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10 Fall Felt Crafts & How to Make a Kids Felt Pie Garland

September 1, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Kids of all ages love to create fall felt crafts. Also, look at my Free Fall Season Unit Study {Pumpkins, Leaves, Corn, & More} for lots of hands-on ideas.

And felt crafts are so inexpensive making them is a great option.

Fall is a beautiful season, and it’s the perfect time to get crafty with your kids.

The vibrant colors of the leaves, the crisp air, and the cozy atmosphere provide the perfect backdrop for some fun and creative projects.

10 Fall Felt Crafts & How to Make a Kids Felt Pie Garland

Felt is one of the most versatile craft items you can keep in your stash.

There is really no limit to what you can do with them.

For example, you can make hot packs, stuffed animals, felt boards, garlands, pretend food, doll clothes and placemats.

I could go on and on, but you get the idea.

Pie just screams fall to me.

Warm pumpkin and cinnamon scents wafting through the air bring memories to mind and make a good subject for your child to learn about.

Use it just as a simple craft to bring a little festive fun to your home or you use it to launch a fall cooking unit.

This felt pie garland craft is going to be a favorite.

Yummy Pie Books for Kids

I couldn’t resist sharing a few of my favorite pie books that go along well with the craft I am bringing you today.

Whether you create a row of pumpkin pies or mix up all your fruity favorites, you’ll love adding some to your library.

3 Fun Pie Books for Kids Who Love to Read and Be Read to

Add some of these fun pie books for your kids to your home library.

How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World (Dragonfly Books)

An apple pie is easy to make...if the market is open. But if the market is closed, the world becomes your grocery store. This picture book takes readers around the globe to gather ingredients for a delicious apple pie. First hop a steamboat to Italy for the finest semolina wheat. Then hitch a ride to England and hijack a cow for the freshest possible milk. And, oh yes! Don't forget to go apple picking in Vermont! A simple recipe for apple pie is included.

Peyton Picks the Perfect Pie:

Peyton is particular. But she's not picky. Grownups use that word a lot. Picky. Picky. Picky. It's never a good thing. And it's not fair. Peyton likes dogs and cats, scooters and bikes, pools and beaches. And Peyton likes to try new things. She recently mastered long division in math class and loves to practice the saxophone--as long as her adorable dog Mila doesn't howl! But Peyton is particular when it comes to food. Peyton doesn't like it when two foods touch on her plate. Peyton doesn't like green foods. Or orange foods. Or red foods. Peyton doesn't like foods that are gooey or gummy, sticky or slimy, frosted or flaky. And Peyton most definitely doesn't like chunky or lumpy foods.

I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Pie

And with that the feast begins! After the pie the old lady swallows a whole squash, all of the salad, and the entire turkey! As Mother and Father watch in shock, the two children are delighted to see the old lady growing fatter and fatter.

Next, look at some of these fun fall felt crafts.

10 Fall Felt Crafts

These fall felt crafts are not only fun and engaging for kids but also help develop other skills.

For example, they develop fine motor skills, creativity, and nurture imagination.

So, gather your materials, put on some cozy sweaters, and enjoy the beautiful season of fall with these delightful felt projects.

Gobble Gobble, a Felt Turkey Craft really says fall doesn’t it?

Teach simple sewing skills and Make Cute Felt Leaf Sachets For Fall Leaf Crafts for Preschoolers, how cute are they filling a bowl on the coffee table?

Let your little one get creative with expressions and talk about feelings when you introduce this Pumpkin Face Felt Board.

These Felt Candy Corn Ornaments are just so precious and can be hung on a swag, given as a hostess gift, or hung on knobs to add a little yummy flair.

Check out the Easy 3D Felt Pumpkins and create an entire patch to fill your mantle.

This Easy to Make Felt Candy Corn Banner is cute whether you are a fan of this fall treat or not.

Wear your love for fall by creating a Felt Fall Leaf Headband to wear no matter what the weather.

Animal Crossing Inspired Felt Fall Garland is sweet and simple, adding a splash of fall color to your mantle, bookshelf, or doorway.

Check out this Felt Pinecone Tutorial, perfect for middle and highschoolers to bring in an everlasting touch of fall nature.

10 Fall Felt Crafts & How to Make a Kids Felt Pie Garland

Bright, colorful, and cute these Fall Crafts: DIY Felt Pumpkin Faces make cheerful little craft and decor items.

