Bat Fun Page

How many words can you make from the words:

Echolocation

Note: Add some fun twists and turns to your game with the info in this post.

Trivia Questions

Bat Word Search

Bat Trivia

Are bats really blind?

What do vampire bats eat and how?

Where do bats live? Name 3 places.

What do bats eat?

How do bats pollinate?

Bat Puzzle

Online Jigsaw Puzzle: Bat In Flight Puzzle – How long will it take you to do this puzzle.

Videos

Bat Related Post

All of the following topics can be found on FranW.com

Bats

Bat Resource Page

Connect with FranW.com!

Facebook  Pinterest

YouTube Channel

Turkey Trivia With A Twist

Do you enjoy testing your knowledge of various topics? I thought it would be fun to put a little twist on a favorite game….Trivia. With this version of the game, I’d like you to look through the questions and answer them to the best of your ability and count how many questions you get right. If there are any questions you did not know, look up the answers on your own…as a fun research activity.

The questions in this post can be used to make a Turkey Trivia Game.

FranW.com: Wild Turkeys Turkey activities, research question, and links to learn more about turkeys.

Research Links

The Spruce : Wild Turkey – Use this site to find out some interesting facts about wild turkeys.

The Cornell Lab: All About Birds: Wild Turkey – Learn how to identify a turkey by its call, where they can be found in the United States, their origins, and other interesting facts.

Pick Hunt: Turkey – Find out what turkeys eat, where they sleep, what a female turkey is called and much more.

Constitution Daily: The real story behind the presidential turkey pardon – This article offers some interesting information about turkeys who have been pardoned by presidents, past and present.

Videos

Thank You for stopping by!

Connect with FranW.com!

Facebook Twitter Pinterest

Ravens

Info

All About Birds: Common Raven – Listen to a raven, learn where you can find them Raven on branchand more.

Audubon: How to Tell a Raven From A Crow – Offers picture and sound comparisons.

Mental Floss: 10 Fascinating Facts About Ravens – In addition to being very smart creatures, ravens like to have fun…find out how with the interesting facts in this article.

Videos

The Valley of the Ravens – The Secrets of Nature

What Is the Difference Between a Raven and a Crow

Smartest Bird (the intelligent raven solves the puzzle)

The Great and Terrible Raven: Its Place in Mythology and Legend | Documentary

Connect with FranW.com!

Facebook  Twitter  Pinterest

YouTube Channel

Ravens

Lions

Info

two brown lions lying on grass

Photo by Gary Whyte on Pexels.com

Ducksters: Lion Short, quick facts.

A-Z Animals: Lion Includes a fact chart and written information.

Sheppard Software: Lions – This article offers a lot of information about the life of lions, and includes quite a few picture.

Origami.me: How to Make an Easy Origami Lion

Activity Tip: Use the origami lion as part of a diorama project.

Videos

Lions 101 | Nat Geo Wild

Lion Brotherhood – Amazing Documentary

The White Lions – Full Documentary [HD] NATURE

Origami: Lion

Connect with FranW.com!

Facebook  Twitter  Pinterest

YouTube Channel

Lions FW

Squid

Info

Squid World– Squid Facts and InformationSquid 2

Animals.net: Giant Squid – Quick facts chart, information, and pictures

FactZoo: Colossal Squid – Largest Invertebrate, Largest Eyes of All Animals – Learn about the largest invertebrate in the world (that we know of).

Videos

Squid Egg Laying Egg And Babies Squid Hatching Process In The Ocean

Monsters Of The Deep: Giant Squid – Nature Documentary

Kraken Project; In search of the Giant Squid | Full Documentaries – Planet Doc Full Documentaries

Connect with FranW.com!

Note: If this, or any other post on FranW.com, has inspired you in a positive way, or you have featured it in a blog post, please comment and link back to where it can be found! Thank you!
Squid

Create Your Own Animal Study


A great way to begin your study is to make a list of animals you want to learn about, then brainstorm some ways you can learn about the ones you are most interested in. 

