You will need to use the Apple Pie Filling For Canning for this recipe or maybe check out this recipe for Apple Crisp in a Crockpot. I’ve never tried this with store-bought apple pie filling but it might work as well.
Tag: fall
Ms. Shirley’s Hot Apple Cider
We had some of this at a dance the other night and Ms. Shirley was kind enough to share her recipe with me. There are many different things you can add to this to make it ‘yours’ and I’ve included some add-ins at the bottom of the recipe. You can also heat this on the stove instead of a crockpot.
Ms. Shirley’s Hot Apple Cider
Ingredients:
- 6-8 c. apple cider
- 1/4 – 1/2 c. Mrs. Butterworth’s syrup
- 2 cinnamon sticks
Directions:
Place all ingredients in a large crockpot and heat until warm.
Serve hot!
Add-ins:
I love the hot apple cider that they serve at the Biltmore Estate in NC. You can add in a couple of these or just one or two to spice up your cider a little bit.
- use real maple syrup instead of Mrs. Butterworth’s syrup
- use 1/4 c. brown sugar in place of syrup
- 1/2 c. orange juice
- 2 t. cinnamon instead of cinnamon sticks
- 4-6 cloves or 1-2 t. ground cloves
- 1/4-1/2 t. allspice
- a pinch of nutmeg
- a pinch of salt
Easy Crockpot Apple Butter
I don’t post a lot of ‘canning’ recipes on here because most of what I know about canning is in my head. I just do things the way I saw them done when I was young and I can’t really guarantee the accuracy of all of them.
This recipe here is a good one for canning and giving out as gifts though. It never seems to stick around that long here though because my kids LOVE Apple Butter and I love that I know exactly what’s in it. The longer you let this cook the thicker it gets… we like it THICK so we always let it cook just a tad bit longer.
I haven’t tried using anything other than sugar to sweeten this with but I think it would probably be ok to give it a go. This also freezes well if you don’t want to can it.
Crockpot Pumpkin Butter
I don’t post a lot of ‘canning’ recipes on here because most of what I know about canning is in my head. I just do things the way I saw them done when I was young and I can’t really guarantee the accuracy of all of them.
This recipe here is a good one for canning and giving out as gifts though. It never seems to stick around that long here though because my kids LOVE ‘fruit butters’ and I love that I know exactly what’s in them. The longer you let this cook the thicker it gets… we like it THICK so we always let it cook just a tad bit longer. You can really try making butter ot of almost any fruit puree. I want to give this a try with my canned pumpkin soon!
I haven’t tried using anything other than sugar to sweeten this with but I think it would probably be ok to give it a go. This also freezes well if you don’t want to can it.
By the Shores of Silver Lake Adventure: Science Lessons
Here are our Lesson Plans For Science
These lessons were made to go along with ‘By the Shores of Silver Lake‘ written by Laura Ingalls Wilder. We are planning to go through the whole series and I am keeping track of the different topics we are learning about here on my blog. We hope you enjoy these as much as we have! Continue reading “By the Shores of Silver Lake Adventure: Science Lessons”
Our Favorite Five Fall Activities
Top 10 Favorite Fall Recipes
Well, Fall is officially in the air and I am so ready for a little cool air and hopefully fewer mosquitos and love bugs… they are so bad right now. I’m also looking forward to a bonfire or two and a Weenie Roast of course! Continue reading “Top 10 Favorite Fall Recipes”
On the Banks of Plum Creek Adventure: Week by Week Science Lessons
Here are our Lesson Plans For Science
These lessons were made to go along with ‘On The Banks Of Plum Creek‘ written by Laura Ingalls Wilder. We are planning to go through the whole series and I am keeping track of the different topics we are learning about here on my blog. We hope you enjoy these as much as we have!
On weeks where there are several activities listed just choose a couple that interest you the most to work on.
Tip: If you want to go to a certain week/chapter simply push the ‘ctrl’ and the ‘F’ button down together and a small bar will pop up. Type in the week number or chapter number you want and it will take you to it.
Week 1: Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6
1. Pick one or two topics to learn about:
- Willow Trees
- Morning Glories
- Growing plants
- Butterflies
- Lichens
- Badgers
- Learn a bit more about badgers at the San Diego Zoo website.
- Heat Transfer
- Discuss what you learned.
- Choose an activity:
- Find a coloring page HERE or HERE about your favorite topic.