Finally, look at how to make kids felt pie garland.

How to Make a Kids Felt Pie Garland

Depending on the age of your child you can put this craft together with tacky glue or hot glue.

You will need:

  • Pencil
  • Twine or yarn
  • Craft felt
  • Scissors
  • Glue
  • ruler
10 Fall Felt Crafts & How to Make a Kids Felt Pie Garland

First, cut pie slices by measuring the widest part 4” wide, angle from each corner to 6” out towards the center to create the triangle.

10 Fall Felt Crafts & How to Make a Kids Felt Pie Garland

Cut out the “filling“ for your pies, whipped cream (irregular white felt pieces, and some thin strips for crust.

Filling can be solid slightly smaller than crust pieces or cut into little circles for berries.

10 Fall Felt Crafts & How to Make a Kids Felt Pie Garland

Glue your fillings into place.

For fruit pies you can either cover with another triangle of crust, cutting out a few cute holes or weave lattice strips, trimming it to fit.

10 Fall Felt Crafts & How to Make a Kids Felt Pie Garland

Bunch up your crust strips across the wide part to create a pinched crust and glue into place.

10 Fall Felt Crafts & How to Make a Kids Felt Pie Garland

Create whipped cream by pinching your white felt pieces and gluing it then attaching to your pie pieces.

10 Fall Felt Crafts & How to Make a Kids Felt Pie Garland

Determine your pattern and lay them out along your chosen string length.

Finally flip each piece over and hot glue your length of string along the back.

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

9 Free Major Organs Of The Human Body Printables

August 31, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today I have 9 free dot to dot printables of some of the major organs of the human body. Also, look at my Human Body Lapbook and Fun Unit Study and Human Body Crafts for Kids Who Love Hands-on Learning for more fun ideas.

Dot to dot printables are fun and engaging activities but also offer some awesome benefits for kids.

Children follow the numbers or letters, drawing lines between the dots to uncover fun images.

It’s like solving a puzzle with your pencil.

9 Free Major Organs Of The Human Body Printables

Dot to dot is an effective ways of introducing your littles to important unit studies like the human body.

First, you want to help your child identify some of the major organs of the human body.

For example, the free printables I have are the heart, kidney, stomach, liver, brain, small intestine, urinary bladder, large intestine and lungs.

Next add some books to your human body unit study.

Books for Kids About the Human Body

I prefer living books that tell stories when I can find them.

Then add reference books for my kids who just want the facts.

11 Books And Resources About The Human Body For Preschoolers

Your littles will love these resources and books to learn about the human body.

Anatomy Apron

The model by heart, large intestine, small intestine, lung, stomach, kidney, liver, esophagus and trachea, A total of 9 indication area, the plush stuffed organs apron is a wonderful body awareness kit, The organs are removable, pasted in Velcro

Busy Book for Kids, Human Body Anatomy Book

Great for keeping little ones busy while you teach older kids, for on the go, or even snuggled up on the couch.  It stands up on its own as a flip book with velcro pieces that keep kids engaged while they discover.

How it Works: Human Body

A first introduction to the human body for curious toddlers. With layered die-cuts throughout.The human body is an amazing machine! Take a look inside and learn all about how it works with this interactive layered die-cut board book. Simple callouts, such as "hair," "ear," "arm," and "bones," invite even the youngest reader to explore the workings of the human body. Topics covered include the movements of our body parts, the five senses, the way in which blood flows through the body, the internal organs that the human body contains, and the different types of bones that are found throughout the body. Packed with fun facts and accessible information, this first introduction to our bodies is perfect for the youngest children.

Scholastic Discover More: My Body

MY BODY answers children’s questions about their own bodies in an incredibly simple and appropriate way. Each spread is focused on a particular part of the body or movement a child understands. Body actions such as breathing, the food journey, and blood are touched on, as well as fun subjects such as hiccups, earwax, and goosebumps. The simple text is perfect for beginning readers. The photographs provide impact for children less interested in reading with big, bright pictures of the inside and outside of the body.

Inside Your Outside: All About the Human Body

Join the Cat in the Hat, Sally and Dick for a ride through the human body where they visit the right and left sides of the brain, meet the Feletons from far off Fadin (when they stand in the sun you can see through their skin), scuba dive through the blood system, follow food and water through the digestive tract, and a whole lot more! Perfect for readers who are curious about the body and for any kid who loves learning and science.Featuring beloved characters from Dr. Seuss's The Cat in the Hat, the Learning Library are unjacketed hardcover picture books that explore a range of nonfiction topics about the world we live in and include an index, glossary, and suggestions for further reading.

