Ahoy! Inspire students to explore science and engineering with activities related to pirate-themed play and storytelling.
Pirates offer many fascinating science topics - boat engineering, star navigation, and cartography. We greatly enjoy looking closely at different aspects of pirates' lives and doing related hands-on activities. As you can see from our pictures below, we had a lot of fun. And you will too! Besides our own activities, I included the best science-related, pirate-themed
©SBF 2015 Ahoy Mateys! Are you ready for Talk Like a Pirate Day on September 19th? If you aren't then you've come to the right place! Not only will we delve into some Pirate-y science, you'll find all sorts of links to other pirate activities in this post. Scroll down to find out how to test your rock collection for real gold, learn how parrots talk and build your own pirate ship! This post contains affiliate links, see disclosures for more info. Before we begin, you might want to bone up on your pirate speak by using this handy translator! ARRRGH! Fool's Gold: Now we know that pirates are always in search of treasure, and gold is their favorite! But how does a pirate know if what they have found is genuine gold? Science of course! I've never met a young pirate who hasn't enjoyed a good rock collection. You can find rocks anywhere- at the park, at the beach, in your yard, or even the gravel in the driveway! How can you classify and identify these rocks and minerals? Pirate scientists use many clues, such as hardness, cleavage/fracture, luster and color. You can use these to help you identify the rocks in your collection- is it gold or pyrite (fool's gold)? There's only one way to find out! Pyrite, or Fool's Gold By Didier Descouens (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons Hardness: The Mohs hardness scale is a way of classifying how hard your mineral is. Talc is the softest mineral on the scale and diamond is the hardest. Can you classify your rock collection from softest to hardest? How can you test it? How easily does it crumble? Can you scratch it with your fingernail? If you're a pirate who's had an accident with a crocodile, you can use your hook to scratch and test your rock! Cleavage and Fracture: Now that you've ordered your rocks from softest to hardest, check out their shape and form. When a rock breaks into layers, we call this cleavage. Fracture describes other shapes that a mineral forms when it breaks. Be careful if you try to break a rock in your collection. It's a good idea to wear safety goggles and supervise young scalawags in the process. Luster: Luster describes how shiny a rock or mineral is. Pirates like the shiny ones! Pirate scientists describe these as having a metallic luster. Non-metallic lusters might be described as pearly, silky or greasy. What type of luster do you see in your rock collection? You might notice more than one type of luster in a rock because it is made up of more than one type of mineral. Gold Nuggets by Arum Dulyan, public domain Color: Pirate scientists use a tool called a streak plate to determine a mineral's color. A streak plate is a piece of unglazed porcelain tile. When you rub the rock or mineral along the plate you will see a streak left from the mineral's powder. Different minerals make different color streaks. "Streak plate with Pyrite (L) and Rhodochrosite (R)" by Ra'ike - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons You can purchase an actual streak plate, or use the back of a glazed porcelain tile from a hardware or craft store. If you need help cleaning your streak plate, there is some information about that here. If you have a mineral collection and a streak plate you can test your minerals and keep track of your data on this handy sheet from Kids Love Rocks! **A word of caution: Please do not test your rocks for gold by biting them like a pirate! Pirates are known for having horrible teeth because they don't heed this advice! Best of luck to ye on your treasure hunt! Amazon.com Widgets Parrots Although many a story pirate carries a parrot on his shoulder, it turns out that it probably didn't happen. (Birds do go to the bathroom a lot after all!) However, pirates most likely did deal with parrots through the exotic pet trade. The beautiful birds were worth a lot of money and they were probably entertaining to have on the ship. Blue and yellow Macaw. photo: I, Luc Viatour [GFDL, CC BY 2.0, or CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons New scientific research completed this summer has identified the genetics and parts of the brain that parrots use to speak. After comparing structures in parrot brains to other birds and humans the researchers from Duke University made discoveries about these bird brains that have been a mystery up until now. Turns out that they aren't really bird brains after all! How do parrots mimic people so well? Just like humans, but unlike other birds, parrots move their tongues to make different sounds. They don't have lips or teeth, so they can't form their words exactly the same at us, but they are pretty impressive! Try speaking without moving your lips, just by moving your tongue. How does it work for you? Can you say, "Polly want a cracker?" Check out this link to a brief but neat video showing how the parrot's tongue moves while it "speaks". credit: Verena Ohms Shipwrecks: The high seas can be a dangerous place and many a pirate's ship sunk to Davy Jones' locker. Modern technology has allowed oceanic archaeologists and modern treasure hunters the opportunity to explore these shipwrecks. Excavation of the infamous pirate Blackbeard's ship, Queen Anne's Revenge, is ongoing off the coast of North Carolina. The state uses this project as a way to educate about history. You can learn more at their website. Pirates wanted ships that would carry lots of plunder and move swiftly. Boats