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science

How To Create An Engaging Cranberry Sensory Bin

November 8, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Fall and winter are the best times of the year to make a cranberry sensory bin that is fun and engaging.

We aren’t stopping there.

Also, I will load you down with facts, more hands-on activities, and resources to highlight the cranberry.

How To Create An Engaging Cranberry Sensory Bin

Cranberries are small, tart berries that are native to North America.

They are a popular ingredient in many dishes, including cranberry sauce, juice, and muffins.

Cranberries are also a good source of vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy snack for kids.

Grab a bag of fresh berries the next time you are shopping and create this cranberry sensory bin for your preschooler.

AUTUMN BOOKS FOR KIDS

15 Fall Books For Kids Who Love to Read and Be Read To

With a chill in the air and leaves falling, grab one or two of these fun books for your home library.

Autumn: An Alphabet Acrostic

A compilation of Native American speeches affirming the desire to live in spiritual and ecological harmony includes the words of Geronimo, Sitting Bull, and Cochise, covering such topics as fishing rights, peace treaties, and the devastation of their land.

Autumn Harvest

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

Autumn Leaves

A concise text and crisp, close-up, color photographs of thirteen different leaves from North American trees teach very young children how to look at and compare the leaves of autumn, and are accompanied by an explanation of why they turn color.

The Apple Pie That Papa Baked

These are the apples, juicy and red,that went in the pie,warm and sweet,that Papa baked...for guess who!

Sophie's Squash

Kids will love this playful story of of a unique fall friendship between a girl . . . and her squash!On a trip to the farmers' market with her parents, Sophie chooses a squash, but instead of letting her mom cook it, she names it Bernice. From then on, Sophie brings Bernice everywhere, despite her parents' gentle warnings that Bernice will begin to rot. As winter nears, Sophie does start to notice changes.... What's a girl to do when the squash she loves is in trouble?

Autumn Story: Introduce children to the seasons in the gorgeously illustrated classics of Brambly Hedge!

Celebrate the 40th anniversary of the miniature world of the mice of Brambly Hedge!

Bad weather is on the way and the autumn stores are still not gathered in!

Quickly, all the mice of Brambly Hedge set to work to finish the harvesting before the rain begins. Primrose, Lord Woodmouse's daughter, meant to help, but somehow she daydreamed her way over the cornfield and into the Chestnut Woods, and before she knew it, she was lost. The sun went down, the wind rose and it began to rain. Primrose was all alone in the dark and she was frightened.

Poor Primrose, would she find her way home again?

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.

This reprint of a 1949 classic adds some recipes, a poem, and a bit of pie-history as well.

Dance Like a Leaf

As her grandmother's health declines, a young girl begins to lovingly take the lead in their cozy shared autumn traditions. Poetic prose paired with evocative illustrations by Mexican illustrator Claudia Navarro make for a beautiful celebration of life and a gentle introduction to the death of a loved one.

The Fox Went Out on a Chilly Night

"[Spier's] finely detailed, action-packed New England autumn vistas are almost startlingly beautiful."—The New York Times  Over fifty years after he won a Caldecott Honor for The Fox Went Out on a Chilly Night, legendary illustrator Peter Spier went back to this time-honored favorite in 2014 to paint the half of the book that was originally printed in black and white. In this glowing, restored vision of Spier’s beloved classic, follow the wily fox as he roams a sleepy New England town in search of a meal, with tones and textures so vivid you can almost hear the crackle of crisp fall leaves and the ripples of the river in the moonlight.

Down Buttermilk Lane

An Amish family, traveling by buggy, spends a day doing errands in the village, visiting, and returning home in time for supper

Fall Leaves

Autumn is in the air: days grow shorter and nights are long. Birds leave, flowers, too. Apples and temperatures fall—then snow!Part poem, part silent stage, this luminous picture book puts autumn on display and captures the spirit of change that stays with us long after fall leaves. Unlock the secrets of this busy and beautiful time of year as the natural world makes way for winter.

Hooray for Fall!

Mama has a surprise for her three little squirrels: three bright red sweaters to keep them warm throughout the fall. Imagine the siblings’ surprise when they find that everything in the autumn woods—the leaves, the berries, even the setting sun—is red too, just like their sweaters.This celebration of a perfect fall day will have young and old alike looking for signs of autumn in their own neighborhoods. Kazuo Iwamura’s books celebrating the seasons (Hooray for Spring!, Hooray for Summer!, Hooray for Fall!, and Hooray for Snow!) are perennial favorites—introducing children to the beauty and joy of each season. Iwamura masterfully captures the small wonders of nature in his illustrations and his stories with their gentle humor warm the heart.

Hopefully the Scarecrow

The perfect Fall book for kids! A poignant picture book about a scarecrow who befriends the young girl who reads to him day after day until one day he's left wondering where she is.A scarecrow stood in the garden. Tall, proud, and smiling. Every day a girl brought her favorite books to the garden and she read to him. He heard tales of courage and of hope. And when she said, "The End," the scarecrow always felt a little bit taller and braver. Year after year, she came and she read to him.Until one spring, two different hands picked him up from the garden shed and placed him in the garden. He waited, but she didn't come to read to him.With poignant words from award-winning author Michelle Houts and lush illustrations by Pura Belpré Honor winner Sara Palacios, Hopefully the Scarecrow is a tender distillation of the enduring power of friendship and a heartwarming look at the ways stories connect us.

