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science

Awesome Preschool Dinosaur Unit Study With Kids Who Love Dinosaurs

February 15, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Do you have a kid who loves dinosaurs? I have a preschool dinosaur unit study today and we’re making salt dough dinosaur bones. Also, look at my How to Homeschool Preschool page and Best Homeschool Unit Studies for more ideas.

I don’t think many preschoolers, boys or girls don’t love to learn about the ferocious T-Rex or the gentle giant Stegosaurus.

Young kids love to learn about what dinosaurs ate, and what they looked like, and easily memorize all those names.

Awesome Dinosaur Unit Study With Kids Who Love Dinosaurs

Once you become an adult no one asks what your favorite dinosaur is anymore so take advantage of all the fun hands-on dino fun with your littles while you get a second chance!

From footprints to bones, we are going to cover the entire spectrum with fun engaging hands-on activities.

They will have your preschooler through kindergarteners begging for more prehistoric mayhem.

I have fun ways to learn math, science, language arts, and art, and enjoy some dramatic play as well while they learn.

Finally, I will show you how to create fun dinosaur bones for your child to explore, investigate, and put on display.

They are wonderful for dramatic play as your child pretends to be a paleontologist discovering evidence of these giant creatures from long ago.

You can either make it with your child or make it ahead of time and surprise your preschooler with a lovely pile of bones to investigate.

Books to Read With a Dinosaur Unit Study

15 Books for Kids Crazy About Fossils and Dinosaurs

Your dinosaur loving kids will love some of these books and resources for a fun dinosaur unit study.

Fossils Tell of Long Ago

What is a fossil? Sometimes it's the imprint of an ancient leaf in a rock. Or it could be the skeleton of a dinosaur that has turned to stone. With clear prose and beautifully detailed illustrations, award-winning author and illustrator Aliki describes the different ways fossils are formed and what they tell us about life on Earth long ago.

This is a clear and appealing science book for early elementary age kids, both at home and in the classroom. It includes a find out more section with a glossary and activity guide so kids can create their own fossils for someone to find a million years from now.

Dinosaurs! (New & Updated)

Gail Gibbons presents the most recent and up-to-date theories about the history of dinosaurs and dinosaur discoveries. She discusses the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods and the non-bird dinosaurs that lived during each time. Each dinosaur is explored in just the right amount of detail for young paleontologists, as this book brings these magnificent creatures to life again

Digging Up Dinosaurs (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science 2)

How did those enormous dinosaur skeletons get inside the museum? Beloved author-illustrator Aliki’s simple, engaging text and colorful artwork bring the long-extinct creatures to life for young dinosaur enthusiasts.

Long ago, dinosaurs ruled the Earth. Then, suddenly, they died out. For thousands of years, no one knew these giant creatures had ever existed. Then people began finding fossils—bones and teeth and footprints that had turned to stone. Today, teams of experts work together to dig dinosaur fossils out of the ground, bone by fragile bone

How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight?

A playful peek into the homes of dinosaur babies and their parents at bedtime!How do dinosaurs say good night?Brimming with humor and familiar good-night antics, here is a playful peek into the homes of dinosaur children and their parents at bedtime. Perfect for sharing and reading aloud, this is one nighttime book your own little dinosaur will want to read again and again.

Dinosaur Roar!

A celebratory edition of this much loved classic picture book, now twenty-five years old. This rollicking rhyming text is a joy to read aloud, and the charming and colourful pictures will appeal to the very youngest dinosaur fans. Originally published in 1994, Dinosaur Roar! by Henrietta and Paul Stickland is now seen as a modern classic, a book that every preschool child should have.In the back of the book is a wonderful pull-out poster showing the dinosaur characters.The book carries the endorsement of the Earth Sciences Department at the Natural History Museum.

Dinosaur Bones

With a lively rhyming text and vibrant paper collage illustrations, author-artist Bob Barner shakes the dust off the dinosaur bones found in museums and reminds us that they once belonged to
living, breathing creatures. Filled with fun dinosaur facts (a T. Rex skull can weigh up to 750 pounds!) and an informational "Dinometer," Dinosaur Bones is sure to make young dinosaur enthusiasts roar with delight.

Dinosaurs, Dinosaurs

A long time ago there were dinosaurs. Big dinosaurs and small dinosaurs. Dinosaurs with horns on their heads or spikes down their backs. Dinosaurs with long, long necks and long, long tails. Imaginatively and with a masterful use of color, shape and composition, Bryon Barton brings to life a unique and endearing vision of what the world may have looked like once upon a time.

A long time ago there was dinosaurs. Big dinosaurs and small dinosaurs. Dinosaurs with horns on their heads or spikes down their backs. Dinosaurs with long, long necks and long, long tails.Imaginatively and with a masterful use of color, shape and composition, Byron Barton brings to life unique and endearing vision of what the world may have looked like once up ona time.

Here We Go Digging for Dinosaur Bones

This STEM-friendly musical fossil dig will have dinosaur lovers singing along as they learn the science behind paleontology.

I Dreamt I Was a Dinosaur

If you could be a dinosaur, which would you be? Would you roar like the ferocious T-Rex? Or soar overhead like the pterodactyl? In this playful early-learning book, Stella Blackstone s lyrical, rhyming text takes readers on an unforgettable Jurassic journey, while fabric artist Clare Beaton recreates the prehistoric world of dinosaurs using a colorful array of felt, sequins, beads and buttons.

T Is for Terrible: A Picture Book

I am Tyrannosaurus Rex.

I am a dinosaur,

otherwise known as

a terrible lizard.

Tyrannosaurus rex is a terrible dinosaur; of this, everyone is certain. But is this dinosaur really so terrible? He IS very big and very hungry. True, he might even eat his neighbors for lunch. But from his point of view, he can't help it. After all, he's not a vegetarian . . .

The Shy Stegosaurus of Cricket Creek

Meet George. He's strong, as a giant dinosaur should be, strong enough to wreck a plane! (Of course he thinks it's his old enemy, the flying Pteranodon.) He's loyal. He'll do anything to help Joan and Joey save their mother's ranch at Cricket Creek, even chase a bank robber. He's shy. He's so shy he gets Joan and Joey into hilarious, dinosaur sized trouble!

