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Animals That Are Born Alive And Hatched From Egg DIY Hatching Egg Activity

November 25, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

We’re doing a hands-on activity about animals that are born alive and hatched from egg. Also, you’ll love the activities on my post Free Homeschool Chicken Unit Study and Anatomy of an Egg Felt Activity & Worksheet.

A lot of this is learned through our natural conversations and through the myriad of questions your child might ask.

However, it never hurts to have some fun intentional activities to help answer them.

It is an amazing world we live in.

And while most children know very early on that birds lay eggs; they are not familiar with other animals that do.

For instance, the platypus, alligators, snakes, and common house lizards lay eggs.

Animals That Are Born Alive And Hatched From Egg DIY Hatching Egg Activity

Too, I have an easy-to-prep and complete activity that can be done in two parts and is a ton of fun.

Besides, if you have plastic animals on hand and a few basic pantry items, this is a no-extra-cost activity that will help your child learn about two types of animals.

The two types are oviparous animals which lay eggs and viviparous animals which have live births.

7 Facts about Viviparous and Oviparous Animals

  1. Animals that give birth to offspring are called viviparous.
  2. Animals that lay eggs are called oviparous.
  3. There are only two types of mammals that lay eggs, the duck-billed platypus, and the echidna.
  4. After laying the eggs, some animals sit on their eggs to keep them warm while others bury the eggs in the sand.
  5. The temperature of the egg is critical during development in reptiles as it determines the sex of the offspring.
  6. Viviparous animals can reproduce any time of the year as they feed the embryo with the fat reserves in the body.
  7. Birds are the only egg layers that have a hard-shelled egg, others are soft and leathery like turtles and lizards.
Animals That Are Born Alive And Hatched From Egg DIY Hatching Egg Activity

Next, add some books and fun resources to your learning day.

Resources to Learn About Egg Laying Animals & Animals that Have Live Births

Investigate how eggs are hatched and why some animals have live births with these fun books.

An Egg Is Quiet: (Picture Book, Kids Book about Eggs)

This stunningly beautiful and wonderfully informative book from award-winning artist Sylvia Long and author Dianna Hutts Aston makes for a fascinating introduction to the vast and amazing world of eggs.
Featuring poetic text and an elegant design, this acclaimed book teaches children countless interesting facts about eggs. Full of wit and charm, An Egg Is Quiet will at once spark the imagination and cultivate a love of science.

Chickens Aren't the Only Ones (World of Nature Series)

Ruth Heller's prose and pictures are the perfect means for discovering the variety of oviparous animals and their unique ways of laying eggs.

Who Laid the Egg? (Exploring Nature)

What kind of animals lay eggs?

A chicken?

An ostrich?

Maybe even . . . a dinosaur?!

Find out which animals lay eggs in this entertaining picture book for toddlers, preschoolers, and early readers!

Who Laid the Egg is a simple, easy-to-read book that introduces children to some of the
wonderful egg-laying animals in our world. Kids will love guessing which animal laid each egg as you read this book together!

Featuring: a chicken, an ostrich, a frog, a turtle and others!

Figurines of Mudpuppy, Dragonfly, Water Snake, Bat, Goose, Herring Gull, Blue Heron, Lynx, Sturgeon, Yellow Perch

Here are a few great plastic animal collections that have at least a couple of live-bearing and egg-laying creatures in it.

Educational Resource: Perfect for teaching children about the diverse species that inhabit the Great Lakes ecosystem. Encourages curiosity and respect for nature and wildlife.

Mini North American & Australian Animal Figurines

North American & Australian Animals has a few egg-laying animals, but I really love that it includes the platypus.

Also, add some of these hands-on activities.

Activities For Animals That Are Born Alive And Hatched From Egg

  • Free Homeschool Chicken Unit Study and Anatomy of an Egg Felt Activity & Worksheet.
  • Fun Kids Hands-on Egg Carton Sea Turtle Life Cycle Activity
  • Fun Homeschool Unit Study Egg to Sea Turtle Lesson Plans & Lapbook
  • Egg to Gosling Fascinating Journey | Is A Goose Hatched From Egg Or Born Alive

Before you begin your activity, you want to gather up a bunch of little plastic toys, Safari Toobs are my favorite and I linked a couple above but you can even raid the toy box to find some.

You want to collect a variety of both egg-laying and non-egg-laying animals.

Animals That Are Born Alive And Hatched From Egg DIY Hatching Egg Activity

Here are a few examples of each to get you started.

Egg Laying

  • Birds
  • Platypus
  • Fish
  • Turtles
  • Lizards

Live Birth

  • Bears
  • Cats
  • Dolphins
  • Fox
  • People
Animals That Are Born Alive And Hatched From Egg DIY Hatching Egg Activity

Finally, look at this fun hands-on activity about animals that are born alive and hatched from egg.

DIY Hatching Egg Activity

You will need:

  • Construction paper
  • Makers
  • Baking soda
  • Water
  • Vinegar
  • A shallow container
  • Small container
  • Pipette

First, place a cup or two of baking soda in a large bowl depending on how many creatures you want to put in your eggs.

Animals That Are Born Alive And Hatched From Egg DIY Hatching Egg Activity

Add water a little at a time while mixing with your hands until it is damp enough to hold together when you squeeze it.

Animals That Are Born Alive And Hatched From Egg DIY Hatching Egg Activity

It should look like this.

