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life science

20 Fun Fall Arts And Crafts For Kids and 8 Facts About Acorns

October 11, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

There are so many great ideas for fall arts and crafts for kids. Also, you’ll love my page Fall Season Unit Study {Pumpkins, Leaves, Corn, & More}.

Fall crafts offer a wonderful creative outlet and opportunities for learning about nature, seasons, fall foods, animals, and various artistic techniques to try.

These 20 fall-inspired crafts not only engage your child’s creativity but also have valuable learning experiences.

20 Fun Fall Arts And Crafts For Kids and 8 Facts About Acorns

From learning about the natural world to developing fine motor skills, these activities provide a nature-minded approach to homeschooling.

Whether you’re teaching young children or teenagers these fall craft ideas can be tailored to suit various grade levels and skill sets.

So, grab your art supplies, think about fall, and let the autumn creativity flow in your homeschooling journey!

8 Facts About Acorns

First, here are a few facts about acorns.

“The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

It is always fascinating to me that massive oak trees come from tiny little acorns that fall off them as if they were just castoffs.

 But with plenty of sun, water, and soil they have the potential to grow into the next towering oak.

Here are 8 intriguing facts about acorns to help you understand this underrated little nut.

  1. Acorns have 3 parts- the cupule, the hard outer shell, the cap, and a kernel, the seed that is inside protected by the cupule.
  2. Besides squirrels, some of the animals that eat acorns are birds like jays, pigeons, some species of ducks, and several types of woodpeckers. Also you may not have known that mammals like mice, opossums, chipmunks, deer, raccoons, foxes, badgers, and wild pigs forage for acorns.
  3. Besides food, acorns contribute to nutrient cycling, as those uneaten by animals decompose and enrich the forest’s soil.
  4. Acorns were a traditional food of many indigenous peoples of North America. They were a good source of food. They did not have to be processed immediately, but could be stored for long time periods.
  5. There are more acorns produced on oak trees annually than all the region’s other nut trees together, wild or cultivated.
  6. The average oak produces roughly 2,000 acorns per year. And about 10 million acorns are produced by an oak tree during its entire lifetime.
  7. Acorns vary in size and shape, it can take 6 to 24 months to mature depending on the species of oak.
  8. The oak tree is recognized as the national tree of the United States, the English oak specifically.
20 Fun Fall Arts And Crafts For Kids and 8 Facts About Acorns

Also, you’ll love some of these ideas below.

Fun Fall Arts And Crafts For Kids

20 Fun Fall Crafts For Kids

Fall crafts offer a wonderful creative outlet and opportunities for learning about nature, seasons, fall foods,  animals, and various artistic techniques to try.

Photo Credit: makeandtakes.com

Simple Beaded Pipe Cleaners Pumpkins

These sweet and simple pumpkins are just the right activity for fall. As we’re seeing so many fun and festive pumpkins displayed on steps and front porches in our neighborhood, crafting these Beaded Pipe Cleaner Pumpkins is a great way to recreate all the many shapes pumpkins can take!

8 Easy Fall Wood Crafts For Kids

Add some of these fall wood crafts to your crafting homeschool day.

Photo Credit: frugalfun4boys.com

Paper Plate Owl Craft for Kids

Owls always feel like fall to me, but this craft is great for any time of the year. Might be fun to do during a science unit about birds.

Johnny Appleseed Cookies

I have sweet Johnny Appleseed cookies and some facts about Johnny Appleseed. Also, you’ll love some facts on my page Apple Lapbook and Apple Unit Study.

Photo Credit: littlebinsforlittlehands.com

Glitter Jars: How To Make Your Own For Fall

Do your kids love sensory bottles, glitter jars, or glitter bottles? Our homemade fall glitter jars can be reinvented each season or holiday for a fun and creative sensory activity.

Fall Leaf Crafts for Preschoolers

From leaf rubbings to salt painting, I also have a list of 10 more fall leaf crafts for preschoolers for you to choose from.

Choose one or more of these crafts to add to your fall fun and learning in addition to our felt leaf craft.

Photo Credit: dayswithgrey.com

Tissue Paper Pumpkin Art

I initially thought this tissue paper pumpkin art would be a hit with my three-year-old. The unexpected was that he dipped out, and my five-year-old and almost seven-year-old swooped right in!

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Body Scrub

Your teens will enjoy making these fall diy crafts as much as they’ll enjoy using them. Also, look at my page Free Fall Unit Study Ideas– For Older Kids Too.

Photo Credit: www.pinkstripeysocks.com

Gorgeous Accordion Fold Fall Paper Leaf Banner

Today we're continuing with the theme of easy fall crafts.  Couple of days ago I shared this really beautiful Sewn Leaf Art project that I made with my preschooler.  Today I just wanted to share this gorgeous folded paper leaf banner.

10 Fall Crafts for Kindergartners

When the weather is cooler use it to teach your children about all the beauty of autumn.

Photo Credit: www.simpleeverydaymom.com

Cute Acorn Craft For Kids [FREE Template]

Fall is our favorite season of all, but looking around our site, you might not realize that because we don’t have very many fall-themed crafts!

10 Dollar Tree Crafts for Teens

If they love creating adorable crafts on a budget here are 10 more Dollar Tree crafts for them to make to keep or give as gifts.

Photo Credit: iheartcraftythings.com

Fall Windsock Craft for Kids -Easy fall craft for preschoolers!

Celebrate the beautiful colors of the fall season with this simple fall windsock craft. Toddlers and preschoolers will love watching the red, yellow and orange colors of the season catch in the wind after making their craft.

How to Make a Kids Fun Stained Glass Fall Leaves Craft

Your kids will love this fun stained glass fall leaves craft. Too, you can add this activity to my huge fall unit study.

