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life science

The Ultimate 30 Day Free Science For Homeschoolers Challenge

February 14, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today,I have a fun 30 day free science for homeschoolers printable challenge.

Besides, helping you to teach for the month, this interactive activity nurtures a child’s natural love for the world around them.

The 30 day free printable challenge is has fun facts, activity ideas, and a clickable link to a video.

The Ultimate 30 Day Free Science For Homeschoolers Challenge

Too, the challenge encourages a child to keep doing different activities each day on various topics.

Sometimes, in our effort to be thorough in our teaching we can be stifled.

For example, we may stay on one science topic for each year.

This 30 day challenge besides breathing life int our science day may even help you throw a lure out to see what interests your child.

Any one of the topics covered in my 30 science curiosity challenge can be turned to several weeks unit study.

SCIENCE UNIT STUDY SPINES FOR KIDS

Also, look at some of my favorite science spines which can be used to turn any topic to unit study.

I prefer living books when I can find them, but find these are more helpful than others.

17 Favorite Unit Study Science Spines

I love to pair a living book about a topic with a reference book to use as spines. Sometimes, it’s easier to use a reference book as a spine and add living books as we go along. These are some of my favorite science spines.

DK Eyewitness Collection 15 Books Set (Human Body,Ocean,Volcano & Earthquake,Animal,Planets,Periodic Table,Dinosaurs,Mythology,Ancient Egypt,Tudor,Victorians,Ancient Rome,Ancient Greece and More)

(Human Body, Ocean,Volcano & Earthquake, Animal, Planets, Periodic Table, Dinosaurs, Mythology, Ancient Egypt, Tudor, Victorians, Ancient Rome, Ancient Greece and More)

The Water Cycle!: With 25 Science Projects for Kids

Drip―Drop―Splash! Water is essential to all forms of life. So let’s learn all about it! The Water Cycle! With 25 Science Projects for Kids captures kids’ imaginations with a deep look at the world of water. Combining hands-on activities with history and science, The Water Cycle! invites kids to have fun learning about the water cycle, water resources, drinking water and sanitation, water pollution and conservation, water use, water folklore and festivals, and the latest in water technology.

Skulls and Skeletons!: With 25 Science Projects for Kids

What would happen if you had no bones? You might fall over flat on the floor!

Bones are those hard parts of our bodies that make up our skeletons and skulls, and we need them in lots of different ways. In Skulls and Skeletons! With 25 Science Projects for Kids, readers learn about the bones in their bodies and why we can’t live without them. And bones aren’t just good for humans―many animals can’t live without them! But do all animals have bones? No, they don’t! And why do fish look so much different from birds, even though both have bones? Organisms use their bodies in different ways to successfully live in different habitats. For example, a bird’s light bones are great for flying, but would not support them deep in the ocean.

Weather and Climate!: With 25 Science Projects for Kids

What’s it like outside? Is it a day for building a snowman, constructing a sandcastle, or planting a garden? Weather and Climate! With 25 Science Projects for Kids introduces kids ages 7 to 10 to the fascinating world of meteorology and all of the ways what’s going on in the atmosphere above our heads can affect us here on the earth! Plus, discover how weather and climate change are linked but not the same, and figure out ways to be part of the solution to the problem of global warming.

The activity in our atmosphere plays a critical role in our lives and in the health of our planet. Today’s weather determines what clothes you wear and what you are going to do after school, while the local climate influences what kind of car your parents drive, what kind of house you live in, and―believe it or not―what foods you eat!

Rivers and Streams!: With 25 Science Projects for Kids

Did you know that without rivers, human life might not have developed as it did? We might be a very difference species if it wasn’t for rivers, as would the other plants and animals who depends on rivers and streams for food, transportation, water, and power!

In Rivers and Streams! With 25 Science Projects for Kids, readers ages 7 to 10 dive in and discover how rivers change the shape of the land while plants, animals, and humans change the shape of
rivers. Through fun facts, engaging content, and essential questions, kids learn about the vital role that rivers and streams have played in human history and explore the ways rivers and streams might affect our future. Science experiments that promote critical thinking and creative problem solving encourage kids to make their own discoveries about the waterways they might pass every day.

Kitchen Chemistry: Cool Crystals, Rockin’ Reactions, and Magical Mixtures with Hands-On Science Activities

Bring chemistry to your kitchen with a book that offers hands-on science activities that can be done with ingredients from your pantry and the refrigerator!

What’s going on when you cook in the kitchen? Science!

In Kitchen Chemistry: Cool Crystals, Rockin’ Reactions, and Magical Mixtures with Hands-On Science Activities, readers ages 9 to 12 discover that the cooking, mixing, and measuring you do in the kitchen all has its roots deep in science―chemistry to be exact!

Explore Rivers and Ponds!: With 25 Great Projects

Explore Rivers and Ponds! with 25 Great Projects, introduces kids to the fascinating world of freshwater habitats and the creatures they contain. Combining hands-on activities with ecology and
science, kids will have fun learning about the freshwater biome, including lakes and ponds, streams and rivers, and wetlands. Entertaining illustrations and fascinating sidebars illuminate the topic and bring it to life, while Words to Know highlighted and defined within the text reinforce new vocabulary. Projects include assembling an ecologist’s field kit, creating a fishless aquarium, pouring casts of animal tracks, and building a watershed replica. Additional materials include a glossary, and a list of current reference works, websites, museums, and science centers.

Robotics!: With 25 Science Projects for Kids

Where was the last time you saw a robot? Did you read about one in a book or see one in a movie? Maybe you saw one in a video game!

