science

20 Brain Break Quick And Fast Facts For Kids

May 21, 2025 | Leave a Comment
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I have a free 20 micro lessons brain break fast facts for kids printable.

In today’s fast paced world, children are constantly taking in information. This is important to feed their insatiable curiosity. However, all learners need a brain break.

A brain break is a short mental pause designed to help children stay fresh and engaged.

20 Brain Break Quick And Fast Facts For Kids

Brain breaks are not a distraction. They’re a vital part of learning.

They help children recharge, refocus, and return to their routine with renewed energy and attention. The key is to make them fun, low-stress, and effective at re-energizing the brain.

Too, there are various forms of brain breaks.

RESOURCES FOR KIDS BRAIN BREAK

First, look at some of these other bran break resources.

I’ve included activities for multiple ages.

7 Brain Break Activities for Kids

Add a few of these fun short activities to give the brain a break. Besides, short pauses and quick lessons give kids a change to refocus.

Exploring Geometry: An Interesting Activity Book for Kids Ages 11 to 14

Discover the fascinating world of geometry through captivating games and activities! The activities in this book are designed to make geometry fun and engaging. Through interactive games and exercises, children will learn complex concepts.

Unlock the fascinating world of shapes, angles, and patterns with "Exploring Geometry"! This engaging activity book is perfect for kids ages 11 to 14, transforming complex geometric concepts into fun and interactive learning experiences.

HOW TO DRAW EVERYTHING SCIENCE FOR CURIOUS KIDS: Step-by-Step Art To Explore The World Around You

This exciting drawing book makes learning about the world around us fun, easy, and incredibly creative.

Packed with cool, and amazing step-by-step drawing lessons, kids will learn how to draw experiences of the world around us from rockets and robots to plants, animals, and atoms. Whether it's their very first how-to-draw book or they’re next drawing adventure, this book takes them on the next step of their artistic and curious journey.

Daring Deeds - World War II Short Stories for Kids: Family-Friendly Stories About Friendship, Bravery, Kindness & Love for 8-14 Year Olds

Is your child obsessed with all things World War II?

Does he or she keep wanting to know more and more about these historic events?

Or maybe they are just always hungry for knowledge and obscure facts..

Have you been wanting to give them the perfect book?

Our big book of short stories has:

More than 20 never-before-read short stories from WW2
Stories of love, loss, bravery & kindness & other important morals
Unknown stories (everybody knows the story of Anne Frank already!)

Mazes for Kids: Maze Activity Book for Ages 4 – 8

Mazes that are fun for kids!

Suitable for ages 4 – 8: easy to medium
80 creative designs for hours of entertainment

Brain Breaks for Kids: Recharging Minds, One Break at a Time

Transform any setting with "Brain Breaks for Kids," a practical guide packed with creative ideas for 5-20 minute breaks that recharge kids' minds and bodies, helping them return to their tasks refreshed and ready to learn.

Brain breaks are short bursts of mental and physical activities that let kids pause their tasks to refresh. These quick, revitalizing breaks can include movement, games, music, and mindfulness exercises, all designed to keep kids engaged and energized throughout the day.

Image for Color Sorting Sensory Toys for Toddlers, Color Matching Fidget Toys for Calming, Preschool Learning Montessori Toy Travel Fine Motor Skills Game

Color Sorting Sensory Toys for Toddlers, Color Matching Fidget Toys for Calming, Preschool Learning Montessori Toy Travel Fine Motor Skills Game

Fine Motor Toys: These cute ice cream-shaped color sorting toys allow children to improve their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination by squeezing different colored rubber beads into the corresponding colors. Each color includes 5 beads.

Harkla Sensory Activity Dice – Fun and Effective Brain Breaks for Kids

GRAB, ROLL AND PLAY— Get Instant Sensory Support, No Prep Needed. Just roll the exercise dice and follow the activity—no screens, no setup, just instant movement that supports better behavior and focus.

Too, fast facts for kids can be any resource from short stories to word searches.

WHAT IS INCLUDED 20 MICRO LESSONS BRAIN BREAKS FAST FACTS FOR KIDS

I have 20 micro lessons for kids.

The twenty topics are science based.

From what is a black hole to understanding goose bumps, these engaging science lessons are quick and fun.

Too, there is a challenge if your child wants to dig deeper into topics.

Then, look at a few more fast fact for kids brain breaks.