- Do an activity from the Growing Things Theme Box
- Choose a topic to study and write a report about. Your report will be due next week.
- Use the Ultimate Bugopedia: The Most Complete Bug Reference Ever to research.
2. Learn about the weather and seasons.
- Seasons
- Discuss what you learned.
- Seasons & Weather Theme Box activity
- Weathers & Seasons – Interactive Science Activities
3. Read:
- Natural World: A Visual Compendium of Wonders from Nature chapters 30, 31 & 61
- Discuss what you learned.
4. Extra Activities:
- Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. Bugnoculars
- Insect Lore Deluxe Butterfly Garden with 2 Live Cups of Caterpillars & Feeding Kit
- Lakeshore Life Cycles Science Viewer
- Bugs & Insects Instant Learning Center
- Flowers: a Golden Nature Guide
- Mystery Science
5. Bonus
Look at a sample of pond water under a microscope and compare it to a sample of tap water. Watch this video if you don’t have access to pond water or a microscope.
- Discuss what you learned.
- What surprised you the most about this activity?
Week 2: Chapters 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 & 12
1. Pick one or two topics to learn about:
- Animal Groups
- Insects
- Bees
- Response to Fear
- Discuss what you learned.
- Animal Classification Worksheet
- Research other social insects:
- Choose a topic to study and write a report about. Your report will be due next week.
- Do an activity from the Growing Things Theme Box
- Find a coloring page HERE or HERE about your favorite topic.
- Use the Ultimate Bugopedia: The Most Complete Bug Reference Ever to research.
2. Learn about the weather and seasons.
- Spring
- Discuss what you learned.
- Seasons & Weather Theme Box activity
- Weathers & Seasons – Interactive Science Activities
3. Read
- Natural World: A Visual Compendium of Wonders from Nature chapters 3 & 7
- Discuss what you learned.
Extra Activities:
- Nature Up Close! Light Table Slides
- Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. Bugnoculars
- Animal Bingo
- Life Cycle Sequencing Kit
- Bugs & Insects Instant Learning Center
- Mystery Science
Week 3: Chapters 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 & 18
1. Pick one or two topics to learn about:
- Crabs
- Leeches
- Creek animals
- Discuss what you learned.
- Write a report about leeches. Your report will be due next week. Be sure to include:
- medical uses
- classification
- removal methods
- Find a coloring page HERE or HERE about your favorite topic.
- Use the Ultimate Bugopedia: The Most Complete Bug Reference Ever to research.
2. Learn about the weather and seasons.
- Floods
- Discuss what you learned.
- Seasons & Weather Theme Box activity
- Weathers & Seasons – Interactive Science Activities
3. Read:
- Natural World: A Visual Compendium of Wonders from Nature chapters 41 & 55
- Discuss what you learned.
Extra Activities:
- Animal Bingo
- Life Cycle Sequencing Kit
- Bugs & Insects Instant Learning Center
- Life Cycles Instant Learning Center
- Encyclopedia of Aquarium & Pond Fish
- Mystery Science
Week 4: Chapters 19, 20, 21, 22 & 23
1. Pick one or two topics to learn about:
- Fish
- Blue herons
- Snipes
- Waterbirds
- Discuss what you learned.
- Read Bizarre Birds
- Choose a topic to study and write a report about. Your report will be due next week.
- Find a coloring page HERE or HERE about your favorite topic.
- Use the Ultimate Bugopedia: The Most Complete Bug Reference Ever to research.
2. Learn about the weather and seasons.
- Seasons
- Droughts
- Discuss what you learned.
- Seasons & Weather Theme Box activity
- Weathers & Seasons – Interactive Science Activities
3. Read:
- Natural World: A Visual Compendium of Wonders from Nature chapters 45 & 53
- Discuss what you learned.
Extra Activities:
- Nature Up Close! Light Table Slides
- Bird Bingo
- Lakeshore Life Cycles Science Viewer
- Encyclopedia of Aquarium & Pond Fish
- Mystery Science
Week 5: Chapters 24, 25, 26, 27 & 28
1. Pick one or two topics to learn about:
- Grasshoppers
- Food Chains
- Discuss what you learned.
- Read Bugs A to Z
- Choose an activity:
- Choose a topic to study and write a report about. Your report will be due next week.
- Find a coloring page HERE or HERE about your favorite topic.
- Use the Ultimate Bugopedia: The Most Complete Bug Reference Ever to research.
