetest resource on honey bees around

Over and Under the Waves

Over the waves, the sea lions bark and seagulls wheel and call. The bay is smooth and bright in the sun. But under the waves, there's a whole hidden forest, full of whales and wolf eels, sardines and sea bass, leopard sharks and luminous jellies, as well as the waving kelp that shelters them all. Discover the magical depths of the kelp forest, and all the fascinating creatures living just a paddle's length away—over and under the waves.

Worm Weather (Penguin Core Concepts)

Join in the rainy-day fun, as kids splash through the puddles, affecting another weather enthusiast, a nearby worm. An imaginative and playful story, readers will love seeing the worm delight in the weather just as much as the kids.

Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt: (Nature Book for Kids, Gardening and Vegetable Planting, Outdoor Nature Book)

Explore the secret realm beneath the dirt that brings the world of nature to life: Follow a young girl and her grandmother on a journey through the year planning, planting, and harvesting their garden—and learn about what's happening in the dirt to help make it all happen.

Curiositree: Natural World: A Visual Compendium of Wonders from Nature - Jacket unfolds into a huge wall poster!

Discover the interconnectedness of the natural world and learn why living things look and behave the way they do in a series of visually compelling information charts, maps, and cutaways, all illustrated in a nostalgic, vintage style. Packed with incredible facts about the natural world and the animals that populate it, the whole family will enjoy the full-page spreads grouped into the categories of habitats, species, and adaptations.

A Seed Is Sleepy: (Nature Books for Kids, Environmental Science for Kids)

Part of the incredible six-book Nature Books series from artist Sylvia Long and author Dianna Hutts Aston, A Seed is Sleepy introduces children to a fascinating array of seed and plant facts. Turn each page to explore the amazing world of these garden wonders through watercolor illustrations that bring to life nature landscapes filled with seeds, flowers, plants, leaves, and trees. A NATURE BOOK TO TREASURE: From tiny redwood seeds to giant coconut seeds, from bright red-orange mountain laurel seeds to pods of fluffy milkweed, curious kids will find a wealth of information and inspiration in this fascinating picture book.

Joan Procter, Dragon Doctor: The Woman Who Loved Reptiles

While other girls played with dolls, Joan preferred the company of reptiles. She carried her favorite lizard with her everywhere--she even brought a crocodile to school!When Joan grew older, she became the Curator of Reptiles at the British Museum. She went on to design the Reptile House at the London Zoo, including a home for the rumored-to-be-vicious komodo dragons. There, just like when she was a little girl, Joan hosted children's tea parties--with her komodo dragon as the guest of honor.

Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean's Most Fearless Scientist

Eugenie Clark fell in love with sharks from the first moment she saw them at the aquarium. She couldn't imagine anything more exciting than studying these graceful creatures. But Eugenie quickly discovered that many people believed sharks to be ugly and scary―and they didn't think women should be scientists.

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. Snowflake-catching instructions are also included for aspiring young snow scientists!

Gravity Is a Mystery

What goes up must come down. Everybody knows that. But what is it that pulls everything from rocks to rockets toward the center of the earth? It’s gravity.

Nobody can say exactly what it is, but gravity is there, pulling on everything, all the time. With the help of an adventurous scientist and his fun-loving dog, you can read and find out about this mysterious force.

The Street Beneath My Feet

This double-sided foldout book takes you on a fascinating journey deep underground. One side of the foldout shows the ground beneath the city, whilst the reverse side shows the ground beneath the countryside. The underground scenes include tunnels and pipes, creatures' burrows, layers of rock and the planet’s molten core, and run seamlessly into the next. Mixing urban and rural settings, covering subjects such as geology, archaeology and natural history, The Street Beneath My Feet offers children the opportunity to explore their world through a detailed learning experience. This expansive concertina book opens out to an impressive 2.5 metres long, perfect for spreading out on the floor to pore over for hours.

Moon! Earth's Best Friend (Our Universe, 3)

Meet Moon! She's more than just a rock―she’s Earth’s rock, her best friend she can always count on. Moon never turns her back on her friend (literally: she's always facing Earth with the same side!). These two will stick together forever. With characteristic humor and charm, Stacy McAnulty channels the voice of Moon in this next celestial "autobiography" in the Our Universe series. Rich with kid-friendly facts and beautifully brought to life by Stevie Lewis, this is an equally charming and irresistible companion to Earth! My First 4.54 Billion Years and Sun! One in a Billion.

The Mysteries of the Universe: Discover the best-kept secrets of space

Space is so much bigger than young minds can fathom and there is always more to learn. The Mysteries of the Universe is a stunning space encyclopedia for young readers to explore, with
reference pages packed with fascinating information, little learners will be captivated as they journey through the vastness of the Universe. From planets and asteroids to black holes and galaxies, every page of this enthralling space book reveals the secrets behind more than 100 celestial objects, and will inspire youngsters as they journey through the vastness of the Universe. Each celestial body is shown both photographically and illustrated, and children will love poring over the detailed close-up images.

life science

Facts About Seashells

Sea Shell Science & Crafts

8 Summer Beach Crafts

How to Make an Ocean-Inspired Seashell Necklace

Fun Books About Chickens for Kids

The Chicken Life Cycle

Stage 1: Embryonic Development

Stage 2: Hatching

Stage 3: Brooding

Stage 4: Growth and Development

Stage 5: Sexual Maturity

Stage 6: Adulthood

More Chicken Life Activities

Chicken Life Cycle Hands-On Activity

How to Download the Free Chicken Life Cycle Worksheet

4 Cicada Insect Fun Facts For Kids

Cicada Life Cycle

More Insect Hands-on Crafts for Kids

How to Make A Cicada Clothespin Craft

Books About Wildflowers for Kids

5 Facts About the Beautiful Sunflower

More Wildflowers Hands-on Activities

How to Make a Sunflower Canning Lid Craft

5 Tips for Choosing Picture Science Books For Kindergarteners

Kindergarten Science Activities

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