MORE FAST FACTS FOR KIDS BRAIN BREAKS ACTIVITIES

Finally, look at how to download the fast facts 20 micro lessons perfect for brain breaks.

HOW TO DOWNLOAD THE FREE FAST FACTS 20 MICRO LESSONS PERFECT FOR BRAIN BREAKS

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

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How To Create An Engaging Desert Sensory Bin For Hands-On Play

May 19, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

A desert sensory bin is a fun way to introduce your toddlers and preschoolers to desert animals and the characteristics of the desert.

A sensory bin is like a buildable interactive diorama for younger children that lets them explore their senses and whatever the topic is you have chosen for them to learn about.

In this case it is a desert sensory bin to discover the dry, sandy climate and some of the animals that make their home there.

How To Create An Engaging Desert Sensory Bin For Hands-On Play

During the day, the desert sun is very strong, and it gets super-hot.

But when the sun goes down at night, the desert can get very chilly.

So, the animals and plants have to be ready for big changes in temperature. It’s like two different worlds in one amazing place.

BOOKS ABOUT THE DESERT FOR KIDS

Too, look at these books about the desert.

When possible we prefer learning through living books so I add them as I find them.

18 Desert Books & Resources for Kids Who Love Reading and Being Read To

Add some of these living books and references books about the desert to your library.

The Seed & the Giant Saguaro

Children's reader on the subject of deserts and what lives there Large book with very large kid friendly illustrations

Cactus Hotel (Rise and Shine)

It is another hot day in the desert. Birds and other animals scurry about looking for food. When they get tired they stop to rest at a giant cactus. It is their hotel in the desert!Many different animals live in the cactus hotel. It protects them; and they protect it, by eating the pests that could harm the cactus.The cactus grows larger and larger and will live for about two hundred years. When one animal moves out, another moves in. There is never a vacancy in the cactus hotel.This story--about a desert, a giant cactus, and the animals who live in it--is one that even the youngest child will understand and enjoy.

Desert Giant: The World of the Saguaro Cactus

A venerable saguaro cactus stands like a statue in the hot desert landscape, its armlike branches reaching fifty feet into the air. From a distance it appears to be completely still and solitary--but appearances can be deceptive. In fact, this giant tree of the desert is alive with activity. Its spiny trunk and branches are home to a surprising number of animals, and its flowers and fruit feed many desert dwellers. Gila woodpeckers and miniature elf owls make their homes inside the saguaro's trunk. Long-nosed bats and fluttering white doves drink the nectar from its showy white flowers. People also play a role in the saguaro's story: each year the Tohono O'odham Indians gather its sweet fruit in a centuries-old harvest ritual.

Where Is the Sahara Desert?

Imagine over three million square miles of sand dunes that are as tall as a ten-story building. That place is real -- it's the Sahara Desert! Vast, yes! And home to fascinating creatures such as ostriches and fennec foxes as well as amazing plant life. The shallow roots of the mesquite tree can grow almost 200 feet across to absorb water. Readers will also learn about the famous trade routes of the past with caravans of up to 10,000 camels, European explorers to the region (some very unlucky ones), and native populations like the Berber and Tuareg, the faces of the men are blue from the dye in the veils they always wear.

Where Is Antarctica?

Antarctica, the earth's southernmost continent, was virtually untouched by humans until the nineteenth century. Many famous explorers journeyed (and often died) there in the hope of discovering a land that always seemed out of reach. This book introduces readers to this desert--yes, desert!--continent that holds about 90 percent of the world's ice; showcases some of the 200 species that call Antarctica home, including the emperor penguin; and discusses environmental dangers to the continent, underscoring how what happens to Antarctica affects the entire world.

A Desert Scrapbook: Dawn to Dusk in the Sonoran Desert

In the early morning hours, an artist stirs. Gathering her paints and notebook, she heads into the Arizona Sonoran Desert to explore its treasures. Sketching, painting, and writing, she records all that she sees and as night falls, she spreads out her pictures to make this scrapbook of her day, from dawn to dusk.

This Place Is Dry: Arizona's Sonoran Desert

Surveys the living conditions in Arizona's Sonora Desert for the people and unusual animals that live there. Also describes the engineering accomplishment of Hoover Dam.