One of the easiest and least expensive ways to learn about animals is to get information from the library, used bookstore, or on line. Look for videos that feature or include the animals you are interested in too. If you have Netflix, Amazon, or another streaming service, search for your interests there as well. Our family LOVES animals and we’ve studied quite a few of them. You’ll find our animal resource pages listed here on this blog, they include links to other sites and videos. Some have game ideas, projects, and/or experiments.

Here are some great field trip ideas!

Books, videos, and websites are excellent learning tools, especially when you can’t learn about animals first hand, but learning via experience and observation is even more awesome. Here are a few of the ways we’ve learned about animals first hand. Don’t forget to bring your writing journal, sketch book, paints, or camera. Oh and maybe an animal guidebook too!

  • Go outside. Your own yard or neighborhood may have a variety of animals you can watch on a daily basis. Consider bringing some to you by putting up a bird feeder. If you dig in the dirt, you may find bugs, worms, moles, and other interesting creatures. Take some of those worms fishing with you!
  • Start a compost bin.Turn your food scraps into a bug experiment.
  • Go for a hike. If you have a park, preserve, or a wooded area near you, check it out to see who’s there. You may be pleasantly surprised.
  • Visit a wildlife preserve. Do a quick search on line or talk to other people who may know of a wildlife preserve in your area.
  • Visit a pet store. Make arrangements with a pet store to get a tour. You can do this with a group or a few families if they won’t allow a private tour. Ask questions.

  • Talk to a pet owner. Make arrangements to visit someone who owns or cares for an animal you are interested in learning about.
  • Go to a zoo. There are all kinds of zoos these days! Check and see if there is a specific zoo or center that features the animal you are most interested in learning about. Get a zoo membership so you can visit as often as you like and to stay informed about the special programs they offer. Don’t forget petting zoos too! You’ll get to touch the animals while you’re there.
  • Visit an aquarium. If you are into sea creatures/life, then you’ll want to visit an aquarium. If you have a zoo membership, some aquariums will allow you in for free or offer you a discount to visit them.
  • Visit an estuary. If you are near or can get to the wetlands around you, you’ll be able to check out all the different types of animals while you are there.
  • Go to the beach or inter-coastal areas. A less expensive way to see local sea life is to visit the areas around the ocean. You’ll be able to collect shells, observe various birds, crabs, sand fleas, and other creatures while you’re there. You may even see a dolphin surfing in the waves!
  • Visit an animal sanctuary. Check your local listings for people who run/care for a sanctuary. Some places allow visitors in for a small donation – money or food for the animals.
  • Visit an animal shelter. Dogs, cats, rabbits, etc.. love to get pet and played with. Check with your shelter before you go to see if they allow this and what’s required if they do.
  • Go to a science center. Many science centers will have a small area with live animals and programs related to them.
  • Arrange for an animal related program. Most places that feature animals will have a tour or some kind of program you can arrange to attend. Find out if you need a group or can join a scheduled tour.
  • Check out a local pond, lake, or another body of water. Observe the animal life all around you. Visit during different times of the year to see who the regulars are and who braves the cold weather.
  • Walk through a public garden. If you have the chance, plan a trip to a public garden and you’ll get to see a variety of insects busily pollinating the flowers and foliage.
  • Plan a trip to Sea World, Busch Gardens, or Animal Kingdom. These places make great family vacation spots!
If you are really interested in animals and want to get more involved, here are some things you can do…
  • Volunteer. Most places need all the volunteers they can get. Many require kids to be a certain again, or require a parent to accompany minors. Some of the places to inquire at: Zoos, aquariums, sanctuaries, shelters, animal clinics/vet offices, science centers, specialty animal facilities (ex: reptile house), etc..

