It’s Thursday, April 4, 2019, and time for Homeschool Resources: Social Sciences. I’m bringing you Homeschooling resources you’ll be able to use in your classroom. If you have used any of these in the past let me know what you liked or disliked about them and why.
Age Range: All (All grades; children with parental supervision) The mere mention of Jell-O causes most people to giggle — but the silliness of Jell-O’s history is serious business.
Here are some more fun facts: Did you know that immigrants entering Ellis Island were served Jell-O as a welcome dish? Or that there were chocolate and cola flavored gelatins that were discontinued?
Norman Rockwell and Maxfield Parrish created artwork depicting Jell-O. Hollywood movie-makers used Jell-O to create the effect of parting the Red Sea in the 1923 silent film “The Ten Commandments,” and the horse-of-a-different-color in “The Wizard of Oz” was sponged down with green Jell-O.
Astronauts at space station Mir marked time in space with Jell-O. The Smithsonian Institute even proclaimed, “American History is Jell-O History!”
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Children’s Museum of Indianapolis – The Circus
This downloadable, printable, book-style guide offers lessons about the circus. Although it is all related to the museum exhibit, it doesn’t require visiting the museum or even seeing the exhibit to benefit from the lessons.
When you get to the site, you can read a summary of the classroom resources. Then download the circus unit study to see a menu of lessons that include:
- Circus Life
- Circus Art
- Circus Science
The lessons are preceded by an introduction – really just an overview of what follows. The last two sections are “Culminating Experiences” and “Resources.” The first is specific to the exhibit. The second is a bibliography and list of websites.
This is a thorough, careful background in teaching all about the circus. And when you are through, check out all the other Unit Studies up to Grade 9 about dinosaurs, food, trains, sports, space, archaeology, and more.
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Age Range: 11-18 (Grades 6-12, with parental supervision)
This is a beautifully appointed website about the history and recovery efforts of the Civil War submarine, the H.L. Hunley.
On February 17, 1864, the Hunley became the first submarine ever to sink an enemy ship, a feat as important as the first airplane flown by the Wright brothers. But on the same day, she and all of her crew members suddenly disappeared. What caused her to sink? And would she ever be found? You can explore this mystery at today’s site.
When you get to the site, use the menu at the top to view:
History
Science
The Mystery
With lots of text and many photos, learn about the building, innovation, evolution, and design of the Hunley, its contribution to the Civil War, the recovery effort, the preservation of the submarine, and more!
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Age Range: 10-18 (Grades 4-12, with parental supervision) Who were the Tudors? Learn about King Henry VIII (for kids) – and the Tudor Family with fantastic photos and illustrations.
When you get to the site you will see a welcome message and a picture menu next to it. Click on a topic of interest such as:
- Henry VIII’s Reign
- Tudor Childhood
- Elizabeth I’s Reign
- Early Tudor Clothing
- Late Tudor Clothing
- Tudor Exploration
- Entertainment in Tudor Times
- Tudor London
- Food and Feasting
Each section leads you to more information and beautiful pictures.
Once you have explored the site — try the quiz! Also, click the “Are You a Parent or a Teacher?” link at the top for Teachers’ Resources where you can sign up for free worksheets, lesson plans and e-book samples.
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Colonial Willamsburg-Kids Zone
Age Range: All (All grades; children with parental supervision) Did you ever wonder what life was really like in colonial days? Wonder no longer! At this Colonial Williamsburg Foundation website, students of all ages can enjoy games, interactive, and podcasts designed to help them learn about colonial history.
When you get to the site, you can “Tour the Town” (an illustrated map), learn about “Colonial People”, or get right to the “Popular Games and Activities”. There are 3 pages of games and activities (some specifically for iPad) such as:
- Colonial Days Coloring Book
- Coffee Bean Solitaire
- Colonial Word Search
- Tool Trouble
- And more!
Also, be sure to check out the horizontal menu at the top of the page including:
- History – Read educational bios, essays, and articles on the everyday lives of extraordinary colonial Americans. Learn about the people, places, life, revolution, trades, clothing, and more.
- Multi-Media – Enjoy slideshows, videos, podcasts, audios, games and more on every aspect of colonial life.
- And more!
This site is a great way to introduce the history of colonial America and enhance any study of it.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