Desert Solitaire

In Desert Solitaire, Edward Abbey recounts his many escapades, adventures, and epiphanies as an Arches National Park ranger outside Moab, Utah. Brimming with arresting insights, impassioned arguments for wilderness conservation, and a raconteur’s wit, it is one of Abbey’s most critically acclaimed works. Through stories and philosophical musings, Abbey reflects on the condition of our remaining wilderness, the future of a civilization, and his own internal struggle with morality. As the world continues its rapid development, Abbey’s cry to maintain the natural beauty of the West remains just as relevant today as when this book first appeared in 1968.

Coyote Raid In Cactus Canyon

While the rest of the animals hide from view from a group of rambunctious coyotes, the fearless gang takes full advantage of the open space of Cactus Canyon and participates with great zeal in an array of nighttime activities, but an unexpected encounter with a rattlesnake quickly puts an end to the coyotes fun as they are sent running for cover, too!

Roxaboxen

Marian called it Roxaboxen. There across the road, it looked like any rocky hill—nothing but sand and rocks, and some old wooden boxes. But it was a special place. And all children needed to go there was a long stick and a soaring imagination.

Why Oh Why Are Deserts Dry? All About Deserts

n this latest installation of the Cat in the Hat's Learning Library, the Cat takes Sally and Dick to explore different kinds of deserts around the world, from the hot, dry Sonoran and Mojavi to the bitter cold Gobi and Antarctica. Young readers learn why deserts are dry, and how plants and animals—including cactus, kangaroos, camels, penguins, roadrunners, and many others—have adapted to survive the unforgiving climate. Also included: how sand dunes are formed; the reason we see mirages, and how shallow water beneath the surface of the ground can create an oasis. Fans of the new PBS preschool science show The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That! (which is based on the Learning Library series) won't want to miss this hot new addition to the series!

One Day in the Desert

‘A wounded mountain lion moves from his mountain habitat to a Papago Indian hut in Arizona’s Sonoran desert during a record-breaking July day. All creation adapts to the blistering heat until a cloudburst causes a flash flood. With a measured yet vivid style, this introduction to desert ecology makes a memorable impact."

Deserts

This intriguing yet simple description will captivate young readers who have an interest in the unfamiliar.

A Walk in the Desert (Biomes of North America)

Take a walk through the desert. This hot, dry biome of the southwest is full of life. How do plants and animals of the desert live? As you wander through the desert, discover how each and every plant and animal relies on the others to live and grow.

Wildlife of the Southwest Deserts

Learn about the fascinating creatures of the desert Southwest including: Venomous Animals Insects and Arthropods Rattlesnakes, Lizards, Desert Tortoise The Roadrunner and other Birds Bighorn Sheep, Kit Fox, Coyote.

Indian Uses of Desert Plants

Now in its fourth edition, this is a beautiful book with both historical and contemporary images showing the most important plants used by Native Americans. Medicinal, food resources, tools and shelter are just some of the uses discussed. Plants shown and described are among the most widespread plants in the desert Southwest.

Desert Snakes

Learn all about desert snakes with the beautiful book by James W. Cornett.

The Namib Desert

An excellent introduction to the natural history of the Namib Desert of southwest Africa. At its heart, second only to the Atacama Desert of Chile and Peru as the driest place on Earth. Also, it is the oldest desert on our planet and the only desert with a megafauna including elephant, giraffe, and rhinoceros. The lofty orange dunes, highest in the world, are also shown and discussed.

Also, many animals make their home in the desert. Some animals, like camels, are big and strong.

Others, like lizards, are small and speed, they all have special ways to stay cool and find food in the desert.

Let’s learn about some of these “cool” desert animals

DESERT ANIMALS

CAMELS

Often called “ships of the desert” due to their endurance.
Humps- Store fat reserves for energy, not water. Enables survival during limited food.
Long Eyelashes- Protect eyes from sand, maintaining visibility in dust storms.
Wide Feet- Improve movement on sand by distributing weight and preventing sinking.

LIZARDS

Prefer sun exposure and basking on rocks.
Scales: Provide protection, thermoregulation, and camouflage.
Tail: Some can detach their tail as a defense mechanism; it regenerates.
Food: Diets vary, including insects, plants, and small vertebrates.

SNAKES

Move via slithering.
Skin: Scaly, shed periodically for growth and repair.
Tongue: Used as a chemosensory organ for detecting stimuli and prey.
Food: Varying diets, swallowing prey whole.

SCORPIONS

Possess an exoskeleton and venomous stinger.
Claws-Used for prey capture.
Stinger- Used for venom injection in predation or defense.
Nighttime-Mostly active at night to avoid heat.

