science

Electricity STEM: Lighting Up a Shoebox Tiny House

December 12, 2024 | 3 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have a fun electricity stem lighting up a shoebox activity.Also, look at my post 4 Weeks Free Physical Science Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas.

Learning how electrical circuits work are important science skills for kids 4th grade and up.

When you understand how electricity works, you can begin to troubleshoot electrical devices and can even begin to build and design your own inventions!

Electricity STEM: Lighting Up a Shoebox Tiny House

It’s important for kids to get hands-on experimenting when learning the different parts of a circuit.

When they have an opportunity to practice using electricity, they’ll soon see the importance electricity plays in our everyday lives.

This highly engaging electrical activity will challenge kids to design their own homes by providing each room with a light, fan, and switch!

I love it when you can combine creativity in a learning project!

BOOKS ABOUT ELECTRICITY FOR KIDS

Next, look at these books to add to your learning day.

5 Electricity Books for Kids Who Love to Read and Be Read To

Learning about electricity is a fascinating subject for kids to learn about. Add one or two of these books to your home library.

Electronics for Kids: Play with Simple Circuits and Experiment with Electricity!

Why do the lights in a house turn on when you flip a switch? How does a remote-controlled car move? And what makes lights on TVs and microwaves blink? The technology around you may seem like magic, but most of it wouldn’t run without electricity. Electronics for Kids demystifies electricity with a collection of awesome hands-on projects.
In Part 1, you’ll learn how current, voltage, and circuits work by making a battery out of a lemon, turning a metal bolt into an electromagnet, and transforming a paper cup and some magnets into a spinning motor. In Part 2, you’ll make even more cool stuff as you:–Solder a blinking LED circuit with resistors, capacitors, and relays–Turn a circuit into a touch sensor using your finger as a resistor–Build an alarm clock triggered by the sunrise.

Switch On, Switch Off (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science 2)

Read and find out about electricity in this colorfully illustrated nonfiction picture book.

It seems like magic! It's not—it's electricity. But how does a light actually work? In this clear and simple book learn all about electricity, how it's produced, and how it can be used.

At the end you'll learn how to conduct safe, fun experiments that will let you generate electricity yourself!

Electrical Circuit Experiment Kit White

Size: Battery case: ( L X W X H): 57 x 30 x 13 / 2.24 x 1.18 x 0.51inch.
Material: The mini bulb is a kind of tungsten wire bulb, made of glass, metal, insulation materials.
Application: Used for electrical experiments in primary and middle schools/home DIY circuit test.

Oscar and the Bird: A Book about Electricity (Start with Science)

Start with Science books introduce kids to core science concepts through engaging stories, fresh illustrations, and supplemental activities. When Oscar the kitten finds a tractor in a field and accidentally turns on the windshield wipers, he is full of questions about electricity. Luckily, Bird knows the answers! With the help of his friend, Oscar finds out how electricity is made and stored, which machines need electricity to work, and why we always need to be careful around wires, batteries, plugs, and sockets. Back matter includes an index and supplemental activities.

Nikola Tesla, Electrical Genius

Electrical engineer and inventor Nikola Tesla (1856–1943) was indeed an electrical genius. In language suitable for both young and old, author Arthur J. Beckhard describes all aspects of Tesla’s personal and professional life, including Tesla’s childhood and his education at primary school, at the Higher Real Gymnasium, and at the Polytechnic Institute; his years working for the telegraphic engineering department of Austria, then as an engineer in Paris, and then as an employee of Thomas Edison in America; his substitution of alternating current for direct current—a simpler and more economical method of converting electrical into mechanical energy; his rotary magnetic field, which was used in transmitting the power of Niagara Falls to nearby cities; his independent research at his own electrical laboratories in New Your City; and much more. Originally published in 1959 as part of Messner Publications' "Men of Science" series.

Electrical Shoebox House STEM Activity

When I was a kid in school, I was intimated by science and especially electricity.

I had that stereotypical thought that science was for boys and way too difficult for me to understand.

When I was thinking about classes to teach for my up and coming tutorial year, one word kept jumping at me: STEM.

STEM is a highly used buzz word for educators across the world. It stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.