Some people think robots exist only in our imagination, but actually, robots are all around us right now. Robotics! With 25 Science Projects for Kids offers readers ages 7 to 10 an introduction to the history, mechanics, and future use of robots! Readers explore the history of robotics and discover how the first types looked and moved and what people expected they could do. Compare these early robots to those we have today, some of which don’t even have bodies! Kids discover how robots have changed as decades have passed and see how they now look, think, sense, move, and do things.

Gutsy Girls Go For Science: Astronauts: With Stem Projects for Kids

Hands-on space science projects help launch kids ages 8 to 11 into learning about fearless female astronauts who broke barriers across space and gender in this full-color book full of real-world connections!

Do you dream of going into space? Do you wonder what it’s like on the moon? In Gutsy Girls Go for Science: Astronauts with STEM Projects for Kids, readers ages 8 through 11 explore the lives of some of the world’s most amazing female astronauts, including Bonnie Dunbar, Sally Ride, Mae Jemison, Sunita Williams, and Serena Auñón-Chancellor―all pioneers in the field of space exploration. Their hard work and dedication to science and experimentation gave the world much new knowledge about space, biology, and more. These brave women took risks and pushed the limits of what we know about life in space.

Energy: 25 Projects Investigate Why We Need Power & How We Get It

Energy is a vital part of our lives. It powers our computer, lights our home, and moves our car. It also costs a lot of money and pollutes our environment. In Energy: 25 Projects Investigate Why We Need Power and How We Get It, kids ages 9–12 learn about the history and science of the world’s energy sources, from nonrenewable fossil fuels such as oil and natural gas to renewable sources such as solar and wind power.

Zoology: Inside the Secret World of Animals (DK Secret World Encyclopedias)

This visual reference book starts with the question "what is an animal?" and takes you through the animal kingdom - mammals, reptiles, birds, and sea creatures. It uses a unique head-to-toe approach that showcases in spectacular detail special features like the flight feathers of a parrot, the antenna of a moth, or the tentacles of coral.This visual encyclopedia is filled with clear and fascinating information on everything about the social lives of animals. Read exciting stories like how animals communicate, defend their territories, and attract mates.

The Animal Book: A Visual Encyclopedia of Life on Earth (DK Our World in Pictures)

This inspiring children’s reference guide welcomes you to the animal kingdom where you can meet more than 1,500 species, ranging from ants to zebras and everything in between. Stunning pictures bring you face to face with giant predators you know and love, including polar bears and tigers, as well as mysterious microscopic life, including amoebas and bacteria.

Space A Visual Encyclopedia (DK Children's Visual Encyclopedias)

From the Moon, Sun, and planets of our Solar System to space exploration, black holes, and dark matter, this completely revised and updated children’s encyclopedia covers all you need to know about the cosmos. The most up-to-date images from space agencies such as NASA and ESA combine with info panels, timelines, interviews, diagrams, and activities you can do at home to help you understand the majesty and wonder of space. 

Backyard Biology: Investigate Habitats Outside Your Door with 25 Projects

BIOLOGY IS THE STUDY OF LIFE. Life is everywhere, thriving in the city and in the country, teeming in ecosystems around the planet—in deserts, oceans, and even the Arctic. And life is right outside your door! Backyard Biology invites children ages 9 and up to investigate living things —especially in yards, parks, nature areas, and playgrounds. Trivia and fun facts bring animals, plants, and microorganisms to life, in all their wonder.

Inventions: A Visual Encyclopedia (DK Children's Visual Encyclopedias)

This stunning visual guide explores and explains the greatest inventions, ideas, and discoveries throughout the ages, and introduces their inventors. From fire, stone tools, and the wheel to ploughs and paper, discover the first inventions that shaped societies and grew mighty civilizations and empires such as those in ancient Greece, ancient Rome, and ancient China.

The Arts: A Visual Encyclopedia (DK Children's Visual Encyclopedias)

From the first strokes of paint on prehistoric caves to contemporary street art in the 21st century, every artistic style and movement is explored and explained in stunning detail. Special features celebrate the lives of groundbreaking painters, sculptors, and photographers, from Dutch master Johannes Vermeer to photography pioneer Julia Margaret Cameron. Many best-loved pieces of art are showcased in iconic images. Marvel at Leonardo da Vinci's mysterious Mona Lisa, the most famous painted lady. March alongside China’s statues of the Terracotta Army, and gaze in awe at Barbara Hepworth's stunning Pelagos sculpture.

Ocean: A Visual Encyclopedia (DK Children's Visual Encyclopedias)

From the shimmering surface to the darkest depths, this breathtaking visual encyclopedia presents our blue planet as never before. Stunning photography, accessible information, and fascinating facts are spilling over in this essential guide to the oceans. Take a dip in all the world’s waters to experience their incredible diversity. Make a splash in the icy Arctic waters before warming up in the tropical Indian Ocean. Experience the super size of mighty whales compared to swarms of tiny krill. Cast your eyes to the skies to see circling sea birds before diving down to meet mysterious creatures of the deep. 

Then, look at some hands-on science for homeschoolers activities to pair with with the free 30 day printable challenge.