2. Learn about the weather and seasons.
- Water Table
- Dust Devils
- Heat Waves
- Discuss what you learned.
- Seasons & Weather Theme Box activity
- Weathers & Seasons – Interactive Science Activities
3. Read:
- Natural World: A Visual Compendium of Wonders from Nature chapter 33 & 36
- Discuss what you learned.
Extra Activities:
Week 6: Chapters 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 & 34
1. Pick one or two topics to learn about:
- Birds
- Grasshopper Migration
- Discuss what you learned.
- Read Bird-acious (Science with Stuff) and do the activity.
- Do an activity from the Growing Things Theme Box
- Choose a topic to study and write a report about. Your report will be due next week.
- Use the Ultimate Bugopedia: The Most Complete Bug Reference Ever to research.
2. Learn about the weather and seasons.
- Fall
- Lightning
- Discuss what you learned.
- Seasons & Weather Theme Box activity
- Weathers & Seasons – Interactive Science Activities
3. Read:
- Natural World: A Visual Compendium of Wonders from Nature chapter 14, 15 & 16
- Discuss what you learned.
Extra Activities:
Week 7: Chapters 35, 36, 37 & 38
1. Pick one or two topics to learn about:
- Beavers
- Winter Coats
- Discuss what you learned.
- Write a report about beavers. Your report will be due next week. Be sure to include:
- diet
- habitat
- communities
- Find a coloring page HERE or HERE about your favorite topic.
- Do an activity from the Growing Things Theme Box
- Use the Ultimate Bugopedia: The Most Complete Bug Reference Ever to research.
2. Learn about the weather and seasons.
- Winter
- Blizzards
- Discuss what you learned.
- Seasons & Weather Theme Box activity
- Weathers & Seasons – Interactive Science Activities
3. Read:
- Natural World: A Visual Compendium of Wonders from Nature chapters 40 & 42
- Discuss what you learned.
Extra Activities:
Week 8: Chapters 39, 40 & 41
1. Go back and review previous topics you may have skipped or want to learn more about.
Watch this video:
- Discuss what you learned.
- Grouping animals – Classification – Hamilton Zoo
- Do an activity from the Growing Things Theme Box
- Choose a topic to study and write a report about. Your report will be due next week.
- Use the Ultimate Bugopedia: The Most Complete Bug Reference Ever to research.
2. Learn about the weather and seasons.
- Clouds
- Discuss what you learned.
- Seasons & Weather Theme Box activity
- Weathers & Seasons – Interactive Science Activities
3. Read:
- Natural World: A Visual Compendium of Wonders from Nature Chapter 63 & 67
- Discuss what you learned.
Extra Activities:
- Nature Up Close! Light Table Slides
- Bird Bingo
- Animal Bingo
- Life Cycle Sequencing Kit
- Life Cycles Instant Learning Center
- Seasons & Weather Theme Box
- Weather & Seasons Instant Learning Center
- Encyclopedia of Aquarium & Pond Fish
- Flowers: a Golden Nature Guide
- Mystery Science
Week 9: Finishing Up
1. Tests
Make sure to print out the results from online quizzes.
- Choose one of these:
- And Choose one of these:
2. Learn about the weather and seasons.
- Watch the Rock ‘N Learn Earth Science DVD
- Learn about hurricanes as we have a lot of them here.
- Discuss what you learned.
- Seasons & Weather Theme Box activity
- Weathers & Seasons – Interactive Science Activities
- Use the Ultimate Bugopedia: The Most Complete Bug Reference Ever to research anything else you are interested in.
3. Read:
- Natural World: A Visual Compendium of Wonders from Nature Free Choice
- Discuss what you learned.
Extra Activities:
**BE SURE TO SAVE A FEW SAMPLES OF YOUR WORK FOR YOUR PORTFOLIO! TAKE PICTURES OF BIG PROJECTS!
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–Thank you!
Little House On The Prairie Adventure Week 6 Lesson Plans
**Although I try to provide as many FREE resources as possible this post may contain affiliate links alt no extra cost to you. We may earn a small commission, if a purchase is made through these links, which helps to support our blog and our family. Thank you!
Mornings:
We Start every morning off with our prayers and the Pledge of Allegiance. Below is a picture of the prayers that we say and a video of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Not the prettiest example but that’s what we’ve been using for the past few years.