I was terrified to teach STEM, but I knew if I wanted my kids to be comfortable with science, I was going to have to get over my fear of it. And boy am I glad I did.

If you’re feeling uncertain about your abilities to teach STEM, don’t. Just jump in and do it.

To do this activity you’ll need:

a shoebox
alligator clips (at least 4)
2 AA battery holders with wires connected
4 AA batteries
one motor
one switch
2-3 miniature light bulbs
tape

To begin this activity, your kids will need a good grasp of how a circuit works. You can always have them play around with the circuits to practice lighting up all of the light bulbs and the motor.

EASY HANDS ON HOMESCHOOL SCIENCE

When they have a pretty good understanding of the concept, it’s now time to build the house. First, section off the different rooms of the shoebox. You can use scraps of cardboard to be the dividing walls.

Once the walls are up, it’s time to wire the house.

You may need box cutters to cut holes in the walls (shoebox) to run the wires from the outside of the shoebox into the inside.

Tape may be needed to secure the power source on the outside of the house.Now it’s time to hook up your electricity.

Challenge your kids to light up two rooms of the house and run one fan.

Then, if you want to add a little bit of design into your challenge, your children can cut out a door and design furniture.

This highly engaging electrical activity will challenge kids to design their own homes by providing each room with a light, fan, and switch!Click here to make this fun and easy hands-on homeschool science activity!

It really is a tiny house! What a cool way to learn about electricity!

Want to see a really cool shoebox house? Take a look at this video Shoebox House STEM Project

Get even more ideas for teaching hands-on science in your homeschool below!

MORE ACTIVITIES ABOUT ELECTRICITY

Written by Christa at Little Log Cottage School.

How to Make a Homemade Electrical Switch

December 10, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

We are learning how to make a homemade electrical switch to get a better idea of how electricity works on a small scale. Also, look at my post 4 Weeks Free Physical Science Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas.

This activity is incredibly easy.

We’re creating a simple electric circuit and label each part using a kit that includes everything you need but first let’s learn about electricity.

How to Make a Homemade Electrical Switch

Electricity is like a river of energy that flows through wires, and it brings light, warmth, air conditioning, music, and power in general to our homes.

It’s the invisible force that makes our computers hum, our lights shine, and our refrigerators keep our food cold.

But have you ever wondered where this amazing energy comes from, how it works, and why it’s so important to be safe around it?

Let’s explore the fascinating world of electricity.

Electricity is a form of energy that comes from the movement of tiny particles called electrons.

These electrons are like super-fast race cars zooming around inside atoms, the building blocks of everything around us.

When these electrons get excited and start moving in the same direction, they create an electric current, like a river of energy flowing through a wire.

This current can then be used to power all sorts of things, from tiny light bulbs to giant machines.

WAYS TO GENERATE ELECTRICITY

Electricity can be generated in many ways, using a variety of energy sources. Some of the most common ways are:

Power Plants: These are like giant factories that use different sources of energy, like coal, natural gas, or nuclear power, to create steam.

This steam spins huge turbines, which are connected to generators that produce electricity.

Renewable Energy Sources: These are sources of energy that are naturally replenished, like the sun, wind, and water.

Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, wind turbines use the wind to spin generators, and hydroelectric dams use the force of flowing water to generate electricity.

Batteries: These are like portable power plants that store chemical energy that can be converted into electricity. Batteries are used in all sorts of devices, from flashlights to electric cars.

Once electricity is generated, it travels through a vast network of wires called the power grid. This grid is like a giant highway system for electricity, carrying it from power plants to homes, schools, and businesses.

The electricity travels at incredibly high speeds, reaching our homes almost instantly when we flip a switch.

When electricity reaches our homes, it flows through wires in the walls and ceilings to outlets and switches.

When we plug in a device or flip a switch, we complete a circuit, allowing the electricity to flow through the device and power it.

BOOKS FOR KIDS ABOUT ELECTRICITY

Next, look at these books about electricity.

I prefer to read living books when we can find them.

5 Electricity Books for Kids Who Love to Read and Be Read To

Learning about electricity is a fascinating subject for kids to learn about. Add one or two of these books to your home library.