The Magic School Bus in the Time of Dinosaurs

The classroom is decorated as Dinosaur Land, but Ms. Frizzle-inspired by an archeological dig-craves a more authentic experience. The Magic School Bus turns into a time machine and transports the class back millions of years to an adventure where they learn about dinosaurs, their habitats and diets, and even a Maiasaura nesting ground.

Fossils (A True Book: Earth Science)

Fossils are one of the most important tools we have for learning about long-extinct wildlife.

A True Book: Earth Science series presents fascinating facts and fun activities that will engage the budding earth scientist, while exploring the fields of geology, meteorology, ecology, and more. This series includes an age appropriate (grades 3-5) introduction to curriculum-relevant subjects and a robust resource section that encourages independent study. In the 4.6 billion years since Earth was formed, many plant and animal species have come and gone. Readers will discover how fossils are formed, how paleontologists search for them, and what kinds of information they can provide.

Paleontological Fossils Sample- Paleontology Trilobite Fossil, Scientific Amber Specimen

A box of ten fossils: A box of this paleontological fossil sample contains ten of fossils, including sea clam fossils, trilobites, ichthyodonts, porphyrites, copal amber, graptolites, nematodes, phylloceras, corals, and spirals. Fossil specimen of algae.

Ancient Fossils TOOB - Figurines: Dino Footprint, Giant Crab, Ammonite, Raptor Claw, T-Rex Tooth, Frog Skeleton, Sea Scorpion & More

Step into Prehistory: This Toob contains 10 expertly hand-painted mini figurines of ancient fossils, including a Dinosaur Footprint, Giant Crab, Ammonite, Raptor Claw, Fossilized Frog, Trilobite, T-Rex Tooth, Fossilized Fish, Dinosaur Skin, and a Sea Scorpion.

Math Ideas for Preschool Math

  •  This  Numbered Eggs Dinosaur Math Activity is a unique twist on dinosaur math activities.
  • Measuring Dinosaurs- Provide your child with a handful of dinosaurs and some LEGO bricks. Demonstrate how to measure them using the bricks. Which one is the longest? Shortest? Tallest?
Awesome Dinosaur Unit Study With Kids Who Love Dinosaurs

Science/Sensory Dinosaur Ideas

  • This Erupting Dinosaur Extinction Slime will be a big hit for preschoolers as they learn about the characteristics of their favorite dinosaurs.
  • Baking soda and vinegar are a favorite science duo for the fun bubbling reaction, fizzy make a great science experiment.
  • Teach your child all about dinosaurs Fun Facts About Mold Fossils & 4 Types of Fossil Activities For Kids to keep their hands as busy as their minds.
  • Watch this video to dig and explore more on Fossils For Kids.

Art Ideas for Learning About Dinosaurs

  • Grab their favorite plastic dinosaurs and make Dinosaur Footprint Art (FREE Printable).
  • Create 1 of or all 12 Paper Plate Dinosaurs with this tutorial and printable add-ons to make a unique project.
  • Make a Dinosaur SunCatcher to add a little rainbow to your dino studies and build fine motor skills too.
  • Craft a dinosaur night light together that will give your preschooler the sweetest of dino dreams.
Awesome Dinosaur Unit Study With Kids Who Love Dinosaurs

Language Arts Ideas for a Dinosaur Unit Study

  • Dinosaur Letter Hunt is a wonderful interactive way to help your child recognize letters while they get out and explore the backyard.
  • These D is For Dinosaur activities create a repetitive activity that will have your child recognizing and repeating the sound D makes in no time.
  • Father some inexpensive plastic dinosaurs from a dollar tree and recreate the Dinosaur Alphabet Matching Game for letter practice.

Dramatic Play About Dinosaurs

  • Make a Paper Dinosaur Hat to add to dramatic play and it doubles as an art project.
  • These Easy Cardboard Dinosaur Feet are stomping good fun for your child’s imagination and will keep them busy all day.
  • Geronimo Stilton’s The Journey Through Time Fun Easy No Sew Dinosaur Mat is such a fun and portable way to encourage their imagination.
  • This Dinosaur Poop Craft will have kids and adults alike grossed out and tickled at the same time, “petrified” poop will make a great keepsake for the top of a dresser or on a bookshelf.

Finally, look how to make diy salt dough dinosaur bones.

DIY Salt Dough Dinosaur Bones

To make a large batch of bones you should double the recipe. You can hide them around the yard to be discovered or put them on the science shelf.

You will need:

  • 2 cups of flour
  • 1 cup of salt
  • 1 cup of water
  • Brown paint
  • Craft stick
Awesome Preschool Dinosaur Unit Study With Kids Who Love Dinosaurs

First, preheat oven to 210℉.

Combine salt and flour, stirring until well mixed.

Awesome Preschool Dinosaur Unit Study With Kids Who Love Dinosaurs

Add water ¼ cup at a time and stir until the mixture is wet enough to squeeze together but is not sticky. You may not need the entire cup of water.

Awesome Preschool Dinosaur Unit Study With Kids Who Love Dinosaurs

Knead by hand for 2-3 minutes, adding in just a little bit of brown paint to give your bones a little bit more of a creamy tint rather than a stark white.

Awesome Preschool Dinosaur Unit Study With Kids Who Love Dinosaurs

Shape the dough into large pieces of dinosaur bones- femurs, rib bones, skulls, teeth, whatever you like. 

Use the craft stick to carve some detail into the bones. Try not to make them too thick so that they dry well throughout.

Awesome Preschool Dinosaur Unit Study With Kids Who Love Dinosaurs

To create a skull with an open mouth stuff it with aluminum foil and pull out after its cooled.

Awesome Preschool Dinosaur Unit Study With Kids Who Love Dinosaurs

If you want to you can create an entire mini dinosaur skeleton for your child to piece together.

Create a simple spine by making a snake shape and cutting off small segments.

Awesome Preschool Dinosaur Unit Study With Kids Who Love Dinosaurs

Spread shapes out on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake for 2-3 hours or until hardened and dried throughout.

Awesome Preschool Dinosaur Unit Study With Kids Who Love Dinosaurs

Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.

Add sand to cover them up with, a magnifying glass, tweezers, clean paint brushes, and lots of fun reference books so that your child can play paleontologist.