Maple & Willow Apart

Funny, relatable sibling dynamics make this story a wonderful way to address navigating big changes. Lori Nichols’s expressive artwork beautifully portrays Maple and Willow’s strong bond, and children will love the creative, kid-powered solution. Maple and Willow have always been inseparable. So what happens when Maple starts big-girl school and Willow stays behind? Well, of course, both girls have marvelous adventures of their own, but the truth is, they miss each other. And when they see that the missing is mutual, they find a unique way to feel connected even when they have to be apart.

Now It's Fall (Lois Lenski Books)

School bells and apples and big ripe pumpkins-all the pleasures of fall come alive in this newly reissued classic by award winner Lois Lenski. First published in 1948, Now It's Fall is a timeless celebration of autumn that will enchant a whole new generation of young readers with its gently recolored illustrations.

But, what else can you do with a bag of fresh cranberries from the grocery store?

CRANBERRY FUN RECIPE IDEAS

Make cranberry sauce. Cranberry sauce can be enjoyed all year long.

Kids can help to make cranberry sauce by washing the cranberries, chopping them up, and adding sugar and water.

  • Make cranberry juice. Cranberry juice is a refreshing and healthy drink that is perfect for kids. Kids can help to make cranberry juice by squeezing the cranberries and straining the juice.
  • Make cranberry muffins. Cranberry muffins are a delicious and nutritious snack that is perfect for kids. Kids can help to make cranberry muffins by mixing the ingredients and baking them in the oven.
  • Make cranberry soap. Cranberry soap is a gentle and moisturizing soap that is perfect for kids. Kids can help to make cranberry soap by melting the soap base, adding the cranberries, and pouring the soap into molds.

Today’s activity is going to incorporate all your child’s senses.

First encourage your child to give the fresh cranberries a taste straight from the bag and describe the look, taste, and smell.

Then you are going to put together a simple sensory bin that will keep them engaged for hours as they “cook” and sort and explore the items.

5 CRANBERRY FACTS FOR KIDS

  1. Cranberries are not true berries but are instead considered “false” berries or epigynous fruit.
  2. They are one of only a few fruits that are native to North American, concord grapes and blueberries are the others.
  3. Cranberries are often harvested in the most unique way. They are grown on sandy bogs or marshes, but because cranberries float, some bogs are flooded when the fruit is ready for harvesting and they are scooped off the top of the water.
  4. They are made up of approximately 90% water and still pack a nutritional punch with a healthy dose of vitamin c and other important vitamins and minerals.
  5. Native Americans used cranberries to make their survival cakes known as pemmican. They also used this fruit in poultices and dyes.
How To Create An Engaging Cranberry Sensory Bin

Next, look at hands-on cranberry ideas.

HANDS ON CRANBERRY FUN

Make this Easy Crockpot Cranberry Sauce Recipe with just 5 ingredients and let your child dump each of the ingredients in the crockpot and occasionally stir.

Learn How to Make the Best No-Cook Cranberry Playdough and then use it to practice forming letters, create unique shapes, and build fine motor skills.

Here you will find 11 Fun Handwriting Activities For Preschoolers | Easy Cranberry Sauce Writing Tray, another sensory activity that will get your child really involved in their learning.

You have to Make Cranberry Oobleck Recipe for yet another sensory play idea that they will love, what is it about this Newtonian fluid kids just love? (I mean, me too)

Find out what cranberries and Ivory soap have in common in The Science Behind Cranberries, I love a good stem activity.

How To Create An Engaging Cranberry Sensory Bin

Finally, look at how to create a cranberry sensory bin.

HOW TO CREATE AN ENGAGING CRANBERRY SENSORY BIN

Now, anything on this list of supplies is optional (except cranberries of course).

Use what you have on hand to add scent, texture, and color to your sensory bin. It is fun to change it up a bit for fall and winter themes.

You will need:

  • A large shallow bin, tray, bucket, etc.
  • water
  • Fresh cranberries
  • Cinnamon sticks
  • pinecones
  • An orange
  • An apple
  • Whole cloves, star anise, allspice
  • Essential oil-optional
How To Create An Engaging Cranberry Sensory Bin

You will also want to grab some fun kitchen implements like a wooden spoon, bowls, spatulas, strainer, etc…

First, fill a shallow bin with several inches of water, you can use whatever you have on hand but I thought this metal tub was fun and it gave plenty of room for exploring.

How To Create An Engaging Cranberry Sensory Bin

Add a bag of fresh cranberries.

How To Create An Engaging Cranberry Sensory Bin

Slice fresh apples and oranges to add to the mix.

How To Create An Engaging Cranberry Sensory Bin

Then, include your other elements like pinecones, whole spices, and cinnamon sticks.

