How Snowflakes Form: Homeschool Lesson Plan

Make Your Own Snowflakes

Like it or not we are smack dab in the middle of winter.  Some of us have snow and others don't.  Snowflakes are one of the tiniest miracles and a perfect opportunity to introduce science into your lesson plan.  Everyone knows that each snowflake is different, but do you know how they are made?  Here are some ideas for your homeschool lesson plan. Books About Snowflakes Kenneth Libbrecht has numerous books about snowflakes and their beauty.  I highly recommend The Secret Life of a Snowflake: An Up-Close Look at the Art and Science of Snowflakes  and Ken Libbrecht's Field Guide to Snowflakes. Image credit and link sources: Amazon  These books easily explain the formation of ice crystals into snowflakes, not to mention they are full of beautiful images.  The books will even … [Read more...]

Valentine’s Day Heart Homemade Gummies

Homemade Valentines Heart Gummies

Store bought gummie candy full of preservatives are not really my ideal snack.  Now you can make your own homemade gummies with the kids and turn it into a fun craft activity with a delicious treat at the end. Ingredients for Homemade Gummies 3 oz package of flavored gelatin 2 small packets of unflavored gelatin 1/3 cup of water Silicone ice cube trays or plastic candy molds These heart shape silicone ice cube trays were purchased at Target and at IKEA.  There were a dollar each. Mixing Homemade Gummies Have your child pour 1/3 cup water into a saucepan.  No need to heat it, just plain cold water will be fine.  Then have them add the two packets of unflavored gelatin. Have your child carefully pour the flavored gelatin into the saucepan next.  Stir … [Read more...]

How To Make an Easy DIY Compost Bin

Garden Compost Bin DIY

Composting, you have probably thought about it.  Visions of a giant heap in your backyard that is smelly turn you off from the idea, though.  Or maybe townhome, condo, or apartment living restricts you from even attempting it. Well not any longer. This very simple compost bin gives you the opportunity to try composting without too much commitment, cost, or space needed.  It will debunk some of your ideas about composting. SUPPLIES Storage bin (the darker the color the better) Drill Yes, that is all you truly need to make this bin.  You can borrow a drill if you do not have one of your own.  Storage bins are around $5 at your local mass merchant store, but if you have one that has a crack or hole it and no longer functions properly as a storage bin, you can just use … [Read more...]

Easter Craft: Easy Easter Decorations

Easy Easter Craft Decorations

Easter crafts that your children can make CAN become an actual decoration in your house, not just a keepsake.  Using an old gift bag and tissue paper, we created two really cute wall hangings. SUPPLIES NEEDED: Gift bag (old or new) Tissue paper (old or new - it is going to get crumpled) Glue Construction paper Old cardboard or foam board Tape Scissors PREPARING YOUR CRAFT SUPPLIES: The crucial key to a successful craft with your children is to have the supplies all ready.  Your children will lose interest quickly if they have to sit still and watch Mommy do a bunch of gathering and sorting. Trace a circle from a plate for the chick decoration. I suggest using yellow paper to keep the chick all one color. Draw a decorated egg on construction paper.  We … [Read more...]