Awesome Preschool Dinosaur Unit Study With Kids Who Love Dinosaurs

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

8 Insect Fun Facts About Texas For Kids | Easy Dragonfly Craft

February 12, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Let’s fly right into 10 insect fun facts about Texas for kids and a cute and simple dragonfly craft made from just 2 art supplies to round out this little mini unit. Also, look at my Free Texas Homeschool Lapbook and Fun Homeschool Unit Study Ideas page.

And look at my Insect Unit Study page.

Because of its climate and habitats Texas is a very insect-friendly state.

It falls into spot # 3 for insect hospitality right after Florida and California.

Also, you know what they say…everything is bigger in Texas, including some of the insects.

8 Insect Fun Facts About Texas For Kids | Easy Dragonfly Craft

Some are huge, some dangerous, some pretty like the Monarch that passes through.

Others do a lot of damage, and others can even mimic other creatures.

We are creating cute and simple dragonflies from beads and pipe cleaners.

These graceful flyers are so easy to identify as they dip and dart around with their two pairs of iridescent wings and a long and slender abdomen.

Books about the Great State of Texas for Kids

Next, look at these living books about Texas to add to your study.

In addition, I add reference books as necessary.

27 Books For Kids Who Love Reading And Being Read to About Texas

 Forget a boring textbook and add some of these books about Texas to your unit study or add to your learning day.

Susanna of the Alamo: A True Story

Relates the experiences of the Texas woman who, along with her baby, survived the 1836 massacre at the Alamo.

The Boy in the Alamo

The classic story of the siege of the Alamo, as told for young readers. Originally published in 1958, thousands of children each year enjoy this story from the unique point of view of twelve-year old Billy Campbell.

Plains Warrior: Chief Quanah Parker and the Comanches

A biography of the legendary Comanche leader profiles the son of a white woman, who fiercely defended tribal lands against those who tried to seize them and who, after being moved with his people to a reservation, fought for the recognition and decent treatment of his tribe.

A Paradise Called Texas

Searching for a better life, Mina, Papa, and Mama left their German fatherland aboard the brig Margaretha ,bound for Texas. They had been told it was the paradise of North America, but when Mina steps onto the desolate beach at Indian Point on a cold December day in 1845, she wants to go back to Germany and Opa's cozy house in the village of Wehrestedt. But go on they must. In spite of mama's tragic death, Mina and Papa push inland with the Kaufmann family to the Texas Hill Country. There Mina encounters an Indian chief and his young daughter, Amaya, whose help she needs when Papa falls ill. Based on her ancestors' immigration to Texas, Janice Shefelman tells of a journey into the wilderness that is filled with hardship, tragedy and adventure.

The Texans! Tejas to Today

Lessons Taught In Story Form.

Alamo All-Stars (Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales #6): A Texas Tale (Volume 6)

“Remember the Alamo!” That rallying cry has gone down in Texas history. But what, exactly, should we remember? Who were the ragtag group of adventurers behind the famous slogan, and how did they end up barricaded in a fort against a Mexican army Who survived, who died, and how. In the early 1800s, Native Americans, the Mexican government, and settlers from other areas of the United States were fighting over the territory that would become the Lone Star state. Here, vivid illustrations—rendered in black, white, and shades of gray, with tinges of yellow—and witty text tell the story, from Texas’s near wilderness beginnings to the Battle of the Alamo and General Sam Houston’s ultimate victory over General Antonio López de Santa Anna at the Battle of San Jacinto.

Indians Who Lived in Texas

Briefly describes the environment, daily life, and customs of four Indian groups that lived in Texas--the farmers, the fishermen, the plant gatherers, and the hunters.

Make Way for Sam Houston (Unforgettable Americans)

Colorful Sam Houston leaps to life in the pages of this fresh and funny biography, set against the story of Texas's fight for independence from Mexico.

Wilderness Pioneer, Stephen F. Austin of Texas

I wanted to tell Austin's story so that boys and girls all over the United States would come to know him not as a stuffy figure in a history book but as a man who had a great dream for the welfare of his fellowmen, and in working to make that dream come true met adventure and danger, heartache and happiness.

Caleb's Choice (Puffin Novel)

In 1858 Texas, people are violently divided over a law that makes it a crime to help runaway slaves. Caleb isn't sure how he feels. When an escaped slave saves his life, Caleb knows he has a debt to repay. But should he break the law and risk his life to help two slaves escape?

A Gentle Tour Through Texas History

A guide for teaching Texas History through literature. It is based on a 34-week timeframe and is useful for students in grades K-6/7.

Johnny Texas

In the early days of Texas history, ten-year-old Johann comes from Germany with his family to settle in this vast land and soon grows to love his new home.

Remember the Alamo! (Landmark books)

I love this series of books and this one tends to be fairly accurate.

A Time to Stand: The Epic of the Alamo

The #1 New York Times–bestselling author of The Miracle of Dunkirk tells the story of the Texans who fought Santa Anna’s troops at the Battle of the Alamo. Looking out over the walls of the whitewashed Alamo, sweltering in the intense sun of a February heat wave, Colonel William Travis knew his small garrison had little chance of holding back the Mexican army. Even after a call for reinforcements brought dozens of Texans determined to fight for their fledgling republic, the cause remained hopeless. Gunpowder was scarce, food was running out, and the compound was too large to easily defend with less than two hundred soldiers. Still, given the choice, only one man opted to surrender. The rest resolved to fight and die. After thirteen days, the Mexicans charged, and the Texans were slaughtered. In exquisite detail, Walter Lord recreates the fight to uphold the Texan flag. He sheds light not just on frontier celebrities like Jim Bowie and Davy Crockett, but on the ordinary soldiers who died alongside them. Though the fight ended two centuries ago, the men of the Alamo will never be forgotten.

I Survived the Galveston Hurricane, 1900

More than a century later, the Galveston Hurricane of 1900 is still America's deadliest disaster. Lauren Tarshis's story of one child surviving the horrible event churns with page-turning action and bold hope.

The city of Galveston, Texas, was booming. Perched on an island off the southern coast of Texas, Galveston had been founded in the 1830s. By 1900, it was Texas's richest and most important city. Boats loaded up with American cotton and wheat steamed from Galveston to countries around the world. Arriving ships were crowded with immigrants. The streets, paved with crushed oyster shells, sparkled like they'd been sprinkled with diamonds.