Photo Credit: www.ourkidthings.com

Craft Stick Fall Truck Craft

Nothing says the fall season quite like an old pickup truck straight from the farm. Except maybe pumpkins. That’s why we’ve loaded our Craft Stick Fall Truck Craft with giant pumpkins! Perfect for fall!

Dried Apple Crafts: Hands-on Fun Shrunken Head Apple Craft for Kids

If your kids love dried apple crafts, they’ll love this fun fall shrunken head apple activity. Add this hands-on craft to my fall unit apple study.

Photo Credit: sustainmycrafthabit.com

How to Make an Acorn Garland

It’s the perfect time of year to get outside and start foraging those acorns to create your beautiful, nature-made acorn garland for Fall. Add it to your seasonal decor, fireplace mantel or centerpiece to enjoy.

Kids Fun Glue and Watercolor Fall Pumpkin Unit Study

If you are hesitant but want to give it a try, then, today’s tutorial is the place to start.

This fall watercolor painting goes great with a pumpkin unit study.

Photo Credit: www.ourkidthings.com

Paper Plate Leaf Turkey Craft

After you finish jumping in a pile of colorful fall leaves, bring a few inside and get to crafting this darling Paper Plate Leaf Turkey Craft! Such a great way to commemorate the fall season,

Photo Credit: www.projectswithkids.com

Gorgeous Fall Leaf Chalk Pastel Art Kids Can Make

This fall leaf chalk pastel art for kids is just gorgeous! The chalk pastels on black paper look like they are glowing and using this simple technique makes this art project perfect for kids of all ages.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: acorns, crafts, fall, fall crafts, fall leaves, hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, life science

10 Pumpkin Fall Crafts and Two Yummy Pumpkin Seed Recipes

October 10, 2023 | 2 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Tis the season for pumpkin spice lattes, crunching leaves, and all the wonderful pumpkin fall crafts you can fit into the season to celebrate. Also, you’ll love my page Fall Season Unit Study {Pumpkins, Leaves, Corn, & More}.

Big round pumpkins usher in all that fun and make a fantastic inspiration for all sorts of crafts and activities.

Gather up a few of your favorite craft ideas below and enjoy a seasonal dive into the crafty world of pumpkins.

10 Pumpkin Fall Crafts and Two Yummy Pumpkin Seed Recipes

Don’t throw out those seeds when harvesting pumpkin for pies. Use them in a recipe instead.

Another great thing about fall is the delicious recipes like pies and of course roasted pumpkin seeds.

I have a pair of sweet and savory recipes to bake and enjoy with the seeds from your fresh pumpkins.

Pumpkin Facts

  1. The word ‘pumpkin’ traces all the way back to the Greek word “ pepon” which means- a large melon.
  2. You may have thought that pumpkins were a vegetable but they are in fact a fruit, just like cucumbers.
  3. Morton, Illinois is considered the  ‘Pumpkin Capital of the World’ and is the home of Libby’s pumpkin industry.
  4. Pumpkin was very likely first served in 1621.
  5. Christopher Columbus carried pumpkin seeds with him back to Europe, as well as many other seeds.
  6. You can find pumpkins growing everywhere but in the harsh environment of Antarctica.
  7. There are over 45 different varieties of pumpkins to choose from, some are better for carving and some for eating.
  8. Pumpkins are made up of 90% water and are an excellent source of fiber.
10 Pumpkin Fall Crafts and Two Yummy Pumpkin Seed Recipes

Also, watch A Pumpkin Grows for preschoolers to learn all about the life cycle of the pumpkin.

And also watch Blippi Explores a Pumpkin Patch.

Fun Fall Activities

10 Pumpkin Fall Crafts

Whether you create them with the real deal or out of construction paper, paint, paper plates, or other supplies, pumpkins are definitely an iconic symbol of fall that are fun to make.

Photo Credit: www.sunnydayfamily.com

Adorable No Sew Fabric Pumpkin Kids Can Make

Seriously, by the middle of September our house looks more like a pumpkin patch than anything. (I even made a backyard pumpkin patch one year.).

Photo Credit: www.scraplifters.com

How to Paint Pumpkins (the Right Way)

Today I am going to share a quick tutorial regarding how to paint pumpkins. Did you know there’s a right way and a wrong way to paint a pumpkin? 
Photo Credit: www.madewithhappy.com

Easy Paper Plate Pumpkin Pie Craft for Toddlers and Preschoolers

Here is a super easy Paper Plate Pumpkin Pie Craft for Toddlers and Preschoolers to make.

Photo Credit: www.teach-me-mommy.com

Pumpkin Handprint & Photo Keepsake

This month’s handprint and photo keepsake is a pumpkin one! A cute handprint and photo of my little pumpkin!
Photo Credit: iheartcraftythings.com

Black Glue Pumpkin Art Project

Looking for a fun art project to make with children as we usher in the fall season? This black glue pumpkin art project is a fun way to celebrate the fall season with kids at home or at school.

Photo Credit: www.reallifeathome.com

Mixed Media Pumpkin Project for Fall

I also get the urge to craft and create (okay, I always have that urge). But it seems a little more pronounced as we head into the cooler months. I start nesting and decorating for the upcoming seasons

Photo Credit: www.homemade-gifts-made-easy.com

Pumpkin Template Printable Outlines & Patterns for Crafts

Looking for free pumpkin template printables for your fall craft projects? 

Photo Credit: stepbysteppainting.net

How To Paint A Pumpkin Harvest Moon

Beginners can learn to paint a pumpkin on canvas. This beautiful night fall pumpkin painting features a harvest moon and falling leaves! 

Photo Credit: www.simplefunforkids.com

Marbled Pumpkins

The last time we did it was months ago, so I thought we’d try and make some Marbled Pumpkins for fall decorations, and to see how E handles this project now that she’s older.

Photo Credit: kidsactivitiesblog.com

{Pumpkin Craft} How to Make a Pumpkin

There are so many ways to have fun with pumpkins, you can make an easy craft, edible treat or create home decor.