Animals That Are Born Alive And Hatched From Egg DIY Hatching Egg Activity

You can color some of the mixture if you like.

Hatching Egg Activity For Kids

Grab one of your animals hatched from an egg and add the damp baking soda mixture around it.

Animals That Are Born Alive And Hatched From Egg DIY Hatching Egg Activity

Keep adding and shaping until it is completely covered with the mixture and resembles an egg shape.

Animals That Are Born Alive And Hatched From Egg DIY Hatching Egg Activity

Next, let the eggs dry out for several hours or overnight until they harden up.

Place eggs in a shallow container with a small bowl of vinegar and a pipette.

Animals That Are Born Alive And Hatched From Egg DIY Hatching Egg Activity

Encourage your child to use the pipette to drizzle the eggs with vinegar, they will know what to do next!

Animals That Are Born Alive And Hatched From Egg DIY Hatching Egg Activity

They will enjoy watching the fizzing and bubbling acting.

Animals That Are Born Alive And Hatched From Egg DIY Hatching Egg Activity

When they are done, they will see and reinforce the teaching about animals that come from eggs.

Animals That Are Born Alive And Hatched From Egg DIY Hatching Egg Activity

Now, take two pieces of construction paper and write across the top on one Hatched from an Egg with an egg next to it.

Across the other write Born Alive with the no egg symbol.

Animals That Are Born Alive And Hatched From Egg DIY Hatching Egg Activity

Additionally, be sure to read these aloud to your child.

The symbols help the non-reader to know which paper to use but it is a very important connection that your child knows that the spoken word and the written word are linked by writing them it will begin to help them identify letters and make that connection.

Next, give them several of both live-bearing and egg-laying animals and instruct them how to sort between the two pages.

Help your child as they need help but give them independence as well.

Finally, talk about the animals and the differences between them. 

Animals That Are Born Alive And Hatched From Egg DIY Hatching Egg Activity

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

How To Make Puffy Paint Planets And Free Notebooking Pages

November 23, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

We’re creating puffy paint planets as we learn a little bit more about the 8 wonders that make up our solar system. You’ll love the free planet notebooking pages too. Grab more ideas on my page Exploring Space and Astronomy Free Unit Study for Multiple Ages.

There is so much about the vast solar system that we still do not know.

Take your aspiring astronomer on a journey to discover each planet with crafts, facts, and activities that will keep their hands busy, and minds engaged.

How To Make Puffy Paint Planets And Free Notebooking Pages

These puffy paint planets are a fun way to learn about the planets, their size, and their relation to one another as well as their general makeup.

They can be painted to look as our planets appear and you can customize them to any size you like.

Free Planets Notebooking Pages

Also, I have a fantastic set of free notebooking pages that you can also use as a template to create them.

These are handy for your child to list facts about each planet as you cover it in your lessons.

And I have included some fun facts for you to grab as well.

However, in honor of Red Planet Day on November 28th I have some interesting facts for you all about the planet Mars.

My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us Nachos.

There is a very handy mnemonic device that you can use to memorize the order of the planets-Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune.

How To Make Puffy Paint Planets And Free Notebooking Pages

Next, look at some of these books that you’ll want to add to your reading list.

I lean toward living books first, then reference books for reading.

11 Astronomy Resources & Books

Add one or two books to your unit study or use one as a spine for studying about space.

The Planets

From the burning surface of Venus to the freezing darkness of Neptune, Gail Gibbons takes children on a tour of our planetary neighbors—which are very different from each other in size, shape, orbit, and even weather.

The Planets

With her bestsellers Longitude and Galileo's Daughter, Dava Sobel introduced readers to her rare gift for weaving complex scientific concepts into a compelling narrative. Now Sobel brings her full talents to bear on what is perhaps her most ambitious topic to date-the planets of our solar system. Sobel explores the origins and oddities of the planets through the lens of popular culture, from astrology, mythology, and science fiction to art, music, poetry, biography, and history. Written in her characteristically graceful prose, The Planets is a stunningly original celebration of our solar system and offers a distinctive view of our place in the universe.

Who Was Neil Armstrong?

On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong stepped on the moon and, to an audience of over 450 million people, proclaimed his step a "giant leap for mankind."

Find the Constellations

Containing star charts, a guide to the constellations, and details about seasons and the movement of the objects we see in the sky, this classic book makes H. A. Rey’s passion for astronomy evident on every page.

New updates concentrate on the planetary and solar system information in the latter part of the book. Facts and figures for each planet have been revised, and new scientific information has been added, such as Pluto’s reclassification as a dwarf planet.

Where Is Our Solar System?

Our solar system consists of eight planets, as well as numerous moons, comets, asteroids, and meteoroids. For thousands of years, humans believed that Earth was at the center of the Universe, but all of that changed in the 17th century. Astronomers like Nicolaus Copernicus, Galileo Galilei, Johannes Kepler, and Isaac Newton proposed the unthinkable theory that Earth and the other planets actually revolved around the Sun. 

Signs and Seasons Understanding the Elements of Classical Astronomy

Gorgeous. Worth every penny! Signs & Seasons is an introduction to “Classical Astronomy,” the traditional, historical approach to the sky, as had been practiced from ancient times. The biblical basis for astronomy

The Mysteries of the Universe: Discover the best-kept secrets

Space is so much bigger than young minds can fathom and there is always more to learn. The Mysteries of the Universe is a stunning space encyclopedia for young readers to explore, with reference pages packed with fascinating information, little learners will be captivated as they journey through the vastness of the Universe. 