Electronics for Kids: Play with Simple Circuits and Experiment with Electricity!

Switch On, Switch Off (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science 2)

Read and find out about electricity in this colorfully illustrated nonfiction picture book.

It seems like magic! It's not—it's electricity. But how does a light actually work? In this clear and simple book learn all about electricity, how it's produced, and how it can be used.

At the end you'll learn how to conduct safe, fun experiments that will let you generate electricity yourself!

Electrical Circuit Experiment Kit White

Size: Battery case: ( L X W X H): 57 x 30 x 13 / 2.24 x 1.18 x 0.51inch.
Material: The mini bulb is a kind of tungsten wire bulb, made of glass, metal, insulation materials.
Application: Used for electrical experiments in primary and middle schools/home DIY circuit test.

Oscar and the Bird: A Book about Electricity (Start with Science)

Nikola Tesla, Electrical Genius

Also, look at these facts about electricity.

5 FUN FACTS ABOUT ELECTRICITY

The first person to coin the word “electricity” was William Gilbert in 1600.
Lightning is a natural form of electricity, and a single bolt of lightning can carry up to one billion volts of electricity.
The human body is a good conductor of electricity.
The electric eel can generate up to 600 volts of electricity.
The average American uses about 10,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity per year.

And look at more activities to go with our how to make a homemade electrical switch.

ELECTRICAL EXPERIMENTS TO EXPAND HOW TO MAKE A HOMEMADE ELECTRICAL SWITCH

Another fun way to explore electricity, currents, switches, and more is with a Snap Circuits kit.

A simple circuit needs at least 3 things- a circuit pathway (wires), a power source (battery) and load (lightbulb), a switch is also helpful to turn it on and off.

HOW TO MAKE A HOMEMADE ELECTRICAL SWITCH

You will need:

Electrical Circuit Experiment Kit
Hot glue gun/glue sticks
Cardboard or scrap board-optional

First, starting with a kit like this makes it easy but still gives kids a ground up learning experience.

Plus, as they learn to connect each piece and problem solve if something isn’t working right.

To begin with you want to make sure that the end of each wire is exposed, use wire strippers or carefully remove the coating with a knife.

Wrap the end of the exposed wire coming from the battery pack onto one contact point on the switch.

Attach the other wire on the battery pack by wrapping it around a contact point on the lamp holder.

Take a loose piece of wire and run it from the other contact point on the lamp holder to the other open contact on the switch.

Add batteries to the battery pack and flip the switch.

Now if you want you can mount the setup onto a piece of cardboard or wood by attaching the battery pack with a bit of hot glue on one end.

Tack the switch to the side.

Now to add a new layer of learning you can create labels on cardstock.

Have your child place them in the correct spot for each part of the simple circuit.

Dive Into STEM Learning With An Exciting Jello Earthquake Experiment

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

The Jello earthquake experiment is a great way to learn about earthquakes and how they can affect structures. Also, look at my page Free Earth Science Lapbook & Unit Study Ideas.

It can be used to teach children about the different types of earthquakes.

And use it to teach the causes of earthquakes, and the effects of earthquakes on people and property as well as the importance of earthquake preparedness.

Dive Into STEM Learning With An Exciting Jello Earthquake Experiment

Earthquakes are a natural hazard that can cause widespread damage and loss of life.

They occur when there is a sudden release of energy below the Earth’s surface, which creates seismic waves.

These waves travel through the Earth’s crust and can cause the ground to shake violently.

Earthquakes can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

Tectonic plate movement: The Earth’s crust is made up of several tectonic plates that are constantly moving. When two plates collide, one plate may be forced beneath the other, causing an earthquake.
Volcanic activity: Earthquakes can also be caused by volcanic activity. When magma moves beneath the Earth’s surface, it can create pressure that builds up and eventually causes an earthquake.
Landslides: Landslides can also trigger earthquakes, especially if they occur in areas with unstable soil or rock.

Look at earthquakes from different viewpoints from measuring them with a seismometer to learning about engineering.

You can build structures that can withstand them with all the activities I have included as well as videos and books.

Of course, we have some cool facts to share while you put together the Jello earthquake experiment.