Galveston's Summer of the Storm (Chaparral Books)

When fourteen-year-old Abby Kate boards the train in Austin to spend three weeks with her grandmother in Galveston, she’s full of excitement—about the train ride and the prospect of days on the beach, exploring Galveston with her cousin Jane, family picnics, and her grandmother’s good food. But things go wrong even before she gets to her grandmother’s house. Abby Kate gets off the train briefly in Houston—and the train leaves without her. Stranded in the railroad station, she is befriended by a man traveling with his two sons and eventually reaches Galveston safely.

Texas Rangers: Legendary Lawmen

In the 1820s, the Texas frontier was a rugged, lawless place that needed defending. The men that banded together to protect the citizens of Texas from the threats of bandits and raiding native tribes were known as the Texas Rangers. Since bravery was never in short demand, any unmarried man with a good horse and a sharp shot could be selected to join the ranks. As they roamed the Texas frontier maintaining peace and order, the Rangers were present for many of the most famous moments in Texas's exciting history-they defended the Alamo alongside Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie, spied on the Mexican army during the war for independence, and chased down outlaws in the booming oil towns of the Wild West.

Texas Tomboy

The entire ranch is thirsty—will the rains ever come?

Remember Goliad: Their Silent Tents

Palm Sunday, March 27, 1836, turned out to be the blackest day in the war of independence between Texas and Mexico. Colonel James Walker Fannin Jr. and his men were ruthlessly slaughtered at the Presidio La Bahia near Goliad. The order was given directly by General Santa Anna. The author describes the background leading up to the start of hostilities in October 1835 and the two Mexican armies which threatened to overrun the Texans, with the massacre at the Alamo on March 2 and then the attack on the Presidio La Bahia, which Fannin called Fort Defiance. A description of garrison life and the men under Fannin's command precedes the battle of Coleto Plains, where Fannin's Texans, without an adequate water supply and defenses, were surrounded by General Urrea's army and forced to surrender. One of the more traumatic aspects of the battle and executions involved a group of young soldiers from Alabama, mainly from the same area, whose leader, Dr. Shackleford, was spared to minister to the sick and injured and was forced to witness the deaths of his protégées.

Jane Long Mother of Texas

A biography of the brave wife of General James Long who was the first woman of English descent to enter Texas and bear a child there.

Camel express; A story of the Jeff Davis experiment (Winston adventure books)

Story of a little known chapter in American military history; extensive illustrations throughout book by Joseph C. Camana.

Texas Yankee: The Story of Gail Borden

Famous as a newspaperman and surveyor in Texas, Gail Borden was the discoverer of how to condense milk. 

Tex's Tales

Picked up by a tornado and swept away from his family in nineteenth-century Texas, a dog has some exciting adventures in the frontier wilderness before making his way home again.

Miriam “Ma” Ferguson: First Woman Governor of Texas (Volume 3) (Stars of Texas Series)

Miriam Ferguson was a quiet, private person who preferred to stay home in her big house in Temple, Texas, and take care of her husband, raise her two daughters, and tend to her flower garden. But in 1924 she was elected governor of Texas, the first woman governor elected in the United States.

Texas History for Kids: Lone Star Lives and Legends, with 21 Activities

Encapsulating the 500-year saga of the one-of-a-kind state of Texas, this interactive book takes readers from the founding of the Spanish Missions and the victory at San Jacinto to the Great Storm that destroyed Galveston and the establishment of NASA’s Mission Control in Houston while covering everything in between. Texas History for Kids includes 21 informative and fun activities to help readers better understand the state’s culture, politics, and geography. Kids will recreate one of the six national flags that have flown over the state, make castings of local wildlife tracks, design a ranch’s branding iron, celebrate Juneteenth by reciting General Order Number 3, build a miniature Battle of Flowers float, and more. This valuable resource also includes a timeline of significant events, a list of historic sites to visit or explore online, and web resources for further study.

Make Way for Sam Houston

Colorful Sam Houston leaps to life in the pages of this fresh and funny biography, set against the story of Texas's fight for independence from Mexico. Lively, readable, and solidly researched, this is the kind of biography every child needs. Booklist, starred review Jean Fritz has done it again. Her writing turns this larger-than-life character into a very real person.School Library Journal, starred review ?Young readers will find the book fast-paced and fact-packed. The New York Times Book Review Jean Fritz lives in Dobbs Ferry, New York.

Trail Fever: The Life of a Texas Cowboy

The story of one of Texas's most famous cowboys is filled with cattle drives, stampedes, floods, droughts, freezing desert nights, raiders and bandits, and one man's endurance and love of life on the plains.

8 Insect Fun Facts About Texas For Kids

  1. Texas has one of the largest insects in North America, a stick insect called Megaphasma that can grow up to 7” long.
  2. The Monarch Butterfly was the Texas state insect in 1995. These beautiful orange and black butterflies pass through Texas twice a year during their migrations both north and south.
  3. Dog-Day Cicadas make their home in Texas, while each species of cicada has its own sound it is a very loud buzzing sound that is very distinctive, it might be a little annoying but to many, it’s like a soothing lullaby. Listen to these Texas Cicadas and see if it is a familiar sound to you.
  4. Some of the most dangerous bugs in Texas are (in no order) the Southern Black Widow, Brown Recluse, Striped Bark Scorpion, and Texas Red-Headed Centipede.
  5. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife 327 damselflies species have been documented in North America,. 160 of those being found in Texas and 70 that are native to Texas. All are found in or around watery environments. 
  6. Texas has the most variety of insects of any of the states at over a whopping 37,000 different species.
  7. The Texas Redheaded Centipede can reach up to 8 inches in length. While a bite to a human causes sharp, local pain and swelling they are venomous but not deadly.
  8. While they look and act similar to hummingbirds, Sphinx Moths can be identified by their two long antennae on their heads and 6 legs rather than two. They are found throughout North America including Texas. These moths sip from a variety of nectar flowers and are quite large with wing spans up to 5”.
8 Insect Fun Facts About Texas For Kids | Easy Dragonfly Craft

Next, look at more activities for kids about Texas.