Basher Science: Astronomy: Out of this World!

Like a Facebook for the universe, Astronomy gives every important celestial body and concept its own page, where readers can learn its behaviors, likes, and dislikes up close and personal. From the flashy stars to the shadowy and strange objects that hang out like loners at the edges of the universe, no player goes unnoticed. 

Stargazer's Guide to the Night Sky, The

The Stargazers Guide to the Night Sky offers everything you need to explore the remarkable beauty of the stars, moon, and planets. Dr. Jason Lisle, a research scientist with a masters and Ph.D. in astrophysics provides a very thorough, practical and easy to read resource to fuel the curiosity of amateur astronomers ages 10 to 100.

Solar System Puzzle Wooden Space Toys for Kids

【Planet Toys for Kids】Our wooden solar system puzzle is the PERFECT CHOICE for you and your kids as it is made from natural wood, vivid planet patten with well designed. This preschool learning activities is suitable for 3+ years kids and represents the perfect activity to learn through play!

Solar System Planetarium - DIY Glow In The Dark Astronomy Planet Model

The Solar System Planetarium set teaches children about the wonders of the solar system. Just assemble, paint and learn.

This set includes planets, stencils, squeeze glow paint pen, rods, string, a fact filled wall chart and 10 sets of Kidz Quiz questions.

Also, here are some facts that your child can use to add to the notebooking pages.

Facts About the Planets for Kids

Mercury

  • Mercury is the smallest planet in our solar system, and it is only slightly larger than Earth’s Moon.
  • It is the closest planet to the sun but is not the hottest, strangely enough that record goes to Venus, but it does have the largest temperature fluctuations in the solar system.
  • Mercury’s craters are named after famous artists and writers, there is even one named Geisel after Dr. Seuss (Theodor Seuss Geisel).

Venus

  • Venus is the second brightest natural object in our night sky after the Moon.
  • Venus spins clockwise on its axis, unlike all the other planets in our solar system that spin counterclockwise.
  • Astronomers believe that at some point Venus collided with a celestial body and tilted Venus so far off its original position that it is now upside down.

Earth

  • The surface of the Earth is mainly water, about 71% and almost 97% of that is in the oceans.
  • It is estimated that you could fit 1 million Earths inside of the sun.
  • Our atmosphere is made up of gases-  nitrogen, oxygen, argon, and carbon dioxide. What we commonly refer to as air.

Mars

  • Mars is called the “Red Planet” because when seen in the night sky it seems to glow faintly reddish/orange. The reddish-orange color is due to all the iron minerals and dust on its surface. 
  • While humans have not been to Mars there have been 9 successful landings -Viking 1 and Viking 2, Pathfinder, Spirit and Opportunity, Phoenix, Curiosity, InSight, and Perseverance.
  • Mars is one of the easiest planets that you can spot in the night sky, it looks like a bright red point. 

Jupiter

  • Jupiter is the largest planet in the solar system, it is more than twice as big as all the other planets put together.  
  • The “stripes” on Jupiter are cold, windy clouds made up of ammonia and water.
  • Jupiter was named by ancient astronomers for the Roman ruler of the gods and heavens.

Saturn

  • Saturn is not the only planet to have rings, but is the most well known for it due to the size and complexity of its rings, made up of a glittering array of bits of asteroids and comets.
  • Saturn is the only planet in our solar system that is less dense than water, so that means that if it fit in your pool it would float. 
  • It has more moons than any other planet in the Solar System with 82 confirmed moons.

Uranus

  • Uranus spins on its side and rolls around the sun like a big blue ball.
  • One year on Uranus is 21 Earth years long, that’s a long wait for a day!
  • It was the first planet to be found through a telescope in 1781 by an astronomer named William Herschel, but he originally believed it to be either a comet or a star.

Neptune

  • Neptune has six rings and 13 confirmed moons.
  • Neptune is more than 30 times as far from the Sun as Earth
  • This planet is an ice giant. Meaning that it is a giant planet made up of dense “icy” materials-water, methane, and ammonia, with a small rocky core.
How To Make Puffy Paint Planets And Free Notebooking Pages

Finally, look at how to make puffy paint planets.

How To Make Puffy Paint Planets

You will need:

  • School glue
  • Craft paints
  • Dish soap
  • Paintbrushes
  • Gallon ziplock bag
  • Notebooking pages
How To Make Puffy Paint Planets And Free Notebooking Pages

First, the dish soap gives these puffy paint planets’ window clings a little flexibility and helps them adhere to the window.

Print the notebooking pages at whatever size you would like to make your window clings.

I printed mine 4 sheets per page and felt like that was a great size.

Slip the page inside a gallon-sized ziplock bag, you may need to trim some of the paper away to make it fit.

How To Make Puffy Paint Planets And Free Notebooking Pages

Combine 1 tablespoon of glue, a drop or two of dish soap, and enough paint to get it the color you want it for each color that you want to make. Stir to combine everything well.

How To Make Puffy Paint Planets And Free Notebooking Pages

Now you don’t have to outline the planets but it really makes them pop if you do.

To do this I add black paint and a couple drops of dish soap to a bottle of white school glue that is about half full and shake it really well until everything is mixed.

