raspberries Archives - Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

I have a cool raspberry DNA activity for kids.

Also, I’m sharing some fun raspberry facts and hands-on DNA activities for kids.

And I have a fun science activity extracting DNA from a raspberry. You can do this with all your kids.

Raspberry DNA Activity For Kids Who Love Hands-on Learning

Your younger kids will enjoy the wow factor but learn about DNA with your older kids.

The study of DNA is amazing. It’s inside every living plant and animal.

But is DNA still present after we pick a raspberry or even cook with it? Your older learners can ponder their thoughts.

DNA FUN FACTS FOR KIDS

Plus, it can be hard to introduce this topic.

For example, I tell my kids DNA is like an instruction manual for living things.

Besides, when scientist extract DNA from plants they can learn more about how it grows and even how to make them tastier.

And what makes this science activity fun is that with a few ingredients they help break down the raspberry’s DNA into individual parts.

Too, kids need to know that for scientist to extract DNA they must break up each of the protective layers of the cell. Then carefully pull out the DNA hidden inside the nucleus.

However the first step before explaining what is DNA is to start with cells. All living things are made of cells.

And each cell has a nucleus where the DNA is stored.

BOOKS ABOUT RASPBERRIES FOR KIDS

Next, I have a collection of books.

Where possible I prefer living books but also we love nonfiction books to check facts.

6 Raspberry Themed Books for Kids Who Love to Read and Be Read To

You’ll love this collection of books to add to your home library or for a raspberry unit study.

The Anne of Green Gables Cookbook

Inspired by the most famous of all Canadian children's books, L.M. Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables,this cookbook combines easy step-by-step recipes with charming watercolours of Anne and her friends and quotations from three of the ever-popular Anne books. Never before have good things to eat and drink been so successfully derived from cooking episodes in children's literature. From 'Poetical Egg Salad Sandwiches' to 'Anne's Liniment Cake' and 'Diana Barry's Favourite Raspberry Cordial,' these delicious treats will be fun to make--and they'll be sure to turn out well because they were kitchen-tested by a twelve-year old who had perfect results!

Bread and Jam for Frances (I Can Read Level 2)

Frances is a fussy eater. In fact, the only thing she likes is bread and jam. She won't touch her squishy soft-boiled egg. She trades away her chicken-salad sandwich at lunch. She turns up her nose at boring veal cutlets.

Unless her parents can come up with a plan, Frances just might go on eating bread and jam forever!

Join the generations of families that have laughed along as Frances sings "Jam on biscuits, jam on bread, Jam is the thing I like most, Jam is sticky, jam is sweet, Jam is tasty, jam’s a treat—raspberry, strawberry, gooseberry, I’m very FOND…OF…JAM!"

The DNA Book (The Science Book Series)

It's inside every living plant and animal, from the tiniest seed to the person standing next to you, but how much do you know about DNA? This book gives children an in-depth look at DNA and its role in all living things--from why we have different-colored eyes to why we age. Discover what DNA is, what it does, and how it shapes our lives, including inheritance and why we look like our parents; forensic science and how DNA evidence helps catch criminals; and genetic engineering and if we could bring dinosaurs back to life. With fun illustrated DNA characters, clear diagrams, and astonishing photographs, children will love learning about themselves and this all-important molecule.

Berry Magic

“This charming pourquoi tale tells of an Eskimo girl and her magic. Sloat’s pictures are vibrant and engaging, befitting the land of the northern lights. . . .Delightful, playful and beautifully written.”―School Library Journal

Long ago, the only berries on the tundra were hard, tasteless, little crowberries. As Anana watches the older ladies in her village complain bitterly while picking berries for the Fall Festival, she decides to use her magic to help.

"Atsa-ii-yaa (Berry), Atsa-ii-yaa (Berry), Atsaukina! (Be a berry!)," Anana sings under the full moon, turning the four dolls she sewed with a different color pelatuuk (or head scarf) into little girls that run and tumble over the tundra creating patches of fat, juicy berries: blueberries, cranberries, salmonberries, and raspberries.

The next morning Anana and the ladies fill basket after basket with berries for the Fall Festival. Thanks to Anana, there are plenty of tasty berries for the agutak (Eskimo tee cream) at the festival and forevermore.

Raspberries!

After hard times hit and his bakery is forced to close, popular baker Simon is remembered by a young girl in a family he once helped in their time of need who gives him enchanting berries, and when Simon sells them to a local baker, things quickly turn around as people start clamoring for more.

Berries, Nuts, And Seeds (Take Along Guides)

Describes a variety of berries, nuts, and seeds that might be found on a nature walk and includes identification information.Invites young naturalists to spot wildlife. Safety tips are provided and interesting activities are suggested. Color illustrations enhance the presentation.

Next, look at some fun facts about raspberries.

RASPBERRY FACTS

Raspberries can be other colors like black, yellow or purple, not just red.
They are not really berries but technically aggregate fruits. That means they have many tiny sections or drupes not just one berry.
Packed with loads of vitamin C, they are super healthy for you.
Although they love the sun, they can grow in cold places.
People in Ancient Rome and Greece grew and ate raspberries.
And raspberries belong to the rose family.
They have tiny seeds inside. They have about 100 seeds.
Pollinators love the sweet smell of raspberries. They’re great for pollinators.

And look at some of these DNA activities for kids.

DNA ACTIVITY FOR KIDS IDEAS

And here are more berry activities.

HANDS-ON BERRY ACTIVITIES

Additionally, the rose family consists of many berries.

For instance, it includes cherries, strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries.

Finally, look at how to extract DNA from raspberries.

HOW TO EXTRACT DNA FROM RASPBERRIES WITH KIDS

Look at this list of supplies.