Don’t have a flag? Grab one HEREand print it out to put up somewhere… you could even let the kids make a flag to proudly display. Amazon also has some little ones like this one HERE and HERE.
After this we have our calendar time also where we go over such things as the Days of the Week, the months, and some basic math.
This one came from Lakeshore Learning.
We also like to use this song during our ‘Morning Time’ to help the kids learn the 50 States.
Tip: If you want to go to a certain week/chapter or topic simply push the ‘ctrl’ and the ‘F’ button down together and a small bar will pop up. Type in the week number or chapter number you want and it will take you to it.
Week 6: Chapters 16, 17& 18 (Fire in the Chimney, Pa Goes To Town, The Tall Indian)
Here is our lesson plan for the week:
Language Arts
Reading:
Read Chapters 16, 17 & 18
- You can read it or let the kids help to read it aloud.
- You can also access an audio version:
Discussion Questions:
Chapter Sixteen:
- What preparations were they making for the winter?
- What bad thing happened? What did Ma do?
- Why did Ma say that Laura was brave?
- What did Pa bring home? What did he say they could make from the feathers?
- Why did they need to go to town?
Chapter Seventeen:
- Where did Pa go?
- Why did Mr. Edwards come to the house? What did Jack do?
- Who came to visit Ma the next day? What did she say about their house?
- What did Ma make for Pa to warm him up?
- What special thing did Pa bring back from town that made Ma so happy?
Chapter Eighteen:
- What did they see more and more of?
- What ran in front of the house?
- What did the Indian try to take from the house?
- What did Pa say the government made the Indians do?
Additional Reading:
Each child would complete a reading lesson from our McGuffey Primer Books or other reading materials that we chose for the day.
Younger kids will also be doing one lesson a day from Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons.
Vocabulary/Spelling:
Older Kids:
- Little House On The Prairie Adventure Week 6
- Use five of the vocabulary words in a sentence.
Parents click HERE for the answer key.**see instructions at the top of the page.
Younger Kids:
- Spelling You See Level A pages 29-33
Handwriting:
Using Spencerian Penmanship go over the instructions on p. 10
Writing:**
- Start planning a holiday menu. Include beverages, sides, main dishes, breads, and desserts. Click HERE for worksheets.
- Design a nice invitation for the meal and send them to people, with your parent’s permission. Click HERE for worksheets.
- Continue working in your workbook.
Other Activity:
Group:
- Read: The Indian in the Cupboard
- Watch Signing Times: Playtime Signs
- Activity: Do an activity from HERE or HERE
Older kids:
- Continue reading your book from the book list.
- Play Bookworm Wordy Wonder Bundle.
- Free Choice Spelling Activity
- Bonus Points: Read to a younger sibling
Younger kids:
- Work on a letter game.
- Watch the Rock N Learn Preschool DVD.
- Teach Your Monster to Read
- Free Choice Spelling/Vocabulary Game
- Cut N Paste worksheets
Math
Week 6: Chapters 16, 17 & 18
You can work on a lesson in your Ray’s Arithmetic Books or other math workbook. (The lessons below reflect what we worked on.)
Group:
Rotate through these activities:
Older Kids:
- Learn about proper and improper fractions.
- Learn about mixed numbers.
- Little House on the Prairie Fraction Matchup Week 6
- Beginning Fractions & Decimals by Rock ‘N Learn
- Bubble Pop! Math Challenge Games – Gr. 3‑4
- Work on Khan Academy
Younger Kids:
- Addition (+6 and +7) Click HERE for a worksheet.
- Continue to practice writing numbers 1-20. Click HERE for worksheets.
- Bubble Pop! Math Challenge Games – Gr. 1‑2
Geography and History
Week 6: Chapters 16, 17 & 18
1. State Study
- This week we will study Oregon.
- Complete your notebooking pages.
- Older kids can write a report about the state.
- Play the The United States of America Puzzle
2. Continue to Research Native American Indian Tribes
- Learn about tools that the Indians used.
- Learn about Buffalo hunts and how the Indians used the buffalo.
- Discuss what you have learned.
- Click HERE to learn about more crafts and tools.
- Check out this link HERE for a picture showing how each part of the buffalo was used.
- Complete this Lapbook part HERE.
3. Learn about the Minnesota Massacre
- Discuss what you learned.
Extra:
Science
Week 6: Chapters 16, 17 & 18
1. Watch this fun video:
- Discuss what you learned.