More Texas History Crafts & Activities

  • 25+ Texas History Books For Middle School For a Fun Unit Study
  • Free Texas Homeschool Lapbook and Fun Homeschool Unit Study Ideas
  • Facts About Wildflowers And a Fun Felt Texas Bluebonnet Craft
  • How Texas Cattle Drives Shaped Its History and Longhorn Craft
  • History of the Texas Cowboy, Cattle Drives, and Chisholm Trail
  • Texas Native American History Quick Unit Study (Middle School)
  • How to Build the Alamo: Hands-on Learning (Free Texas Unit Study)
  • Free Copywork Cattle A Texas Poem For a Fun Unit Study
  • 22 Famous Texans Notebooking Pages (editable) For a Fun History Study
8 Insect Fun Facts About Texas For Kids | Easy Dragonfly Craft

Finally, look how to make easy dragonfly crafts.

You will need:

  • 3 pipe cleaners
  • Beads
8 Insect Fun Facts About Texas For Kids | Easy Dragonfly Craft

First, thread 12-14 beads on one pipe cleaner, roll and twist up one end into a little knot to stop the beads from sliding off, and push the beads down to press against the knot.

8 Insect Fun Facts About Texas For Kids | Easy Dragonfly Craft

On the end without beads, roll and form another knot into a head shape ½” above where the beads begin, you might use a bead or two at the center to help give it shape.

Gather two more pipe cleaners. Trim 1.5” off one pipe cleaner and then thread beads into whatever color or pattern you wish onto both leaving 1” of space on each.

8 Insect Fun Facts About Texas For Kids | Easy Dragonfly Craft

Twist one of the wings around the body near the head, this is why we left a little space, if you need more unroll the head a bit.

8 Insect Fun Facts About Texas For Kids | Easy Dragonfly Craft

Move down one bead and add the second set of wings.

To make your dragonfly look less like a butterfly you want to pull the wings out and elongate them rather than leaving them round, squeeze them close together where they’re almost touching along the line.

If you want more whimsical dragonflies, you can also glue Googly eyes to the head. We opted to leave ours at this stage.

8 Insect Fun Facts About Texas For Kids | Easy Dragonfly Craft

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, insects, life science, science, Texas, Texas history, texasunit

8 Desert Craft Ideas | How To Make Egg Carton Cactus

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

I have 8 desert craft ideas for you. Also you’ll love these other ideas on my post Desert Sand Art (Colors of the Desert).

And I have a fun tutorial that teaches you how to make egg carton cactus.

Cactus is of course easily one of the most identifiable symbols of the desert.

8 Desert Craft Ideas | How To Make Egg Carton Cactus

They offer food and shelter to many desert dwelling species and are drought tolerant.

Well, not all cacti are exclusive to deserts, some are rainforest adapted.

You will see them peppered throughout the deserts of the world.

While a desert may seem barren there is plenty to learn about it.

Books About Deserts for Kids

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.

Your study can include cacti as well as animals like camels and desert lizards, mirages, and extreme temperatures.

Also, learn the fact that there are hot deserts as well as cold deserts, sandstorms, and learn about different types of sand that are in each desert.

Will you concentrate on one desert, or will you learn about a few characteristics of each?

8 Desert Craft Ideas | How To Make Egg Carton Cactus

Either way I have a wonderful batch of desert craft ideas to add that will make it fun and memorable.

Gather up your cardboard egg cartons and let’s also make an egg carton cactus that truly never has to be watered or tended to but makes an adorable addition to a desk or shelf.

8 Desert Craft Ideas

  1. Make a Desert In A Box: Biome Diorama and work your way through learning about the soil, flora, and fauna of a desert.
  2. Create a little desert inside an upcycled carton with this Egg Carton Desert.
  3. Incorporate more than one of the 5 senses with a Desert Dough sensory bin.
  4. Design a beautiful and colorful desert backdrop with the Desert Sand Art: Day 2 Hands-on Learning (Colors of the Desert).
  5. This cute and simple Cactus Popsicle Stick Crafts is a great idea for multiple age groups and is one of those low prep activities we love.
  6.  Explore the senses and let your child Make Your Own Cactus Play Dough Activity, creating different sizes, shapes and looks for their cacti, just like those that occur in nature.
  7. We can’t explore the desert without learning about some of the creatures that make their home there like our humped friend, try out the Popsicle Stick Camel Craft.
  8. Paint a gorgeous desert sky using the techniques in the Watercolor Silhouette Landscape

While you are learning about cacti another great activity is to taste test an edible variety, look at my Exploring Edible Cactus: Day 4 Hands-on Learning (The Desert) and use another of your senses for learning.

8 Desert Craft Ideas | How To Make Egg Carton Cactus

How To Make Egg Carton Cactus

You will need:

  • Cardboard egg cartons
  • Toothpicks
  • Green paint
  • Pink and yellow tissue paper
  • Hot glue gun/sticks
  • Small jar or pot
  • Rocks or pebbles
8 Desert Craft Ideas | How To Make Egg Carton Cactus

First, cut the top off your egg carton. And separate it from the bottom.

Then cut straight down the middle of the two rows.

8 Desert Craft Ideas | How To Make Egg Carton Cactus

It’s impossible to put this together without getting any gaps.

But we’re going to work it together a little bit by shifting one of the halves slightly up so that the points fit into the valleys of the other piece.

This is going to give you a gap at the top and bottom. It won’t matter at the bottom because that’s going to go in the pot.

8 Desert Craft Ideas | How To Make Egg Carton Cactus

For the top, trim off a little bit of the excess. Until it is just slightly longer than the other side. But be sure it touches because we’re going to hot glue it together to cover the gap.

Next, hot glue the edges together all the way around. I found it much easier to do the interlocking side. And then lift it up gently and do the straight side a little bit at a time.

Hold together until the glue hardens. Glue by pressing the top two pieces together with glue and holding until it sets.

You can also use a little bit of the hot glue to fill in any holes.

8 Desert Craft Ideas | How To Make Egg Carton Cactus

Now paint the entire thing in a shade of green you like. Be sure to get in all the little bumps and divots. Allow to dry completely.

8 Desert Craft Ideas | How To Make Egg Carton Cactus

Once dry, you can begin poking toothpicks wherever you like in the cactus to create spikes.

8 Desert Craft Ideas | How To Make Egg Carton Cactus

Ball up some tissue paper or paper bag into the bottom of your pot. If needed to fill up some of the space. And then add a little hot glue and press your cactus into it, holding until it hardens.

8 Desert Craft Ideas | How To Make Egg Carton Cactus

You can either just pour some small rocks around it or you can stir some gravel with some school glue and pour around it.

