In this post I share instructions for a really cool science based art project- turmeric anthotype prints. If you've ever tried using Sunprint paper, this is the same concept, except you are making the photosensitive paper yourself. For this activity you will need: white paper, turmeric, alcohol (rubbing alcohol or vodka), a paint brush, something to print (leaves, sticks, rocks), baking soda, water, a spray bottle, a tray, and sunshine. *Turmeric stains, so be sure to work in old clothes or use a smock. Start by making a turmeric based ink/paint by mixing about a teaspoon of turmeric powder into 1/4 cup of alcohol. If you end up having a lot of chunks of turmeric after stirring well, you can strain it through a coffee filter, but we have found that this step usually isn't necessary. In an inside space, away from direct sunlight, paint your entire sheet of white paper with the turmeric ink. Then set it aside to dry in a dark space. While it dries, collect items to print. Leaves,

Explore trees, plants, insects, fungi, birds, and more with this 40-page collection of nature study resources. The Ultimate Nature Study Pack includes nature study prompts, nature journaling prompts, journaling sheets, nature themed art challenges, nature anatomy diagrams, a weather tracking tree, a moon phase journal, a bird watching checklist, informational reading sheets, several nature based scavenger hunts, a leaf ID diagram, an animal track sheet, and more! Grab it here: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Ultimate-Nature-Study-Pack-12024121 Follow me on Facebook Instagram Pinterest Teachers Pay Teachers

  What is STEM? STEM stands for s cience, t echnology, e ngineering, and m athematics. A STEM activity is any hands-on activity that incorporates two or more of these distinct but related fields of study. A STEM challenge is an activity that encourages kids to explore, design, problem solve, and test within the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.  STEM activities and challenges are a great way to add more hands-on learning to your school days. STEM education strengthens problem solving and critical thinking skills and makes learning fun! In this post I share instructions for three STEM activities that require nothing more than paper, tape, scissors, and a little creativity! Test Paper Airplanes Challenge your kids to make and test different types of paper airplanes. Encourage them to try some common types (look up instructions online or in a library book) and try some designs of their own. Use a measuring tape to measure the distance each airplane flew and reco

Textbooks definitely have their place, but if we're being honest, they can be a bit boring. Since kids tend to learn best when they're interested and engaged, I try to keep textbook style learning to a minimum and incorporate a lot of hands-on and "outside the box" type learning. In this post I share some of my favorite ways to study history without textbooks or worksheets. Visit Historical Sites Visiting historical sites in your area or while you're on road trips is an excellent way to make history come alive. A quick Google search for "historical sites near me" should give you lots of ideas.  Go Antiquing Visit antique shops, thrift stores, and yard sales. Let your kids choose historical items to purchase and then research about them! Watch Documentaries Historical documentaries are an easy way to sneak in a little extra learning. Check any streaming services you subscribe to for interesting ones to check out! Visit History Museums Most cities have mus

  My kids chose to study mushrooms this year, so I put together this mushroom study pack. I hope you all enjoy it as much as my family did! Printable Mushroom Mini Study Learn about different types of fungi, mushroom anatomy, fungi lifecycles, mushroom characteristics, and mushroom identification with this printable 12-page study pack. This pack includes vocabulary words, 4 informational reading sheets, a mushroom anatomy coloring sheet, a mushroom lifecycle diagram, a crossword puzzle, a Venn diagram, tips for identifying mushrooms, a nature journaling sheet, and a list of additional resources to check out. Grab it here:  https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Mushroom-Mini-Study-11726047 You may also want to check out: Dandelion Mini Study Follow me on: Facebook Instagram Pinterest Teachers Pay Teachers

A lot of kids and homeschool parents dread math lessons. It's one of those subjects that is hard to teach without a lot of worksheets and textbooks. And if we're being honest, worksheets and textbooks tend to be boring, and it's hard to keep kids engaged in boring activities. That's why I'm always on the hunt for fun and hands-on ways to practice math skills.  In this post I share all of my favorite nature-based math activities, perfect for all the little nature lovers out there! Tree measurements Use a tape measure to measure and record a tree's circumference, height, and crown spread.  How to measure circumference : Arborist typically measure circumference at a height of 4.5 feet. Measure 4.5 feet up the tree, starting from the ground. Then at that height, use the tape measure to measure all the way around the trunk. That measurement is the circumference. How to calculate a tree's height: You can calculate a tree's height using basic trigonometry. Sta

On April 8th a solar eclipse is going to occur over North America. The 120-mile-long path of totality will touch 15 U.S. states: Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, blocking the sun's light and causing a shadow to be cast upon the Earth. For a solar eclipse to occur, the sun, the moon, and the Earth have to be in perfect alignment. Below are some activities and learning resources to help you prepare your kids for the upcoming solar eclipse. Solar Eclipse Activities for Kids Printable Eclipse Activity Pack My printable Eclipse Activity Pack includes diagrams, reading sheets, vocabulary words, a crossword puzzle, an eclipse journaling sheet, 2 flip books, a cut and paste paper eclipse model, and more! Grab it here:  Printable Eclipse Activity Pack . Solar Eclipse Videos • Solar Eclipse 101  from