Too, I have more fall craft ideas.

More Fall Craft Ideas

  • 10 Fun Crafts to Do with Pinecones and a Turkey Pinecone Craft for Kids
  • Easy Fall Crafts To Make And Sell By Kids & Scarecrow Candy Jar
  • 8 Easy Fall Wood Crafts For Kids And A Dollar Tree Pumpkin Patch
  • Make Cute Felt Leaf Sachets For Fall Leaf Crafts for Preschoolers
  • How to Make Pumpkin Spice Body Scrub & 7 Fall DIY Crafts For Teens
  • 10 Kindergarten Fall Crafts and Craft Fun Bean Mosaics
  • 10 Dollar Tree Crafts for Teens & Craft a Cute Fall Fairy Garden Wreath
  • Apples Unit How to Make a Fall Kids Garland Apple Craft
  • Dried Apple Crafts: Hands-on Fun Shrunken Head Apple Craft for Kids
  • How to Make a Kids Fun Stained Glass Fall Leaves Craft
  • Easy Fall Crafts for Middle School: DIY String Pumpkin Art
  • Kids Fun Glue and Watercolor Fall Pumpkin Unit Study
  • Fall Homeschool Learning Resources For Middle School
  • Fall Y’all:Pumpkin Pie in a Bag (Easy Homeschool Co-op Idea)
  • Free Fall Unit Study Ideas– For Older Kids Too
10 Pumpkin Fall Crafts and Two Yummy Pumpkin Seed Recipes

Finally, look at these recipes for pumpkin seeds.

Two Yummy Pumpkin Seed Recipes

You can make both or one of these yummy pumpkin seed recipes with your kids.

Simply split in half to make some of each to sample.

You will need:

  • 1 ½ cups pumpkin seeds
  • 1 Tablespoon of olive or coconut oil

Savory-

  • Dry ranch seasoning

Sweet-

  • 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla
10 Pumpkin Fall Crafts and Two Yummy Pumpkin Seed Recipes

First, preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Once you scoop the seeds out of your pumpkin, rinse them well in a strainer. Pick out any bits of pumpkin.

10 Pumpkin Fall Crafts and Two Yummy Pumpkin Seed Recipes

Pat the seeds dry.

Pour over the oil and mix so that each one is soaked.

10 Pumpkin Fall Crafts and Two Yummy Pumpkin Seed Recipes

Add in seasonings and stir to coat all of them well.

10 Pumpkin Fall Crafts and Two Yummy Pumpkin Seed Recipes

Spread prepared pumpkin seeds over a baking sheet lined with a silpat mat.

10 Pumpkin Fall Crafts and Two Yummy Pumpkin Seed Recipes

Bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to mix and bake all of them evenly until they are browned,

Once the pumpkin seeds have cooled, loosen up the ones that are stuck together, the sugared ones especially will stick, and then place in an airtight container.

They are good for about a week to 10 days.

10 Pumpkin Fall Crafts and Two Yummy Pumpkin Seed Recipes

2 CommentsFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: fall, fall crafts, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, life science, pumkin, pumpkin, science

Fun Bat Anatomy Toilet Paper Roll Craft | 8 Bat Science Activities Preschool

October 8, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have 8 bat science activities preschool age and bat toilet paper roll craft. Also, I have more fun ideas for all ages on my post Why Bats Are Not Birds Fun Homeschool Unit Study and Lapbook.

October is the perfect time to incorporate bat science activities preschool ideas into your themes.

Fall is a busy time for bats. In the fall, bats in the eastern U.S. search for food and mates before they begin hibernation.

Some can hibernate for more than 6 months.

Fun Bat Anatomy Toilet Paper Roll Craft | 8 Bat Science Activities Preschool

Too, this year Bat Week is October 24th-31st.

It is an annual celebration, celebrated internationally, that raises awareness about the need for bat conservation.

Why are these little things so important?

While most of us are sleeping, bats are hard at work pollinating flowers, eating lots of insects, and spreading seeds that will grow new plants and trees.

5 Facts About Bat Anatomy

First, look at some fun facts about bats.

  1. Bat wings have a bone structure similar to that of the human hand.
  2. In between the bones are flaps of skin that are called the wing membrane.
  3. Small insect-eating bats like the little brown bat can have as many as 38 teeth, while vampire bats have only 20.
  4. Bats species that have thumbs that extend out of the wing as a small claw. They use this claw to climb up trees and other structures and reach a high “launching point” for flight takeoff.
  5. Bats have a highly adapted respiratory system to keep up with the demands of powered flight. During flight the respiratory cycle has a one-to-one relationship with the wing-beat cycle.
Fun Bat Anatomy Toilet Paper Roll Craft | 8 Bat Science Activities Preschool

Next, add some hands-on activities.

Here are 8 bat science preschool activities.

8 Hands-On Bat Science Activities Preschool

  1. Learn how bats find their way around with this Easy Echolocation Experiment.
  2. There is just something about that baking soda and vinegar reaction that kids can’t get enough of, this is a Fizzy Bat Experiment Your Kids Will Love.
  3. Send these cute little bats soaring with Flying Bat Straw Rockets with Free Printable Bat Templates. Who can send theirs the Highest? Farthest? Fastest?
  4. Another option for getting bats moving is the Flying Bats Stem Activity For Preschoolers
  5. This Free Printable: Types of Bats 3-Part Cards has images and species names for 8 different bats.
  6. Make Bat Habitats to demonstrate where and how they sleep with this super fun craft idea that is quick and easy.
  7. 4 Fun and Engaging Bat Activities
  8. Sensory bottles are a simple way for kids to explore and this one is full of sight words but could easily be modified to be letters for young preschoolers – Bat Themed Sensory Bottle Sight Word Game

If I could recommend one science book that works from preschool to high school as a delightful resource, it is the series Nature Anatomy.