VULTURES

Vultures are big birds that help keep the desert clean. They eat animals that have died.
Wings-They can fly very high in the sky and can see far distances.
Heads-Their bald heads help keep them clean when they eat.
Groups-Vultures often fly in groups called kettles.

MEERKATS

Food-Opportunistic omnivores, eating insects, small vertebrates, and plants.
Live in social groups called mobs or gangs.
Group Living- Enhances predator detection, defense, and offspring rearing.
Lookouts- Individuals act as sentinels, surveying for threats.

Then look at these activities to learn more about the desert.

DESERT ACTIVITIES AND RESOURCES

Check out these 8 Desert Craft Ideas | How To Make Egg Carton Cactus to focus a bit on the flora of the desert biome.
Get little ones active while still on theme with these Desert Themed Yoga ideas.
7 Desert Crafts For Kids: How To Make A Clay Cactus Jewelry Holder
Watch the video What Animals Live in the Desert? To learn more about some of the most common creatures who live there.
Exploring Edible Cactus: Hands-on Learning (The Desert)
Build fine motor skills while you work on bending and folding paper with Scorpion Origami.
The book based Camel Race STEAM Activity Inspired by The Wooden Camel gets kids thinking critically.
Easy Desert Animal Crafts And A Scorpion Creation
Memory games are great for strengthening various cognitive skills, including memory, attention, focus, and problem-solving. Here are Free Printable Shape Matching Games for Desert Theme that also incorporate early math.
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.
While you are learning about snakes of the desert here is a fun craft Celebrate Snakes | How To Make A Fake Snakeskin Snake Craft Preschool to learn about this aspect of snakes.

Of course a good reference book nearby is important as well. Both Nature Anatomy and Wildlife Anatomy are a treasure trove of information for little learners on up to upper grades.

HOW TO CREATE AN ENGAGING DESERT SENSORY BIN

I recommend including your child in the creation of the sensory bin from the start so you can talk about the characteristics of each element as you put them in place.

You will need:

Safari Desert Animals
Sensory Bin Tub
Play Sand
Small pebbles
Air dry clay, paint

Start with a good sized bin.

You can use anything you have on hand but I really like to use stackable sensory bins like those I listed above.

You can put a variety of base filler like sand, rice, pebbles, and more, leaving them to be turned into an amazing themed sensory bin.

Add sand until it’s about halfway full.

You can leave it just sand or add some small pebbles or rocks to give it more texture and of course sorting possibilities.

If you would like to add a few cactus plants you can make some with air dry clay ahead of time and paint them green, add some broken toothpick pieces for spikes.

Set a few cacti in place.

Place plastic desert animals in the sensory bin.

Other items I like to include with a sensory bin are small cups or bowls, slotted spoons, small strainers, and even flash cards with animals related to the topic.

Finally, look at a few more sensory bins.

SENSORY BINS

Respiratory System Fun Facts For Kids And Free Worksheets

May 17, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

We’re learning some respiratory system fun facts, and I have some free respiratory system activity pages. Also, I have this Human Body Crafts page for more hands-on ideas. And this Beautiful Human Body Lapbook and Fun Unit Study.

We don’t really think about breathing, but it is amazing the way it happens. The respiratory system is the part of your body that helps you breathe and keeps you alive.

The respiratory system is the group of organs and tissues that work together to help you breathe.

Respiratory System Fun Facts For Kids And Free Worksheets

And the respiratory system is your body’s way of bringing in oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide.

Every cell in your body needs oxygen to create energy. Without it, your body wouldn’t be able to move.

So, you’ll love using these easy free activity worksheets to learn about it.

HUMAN BODY BOOKS FOR KIDS

First, look at these human body books to use with your unit study.

I prefer to use living books then add reference books to our research.

16 Human Body Books & Hands-on Resources

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

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

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

Medical Torso Human Body Model Anatomy

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

Human Organs Shape Silicone Molds 8 Pc

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

Ooze Labs: Visible Human Body with Squishable Organs

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

Human Body Model for Kids 8PCS Mini Body Parts

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

Anatomy (Quickstudy Academic)

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

Basher Science: Human Body: A Book with Guts!

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

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

Heart Anatomy Poster - LAMINATED

High-quality 3 MIL LAMINATION for added durability

Tear Resistant

Human Heart Anatomy Floor Puzzle

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1 Pair Plastic Skeleton Hands

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

Circulatory System Poster

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

The Circulatory System (Your Body Systems: Blastoff! Readers

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

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

Then, look at some respiratory system fun facts.

