If you are looking for something different to do in Indiana, visit the IU Link Observatory Telescope between Mooresville and Martinsville, Indiana. It's a one tank trip from most places in Indiana, and it makes a great homeschool science field trip. Psst... It's not just for homeschoolers and science junkies. Architects, historians, and gardeners will love it too! Keep reading to find out why.
The Link Observatory is a magnificent piece of architecture in a beautiful setting. It sits atop a hill adjacent to a Daffodil garden. Completed in 1939, for Dr. Goethe Link, the domed structure is made of local wood from the property. The dome swivels for a panoramic view of the night sky. Until the 1980's the observatory was used for astronomical research. However, as the the city lights of Indianapolis grew, it made star viewing increasingly difficult.
The adjacent Daffodil garden is the perfect setting for a family picnic, to catch up on reading, to walk your dog, or to paint the gorgeous landscape. The day we visited, an artist was painting a lovely watercolor painting of the dome.
And this happened in 2018, Indiana native, David Wolf, electrical engineer, medical doctor, and astronaut, joined the Link Observatory Space Science Institute staff as Chief Science Officer. Dr. Wolf works with the Institute on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) educational programming, public engagement, and fundraising.
Link live events take place at area libraries. You can also invite them to do a program at your school, camp, or other event. Check the Link Telescope Event Calendar for activities at the observatory and within the surrounding communities. The Link Observatory is free to the public on the 1st Saturday of each month for night sky viewing and the 2nd Thursday of each month from 9:00 am until 3:00 pm for daytime tours of the telescope and facility.
We visited on a free Thursday. The docent was full of fun facts, science humor, and shared the interesting history of the observatory. It seems Mrs. Goethe planted and cultivated the Daffodils. There are several different species, still blooming after all of these years.
Tips for your Visit:
Don't expect anyone to greet you at the door. Just walk in and head up the steps to see the telescope.
If you visit during the day, pack a picnic lunch. You can tour the facility in under 20 minutes, but be sure to let the guide share the telescope's history with you. We even got a demonstration of the dome pivoting around its track.
When you're done, head over to Martinsville to visit the Martinsville Candy Kitchen or the Martinsville Farmer's Market.
Recommended:
Indiana: Between Camby and Moorseville on State Rd. 67 visit the Dr. Who Store and Museum
For more one tank trips and family friendly vacation ideas follow us on Instagram or check out our Things to Do on Vacation page.
Click here to find some cool kids telescopes.
Homeschool Nature Study: The Science of Ornithology
My kids have been taking a Homeschool Ornithology Class. They love it! The instructors have great ideas for a Nature Study on Birds. So, in today's Free Online Homeschool Lesson, I wanted to share some of the fabulous things they've done to learn about birds! Make sure you click on all the links for fun, educational videos, games, and free printables.These lessons are meant to be done over the course of week. If you choose to do a science block, you can complete the projects in one day.
Homeschool Nature Study: Ornithology
The Cat in the Hat also knows a lot about that.
Learn to draw: Trace a Bird Printable
(Recommended for ages 2-5 yrs. or everyone who is young at heart.)
Learn about different types of birds. When you click the link, you will see a series of bird videos that include:
Puffins, Eagles, Falcons, Snowy Owls, Snowy Egrets, Condors, Emperor Penguins, and more.
After watching the videos on all of the birds, list the raptors in your journal. What is a raptor? Visit Wordsmyth to find out.
Classify your birds with these Printable Flashcards.
Language Arts Component
Compare and Contrast. Write a paper with 5 paragraphs.
Remember to include a introductory paragraph (tell me what you are going to tell me), 3 detailed paragraphs in the middle (tell me), and a summary paragraph (tell me again).
Topic: Why isn't a Platypus a bird? Why is a Penguin a bird?
In the three middle paragraphs, give supporting details on each animal. You can write more than 3 supporting paragraphs if you need to, but don't forget your summary. Write this in a Google Doc. My kids send these docs to me.
Arts and Crafts Component
Build a Popsicle Stick Bird Feeder. This is a fun construction project. Use wood glue. School glue may break down when used outdoors.
Popsicle stick bird feeder. |
How to Make a Bird Feeder from Popsicle Sticks
First, lay the ten sticks flat, placing glue on the connecting sides.Then, stack the sticks in a perfect square in layers with glue on the connecting ends. Eight makes the perfect height. Next, cut four pieces of yarn about 2' long. String a piece of yarn under the second stick at each corner as shown. Pull all pieces of yarn evenly and tie a knot in the top. Let dry for 24 hours. After your feeder is dry, paste in some peanut butter and sprinkle in bird seed.
You might also like:
How to Make Origami Birds
Science Lab Component
Try this Fun Science Experiment: How does a bird eat? How does the beak's shape factor in to the equation? Try this fun science experiment.