This will harden into a solid piece which will prevent rocks from being scattered across the floor if your child wants to keep their project.

8 Desert Craft Ideas | How To Make Egg Carton Cactus

 It also gives weight, so it doesn’t tip over easily.

Tear off small bits of tissue paper and ball them up to make flowers. These wherever you want around the cactus. We used them to cover a few spots that were not as pretty and small gaps.

8 Desert Craft Ideas | How To Make Egg Carton Cactus

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8 Fun Facts About Harpy Eagles | How to Make a Paper Bag Puppet

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

Here are 8 fun facts about harpy eagles, some resources, and a fun paper bag puppet to represent this giant rainforest dwelling raptor. Also, you love my pages Rain Forest – Amazon, Rainforest Activities for Kids, and Rain Forest – Animals of the Amazon.

These majestic and angry looking birds can be found living and sitting proudly at the top of the food chain.

They are in the rainforests of southern México-Chiapas, Oaxaca and the Yucatán states. and south through Central America, into South America.

8 Fun Facts About Harpy Eagles | How to Make a Paper Bag Puppet

If you have seen images of them, you know that their claws can be larger than a man’s hand.

And they seem to wear a perpetual scowl, quite imposing and they can prey on animals as large as sloths, monkeys, anteaters, and porcupines.

Our craft will give your child a wonderful chance to focus on the characteristics of the unusual bird like the colors, double crest, and powerful claws.

Books About Eagles for Kids

14 Fun Resources for Studying about Eagles

Add some of these fun activities, books and resources to learn about eagles.

1. Eagle and Birds of Prey: Discover the World of Birds of Prey―How They Grow, Fly, Live, and Hunt

Eyewitness: Eagles and Birds of Prey is a guide to birds of prey of all shapes and sizes. From majestic falcons to soaring vultures, you'll get a bird's eye view of their amazing world. Learn about their styles of flight and their hunting techniques. Explore the preying and feeding habits, from specialist feeders to scavengers. 

2. Science Comics: Birds of Prey: Terrifying Talons

Every volume of Science Comics offers a complete introduction to a particular topic―dinosaurs, the solar system, volcanoes, bats, robots, and more. Whether you're a fourth grader doing a natural science unit at school or a thirty-year-old with a secret passion for airplanes, these graphic novels are for you!

3. Big Book of Birds (The Big Book Series)

Following up the hugely successful The Big Book of Bugs, The Big Book of Beasts, and The Big Book of the Blue, The Big Book of Birds is a fact-filled tour of the world’s most wonderful winged creatures. Yuval Zommer’s distinctive illustrations show off some of the most colorful, flamboyant, impressive, and wacky birds of the sky. Picture-book charm pairs with informative nonfiction to make a beautiful, large-format title for parents to share with young children and for older children to read by themselves.

4. EAGLE 300 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle

HIGH-QUALITY JIGSAW PUZZLE: The stunning, lifelike image is mounted on premium chipboard. Random cut pieces are thick and sturdy – they come fully separated with cleanly cut edges (dust-free!) that fit together snugly and hold up to repetitive use.

Makes amazing wall décor. Glue it, then mount the masterpiece!

5 PCS Birds of Prey Figurines

This set brings you some of the most amazing birds of prey from around the world!

5 Piece Set includes Bald Eagle, Falcon, Hawk, Owl, and Vulture.

6. Supertoob: USA,Figure Playsets

 Use birds of prey figurines including a Bald Eagle to make a diorama or sensory bin, they are also great used for art inspiration. My eagle came from the USA Safari Toob.

7. Thunder Birds: Nature’s Flying Predators

Acclaimed naturalist and illustrator Jim Arnosky helps birds and imaginations take glorious flight in this breathtaking nonfiction picture book with six giant gatefolds.
Arnosky will draw out kids' inner explorer as he explains why there are no feathers on a vulture's head, which bird is the deep-diving champ, what makes an owls's wings perfectly silent in flight, and much more.
Readers can use this gorgeously illustrated book to bring the wilderness right into their rooms-or as a guide on their next expedition.

8. 100 Facts Birds of Prey- Hawks, Eagles, Ornithology, Educational Projects, Fun Activities, Quizzes and More!

Flip through 100 fascinating facts covering everything from hunting prey to patrolling airports, then test your knowledge with fun quizzes. Each page is packed with activities, projects and mind-blowing facts for a truly engaging experience. With stunning photographs and beautiful illustrations, this fun-filled book is sure to challenge young readers and prepare them for academic success. 

Simulated Bald Eagle Figurines Plastic Eagle

Your child will love these to use in sensory bins or dioramas or just as a model to paint or play with.

Is a Bald Eagle Really Bald?

A bald eagle doesn't sound like an attractive bird. But it's pictured on the Great Seal of the United States and on the dollar bill. Why was this bird chosen as a national symbol?

Bailey the Bald Eagle and the Great Flight

Bailey is a bald eagle who comes from a long lineage of high flyers, with her grandfather even holding the world record for being the highest flyer. So, it comes as a bit of a surprise to her family when she is scared of heights. This fear keeps her down every day, literally, but it also helps her meet some amazing friends she never would have otherwise. This story is about how we are all afraid of something, but it's how we overcome those fears that matters most.

My Little Book of Bald Eagles

This is a delightful story about a new family of bald eagles. From newborn's first lessons in life to the first solo flight, this beautifully illustrated book is ideal for introducing young children to the wonders of nature.

Harpy Eagle (Apex Predators of the Amazon Rain Forest)

It's early morning in the Amazon rain forest. A large monkey is climbing through the branches of a tall tree. Suddenly, there's a flash of white and black feathers. An enormous harpy eagle swoops between the leafy branches and snatches the monkey from the tree. Then the giant predator carries its prey high into the treetops and begins to eat. Filled with information perfectly suited to the abilities and interests of its primary-grade audience, this colorful, fact-filled book gives readers a chance not only to learn all about harpy eagles and their Amazon rain forest home, but also to develop their powers of observation and critical thinking. Built-in activities, such as figuring out how the bird's body is adapted for hunting, and investigating how much weight the eagle can carry in its talons, give readers a chance to gain insights beyond the facts and figures.