And i have some hands-on activities too.

RESPIRATORY SYSTEM FUN FACTS

Bringing in oxygen (O₂) and remove carbon dioxide (CO₂) is the respiratory system’s main job to exchange gases.
Did you know your lungs are not the same size? The left lung is a bit smaller to make space for your heart.
You start by breathing in through your nose or mouth. Your nose even helps warm and clean the air.
Then the air travels down your throat (pharynx) and passes through the voice box (larynx).
Next the air then moves into the trachea, also called your windpipe.
The diaphragm is the main muscle involved in breathing.

Additionally, look at these hands-on activities.

HANDS-ON RESPIRATORY SYSTEM ACTIVITIES

Also, look at the free worksheets included in this download.

Respiratory system diagram & labeling activity
Alveoli diagram & Parts of the alveol labeling activity
Parts and function of the respiratory system
Fun word search
Coloring page
Matching activity

HOW TO DOWNLOAD THE FREE RESPIRATORY WORKSHEETS

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10 Carbon Dioxide Facts For Kids | Amazing Diet Coke & Mentos Experiment

May 16, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

We’re learning some fun carbon dioxide facts for kids. Also, look at my post 4 Weeks Free Physical Science Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas.

And of course the best way to learn facts about a gas which could possibly be a boring topic is through a soda geyser reaction. That eruption is sure to bring life to your science today.

So, we’re learning some facts about carbon dioxide and doing a diet coke and mentos hands-on science experiment.

10 Carbon Dioxide Facts For Kids | Amazing Diet Coke & Mentos Experiment

We’ve all seen those cool eruptions on YouTube but we’re learning about the science behind it.

Too, it’s a fun way to learn about gas pressure and physical reactions.

Also, this experiment can be expanded to try soda with sugar. Does the diet soda work better or worse than the sugar soda? Why? Try the soda cold and try it warm. Then try other candies.

Measure the geyser (with safety goggles on please) and stand back or have a soda shower if you want to.

CHILDREN’S BOOKS ABOUT PHYSICAL SCIENCE

We prefer living books when we can find them.

Then I add reference books.

10 Books About Physical Science

Physical science varies in topic. It can cover states of matter, forces and motion like push and pull, forms of energy like simple circuits, light and sound to earth and space.

What Is the World Made Of?: All About Solids, Liquids, and Gases

Can you make an ice cube disappear? Put it on a hot sidewalk. It melts into water and then vanishes! The ice cube changes from solid to liquid to gas. This Level 2 Let's-Read-and-Find-Out picture book is a fascinating exploration of the three states of matter. This clear and appealing science book for early elementary age kids, both at home and in the classroom, uses simple, fun diagrams to explain the difference between solids, liquids, and gases. This book also includes a find out more section with experiments designed to encourage further exploration and introduce record keeping.

Matter: Physical Science for Kids

In Matter: Physical Science for Kids, kids ages 5 to 8 explore the definition of matter and the different states of matter, plus the stuff in our world that isn’t matter, such as sound and light! In this nonfiction picture book, children are introduced to physical science through detailed illustrations paired with a compelling narrative that uses fun language to convey familiar examples of real-world science connections. By recognizing the basic physics concept of matter and identifying the different ways matter appears in real life, kids develop a fundamental understanding of physical science and are impressed with the idea that science is a constant part of our lives and not limited to classrooms and
laboratories

The Disappearing Spoon: And Other True Tales of Madness, Love, and the History of the World from the Periodic Table of the Elements

Why did Gandhi hate iodine (I, 53)? How did radium (Ra, 88) nearly ruin Marie Curie's reputation? And why is gallium (Ga, 31) the go-to element for laboratory pranksters?The Periodic Table is a crowning scientific achievement, but it's also a treasure trove of adventure, betrayal, and obsession. These fascinating tales follow every element on the table as they play out their parts in human history, and in the lives of the (frequently) mad scientists who discovered them. The Disappearing Spoon masterfully fuses science with the classic lore of invention, investigation, and discovery.

Archimedes and the Door of Science (Living History Library)

Jeanne Bendick, through text and pictures, admirably succeeds in bringing to life the ancient Greek mathematician who enriched mathematics and all branches of science. Against the backdrop of Archimedes' life and culture, the author discusses the man's work, his discoveries and the knowledge later based upon it. The simple, often humorous, illustrations and diagrams greatly enhance the text.