Human Organs TOOB - 8 Mini Figurines Including Brain, Heart, Lungs, Liver, Kidneys, Stomach, and Intestines

HUMAN ORGANS: The human body is a marvel of evolution, and now you can learn all about its many different and specialized organs with this Human Organs Toob!

National Geographic Kids Look and Learn: All About Me (Look & Learn)

Filled with gorgeous photographs inspired by National Geographic Little Kids magazine, this book introduces curious children to the parts of the human body.

Build the Human Body

The skeleton is the key to learning about the body, and Build the Human Body offers one of the coolest learning experiences around.The ancient Greeks had it right: “Know thyself.” One of the keys to knowing thyself is knowing how the body works. Build the Human Body will teach you about the body’s building blocks, help you build its framework, and show you how to map the organs. Have fun while learning, and see the human body like never before through colorful illustrations, fascinating facts, and by building your very own human skeleton.

Human Body Puzzle for Kids Toddlers

This magnetic puzzle has both a boy and a girl outline and can be used to teach the body, muscles, organs, and the skeleton. This resource will get a lot of use over several years.

Me and My Body

Amazing facts come together with fun, easy-to-do crafts in this STEAM-centric celebration of the human body.Learn amazing facts like how germs can make you sick, why you have a belly button, and how your senses work. Then create wonderful crafts, like a beautiful family tree, a homemade stethoscope, and gingerbread skeletons, combining reading skills, STEAM concepts, and hands-on family fun.Discover what a family tree is, then create one yourself. Explore your amazing fingerprints, then decorate a beautiful picture frame with them. Make a paper skeleton or play a game about digestion. This is a perfect package for a little learner who wants to know all about what's going on inside their body!

Gaming Classic Operation Game

How could I not include operation? While yes the objects are silly and unrealistic it just goes along with the theme too good to ignore. It is good for building fine motor skills and opens discussions about things like what it means to have a frog in one's throat.

Also, look at some facts to discuss with your child about each major human body organ.

Major Human Body Organ Facts

As your children are doing the dot to dots share some facts with them.

First, look at the human body heart.

Heart of the Human Body Fun Facts

  • Your heart pumps blood all around your body.
  • This powerful organ beats about 100,000 times a day, sending oxygen and nutrients to every part of the body.

Kidney of the Human Body Fun Facts

  • Your kidneys are bean-shaped and located in the lower part of your body.
  • And your kidneys are like filters. They clean your blood like removing waste.

Stomach of the Human Body Fun Facts

  • Your stomach breaks down the food with acids and enzymes, turning it into a soup-like mixture.
  • When you eat, food travels down a tube called the esophagus and lands in your stomach.

Liver of the Human Body Fun Facts

  • You liver helps your body get rid of toxins.
  • And it also helps with proteins that aid in digesting food.

Brain of the Human Body Fun Facts

  • The brain is made up of billions of tiny cells called neurons that communicate with each other to keep the body running smoothly.
  • Your brain tells your body how to move and even when to breathe.
  • Your brain has amazing storage capacity, more than any computer can store.

Small Intestine of the Human Body Fun Facts

  • The small intestine can be thought of as a long twisty tube. It’s only called small because it’s narrower than the large intestine.
  • When your stomach finishes with your food it travels to the small intestine.
  • It takes the nutrients from the food for your body and it also helps to digest food into smaller pieces.

Urinary Bladder of the Human Body Fun Facts

  • Your bladder is like a stretch balloon that stretches to hold urine.
  • When your kidneys finish filtering your blood, it turns waste into urine.
  • So when the bladder is full, you body says it’s time to go to the bathroom.

Large Intestine of the Human Body Fun Facts

  • The large intestine is long twisty tube too and it gets all the left over food that is not used.
  • One of the jobs is to absorb water so that the waste becomes thicker.
  • Doctors refer to it as stools. We call it poop. (ewwww gross ..cool. I know)

Lungs of the Human Body Fun Facts

  • Think of two balloons in your body when you think of the lungs.
  • When you take a breath, oxygen goes into your body and air fills up the lungs.
  • Then the lungs send oxygen into your body.

Also, look at some of these other human body hands-on activities and crafts.

I have crafts for all ages.

