Homeschool Minute - Homemade Water & Landform Tiles

I had seen these water and landform tiles in a catalog and online, but just couldn't bring myself to pay as much as $$40.00 for the set. Like these Sandpaper Land and Water Form Cards. I thought about it for a week, thinking of ways to make some. First, I thought of going to hardware store and getting actual tiles and painting them etc. But, even that would cost too much for us. Thought some more. Was at Dollar Tree and it came to me...get some foam poster board, sandpaper, and poster paint.  Total cost was $5.00!!!!!

Frugal homeschooling!


I first cut the foam board into 10x10 squares getting 6 squares out of each foam board. I had printed some water and landform cards from pinterest, either Montessori Now or another one, and used that as idea of how to cut the sandpaper. Sandpaper being the land. Glued it on the tile, then painted the water with the blue paint. I left room at the bottom for writing what it is, like gulf, island, etc.


Great learning tool that didn't cost an arm and a leg. Little Man loves them. Has been looking, learning, and playing with them all day. Even got his small boats out to push them around in the "water".

DIY Water Filter

To ensure that you have clean water , that is free of sediments, vegetation, etc, you have to have a good water filter. You will still have to boil to kill the germs, bacteria, etc. This is great for if you have a stream close by or some other water supply.

You can make one very easily. You need 2 clay flower pots . You will be setting them one above the other one. In the bottom of the upper pot you want to place a large sponge. A clean new one. Stuff the sponge into the bottom tightly so that no water can get by it.  You will also put one in the bottom of the lower pot. But the bottom pot also has layers of other filtering material , 1 layer of smooth pebbles, coarse sand, and then a top layer of pounded charcoal about 4 inches thick. On top place one more layer of smooth pebbles. This prevents the charcoal from getting all stirred around from the water dripping down from the upper pot.

The upper pot should be the largest and if the lower one is strong it should be able to set on it just fine. You could add two strips of wood as support. Put the two pots on a stool with a hole drilled in the bottom that is lined up with the hole in the bottom pot so that the water can drip down into a clean jug for using the water. The sponge in the upper pot acts to stop the worst of the impurities and should be replaced frequently. Very frequently. The lower pot should be fine to only be replaced about once a year. Only a bit of attention , with changing sponge in top pot once or twice a month and this should last you and with little care.

Food Storage Recipe - Quick Pasta Sauce

Quick pasta sauce to make.

Need:

1 medium onion

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 can diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, & oregano

1 can tomato paste

1 cup water

Dice and cook onion in oil until tender. Add everything else listed and bring to a boil. Turn down heat and let simmer about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally. Serve over pasta.

Cooking with a Kerosene Lamp

 

This is something that surprisingly works great. 

Make a tripod to hang your small cooking pots from that is measured to where the pot is within about a half inch of the top of the lamp. This will ensure that the heat from the lit lamp will go right to the pot. You can easily make one out of wood - making 3 legs and a wooden center to put the hook on for hanging the pot. 

You can quickly boil water, make coffee, warm up canned food, etc. Great way to have warm food when you have no power. You can find these lamps at thrift stores and yard sales all of the time. Great investment. I think , right now, that I have 12 of them! I buy them when ever I see them. LOL I am a kerosene lamp hoarder and I am not embarrassed by it. You can never have enough.  

5-Ingredient Peanut Butter Energy Bites

 These 5-Ingredient Peanut Butter Energy Bites are the perfect healthy snack for when you need a boost of energy or a quick bite to eat. Packed with wholesome ingredients and delicious flavors, these bites are simple to make and even easier to enjoy!

NEED:

- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats 

- 1/2 cup peanut butter 

- 1/3 cup honey 

- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips 

- 1/4 cup flaxseeds 

Directions:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, peanut butter, honey, mini chocolate chips, and flaxseeds.

2. Mix Well: Stir the mixture until all ingredients are well combined. You may need to use your hands to ensure everything is evenly mixed. 

3. Form Balls: Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls using your hands. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. 

4. Chill: Refrigerate the energy bites for at least 30 minutes to allow them to firm up. 

5. Serve: Enjoy these delicious and healthy peanut butter energy bites! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.