HANDS-ON SCIENCE FOR HOMESCHOOLERS ACTIVITIES

  • Carnivorous Plants For Kids and Make a Fun Paper Plate Venus Flytrap Craft
  • Amazing Volcano Facts For Kids & Awesome Lemon Volcano Experiment
  • Wright Brothers And Amazing Airplanes And Other Things That Fly
  • Alphabet Letter R is for Rainbow Craft for Preschool | Fun Rain Mobile
  • Exploring The Ocean With Ice Experiments: Simple Sea Animal Rescue
  • Fun Ice For Kids Inexpensive & Easy Nature Sensory Activity
  • Free Titanic Activity | Unlocking The Mystery Of Iceberg Science
  • Hands-on Activity Making Blood
  • 7 Easy Cloud Crafts For Preschoolers | Types of Clouds Activity
  • FBI Unit Study + Experiment 1 {Forensic Science-Fingerprints}
  • How do Fish Breathe Underwater Fun Activity & Animal Science Homeschool Curriculum
  • Fascinating and Fun Honey Bees Unit Study and Lapbook for Kids
The Ultimate 30 Day Free Science For Homeschoolers Challenge

Finally, look at how to get this free printable.

HOW TO GET THE FREE 30 DAY PRINTABLE SCIENCE CHALLENGE

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) CLICK HERE ON THIS LINK TO SIGN UP ON MY EMAIL LIST & TO GET THIS FREEBIE.

2) Grab the freebie now

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

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool, life science, science

Free Printable Colorful Frog Diorama: Cool Frog Life Cycle Facts

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

Today, we’re making a frog diorama and learning about the life cycle of our froggy friends. Also, look at my Free Toad and Frog Lapbook and Fun Homeschool Unit Study Ideas for more activities.

Whether they’re croaking in the pond or leaping through the forest, frogs are some of the most interesting animals around.

Frogs are amphibians, which means they can live both in water and on land.

They come in all shapes, sizes, and colors.

Free Printable Colorful Frog Diorama: Cool Frog Life Cycle Facts

Some frogs are tiny, like a penny, while others can be as big as a football.

There are over 6,000 species of frogs worldwide, each with its own unique life cycle and adaptations.

Frogs are sensitive to changes in temperature and environment, which is why they are great indicators of the health of their habitat.

You might spot frogs in ponds, marshes, or even your own backyard.

Frog Books for Kids

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

I prefer living books in my home library when I can find them.

Then I add reference books. Add some of these fun books to your library.

14 Frog Unit Study Resources

Add a book or two or some fun hands-on resources to your unit study.

The Frog (Animal Lives)

Superbly detailed drawings capture the elusive frog in its watery realm, as it captures its prey with a sticky tongue, feeds its young, and leaps from place to place to escape from predators.

Tale of a tadpole

The natural world doesn't work the way fairy tales do, but it still has its fair share of enchantments. With text and pictures that are both scientifically accurate and totally true to the comedies of family life, this is a happily-ever-after tale of unexpected transformations

Rainforest Frogs

Rainforest Frogs Haiku by Caley Vickerman Illustrated by Mark Lerer Foreword by Franco Andreone Designed and Edited by Susan Newman Frogs Are Green, Inc is proud to announce… Rainforest Frogs Order your copy now! Free shipping in the USA if you order directly from us! $11.95 | 52 pages softcover | Full color Rainforest Frogs profiles ten exotic and endangered amphibian species. Table of Contents Foreword by Franco Andreone Blue Poison Dart frog Amazon Milk frog Yellow-Banded Poison Dart frog Northern Glass frog Tiger’s Tree frog Golden Mantella Red-Eyed Tree frog Flat-Head Bromeliad Tree frog Tiger-Leg Monkey Tree frog Rabbs Fringe-Limbed Tree frog (Toughie)

Frog (Life Cycle of a . . .)

Do tadpoles have legs? Why do frogs live in water? How do frogs catch food? Explaining concepts through stunning photographs and simple text, 'Life Cycle of a Frog' takes an in-depth look at this familiar but fascinating animal.

Ice King Bear Plush Giant Frog

Scientific name of this frog is Conraua goliath (The largest frog in the world).

  • Product size is 22 inches length from head to soles of the feet, big size.
  • Soft, huggable material built to high-quality standards and hand wash best.
  • Suit for kids toy, funny party props, early education animals, cute decorations in house.
  • Climbing Tree Frogs (Pull Ahead Books)

    Introduces the physical characteristics, behavior, and habitats of North American tree frogs

    Frogs

    How far can frogs jump? Why do their eggs look slimy? Answer these questions and many more in this illustrated introduction to amphibians, and learn about the unique role frogs play in the environment. With her signature bright, well-labeled diagrams and simple text, Gail Gibbons introduces the habitat and life cycles of frogs, and gives a brief overview of common frog behaviors. Important vocabulary is introduced, defined, and reinforced with kid-friendly language and clear illustrations—plus a page of intriguing frog trivia. 

    Frog and Friends

    Frog and Toad

    Frog & Toad The Complete Collection

    This collection brings together all of Arnold Lobel’s engaging, warm and funny stories about Frog and Toad, and features a special foreword by Julia Donaldson. A collectable classic treasury that every child should read and own. Julia Donaldson says “I hugely admire and envy Arnold Lobel; he is my hero”. Once upon a time there were two good friends, a frog and a toad… From writing letters to going swimming, telling stories to finding lost buttons, Frog and Toad are always there for each other – just as best friends should be.

    Frog Growth Cycle

    This Forg life cycle set is a fun for children with an interest in insects and nature explore. And also it is a great teaching and learning tool for homeschoolers and preschoolers teaching.

    Anatomy Lab Soft Cover Frog Dissection Guide Book

    Fully Illustrated Guide: Each study guide is fully illustrated and conveys the complete dissection through illustration.

    Visualize the Steps: the dissection guides depict anatomically correct step-by-step procedural illustrations helping the student visualize key organs and anatomy aiding in the overall dissection process.

    Frog-Development Paperweight Specimens

    The frog development paperweight specimen is a 100% natural insect incased in clear resin block, you can observe its development all life stages very clearly from any angle.