Graphic Organizer for Science Experiment
You will need the following utensils and supplies:
Eye dropper
Salad Thongs
Nutcracker
Large Serving Spoon
Tweezers
Bag Popcorn (Bugs)
Glass of Water (Nectar)
Raisins and Small Log with holes (Bugs in a Log) You can substitute a cardboard tube for this if necessary.
Click on the link above for the printable companion worksheet.
Start with a Bag of popcorn. Experiment with each utensil. Your goal is to get the popcorn into your mouth or the mouth of your partner using each utensil. Which works best. What type of bird might eat something like popcorn? What does each utensil represent? In other words, imagine a bird with a similar beak. Next, have your science partner toss you some popcorn and try to catch it with each utensil.
Place the raisins in the cardboard tube or log. Use the utensils to remove the raisins. Which works best? Remember, you are a bird. You cannot use your hands. Make a note of your findings on the graphic organizer.
Finally, try to "drink" water from the glass with each of the utensils. Which one allows you easiest access to the drink? Which one takes the longest? Would you get frustrated if you were really thirsty and had to drink water with a nutcracker?
Just for Fun
Flight School Game
Birds of a feather flock together? What does this mean? Where does the phrase originate? _____________________________
Recommended Reading:
United States Capitals Lesson
Leonardo da Vinci Design Wooden Ornithopter Model Kit
How to Build a Cave Model Diorama from a Cardboard Shoebox and Construction Paper
Here's a Homeschool Science Project on Stalactites and Stalagmites. Make your own cave for a science fair diorama project. Make sure everything is labeled clearly. This was made for a third grade science project for a gifted class, but it is suitable for grades 3-8. Enjoy!Learning about spelunking and cave exploration by building a cave diorama project. |
To make a shoebox model diorama like this one you will need:
- shoe box or cereal box with the face cut off
- construction paper
- scissors
- tape and glue
- action figures
Recommended Reading:
Complete Caving Manual: Spelunking*
Don't Behave Like You Live in a Cave *
ADS DISCLOSURE: We've partnered with some wonderful advertisers who may sponsor blog posts or send us samples to test. Some companies pay us to review their products.
*We also use affiliate links, if you make a purchase we get a tiny commission. Kids Creative Chaos participates in the Amazon LLC Associates Program*, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a mean for blogs to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon properties, including, but not limited to, amazon.com, endless.com, myhabit.com, smallparts.com, or amazonwireless.com. We also offer Tapinfluence, Google Adsense, SoFab, and Izea ads here. Thanks so much for helping us keep the lights on! :)
Online Educational Games and Videos
We've all seen those kids with their faces glued to the tablet in their lap. What are they doing? Generally, they're watching some silly and possibly inappropriate video on YouTube. Even if it's just a cartoon, kids' time could be better spent doing something educational. Playing an online educational game, a game that sharpens hand eye coordination, or watching educational videos, keeps kids entertained while they're learning. If you or your kids enjoy learning online, read on for some fun, free ways to add to your classroom curriculum.
Math and English educational games tend to be the most fun when it comes to educational online gaming, These games are more fast paced, but there are also history, science, and foreign language games too. I prefer to watch educational videos to learn about history and science but you can pair educational videos with online games for a lesson students will enjoy.
Our favorite history videos are from the Crash Course in U.S. History series on YouTube. Now, they offer Crash Course Science videos too. Below, I've shared a few science videos that I think your students will enjoy.
Educational Science Videos From Crash Course
What's a Species?
Organic Chemistry
Here are 10 more educational videos for teens
Plays.org is a site full of all kinds of games. You don't have to load apps on your phone or tablet and take up extra space. All of these games are played right in your browser, just add it to your favorites for easy access.
To navigate this free gaming site, scroll down to the bottom page footer where you'll find all of the categories of their free online game collection. As you scroll through the alphabetical list, you'll see the education tab.
Here are my picks for fun educational games from plays.org.
This site has detailed instructions and tips on game play. Here's a sample description:
Defense Math starts out easy, but gets more difficult as you play. This is a fast and challenging addition, subtraction, multiplication and division math solving game for kids and students. Players must answer an infinite amount of questions to send projectiles to the enemy horde. Players must prevent them from reaching their defense tower. Get the highest score you can get.
Freaky Math is a fast paced game that works like flash cards. I think this game is great for all ages and it's a great game to play to keep your brain sharp. You'll be surprised how long it takes to solve some of the problems. Think fast!
Online Elementary Science and Health Resources for Homeschoolers
Online Science and Health Resources for Homeschoolers. |
We signed up for Time4Learning and love it! |
Previously, I had searched for a companion video to teach about the senses. There were plenty of videos out there, but all of them targeted preschoolers. Beakman's World had many great videos on Science and Health. (We started with Season 4 to learn about Human Growth).
