At Home Learning

CAMERAS

A camera obscura, or pinhole camera, shows an image on one side of a screen projected through a small hole as a reversed and inverted image on an opposite flat surface. These cameras played an important role in the invention of photography that many of us use every day.

Make your own camera obscura following the directions in the photo and test out your photography skills!

CAR PAINTING

There are many ways for us to travel and see new places. You can walk, ride a bike, drive a car, take a bus or a train, or fly on an airplane! The first American passenger train was invented in 1830 by Peter Cooper and was able to take people all over the country by railroad! Then, the first mass produced car that was cheap enough for Americans to buy was invented in 1903 by Henry Ford and was called the Model T. Trains and cars were used often to help people travel to see new states, visit family, and start new jobs and adventures across the United States. When the airplane was invented by the Wright Brothers in 1913, people could go even farther and faster! Go on a scavenger hunt and see how much you can find!

Make your own art using toy cars and paint! Drive your car around leaving paint trails on paper. The wheels make the car move and leave great designs in your art!

Transportation Scavenger Hunts

CONSTELLATIONS

Constellations are clusters of stars that form imaginary pictures in the sky of animals, mythological creature or people, and inanimate objects. Constellations have been used by people to relate stories and beliefs for centuries. An example is the story of Orion who was a great Greek hunter that was killed by the gods for boasting he could hunt all of the Earth’s animals.

Since stars can only be seen at night, you can make your own daytime stargazer telescopes using a toilet paper roll, the provided template, and a pencil. First, decorate the toilet paper roll however you want. Then, cut out the constellation sheets provided and poke holes in the “stars” with a pencil to make the constellation. Finally, attach the picture to the toilet paper roll using tape and hold it up to the light to see the different constellations!

Be sure to check tonight to see if you can find Orion and the other constellations in sky!

Constellations Template

PACK A PIONEER WAGON

Many pioneers traveled to Texas from other parts of the United States before and after Texas became the 28th state. Pioneers would pack large wagons full of the items they would need for the journey and to start a new life in Texas.

Using the information sheet below, successfully pack your own pioneer wagon to travel to Texas. Be sure you have everything your family needs but don't overload the wagon. You can also make your own wagon using items you have at home!

Pack a Wagon Activity

PYRAMIDS

The Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt was built in 2500 BC and is the burial place for King Khufu from the Fourth Egyptian Dynasty. It contains over 2 million stone blocks, was 480 feet tall at its completion, and its base spans 13 acres! The stones were dragged up each layer by large wooden ramps and were cut down using copper chisels. The pyramid is one of several pyramids at Giza, which are the only remaining of the Seven Wonders of the Word.

Make your own pyramid using supplies you have at home or the worksheet provided below. Be creative!

Pyramid Template

STRATIGRAPHY

Archaeologists use a form of study called stratigraphy to determine how old the artifacts they found are. The Earth is split into different layers, called strata, and the farther down in the strata the artifact is found, the older it is!

Make your own strata graph showing where artifacts were discovered. First, make a few different layers of strata. You can use colored craft sand, dirt from your yard, glitter, or even dyed salt. Then, using the artifacts available below, put each one in the correct strata based on its age. Finally, label the layers by date and decorate the surface.

Artifacts

VICTORY GARDENS

During WWII, many foods and supplies were rationed to ensure there were enough produced to send the troops fighting on the frontlines as well as for those still at home in America. This included meat, sugar, eggs, canned fruits and vegetables, rubber, gas, and nylon. American citizens were given ration coupon books that provided coupons to be used to purchase rationed items at the store. These coupons were used in place of money to ensure everyone got just the amount they needed so it was fair for all Americans. To help get more from their food ration coupons, people would grow their own fruits and vegetables in their yards and even in pots on their porches or windowsills allowing them to use their ration coupons on different canned food items. These homegrown gardens came to be called “Victory Gardens”!

Plant your own victory garden at home using a paper cup, soil, and beans. Be sure to give your plant lots of water and sunlight to help it grow!

WINDMILLS

Windmills convert wind into energy that can be used to power machines on farms and also provide electricity to homes and businesses.

It sure is windy here in Central Texas! Can you build a windmill of your own using supplies you have at home?

WWII TRIVIA

Using the template below, have your kids follow the instructions to make their own cootie catchers on World War II history.

Test each other's knowledge!

World War II Cooties Catchers