  • Become a docent/volunteer for an animal related program. If you really know your stuff, some places will allow teens to docent or help with a traveling petting zoo.
  • Get a pet. One of the best ways to learn is to experience it for yourself long term. Research all you can before you take the plunge.
  • Join an animal rescue project. You can join something with local meetings, or that sponsors theme related festivals and awareness programs such as Turtles, whales, sharks, manatees, water preservation, etc.. Check out a local Audubon society too.
  • Look for programs. Keep your eyes and ears open for program opportunities that feature animals in your community. Libraries sometimes offer programs that feature animals – ask them if they have anything schedule or make a suggestion.
Many zoos offer courses and classes, they won’t be free, but it can make a great gift idea or a budget goal.
Honestly, this short list only scratches the surface of some of the awesome ways you can learn about the animal kingdom first hand. 
Please help make this list longer by leaving some suggestions in comments.

If you would like more tips for designing one of a kind studies, please read these posts:

Design Your Own One-of-a-Kind Study


Thank you for stopping by!
Connect with Funschooling and Recreational Learning!
YouTube Channel Patreon

On Etsy: Funschooling Press

Note: If this, or any other post on Funschooling and Recreational Learning, has inspired you in a positive way, or you have featured it in a blog post, please comment and link back to where it can be found! Thank you!

Animals

All of the following animal related posts can be found on Funschooling & Recreational Learning.

ArthropodaInsects, Spiders, Ect.


Butterflies:

Butterflies Independent Butterfly research project with questions, activity suggestions and resources.

10 Creatively Cool Butterfly Activities – Ten open-ended, hands-on activities that encourage research skills, creativity and thinking skills.

Fireflies – Research resources for fireflies, including links to a couple of experiments and a craft idea.

Glow Worms – Research resources for glowworms. Includes links to sites, videos, and activity suggestions.

Hunt For June Bugs – June bug information, observational activities, links and videos.

Spiders – Spider resource page includes links to: An article about types of spiders and facts, information, identification chart home remedies, printables, and craft projects. Videos have also been included.

Amphibians

Frog Research ProjectA research project based on frogs. Fun facts, questions, resources and activity suggestions.

Birds


Bird Eggs – Egg experiments, a recipe idea, links, and resources.

Bird Watching Activities – Bird watching activities, bird treat ideas, and links to bird-related activities and information.

Owls – This post links up to numerous owl resources: dissect a virtual owl pellet, owl anatomy, physiology, sounds, mythology, teacher resources, and more.

Penguin Resources – Penguin Resources: Penguin information, lesson plans, and videos.

WoodpeckersLinks to sites with information about woodpeckers.

Fish/Sea Life


Frogfish Resources include sites to information, pictures, and videos.

Sharks – Links to – Basic facts, online puzzles, printables, and informative videos.

Oysters & Pearls – Oyster information includes: How pearls are made, the American oyster, facts, how to make an oyster garden and informative videos.




Mammals

Bats – Information about bats, includes sound games, and resources.

Bat Resource Page – Bat resources for all ages and learning styles.

BearsResources include: Bear types, puzzles, and videos.

Black Cats – Find why black cats are considered good luck to some and bad luck to others and do a balancing activity.

Deer – Resources include: Sites and videos about deer, and how to draw them. Deer activity pages too.

Dolphins – Research Resource – Dolphin resources for all ages. Links to lesson plans, anatomy information, videos, and more.

Domesticated Cats Resource Page – Domestic cat resource page. Links to historical info, information about wild cats – big and small, articles, folktales, crafts, educational resources, treat recipes, and DIY toy instructions.


Mantees – Information includes: Fact sheets, activities, videos, and manatee cams.

Reindeer/Caribou – Information about reindeer/caribou, a related activity, and resources to get you started. 
Reindeer Games and Activities – Reindeer related activities including learning about reindeer – caribou, and making a diorama, a reindeer resume activity, links to word searches, crossword puzzles, mazes, crafts, and a variety of videos.