2.Why do leaves change color?
- Watch a video and older kids can do some independent research.
- Discuss what you learned.
3.Why do birds migrate?
- Watch a video and older kids can do some independent research.
- Discuss what you learned.
4. Continue learning about simple machines.
- We will be using Explore Simple Machines!: With 25 Great Projects for this study.What are inclined planes?
- Read pages 26-29 of your book.
- Write down these words and their definitions:
- lock
- skeleton
- switchback
- ascent
- descent
- What are some different ways that inclined planes are used?
- Do one of the activities on pages 30-33.
Watch this video for more information:
- Discuss what you learned.
- Play Simple Machines Game
5. Meet the five dwarfs.
- Discuss what you learned.
Life Skills
Week 6: Chapters 16, 17 & 18
1. Following Pa’s Example
In this section the family is talking about Thanksgiving and Christmas. Pa went out hunting and found some turkeys. He knew where they would be when the holidays came up so he was thinking ahead and preparing for the holidays in advance.
These events could also benefit from a yearly routine. In our home we keep a Holiday & Party Binder. This helps us prepare for holiday events and party events that we may have coming up.
Every time we host a party we jot down notes and follow the routine we have written down. There are notes telling us how far in advance we need to order things to make sure we get the items we need. This helps to keep everything going smoothly and easily. It also helps us to enjoy the party when the day comes and to spend time with our family and friends while making great memories.
Does your family have a routine for handling holidays?
- Make a list of things that you normally do for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
- Jot down some things that you would like to do but never have time for.
- Work with a parent to decide when and what you need to work on to get prepared for the big day.
- Think about things that may need done around the house before the holiday as well like:
- cleaning
- decorating
- yard work
Flylady has a Cruising Through The Holidays section that can help if you need ideas.
2. Ways to help around the house like Laura
Sometimes you may not have a mop or the floor may just need a good cleaning that can only be done by hand scrubbing. This would be using what we might hear as ‘elbow grease’.
How to hand scrub a floor:
- Sweep the floor well before hand scrubbing.
- Move anything that can be moved to make the job easier.
- Gather your supplies:
- bucket
- hot water
- cleaner
- scrub sponge or scrub brush
- gloves, optional
- old towels
- Measure the cleaner into the bucket.
- Add hot water until half full.
- Start in one corner and begin scrubbing in a circular motion, working your way around the room going towards the door.
- Rinse out your scrubber as needed.
- You may want to use an old towel to wipe up extra water.
- Check the floor for any missed spots.
- Empty the bucket.
- Rinse the bucket and scrubbers.
- Put away your supplies.
- When the floor is dry you can put back any items you moved before you started.
3. Character
We will be focusing on OBEDIENCE this unit. If you don’t have the book we used you can go HERE and download a lesson plan guide to use in your home.
Memorize: Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. – Colossians 3:20
We will be studying obedience during this unit. What is obedience?
Watch this video to learn about Philippians 2:5-11.
- What do you think this scripture means?
- If Jesus humbled himself we should too. verse 7
- Verse 8 says he humbled himself and became obedient. It is humbling to be obedient but Jesus wants us to be humble.
- Do you know what the opposite of humble is? Pride
- How was Jesus rewarded for his obedience? He was exalted and honored.
- Ask God to help you be obedient and humble like Jesus was.
4. Manners
-Finish reading Emily’s Everyday Manners and discuss the manners shown in the pictures.
- There are different manners for different places.
- What you say can make others feel good.
- Always be:
- Respectful
- Considerate
- Honest
- Courteous
5. Memory Verse
We will be memorizing Psalm 8 during this unit study. Print it HERE.
- Work on memorizing a verse during the week for a special prize.
- Verse 6: Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet:
- Older kids can copy the memory verse down in their notebook.
6. Fun Activities
- Help plan a holiday meal and make a grocery list to go with it.
- Show someone how you are good neighbor by doing something nice for them.
- Make your own marshmallows from p. 27 of A Kid’s Herb Book: For Children of All Ages.
- Click HERE to learn about fun and unusual holidays.
7. Bonus Skills — Choose one or two to work on
Practice these until you finish this unit study and then we will move on to another new skill.
Kids Cook Real Food
-
Work on: Class 8 – Rolls, Browning Beef, Cheese Sauce/Steaming (Beginner)
- Help to prepare a meal using your new skills.
Skill Trek:
- Work on at least one task a week.