How To Create An Engaging Cranberry Sensory Bin

If you like you can add a drop or two of your favorite seasonal essential oil to ramp up the scent.

How To Create An Engaging Cranberry Sensory Bin

Extend the play by adding spoons, bowls, strainers, measuring cups, and other kitchen items so that your child can fill, dump, measure, mix, sort, and explore the bin.

How To Create An Engaging Cranberry Sensory Bin

You may want to move this one outdoors or place a plastic disposable tablecloth underneath to contain the mess.

You can also add alphabet tiles to spell out’ cranberry’ or ‘cranberries’ and practice letter identification with your child.

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

Fun and Easy Leaf Hedgehog Craft for Autumn Days

November 7, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

We’re making an adorable leaf hedgehog craft that is worthy of display on any wall, amid family pictures and other decor. Also, you’ll love my page Fall Season Unit Study {Pumpkins, Leaves, Corn, & More}.

Of course, while we do that, we can learn about them through facts, videos, books, and other hands-on activities.

Hedgehogs are small, spiky mammals that are found in Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Fun and Easy Leaf Hedgehog Craft for Autumn Days

They are nocturnal animals, meaning they are active at night.

Hedgehogs have long snouts, short legs, and round bodies.

Their backs are covered in sharp spines that they use to protect themselves from predators.

Hedgehogs are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals.

Their diet includes insects, worms, snails, fruits, and vegetables. Hedgehogs are also known to eat beetles, caterpillars, snakes and even mice.

Hedgehogs are solitary animals, meaning they live alone.

They only come together to mate.

Female hedgehogs give birth to a litter of 4-8 babies, called hoglets.

Hoglets are born blind and deaf, but they quickly grow up and become independent.

Hedgehogs are important members of the ecosystem.

They help to control the population of insects and rodents. Hedgehogs are also a source of food for other animals, such as owls and foxes.

Hedgehogs are popular pets.

They are known for being friendly and gentle animals.

And hedgehogs are relatively easy to care for, but they do require some special attention.

Hedgehogs need a diet that is high in protein and low in fat.

They also need a cage that is large enough for them to move around and exercise.

HEDGEHOG BOOKS AND RESOURCES FOR KIDS

Next, look at some of these fun books and resources.

5 HEDGEHOG BOOKS AND RESOURCES FOR KIDS

Add these fun resources and books to your learning day.

Miss Jaster's Garden

After getting caught in Miss Jaster's spring planting, Hedgie the hedgehog discovers he has become a four-legged, walking flower garden.

The Proper Way to Meet a Hedgehog and Other How-To Poems

Be they practical (how to mix a pancake or how to bird-watch) or fanciful (how to scare monsters or how to be a snowflake), the poems in this book boast a flair and joy that you won’t find in any instruction manual. Poets from Kwame Alexander to Pat Mora to Allan Wolf share the way to play hard, to love nature, and to be grateful. Soft, evocative illustrations will encourage readers to look at the world with an eye to its countless possibilities.

Hedgehog Plush

Little ones love to hibernate with this realistic stuffed animal hedgehog with a multicolored overcoat in their arms.

Hedgehogs (National Geographic Kids Readers)

Packed with beautiful and engaging photos, kids will learn all about these adorable animals--their fascinating features, behavior, and habitat. This reader is carefully leveled for an early independent reading or read aloud experience, perfect to encourage the scientists and explorers of tomorrow!

Hedgehog Hustle

  • The Owl is on the Prowl in the Hedgehog hustle ping pong ball Game . Draw a card and take the given number of shots to bounce your Hedgehog ball into the food targets. Don't miss!
  • Additionally, look at facts about hedgehogs.

    HEDGEHOG FACTS

    If you are thinking about getting a hedgehog as a pet, be sure to do your research and find a reputable breeder.

    1. There are 19 species in five genera of hedgehogs worldwide:  Erinaceus, Paraechinus, Mesechinus, Atelerix and Hemiechinus.
    2. Hedgehogs can roll into a ball when they are threatened- this is called “hogging.”
    3. Hedgehogs have very poor eyesight, but they have a keen sense of smell and hearing.
    4. Hedgehogs are very good swimmers and can swim for over half a mile, pretty good for such a little swimmer.
    5. When they are born their spines are soft and short. But soon after birth, about 3 weeks later, their spines harden, becoming stiffer, sharper and longer.
    6. Hedgehogs can live for up to 8 years in captivity, so it is important to be prepared for a long-term commitment.

    We found a hedgehog card in our Professor Noggin Pet’s Game; you can learn more about them and other unique pets by playing.

    Fun and Easy Leaf Hedgehog Craft for Autumn Days

    In addition, look at some fun hands-on hedgehog activities.