More Hands-on Human Body Activities

  • Kids Stethoscope Activity
  • Major Organs of The Human Body Labeled Fun Felt Anatomy Activity
  • Resources and Books About The Human Body For Preschoolers
  • How To Make A Fun Bones Of The Hand Labeled X-Ray Craft
  • Hands-on Playdough Brain Activity
  • 8 Facts About the Respiratory System & Fun Lung Craft for Kids
  • 7 Human Body Facts and Kids Human Body T-Shirt Project
  • Craft a Fun Hand Straw Model to Explore Human Anatomy Muscles & Tendons
9 Free Major Organs Of The Human Body Printables

Finally, look at how to grab these free printables.

How to Grab the Free Dot to Dot Human Body Printables

Now, how to grab the freebies.

It’s a subscriber freebie.

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

1) Sign up on my email list.

2) Grab the freebie now.

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

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

From Forest to Fun: Unique Crafts With Tree Bark

August 29, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Set up an open invitation to play and encourage your child to create crafts with tree bark and a few other nature items. Also, look at my page Famous and Historic Trees Fun Nature and History Homeschool Unit Study for more ideas.

As you have wandered on nature walks you have likely brought home plenty of finds like pieces of tree bark, unique shaped stones, and other bits.

These natural items make a wonderful free craft resource.

From Forest to Fun: Unique Crafts With Tree Bark

Tree bark animals are a fun and easy way to get kids interested in nature.

All you need is a few pieces of tree bark and a little imagination.

You can either leave the pieces as loose parts to build and rebuild or add glue to your supplies.

And let your child attach everything together permanently.

I really wanted to challenge kids’ creativity by using all found nature items for this craft.

But we couldn’t resist adding google eyes to the tray to finish off the animals.

We also decided a few pom poms could help define our animals a bit more as well.

As they create, use the time to talk about the characteristics of the animals, their habitats, if they are herbivore or carnivore?

Of if they’re nocturnal or diurnal? Did you see any of these creatures on your walk today?

Books About Trees for Kids

Next, look at some of these beautiful books about trees to add to your home library.

I prefer living books when I can find them.

Then I add reference books to our reading list.

9 Tree Books & Resources for Kids Who Love Reading and Being Read To

You'll love using one of these books as a science reference or to use for art to inspire life science lessons.

Celebritrees: Historic & Famous Trees of the World

Some trees have lived many lifetimes, standing as silent witnesses to history. Some are remarkable for their age and stature; others for their usefulness. A bristlecone pine tree in California has outlived man by almost 4,000 years; a baobab tree in Australia served as a prison for Aboriginal prisoners at the turn of the twentieth century; and a major oak in England was used as a hiding place for Robin Hood and his men (or so the story goes…).

The fourteen trees in this book have earned the title "Celebritrees" for their global fame and significance. Both in fact and in legend, these fascinating trees remind us not only how much pleasure trees bring, but what they can tell us about history.

The Busy Tree

Spectacular illustrations rendered in oil paint, and a rhyming text that describes a tree’s activities from its roots to its branches, introduce young readers to the amazing activities that go on in a tree. Acorns nibbled by chipmunks, ants scurrying across a trunk, a spider spinning a web, leaves “breathing out air for all to breathe in”—everything adds up to a “busy tree” for all to “come and see.”

The Tree Book for Kids and Their Grown-Ups

This is a fantastic reference book to have on hand for tree studies.

It has great illustrations and covers everything from how a tree “eats and drinks” to types of trees, seeds, how they change in the seasons, why we need them and more

Nature Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces of the Natural World

Acclaimed illustrator Julia Rothman combines art and science in this exciting and educational guide to the structure, function, and personality of the natural world.

Trees, Leaves & Bark (Take Along Guides)

An introduction to the world of insects, caterpillars, and butterflies including identification information, educational activities, and fun facts.Invites young naturalists to spot wildlife. 

Tree Full of Wonder: An educational, rhyming book about magic of trees for children

Tree Full of Wonder is a vibrant, rhyming, educational and unique picture book showing the unbreakable bond between people and trees. For children ages 3-8. Kids will fall in love with nature and will become Protectors of the Trees.

The Magic and Mystery of Trees (The Magic and Mystery of Nature)

From the highest branch and leaf down to the complex “wood wide web” of roots, it’s no wonder every part of a tree plays an important role in its own growth and the habitat of the whole forest or woodland. The Magic & Mystery of Trees is a nature book that takes children on a fascinating journey of exploration, showing them just how special these mighty organisms are.