EARTH SCIENCE BOOKS FOR KIDS

Next, add some fun books to this activity.

When possible I prefer to add living books when I can find them.

9 Books for Kids Who Love to Read About Earth Science Topics

Add these books to your learning day to learn about various earth science topics.

The Story Book of Science (Yesterday's Classics)

The wonders of plant and animal life told with rare literary charm by Uncle Paul in conversations with three children. Besides such stories as the ants' subterranean city, the spider's suspension bridge, and the caterpillars' processing, he unlocks the mystery behind thunder and lightning, clouds and rain, the year and its seasons, and volcanoes and earthquakes. Suitable for ages 9 to 12.

Earthquakes (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science 2)

Some earthquakes are so small that you don’t even feel them, while others can make even big buildings shake. Learn why earthquakes happen, where they are most likely to occur, and what to do if one happens near you.

Now with updated text and art, this classic picture book describes the causes and effects of earthquakes (including a tsunami). This book features rich vocabulary and fascinating cross-sections of mountains, volcanoes, and faults in the earth’s moving crust.

This is a clear and appealing science book for early elementary age kids, both at home and in the classroom. The text and art were vetted by Dr. Roland Burgmann, Professor of the Department of Earth and Planetary Science at the University of California, Berkeley.

The First Book of the Earth

A republication of the 1958 book by Irene Sevrey with illustrations by Mildred Waltrip, The First Book of the Earth is an elementary level natural history book that was written during a time when children's books held a student's interest and imagination because they were "living" rather than simply based on factoids and vivid pictures. It is a wonderful introduction to the subject of geology and covers the earth as a planet in the solar system and the physics of how it circles the sun, thereby defining our days and years. It then moves on to describing the earth's origin as scientists understand it and takes up the topics of the earth's composition, its structure, molecular makeup, rock families, minerals, volcanoes and earthquakes, mountains and their formation, and how glaciers and rivers affect the shaping of the earth's surface. The book ends by briefly discussing dinosaurs and the possible aging techniques used to date the earth's age in terms of epochs or periods.

Rocks, Gems and Minerals: A Fully Illustrated, Authoritative and Easy-to-Use Guide (A Golden Guide from St. Martin's Press)

This handy identification guide to the most common kinds of rocks and minerals offers concise and fascinating information on:- Physical and chemical properties- Origins and geologic significance- Gems and semiprecious stones- How to find and collect specimens

Earth: An Intimate History

Beginning with Mt. Vesuvius, whose eruption in Roman times helped spark the science of geology, and ending in a lab in the West of England where mathematical models and lab experiments replace direct observation, Richard Fortey tells us what the present says about ancient geologic processes. He shows how plate tectonics came to rule the geophysical landscape and how the evidence is written in the hills and in the stones. And in the process, he takes us on a wonderful journey around the globe to visit some of the most fascinating and intriguing spots on the planet.

The First Book of Caves

A book about caves with drawings for young readers with a vocabulary list and definition at the end.

Rocks and Minerals: A Guide of Familiar Minerals, Gems, Ores, and Rocks (A Golden Nature Guide)

A guide to familiar minerals, gems, ores, and rocks enhanced by 400 full color illustrations. Provides much geological knowledge in how to look for surface forms, rocks, minerals etc. Includes information for the searcher and an useful list of clubs and organizations. Excellent bibliography and index.

A Whale of the Wild (A Voice of the Wilderness Novel)

For Vega and her family, salmon is life. And Vega is learning to be a salmon finder, preparing for the day when she will be her family’s matriarch. But then she and her brother Deneb are separated from their pod when a devastating earthquake and tsunami render the seascape unrecognizable. Vega must use every skill she has to lead her brother back to their family. The young orcas face a shark attack, hunger, the deep ocean, and polluted waters on their journey. Will Vega become the leader she’s destined to be?

Rocks, Rivers, and the Changing Earth: A first book about geology

A living book on the living earth. Told in a conversational style, the book discusses the topics of geology and provides ideas for investigations and demonstrations of the scientific principles. Illustrated throughout, this book is a favorite as an introduction to geology for young readers. This edition includes updated science information on plate tectonics and the structure of the earth.

Also, look at some facts about earthquakes.