    Red-eyed Tree Frog (Scholastic Bookshelf)

    Category: NatureIn a tropical rain forest in Central America, a red-eyed tree frog spends the night looking for food while avoiding potential predators. Award-winning photographer Nic Bishop's larger-than-life, gorgeous images document the hunt, which ends happily with the frog settling down in the leaves to spend his daylight hours sleeping! Joy Cowley's simple, readable text makes the frog's story fun, interesting, and accessible to young readers. This is a nature tale like you've never seen before!

    Frogs Toy Mini Vinyl Realistic Frog

    Rich in style: the plastic frogs toys contain 12 different types and each type includes 3 pieces, allowing you to combine and match for beautiful and personalized decorations at your will, which can give rein to your imagination and creativity

    Quality material: the realistic frogs toy decorations are made of quality PVC material for safety and wearing, which are odorless; They are also easy to clean and can be applied many times, providing a comfortable touching experience for you

    Also, look at some fun features about frogs.

    Frog Features

    What makes frog so fun learn about is their features.

    For example, look at these features.

    Big Eyes: Frogs have large, bulging eyes that help them see in the dark and spot their prey.

    Sticky Tongue: Frogs use their long, sticky tongues to catch insects.

    When a frog sees a bug, its tongue shoots out super fast and sticks to the bug, pulling it back into the frog’s mouth.

    Slimy Skin: A frog’s skin is smooth and slimy, which helps keep them moist and healthy.

    Some frogs even have bright colors or patterns to warn predators that they’re toxic (poisonous).

    Hopping Legs: Frogs are excellent jumpers.

    Their powerful back legs help them leap from place to place, and they can jump up to 20 times their own body length.

    Additionally, learn about the frog life cycle with this diorama.

    4 Stages Frog Life Cycle

    They go through a fascinating transformation as they grow.

    They go through four stages.

    1. Egg

    A female frog can lay hundreds of eggs at once.

    These eggs are often grouped together in jelly-like clusters. They’re pretty small and look like tiny, transparent blobs.

    2. Tadpole

    Once the eggs hatch, out come the tadpoles.

    Tadpoles are like little fish with tails and gills.

    They live in the water and spend their days swimming around.

    At this stage, tadpoles don’t look much like frogs yet. They’re mostly focused on eating and growing.

    Cool Fact: Tadpoles feed on algae and tiny plants in the water.

    As they grow, they start to develop legs and their tails begin to shrink.

    3. Tadpoles with Legs

    As the tadpoles continue to grow, they start to change dramatically. This stage is called the “tadpole with legs” phase. Here’s what happens:

    Then tadpoles gradually lose their gills and start developing lungs so they can breathe air.

    First, the hind legs begin to grow, followed by the front legs.

    Thereafter, the tadpole’s tail gets shorter as the body transforms.

    4. Adult Frog

    Finally, the tadpole turns into an adult frog.

    This is when it’s ready to hop out of the water and start living on land.

    Adult frogs have strong legs for jumping and a different diet. They eat insects and other small animals instead of algae.

    Free Printable Colorful Frog Diorama: Cool Frog Life Cycle Facts

    Adult frogs have to stay moist to keep their skin healthy, so you might often see them in damp or wet places.

    Finally, do this fun printable colorful frog diorama together.

    How to Get the Free Printable Frog Diorama Life Cycle

    Now, how to grab the free diorama. 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.

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

    Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: diorama, frog life cycle, frogs, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool, life science

    The World of Plants: The Educational Value of a Plant Lapbook

    February 11, 2025 | Leave a Comment
    This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

    I have an incredible plant lapbook. Also, look at my page Homeschool Lapbooks – Powerful Tools For Mastery Learning.

    This plant lapbook is colorful, interactive, and loads of fun to build along with plenty of resources to make this study amazing.

    Lapbooks are such a great way to submerge yourself in a topic.

    The World of Plants: The Educational Value of a Plant Lapbook

    And they encourage hands-on, interactive learning and allow your child to organize the information in a creative way.

    From the life cycle of a plant to the parts of a plant and what it needs, I have gathered up some hands-on activities to make it fun and educational.

    Of course, I am sharing some wonderful books and other resources.

    First, look at these fun books.

    PLANT BOOKS FOR KIDS

    9 Plant Books for Kids Who Read and Love to Be Read To

     Add a few of these books about plants to your home library or to your unit study.

    Living Sunlight: How Plants Bring The Earth To Life

    Living Sunlight shows children, teachers, and parents the remarkable magic of what makes us human.This informative yet dramatic book will mesmerize readers and help further a child's understanding of the energy we share with all living things in nature. We are all dancing sunlight. The book is co-authored by award-winning M.I.T. professor Penny Chisholm, a leading expert on ocean science. A perfect addition to any library!

    Rooting for Plants: The Unstoppable Charles S. Parker, Black Botanist and Collector

    In 1882, Black botanist and mycologist Charles S. Parker sprouted up in the lush, green Pacific Northwest. From the beginning, Charles’s passion was plants, and he trudged through forests, climbed mountains, and waded into lakes to find them. When he was drafted to fight in World War I, Charles experienced prejudice against Black soldiers and witnessed the massive ecological devastation that war caused. Those experiences made him even more determined to follow his dreams, whatever the difficulties, and to have a career making things grow, not destroying them.As a botanist and teacher, Charles traveled the United States, searching for new species of plants and fungi. After discovering the source of the disease killing peach and apricot trees, Charles was offered a job at Howard University, the famed historically Black college where he taught the next generation of Black scientists—men and women—to love plants and fungi as much as he did.