Figurines of Pine, Elm, Juniper, Monkey Puzzle, Topiary, Petticoat, Aspen, Two Maples

Learn and Play: These figurines provide a fun and educational way to learn about different tree species, promoting environmental awareness and appreciation.

Fandex Family Field Guides: Trees

Bringing the world of TREES to your fingertips, FANDEX presents a foolproof field guide. Four visual keys--die-cut leaf, bark pattern, flower, nut or seed, and photo of the full tree--plus descriptions of habitat and more combine to give a complete picture of North America's forest and backyard trees.

In addition, TREES is a cultural history--of the mighty White Oak, California Redwood, Aillanthus, the tree that grows in Brooklyn, and the stately White Ash, as important for the bows of early Native Americans as for the baseball bats of today.

If that is not enough bark crafting for you I found 8 more awesome crafts.

I have tree bark ideas for kids from preschoolers to highschoolers so not a bit of it goes to waste.

8 Unique Crafts With Tree Bark

This creative way to use nature items like leaves and bark –How to Make a DIY Nature Crown for Kids is absolutely photo worthy.

Did you know that you could learn How To Turn Birch Bark Into Paper to write on, much more interesting than plain old notebook paper.

Get creative and make DIY Tree Bark Flower Vases to hold wildflowers or flowers from your garden that they bring you.

You’ll love this fun Hands-On Literature Nature Study: Simple Tree Craft.

Preschoolers will enjoy learning How to Make a Tree Bark Rubbing and noticing the different textures of the bark from different trees along the way.

I love the look of these DIY Tree Bark Lanterns with their natural unique appearance highlighting the gentle glow and they are pretty easy and inexpensive to create.

From Forest to Fun: Unique Crafts With Tree Bark

Make Simple Tree Bark Boats to get creative and learn about buoyancy and other simple STEM topics or just for the sake of creating from found objects.

Learn How to Make an Appalachian Berry Bucket from Tree Bark for the adventurous older child who enjoys working with their hands.

Along the lines of today’s bark crafts is this tutorial for How to Make Bark Owls.

Now onto my bark craft idea.

Essentially what you are going to create is a very open-ended invitation for your child to use their found objects.

You want your child to imagine woodland (or any type) of creatures from moss, rocks, sticks, and of course bark. 

Encourage them to create raccoons, owls, bears, rabbits, foxes, birds, turtles, frogs, hedgehogs, or even made-up fantastical animals.

 The greater variety of natural objects you have the more elaborate their creations can be.

I highly recommend pairing this activity with a good book like Nature Anatomy for them to use for reference.

From Forest to Fun: Unique Crafts With Tree Bark

It’s also a great way to give little bits of information as they create.

You will also find information on the bark as well.

Animal Crafts With Tree Bark

You will need:

  • Tree bark
  • Leaves, twigs, moss, etc.
  • Googly eyes
  • Large tray
  • Optional: glue

First, start by gathering different sizes and shapes of bark.

While you are at it fill your basket with small sticks, moss, green leaves, dried leaves, acorns, or any other interesting natural items you find on your nature walk.

From Forest to Fun: Unique Crafts With Tree Bark

Collect pieces of tree bark from the ground.

Make sure the bark is dry and free of bugs.

To sterilize the bark, you can put it on a cookie sheet and bake it at 350*F.

 The length of time will depend on how thick the wood is.

Lay all your nature finds out on a tray.

I keep a couple different types on hand for just such activities because it creates such an inviting area.

From Forest to Fun: Unique Crafts With Tree Bark

I added google eyes because I just knew that they would be fun and really add some personality to the woodland creatures.

From Forest to Fun: Unique Crafts With Tree Bark

Lay out bark pieces and try to determine what animal each piece might be.

A piece of felt makes a great background and helps keep everything from moving around.

From Forest to Fun: Unique Crafts With Tree Bark

Start building creatures using twigs for legs, leaves for wings, ears, tails, whatever your child’s imagination sees.

Talk about different animals and their characteristics as they create them.

From Forest to Fun: Unique Crafts With Tree Bark

See how the pom poms just helped this adorable bear come to life?

From Forest to Fun: Unique Crafts With Tree Bark

Leaves make wonderful wings.

From Forest to Fun: Unique Crafts With Tree Bark

Small sticks and twigs help define the antlers on this deer…or is it an elk?