    HANDS-ON HEDGEHOG FUN

    • Grab a plastic disposable fork and create this Fork Painted Hedgehog Craft, an excellent project for the youngest of learners.
    • Autumn Spiky Paper Hedgehogs
    • I just love a good tp roll craft for its frugalness but they usually just come out adorable like this Hedgehog Toilet Paper Roll.
    • Where do they live? What do they eat? Watch 15 facts about Hedgehogs to find out the answers to these questions and more.
    • Build number recognition skills at the same time that they build fine motor skills by creating and playing with this clever Hedgehog Counting Craft.
    Fun and Easy Leaf Hedgehog Craft for Autumn Days

    Finally, look at how to make this adorable leaf hedgehog craft.

    LEAF HEDGEHOG CRAFT

    The next time you are on a nature walk or wandering in the backyard, gather a basket of dried fall leaves and a few small sticks for this autumn leaf hedgehog craft.

    Fun and Easy Leaf Hedgehog Craft for Autumn Days

    You will need:

    • A canvas
    • Dried fall leaves
    • Sticks
    • Glue stick
    • Hot glue gun/sticks
    • Dried berries, buttons, or beads
    • A pencil
    Fun and Easy Leaf Hedgehog Craft for Autumn Days

    First, decide if you would like your hedgehog walking along the ground or a little more whimsical and upright like we did ours here.

    Sketch the outline of a rounded body and a tipped-up nose with a pencil.

    Fun and Easy Leaf Hedgehog Craft for Autumn Days

    Once you are happy with your design, retrace the pencil with a fine line marker.

    To help children develop fine motor skills you can let them trace the pencil outline with a pen or permanent marker.

    You may want to mark with a pencil where to stop the leaves for younger children.

    Demonstrate for your child how to add a generous amount of glue to the line along the back and press leaves into the glue down to the base.

    Fun and Easy Leaf Hedgehog Craft for Autumn Days

    Repeat until he has a full back of leafy spines 2-3 layers thick.

    Use a google eye, small button, or something like these little dried berries we found outside to make his eye and little upturned nose and glue in place.

    Fun and Easy Leaf Hedgehog Craft for Autumn Days

    Erase the pencil lines if there are any showing to clean up the work a bit.

    For the framing part of this craft, you will want to use hot glue to be sure that it holds in place well.

    Break your sticks to the approximate length of the four sides of the canvas and glue into place.

    Fun and Easy Leaf Hedgehog Craft for Autumn Days

    Allow it to harden and it’s ready to hang and bring some autumn memories to your wall.

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

    Discover The Best Gifts For Biology Lovers

    November 6, 2024 | Leave a Comment
    This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

    I have combed my favorite sites to bring you gifts for biology lovers that range from baby to adult and many aspects of biology.

    Biology is the study of living things.

    It’s a big field that includes studying plants, animals, and even humans.

    Discover The Best Gifts For Biology Lovers

    Biologists try to understand how living things work, how they interact with each other, and how they change over time.

    It is a broad field with many different branches, each of which focuses on a different aspect of living things.

    Just in case you are not a biology nerd yourself of course I am including a breakdown of what sciences fall under it.

    The main branches of biology cover a wide variety of interests from the body to plants and insects as well as bacteria and viruses.

    BRANCHES OF BIOLOGY FOR GIFTS FOR BIOLOGY LOVERS

    The main branches of biology cover a wide variety of interests from the body to plants and insects as well as bacteria and viruses.

    Anatomy: The study of the structure of living things.

    Biochemistry: The study of the chemical processes that take place in living things.

    Botany: The study of plants.

    Cell biology: The study of cells that make up living things.

    Ecology: The study of how living things interact with each other and with their environment.

    Evolution: The study of how living things have changed over time.

    Genetics: The study of how traits are passed down from parents to offspring.

    Immunology: The study of how living things protect themselves from disease.

    Microbiology: The study of microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses.

    Molecular biology: The study of the molecules that make up living things.

    Physiology: The study of how living things function.

    Zoology: The study of animals.

    Discover The Best Gifts For Biology Lovers

    Next, look at more gift guides.

    MORE GIFT GUIDES

    • Explore The Best American History Gifts For Kids And Educators
    • Elevate Playtime with 15 Best Steam Gifts for Kids
    • 11 Unique Turtle Gift Ideas for Reptile Enthusiasts
    • Step Back in Time with These 12 Little House on the Prairie Gift Ideas
    • 12 Gifts For Medieval History Buffs
    • Navigating the Perfect Present: 22 Gifts for Geography Lovers
    • Ignite the Love for Learning: 10 Homeschool Gift Ideas That Spark Joy
    • How To Gift A True Crime Fan : 8 Best Gifts For True Crime Fans
    • 13 Amazing and Fun Gifts for Kids Who Love History
    • Unleash Your Inner Scientist: 12 Amazing Gifts for the Science Lovers
    • Ten Best Tech Gifts for Teen Boys
    • Gifts For Kids Who Are Wild About History
    • 5 Gift Ideas for the Homeschool Mom Who Needs a Cooking Reboot
    • Fungi Fun: 11 Unconventional Mushroom Gift Ideas for the Adventurous Spirit

    So, whether your recipient is a child, teacher, college student, or just enthusiast you are likely to find something unique that they will love here in this list of gifts from books to games and everything in between.