Michael Faraday: Father of Electronics

Charles Ludwig retells Michael Faraday’s remarkable life story in fictionalized form. Here is the father of the electric motor, the dynamo, the transformer, the generator. Few persons are aware of the brilliant man’s deep Christian convictions and his determination to live by the Sermon on the Mount. For ages 12 to 15.

Junior Science Book of Electricity

Book about electricity for children.

Energy Makes Things Happen

Did you know that energy comes from the food you eat? From the sun and wind? From fuel and heat? You get energy every time you eat. You transfer energy to other things every time you play baseball.

Waves: Principles of Light, Electricity and Magnetism (The Secrets of the Universe)

Have you ever wondered why a prism turns ordinary sunlight into a rainbow? Isaac Newton knew why. How can a magnet be used to generate electricity? Michael Faraday could have told you. Can you explain how a toaster toasts bread? In this book, author Paul Fleisher answers these and many more questions as he looks at the laws that describe how waves behave. Through simple experiments, detailed illustrations and concepts that are easy to understand, readers are introduced to the basic principles of light, electricity and magnetism in a fun, exciting way.

Liquids and Gases: Principles of Fluid Mechanics (Secrets of the Universe)

Have you ever wondered why a 10-tonne boat floats but a tiny pebble sinks? Archimedes knew why. How does a basketball or tennis ball bounce? Robert Boyle could have described how! Can you explain why a hot-air balloon rises but a balloon you blow up drops to the ground? To answer these questions and many more, author Paul Fleisher explains the laws that define how and why liquids and gases behave the way they do. Through simple experiments, detailed illustrations and concepts that are easy to understand, readers are introduced to the basic principles of fluid mechanics in a fun, exciting way.

Marbles,Roller Skates,Doorknob

Explains the concepts of simple and complex machines and mechanical advantage, and describes how wheels, including gears and ball bearings, work

Additionally, look at more hands-on activities about physical science.

HANDS-ON PHYSICAL SCIENCE ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS

Next, look at carbon dioxide facts for kids.

CARBON DIOXIDE FACTS FOR KIDS

Carbon dioxide is a gas that’s all around us. It’s made of two kinds of atoms: carbon and oxygen.
When one carbon atom joins with two oxygen atoms, you get CO₂ which is carbon dioxide.
You make carbon dioxide every time you breathe out.
Vehicles burn fuel and release carbon dioxide.
Plants love carbon dioxide.
Plants use carbon dioxide during photosynthesis to make their food, then in return they give us oxygen.
Too, carbon dioxide keeps Earth warm by trapping eat from the sun.
However, too much carbon dioxide can be a problem for Earth. For example, we can burn too much fuel. Too much CO₂ can melt ice, change weather, and hurt animals’ homes.
CO₂ is the gas that makes soda fizzy.
Carbon dioxide is a natural gas that helps keep the Earth balanced.

Finally, look at this fun diet soda and Mentos science experiment.

HOW TO DO A DIET SODA AND MENTOS SCIENCE EXPERIMENT

First, look at this easy list of supplies.

(6) Mint Mentos
1 2L Diet Soda
Open outdoor area
Flat surface

Directions:

First, place the 2 L of soda on a flat surface outdoors.

Remove the soda cap.

Quickly add 6 Mentos to the soda.

Move away from the soda bottle.

Stand back and watch the reaction!

Why does this happen?

Soda is carbonated, containing dissolved carbon dioxide (CO₂) gas under pressure.

Some gas escapes when you open a bottle, but most stays dissolved in the liquid.

This experiment uses Mentos candies because they have a rough, porous surface at the microscopic level.

This texture provides tiny spots where the CO₂ can gather and form bubbles very rapidly.

So when Mentos are dropped into soda, two things happen.

1) CO₂ gas rapidly escapes from the liquid.

2)This causes a huge number of bubbles to form all at once.

The eruption happens when the bubbles rise quickly and carry soda with them, creating an explosive geyser of foam. The narrow neck of the soda bottle helps direct the pressure upward.

Discover the Fun: How to Make Beach Sand Slime at Home

May 14, 2025 | Leave a Comment
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We’re making some fun beach sand slime today. Too, look at my page Seashore Beach Watching Unit Study and Seashore Lapbook for more fun ideas.

Beach sand slime is a sensory-rich DIY project that brings the texture of the shoreline right into your home or backyard. This activity would go great too with my Fun Homeschool Pirate Unit Study Ideas and Free Pirates Lapbook.