You can use it to find not only bat species information but also a nice diagram on bat anatomy.

Fun Bat Anatomy Toilet Paper Roll Craft | 8 Bat Science Activities Preschool

Next, look at more books about bats.

Books for All Ages About Bats

Also, I’ve added not only books preschoolers will love, but added a few for your older kid too.

Besides, all ages from k to gray love bats.

9 Books and Resources for Kids Who Love Bats

Add some of these fun books and resources about bats for a hands-on day of learning.

Stellaluna 25th Anniversary Edition

Knocked from her mother’s safe embrace by an attacking owl, Stellaluna lands headfirst in a bird’s nest. This adorable baby fruit bat’s world is literally turned upside down when she is adopted by the occupants of the nest and adapts to their peculiar bird habits. Two pages of notes at the end of the story provide factual information about bats. “Delightful and informative but never didactic; a splendid debut.”--Kirkus Reviews

National Geographic Readers: Bats

They live in spooky caves, in forests, even in the dark reaches of ordinary attics and bridges. They flock by the hundreds, and they sleep while hanging upside down! In this beautifully photographed Level 2 Reader, kids learn about one of the most interesting creatures around—and discover the bat’s unique place in the wild and in the world. The high-interest topic, expertly written text, and bonus learning activity lay the groundwork for a successful and rewarding reading experience.

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.

Bats (New & Updated Edition)

Though people often think of bats as scary, bats are really shy, gentle animals. There are nearly 1000 different species of bats, and they live on every continent except Antarctica. Some are tiny, but the giant flying fox bat has a five-foot wingspan! Popular science author Gail Gibbons also discusses the efforts to protect the world's only truly flying mammals. A final page offers additional facts.

Bats of the World

The natural history and evolution of bats- Important identifying features- Habitats, migration patterns, and common mating practices- The status of various endangered bat species

Bats: An Illustrated Guide to All Species

Bats: An Illustrated Guide to All Species explores bats and their fundamental role in our ecosystems through lavish full-color photographs and lively narrative. From the Giant Golden Crowned Flying Fox, a megabat with a wingspan of more than five feet, to the aptly named Bumblebee Bat, the world's smallest mammal, the number and diversity of bat species have proven to be both rich and underestimated. Nocturnal, fast-flying, and secretive, bats are difficult to observe and catalog. This richly illustrated handbook presents bats' evolution, biology, behavior, and ecology. It offers in-depth profiles of four hundred megabats and microbats and detailed summaries of all the species identified to date. Complete with an introduction exploring bats' natural history and their unique adaptations to life on the wing, Bats includes close-up images of these animals' delicate and intricate forms and faces, each shaped by evolution to meet the demands of an extraordinarily specialized life.

Bat Plush, Stuffed Animal

  • Even if the nocturnal life is not for you; this plush toy bat will be ready to play.
  • Stuffed animals are the perfect gift for any age or occasion.

    The Secret Lives of Bats: My Adventures with the World's Most Misunderstood Mammals

    Stories and science surrounding the beloved bat, from an ecologist who has dedicated his life to the curious creature.

    Few people realize how sophisticated and intelligent bats are. Merlin Tuttle knows, and he has stopped at nothing to find and protect them on every continent they inhabit. Sharing highlights from a lifetime of adventure and discovery, Tuttle takes us to the frontiers of bat research to show that frog-eating bats can identify frogs by their calls, that some bats have social sophistication similar to that of higher primates, and that bats have remarkable memories. Bats also provide enormous benefits by eating crop pests, pollinating plants, and carrying seeds needed for reforestation. They save farmers billions of dollars annually and are essential to a healthy planet. Tuttle’s account
    forever changes the way we see these poorly understood yet fascinating creatures.

    Dissect-It Simulated Synthetic Lab Dissection - Bat

    REALISTIC AND SAFE EXPERIENCE – Made out of gelatin-like material that is absolutely safe for children, our Dissect-It Bat gives the realistic experience of a dissection without the use of a real bat!

    Fun Bat Anatomy Toilet Paper Roll Craft

    You will need:

    • Toilet paper roll
    • Brown craft paint
    • Brown craft foam
    • Brown pipe cleaner
    • Google eyes
    • Paintbrush
    • Black marker
    • Glue gun/sticks

    You could also make your bat gray, black, tan, or even red.

    Fun Bat Anatomy Toilet Paper Roll Craft | 8 Bat Science Activities Preschool

    First, fold over ½” of the top of the tube on both sides, overlapping them and securing with hot glue.

    Fun Bat Anatomy Toilet Paper Roll Craft | 8 Bat Science Activities Preschool

    Press together the opposite end and punch two holes through both layers.

    Fun Bat Anatomy Toilet Paper Roll Craft | 8 Bat Science Activities Preschool

    Paint the entire toilet paper tube on both sides and allow it to dry.

    Fun Bat Anatomy Toilet Paper Roll Craft | 8 Bat Science Activities Preschool

    While the paint is drying you can ready the craft foam for wings.

    Trace one wing on half the craft foam, be sure to include the thumb claw on the top of the wing and the arches on the bottom of the wing.

    Also leave a small tail point in the center.

    Fun Bat Anatomy Toilet Paper Roll Craft | 8 Bat Science Activities Preschool

    Fold the foam in half and cut out your wing on both sides so that it is symmetrical on both sides.

    Leave the center uncut.

    Fun Bat Anatomy Toilet Paper Roll Craft | 8 Bat Science Activities Preschool

    Trace the outline of the wings and the area from the top of the wing down to the finger with a black marker.

    Fun Bat Anatomy Toilet Paper Roll Craft | 8 Bat Science Activities Preschool

    Once the paint is dry hot glue the bottom, be careful not to block the holes you made.

    Glue on googly eyes and draw on the mouth/nose.

    Fun Bat Anatomy Toilet Paper Roll Craft | 8 Bat Science Activities Preschool

    Run a pipe cleaner through one punched hole in the bottom and out the other, trim it down. 