    BIOLOGY GIFTS

    Discover the best gifts for biology lovers.

    The Amoeba Sisters' Cartoon Guide to Biology: Science Simplified

    From the dynamic sister duo behind the beloved Amoeba Sisters YouTube channel, this visual learning book features 24 major educational concepts commonly taught in life sciences courses. Designed to alleviate the intimidation often associated with complex science concepts, this guide employs amusing mnemonics, real-world examples, and light-hearted humorous anecdotes to make biology topics more approachable and relatable.

    Cytosis: A Cell Biology Board Game |

    BIOLOGY BOARD GAME - Learn cell biology from a science game! Players build enzymes, hormones, and receptors and play with proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and DNA or mRNA, just like in biology class. This game is great on a learning table in a classroom to teach students about various parts of cell biology, including animal cell organelles, enzymes, and hormones.

    Photo Credit: shrsl.com

    Personalized DNA Science 3D Lamp Wooden Base

    Personalized DNA Science 3D Lamp Wooden Base, Biology Science Gift.

    Photo Credit: shrsl.com

    Plant Cell Dangle Earrings

    If your biology fanatic is especially a fan of botany these Plant Cell Earrings are not only an adorable conversation starter but really let their interest shine.

    Taxidermy Octopus, Real Octopus Specimens

    UNIQUE OCTOPUS SPECIMEN: Our Octopis specimen is a one-of-a-kind collectible that is perfect for fans of taxidermy animals, oddities, and wet specimens.

    Baby Biochemist: DNA:

    For the baby that has everything, you can get them started on the path to learning about biology with a DNA Board Book, science minded parents will appreciate this gift as well.

    The Awkward Yeti Organ Attack! Card Game, A Family Fun Game for Kids and Adults

    Organ ATTACK! Do you like Doctor Games or Human Body Games?Another hit family friendly card game by Awkward Yeti! This Medical Card Game is the absolute hoot!

    GIANTmicrobes Sick Day Themed Gift Box

    Feeling under the weather? Rough night and just can’t get to school or work? These adorable Sick Day microbes will cheer up friends and family, inspire you and have you feeling better

    LEGO Ideas The Insect Collection

    Blue morpho butterfly (Morpho peleides) – Capture the shades of blue in this butterfly’s wings and its white dots. The model also includes a buildable honeybee and flower to round out your butterfly decorations

    Botany Board Game |

    • EXPERIENCE THE THRILL OF THE HUNT!: Take on the role of a plant hunter in the Victorian Era as you travel the world in search of fame, fortune, and the coveted Queen’s Prize in Botany. Earn the most points by collecting and safely returning botanical specimens to your growing English estate.

    Vintage Butterfly Poster Hanger Frame

    • Real Retro: Our poster printing process intentionally incorporates a weathered design to achieve an authentic vintage look and feel; this creates a unique retro charm that reflects the passage of time, adding character to any space

    Anatomicum: Welcome to the Museum

    Welcome to a museum that is always open to explore. Inside these pages you’ll get a peek at the workings of the major systems of the human body, from the minute muscles used to convey emotion to precise workings of the human brain. With stunning artwork by Katy Wiedemann and expert text by Dr. Jennifer Z. Paxton, this beautiful book makes anatomical knowledge both accessible and beautiful.

    Leave a CommentFiled Under: Gift Guides Tagged With: biology, gift, gift list, hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, homeschoolgiftideas, science

    Awesome Serengeti African Savanna Fun Facts | Free Color By Number

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

    Today, I have some awesome Serengeti African savanna fun facts and a free color by number printable for your littles. Also, look at my Free Africa Unit Study for more hands-on ideas.

    The Serengeti National Park is a fascinating ecosystem which supports a variety of amazing animals.

    And the Serengeti is a huge national park in Tanzania, Africa.

    Tanzania is in East Africa.

    Awesome Serengeti African Savanna Fun Facts | Free Color By Number

    Not only is Tanzania home to the Serengeti savanna, but it is home to the mighty Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa.

    Next, explain that a savanna is a tropical grassland with scattered trees.

    It is home to the great wildebeest and zebra migration where millions of animals migrate across the Serengeti in search of water and food.

    Also, it is approximately 14,000+ square feet with an abundance of wildlife.

    SERENGETI BOOK FOR KIDS

    Next, look at some books about Africa on my post Free Africa Unit Study for Kids Who Love Hands-on Learning | Free Continent & Country Reports.

    Serengeti: Plains of Grass

    The Serengeti National Park is famous for its wildlife and the Great Migration.

    Serengeti: Plains of Grass

    Leslie Bulion, a virtuoso science poet, has created a portrait of the rainy season on East Africa's southern Serengeti Plain, offering young readers a compelling look at an ecosystem in motion. Using a series of interconnected verses inspired by an East African Swahili poem form—the utendi—Bulion's cadences and rhythmic lines mimic the web of life in the Serengeti, following the great migration of wildebeest, zebras, and other animals into and then out of the vast short-grass plain.

    This book Serengeti: Plains of Grass is a beautiful book to highlight the diversity of wildlife and the beauty of the ecosystem.