come in many shapes and sizes. Which of these are best for cargo and speed? Why not experiment to find out what makes the best boat shape? Gather some materials, fill up the tub and get to work! That treasure won't wait forever. Materials to experiment with: tin foil, foam trays, balsa wood and recyclables. See how much weight your boat design can take! Using something that is similar size and weight to test your boat is best. Try pennies, nickels or other change, metal washers, marbles, etc. Which design holds the most plundered treasure? If you'd like to delve further into ship building, you might want to explore this science project I designed for Education.com, "Keep The Boat Afloat". You'll learn about the different shapes of hulls and keels and engineer your own ship. Careful you don't run aground! Looking for more pirate activity fun? Hop on over to these other blogs to finish your Talk Like a Pirate Day preparations! Pirate Blog Hop at Peakle Pie Backyard Pirate Treasure Hunt (Map) - Umbrella Tree Cafe Make Your Own Pirate Treasure - The Gingerbread House DIY Pirate Vest & Patch - Play Dough & Popsicles Toilet paper roll pirates - Just Another Mom Set Sail with this DIY Pirate Boat - The Resourceful Mama It’s a Pirate’s Life for Me - Study at Home Mama Pirates Love Underpants Sensory Bin - Adventures of Adam Free Pirate Play Dough Mats Numbers 1-10 - Life Over C's Pirate Science: Fool’s Gold, Parrots and Shipwrecks! - Share it! Science News Pirate Colouring Pages - In The Playroom Pirate Books for Kids of All Ages - Superheroes and Teacups Treasure Chest Craft - Messy Little Monster How Did Pirates Navigate? How to Read a Map - Schooling a Monkey Pirate Sensory Bin - Life with Moore Babies Pirate Preschool Printable - Living Life and Learning How to Make Some Great Pirate Flags - Witty Hoots Perfect Parrot Masks for Pirate Day Fun - Peakle Pie Pirate Perler Bead Patterns - Brain Power Boy Going on a Pirate Treasure Hunt - Play & Learn Everyday DIY Pirate Ship and Pirate Movie Night -CraftCreateCalm Pirate Treasure Math Printables - Kidz Activities Treasure Alphabet Match - The Kindergarten Connection Make Your Own Pirate Map - My Little Poppies Treasure Map Grid Activity - My Little Poppies Make Your Own Map and Treasure Hunt - My Little Poppies Create a FLOATING Pirate Ship! - Milk and Cuddles Pirate Puppet Craft -Sugar Aunts Hidden Treasure Cupcakes - Emmy’s Mummy Non Scary Pirate Books and Movies - Edventures with Kids Gold Nuggets - Kelly’s Classroom Fizzing Pirate Treasure Adventure - Preschool Powol Packets This post was also shared at:
Ahoy! Inspire students to explore science and engineering with activities related to pirate-themed play and storytelling.
Activities for Talk Like a Pirate Day for preschool, kindergarten and up! Get talk like a pirate lessons ideas, Talk Like a Pirate Day lingo and educational resources as well as party themed food for perfect pirate party ideas!
pirate printables, pirate worksheets, pirate party ideas
These fizzing treasure chests are perfect for your preschool pirate theme or summer camp. Lots of learning fun with this pirate science experiment!
Pirates offer many fascinating science topics - boat engineering, star navigation, and cartography. We greatly enjoy looking closely at different aspects of pirates' lives and doing related hands-on activities. As you can see from our pictures below, we had a lot of fun. And you will too! Besides our own activities, I included the best science-related, pirate-themed
Fun and easy pirate themed code cracking activity for kids. Find this and more pirate science on Science Sparks
These fizzing treasure chests are perfect for your preschool pirate theme or summer camp. Lots of learning fun with this pirate science experiment!
This is THE best pirate unit study out there. It has pirate flags and pirate ships, pirate weapons, treasure maps, the very best pirate books, games pirates played, and so much more. There is also a section of pirate ideas for younger kids such as pirate sight word games and a preschool pirate unit study. See it now!
Teach students about osmosis, membranes, equilibrium, solutes, and solvents in this fun, gummy bear experiment! Includes a gummy bear science project worksheet.
All my children loved preschool and reception when it was pirate themed so I've pulled together all my pirate themed science activities and pirate sensory
Get ready for an epic STEM activity making a candy machine using simple machines to learn about mechanical energy with kids.
Pirates offer many fascinating science topics - boat engineering, star navigation, and cartography. We greatly enjoy looking closely at different aspects of pirates' lives and doing related hands-on activities. As you can see from our pictures below, we had a lot of fun. And you will too! Besides our own activities, I included the best science-related, pirate-themed
These fizzing treasure chests are perfect for your preschool pirate theme or summer camp. Lots of learning fun with this pirate science experiment!
These fizzing treasure chests are perfect for your preschool pirate theme or summer camp. Lots of learning fun with this pirate science experiment!
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Chemical reactions are always surprising for kids to observe! In this science activity we’ll be turning a penny green (similar to what happens to The Statue of Liberty!) Follow our Science for Kids Pinterest board! Chemical reactions are such a great way to pique a child’s curiosity. This experiment involving a chemical reaction is …
This engaging pirate preschool theme is full of ways to infuse pirates with your preschoolers, and all in tidy printable pirate-themed lesson plans. Here you'll find 15+ ideas for a pirate preschool theme, including book lists, art and sensory play, literacy activities, and some math and science fun.