2-3 raspberries
1 sandwich-size baggie
Rubbing alcohol (Over 70% works best)
Small glass or plastic jar
Coffee filter
Rubber band
Dish soap
Salt
Water
Small bowl
Wooden skewer

First, place the bottle of rubbing alcohol in the freezer for at least 30 minutes.

Next, place the raspberries into the baggie, seal it, and mash them.

In the small bowl add 2 tsp of water, ½ tsp of dish soap, and a pinch of salt.

Stir to mix.

Add the soap mixture to the mashed-up raspberries.

Squish the liquid around with the raspberries and mix it well.

Set aside.

Lay the coffee filter over the jar, push it into it, and secure it with the rubber band.

Carefully pour a small amount of the raspberry mixture into the coffee filter.

The liquid will slowly drip into the jar.

Continue to add a small amount of mixture at a time. This may take a few minutes.

Remove the filter.

Fill the jar ¾ of the way full with the chilled rubbing alcohol.

Watch as the raspberry DNA begins to float and swirl around.

Use the skewer to gently grab the raspberry DNA.

Mixing the mashed raspberries with the soap, water, and salt mixture helps break down the raspberry’s DNA into individual parts.

I have a fun way to explore the raspberry life cycle with exciting activities including a yummy raspberry muffin recipe and a couple of free life cycle pages.

Cooking is always a wonderful activity, whatever your topic is.

Explore the Amazing Raspberry Life Cycle with Exciting Activities & Free Worksheets

Not only are you teaching valuable life skills and spending time with your child as you prepare the recipe together.

Besides, cooking also helps develop reading skills, following directions, math, science, and nutrition as they make a simple recipe.

But we are not stopping with a recipe.

You will find facts to share and more activities like crafts, additional recipes, and even a body scrub to fill out your lesson further.

ABOUT THE RASPBERRY LIFE CYCLE

The first thing of course is following the life cycle of the raspberry.

The life cycle of a raspberry is a fascinating process that begins with a tiny seed.

The seed is planted in the spring, and it germinates and sprouts into a small plant.

Over the summer, the plant grows and produces leaves and flowers.

The flowers are pollinated by bees and other insects, and the fertilized flowers develop into raspberries.

The raspberries ripen in the fall, and they are ready to be eaten fresh or used in jams and pies.

After the raspberries are harvested, the plant dies back to the ground.

However, the roots survive the winter, and the plant will grow new shoots the following spring.

If you are curious about the resource you see pictured I used Food Anatomy which had a great spread on berries and other fruits that goes along well with my free printables.

Be sure to take some time to examine the fresh raspberries as well before you put them in the recipe.

Let’s learn more about the raspberry life cycle with exciting activities and facts.

RASPBERRY LIFE CYCLE FACTS

Raspberries are a type of berry that grows on bushes, some berry types grow on trees, others on vines or little plants.
In the United States about 90% of all raspberries that are sold come from Washington, California and Oregon.
Raspberries are in the rose family, and they are usually red, but can also be black, gold, yellow, or purple.
Raspberries are a good source of vitamins C and K, as well as fiber. They are also a good source of antioxidants, which can help protect your cells from damage.
Raspberries can be eaten fresh, cooked, or processed into jams, jellies, pies, tarts, and other desserts. Raspberry leaves can be used to make tea.
While raspberry bushes are native to Europe and Asia, they are now grown all over the world.
They are made up of many tiny bead-like fruits called “drupelets” clustered around a center core. Each of these drupelets contains one seed, with an average raspberry bearing 100 to 120 seeds.

EXCITING RASPBERRY ACTIVITIES

Little fingerprints make the sweetest “I Love You Berry Much” Fingerprint Raspberry Card Idea that can be sent to grandma or anyone else.

Make a Raspberry Puffy Paint recipe using fresh berries then create a masterpiece.

Check out my Fun American Civil War Crafts for Kids and Make Raspberry Jam and learn more cooking skills.

Create a Raspberry Dye Recipe for coloring playdough that is chemical free and a fun way to learn about another use for the fruit.

Kids love fruit roll-ups, but you’re going to really love this natural homemade fruit roll-up recipe that you can make with any type of berry Raspberry Fruit Roll Ups.

Here you will find a step by step lesson on How to Draw a Raspberry for kids.

Teens will love creating their own homemade Raspberry Lemonade Sugar Scrub to use or to gift to friends and family.

Also, look at more berry hands-on activities for kids.

BERRY ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS

Finally, look at how to make easy raspberry muffins.

EASY RASPBERRY MUFFIN RECIPE

First, you can use either fresh or frozen strawberries for this recipe, you do not need to thaw the frozen berries first.

You can also freeze your muffins and thaw them for later if you like.

Ingredients:

2 cups of whole purpose flour
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup white granulated sugar
3 teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup milk
¼ cup+ 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 eggs, large
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ½ cups raspberries

Coat a 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray and preheat the oven to 350.

Combine all dry ingredients in a bow l- flour, sugars, baking powder, and salt, until well mixed.

In a separate bowl combine all the wet ingredients including eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla.

Stir wet and dry ingredients together until just combined.

Finally, fold in raspberries very gently with a spatula until they are throughout the batter, if you mix too much they will fall apart in the batter.

Transfer the batter to muffin tin and bake for 25 minutes until the tops are golden brown.

Take a toothpick and insert into the center if it comes out clean, they are ready.

Allow to cool, if you can wait, and then enjoy your homemade raspberry muffins.

HOW TO GET THE FREE RASPBERRY LIFE CYCLE WORKSHEETS

Finally, I have two free sets of raspberry life cycle notebooking pages.

Like most of my printables, I give the same printable blank and 1 form with answers.

The first worksheet is the raspberry life cycle page and the second one describes 3 fruit classifications.

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raspberries