    Also, I have more posts about Africa.

    MORE KIDS ACTIVITIES ABOUT AFRICA

    • How to Make An Embroidered African Map Fun Geography Craft
    • How To Make A Mountain Volcano | Mighty Mount Kilimanjaro With Geronimo Stilton
    • 8 Facts about African Elephants and a Cute Paper Plate Elephant
    • Interesting Facts For Kids About Africa | Cute Handprint Cheetah
    • Alphabet Letter G is for Gorilla Fun Paper Plate Preschool Mask
    • Simple and Fun Wildlife Craft Mountain Gorilla Layered Art Project
    • 8 The Water Princess STEM Activity Ideas and African Clay Pot Craft
    • 6 World Wildlife Day Activities to Learn About African Lions
    • Learn About African Art For Children And Make Fun Djembe Drums
    • How to Make a Kids’ Fun Ceremonial African Tribal Mask

    Too, look at more African savanna fun facts.

    AFRICAN SAVANNA FUN FACTS

    You’ll love these African savanna fun facts to add to your unit study.

    • When saying the “Big Five”, it refers to animals: lions, elephants, leopards, buffaloes, and rhinoceroses.
    • The name “Serengeti” comes from the Maasai language. It means “endless plain.”
    • It’s a great place for birdwatchers too. It has over 500 bird species. One bird, the Lilac-breasted Roller is recognized for its vibrant beautiful colors. A few of the other species found there are the Greater Flamingo, Crowned Crane, African Grey Hornbill and cool Secretary Bird to name just a very few to dive in and learn about.
    • The Serengeti has a unique balance of predators like cheetahs and lions with prey like zebras and antelopes. This keeps the ecosystem balanced.
    • The Serengeti is a UNESCO World Heritage site. This means its recognized for the importance to conservation but also because of its beauty.
    • You can visit the Serengeti on a safari. This means to visit it and see animals in their natural habitat.
    • In addition, the Serengeti also has volcanic craters, rivers and woodlands. This provides abundant diversity for wildlife.
    • The Great Migration is driven by rainfall patterns.
    • The Maasai people have lived in the Serengeti region for centuries.
    • Over 3,000 species of plants are supported by the Serengeti. For example, giraffes love to munch on the leaves of the Acacia tree, and there is the Baobab, Lantana, sisal plant and elephant grass which is a favorite food for the elephants.
    Awesome Serengeti African Savanna Fun Facts | Free Color By Number

    These are just a very few African savanna fun facts that your kids will love.

    HOW TO GET THE FREE COLOR BY NUMBER PRINTABLE

    Finally, I have something for your littles to include in your study about the amazing African savannah.

    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: Africa, color by number, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, lions, science

    Fun Arctic Habitat Diorama and Fascinating Facts About Walruses

    October 23, 2024 | Leave a Comment
    This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

    For a fun hands-on project, we are making an edible arctic habitat diorama. Too, you’ll love my pages Arctic Region and Arctic and Inuit unit study too.

    Not only for educational purposes but also to enjoy the tasty reward of our efforts, we’re making this fun diorama.

    Like the equator, the invisible lines of latitude and longitude, the Arctic circles are not real red lines on the Earth.

    Fun Arctic Habitat Diorama and Fascinating Facts About Walruses

    They are invisible and these polar circles are located near the poles of the earth, at 66.6° N and S latitude.

    There are the Arctic Polar Circle and the Antarctic Polar Circle.

    The Antarctic Circle contains Antarctica, the Southern Ocean, the Weddell Sea, and the Balleny Islands.

    The conditions are so harsh in Antarctica and its surrounding areas that the only people who live there are scientists, temporarily.

    Very few creatures make their home in Antarctica, on land and in the surrounding oceans.

    You would see killer whales, blue whales, krill, and elephant seals.

    Additionally, emperor and Adelie penguins are the only type of penguins to live on our coldest continent Antarctica.

    Further, the Arctic Circle includes the Arctic Ocean, the Chukchi, East Siberian, Laptev, Kara, Barents, White, Greenland, and Beaufort seas as well as parts of Greenland, Alaska, Canada, Norway, and Russia.

    There are a lot more animals that make their home in the Arctic Circle.

    For example, there are Arctic foxes, caribou, Beluga whales, lemmings, puffins, polar bears, walruses, narwhals, and much more.

    Unlike Antarctica, humans inhabit many parts of the Arctic Circle.

    BOOKS ABOUT THE ARCTIC FOR KIDS

    First, look at some of these books about the Arctic.

    I prefer living books when you can find them.

    12 Arctic Books about People & Animals of the Arctic

    Studying about the region of the Arctic is a fascinating topic. Grab some of these books about life in the Arctic and animals of the Arctic.

    The Story of Snow: The Science of Winter's Wonder

    How do snow crystals form? What shapes can they take? Are no two snow crystals alike? These questions and more are answered inside this exploration of the science of snow, featuring photos of real snow crystals in all their beautiful diversity. Perfect for reading on winter days, this book by a nature photographer and a snow scientist will inspire wonder and curiosity about the marvels of snow. Snowflake-catching instructions are also included for aspiring young snow scientists!