Snowshoe Hare (Rabbit) – Information and links for the snowshoe hare. Includes drawing activities too.

Wolves – Wolf resources include information about: Types, anatomy, environment, myths, and more.

Reptiles


Basilisk Lizard – Resources include: Printables, videos, information, and craft projects.

Lizard Resource Page – Research companion to a Lizard research guide with a lot of links to lizard related information.

Sea Turtles – Resources include: Links, videos, crafts, and coloring pages.


Animal Related Games, Activities & Misc. Posts


Animal Antics – This is a creative game that uses simple items and encourages players to use their imagination.

Animal Tracker – Instructions for an animal tracking activity.


Animals – May Vol. 1 – Resources for: Gars, Dolphins, Crocodiles, Rhinoceros Beatles, Blue Heron, and Axolotl Salamander

Homemade Treats & Toys for Pets – Treat and toy ideas for dogs, cats, hamsters, gerbils and rabbits.

Connect with Funschooling and Recreational Learning!

Note: If this, or any other post on Funschooling and Recreational Learning, has inspired you in a positive way, or you have featured it in a blog post, please comment and link back to where it can be found! Thank you!

Real World Science Skills

Not only are we born mathematicians, we are scientists as well!
Science is about exploration, observation, experimentation, comparing, questioning, predicting, timing, evaluating, measuring, preparing, drawing conclusions, theorizing, and many other things. Many of these skills are done so quickly in our minds, that we hardly take notice of it happening.

Kids and parents can explore science and have a great time discovering how fascinating this subject is.

Here are some of the topics that can be found within this site. If you have a topic that you would like to see covered, please leave me a comment and I’ll do my best to help you out.


Biology

Foods





Zoology & Animal life


Scroll down to learn how to make butter

Earth Science


Clouds

Fall/Autumn

Snowflake Science

Volcanoes

Winter Solstice

Solar Experiments


Space

Apollo 7

Phases Of The Moon

The Sun

Weather

Emergency Preparedness Resources

Tracking Hurricanes

Gardening & Plant Life
Geology


Rocks & Minerals

Play In The Sand


Inventions

Benjamin Franklin’s Glass Armonica

Physics

Hot Air Balloon

Hula Hoop


Magic 


Optical Illusions 


Water Balloons


Sound



Light

Science of Light

Engineering


Scientists 

Niels Bohrs




Coming Soon…

Archaeology – Cryptozoology – Earth wonders – Force – Forensics – Gravity – Lightning – Meteorology – Oobleck – Paleontology – Slime – Stars – States of matter – Vibration – Water – Wind

Connect with Funschooling and Recreational Learning!

Manatees

*Manatee Family – Photo By Fran W.
 
*Personal note about the photo: The larger manatee in the photo above is nursing her newborn calf. The larger of the young manatees, to the right of the mother, is learning how to care for the younger manatees. She travels with the mother and helps her care for the younger manatees. It is a truly beautiful site.
 
General Information
 
Defenders of Wildlife: Florida Manatee – Fact Sheet
 
Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission: FWC’s Manatee Program – Find out about a program designed to help manatees.
 
Wikipedia: Manatee – General information about manatee, including: Taxonomy, description, behavior, ecology and more. 
Also on this site: West Indian Manatee – African Manatee – Amazonian Manatee
 
National Geographic: Manatees – Aquatic life, populations, parenting & diet, threats to survival, photo gallery, videos and more.
 
National Geographic for Kids: West Indian Manatee – Offers very brief information.
 
Soundwaves: Fieldwork: Famous Manatee “Chessie” Sighted in Chesapeake Bay After Long Absence – Information about Chessie, a manatee that has been spotted in the Chesapeake Bay area.
 
Activities To Do
 
Manatee Curriculum – A curriculum written by Maia McGuire and Ruth Francis-Floyd filled with information and activities.
 