From Forest to Fun: Unique Crafts With Tree Bark

Tree bark is like nature’s own art supply, and it’s perfect for all kinds of creative projects.

Crafting with tree bark is a fantastic way to connect with nature and let your creativity run wild.

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

How To Make Crystals | Facts About Crystals For Kids

August 27, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have some fun facts about crystals for kids for you to use. Also, look at my page Free Homeschool Geology Unit Study for more hands-on activities.

Then, we’re learning how to make crystals with a fun hands-on science activity.

Imagine a crystal as a kind of super cool, sparkling rock.

But not just any rock – crystals have a special structure that makes them unique.

How To Make Crystals | Facts About Crystals For Kids

Before we jump into the formation process, let’s quickly review what crystals are.

Crystals are solid materials where the atoms or molecules are arranged in a repeating pattern that extends in all directions.

This orderly arrangement gives crystals their unique shapes and their ability to sparkle in the light.

Think of crystals like tiny, perfect building blocks stacked together in a specific pattern.

Books About the Study of Geology for Kids

Crystals come in all sorts of shapes and sizes.

Some are pointy and sharp, like a sparkling diamond.

Others might look like clusters of tiny, shiny pieces stuck together.

You can find them in all sorts of colors, too—bright reds, deep blues, and even sparkly clear ones!

5 Geology Unit Study Resources

Add these books and resources for a fun homeschool geology unit study for children of multiple ages.

Great STEM Science Kit - Geology

DISCOVER CRYSTAL TREASURE - Break open these rocks to reveal amazing crystals inside! Geology doesn’t get more exciting than breaking open rocks and finding crystal treasures. Ag great STEM activity that also makes an excellent gift for girls and boys!

Nature Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces of the Natural World

See the world in a whole new way! Acclaimed illustrator Julia Rothman combines art and science in this exciting and educational guide to the structure, function, and personality of the natural world. Explore the anatomy of a jellyfish, the inside of a volcano, monarch butterfly migration, how sunsets work, and much more. Rothman’s whimsical illustrations are paired with interactive activities that encourage curiosity and inspire you to look more closely at the world all around you.

Basher: Rocks & Minerals: A Gem of a Book

Simon Basher is back with another zany primer to science! Following his 3 successful titles on the basics of chemistry, physics, and biology, BASHER SCIENCE: ROCKS AND MINERALS is an in-depth look at the ground beneath our feet. Like his other titles, Basher presents these topics through charming and adorable illustrations and pairs them with basic information told from a first person perspective. He develops a community of characters based on the things that form the foundations of our planet: rocks, gems, crystals, fossils and more. And what's more, he makes it understandable, interesting, and cute. It's not what you expect out of a science primer.

Advanced Professional Rock Tumbler Kit - Turn Rough Rocks into Beautiful Gems

Turn rough rocks into polished gems: Discover and learn the fun process of rock tumbling with the Advanced Rock Tumbler. Pour in the rough stones and grit and let the machine do its job!

Everybody Needs a Rock (An Aladdin Book)

Everybody needs a rock -- at least that's the way this particular rock hound feels about it in presenting her own highly individualistic rules for finding just the right rock for you.

Also, look at these other fun facts about crystals for kids.

Here are a few examples of different crystals:

Salt Crystals: Have you ever noticed how salt looks like tiny cubes?

That’s because salt crystals form in a cube shape.

Quartz: This crystal is super common and can be clear or come in different colors like purple (amethyst) or pink (rose quartz).

Diamond: Known for being one of the hardest materials, diamonds are clear and can shine with lots of colors.

How To Make Crystals | Facts About Crystals For Kids

Fun Facts About Crystals

Everyday Crystals: Crystals aren’t just found in rocks.

You’ll find them in everyday items like salt, sugar, and even in some of your favorite foods.

Variety of Shapes: As mentioned, crystals can have all kinds of shapes.

Each shape depends on the arrangement of the molecules inside the crystal.

Natural Wonders: Some crystals form stunningly beautiful natural structures.

Geodes are rocks filled with crystals that look like they have a glittering treasure inside.

More Crystal Activities for Kids

  • Make Crystal Sea Shells
  • Free Homeschool Geology Unit Study And Easy DIY Eggshell Geode
  • Grab this free earth science book.
  • Edible Rock Cycle Fudge and Hands-on Rock Activities
How To Make Crystals | Facts About Crystals For Kids

Finally, look at how to do this fun crystal science activity.