    Twist small pieces of brown pipe cleaner around the bottom of each to form toes.

    Fun Bat Anatomy Toilet Paper Roll Craft | 8 Bat Science Activities Preschool

    Glue the body in place to the center of the wings, let the tail hang below the roll.

    Fun Bat Anatomy Toilet Paper Roll Craft | 8 Bat Science Activities Preschool

    Now if you want to take your bat craft to the next level you can create or help your child write out their own labels for the bats anatomy.

    Depending on your child’s age you can have more detailed labels like individual fingers or just leave it general for younger children.

    Fun Bat Anatomy Toilet Paper Roll Craft | 8 Bat Science Activities Preschool

    Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: bats, elementary science, fall, fall crafts, hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, life science, preschool, preschool skills, toilet paper roll

    Pumpkin Anatomy | Kids Exploring the Parts of a Pumpkin And Printables

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

    Pumpkin anatomy is a wonderful topic for fall where your child can explore the ins and outs of a pumpkin using their senses. Also, you’ll love my page Fall Season Unit Study {Pumpkins, Leaves, Corn, & More}.

    Dissecting a pumpkin allows children to explore every part of it and encouraging them to describe it using all their senses develops language and vocabulary.

    Pumpkin Anatomy | Kids Exploring the Parts of a Pumpkin And Free Printables

    First, look at vocabulary words for parts of a pumpkin.

    Parts of a Pumpkin Anatomy Facts

    • Skin- Also called the rind, it protects the insides of the pumpkin from bacteria and keeps moisture in.
    • Stem- Pumpkin stems are green while the pumpkin is growing and attached to the vine, turning darker green and then brown as the fruit ripens and matures.
    • Tendrils-Help anchor the vine and protect it from the wind. They are also vital in absorbing nutrients for the plant.
    • Leaves- The leaves help to create shade for the fruits and protect them from sunburn or sunscald. They are also edible and are a rich source of various vitamins and minerals.
    • Seeds- Each pumpkin contains about 500 seeds, once they are planted and sprout it takes 90 to 120 days to reach maturity.
    • Fibrous Strands-Also known as funiculi, each of the strands is connected to a seed and to the placenta of the fruit. As the pumpkin grows nutrients travel through these strands to feed the seeds.
    Pumpkin Anatomy | Kids Exploring the Parts of a Pumpkin And Free Printables

    Also, grab some of these fun books about pumpkins.

    Books About Pumpkins

    8 Pumpkin Books

    Grab some of these fun books about pumpkins, fall and fall harvest.

    Too Many Pumpkins

    Rebecca Estelle has hated pumpkins ever since she was a girl when pumpkins were often the only food her family had. When an enormous pumpkin falls off a truck and smashes in her yard, she shovels dirt over the pieces and forgets about them. But those slimy pumpkin smithereens sprout up in autumn, and Rebecca Estelle finds a sea of pumpkins in her garden. A heartwarming classic for more than twenty years, this story shows what happens when one thrifty gardener figures out how to make other people happy with the squash she can't stomach.

    Seed, Sprout, Pumpkin, Pie (Picture the Seasons)

    Seed, Sprout, Pumpkin, Pie follows Apples for Everyone in the Picture the Seasons series. This beautifully photographed picture book about everybody’s favorite fall treat is sure to please kids both young and old. The glossy, festive images and lively text are sure to get your family in the mood to celebrate the season.Pumpkins! Who can resist the sight of big, round, orange pumpkins ripening in a field?

    How Big Could Your Pumpkin Grow?

    Every year, giant pumpkin contests take place at fairs across the country—the 2012 record-holder weighed over a ton! The latest craze is to carve the most enormous pumpkins into racing boats. But what’s next? Why not think really big? Award-winning artist Wendell Minor does just that as he imagines larger-than-life pumpkins decorating some of America’s favorite places—as immense as the Capitol dome, Mount Rushmore, the Brooklyn Bridge, even the Grand Canyon! This celebration of famous landmarks and landscapes plays with concepts of size and scale and is full of fun facts.

    How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin?

    How many seeds are in a pumpkin?" Mr. Tiffin asks his class as they gather around the big, medium, and small pumpkins on his desk. Robert, the biggest kid, guesses that the largest one has a million seeds; Elinor, sounding like she knows what she's talking about, guesses the medium one has 500 seeds; and Anna, who likes even numbers better than odd ones, guesses that the little one has 22. Charlie, the smallest boy in the class, doesn't have a guess.

    Pumpkins (First Step Nonfiction ― Plant Life Cycles)

    Plant Life Cycles

    From Seed to Pumpkin: A Fall Book for Kids

    This is a clear and appealing environmental science book for early elementary age kids, both at home and in the classroom. Plus it includes a find out more section with activities such as an experiment to show how plants use roots to drink water from the ground and a recipe for roasted pumpkin seeds.

    Autumn Harvest

    "Mr. Tresselt writes quiet, factual prose about katydids, reapers and threshing, falling leaves, apple-gathering, and the first frost."-

    Mr. Hermit Miser and the Neighborly Pumpkin: the green edition

    Mr. Hermit Miser doesn’t like his neighbors, and they don’t like him. But when a pumpkin vine sprouts in Mr. Hermit Miser’s yard and makes its way into the neighbors’ yards, but he wants all those pumpkins for pies … well, what is he to do?

    With adventures in pumpkin-snatching, failed attempts at baking pies, and pumpkin goo everywhere, this tale about being neighborly in a not-so-perfect way will be an endearing autumn story for all the readers in your circle.

    Next, look how to use the fall pumpkin notebooking pages.

    Anatomy Life Cycle and Parts of a Pumpkin Notebooking Pages

    Also, I have these pumpkin anatomy, life cycle and parts of a pumpkin notebooking pages.