DIY Puffy Paint Planets For Kids

Then use the tip of the bottle to “draw” an outline around each of your planets. Allow it to dry partially before you move to the next step.

How To Make Puffy Paint Planets And Free Notebooking Pages

Use a paintbrush to fill in the inside of each of your planets with a thick layer of paint.

How To Make Puffy Paint Planets And Free Notebooking Pages

You do not want it thin, and it should touch all the edges so that it is sturdy and does not tear. Fill in each planet.

How To Make Puffy Paint Planets And Free Notebooking Pages

Allow it to dry overnight.

Carefully peel off each of your window clings and they are ready to hang up. 

How To Make Puffy Paint Planets And Free Notebooking Pages

If they need a little refreshing, you can swish them around in a bit of soap water for just a second and they will stick right to the window.

How to Get the Free Printable Planets Notebooking Pages

Now, how to grab the free printable. This is a subscriber freebie.

That means when you sign up to follow me, you get access to my subscribers library and this freebie.

However, not all my freebies are in the library (wink).

How To Make Puffy Paint Planets And Free Notebooking Pages

I like to keep up to date with what is valuable to you so I can give you more, some freebies you must sign up again on the form below even if you are already a follower.

And it’s the only way I have of freely delivering them to you. Just follow the steps below.

► 1) Sign up on my list.
► 2) Go to your inbox and confirm your email from the automatic reply I sent you. If you’re already a confirmed subscriber, you will not have to do this. You’ll receive the freebie instantly.
 ►3) Last step. look for my reply AFTER you’ve confirmed your email.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: astronomy, earth science, earthscience, hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, notebooking, planets, science, space

Celebrate World Jellyfish Day With A Jellyfish in a Jar Preschool Activity

November 14, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

We are creating a jellyfish in a jar preschool activity that is part art project and part science to highlight World Jellyfish Day on November 3rd. Also, you’ll love How to Homeschool Preschool and Learn How to Make an Easy Jellyfish Lights Craft.

It is a fun but simple demonstration of how jellyfish move in the water and making the jellyfish together provides the perfect opportunity to talk about its anatomy.

The best part is that you can make it with trash, well at least items destined for the trash or recycle bin.

Celebrate World Jellyfish Day With A Jellyfish in a Jar Preschool Activity

What makes this cool science activity work the way it does?

Air is lighter than water, so any way that you turn the bottle, the head of the jellyfish will rise to the top.

Use these facts below to learn more about the moon jelly that closely resembles our jellyfish in a jar and some of the resources and activities I found to create an entire study or just a day of fun and learning.

4 Facts About Moon Jellyfish

Since our jellyfish in a jar activity resembles a moon jellyfish, we are going to swim right into it and learn all about this amazing invertebrate.

  1. Aurelia is a genus of jellyfish; they are commonly called moon jellies and are in the class Scyphozoa. There are currently 25 accepted species that fall under moon jellies.
  1. Moon jellies can be identified by four circles visible through the translucent white bell and short tentacles.
  1. Moon jellyfish can be found in oceans all around the world. They thrive in a warm environment and are often found near coastlines in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans.
  1. Moon jellies even went into space as an experiment on the Space Shuttle Columbia in 1991 as part of a study on the effects of weightlessness on the development of internal organs in juvenile jellies.
Celebrate World Jellyfish Day With A Jellyfish in a Jar Preschool Activity

Also, look at some of these books about jellyfish.

I always lean toward living books first, then add reference books.

7 Books and Resources about Jellyfish

Add some of these books and resources to your study of jellyfish.

Jellyfish: A Natural History

With their undulating umbrella-shaped bells and sprawling tentacles, they are compelling and gorgeous, strange and dangerous. In many places they’re also vastly increasing in number, and these population blooms may be an ominous indicator of the rising temperatures and toxicity of the oceans.

Jellyfish (A Day in the Life: Sea Animals)

Beautiful and translucent, jellyfish can be deadly but some are perfectly harmless. Learn about the physical traits of jellyfish, how they move, where they are found, and their hunting and sleeping habits.

Moon Jelly Swims Through the Sea

Describes the life cycle of a female moon jellyfish as she escapes the many hazards of the sea to develop from planula to polyp to ephyra to a young adult ready to lay her own fertilized eggs.

Jellyfish - 70 Piece Tube Building Stem/Steam Toy

SIMPLE DESIGN - FUELS CREATIVITY: One shape, endless possibility! Every brick easily connects to the next. Create colorful flat mosaics or work in 3-D to make more intricate builds. Mix and match any Plus-Plus set to bring more ideas to life!

Jellyfish Wooden Jigsaw Puzzles

CHALLENGE GAME - Wooden jigsaw puzzles with uniquely shaped pieces are actually more challenging than traditional woodcut puzzles. It is absolutely going to be a great adventure!

A Jellyfish Is Not a Fish (Let'S-Read-And-Find-Out Science Book)

Describes the general characteristics and functions of a variety of jellyfish with emphasis on the ones to avoid.

Bloom

Once, the ocean was full of friends. Then a little jellyfish notices that things are changing--friends are disappearing! He sets out to discover the truth and learns that everyone has a part to play in protecting the careful balance of the ocean. "Bloom" refers to a substantial increase in jellyfish population that can be caused by climate change and pollution. In this beautifully illustrated, timely, and topical tale, the jellyfish band together to deliver an important message.

Additionally, look at these other jellyfish crafts.