    Gregor Mendel: The Friar Who Grew Peas

    How do mothers and fathers—whether they are apple trees, sheep, or humans—pass down traits to their children? This question fascinated Gregor Mendel throughout his life. Regarded as the world’s first geneticist, Mendel overcame poverty and obscurity to discover one of the fundamental aspects of genetic science: animals, plants, and people all inherit and pass down traits through the same process, following the same rules.

    Out of School and Into Nature: The Anna Comstock Story

    This picture book biography examines the life and career of naturalist and artist Anna Comstock (1854-1930), who defied social conventions and pursued the study of science. From the time she was a young girl, Anna Comstock was fascinated by the natural world. She loved exploring outdoors, examining wildlife and learning nature's secrets. From watching the teamwork of marching ants to following the constellations in the sky, Anna observed it all. And her interest only increased as she grew older and went to college at Cornell University. There she continued her studies, pushing back against those social conventions that implied science was a man's pursuit. Eventually Anna became known as a nature expert, pioneering a movement to encourage schools to conduct science and nature classes for children outdoors, thereby increasing students' interest in nature. In following her passion, this remarkable woman blazed a trail for female scientists today.

    In the Garden with Dr. Carver

    Sally is a young girl living in rural Alabama in the early 1900s, a time when people were struggling to grow food in soil that had been depleted by years of cotton production. One day, Dr. George Washington Carver shows up to help the grown-ups with their farms and the children with their school garden. He teaches them how to restore the soil and respect the balance of nature. He even prepares a delicious lunch made of plants, including "chicken" made from peanuts. And Sally never forgets the lessons this wise man leaves in her heart and mind. Susan Grigsby's warm story shines new light on a Black scientist who was ahead of his time.

    A World of Plants

    Covering more than twenty-five subjects, from photosynthesis and permaculture to the hidden world of Victorian plant hunters, this stylish illustrated guide is packed with scientific insight into the critical role plants play in the drama of life on Earth. Did you know that some plants steal while others defend themselves against attack? That the largest cacti can reach sixty-six feet tall and weigh more than a car? That there are meat-eating plants the size of footballs? Readers young and old will marvel at the wondrous diversity and adaptability of plants, from trees and tropical species to those that have evolved to master extreme conditions. A brisk narrative bursting with facts—all carefully organized with maps and charts in richly patterned vintage-style illustrations—make for a vivid guide to all that grows . . . and a beautiful gift book for anyone interested in the environment.

    Notes on Plants and Flowers: The Nature Notebook

    Originally published in the early 1900's by Anna Comstock. This book, Notes on Plants and Flowers, contains the following information: How to Understand a Plant, How to understand a flower; along with multiple forms to fill in while in the field, to aid in the identification of plants and flowers.

    Anna Comstock intended that the pupil would use these notebooks to create their very own field guides by observing local flora and fauna with which they should be very familiar.

    This is an 8.5x11 workbook for students, featuring short illustrated chapters on identifying parts of plants and flowers along with multiple forms for the pupil to complete.

    First Studies of Plant Life (Yesterday's Classics)

    A guide to discovery of the forces at work in the world of plants. Through germinating seeds and varying their growing conditions, students learn by observation the different ways seeds germinate and young plants respond to moisture and light. Further experiments shed light on the manner of nourishment, respiration, and reproduction. The reader is given plenty to ponder since the text often poses questions without supplying answers. The life stories of the sweet pea, oak, ferns, moss, and mushrooms and an account of some of the forces plants have to contend with in their struggle to survive encourage students to continue to read and interpret their surroundings. An engaging introduction to botany for middle school and beyond.

    Wicked Plants: The Weed That Killed Lincoln's Mother and Other Botanical Atrocities

    A tree that sheds poison daggers; a glistening red seed that stops the heart; a shrub that causes paralysis; a vine that strangles; and a leaf that triggered a war. In Wicked Plants, Stewart takes on over two hundred of Mother Nature’s most appalling creations. It’s an A to Z of plants that kill, maim, intoxicate, and otherwise offend. You’ll learn which plants to avoid (like exploding shrubs), which plants make themselves exceedingly unwelcome (like the vine that ate the South), and which ones have been killing for centuries (like the weed that killed Abraham Lincoln's mother). Menacing botanical illustrations and splendidly ghastly drawings create a fascinating portrait of the evildoers that may be lurking in your own backyard. Drawing on history, medicine, science, and legend, this compendium of bloodcurdling botany will entertain, alarm, and enlighten even the most intrepid gardeners and nature lovers.

    Also, look at these characteristics of a plant.

    CHARACTERISTICS OF A PLANT

    Autotrophic- Plants are autotrophic, meaning they can produce their own food through photosynthesis.

    Multicellular- They are  multicellular organisms, which simply means they are made up of many cells.

    Eukaryotic- As eukaryotic organisms their cells have a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.

    Cell Walls- Plant cells have cell walls made of cellulose, which gives them a rigid structure.

    Chloroplasts- Plants contain chloroplasts, which are organelles that contain chlorophyll and are responsible for photosynthesis.

    Vascular Tissue- Plants have vascular tissue, which transports water and nutrients throughout the plant.

    Reproductive Structures- Plants have reproductive structures, such as flowers and seeds, which allow them to reproduce.

    Growth and Development- Plants grow and develop through a process called metamorphosis, which involves the differentiation of cells and tissues.

    Response to Stimuli- Plants can respond to stimuli, such as light, touch, and gravity, through a process called tropism.

    Adaptation- Plants can adapt to a wide variety of environments, from deserts to rainforests.

    The World of Plants: The Educational Value of a Plant Lapbook

    Next, look at the value of doing a plant lapbook.