    Altogether I have 8 pages in total.

    Here are the sets.

    • The first set is Anatomy of a Pumpkin label page. It is the SAME page in two different ways. One page is labeled and the other one is not labeled. Some kids can’t write, some kids struggle with writing and others love to write. You have choices.
    • The next three pages are Parts of a Pumpkin. Print the cards and you can even laminate them and use them over and over so your little ones can label the pumpkin as they investigate it.
    • The next two pages are Pumpkin Life Cylce. Like the anatomy page, one is labeled and the other page is not labeled.
    • The last page is for an older learner who may prefer to just write about fall or a pumpkin.

    Also, remember my printables can be folded like minibooks and placed in your lapbooks.

    Read how to do that here at my post How to Turn Boring Worksheets into Fun Minibooks – From Boring to Interactive.

    Note: My free printables were free for a limited time for my subscribers.

    Pumpkin Anatomy | Kids Exploring the Parts of a Pumpkin And Free Printables

    Next, look at some more fun hands-on pumpkin activities.

    Pumpkin Anatomy Hands-On Activities

    • Take the sensory experience even further by making Pumpkin Slime With Real Pumpkin.
    • Focus on the pumpkin’s skin with the Preschool Pumpkin Skin Experiment and test the strength of the skin and more.
    • Pumpkin Science: States of Matter- Let’s kids investigate pumpkin in all of its different states.
    • Pumpkin Experiment: Do Pumpkins Sink Or Float?
    • Take exploring the parts of a pumpkin to the next level by turning them into the Parts of a Pumpkin Craft
    • Who doesn’t love a good bubbling volcano? Try these fun Pumpkin Volcano Activities for Preschoolers

    Note: My free printables were free for a limited time for my subscribers.

    Pumpkin Anatomy | Kids Exploring the Parts of a Pumpkin And Free Printables

    Finally, look at this activity to learn about pumpkin anatomy.

    How to Set Up Your Pumpkin Anatomy Station

    You will need:

    • Pumpkin(s)
    • Knife
    • Magnifying glass
    • Tweezers
    • Plastic spoon
    • Pumpkin Anatomy printables
    Pumpkin Anatomy | Kids Exploring the Parts of a Pumpkin And Free Printables

    First, start on the outside of the pumpkin and have your child feel and describe the pumpkin. Is it smooth or bumpy?

    Pumpkin Anatomy | Kids Exploring the Parts of a Pumpkin And Free Printables

    How about the stem? How would they describe the stem of the pumpkin? Is the pumpkin heavy or light?  If you have more than one pumpkin, compare the weight, ask which is heavier.

    Knock on the outside, what does it sound like?

    Pumpkin Anatomy Station

    Now, you can use the printables any way you like but if you are going to be exploring and matching up the parts of a pumpkin I suggest you print out the pumpkin anatomy and the parts of a pumpkin card and laminate them.

    This makes it super easy to wipe off if they get pumpkin on them and they can be reused time and time again.

    Pumpkin Anatomy | Kids Exploring the Parts of a Pumpkin And Free Printables

    Next you want to cut off as much of the top of the pumpkin as you can so they can really dig in there and explore. That is the most fun part, especially for sensory seeking kiddos.

    Pumpkin Anatomy | Kids Exploring the Parts of a Pumpkin And Free Printables

    Adding tools like magnifying glass, tweezers, and a little plastic spoon makes it a lot more fun to dig.

    Let them get in there and explore as much as they like, pulling out seeds and the fibrous strands.

    Pumpkin Anatomy | Kids Exploring the Parts of a Pumpkin And Free Printables

    Peel off a bit of the tough skin of the pumpkin, so that they can feel it on both sides.

    Pumpkin Anatomy | Kids Exploring the Parts of a Pumpkin And Free Printables

    Explore the fiber strands, talk about what parts of the pumpkin are edible, and how they feel.

    Talk about how the seeds feel and how each one can grow a new pumpkin.

    Take some of the seeds and plant them in a little cup of dirt.

    This is the time of harvesting rather than planting them but at least they can watch their little pumpkin sprout over the course of a few weeks.

    In warmer states you will likely not get your hands on a pumpkin you can cut fresh from the vine so it will probably not have leaves or tendrils.

    To give your child an understanding of these parts you can add some silk leaves and a coiled pipe cleaner to help them visualize it better.

    Pumpkin Anatomy | Kids Exploring the Parts of a Pumpkin And Free Printables

    How to Get the Pumpkin Lapbook Pumpkin Anatomy Pages

    Finally, I have a fun pumpkin lapbook to use with multiple ages. I geared it toward grades 2 to 4 but again grades are selective as we know.

    Look at the printables included in the download.

    • One front outside cover in color. Mix and match the pieces for the outside flap.
    • One front outside flap cover for your child to color.
    • Pumpkin Life Cycle and labeled parts of pumpkin
    • 7 vocabulary words and definitions
    • Seed box pocket to store saved seeds
    • About pumpkin pocket with facts
    • Parts of pumpkin fact card
    • More Pumpkin Facts & Fun pocket to glue on back of file folder

    One About Pumpkin Notebooking page for your children to write what interests them.

    Two Anatomy of a Pumpkin Notebooking Pages. One has facts filled in and one page is blank so that your child labels the part.

    • Dynamic and Fun Pumpkin Lapbook for Multiple Ages

      Dynamic and Fun Pumpkin Lapbook for Multiple Ages

      $4.00
      Add to cart

    Three pages of pumpkin note cards to use to identify the parts of a pumpkin.

    Two Life Cycle of a Pumpkin pages. One has facts filled in and one page is blank so that your child labels the cycle.

    Pumpkin Anatomy | Kids Exploring the Parts of a Pumpkin And Printables

    Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: earthscience, elementary science, fall, fall crafts, hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, life cycle, life science, pumpkin, science, sciuence

    Simple and Easy Circulatory System Hands-on Activity for Kids

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

    I have a fun circulatory system hands-on activity. Also, I have this Human Body Crafts page for more hands-on ideas. And this Beautiful Human Body Lapbook and Fun Unit Study.