Jellyfish Activities

Choose one or more additional activities to make your jellyfish study even better, allowing a deeper dive into the topic.

  • Learn How to Make an Easy Jellyfish Lights Craft that will be fun to hang up in your child’s room as a reminder of what they learned.
  • Make a Paper Lantern Jellyfish as you study their anatomy or habits.
  • I like art activities that serve more than one purpose like this Fine Motor Jellyfish Craft For Kids that will develop fine motor skills and muscles.
  • Create Black Glue Jellyfish Art for a dramatic art activity.
  • A colorful Suncatcher Jellyfish Kids Craft will brighten up your windows on any dark or sunny day.
  • Another craft that uses art and developing fine motor skills Paper Plate Jellyfish Craft for Kids
  • Jellyfish are the perfect shape for a cute and colorful windsock, check out this Scrape Painted Jellyfish Windsock.
  • Make these cute Egg Carton Jellyfish from just beads and egg cartons.
Celebrate World Jellyfish Day With A Jellyfish in a Jar Preschool Activity

Finally, look how to make this jellyfish in a jar preschool activity.

Jellyfish in a Jar Preschool Activity

You will need:

  • Large clean jar
  • Water
  • Small plastic bag
  • Scissors
  • Straw
  • String
  • Blue food coloring
Celebrate World Jellyfish Day With A Jellyfish in a Jar Preschool Activity

First, cut a square of plastic out of a store bag or ziploc bag that would fit inside your jar with plenty of room to move.

Cut strips through both sides, leaving a few inches uncut for tentacles, you may want to cut away a few of the strips so it is not so full.

Celebrate World Jellyfish Day With A Jellyfish in a Jar Preschool Activity

Place a straw into the center and wrap a string just above the cuts to define the head (bell) of the jellyfish.

Celebrate World Jellyfish Day With A Jellyfish in a Jar Preschool Activity

Blow into the straw to fill it with air. As you pull out the straw, tighten and tie off the string to keep it filled with air.

Celebrate World Jellyfish Day With A Jellyfish in a Jar Preschool Activity

Fill the jar with water and a drop of blue food coloring.

If you add too much blue it will be hard to see your jellyfish.

Celebrate World Jellyfish Day With A Jellyfish in a Jar Preschool Activity

Use the straw to push the jellyfish down into the jar.

Celebrate World Jellyfish Day With A Jellyfish in a Jar Preschool Activity

Replace the lid and watch the tentacles dance around as you gently swirl the water.

To extend the activity a bit you can let your child use dry erase markers.

Use the markers on the jar to create a colorful world for your jellyfish to live in.

Celebrate World Jellyfish Day With A Jellyfish in a Jar Preschool Activity

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

Fun Facts About Mold Fossils & 4 Types of Fossil Activities For Kids

November 11, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have some fun facts about mold fossils for you today as well as some hands-on ideas to demonstrate them and the other 3 basic types of fossils. Also, you’ll love my Amber – Freezing Gold Lapbook and Unit Study.

Kids love dinosaurs and everything about them, from the big names to learning about fossils, and just how on earth they disappeared.

We are going to be investigating as well as creating fossils from 4 simple categories – Mold, Cast, and True Form.

Fun Facts About Mold Fossils & 4 Types of Fossil Activities For Kids

We will dig into the definition of each, and you can choose an activity from each category to demonstrate the different types of fossils found.

To begin with, let’s define fossils.

Fossils are bits of plants and animals preserved from the past.

It can be a footprint, impressions, actual material like teeth and bones, or even what is created in the negative space of the impressions.

5 Fun Facts About Mold Fossils

Next, here are facts about mold fossils.

  1. Organisms buried in sediment may decay or dissolve away leaving a cavity or mold to form these types of fossils.
  2. Mold fossils are found in a variety of different rock types. For example, sandstone, shale, and limestone.
  3. Mold fossils are useful because they help researchers to guess the exact shape and structure of the organisms that created them.
  4. Most molds and casts do not contain the actual remains of an organism.
  5. Common mold fossils include things like skin, leaves, teeth, claws, and embryos.
Fun Facts About Mold Fossils & 4 Types of Fossil Activities For Kids

Additionally, look at these 4 types of fossils.

4 Types of Fossils

1.TRACE

These types of fossils are the ones you see that are made up of an imprint of or a mark left by an organism, rather than physical remains.

Trace fossils are produced in soft sediments. For instance, they can be a track, trail, footprint, burrow, etc., of an organism.

  • Exploring Trace Fossils By Making Dinosaur Footprints in edible mud, yum.
  • This Dinosaur Fossil Clay looks like a lot of fun and is a great sensory activity.
  • Here is a science project to Identify Trace Fossils using plaster of Paris.

2.MOLD

A rock that has a void where something once was or formerly lived is called a mold fossil.

This kind of fossil is made when an animal dies and its body decays, leaving an imprint in the sediment. It is the void portion of the fossil.  

  • A great example of a mold fossil that is also delicious is these Dinosaur Fossil Cookies.
  • This Sedimentary Rocks & Fossil Experiment is a busy hands way to teach how fossils are formed over the years through pressure.

3. CAST

Similarly, in a cast fossil, the mineralized sediment that fills the mold recreates the shape of the remains.

When the imprint fills in with minerals from sediment and groundwater and hardens to form a fossil it creates the cast. This is the filled-in portion of a mold/cast fossil.