Your elementary kiddos will LOVE learning all about pirates, their ships, the science of buoyancy and reflections, the Seven Seas and so much more in this Pirates in the Park Unit Study that covers
Ocean Science for Kids, a simple Ocean water experiment to teach kids about density. It's a perfect kitchen science experiment or outdoor science activity that works for an ocean unit. The perfect STEM activity for kids. Simple ocean activities for preschoolers in science with hands on activities and Ocean Theme Printables
Looking for an easy science activity? Today I'm excited to share this sink or float free printable. It's fun one that is great for all ages. It can be a quick activity or if you're looking for something to keep them busy this summer, you can add lots of items to "test". There are 2 versions you can download and print for free. One has some suggested items to try out and one is blank. For the blank one you can have the kids gather a bunch of items they want to test out and write them down themselves. For little ones that can't write yet, have them draw the object.
Last year, I started a new Space Club program at four middle schools. Not wanting to reinvent the wheel, I searched the web for ideas and curriculum to implement. I soon became excited to find great resources like NASA and TeachEngineering , but I was
Experiment your way around the world with these 50 science experiments related to different countries and cultures around the world
Get this free magnet worksheet to use when you test the magnetism of everyday objects. Perfect for kids ages 4-6!
Kids LOVE pirates. Parrots. Pirate ships. Buried Treasure. So much fun! These no-prep pirate themed kindergarten worksheets would be a great addition to your pirate themed week or month. Or if you need to celebrate talking like a pirate. This FREE no-prep packet comes with 10 pirate themed worksheets, 5 ELA and 5 math, and […]
Teach multiple kids, incorporate multiple subjects, all with a gentle Charlotte Mason homeschool approach with this amazing curriculum!
Fun pirate density jar. Kids will love finding objects to float on the different layers. Try cork, beads and pirate coins.
Engage learners in grade 4, 5, 6 or 7 in learning about Newton's laws of motion and force through hands on demonstrations and laboratory activities meant to encompass all learning styles.
Do this simple salt water experiment to teach kids about the respective density of salt water and fresh water. It's a fantastic kitchen science experiment that works for an ocean unit or a density science lesson. The perfect STEM activity for kids to use a controlled variable and works great as a science fair project!
Common Core Standards, Second Grade, Third Grade, cause and effect
Build with LEGO and these free LEGO pirate challenge cards for kids that use the bricks you already have for early learning fun and STEM.
Perfect for kindergarten and first grade math centers, this free printable pirate treasure greater than less than activity will make practicing math fun!
This week's preschool letter was "X." We did X for x-ray and pirate theme for x marks the spot. Here are a few activities I created for my son and I to do this week to go along with our lesson. X is for X marks the spot Pirate Bingo There are eight Bingo sheets. What's different worksheets X marks the spot Treasure hunt In the attachment, you can also just download the pictures so you can create your own treasure hunt. I also had my son find x's along the way and then after he found his treasure we counted how many X's he found on his treasure hunt. X is for X-ray Find the X on the x-ray I had my son color in all the X's Identifying body parts on the x-rays.
Arrrrr you ready to earn your Pirate Name? Earn gold bullion by completing these PIRATE STEM challenges and receive a REAL pirate name. Through these six challenges your students will problem solve solutions and learn facts about pirates. Complete each STEM activity to become a PIRATE! Combining Science, Engineering and Coding NGSS and Australian Curriculum LINKS Color and Greyscale included Students can earn GOLD BULLION or a STAMP in their PIRATE BOOKLET by completing activities and reflection questions based on different challenges needed to be a pirate. 6 STEM CHALLENGE CARDS and a STUDENT PIRATE BOOKLET Pirate Hat Challenge Pirate Spyglass Challenge Pirate Weaponry Challenge Pirate Ship Challenge Pirate Flag Challenge Pirate Treasure Map Challenge Each challenges includes a Pirate fact STUDENT PIRATE BOOKLET Three challenge reflection questions One STAMP for completing the challenge One STAMP for answering reflection questions Full List of supplies Pirate Letter to give to students once they have earned their PIRATE NAME Map Template to use for making an unplugged coding map List of real and fictional pirate names Sheet of gold bullion printables ============================================================ You may also like: Binary Coding Unplugged Coding Unplugged BUNDLE ⇩ Follow my store ⇩ Follow me and get notifications of new products.
Explore the ocean with this fun list of ocean crafts for kids. There are ideas for sharks, jellyfish, whales, fish, and more, that kids will love to make.
Preschool science, curriculum, printables, crafts, homeschool, and education!
Have you ever wondered why some pennies are shiny and some are dull? It's not just dependent on how old the pennies are. Chemical reactions are responsible for the change in a penny's appearance over time. Kids will love trying their hand at the classic cleaning pennies science experiment to see if they can use a
Four supplies - five if your kids are artistic - are all it takes to make artificial fish swim. This was loads of fun, which is my favorite...
Floating boat kids science experiment with pennies for observation. Make DIY paper boat, lego boat, aluminium foil boat & float with coins stem activity.
This fizzing treasure rocks experiment is simple enough that the kids can make it themselves, plus it's a ton of fun! It's an easy science baking soda and vinegar experiment for kids you'll both love.