    There are plenty of worksheets out there but if you have a kid who learns better by getting fully involved in projects, they’ll love this.

    You just need a few simple items from the Dollar Tree to create a large presentation for home, co-op, or a science demonstration.

    Simple and Easy Circulatory System Hands-on Activity for Kids

    I created it to look just like a labeling worksheet, but it puts your child in the driver’s seat from start to finish.

    This helps them better understand how the circulatory system works.

    Depending on your child’s age and ability you can have them add more details such as including more details about the heart, blood vessels, and capillaries. 

    Be sure to check out the resources I share to give your lesson a little more.

    What Is The Circulatory System?

    The circulatory system consists of blood vessels that carry blood away from and back toward the heart and carry oxygen, nutrients, and hormones while removing waste products such as carbon dioxide.

    The arteries carry blood away from the heart and the veins carry blood back to the heart. 

    • Heart- Your heart is a pump and with each heartbeat, it sends blood throughout our bodies.
    • Aorta- This is the main artery of the body responsible for supplying oxygenated blood to the circulatory system.
    • Pulmonary Artery-Carries oxygen-poor blood from the right side of your heart to your lungs.
    • Pulmonary Veins-Transport oxygenated blood from the lung alveoli into the left atria.
    • Carotid Artery- Carry your brain’s blood supply from the heart.
    • Jugular Vein-Carries blood from different areas of the head back to the heart.
    • Renal Artery- Takes blood from the heart to the kidneys.
    • Renal Vein- Moves blood from the kidneys to the inferior vena cava.
    • Femoral Artery- The main blood vessel supplying blood to the lower half of your body.
    • Femoral Vein- Transports blood from your lower limbs back to the heart.
    • Superior Vena Cava- The valveless vein that moves blood from the upper half of the body and returns it to the right atrium.
    • Inferior Vena Cava-Carries the deoxygenated blood from the lower and middle body into the right atrium of the heart.
    • Tibial Artery-Delivers oxygenated blood to the lower leg.
    • Tibial Vein- Moves blood from the lower leg and foot back to the heart.
    • Brachial Artery- Supplies blood to your upper arm, elbow, forearm, and hand.
    • Brachial Vein- Transports blood from the upper arm, elbow, and hand back to the heart.
    Simple and Easy Circulatory System Hands-on Activity for Kids

    Next, look at these human body resources.

    Human Body Resources

    16 Human Body Books & Hands-on Resources

    Add a few of these fun resources whether you do a couple of lesson plans about the human body or a unit study.

    The Way We Work: Getting to Know the Amazing Human Body

    One of the resources we used as a reference for this activity was The Way We Work, it covers a lot of interesting topics on the human body.

    Medical Torso Human Body Model Anatomy

    Vivid Human torso organ structure: 15 Pcs Removable Organs including: Torso, Brain (2-part), Heart, Esophagus and Aorta, Lungs (4-part), Cranial Cap, Stomach, Diaphragm, Liver, pancreas and spleen, small and large intestine. The torso structure showing the relative position, morphological features, anatomy of the head, neck and internal organs, especially the respiratory, digestive, urinary and nervous systems.

    Human Organs Shape Silicone Molds 8 Pc

    [HUMAN ORGANS SILICONE MOLD]: 8 Pcs Human Organs Mold With Different Shapes, Include 1 Human Heart Mold, 1 Brain Silicone Mold, 1 Liver Mold, 1 Intestinal Mold, 1 Lung Mold, 1 Stomach Mold, 1 Brain Stem Mold, 1 Kidney Mold.

    Ooze Labs: Visible Human Body with Squishable Organs

    This human body with squishable organs is another great way to identify the organs and become familiar with their layout in the body, it has that gross factor that so many kids love.

    Human Body Model for Kids 8PCS Mini Body Parts

    8PCS Human Organ Figures Set:Human organ anatomy parts display model children learning toy include small intestine, large intestine, lung, brain, stomach, heart, liver, kidney. Suitable for boys and girls over 6 years old,good for brain ability and imagination.

    Anatomy (Quickstudy Academic)

    Complete labeled illustrations of over 1,400 anatomical identifications.Loaded with beautifully illustrated diagrams clearly and concisely labeled for easy identification.

    Basher Science: Human Body: A Book with Guts!

    Basher Science: Human Body, A Book with Guts! Created & illustrated by Simon Basher, written by Dan Green

    From the best-selling team that brought you The Periodic Table, Physics, Biology, and Astronomy comes a topic that's close to our hearts-literally! Meet the characters and processes that that keep the human body chugging along. From the basic building blocks like Cell, DNA, and Protein, to Bones, Muscles, and all of the fun-loving Organs, readers will cozy up with the guys on the inside. Trust us-Liver has never looked better!

    Heart Anatomy Poster - LAMINATED

    High-quality 3 MIL LAMINATION for added durability

    Tear Resistant

    Human Heart Anatomy Floor Puzzle

    HUMAN ORGANS LEARNING: Marvel at the rich complexities of the human heart muscle! Every piece has a unique shape designed to outline each major part of the heart organ, making these an exciting challenge to assemble. Each puzzle includes an Anatomy Reference Guide, so you can learn as you build!

    Fixed Bones X-Rays, Black/White, 14 Pieces,

    • Authentic x-ray images
    • Works with any light source or light table)
    • Matching facture card
    • Detailed teaching guide

    4 Pack - Anatomical Poster Set - Laminated - Muscular, Skeletal, Ligaments of the Joints, Anatomy of the Spine

    • Set of 4 Posters Made in the USA
    • Posters are 18" x 24” in size
    • High-quality 3 MIL lamination for added durability
    • Tear Resistant

    My First Book About the Brain (Dover Science For Kids Coloring Books)

    Discover the workings of the body's most complex organ! How does the brain control the rest of the body? How does it enable the senses to function, regulate speech, affect balance, and influence sleep and dreams? These 25 illustrations to color explain every aspect of the brain's important jobs, from communicating with the central nervous system to retaining memories. Suitable for ages 8–12.