- Practice your new skill this week.
Memorize the books of the Bible:
- Try it now without the teaching:
Learn about camping.
- There are different types of fires. Learn a little about each of these and write what you learned in your notebook.
- Log Cabin Fire
- Teepee Fire
- Upside Down Fire
- Lean To Fire
- Star Fire
- Here is another type of fire:
Learn about Herbs.
Fennel: The Food-Herb that heals
- Let’s look at Fennel HERE.
- You can also color page 12 of the Herbs Coloring Book.
- Read pages 51- 57 of A Kid’s Herb Book: For Children of All Ages for information and a story about Fennel.
- Bonus points if you make a recipe using Fennel or Fennel Oil.
Here’s a video about Fennel Seeds:
- Discuss what you learned.
- Be sure to jot down some notes.
- Research some herbs that you might use when cooking a holiday meal.
PE, Health & Safety
Week 6: Chapters 16, 17 & 18
1. Fire Safety
- Ma and Laura acted quickly when there was a fire. Would you know what to do if there was a fire in your home?
- Watch this fire safety video:
- Discuss what you learned.
- Come up with a fire safety plan and practice it.
2. Burn Treatment
- After the fire was out Ma checked Laura for burns but she wasn’t hurt. This was a good thing.
- We have learned about fire safety but sometimes we might find that we have accidentally gotten burned. Let’s learn about how to treat a burn:
- Discuss what you have learned.
3. Games/Outdoor Play
Pa told them about the geese and turkeys he saw while out hunting and brought back some ducks for dinner. Have you ever watched the birds flying south for winter? If not, maybe you can keep an eye out for them in the Fall.
- Play Duck, Duck, Goose (one on one) p. 148 of The Ultimate Homeschool Physical Education Game Book by Guy Bailey
- Play the traditional version of Duck, Duck, Goose. Click here for instructions, if you need them.
Music, Arts & Crafts
You can find more Native American crafts and activities HERE , HERE, HERE and a FREE printable coloring book HERE.
Week 6: Chapters 16, 17 & 18
Crafts:
- Turkey Crafts for Kids – Wonderful Art and Craft Ideas for Fall and Thanksgiving
- 15 TERRIFIC TURKEY CRAFTS FOR KIDS
- Turkey Leaf Lanterns Mason Jar Thanksgiving Craft
DIY Paper Turkey Headdress Turkey Hat Crafts
Art:
- Make a Turkey from things found in nature: Nature Made Wild Turkey
- Turkey Coloring Page
Music:
Novum Crafts Feather Headdress
**BE SURE TO SAVE A FEW SAMPLES OF YOUR WORK FOR YOUR PORTFOLIO! TAKE PICTURES OF BIG PROJECTS!
Little House On The Prairie Adventure: Week by Week Science Lessons
**This post may contain affiliate links to some of the products and resources that we have used. These are provided at no extra charge to you and help to support our blog and family if a purchase is made through these links. -Thank you!
Here are our Lesson Plans For Science
These lessons were made to go along with ‘The Little House On The Prairie‘ written by Laura Ingalls Wilder. We are planning to go through the whole series and I am keeping track of the different topics we are learning about here on my blog. We hope you enjoy these as much as we have!
On weeks where there are several activities listed just choose a couple that interest you the most to work on.
Tip: If you want to go to a certain week/chapter simply push the ‘ctrl’ and the ‘F’ button down together and a small bar will pop up. Type in the week number or chapter number you want and it will take you to it.
Week 1: Chapters 1, 2 & 3
1. Read about mustangs.
- Older kids can also work on a report. The report needs to include behavior, habitat, and diet.
- Discuss what you learned.
- Mustang coloring pages
2. Start learning about simple machines.
We will be using Explore Simple Machines!: With 25 Great Projects for this study.
What are Simple Machines?
- Read pages 1-3 of your book.
- Write down these words and their definitions:
- Simple Machine
- Mechanical Advantage
- Compound Machine
- What are the 6 types of simple machines? Write them down in your notebook.
Watch this video for more information:
- Discuss what you learned.
- What simple machines do we use in our homes?
What is Force?
- Read pages 4-7 of your book.
- Write down these words and their definitions:
- work
- force
- push
- pull
- equilibrium
- unbalanced
- gravity
- friction
- weight
- lubricant
- Newton
- How can you fight friction?
- Do one of the activities on pages 8-11.