Wild Life Realistic Harpy Eagle Figurine -

This Harpy Eagle Figurine would make an amazing addition to your dioramas, sensory bins, trays

8 Fun Facts About Harpy Eagles

  1. Harpy Eagles are named after a creature from Greek mythology that was a monster in the form of a bird with a human face.
  2. These big birds are the rainforest’s largest and most powerful raptor and one of the largest raptors in the world.
  3. Harpies build huge nests that are the size of a double bed and are made up of over 300 branches, hovering more than 100 feet off the ground.
  4. They can grow taller than 3’ and have a massive wingspan of 7 ½ feet, weighing in at 10-20 pounds.
  5. Their talons are about 4”-5”, roughly the size of a grizzly bear’s paw.
  6. The plumage coloration is 3 primary colors -black, gray, and white in various combinations of shades and gradients. Males and females have the same colors but younger harpy eagles are lighter.
  7. The presence of these birds indicates a healthy environment, it means that all species in the ecosystem are in total balance.
  8. The Harpy Eagle’s will lower and lift their facial disk feathers can be lowered or lifted at will much like an owl does. Doing this helps direct sound waves to their ears to sharpen their hearing ability.
8 Fun Facts About Harpy Eagles | How to Make a Paper Bag Puppet

Resources for Your Harpy Eagle Study

  • Watch Amazing Animals Harpy Eagle Nat Geo Kids to see one of these flying beauties in action, learn a few facts, and get a quick geography lesson.
  • Grab this Harpy Eagle Coloring Sheet to color as you learn about the unique colorations for this large eagle before you create your paper bag puppet.
  • The gorgeous Little Book of Animals of the Rainforest: A Guide to Life in Earth’s Most Diverse Ecosystem contains a variety of rainforest species including the Harpy Eagle.
  • If you’re study is on eagles you have to see this Letter E Is For Eagle Easy Preschool Eagle Study.

How to Make a Harpy Eagle Puppet

You will need:

  • Paper bag
  • Black craft phone
  • Yellow craft phone
  • Gray construction paper
  • Black gray and white craft paint.
  • Two large googly eyes.
  • Black marker
8 Fun Facts About Harpy Eagles | How to Make a Paper Bag Puppet

Flip your paper bag over so that the folded bottom is facing upward, paint this section gray.

Paint the entire rest of the bag white and allow it to dry.

8 Fun Facts About Harpy Eagles | How to Make a Paper Bag Puppet

While you’re waiting for this paint to dry, trace your child’s three middle fingers and just a bit of the palm, and then trace another one with four fingers and the majority of the palm.

8 Fun Facts About Harpy Eagles | How to Make a Paper Bag Puppet

Cut these handprints out and paint with variations of gray, black and white. Give it a little layering for dimension to make it look like feathers.

8 Fun Facts About Harpy Eagles | How to Make a Paper Bag Puppet

Set these aside to dry as well and cut a pair of yellow talons and a large beak from the black craft foam.

8 Fun Facts About Harpy Eagles | How to Make a Paper Bag Puppet

When the paint on the bag is dry, finish off by painting a black collar around the upper chest between the head and body, then down the side to create wings.

While you have the black paint handy, paint the google eyes black.

You could also just leave them as is or color these in.

But we wanted them to stand out off the puppet a little bit more.

And I think the final effect is more dramatic.

8 Fun Facts About Harpy Eagles | How to Make a Paper Bag Puppet

Once all the glue is dry, attach the three-fingerprint tracing to the back of the head of the puppet.

Then attach the four fingers to the back on the bottom, hanging down for a tail.

Glue on the beak, talons, and the painted eyes. 

8 Fun Facts About Harpy Eagles | How to Make a Paper Bag Puppet

Use a black marker to add a little detail.

For example, stripe the eagle’s legs, some eyebrows to make him a little angry or looking.

Then add some feathers if you feel like they need a little more detail.

8 Fun Facts About Harpy Eagles | How to Make a Paper Bag Puppet

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

How to Make a Time Travel Craft Inspired by The Time Machine Book

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

We’re making a fun time travel craft inspired by the Time Machine book. Also, look at this post 11 Best Science Fiction Books For Middle Schoolers for more ideas.

Time travel has long been the topic of science fiction stories. 

Authors like HG Wells imagine a world where we can cross time and space, going into the past as well as the future.

The Time Machine is a science fiction work written by HG Wells and was published in 1895.

How to Make a Time Travel Craft Inspired by The Time Machine Book

Inspired by H.G. Wells’s book The Time Machine we created a craft that let us imagine a taste of time travel.

While time travel may still not be possible for us in this day and age, what we can do is create a time capsule that will give our future selves, or someone else, a glimpse into who we were in present times.

They can be a wonderful way to preserve and showcase your personal or family memories for future self or future generations.

There are so many options for what can go into your time capsule.

It can be made up completely of things that you love as well as things that represent the period like music, books, TV, shows, pop trends, etc.

I have a list of ideas for you below to help you decide what to put inside.

Science Fiction Books for Middle School Kids

Next, I have more science fiction books for middle school kids.

11 Science Fiction Books for Middle School

Your kids will love reading one or two of these science fiction books or them to add to your unit study.

The Wild Robot (Volume 1)

This newer addition to sci-fi is an absolute delight and is part of a series of 3 books following robot Roz as she navigates her accidental life on a wild remote island. We adored this first selection as a read-aloud. 

The War of the Worlds

So begins The War of the Worlds, the science fiction classic that first proposed the possibility of intelligent life on other planets and has enthralled readers for generations. This compelling tale describes the Martian invasion of earth. When huge, tireless creatures land in England, complete chaos erupts. Using their fiery heat rays and crushing strength, the aliens just may succeed in silencing all opposition. Is life on earth doomed? Will mankind survive? A timeless view of a universe turned upside down, The War of the Worlds is an ingenious and imaginative look into the possibilities of the future and the secrets yet to be revealed.

Journey to Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker: Force Collector

This is probably one of the best book versions of Star Wars ( in the opinion of a teen fan) but it is not based on familiar characters in the Star Wars universe rather it is a new storyline and new characters in familiar locations. This is a stand-alone story with no sequels as of now

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: The Illustrated Edition

It’s an ordinary Thursday morning for Arthur Dent . . . until his house gets demolished. The Earth follows shortly after to make way for a new hyperspace express route, and Arthur’s best friend has just announced that he’s an alien.After that, things get much, much worse.With just a towel, a small yellow fish, and a book, Arthur has to navigate through a very hostile universe in the company of a gang of unreliable aliens. Luckily the fish is quite good at languages. And the book is The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy . . . which helpfully has the words DON’T PANIC inscribed in large, friendly letters on its cover.Douglas Adams’s mega-selling pop-culture classic sends logic into orbit, plays havoc with both time and physics, offers up pithy commentary on such things as ballpoint pens, potted plants, and digital watches . . . and, most important, reveals the ultimate answer to life, the universe, and everything.