Exploring, can be a bit overwhelming at first, but once you get the hang of it, it is an AMAZING educational resource. Kids earn badges in each subject matter. Lessons are targeted on core learning principles. Some of the video are a snore, but they are consistently getting better. They even offer an online scratch pad, hints, and more to insure your child doesn't get frustrated by taking the tests. A lot of it is for older children, but they have been adding new material for early elementary age students. Our favorite lessons are Computer Coding, but there are some videos on health and the senses too.
Homeschool Art: Crafting with Minecraft
Homeschooling Lesson on Geography: Country Study of China
The Everything KIDS' Human Body Book: All You Need to Know About Your Body Systems - From Head to Toe! (The Everything® Kids Series)*
ADS DISCLOSURE: We've partnered with some wonderful advertisers who may sponsor blog posts or send us samples to test. Some companies pay us to review their products.
*We also use affiliate links, if you make a purchase we get a tiny commission. Kids Creative Chaos participates in the Amazon LLC Associates Program*, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a mean for blogs to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon properties, including, but not limited to, amazon.com, endless.com, myhabit.com, smallparts.com, or amazonwireless.com. We also offer Tapinfluence, Google Adsense, SoFab, and Izea ads here. Thanks so much for helping us keep the lights on! :)
These 5 Fun Fishing Activities and Kids' Aquarium Crafts make nice Companion Projects for Preschool Books or Homeschool Microbiology Lessons
Aquarium ActivitiesL Fishing Crafts for Science Lesson Homeschool. |
Paper plate fish aquarium activity. Visit Make and Takes for details. |
These Mason jar Aquariums by Hello Wonderful are ideal for children of all ages. |
The Mason Jar. In Indiana, we are partial to Ball Jars, but either way the jars are so versatile! I recently purchased a set of 1/2 gallon Ball jars*.
Half Gallon Ball jars are perfect for aquarium crafts and mini terrariums. Get yours here. |
This little fishing theme activity from Hello Wonderful is great for a birthday party or a lesson in microbiology. Imagine the possibilities. Use it as an attractive way to display a Beta fish, study snails in the round, or even make a terrarium.
Goldfish Aquarium Craft from In Design Art and Craft. I suggest filling yours with Goldfish Crackers for an edible snack craft on the go. |
This Goldfish is another recycled bottle craft. This is a fun, easy aquarium craft for preschoolers or after school activities. The children can learn to recycle and reuse too!
Why oh why is this filled with beads? Yeah, you know I like to focus on edible crafts for preschoolers. Let's fill ours with Goldfish Crackers and then the kids can use them as a fun snack on the go.
This is our aquarium craft for kids. Make a pretend aquarium in a Ziploc baggie. |
Aquarium Crafts for Middle or High Science
Giant Stuffed Paper Activity from Teaching in Room 6. What, these aren't fish crafts? I know, I know just continue reading. |
To Make a Giant Fish Aquarium or Sea Life Craft:
Recommended Reading:
Pretend to go Fishing Creative Play Activity
Easy Recycled Paper Rainbow Fish Craft
The Simple Guide to Freshwater Aquariums *
ADS DISCLOSURE: We've partnered with some wonderful advertisers who may sponsor blog posts or send us samples to test. Some companies pay us to review their products.
*We also use affiliate links, if you make a purchase we get a tiny commission. Kids Creative Chaos participates in the Amazon LLC Associates Program*, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a mean for blogs to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon properties, including, but not limited to, amazon.com, endless.com, myhabit.com, smallparts.com, or amazonwireless.com. We also offer Tapinfluence, Google Adsense, SoFab, and Izea ads here. Thanks so much for helping us keep the lights on! :)
Are you in charge of the Saint Patrick's Day festivities? Maybe you plan group activities for a church group, after-school program, nursing home, or a retirement home. If you are planning things to do for a St. Patrick's Day event, you've come to the right place. Whether you need nifty refreshments or fun food to make with the group, we've got a recipe. Play Leprechaun games, make a rainbow craft, or decorate with shamrocks- no matter what you choose be sure to make it fun with these 50 fun things to do. Enjoy!
50 Things to do for St. Patrick's Day. |
Cave Study Lesson for Homeschooling Grade 3, 4, 5, 6 and up.
Homeschooling Online: Cave Study Lesson. |
Speleologist_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Spelunking__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Stalactites___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Stalagmites__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Paleontologist________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Mathematics Component
Plot the following terms on the timeline:
Ice Age, Stone Age, Cretaceous, First Neanderthals
Making Connections
Language Arts Component
Science Component
Art Component
Science Project: Make a Cave Diorama
Print this! Free Cave Lesson Printable
Copyright 2014 by Lora Langston, Kids Creative Chaos.
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