My kindergartener and my 3rd grader have been studying the biomes of the world. This week, we learned about the marine biome. One of their favorite topics of the week was bioluminescence, so I decided we should try making some glowing ocean art. It ended up being such a fun project! Even my 14-year-old joined in! What is bioluminescence? Bioluminescence is the production and emission of light from a living organisms. Some examples of bioluminescent organisms include fireflies, glow worms, lanternfish, anglerfish, some species of jellyfish, some types of mushrooms, and some types of algae. Resources for Learning About Bioluminescence • SciShow Kids- Glowing Animals • BBC Earth Kids- Why Do Some Animals Glow • NOAA Ocean Exploration- Bioluminescence • National Geographic- How Bioluminescence Works in Nature Bioluminescence Art Project For this project you will need: •Black construction paper •Fluorescent paint or fluorescent colored highlighter pens (orange and yellow seem to work best) ...

In this post I share instructions for a really cool science based art project- turmeric anthotype prints. If you've ever used 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, fern f...

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

  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

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  ...

Exploring in nature can provide a wonderful foundation for your family's science lessons. All you need is a wild space (or just a backyard or neighborhood park) to explore, some simple journaling supplies, and a few resources for researching about all the interesting things that you come across. Why Study Nature? Nature study is a wonderful way to add more science to your homeschool days. There is so much to be learned by just observing the natural world around us. Nature study requires very little planning and supplies, so it's easy for parents to facilitate. Ki ds tend to be instictivley curious about the world around them, so it's easy to get them on board. It's also a good way to slow down and appreciate the beauty of God's creations. How to Get Started Just grab a journal or some paper on a clipboard and some colored pencils or watercolor supplies, and head outside. Choose a spot and observe the plant and wildlife that you see. Have your kids draw, paint, photo...

My family happens to live in the path of totality for next month's solar eclipse, so to make sure my kids understand what an eclipse is and how they happen, I put together this fun eclipse activity pack. I hope you all enjoy it as much as my girls did! Printable Eclipse Activity Pack Learn all about solar and lunar eclipses with this 15-page printable activity and learning pack. This pack includes two reading sheets, two diagrams/posters, vocabulary words, a crossword puzzle, two flip books, a cut and paste paper solar eclipse model activity, an art activity, instructions for making a pinhole viewer, an eclipse journaling sheet, and a list of additional resources to check out. Grab it here:  Printable Eclipse Activity Pack Follow me on Teachers Pay Teachers Facebook Instagram Pinterest

  Do your kids love dandelions? Mine can't get enough of these lovely spring flowers, so I put together this simple dandelion study for them. I'm hoping you will all enjoy it as much as my family did! Printable Dandelion Mini Study Learn all about dandelion anatomy, the lifecycle of a dandelion, dandelion seeds, and more with this 12-page printable study pack. This pack includes vocabulary words, 4 informational reading sheets, a dandelion anatomy diagram/poster, a dandelion anatomy coloring/worksheet, a math activity, a nature journaling activity, a crossword puzzle, and a list of additional resources to check out. Grab it here :  Dandelion Mini Study by The Barefoot Mom | TPT (teacherspayteachers.com) For more fun dandelion activity ideas, check out this blog post:  Dandelion Investigation Follow me on: Facebook Instagram Pinterest Teachers Pay Teachers

  Citizen science projects can be a really fun way to add more science to your homeschool days! In this post I share about a few of my favorite projects and some resources to help you find citizen science projects near you. What is citizen science? Citizen science is scientific research conducted voluntarily by members of the public in collaboration with professional scientists. Anyone can participate in most citizen science projects regardless of age or background. That means that there are real scientific research projects that you and your kids can contribute to! There are many ongoing and annual projects to get involved with. Some projects are local to specific areas and some are nationwide (or even worldwide). Citizen Science Projects to Check Out: The Great Backyard Bird Count The Great Backyard Bird Count is a global project that aims to collect data on worldwide bird populations. It takes place every year for 4 days in mid-February. It's easy to participate, just get outsid...

  Watching live animal cams can be a great way to observe and learn about animals you wouldn't usually have the chance to see up-close. In this post I share about some of my family's favorite live animal cams on YouTube. Bald Eagle Cams Bald eagle cams are really cool! It is so fun to watch the process of laying and incubating eggs, and then the raising of the eaglets after they hatch. We have several pairs that we watch regularly during breeding season. - The Big Bear Bald Eagles Live Nest Cam The Big Bear Bald Eagle Cam is positioned on the nest of Jackie and Shadow, a breeding pair of wild bald eagles in Big Bear, California. This pair typically lays eggs in January, so the best months to watch this particular cam is January through June. - The Southwest Florida Eagle Cam In this region eggs are typically layed in November or December, so the best months to watch this cam are November through April. - The NEFL Eagle Cam This cam is positioned on the nest of a wild pair of ba...

I love a good scavenger hunt! They're a great way to encourage your kids to be active, get outside, and to immerse themselves in nature. They also make great group activities for co-ops and meet-ups with friends! This printable pack includes 22 nature-based scavenger hunts: -Fall Scavenger Hunt -Spring Scavenger Hunt -Summer Scavenger Hunt -Winter Scavenger Hunt -Colors in Nature Scavenger Hunt -Shapes Scavenger Hunt -Alphabet Scavenger Hunt -Mini Beast Scavenger Hunt -Zoo Scavenger Hunt -Bird Scavenger Hunt -Pond Scavenger Hunt -Park Scavenger Hunt -Neighborhood Scavenger Hunt -Backyard Scavenger Hunt -Beach Scavenger Hunt -Geology Scavenger Hunt -Senses Scavenger Hunt -Opposites Scavenger Hunt -Night Scavenger Hunt -Outdoor Photography Scavenger Hunt -Earth Day Scavenger Hunt -Halloween Scavenger Hunt Grab it here:   https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Printable-Scavenger-Hunt-Pack-10364261 Follow me on Teachers Pay Teachers Facebook Instagram Pinterest

Below are links to all the free printable resources currently available in my TPT store. Go check them out! Free Science and Nature Study Resources Nutrient Cycle Pack Learn all about decomposers and the nutrient cycle with this free 5-page printable pack! Nutrient Cycle Pack 4 Seasons Tree Choose a tree in your yard or near your home to observe during the year. Record your observations as the seasons change on this printable 4 Seasons Tree! 4 Seasons Tree Weather Tracking Sheet Track temperature, rainfall, clouds type, and wind direction with this printable weather tracker. This resource makes a great addition to any weather unit. Grab one  here . Garden/Plant Journaling Sheet Use this journaling sheet to take notes about plants in your garden or plants you come across on your outdoor adventures. Grab one  here . Fall Scavenger Hunt Get outside and enjoy the beautiful fall weather with this fall themed scavenger hunt! Grab one  here . Pumpkin Plant Anatomy Diagram and Wo...