    In Arctic Waters

    This arctic adaptation of “This is the House that Jack Built” follows polar bears, walruses, seals, narwhals and beluga whales as they chase each other around “the ice that floats in the Arctic waters.” Not only is the rhythmic, cumulative prose good for early readers; it is a pure delight to read aloud. The “For Creative Minds” section helps children learn how these animals live in the cold, icy arctic region.

    Arctic Fox: Fascinating Animal Facts for Kids (This Incredible Planet)

    Fascinating Animal Facts Arctic Fox Learn all about the amazing and adaptable Arctic fox. This small yet hardy creature survives in the harshest of environments!

    This Incredible Planet series provides young readers with interesting information about the Earth’s most fascinating creatures.

    Beautiful color photography makes each animal come to life. Learn about the Arctic fox’s habitat, diet, breeding, lifespan, behavior, threats, and so much more!

    Over and Under the Snow

    A wonderful winter book for kids from the author and illustrator of the beloved Over and Under series, now in paperback! Part of the acclaimed nature book series that includes Over and Under the Pond, Over and Under the Rainforest, and Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt, this volume takes readers on a cross country ski trip through the winter woods to discover the secret world of animals living under the snow.

    Animals in Winter (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science)

    Read and find out about how animals cope with winter in this colorfully illustrated nonfiction picture book.

    This is a clear and appealing book for early elementary age kids, both at home and in the classroom. Introduce kids to basic science ideas as part of discussions about the seasons and animals.

    Have you ever seen a butterfly in the snow? Probably not. Butterflies can't survive cold weather, so when winter comes, many butterflies fly to warmer places. They migrate. Woodchucks don't like cold weather either, but they don't migrate; they hibernate. Woodchucks sleep in their dens all winter long. How do these and other animals handle the cold and snow of winter?

    Read and find out in the proven winner Animals in Winter!

    This is a Level 1 Let's-Read-and-Find-Out, which means the book explores introductory concepts perfect for children in the primary grades.

    The Inuit Thought of It: Amazing Arctic Innovations (We Thought of It)

    Today’s Arctic communities have all the comforts of modern living. Yet the Inuit survived in this harsh landscape for hundreds of years with nothing but the land and their own ingenuity. Join authors Alootook Ipellie and David MacDonald as they explore the amazing innovations of traditional Inuit and how their ideas continue to echo around the world. Some inventions are still familiar to us: the one-person watercraft known as a kayak still retains its Inuit name. Other innovations have been replaced by modern technology: slitted snow goggles protected Inuit eyes long before sunglasses arrived on the scene. Andother ideas were surprisingly inspired: using human-shaped stone stacks (Inunnguat) to trick and trap caribou. Many more Inuit innovations are explored here, including: • Dog sleds • Shelter • Clothing • Kids’ stuff • Food preservation • Medicine. In all, more than 40 Inuit items and ideas are showcased through dramatic photos and captivating language. From how these objects were made, to their impact on contemporary culture, The Inuit Thought of It is a remarkable catalogue of Inuit invention.

    Mini Arctic Animals Figurines Set, Polar Animals Toy for Kids Plastic Arctic Reindeer,Walrus,White Whale,Polar Bear,Arctic Fox,Wolf Figures,

    Tiny Animals Figures Party: 18 PCS Package include orca, walrus, white owl, reindeer, husky, 2pcs seal, 2pcs beluga whale, 2pcs arctic wolf, 2pcs arctic fox, 2pcs arctic rabbit, 2pcs polar bear figurines and igloo model.

    Who are the Eskimos? Arctic People's Traditional Way of Life

    Who Are The Eskimos is perfect for early to middle elementary students and makes a great addition to your library.

    North: The Amazing Story of Arctic Migration

    “A treat for middle-graders of an ecological bent.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review) At the top of our world is a huge wild place called the Arctic. In the winter, it is a cold and barren land, where few animals can survive. But when spring comes, it attracts animals from every corner of the earth. This lushly illustrated picture book celebrates the resilient wildlife and barren, beautiful landscapes of the Arctic Circle, tracing the awe-inspiring spring migration of millions of creatures to the Arctic and reminding the reader of the hardships and harmony of life in the wild.Back matter includes additional information about the arctic, a glossary, and an index.

    Arctic White

    When you live in the Arctic in winter, everything is a shade of white. A young girl looks around her home in the Arctic and sees only white, white, white...but one day her grandfather takes her on a journey through the tundra.  And at the end of their cold walk across the ice, they find something special that brings color into their world.

    Farthest North: The Incredible Three-Year Voyage to the Frozen Latitudes of the North (Modern Library Exploration)

    In 1893, Fridjtof Nansen set sail in the Fram, a ship specially designed and built to be frozen into the polar ice cap, withstand its crushing pressures, and travel with the sea’s drift closer to the North Pole than anyone had ever gone before. Experts said such a ship couldn't be built and that the voyage was tantamount to suicide.  This brilliant first-person account, originally published in 1897, marks the beginning of the modern age of exploration. Nansen vividly describes the dangerous voyage and his 15-month-long dash to the North Pole by sledge. Farthest North is an unforgettable tale and a must-read for any armchair explorer.