  • In this Make Fun Edible Fossils and Free Magic School Bus Fossils Worksheet the brown sugar would be the mold and the white chocolate would represent the cast.
  • Here is a great step-by-step on How To Make Cast Fossils With Kids.

4.TRUE FORM

True form fossils are the kind that are formed when the animals’ soft tissues or hard parts do not decay over the years and are preserved in their natural form.

It can be because they are trapped within sap that hardens to become amber (technically this is classified as a gemstone) or frozen.

True-form fossils are also formed through desiccation, where they are completely dried out and preserved, or finally, through freezing, where all soft tissues remain intact.

  • Here is an example of an insect trapped in amber in my Science Fiction for Middle School Fun Jurassic Park Quick Unit Study (DIY Insect in Amber)
  • Another example of a true-form fossil is this tutorial for How to Make A Megalodon Shark Tooth Fun Homeschool Project.
  • I really like this Amber Fossilized Insect Soap because it has multiple uses, to teach about true-form fossils and to get kids squeaky clean.
Fun Facts About Mold Fossils & 4 Types of Fossil Activities For Kids

Next, add some of these books about fossils.

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.

Finally, look at this hands-on activity to go along with fun facts about mold fossils.

4 Types of Fossil Activities For Kids

Here is a quick activity to give your child a demonstration of all 4 types that you can use when studying fossils.

You will need:

  • Small dinosaur toys
  • Playdough
  • Kinetic sand
  • Water
  • Small container

First, place a small dinosaur in a little bowl covered with water and freeze.

Fun Facts About Mold Fossils & 4 Types of Fossil Activities For Kids

Once frozen remove it from the bowl.

Then explain that this is a type of true-form fossil like when an intact baby mammoth was found frozen in permafrost in the Klondike gold fields in the Yukon.

More commonly true fossils will be small things like insects in hardened amber.

Fun Facts About Mold Fossils & 4 Types of Fossil Activities For Kids

Use a small ball of playdough to demonstrate mold and cast fossils by making an impression with a small dinosaur toy.

Fun Facts About Mold Fossils & 4 Types of Fossil Activities For Kids

Pull it out and observe the impression it made (mold).

Now, you will want to explain what is a mold impression.

It is made when something was there at one time and decayed to nothing but the impression stayed over time.

Fun Facts About Mold Fossils & 4 Types of Fossil Activities For Kids

Carefully fill the impression with kinetic sand and press in firmly.

Fun Facts About Mold Fossils & 4 Types of Fossil Activities For Kids

Now flip the sand out, and look at the (cast impression) it made in your hand. 

While it’s not a perfectly detailed impression it gives your child a quick understanding of this kind of fossil.

Fun Facts About Mold Fossils & 4 Types of Fossil Activities For Kids

Next, let your child make footprints in the playdough.

This demonstrates a trace fossil that might have been left behind.

Fun Facts About Mold Fossils & 4 Types of Fossil Activities For Kids

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: crafts, earth science, earthscience, fossils, hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, science

Over And Under The Snow Activities For a Free Literature Unit Study

November 10, 2023 | Leave a Comment
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Look at these easy and fun Over And Under The Snow activities I have gathered to create a fun and free literature unit study for preschoolers (or even kindergarteners ). Also, you’ll love more ideas on my pages Winter Season Unit Study Free Lapbook & Hands-On Ideas, Best Homeschool Unit Studies and How to Homeschool Preschool.

Preschoolers can benefit from a literature unit study.

And you can easily turn it into a fun week-long theme that covers everything from language arts to science and even math.

Over And Under The Snow Activities For a Free Literature Unit Study

You will want to start each day by reading the entire book from start to finish.

You can choose the order you do these activities.

It is totally up to you and what works for you and your child.

Besides the book and some plastic animals, you can put this entire week together with less than $5 in supplies.

I picked up the pack of styrofoam balls, shaving cream, and baking soda that made up 3 of the week’s activities for $3.75 at Dollar Tree.

I have also included a few more ways to use these items to stretch the fun, learning, and budget.

Language Arts Day 1

The act of reading alone is a wonderful language arts activity.

As you read through the book you stimulate their imagination and expand their understanding of the world.

Reading aloud helps them to develop language and listening skills and is an important pre-reading activity to help them understand the written word.

But there are some places you can be intentional.

Throughout the book, some words will be brand new to your child. Take some time to go over them a bit before you read so that your child can understand and learn the new vocabulary.

Here are some new words that you might pick a couple from to focus on:

  • Glide- To move with a smooth continuous motion.
  • Flash- A quick view of something.
  • Tracks- A mark or line of marks left by a person or animal.
  • Huddle- To crowd together closely.
  • Morsels– A small piece of food.
  • Shelter- A place that gives temporary protection from weather or danger.
  • Gnaw-To bite or nibble something persistently.

Point out letters your child is already familiar with on the cover or throughout the book and have them name the letter.

New letters should be told to the child over and over until they have it down.  But make it fun! Talk about what letter f-f-fox starts with or o-o-over.

Finally, the shaving cream that you will be using later in the week can be squirted right onto the table and smoothed out a bit to practice drawing and writing letters with little fingers.

Sensory experiences like this often stick much better than dozens of tracing worksheets.

Over And Under The Snow Activities For a Free Literature Unit Study

Also, add some of these books for a fun read aloud.

I lean toward living books then like to add in reference book when possible.