    EDUCATIONAL VALUE OF DOING A PLANT LAPBOOK

    One of the best reasons to do a plant lapbook is that hands-on projects help learning be cemented.

    Too, when I first started homeschooling I though lapbooks were for young children or were a craft. The truth of it is that it can be that but it is so much more.

    It is for ALL ages, and it can be as creative as your child wants it to be.

    Next, lapbooks help a child organize is thoughts and information. For example, you can use all the minibooks in this lapbook or add and subtract minibooks to make it very unique.

    Now I don’t really hail to the mindset young kids can work on their fine motor skills like cutting and folding but that is a benefit.

    Also, another big reason I love lapbooks is that they make a great reference tool. When your child does one, he can come back later to review it or use it as a tool for other subjects he is working on.

    Too, it is a great compact reference tool. And if you need proof that your child is learning the lapbook is a stunning visual representation of his unique interest.

    HOW TO GET THE PLANT LAPBOOK

    You can download the printable plant lapbook now!

    All my products are digital. You will not receive a physical product for anything in my store.

    Downloads are INSTANT. When you pay, you will receive an email with a download link INSTANTLY. Depending on your internet connection, the email could be just 30 seconds or so, or a bit longer. The point is it will be soon, not a week later,etc.

    The World of Plants: The Educational Value of a Plant Lapbook

    The email with the download link will go to the email you used for paypal. If you used your husband’s paypal, your downloads will go to that email. Please check that email and your spam before emailing me telling me you can’t find it.

    Please put my email tina @ tinasdynamichomeschoolplus dot com (take out the space and substitute the right symbol for dot) in your address/contact list so that your product does not go to spam.

    • Dynamic and Fun Plant Lapbook for Multiple Ages

      Dynamic and Fun Plant Lapbook for Multiple Ages

      $4.00
      Add to cart

    MY GUARANTEE: To treat you like I want to be treated which means I know at times technical problems may cause glitches, so I will do everything possible to make your experience here pleasant.

    Leave a CommentFiled Under: Lapbook Tagged With: hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, life science, science

    Easy Desert Animal Crafts And A Scorpion Creation

    February 10, 2025 | Leave a Comment
    This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

    Today we are creating desert animal crafts including a pipe cleaner scorpion while we learn all about them and their habitat.

    Desert animals have amazing adaptations that help them survive the harsh conditions they live in.

    From thick fur to protect their skin and large flat feet to distribute their weight over the hot sand to long thick eyelashes and eyebrows to protect their eyes from sand.

    Easy Desert Animal Crafts And A Scorpion Creation

    And there are a variety of animals that make their home in the desert.

    For example, camels have humps to store fat and water.

    And the pronghorn has a unique digestive system that allows it to extract the maximum amount of nutrition from the sparse vegetation of its habitat.

    Now onto a variety of great books, facts, and activities to supplement your desert animal study.

    BOOKS ABOUT SCORPIONS FOR KIDS

    First, look at these books about scorpions.

    4 Books About Scorpions

    Add a few of these fun books to your home library.

    Everything You Should Know About: Scorpions Faster Learning Facts

    Are your children curious about Scorpions? Would they like to know if they really glow in the dark? Have they learnt how they digest their food or what a fat-tailed scorpion looks like? Inside this book, your children will begin a journey that will satisfy their curiosity by answering questions like these and many more!

    Scorpions!: Strange and Wonderful

    We have been taught to fear scorpions in any form. But scorpions usually sting either to subdue their prey or to protect themselves. In fact, Earth has two thousand scorpion species, but only a few dozen are deadly to humans. With vivid descriptions of scorpions' life cycle, body structure, habits, and habitat and beautiful, realistic illustrations, this new entry in the popular Strange and Wonderful series explores one of nature's feared and misunderstood creatures.

    Drawing Scorpions - How to Draw Scorpions For the Beginner

    Drawing tools Parts of a Scorpion Body Posture Black Emperor Scorpion Striped Bark Scorpion Amblypygi Whip scorpion

    Curiositree: Natural World: A Visual Compendium of Wonders from Nature

    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.

    Also, look at these facts about scorpions.

    5 SCORPION FACTS

    1. There are over 1,500 species of scorpions that are most common in deserts and other hot, dry regions but can also live in grasslands, savannas, forests, caves, and intertidal zones.
    2. Scorpions are arachnids and are related to spiders, mites, and ticks.
    3. Scorpions use their pincers to capture and crush prey, and their stinger to inject venom into their victims. The venom is a powerful neurotoxin that can cause pain, swelling, and even paralysis in humans. However, most scorpion stings are not fatal.
    4. Scorpions are nocturnal predators that feed on insects, spiders, and other small animals.
    5. They are capable of glowing under ultraviolet light, a phenomenon known as fluorescence, but scientists are still not sure exactly why. It could be as an aide in finding mates, navigating by night, or possibly detecting potential threats by sensing UV light in the environment.

    Another fantastic resource is Curiositree Natural World.

    Easy Desert Animal Crafts And A Scorpion Creation

    Also, look at these easy desert animals crafts.

    EASY DESERT ANIMAL CRAFTS

    Explore 3 completely different desert habitats and learn How to Make A Desert Triorama About the Gobi, Sahara, & Antarctica to display the flora and fauna of each.

    Popsicle Stick Camels are an adorable and easy craft for younger children.

    While it is not a craft, multisensory ideas like this Desert Sensory Bin not only look like a piece of art but they also are good for building fine motor skills, imagination, and language development.

    How precious is this Paper Mache Fennec Fox as a desert animal model? Great for presentations in co-op the deserts of Arizona, New Mexico, Southern California, and Mexico or just as a final project for a desert unit study.