6 EARTH SHAKING FACTS ABOUT EARTHQUAKES

The point where an earthquake starts is called the focus or hypocenter and the Earth’s surface directly above the focus is called the epicenter.
Earthquakes are measured using the Richter scale, which ranges from 1 to 10. This logarithmic, meaning that each whole number increase represents a tenfold increase in the amplitude of the seismic waves.
The largest earthquake ever recorded was a magnitude 9.5 earthquake in Chile in 1960.
Earthquakes can cause tsunamis, landslides, and other geological hazards which cause buildings and other structures to collapse.
The deadliest earthquake in history was the Tangshan earthquake in China in 1976, which killed an estimated 242,000 people.
Earthquakes are most common in certain areas of the world, such as along plate boundaries.

Also, look at these fun hands-on activities.

EARTHQUAKE EXPERIMENT ACTIVITIES

If you live in an area affected by earthquakes, talk about your plan during an earthquake, just like you would for fires, etc. Put together an earthquake kit with your child to have one hand should you ever need it.
Try a tasty lesson in How to Make an Edible Kindergarten Earth Science Tectonic Plate Activity to teach younger children.
Scientific America has simple lesson plans for Earthquake-Proof Engineering for Skyscrapers using LEGO, a favorite tool and toy in one.
Don’t forget to add in some great books like All About Earthquakes and I Survived the Great Alaska Earthquake, 1964 for a rich and full learning experience.
To learn more about the effect in and around the epicenter check out this Earthquake Epicenter Experiment.
Watch Earthquakes for Kids STEM | Learn why earthquakes happen and how to measure them.
Not only can you make your own model of an earthquake measurement device but you will find 10 Hands On Earthquake Activities | How To Make A Model Seismometer.
Check out this simple earth Science experiment on Plate Movement, Earthquakes to simply demonstrate the effects of earthquakes.

Finally, look at this fun Jello earthquake experiment.

JELLO EARTHQUAKE EXPERIMENT

You will need:

1 box of Jello
1 clear container
small objects, such as toy cars, buildings, or trees
A spoon
Mini marshmallows
toothpicks

First, prepare the Jello according to the package directions.

The Jello represents the ground which moves during an earthquake.

Pour the Jello into the clear container and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.

Once the Jello is set, place the small objects on top of it.

Use the spoon to gently shake the container.

Observe what happens to the Jello and the small objects.

As you shake the container, the Jello will begin to jiggle and wobble.

This is similar to what happens to the ground during an earthquake.

The small objects on top of the Jello will begin to move and may even fall over.

This is because the earthquake waves are causing the ground to shake.

Now, our goal is to build a structure from marshmallows and toothpicks that will hold up to that movement.

Have your learner design and construct buildings out of toothpicks and marshmallows, allow this to be an open ended activity so they can work out for themselves which holds up better- a shorter or taller structure? A square or a more tapered one? At which height is the structure no longer stable?

Offer different sized toothpicks and marshmallows to give your child more variety for building.

Be sure to have your child record their findings in their science notebook from the variables to the results of the jello earthquake experiment.

Raspberry DNA Activity For Kids Who Love Hands-on Learning

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

I have a cool raspberry DNA activity for kids.

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

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

Raspberry DNA Activity For Kids Who Love Hands-on Learning

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

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

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

DNA FUN FACTS FOR KIDS

Plus, it can be hard to introduce this topic.

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

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

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

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

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

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

BOOKS ABOUT RASPBERRIES FOR KIDS

Next, I have a collection of books.

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

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

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

The Anne of Green Gables Cookbook

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

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

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

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

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

The DNA Book (The Science Book Series)

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

Berry Magic

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

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

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

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

Raspberries!

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

Berries, Nuts, And Seeds (Take Along Guides)

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

Next, look at some fun facts about raspberries.

RASPBERRY FACTS

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

And look at some of these DNA activities for kids.

DNA ACTIVITY FOR KIDS IDEAS

And here are more berry activities.

HANDS-ON BERRY ACTIVITIES

Additionally, the rose family consists of many berries.

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

Finally, look at how to extract DNA from raspberries.

HOW TO EXTRACT DNA FROM RASPBERRIES WITH KIDS

Look at this list of supplies.