26 Winter Books to Read to Kids and For Kids Who Love to Read

Add in a few books to make your winter unit study complete. Add books for all ages.

Winter Is Coming

Day after day, a girl goes to her favorite place in the woods and quietly watches from her tree house as the chipmunks, the doe, the rabbits prepare for the winter.

As the temperature drops, sunset comes earlier and a new season begins.

Hanna's Cold Winter

Hanna was a hippopotamus in the Budapest Zoo. Hanna and the other hippos thrived in the warm springs which flowed from the ground. One winter, however, it was so cold that the river froze.

Over and Under the Snow

Part of the acclaimed nature book series that includes Over and Under the Pond, Over and Under the Rainforest, and Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt, this volume takes readers on a cross country ski trip through the winter woods to discover the secret world of animals living under the snow.

Over the snow, the world is hushed and white. But under the snow lies a secret world of squirrels and snow hares, bears and bullfrogs, and many other animals making their winter home under the snow. This beloved nonfiction picture book reveals the tunnels and caves formed beneath the snow but over the ground, where many kinds of animals live through the winter, safe and warm, awake and busy, but hidden beneath the snow. 

ENCHANTING AND EDUCATIONAL: A charming story and beautifully rendered illustrations invite readers of all ages to explore and learn about the "subnivean zone" (the space between the colder snow and the warmer ground) where many animals live in the winter, opening a fascinating window into the natural world.

The Snow Day

A young rabbit wakes up to wonderful news: A snow day! School is canceled, and the day that follows is rich with the magic and delight of the falling snow.

Animals in Winter

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

Breadcrumbs

Once upon a time, Hazel and Jack were best friends. But that was before he stopped talking to her and disappeared into a forest with a mysterious woman made of ice. Now it's up to Hazel to go in after him. Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's "The Snow Queen,"

Brave Irene: A Picture Book

This winning heroine will inspire every child to cheer her on as she ventures through a bitter cold snowstorm in William Steig's classic Brave Irene.

Moominland Midwinter

Everyone knows the Moomins sleep through the winter. But this year, Moomintroll has woken up early.

So while the rest of the family slumber, he decides to visit his favorite summer haunts. But all he finds is this strange white stuff. Even the sun is gone! Moomintroll is angry: whoever Winter is, she has some nerve.

Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow

Blessed--or cursed--with an ability to understand animals, the Lass (as she's known to her family) has always been seen as strange.

And when an isbjorn (polar bear) seeks her out, and promises that her family will become rich if only the Lass will accompany him to his castle, she doesn't hesitate. But the bear is not what he seems, nor is his castle, which is made of ice and inhabited by a silent staff of servants

If Polar Bears Disappeared

The freezing ecosystem in the far north of the globe is home to many different kinds of animals.

They can be Strong, like a walrus Tough, like a lemming Resilient, like an arctic fox.

But no arctic animal is as iconic as the polar bear.

The Very, Very Far North

An inquisitive polar bear named Duane befriends an array of animals as he discovers where he belongs in this charming classic-in-the making

The Longest Night

It is the longest night of the year, and the snow lies deep. All through the forest, animals long for dawn's warmth.

Strong and clever creatures boast that only they can bring back the sun. But the wind knows better.

The Adventures of a South Pole Pig: A novel of snow and courage

Flora the pig was born for adventure: “If it’s unexplored and needs to get dug up, call me. I’m your pig,” she says.

The day Flora spots a team of sled dogs is the day she sets her heart on becoming a sled pig.

Before she knows it, she’s on board a ship to Antarctica for the most exhilarating—and dangerous—adventure of her life.

Wolf in the Snow

A girl is lost in a snowstorm. A wolf cub is lost, too. How will they find their way home?

The Snowflake Sisters

Crystal and Ivory snowflake take full advantage of this beautiful snowy evening in New York City as they travel to the park, fly through Time Square, journey past the Statue of Liberty, and more before coming in for their final landing of the day.

Mr. Popper's Penguins

A classic of American humor, the adventures of a house painter and his brood of high-stepping penguins have delighted children for generations.

One Snowy Night (Percy the Park Keeper)

Percy the Park Keeper always feeds the animals in the park where he lives.

But one cold winter’s night Percy discovers that his little friends need more than food and he must find a way to help them find a warm place to sleep for the night.

Dog Driven

From the author of Ice Dogs comes a riveting adventure about a musher who sets out to prove her impaired vision won't hold her back from competing in a rigorous sled race through the Canadian wilderness. Perfect for fans of Gary Paulsen.

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening

There are more animals to find among the trees, and the kindly figure with his "promises to keep" exudes warmth as he stops to appreciate the quiet delights of winter.

Stranger in the Woods: A Photographic Fantasy (Nature)

Forest animals, awakened by the birds' warning that there is a stranger in the woods, set out to discover if there is danger and find, instead, a wonderful surprise.

Owl Moon

Late one winter night a little girl and her father go owling. The trees stand still as statues and the world is silent as a dream.

Whoo-whoo-whoo, the father calls to the mysterious nighttime bird.

Here Comes Jack Frost

One cold morning a lonely boy wishes for something to do. His animal friends are hibernating, and he has nobody to play with―even all the birds have flown south.

When he meets Jack Frost, the last thing he expects is to make a new friend . . . or to discover how enchanting winter can be!