Watch this video for more information:
- Discuss what you have learned.
- Print out this Simple Machines Game to play.
3. What are Stars?
- In this book Laura mentions watching the sky a lot and describes the stars.
- Discuss what you learned.
Extra:
- National Geographic Kids What Animal Am I Card Game
- Lakeshore Fascinating Facts Human Body Game
- Mystery Science
Week 2: Chapters 4, 5 & 6
1. Read about prairie animals.
- Older kids can also work on a report about prairie animals. The report needs to include behavior, habitat, and diet.
- Here are a couple of videos to get you started:
Here is a video about prairie dogs:
And another about Hawks:
- Discuss what you learned.
- Choose an animal to study and write a report about. Your report will be due next week.
2. What is the solar system?
- Discuss what you learned.
3. Continue learning about simple machines.
We will be using Explore Simple Machines!: With 25 Great Projects for this study.
What are levers?
- Read pages 12-19 of your book.
- Write down these words and their definitions:
- fulcrum
- load
- effort
- engineer
- linkage
- agriculture
- defense
- invent
- shaduf
- counterweight
- irrigation ditch
- archaeologist
- catapult
- trebuchet
- How many types of levers are mentioned in the book? What are the differences?
- Do one of the activities on pages 20-25.
Watch this video for more information:
- Discuss what you have learned.
- Play Simple Machines Game
Extra:
Week 3: Chapters 7, 8 & 9
1. What are mules?
- Learn about mules and how they are different from horses.
- Mules are hybrids. Learn more about this here:
- Discuss what you learned.
- Name four ways that mules are different from horses.
- Name two more hybrid animals.
2. Continue to study Prairie Animals.
- Older kids can also work on a report. The report needs to include behavior, habitat, and diet.
- Discuss what you learned.
- Name one interesting fact about wolves that you didn’t know before.
Listen to these sounds:
- How would these sounds make you feel?
3. Why do animals eyes glow in the dark?
- Find out why animals eyes glow in the dark.
- Discuss what you have learned.
4. Continue learning about simple machines.
We will be using Explore Simple Machines!: With 25 Great Projects for this study.
What are screws?
- Read pages 46-52 of your book.
- Write down these words and their definitions:
- thread
- pitch
- design
- bolt
- worm gear
- spur gear
- drill bit
- What are some different ways that screws are used? How could these have helped Pa?
- Do one of the activities on pages 53-56.
Watch this video for more information:
- Discuss what you learned.
- Play Simple Machines Game
- Check out this video to see how this talented artist uses screws to create pictures:
5. Research plants on the prairie.
We have been looking at prairie animals but what about the plants?
- Discuss what you have learned.
6. Constellations
- Discuss what you have learned.
- Check out these neat constellation cards on this page HERE. Look for ‘constellations.pdf’ under History and Geography.
- Or try this really neat craft HERE (I might try this with small flashlights.) or HERE.
Week 4: Chapters 10, 11 & 12
1. Continue to study Prairie Animals.
- Discuss what you have learned.
- Do you know how to tell a poisonous snake from a non poisonous snake?
- My kids like to remember this little rhyme:
This holds pretty true here in Florida but may not hold true in other areas.
Watch this video about the differences between venomous and non-venomous species:
Watch this video on how other animals react to snakes:
- Discuss what you learned.
Watch this video on skunks too:
- Discuss what you learned.
2. Continue learning about simple machines.
We will be using Explore Simple Machines!: With 25 Great Projects for this study.
What are pulleys?
- Read pages 68- 74 of your book.
- Write down these words and their definitions:
- fixed pulley
- movable pulley
- compound pulley
- block & tackle
- windlass
- How many types of pulleys are mentioned in the book? How are they different?
- Do one of the activities on pages 75-79.
Watch this video for more information:
- Discuss what you learned.
Here is a fun project:
3. How do we get our drinking water?
- Watch a video and older kids can do some independent research.
- Discuss what you learned.
Here is a quick video showing the well that was dug in the book.
4. What gases were in the well?
- Check out this article HERE for some possible answers to this question.
- Discuss what you learned.
Check out this video on quicksand too:
- Discuss what you have learned.
5. What is the Milky Way?
- Discuss what you learned.
Week 5: Chapters 13, 14 & 15
1. Continue to study Prairie Animals.
- Watch a video and older kids can do some independent research.
- Discuss what you learned.