How to Make Crystals with Kids

Materials

  • Pipe cleaners
  • Popsicle sticks
  • Borax
  • Hot Water
  • Glass jars
How To Make Crystals | Facts About Crystals For Kids

Combine two pipe cleaners to make a small ball.

How To Make Crystals | Facts About Crystals For Kids

Attach the third pipe cleaner but leave half of the pipe cleaner straight.

How To Make Crystals | Facts About Crystals For Kids

Add ½ cup borax to a glass jar.

How To Make Crystals | Facts About Crystals For Kids

Pour very hot water on top and stir until borax is mostly combined.

How To Make Crystals | Facts About Crystals For Kids

Attach the pipe cleaner ball to a popsicle stick and drop into your glass jar.

Make sure it is not touching the bottom of the jar.  

How To Make Crystals | Facts About Crystals For Kids

Leave in your jars overnight.

Once your crystals are formed, take out of jar and pat dry with paper towel.

How To Make Crystals | Facts About Crystals For Kids

Cut off extra pipe cleaner and enjoy your crystals.

One of my jars did not ever work, and it was the first jar I poured boiling water into.

Try not to get your water too hot but not too cold either. I know but science can be exacting that way.

Note: You’ll want to use boiling water, some lemon juice, and vinegar to clean out the remaining borax in your glass jars when you are finished.

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

Amazing Volcano Facts For Kids & Awesome Lemon Volcano Experiment

August 25, 2024 | Leave a Comment
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I have amazing volcano facts for kids and a fun lemon volcano experiment. Also, look at my page Free Homeschool Volcano Unit Study for more ideas.

Whether they’re gently oozing lava or shooting ash into the sky, volcanoes are some of the most powerful and fascinating natural phenomena on Earth.

We’ll learn some cool facts.

And even do a fun experiment with lemons to create our very own mini volcano.

Amazing Volcano Facts For Kids & Awesome Lemon Volcano Experiment

A volcano is like a giant mountain with a hole on top.

Inside the Earth, there’s super-hot melted rock called magma.

When magma pushes through the surface, it erupts, and that’s when we see a volcano in action.

Volcano Books for Kids

Next, bring learning to life with some fun books.

When possible, I add living books to our library.

You’ll love some of these choices.

12 Volcano Books & Resources

Add one or two of these books to learn about volcanoes and add some hands-on ideas to learn about the types of volcanoes.

Volcanoes

Did you know there are four main types of volcanoes? Or that volcanoes are classified as active, dormant, or extinct? The Devil’s Tower in Wyoming is an extinct volcano. It’s about 40.5 million years old!

Birth Of an Island

Simple explanation of how an island is formed. B/ W sketch illustrations.

R&R Games The Table is Lava Family Game

As Dawn breaks, mount kahlualualuau is spewing its fiery lava down onto meepleville. The natives are frantically trying to escape the rivers of lava and remain on safe ground. Whoever’s tribe survives the eruption with the most Meeples shall be the winner!

Volcano: Eruption and Healing of Mt. St Helen's

In this extraordinary photographic essay, Patricia Lauber details the Mount St. Helens eruption and the years following in Volcano: Eruption and Healing of Mt. St. Helen's.Through this clear accurate account, readers of all ages will share the awe of the scientists who witnessed both the power of the volcano and the resiliency of life.

The Kingfisher Science Encyclopedia

Science is vital for every inhabitant of today’s world, and being scientifically informed and literate is a crucial part of any child’s education. Science can seem daunting –- especially as scientific knowledge advances so quickly –- and this volume is the perfect purchase for any family. It will bear repeated use by all the family from 10+ through the teenage years.

All About Volcanoes (A True Book: Natural Disasters) (A True Book (Relaunch))

Conditions on Earth are becoming more and more extreme and kids want to learn about it!

Is it true that, at any given time, about 20 volcanoes are erupting somewhere on Earth? Yes! Sometimes volcanoes erupt with a big, dangerous bang. Other times they spit out lava so slowly that you could walk faster than it flows.

How to Dig a Hole to the Other Side of the World

‘[An] irresistible account of a child’s imaginary 8,000-mile journey through the earth to discover what’s inside. Facts about the composition of the earth are conveyed painlessly and memorably.’ —SLJ. ‘An exciting adventure. . . . Illustrations [by Caldecott Medal winner Marc Simont] explode with color and action.’ —CS.