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

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

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

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

Stir to mix.

Add the soap mixture to the mashed-up raspberries.

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

Set aside.

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

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

The liquid will slowly drip into the jar.

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

Remove the filter.

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

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

Use the skewer to gently grab the raspberry DNA.

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

7 Easy Arctic Animals Crafts And A Narwhal Printable Packet

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

Today, I have some easy Arctic animals crafts and a fun narwhal printable packet. Too, you’ll love my Arctic and Inuit Unit Study. Free Lapbook – Hands-on Ideas and my Arctic Region pages.

Many animals live in the Arctic and you can do a unit study on each one.

For example, narwhals are called the unicorns of the seas because of the long tusk in the front of their heads.

7 Easy Arctic Animals Crafts And A Narwhal Printable Packet

Many Arctic animals are especially adapted to the cold.

For example, polar bears have thick fur and a layer of fat to keep them from freezing in the winter.

Also, Caribou which are also reindeer migrate to the Arctic in large herds.

They travel thousands of miles to find food in the colder months.

And the narwhal is one of the most fascinating marine animals found in the ocean.

BOOKS ABOUT NARWHALS – UNICORNS OF THE SEAS

Next look at some books about narwhal.

5 Narwhal Books for Kids Who Love to Read and Be Read To

Narwhal’s are called the unicorn of the sea. Add one or two of these books to your home library or unit study.

Narwhal and Jelly Box Set (Paperback Books 1, 2, 3, AND Poster) (A Narwhal and Jelly Book)

The Narwhal and Jelly books are delightfully silly graphic novels full of heart, friendship and playful adventure. Readers can now get the first three books (Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea, Super Narwhal and Jelly Jolt, Peanut Butter and Jelly) in the series in paperback, along with a bonus poster, in one turtle-y awesome box set.

Narwhal on a Sunny Night

The #1 bestselling Magic Tree House series is ready to whisk you away with Jack and Annie! This time, meet famous explorer Leif Erikson and help save a narwhal!When the magic tree house whisks Jack and Annie off to Greenland, they're not sure what time they've landed in, but they immediately know what their mission is: save a narwhal! Then they meet a young hunter named Leif Erikson and they ask for his help. But Leif has other ideas...

Narwhals and Other Whales: A nonfiction companion to Magic Tree House #33: Narwhal on a Sunny Night

Track the facts about the unicorn of the sea--the narwhal--and its closest relatives!When Jack and Annie came back from their adventure in Magic Tree House #33: Narwhal on a Sunny Night, they had lots of questions. What is a narwhal? Why is it nicknamed the unicorn of the sea? What other whales live in the arctic? How do they survive the cold? Find out the answers to these questions and more as Jack and Annie track the facts about narwhals and other whales.Filled with up-to-date information, photographs, illustrations, and fun tidbits from Jack and Annie, Fact Trackers are the perfect way for kids to find out more about the topics they discover in their favorite Magic Tree House adventures.

Narwhals Are Awesome (Polar Animals)

Lift your tail and splash the water! It's time to share a day up close with a narwhal. See this whale's watery home, what it eats, and how it cares for its young. This book from the series A Day in the Life: Polar Animals describes a typical day and night in the life of a narwhal. Features include a body map with labels for key aspects of the animal's body.

Narwhal (A Day in the Life: Polar Animals: Heinemann Read and Learn: Level K)

Follow a narwhal through its day as it eats, sleeps, and cares for its young.

And look at these easy Arctic animals crafts.

7 Easy Arctic Animals Crafts

Finally, look at what this printable themed narwhal information packet includes.

NARWHAL STUDY KIDS INFORMATION PACKET

The narwhal study packet is a 30 page printable .pdf download.

Here are some of the topics included.

What are narwhals
Narwhal anatomy
Where narwhals live
Life cycle
What do they eat
Predators and threats
Narwhals and Inuit Culture
Conservation efforts
6 Activity Pages
aimed at early elementary level

HOW TO GET THE NARWHAL PRINTABLE INFORMATION PACKET

You can get it now!

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Dynamic and Amazing Narwhal Study Guide For Young Learners
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