Super Coloring Pages: Manatees
 
Save The Manatees: Printable Coloring Pages – PDF format
 
Crazy For Jigsaw Puzzles: Manatee – Play online
 
About: Homeschooling: Manatee: Word Search, crossword puzzle and other manatee related activities.
 
Cams & Videos
 
 
EarthCam: Manatee Cam
 
 
Below, you will find a few of the many videos that can be found in the manatee playlist that has been created for this topic. Enjoy!
 
Baby Manatee Feeding

 
Meet Snooty the Manatee

Ocean Stories 2 – Manatees and Molas

Thank you for stopping by!
Connect with FranW.com
 
 

 
 



Sea Turtles

Sea Turtles
Defenders: Sea TurtlesBasic facts about sea turtles: Diet, population, range, behavior, reproduction, etc.
SeeTurtles: Sea Turtle Facts – Habitat & Diet, Human Threats, Life Cycle, Species
 
World Wildlife Federation: Sea TurtleGeneral information.
 
Sea Turtle ConservancyInformation about sea turtles, their habitats and threats to their survival.
SeaWorld Parks & EntertainmentHabitat & Distribution: Distribution, habitat, migration, population, etc.
 
National Geographic Kids – Green Sea TurtleGeneral information.
 
Wikipedia: Sea Turtles Description, taxonomy and evolution, distribution and habitat, life cycle and more.

Activities
 

Videos



Connect with FranW.com!

 

Animal Tracker

Many animals leave signs that they have been around. This activity will have you identifying the signs that tell you what it may be and how you can track them.

You will need: Sketchpad and pencil or a camera
Optional: A pocket microscope

What to look for…

This activity suggests that you observe only. Touching is not recommended.


Insects: Look for plants and leaves that have been chewed. Trees with holes. Watch a patch of flowers being pollinated. Movement in the grass. Eggs under leaves. Various stages of larvae. Listen for them. Look for evidence of insect scat as well.

Spiders: Look for their webs between trees and under things. Each spider makes a unique web and can be identified by it if they are not present.

Birds: Look in trees for nests, listen for them. Make a bird feeder and bring them to you. Look up in the sky or on the ground. Watch them on the beach and near water too. 

Mammals: Look for tracks in the dirt, mud or in puddles, on the sidewalk, in the grass. Look for their scat, but don’t touch it.

Reptiles: Snakes can be found sunning themselves at various points of the day. Approaching them is not recommended. Observe only.
Lizards can be found running around in gardens and sunning themselves in the morning.

Amphibians: Look on land and near water. Look for them at night near a porch light.

Fish/Sealife: Watch the water for signs of jumping, schooling and feeding. Some areas may have shrimp or crabs running during certain times of the year. Look for fins out of the water as well. You might be able to catch a dolphin surfing in some areas!

Places to visit…

The beach, a pond, lake, inlets, woods, your back yard, gardens, the park, near lights at night, etc..

Times to look


Early in the morning, at dusk, early evening. Listen throughout the day.

Bring a friend!



If you would like to connect with me so you don’t miss out any of the activities being posted, please follow me via:

Email – Google + – Facebook – Twitter – Pinterest

Animal Antics – Game

To play Animal Antics, you will need: A deck of letter cards or letter tiles (A-Z),
and a container.

A color or black and white set can be printed from here.

You may also write letters on index cards.

Directions: Put all the letters in a container, have players close their eyes before choosing a letter, then act out an animal that begins with that letter.

Tips & Suggestions

Turn this into an Animal Charades game by allowing players to guess what’s being acted out.


Play indoors or out. 

Try this game in a pool too!


To liven things up, have players choose a category before starting the game such as…


Marine/Aquatic Animals           Desert Animals           Arctic Animals 

Jungle Animals          Grassland Animals           Forest Animals

Fish          Birds          Insects          Reptiles          Etc.
    



If you would like to connect with me so you don’t miss out any of the activities being posted, please follow me via:

Email – Google + – Facebook – Twitter – Pinterest