It’s simple to make and sneaks in a bit of science too.

Discover the Fun: How to Make Beach Sand Slime at Home

And you need just a few handful of ingredients and of course some clean sand.

It feels like real sand which children love but of course without the mess.

Too, beach sand slime has many benefits even for older kids.

KIDS BOOKS ABOUT THE OCEAN AND SEASHORE

But first, look at some of these books about the ocean and sea shore.

16 Ocean Books for Kids Who Love to Read and Be Read To

Choose a few of these ocean themed books to go along with your study of the Oceans. Whether you're looking for a spine for a unit study or literature, you'll love this roundup.

The Burgess Seashore Book for Children in color

Join Danny Meadow Mouse, Jimmy Skunk, and Reddy Fox as they explore the seashore and take a closer look at the habits and habitats of the creatures they find. Discover the Seahorse, Shrimp, Crab, Anemone, Gull, and so many more.

The Burgess Seashore Book for Children is a wonderful way to introduce young ones to the fascinating world beneath us and is a perfect compliment to earlier books in this series, the Bird, Animal, and Flower books.

This edition is complete and unabridged with all of the beautiful illustrations by W.H. Southwick and George Sutton

Seaside Naturalist: Seaside Naturalist

Seaside Naturalist is an illustrated guide to marine plants and animals includes the characteristics of protozoa, arthropods, sponges, mollusks, reptiles, birds, fish, and mammals.

The Big Book of the Blue (The Big Book Series)

The book opens by explaining how different types of animals are able to breathe and survive underwater, and the different families to which they belong. Subsequent pages are dedicated to specific creatures, including sea turtles, whales, sharks, stingrays, and seahorses, and show varied life in specific habitats, such as a coral reef or deep sea bed. The Big Book of the Blue also explores the underwater world thematically, looking at animals in danger, learning how to spot creatures at the beach, and discovering how to do our part to save sea life. Beautiful and filled with fascinating facts, young, curious readers won’t be able to tear their eyes away from the page.

Scott O'Dell Set: Island of the Blue Dolphins + Zia

Island of the Blue Dolphins begins with a young girl named Karana who is living on the Island of the Blue Dolphins (fancy name, right?) with her younger brother, Ramo, and sister, Ulape. One day, a group of Russian hunters (Aleutians) land on the island to hunt for otter. This is when the trouble really begins.

Manfish: A Story of Jacques Cousteau (Underwater Picture Book for Kids)

Once upon a time in France, a baby was born under the summer sun. His parents named him Jacques. As he grew, Jacques fell in love with the sea. He dreamed of breathing beneath the waves and swimming as gracefully as a fish. In fact, he longed to become a manfish. Jacques Cousteau grew up to become a champion of the seas and one of the best-known oceanographers in the world. In this lovely biography, now in paperback, poetic text and gorgeous paintings come together to create a portrait of Cousteau that is as magical as it is inspiring.

Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas (Illustrated 1875 Edition):

A beautiful edition with 110 images from the 1875 English edition. Use Amazon's Look inside feature to compare this edition with others. You'll be impressed by the differences. Don't be fooled by other versions that have no illustrations or contain very small print. Reading our edition will make you feel that you are traveling the seas with Captain Nemo himself.

Swiss Family Robinson (Illustrated Classic): 200th Anniversary Collection

More than 100 original illustrations by Louis Rhead. You want to read this book with illustrations.

An introduction by W. D. Howells.

Nicely formatted text in an easy-to-read font.

A beautiful cover from the 1891 edition.

Ocean: A Visual Encyclopedia

Embark on a captivating tour of the waters that cover 70 percent of our planet! See our oceans come to life in mind-blowing detail. This is the ultimate children’s visual encyclopedia about the awe-inspiring blue planet!

Secrets of the Sea: The Story of Jeanne Power, Revolutionary Marine Scientist

How did a nineteenth-century dressmaker revolutionize science? Jeanne Power was creative: she wanted to learn about the creatures that swim beneath the ocean waves, so she built glass tanks and changed the way we study underwater life forever. Jeanne Power was groundbreaking: she solved mysteries of sea animals and published her findings at a time when few of women’s contributions to science were acknowledged. Jeanne Power was persistent: when records of her research were lost, she set to work repeating her studies. And when men tried to take credit for her achievements, she stood firm and insisted on the recognition due to her.