    Snakes in The Desert is another sweet craft for younger kids to explore the reptiles that reside in a desert habitat.

    The creepy crawly tarantula, specifically the Desert blonde tarantula can be found in the deserts of Arizona, New Mexico, Southern California, and Mexico Tarantula Printable Craft

    This step by step guide on How to Draw a Scorpion will turn your child into an artist.

    This video shows you the steps for Making Cardboard Armadillo, a resident of the deserts and semi deserts of north and south America.

    Easy Desert Animal Crafts And A Scorpion Creation

    Finally, look at how to make a pipe cleaner scorpion creation

    PIPE CLEANER SCORPION CREATION

    You will need:

    • 6 pipe cleaners
    • 2 small black beads
    • Pencil or dowel rod
    • Hot glue/tacky glue
    • scissors

    First, bend one pipe cleaner in half.

    Easy Desert Animal Crafts And A Scorpion Creation

    Attach a second one by wrapping one end around the bend in the first like this.

    Easy Desert Animal Crafts And A Scorpion Creation

    Form a circle at the end of the 3 pipe cleaners to form the tail by twisting each side around once to hold it in place.

    Easy Desert Animal Crafts And A Scorpion Creation

    Repeat these steps all the way down the length of the pipe cleaners until you reach the end.

    Easy Desert Animal Crafts And A Scorpion Creation

    Wrap the end of another pipe cleaner around the base of the tail on the excess.

    Hold a pencil or dowel against the excess pipe cleaner and wrap the one you just added around it, creating tight coils to the end.

    Easy Desert Animal Crafts And A Scorpion Creation

    Repeat with another pipe cleaner, overlapping your coils to create a thick portion for the head of your scorpion, remove the pencil by sliding it out.

    Take the end of the pipe cleaner and bend it into two small mouth parts called the chelicerae which are the claw-like mouthparts then cut off the excess.

    Easy Desert Animal Crafts And A Scorpion Creation

    Take the ends of another pipe cleaner into a claw, slip it through the base of the head and repeat making a pincher on the other end too.

    Easy Desert Animal Crafts And A Scorpion Creation

    Cut the last pieces of pipe cleaner into 4 pieces.

    Easy Desert Animal Crafts And A Scorpion Creation

    Bend and then slip each one along the body, if you like you can secure the pieces with a dab of hot glue to help them stay in place better.

    Easy Desert Animal Crafts And A Scorpion Creation

    Put a dot of hot glue on the beads. And press them inside the curled pipe cleaner of the face area.

    Easy Desert Animal Crafts And A Scorpion Creation

    Bend the tail portion so it arches over the body. Give the pedipalps (pincers) a little curve inward as well.

    Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: desert, elementary science, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool, homeschoolscience, life science, science, scorpions

    Easy Spring Activities For Preschoolers Science And Fun Busy Book

    February 5, 2025 | Leave a Comment
    This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

    I have some spring activities for preschoolers science and a fun spring busy book. Also, look at my page How to Homeschool Preschool for more ideas

    Spring is an ideal season to ignite your preschooler’s curiosity about the natural world.

    Flowers are blooming, rain is coming and insects are in abundance.

    Easy Spring Activities For Preschoolers Science And Fun Busy Book

    It is a perfect time to discover the wonders of nature.

    And hands-on activities and through play is how preschoolers learn best.

    Take advantage of their natural curiosity to make spring activities for preschoolers science a fun topic.

    First, look at some of these books.

    BOOKS ABOUT SPRING FOR KIDS

    You can read them aloud while they are doing hands-on activities or just sit down and read together for science.

    10 Books About Spring for Young Learners

    Grab some of these fun books about the spring season for kids.

    Fletcher and the Springtime Blossoms: A Springtime Book For Kids

    Fletcher enjoys the sunny weather and the warmth of spring. But when he stumbles across snowy flakes gently floating to the ground, he spreads the news of winter’s return to all his friends. But spring is full of wonderful surprises for Fletcher and his friends.

    Miss Rumphius

    Barbara Cooney's story of Alice Rumphius, who longed to travel the world, live in a house by the sea, and do something to make the world more beautiful, has a timeless quality that resonates with each new generation. The countless lupines that bloom along the coast of Maine are the legacy of the real Miss Rumphius, the Lupine Lady, who scattered lupine seeds everywhere she went. Miss Rumphius received the American Book Award in the year of publication.

    Blue on Blue

    Join a farming family as they experience the full range of a thrilling seaside thunderstorm—from the wild wind and the very first drops; to the pouring, pouring rain; to the wonderful messy mud after the sun returns! With gentle, rhyming text and vivid artwork from a Caldecott Medal–winning illustrator, this sublime depiction of nature’s patterns turns a storm into a celebration.

    Yucky Worms: Read and Wonder

    Who would want to be friends with a wiggly, slimy worm? You can’t even tell which end is which! But there’s more to these lowly creatures than meets the eye. Kids are invited to find out where worms live, see how they move, and understand why gardeners consider them friends with the help of this humorous and informative look at an unappreciated — and fascinating — creature.Back matter includes further information about worms and an index

    Make Way for Ducklings

    Mrs. Mallard was sure that the pond in the Boston Public Gardens would be a perfect place for her and her eight ducklings to live.  The problem was how to get them there through the busy streets of Boston.  But with a little help from the Boston police, Mrs. Mallard and Jack, Kack, Lack, Nack, Ouack, Pack, and Quack arive safely at their new home.