Twelve Kinds of Ice

With the first ice—a skim on a sheep pail so thin it breaks when touched—one family’s winter begins in earnest. Next comes ice like panes of glass. And eventually, skating ice! Take a literary skate over field ice and streambed, through sleeping orchards and beyond.

Blizzard

With accounts from the survivors and period photos, a tale by the author of the Newbery Honor book, The Great Fire tells what is was like to live through the Great Blizzard of 1888 that crippled New York City with its fierce winds and blinding snow.

Grandmother Winter

Grandmother Winter lives all alone with her snow-white flock of geese. All through the spring, summer, and fall, Grandmother Winter tends her geese and gathers their feathers. Why?

To bring snowfall as soft as feathers and bright as a winter moon. To the woodland and all of its creatures, the arrival of winter is a gift.

Wild Child

Lynn Plourde's text snaps and crackles like the leaves of fall as Mother Earth gently gets her daughter ready for bed.

And Greg Couch's extraordinary illustrations take readers from the soft greens of late summer through the fiery oranges of a fall sunset to the peaceful blues of early winter's eve.

Next add geography or history or both.

Geography Day 2

In preschool, this is focused on the study of people and how they relate to their world.

This means transportation, community helpers, family, emotions, and caring for our world.

You can talk about the relationship between the little girl and her father in the book.

And explain how they each felt throughout their exploration of the woods and ways that we can take care of the world we live in and the animals by respecting them during walks.

Who are helpers in places like this?

Park rangers and game wardens are likely brand-new community helpers to your child.

Explain to them what each does and how they help our world.

You can also focus on the geography of the animals throughout the story.

Where would you find red squirrels or voles for instance?

Next, add in some fun art. Here are some ideas.

Art Day 3

Create a fun puffy sensory paint by combining white craft paint with a little bit of shaving cream.

Then for an easy over and under the-snow activities use it to create a winter scene with areas for creatures over and under the snow.

Over And Under The Snow Activities For a Free Literature Unit Study


Use a marker to draw trees in the background, encouraging your child to recreate the cover of the book if they like. Both free art and gently directed art are important parts of development.

Over And Under The Snow Activities For a Free Literature Unit Study

Once the paint has dried your child can add animals above and below the snow to re-enact the book.

You can use plastic animals, print out small pieces of paper of winter animals, or let them draw some in.

Over And Under The Snow Activities For a Free Literature Unit Study

You do not need or want a full math curriculum at this age. Simply focus on number sense to begin with.

Math Day 4

As you read the book, have them count with you the number of animals on different pages.

Over And Under The Snow Activities For a Free Literature Unit Study

Number sense includes counting and identifying quantities, number recognition, subitizing (glancing at small numbers and knowing the number).

One-to-one Correspondence- This is simply making the connection between a number and a physical item.

It involves the act of counting each object in a set once, with one touch per object.

 A simple activity you can do to help develop number recognition is to get multiples of an object.

For example, you can grab small styrofoam balls or white buttons to go along with the snow theme of the book and a single dice (two if they are working on higher than 1-5).

Let them roll the die and match the number with the correct number of objects.

Over And Under The Snow Activities For a Free Literature Unit Study

Use positional words like over, under, inside, outside, behind, etc. and have your child move an object to demonstrate them.

This simple spatial activity is a precursor to geometry and measurement.

You can use styrofoam balls for all kinds of counting and adding and subtracting.

More Over and Under the Snow Activities

  • Winter Craft Ideas for Kids Animals in Winter Fun Snow Slime
  • Over and Under the Snow Building Activity
  • Kindergarten Crafts for Winter An Easy and Fun Polar Bear Fork Painting
  • Over and Under the Snow – A Storytime Activity
  • Cardinal Birds in Winter and Birch Trees Easy Watercolor Kids Activity
  • Simple and Easy Instant Ice Kids Activity Homeschool Science Experiments
  • Free Amazing Winter Unit Study and Winter Lapbook for Kids

Science Day 5

The science possibilities are wonderful in this book.

You can study specific animals and their habits, winter weather or both. I have an activity suggestion for this that gives you a concrete example of both.

You can take a deep dive into learning about the creatures above and below the snow by watching short videos on various animals.

Pouring over your favorite zoology books, observing these animals in nature in your own backyard, or at the zoo.

Over And Under The Snow Activities For a Free Literature Unit Study

Or with fun hands-on activities like this Over and Under the Snow sensory bin with two ingredient snow as its base.

Over and Under the Snow Activities – Two Ingredient Snow

You will need:

  • Baking soda
  • unscented/sensitive shaving cream
  • Blue construction paper
  • Paintbrush

To create the 2 ingredient snow, combine baking soda with unscented shaving cream until a snowlike texture is reached.

If it’s too dry add more shaving cream, too wet, more baking soda.

I find that it is easiest to mix it with your hands. If it just holds together when squeezed it’s a great texture.

Over And Under The Snow Activities For a Free Literature Unit Study

Fill the bottom of your chosen shallow container for the sensory bin with the “snow”.

Add small pinecones, twigs, etc. as well as plastic animals mentioned in the book like foxes, squirrels, beavers, frogs, black bears snowshoe hares, and owls.

The sensory bin is used for dramatic small-world play, fine motor skills, and as a wonderful base to work in science learning about animals as well as snow.

Over And Under The Snow Activities For a Free Literature Unit Study

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, life science, science, snow, unit studies, unit study, winter crafts, winter season

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