The Time Machine

Embark on an extraordinary time-travel adventure with H.G. Wells. Explore fascinating future worlds and dystopian societies. Witness the implications of human evolution and societal decay. Engage with thought-provoking questions about the nature of humanity. Experience the brilliance of H.G. Wells’ visionary storytelling.

The City of Ember Deluxe Edition: The First Book of Ember

The city of Ember was built as a last refuge for the human race. After two hundred years the great lamps that lights the city are beginning to flicker, and two friends fight together to save the city in this first of 4 in the series. It is listed as recommended for grades 3-7 but it really is an enjoyable story for even older grades.

Last Day on Mars (Chronicle of the Dark Star, 1)

This part 1 of a 3-part series has stunning visual imagery and impossible situations like life on the red planet, when even that is threatened the few humans left must travel to yet another home on a distant star unlocking mysteries about time and space,

Ender's Game (The Ender Saga, 1)

This is the first of Orson Scott Card's Cards Ender's Saga, to date there are 5 novels and one novella in the Ender series based on the government breeding child geniuses and training them as soldiers against alien attack.

The Hunger Games

Even if They have already seen the movies I highly recommend assigning your middle schooler this series. It gives a lot of material for discussions of moral choices, allegiance to your government at all costs, friendships, how a future like this could come to be, and more

Divergent (Divergent Series, 1)

Similar to Hunger Games this is the first in a 4 part series of a dystopian world where everyone is split up into 5 factions—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent) splitting families and friends and pitting them against one another.

Ready Player One

If you have a teen who loves gaming and the 80s along with science fiction they are really going to enjoy this one that is set in 204 but filled with pop culture references from that totally awesome decade

25 Things to Put in Your Time Capsule

  1. A letter- addressed to your future self or whoever finds it.
  2. Photographs- selfies and favorite photos of you, your house, family, and pets.
  3. Newspaper- A front page of the current date is a good choice.
  4. Grocery ads- To show how much grocery items cost at the time.
  5. Favorite toys, current favorite things from the time like LEGO, mini surprise toys, video games, etc…Fast food kids meal toys, unopened.
  6. Coins dated from the current year.
  7. Ticket stubs from current movies, concerts, and events.
  8. Dried flowers from a bouquet or your yard.
  9. Seashells and sand from a beach trip with a label of when/where.
  10. Cleaned packages from your favorite snacks.
  11. A lock of your hair.
  12. Short notes of advice from every family member.
  13. A copy of your favorite book with a note inside.
  14. Your favorite t-shirt.
  15. Key to the house.
  16. A family recipe
  17. Magazines
  18. Your favorite poem.
  19. Copy of your report card.
  20. Takeout menus from local restaurants.
  21. Hand or footprints
  22. A video recording of yourself/family.
  23. Technology cards, chargers, power banks, flash drives, etc…  to show what tech was like in your time.
  24. Local souvenirs from your area.
  25. A bucket list of things you want to accomplish in the years that you have set your time capsule for if you are putting it away for your future self.
How to Make a Time Travel Craft Inspired by The Time Machine Book

5 More Cool Time Travel Crafts and Activities

  1. Here is an idea for a Time Traveller’s Journal done in steampunk style which just screams time traveler to me. 
  2. If you want to go crazy you can get an old refrigerator box and turn it into a time machine with your kids.
  3. Another popular time travel book is Madeleine L’Engle’s  A Wrinkle in Time, and these Cootie Catchers are a really fun activity to go along with it.
  4. Watch the History of Time Travel on Prime Video, a fictional documentary about the world’s first-time travel machine and the impact it has on real-world events.
  5. Of course, we can’t forget one of the most popular time travelers, Doctor Who, craft these scarf bookmarks to keep your spot in your favorite time travel books.

Putting Together a Time Capsule

The first thing you want to do is determine how long you want to keep your time capsule before opening. How long-term are you willing to go? 5 years? 10? 20? 50?

Where will you put it? Are you going to bury it in the backyard or just hide it in a box or the back of the closet?

Now what are you going to put in your time capsule?  There are so many options.

A time capsule can be made up completely of things that you love as well as things that represent the period like music, books, TV, shows, pop trends, etc. I have a list of ideas for you below to help you decide what to put inside.

If you would rather use something sturdier to bury your time capsule and not worry about the elements here are a couple of ready-to-go options.

How to Make a Time Travel Craft Inspired by The Time Machine Book

You will need:

  • An Airtight container
  • Letter and number stickers
  • Themed stickers
  • Tissue paper
  • Masking or packing tape
  • Your chosen items
How to Make a Time Travel Craft Inspired by The Time Machine Book

Clean and dry your chosen vessel.  I used this large pickle jar that we had on hand, I wouldn’t trust it to be suitable for varying in the backyard but it’s great for putting in a hope chest or in the back of the closet.

How to Put Together a Time Capsule Craft

Add the current year to your time capsule with letter stickers, you can also add the goal year of when it should be opened if you like.

How to Make a Time Travel Craft Inspired by The Time Machine Book

You can use other fun stickers to decorate the outside of your time capsule either with a futuristic theme or just a fun mix to fit your personality.

How to Make a Time Travel Craft Inspired by The Time Machine Book

Pre-fit all your items in the container to make sure they will fit with a little space.

We are using tissue paper to hide it all because if we paint the jar inside or out it will scratch off. You can cover it in contact paper on the outside if you prefer.

Once you know everything fits, wrap it all carefully in tissue paper and slide it back into the jar.

How to Make a Time Travel Craft Inspired by The Time Machine Book

Replacing the lid and securing it with duct tape or packing tape works well to secure the lid to help deter little eyes from peaking too soon.

Now all that is left to do is hide your time machine on the back of a shelf or deep in a chest in the attic.

How to Make a Time Travel Craft Inspired by The Time Machine Book

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: crafts, hands-on, hands-on activities, science, science fiction, time travel

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