My daughter has been interested in studying rocks off and on for over 3 years! I’ve looked into Rock Collection Kits, Rock Collector’s Backpack, and tons of other resources that cost BIG BUCKS. We homeschool on an almost zero budget so those items are way out of the question. Disclosure: I have used affiliate links which add no cost to you but help support our blog and our homeschool.
…
Somehow at the last minute a few years ago we got information about a program at a local state park for fossil hunting. The organization that was putting it together was Creation based and was even bringing in a Christian Paleontologist. I was very excited to drive the hour or so on a hot August day to learn about Fossils!
First of all who doesn’t like to collect rocks or fossil hunt? My kids really enjoyed being able to search, dig, clean, and KEEP some fossils. We were at Ceasar’s Creek State Park and the main rule is “You can only keep fossil’s smaller than your fist or palm of your hand!” Once we checked in and filled out a day pass we were good to go. Our entire group of 15 plus families drove from the main visitor station to the fossil hunt site.
We only knew one family out of the entire group so we just hunted as a family. It was quite hot but fun. Keeping Big Red from eating the fossil’s was a challenge but we still had fun and brought home a bucketful of fossils.
1. Wear sun protection- be sure to bring hats, sunglasses, and put on 50 SPF or higher.
2. Bring your own buckets to haul your fossils home.
3. Use a stroller filled with toys if you have anyone under 5 with you. Trust me you will thank me!
4. Pack snacks and plenty of water. You may need to freeze water or juice pouches to keep them extra cool.
5. Plan your hunt with friends and shoot for a COOL Fall or Spring day if possible.
6. Always follow the rules for the location your are Fossil Hunting.
7. Bring a comfortable seat. Yes, a diaper changing pad can double as a comfy seat but thick foam kneeling gardening pads are even better!
Hope you enjoyed learning some quick tips for Fossil Hunting. Did you see our super fun and budget friendly 100 activities post? Stop on over for more great Summer ideas.
Yes, it’s Summer but that doesn’t mean learning get’s shelved with the curriculum books. There are a handful of great places you can get free homeschool curriculum ideas. I know you are thinking, “But I don’t have time to learn a new curriculum or to set something involved up!” Don’t worry these are quick and easy solutions to your learning dull-drums. Some you can sign-up for their newsletter so you are sure to not miss a single lesson or idea. I have used all of these resources for myself or to help refer other families so their curriculum can get spiced up a bit.
Remember sometimes a change in pace or type of learning is all you really need to ignite your child’s passion for learning again. (I will be taking my own advice and trying some new things with my kids this Summer as well!) Be sure to bookmark these sites, pin them, or share on facebook so other families can find these valuable resources!
…
I was thinking of all the fun and budget friendly Summer activities that we need to add to our bucket list and bug catching came to mind. Then a friend on facebook mentioned that Lightning Bugs are so special they need their own spot on the list. I definitely agree with her. I grew up in the country and Lightning Bugs were pretty common place. Now that we are raising four kids while being in town it’s a little harder at times to find them.
What does every little Scientist need? A bunch of tools and I have a great idea for an On-the-Go Kit of course. Just so happens I am a school and craft supply pack rat, lol. This can be a bad thing BUT for the most part is very good for our homeschool. My children have access to all sorts of fun goodies that mom has collected or saved for them.
…