Volcanoes! (National Geographic Readers)

The cool story of volcanoes will intrigue kids and adults alike. Hot melted rock from the middle of our planet forces its way up through cracks in the Earth’s crusts, exploding violently and sometimes unexpectedly in volcanic fury that can terrorize populations for months, even years.

National Geographic Readers: Erupt! 100 Fun Facts About Volcanoes (L3)

Kids will burst with excitement as they learn all about the science and wonder of volcanoes in this new National Geographic Kids Reader.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Ultimate Volcano Kit – Erupting Volcano Science

UNFORGETTABLE SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS – This is a great hands-on experiment kit for any science fair; the updated mold and instructions make it easy to assemble a sturdy volcano form and realistic paint colors give the volcano a lifelike look.

Natural and Earth Science Educational Flash Card

This set of 48 cards features a colorful illustration on one side and informational facts on the other side.

The Magic School Bus: Blasting off with Erupting Volcanoes

MIX YOUR OWN LAVA: Use the included mixture to form your own “lava” and experiment with explosions by making your own volcano erupt!

. This eruption can be explosive or gentle.

However, this depends on how thick the magma is and how much gas it contains.

Also, look at some of these other volcano facts for kids.

3 Volcano Facts For Kids

1. About the Ring of Fire

  • The “Ring of Fire” is a major area in the Pacific Ocean where many of the world’s volcanoes are found.
  • It’s called this because of the frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions that happen there. Countries like Japan, Indonesia, and the west coast of the USA are part of this fiery circle.

2. Supervolcanoes

  • Some volcanoes are so massive they’re called “supervolcanoes.”
  • These can have explosive eruptions that affect the entire planet.
  • One famous supervolcano is Yellowstone in the USA. If it ever erupts, it could change the climate for years!

3. Volcanic Lightning

  • During a big eruption, lightning can actually form within the volcanic ash cloud.
  • This happens because the ash particles rub against each other, creating static electricity. Volcanic lightning is pretty rare and spectacular.
Amazing Volcano Facts For Kids & Awesome Lemon Volcano Experiment

After a volcano erupts, it can spit out different types of rocks.

One cool type of volcanic rock is called pumice, which is so light it can float on water.

Next, look at these other volcano activities for kids.

More Volcano Activities

  • Mini Volcano Book and Label Layers of Earth Mini Book
  • Celebrate National Vinegar Day With A Hands-on Study of Volcanoes
  • Free Homeschool Volcano Unit Study and Fun Apple Volcano
  • How To Make A Mountain Volcano | Mighty Mount Kilimanjaro With Geronimo Stilton
  • How to Make A Letter V For Volcano Handprint Craft
Amazing Volcano Facts For Kids & Awesome Lemon Volcano Experiment

Finally, look at how to make a lemon volcano.

It doesn’t require vinegar. It’s fun and easy.

For example, if you have younger learners, I love this book by Gail Gibbons about Volcanoes.

Ready to create your own mini volcano? We’re going to use a lemon for this awesome experiment.

Lemon Volcano Experiment

It’s going to fizz and bubble just like a real volcano!

What You Need:

  • Lemons
  • Baking soda
  • Food dye
  • Spoon
  • Paper plates
Amazing Volcano Facts For Kids & Awesome Lemon Volcano Experiment

Cut the top and bottom off your lemon and then cut in half. Place on your plate.

Amazing Volcano Facts For Kids & Awesome Lemon Volcano Experiment

Add 3 to 5 drops of food dye on the top of the lemons.

Amazing Volcano Facts For Kids & Awesome Lemon Volcano Experiment

Sprinkle some baking soda on top of the lemons.

Amazing Volcano Facts For Kids & Awesome Lemon Volcano Experiment

As you push down on the lemon with a spoon, it should start erupting and fizzing!

Amazing Volcano Facts For Kids & Awesome Lemon Volcano Experiment

You can break up the lemon before putting the baking soda on so it will react without you using the spoon if you’d like.

Amazing Volcano Facts For Kids & Awesome Lemon Volcano Experiment

The more lemon juice, the better!

Too, add a few drops of dish soap to the baking soda. This will make the fizz and bubbles last longer.

Why Does This Explode

When you mix baking soda (a base) with lemon juice (an acid), they react with each other and create carbon dioxide gas.

This gas bubbles up and makes the fizzing effect you see in your lemon volcano.

Remember, science is all about having fun and learning new things

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

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