    Plant the Tiny Seed Board Book: A Springtime Book For Kids

    Beautiful collage-and-watercolor art follows the seed through its entire life cycle, as it grows into a zinnia in a garden full of buzzing bees, curious hummingbirds, and colorful butterflies. Children engage with the book as they wiggle their fingers to water the seeds, clap to make the sun shine after rain, and shoo away a hungry snail. Appropriate for even the youngest child, Plant the Tiny Seed is never the same book twice—no matter how many times you read it!

    And for curious young nature lovers, a page of facts about seeds, flowers, and the insects and animals featured in the book is included at the end. Fans of Eric Carle, Lois Ehlert, and Press Herewill find their next favorite book in Plant the Tiny Seed.

    A Butterfly Is Patient:

    Part of the incredible six-book Nature Books series from the award-winning duo of Dianna Hutts Aston and Sylvia Long, A Butterfly Is Patient celebrates a dazzling variety of butterflies in all their beauty and wonder.Turn each page to explore the amazing world of these beautiful winged insects through watercolor illustrations that bring to life garden landscapes filled with flowers, vines, leaves, and sunshine.

    An Egg Is Quiet:

    This stunningly beautiful and wonderfully informative book from award-winning artist Sylvia Long and author Dianna Hutts Aston makes for a fascinating introduction to the vast and amazing world of eggs. Featuring poetic text and an elegant design, this acclaimed book teaches children countless interesting facts about eggs. Full of wit and charm, An Egg Is Quiet will at once spark the imagination and cultivate a love of science.

    Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring

    As days stretch longer, animals creep out from their warm dens, and green begins to grow again, everyone knows―spring is on its way!Join a boy and his dog as they explore nature and take a stroll through the countryside, greeting all the signs of the coming season. In a series of conversations with everything from the melting brook to chirping birds, they say goodbye to winter and welcome the lushness of spring.

    Flowers Are Calling

    In this rhyming poetic picture book, explore the wonders of natural cooperation between plants, animals and insects. Flowers Are Calling by Rita Gray and illustrated by Kenard Pak is "a sophisticated blend of scientific information and artistry" (Publishers Weekly).

    Flowers are calling to all the animals of the forest, "Drink me!"—but it’s the pollinators who feast on their nectar.

    In rhyming poetic form and with luminous artwork, this book shows us the marvel of natural cooperation between plants, animals, and insects as they each play their part in the forest's cycle of life.

    Next, look at this fun list of ideas for spring activities for preschoolers science.

    SPRING ACTIVITIES FOR PRESCHOOLERS SCIENCE

    • B is for Bird Craft | Bluebird Study
    • Grow a Rainbow
    • R is for Rainbow | Rain Mobile
    • How To Create A Sweet Strawberry Letter S Handprint Craft
    • N Is For Nest Handprint | Nests Study
    • More Winter Science Activities for Preschoolers
    • 10 Egg Carton Crafts For 2 Year Olds and Fun Nature Color Match Activity
    • How to Make Hot Cocoa Cloud Dough | 8 Hot Cocoa Crafts for Preschoolers
    • Frozen Nature Ice Sun Catcher for Preschool Play and Fun
    • How to Make a Watermelon Sensory Bin for Play and Learning
    • Celebrate Snakes | How To Make A Fake Snakeskin Snake Craft Preschool
    • 7 Easy Cloud Crafts For Preschoolers | Types of Clouds Activity
    Easy Spring Activities For Preschoolers Science And Fun Busy Book

    Also, look at this spring busy book for preschool.

    SPRING BUSY BOOK FOR PRESCHOOL

    Then, I have this fun interactive spring busy book for preschool to nurture learning.

    It is a 66 .pdf download.

    It covers the following skills.

    • Spring spell
    • Season months
    • Umbrella color matching
    • Rainbow color matching
    • Shapes sorting
    • Let’s stack the cake
    • Count and match
    • Match the bird with house
    • Counting puzzle
    • Color matching
    • Butterfly wing match
    • Spring weather match
    • Alphabet matching
    • Sort objects by color
    • Match the numbers
    • Count the dots
    • More, Less or Equal
    • Photo Match
    • Fill in the missing number
    • Let’s dress for the rain
    • Let’s dress for the sun
    • Spring shadow matching
    • Insect sorting
    • Butterfly life cycle
    • Emotion matching
    • Sort by size
    • Spring animals matching
    • Fun in spring
    • Find and count
    • What comes next
    • Which is different

    The busy book has pages of activities and pages of cut-out.

    For example, print the pages and place them in a small binder.

    Then print the cut out pages.

    Have your child cut and glue the cut-out on the correct activity.

    HOW TO GET THE SPRING BUSY BOOK

    You can get it now!

    All my products are digital. You will not receive a physical product for anything in my store.

    Downloads are INSTANT. When you pay, you will receive an email with a download link INSTANTLY. Depending on your internet connection, the email could be just 30 seconds or so, or a bit longer. The point is it will be soon, not a week later,etc.

    Easy Spring Activities For Preschoolers Science And Fun Busy Book

    The email with the download link will go to the email you used for paypal. If you used your husband’s paypal, your downloads will go to that email. Please check that email and your spam before emailing me telling me you can’t find it.

    Please put my email tina @ tinasdynamichomeschoolplus dot com (take out the space and substitute the right symbol for dot) in your address/contact list so that your product does not go to spam.

    MY GUARANTEE: To treat you like I want to be treated which means I know at times technical problems may cause glitches, so I will do everything possible to make your experience here pleasant. Also, you can email me at my personal email tinahomeschools at gmail dot com.

    • Dynamic Simple Spring Busy Book For Kids Who Love Learning

      Dynamic Simple Spring Busy Book For Kids Who Love Learning

      $3.75
      Add to cart

    Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool preschool, life science, preschool, preschool skills, science, spring, spring crafts

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