Ocean Anatomy: The Curious Parts & Pieces of the World under the Sea

Follow Rothman’s inquisitive mind and perceptive eye along shorelines, across the open ocean, and below the waves for an artistic exploration of the watery universe. Through her drawings, discover how the world’s oceans formed, why the sea is salty, and the forces behind oceanic phenomena such as rogue waves. Colorful anatomical profiles of sea creatures from crustacean to cetacean, surveys of seafaring vessels and lighthouses, and the impact of plastic and warming water temperatures are just part of this compendium of curiosities that will entertain and educate readers of all ages.

The Fascinating Ocean Book for Kids: 500 Incredible Facts!

Do you know a kid who’s captivated by what goes on beneath the ocean’s surface? This amazing entry into ocean books for kids is packed with hundreds of incredible facts for hours of underwater exploration. Pages of full-color pictures feature life in and around the sea including fish, dolphins, and shipwrecks!

All About Bioluminescence: Deep Sea Animals

Dive into the mesmerizing world of bioluminescence with "All About Bioluminescence." In this captivating book, readers embark on a journey through the depths of the ocean to discover the extraordinary glow-in-the-dark creatures that inhabit its mysterious realm. From the enchanting sea angel to the infamous anglerfish, each page is filled with stunning illustrations and fascinating facts about these luminous beings.With a focus on deep-sea dwellers, readers will uncover the secrets behind bioluminescence and learn how these creatures use light to communicate, camouflage, and lure prey. But the adventure doesn't stop there! "All About Bioluminescence" also includes hands-on activities like a glow stick experiment, allowing readers to experience the magic of bioluminescence firsthand.

Treasure Island (Dover Thrift Editions: Classic Novels)

One of the most enduringly popular adventure tales, Treasure Island began in 1881 as a serialized adventure entitled "The Sea-Cook"in the periodical Young Folks. Completed during a stay at Davos, Switzerland, where Stevenson had gone for his health, it was published in 1883 in the form we know today.Set in the eighteenth century, Treasure Island spins a heady tale of piracy, a mysterious treasure map, and a host of sinister characters charged with diabolical intentions. Seen through the eyes of Jim Hawkins, the cabin boy of the Hispaniola, the action-packed adventure tells of a perilous sea journey across the Spanish Main, a mutiny led by the infamous Long John Silver, and a lethal scramble for buried treasure on an exotic isle.

Oceans and Seas!: With 25 Science Projects for Kids

In Oceans and Seas! With 25 Science Projects for Kids readers ages 7 though 10 dive into the underwater world of some of the most amazing landscapes on Earth. On this amazing underwater adventure, kids experience the ocean’s tropical reefs and spot crabs, sea sponges, and thousands of kinds of fish darting in its crags and folds. They’ll meet a giant squid with eyes the size of dinner plates and an mbrella-like bioluminescent jellyfish.

Discover the Oceans: The World's Largest Ecosystem (Discover Your World)

From both a historical and scientific point of view, above and below the surface, this engaging guide brings the world’s oceans to life through fun facts, illustrations, and in-depth information. Interactive activities appear throughout, ranging from making solar stills and simple fishing spears to experimenting with a homemade diving bell and figuring out how much water it really takes to survive. With the oceans being the least explored environment on Earth, this reference illuminates some of the most incredible and surprising plants and animals as well as how to survive and navigate these vast expanses.

Pagoo

An intricate study of tide pool life is presented in text and pictures through the story of Pagoo, a her-mit crab.

Also, look at more ideas for slime.

MORE SLIME IDEAS

Then, look at these seashore and beach ideas.

BEACH SAND ACTIVITIES

Also, look at the benefits of a slime craft.

Sensory play
Science experiments
Fine motor development
And it teaches basic chemistry.

HOW TO MAKE BEACH SAND SLIME

First, look at this list of supplies:

½ C Clear Elmers Glue
½ C Warm Water
1 tsp Baking Soda
1 1/2 Tbsp Contact Solution (contact solution should contain Boric Acid)
¼ C sand
Medium-sized bowl
Spoon

Gather all supplies needed.

Pour warm water into the bowl.

Add baking soda and stir until well mixed.

Add clear glue to the water/baking soda mixture and stir to combine.

To the bowl, add sand, then stir until incorporated.

Add contact solution and stir until the slime is no longer sticky and pulls away from the sides of the bowl. You may need to knead to incorporate all the ingredients well.

Slime can be stored in a resealable ziplock baggie or an airtight plastic container.