    This Place Is Cold: An Imagine Living Here book

    Can you imaging living in a place where it's so cold your breath turns instantly into tiny ice crystals that glitter in the sun? Where temperatures can drop fifty degrees below zero and even lower and the sun only comes out for a few hours per day? In This Place Is Cold readers will learn how people and animals survive in Alaska's ferocious cold, and how because of global warming this region is now in trouble. Vicki Cobb and Barbara Lavallee travelled the world together to research this groundbreaking geography series, that is now updated and redesigned to appeal to today's readers.

    Next, look at some of these fun facts about the walrus of the Arctic.

    5 FASCINATING FACTS ABOUT THE WALRUS OF THE ARCTIC 

    1. The only natural predators of the walrus are Orcas and polar bears.
    2. The walrus is nicknamed the Giant or King of the Arctic. Adult walrus are typically about 7.25 to 11.5 feet long and can weigh up to 1.5 tons (3,000 lb).
    3. There are two recognized species which are the Atlantic walrus and the Pacific walrus. They are divided geographically. Atlantic walruses live in the coastal areas of Canada and Greenland. Pacific walruses live in the northern seas of Alaska and Russia.
    4. Both male and female walruses can have tusks that reach almost 3 feet long, measure that out with a measuring tape to be impressed by this feature made of dentine.
    5. These giant pinnipeds can withstand temperatures as low as -35°C (-31°F) due to the layers of blubber stored beneath their skin that help to insulate them from the cold.  

    This paper plate walrus craft is just too cute to pass up.

    Learn more about blubber with my Inuit of the Arctic: How Animals Survive Harsh Winters Fun Blubber Activity

    You can find out more about the walrus and other arctic animals with the Ocean Anatomy book, a favorite resource of mine.

    Fun Arctic Habitat Diorama and Fascinating Facts About Walruses

    Check out this step-by-step tutorial for drawing a walrus to include a little more art in your study.

    This is great for fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and building those skills in following directions.

    MORE ARCTIC ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS

    • Julie of the Wolves Free Hands-on Arctic Unit Study
    • Arctic Region Salt Dough Map and Free Map Flag Printables
    • Arctic Winter Animal Craft Ideas: Make Your Own Felt Puppets
    • Polar Bear Science Activities Preschool | How To Make A Fun Dessert
    • Free Arctic Ground Squirrel Lapbook & Unit Study Resources
    • How to Make Wooden Peg Easy Arctic Animal Crafts
    Fun Arctic Habitat Diorama and Fascinating Facts About Walruses

    EDIBLE ARCTIC OR ANTARCTIC HABITAT DIORAMA

    If you need animals for your arctic habitat diorama these Mini Arctic Animals Figurines Set have a great variety and can also be used as a model for drawing, in sensory bins and trays, as well as other types of dioramas.

    You can make a map of either the Arctic Circle or Antarctic Circle using my simple instructions below and focus on any polar animal found in either region.

    Also, we realized we had made the Arctic salt dough a few years back so we switched midstream and made this for Antarctica. Again, these directions can be for either the Arctic or Antarctica circle.

    But today I am going to dig a little deeper into the walrus (found in the Arctic).

    You will need:

    • Sugar cookie dough
    • Cling wrap
    • Baking sheet
    • Map of Arctic or Antarctic circle
    • White frosting
    • Blue food coloring
    • Red vines (licorice)
    Fun Arctic Habitat Diorama and Fascinating Facts About Walruses

    Find a map of the Antarctic Circle that you like and print it out or you can use an image from an atlas or map.

    Cover the map in plastic wrap to protect the page.

    Slightly soften your favorite sugar cookie recipe or store-bought prepared cookie dough.

    Press gently and mold into the shape of your land mass on top of the plastic wrap.

    Try to keep the thickness uniform so that it bakes evenly.

    Fun Arctic Habitat Diorama and Fascinating Facts About Walruses

    Flip the cookie dough map onto the baking sheet and bake according to the package directions.

    Fun Arctic Habitat Diorama and Fascinating Facts About Walruses

    While you are waiting you can use a plate or whatever you like as a base.

    Mix a little blue food coloring into some of your frosting and cover the round surface with it.

    Fun Arctic Habitat Diorama and Fascinating Facts About Walruses

    Remove cookie from oven and allow to cool completely before transferring to the center of your frosting.

    Fun Arctic Habitat Diorama and Fascinating Facts About Walruses

    Frost the cookie map with white frosting (snow and ice).

    Fun Arctic Habitat Diorama and Fascinating Facts About Walruses

    Add animals to your map.

    Fun Arctic Habitat Diorama and Fascinating Facts About Walruses

    Finish up by creating the invisible polar circle around your map using red vines or you can get a small squeeze tube of red food coloring to use.

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

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