    Skull Anatomy Coloring Book: Incredibly Detailed Self-Test Human Skull Anatomy Coloring Book

    Enjoy This Coloring Book with 34 Beautiful Human Skull Anatomy Coloring Pages.

    The Human Skull Anatomy Coloring Book Provides A Means Of Learning About The Structure And Function Of The Human Skull Anatomy Through A Process Of Coloring-By-Directions.

    Coloring The Human Skull Anatomy And Its Nerves Is The Most Effective Way To Study The Structure And Functions Of Human Skull Anatomy. You Assimilate Information And Make Visual Associations With Key Terminology When Coloring In The Human Skull Anatomy Coloring Book, All While Having Fun.

    1 Pair Plastic Skeleton Hands

    Fall is a grea time to grab a set of hands at Dollar Tree but also here is a pair if you're doing a unit study and need one now.

    Circulatory System Poster

    This poster makes a great reference and can be used with older children to help them add more detail to their project.

    The Circulatory System (Your Body Systems: Blastoff! Readers

    Our bodies contain a super highway of blood vessels that carry nutrients, waste, and much more from our heads to our toes. This network is the circulatory system! Beginning with a deep breath in, this fact-filled title uses easy-to-follow text and diagrams to allow readers to dive inside the bodys circulatory system!

    The human body is a complex being made up of systems that keep us alive and moving! In this series, readers will dive into the bodys systems though engaging, leveled text and related diagrams that follow the parts and functions of each system. Get a microscopic view inside the body with A Closer Look, and put new knowledge into action with a hands-on activity. Check out what is happening inside the body with each title!

    Also, look at these other activities for crafts or hands-on activities.

    More Human Body Crafts

    • Simple and Easy Circulatory System Hands-on Activity for Kids
    • How to Turn a Pizza Into a Fun Edible Human Cell Model
    • How To Make A Fun Bones Of The Hand Labeled X-Ray Craft
    • 7 Human Skull Facts and Cool Human Skull Anatomy Activity
    • How to Make a Fun Hands-on Playdough Brain Activity
    • Major Organs of The Human Body Labeled Fun Felt Anatomy Activity
    • Fun Resources and Books About The Human Body For Preschoolers
    • 8 Eye Facts & Human Body Activities Middle School & Fun Eye Model
    • 12 Human Body Games For Middle School & High School
    • Craft a Fun Hand Straw Model to Explore Human Anatomy Muscles & Tendons
    • How to Make a Human DIY Heart Model Easy Craft for Kids
    • 8 Facts About the Respiratory System & Fun Lung Craft for Kids
    • 7 Human Body Facts and Kids Human Body T-Shirt Project
    • Fun Edible Spine
    • Making Blood + What Are the Components of Blood
    • DIY Heart Pump
    • Kids Stethoscope Activity
    • Build An Edible DNA Model
    • Edible Skin
    • Rigid versus Flexible Bone Activity.
    • Pregnancy Belly Female Study of Human Anatomy Kids Fun Craft
    • Look at my Beautiful Human Body Lapbook and Fun Unit Study
    Simple and Easy Circulatory System Hands-on Activity for Kids
    • Dynamic and Fun Human Body Lapbook for Multiple Ages

      Dynamic and Fun Human Body Lapbook for Multiple Ages

      $5.00
      Add to cart

    Finally, look at how to do this fun circulatory system hands-on activity.      

    Circulatory System Hands-on Activity      

    You will need:

    • Science Board
    • Red craft foam
    • Blue craft foam
    • 4 sheets of cream paper
    • Red pipe cleaners/yarn
    • Blue cleaners/yarn
    • glue
    • Printable labels
    Simple and Easy Circulatory System Hands-on Activity for Kids

    First, cut the head, torso, arms, and legs from the cream paper that fills up the center of the board.

    Basically, you are creating a fuller stick figure shape.

    Simple and Easy Circulatory System Hands-on Activity for Kids

    Glue the pieces down to the board to form your figure.

    Simple and Easy Circulatory System Hands-on Activity for Kids

    Cut the basic heart shape from red craft foam.

    You can find a simple outline in a book or online, but it essentially looks like a basket.

    Add 3 short valves to the top and 2 coming out of each side.

    Simple and Easy Circulatory System Hands-on Activity for Kids

    Cut two blue pieces with two small valves off each to represent the pulmonary artery and the superior vena cava. Attach to the red portion of the heart and glue it into place.

    Simple and Easy Circulatory System Hands-on Activity for Kids

    I find a hot glue gun is the easiest and quickest way to secure the pipe cleaners in this next part to demonstrate the veins and arteries.

    Hot glue veins and arteries coming out of the heart (red for arteries, blue for veins) on just one end and hold into place until the glue hardens.

    Simple and Easy Circulatory System Hands-on Activity for Kids

    Once the glue is dry, bend and manipulate the pipe cleaners to go in the direction they should be and then glue the rest of the way.

    Simple and Easy Circulatory System Hands-on Activity for Kids

    Running one artery and vein through each extremity, unless you are doing this with an older child, and then you can add more details.

    Simple and Easy Circulatory System Hands-on Activity for Kids

    Then write the labels using my list above.

    Just like you would find on a worksheet create lines for labeling using a black Sharpie for each of the labels.

    Simple and Easy Circulatory System Hands-on Activity for Kids

    Glue the labels into the correct place.

    Simple and Easy Circulatory System Hands-on Activity for Kids

    Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: circulatory system, hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, homeschoolscience, human body, human body crafts, life science, science

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