2. Is there anything good about mosquitoes?
- Watch a video and older kids can do some independent research.
- Discuss what you learned.
3. What are parasites?
- Discuss what you learned.
4. Research blood.
- Discuss what you learned.
5. Continue learning about simple machines.
We will be using Explore Simple Machines!: With 25 Great Projects for this study.
What are wheels and axles?
- Read pages 34-40 of your book.
- Write down these words and their definitions:
- crank
- Mesopotamia
- sledge
- spokes
- artifact
- radiocarbon dating
- carbon
- What did people use to move things before wheels were invented?
- Do one of the activities on pages 41-45.
Watch this video for more information:
- Discuss what you learned.
- Play Simple Machines Game
Extras:
- Play one of these games:
Play one of these games:
Week 6: Chapters 16, 17 & 18
1. Watch this fun video:
- Discuss what you learned.
2.Why do leaves change color?
- Watch a video and older kids can do some independent research.
- Discuss what you learned.
3.Why do birds migrate?
- Watch a video and older kids can do some independent research.
- Discuss what you learned.
4. Continue learning about simple machines.
- We will be using Explore Simple Machines!: With 25 Great Projects for this study.What are inclined planes?
- Read pages 26-29 of your book.
- Write down these words and their definitions:
- lock
- skeleton
- switchback
- ascent
- descent
- What are some different ways that inclined planes are used?
- Do one of the activities on pages 30-33.
Watch this video for more information:
- Discuss what you learned.
- Play Simple Machines Game
5. Meet the five dwarfs.
- Discuss what you learned.
Week 7: Chapters 19, 20 & 21
1. Continue to Research Prairie Animals.
- Discuss what you learned.
Listen to these sounds:
- How would that make you feel?
2. Continue learning about simple machines.
We will be using Explore Simple Machines!: With 25 Great Projects for this study.
What are wedges? Not the shoes.
- Read pages 57-62 of your book.
- Write down these words and their definitions:
- ravine
- caravan
- Can you name four uses of wedges? p.59 Write them down.
- Do one of the activities on pages 63-67.
Watch this video for more information:
- Discuss what you learned.
3. Get to know your galaxy.
- Discuss what you learned.
Extra:
- Mystery Science
- National Geographic Kids What Animal Am I Card Game
- Lakeshore Fascinating Facts Human Body Game
Week 8: Chapters 22, 23 & 24
1. Research Wild Fires.
- Discuss what you learned.
How we fight wildfires:
- Discuss what you learned.
- How do these methods compare/contrast with the methods used by Pa and Ma?
2. Continue learning about simple machines.
We will be using Explore Simple Machines!: With 25 Great Projects for this study.
Can you be an inventor?
- Read pages 80-83 of your book.
- Write down these words and their definitions:
- engineering design process
- construct
- What five types of inventors are there?
- What would you invent?
- Do one of the activities on pages 84-85.
Watch this video for more information:
- Discuss what you learned.
3. Navigating the night sky.
- Discuss what you learned.
Extra:
Week 9: Chapters 25 & 26
1. Free Choice
- Pick out a previous topic to research more and write a report about it.
- Go to Mystery Science and learn about something you are interested in.
2. Continue learning about simple machines.
- Review what you have learned and try out some activities on these sites:
3. Planets in our Solar System.
- Discuss what you have learned.
4. Read about how to start plants indoors like Ma did.
- Discuss what you have learned.
- What plants would you like to start?
- Make a list of materials you would need.
Extra:
- All About Life Science Activities
- National Geographic Match the Fact Cards
- National Geographic Kids What Animal Am I Card Game
- Lakeshore Fascinating Facts Human Body Game
Week 10: Finishing Up
1. Free Choice
- Pick out a previous topic to research more and write a report about it.
- Go to Mystery Science and learn about something you are interested in.
2. Continue learning about simple machines. Pick a project to do.
- Review what you have learned and try out some activities on these sites
3. A constellation guide.
- Discuss what you have learned.
- Check out this game: Constellation Hunt
Extra:
- All About Life Science Activities
- National Geographic Match the Fact Cards
- National Geographic Kids What Animal Am I Card Game
- Lakeshore Fascinating Facts Human Body Game
- Mystery Science
**BE SURE TO SAVE A FEW SAMPLES OF YOUR WORK FOR YOUR PORTFOLIO! TAKE PICTURES OF BIG PROJECTS!