50 DIY Projects for teaching Social Studies

These 50 DIY projects can breathe new life into Social Studies lessons. We think of DIY for the house and maybe even for classroom decor (the popular crate seats and teacher toolkits come to mind!), but we rarely think of it for our lessons. Kids love DIY! Whether you are learning about ancient civilizations or studying the Civil War there are so many ideas just waiting for you on pinterest. The problem is that many of them aren't tagged to come up in a search for teaching materials on that particular subject or they are hard to find in the search results. I'll give you some search tips, ideas for implementing DIY in your lessons and a huge list of DIY projects to get you started. 

Searching for DIY projects for Social Studies lessons

When you search for ideas on pinterest you want it to be as exact as possible. My Social Studies curriculum for 3rd grade consists of learning about famous people in American history. I LOVE these lessons! I'm a bit of a history geek and enjoy watching shows like Genealogy Roadshow just so I can pick up some tidbits of history. If I search for a person in my curriculum by name or for teaching ideas ("Benjamin Franklin", "teaching Benjamin Franklin", "classroom ideas Benjamin Franklin") I will get tons of search results and it will be very hard to find any hands-on DIY projects for my students. Instead, I brainstorm a list of things related to that person. I especially like to find ideas that are related to the objectives and the main learning targets for that lesson. The picture above shows some ideas of things that are related to Benjamin Franklin. This gives me more specific search terms. I can search for these terms with or without the topic (Benjamin Franklin). So, some searches I would use based on the above chart are:

"Benjamin Franklin printer"

"Benjamin Franklin kite"

"diy glasses"

"diy printing"

"kite craft"

If you don't see good search results within the first several rows of a search, then try a different set of search terms.

Ideas for implementing DIY in the classroom

Another obstacle for DIY can be the implementation. Arts and crafts can get messy! Also, they need to learn the skills to do these types of projects. They often need help with learning how to do fine motor skills like folding paper precisely or cutting neatly. Of course, they often need even more practice with listening carefully and following directions! Through DIY, they can build these skills. It's always good to start with easy projects. Make the project ahead of time so you know the skills required and they have a sample. If you think it will require you to help many of the students then work in small groups. It could be part of the daily rotations for a small group to come and work on a project with you. As they become more skilled, give them greater responsibilities. They can figure out how many supplies are needed for the whole class (build math skills). If you don't have supplies, perhaps the parents could bring in what is needed for a project. Let the students divide the supply list and write the letters to parents requesting items. Clearly tell the students your expectation for each project. Are you looking for creativity? neatness? completed project? Follow the advice of Ben Franklin and plan, plan, plan!

50 DIY Projects for Teaching Social Studies
And now for the list! I've already shared some ideas on how to search for projects, so if your particular lesson isn't on this list you can probably still find some projects. Just put those search skills to work!

1. make a compass  (explorers)
2. age a map (explorers)
3. flower press (explorers, Lewis & Clark)
4. spaghetti geography (geography)
5. DIY lanterns from milk cartons (Paul Revere)
6. firework salt painting (Francis Scott Key)
7. spy cipher (Nathan Hale)
8. pipe cleaner bifocals (Benjamin Franklin)
9. stained glass kites (Benjamin Franklin)
10. cereal box frame to display a quotation (Benjamin Franklin)
11. penny spinners (Abraham Lincoln)
12. oatmeal container top hat (Abraham Lincoln)
13. make butter (Pilgrims)
14. story bead bracelet (Pilgrims)
15. Jamestown fort replica (early settlements, Jamestown)
16. wig (early settlements, 13 colonies, George Washington)
17. using M & M's to teach taxes (Revolutionary War)
18. hardtack (Pilgrims - Pioneers, Civil War)
19. rock candy (Civil War)
20. handkerchief dolls (Civil War)
21. Hopping John (Civil War)
22. quill pen (could be used in many lessons, Civil War)
23. mini Civil War cannon (Civil War)
24. buzz saw pioneer toy (pioneers)
25. covered wagon (pioneers)
26. cornhusk dolls (Native Americans)
27. storytelling stones (Native Americans)
28. totem poles (Native Americans)
29. dream catchers (Native Americans)
30. bear skins (Native Americans)
31. basket weaving & weaving natural materials (Native Americans)
32. constellation cards (underground railroad, Harriet Tubman, African Americans)
33. Great States plates projects (United States)
34. Liberty Bell (US monuments)
35. polling booth (have a Pepsi vs. Coke election) (US government)
36. potsherds (ancient civilizations)
37. Egyptian canopic jars with pringle cans (ancient civilizations, Egypt)
38. Tutankhamun hats (ancient civilizations, Egypt)
39. DIY cartouche with shrinky dink or clay (ancient civilizations, Egypt)
40. Egyptian snake bracelet & cuff bracelet (ancient civilizations, Rome)
41. wax tablet (ancient civilizations, Rome)
42. DIY urn (ancient civilizations, Greece)
43. olive headpiece (ancient civilizations, Greece)
44. DIY Clepsydra - ancient Greek water clock (ancient civilizations, Greece)
45. DIY Faberge eggs (world cultures, Russia)
46. Chinese drum (world cultures, China)
47. Chinese dragon puppet (world cultures, China)
48. lantern (world cultures, Japan)
49. dala horse (world cultures, Sweden)
50. African necklace (world cultures, Africa)

Pin this post so you can find this list when you need it! Just hover over the image below to add it to your pinterest account.

Thanks for reading! Follow me at teachertreasurehunter.com for more teaching ideas. I'm planning on doing a series of posts like this with ideas for other subjects. It will be a fun way to get new ideas during the summer!

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DIY: Creating No-Sew Curtains

If you're looking for a way to spruce up your classroom, office, or even a room in your home - I have the perfect DIY project for you. It's easy, inexpensive, and best of all? It requires no sewing!

Curtain rods 
I used spring mounted rods since I am not allowed to make holes in the walls at school. Be sure you measure your windows as they sell several different sizes - something I had to learn the hard way...
Fabric scraps, ribbons, lace, etc. 
Back in the day I used to do a lot of quilting, so I have a lot of scraps of fabric in my storage closet, but you can also purchase fat quarters or even miscellaneous bits of fabric at your local craft store.
Scissors
Fabric scissors are the best, but you could also use pinking shears or regular scissors as long as they are sharp enough to cut the fabric.
Ruler
Anything that measures in inches will work, but honestly you could "eyeball it" in a pinch.

Cutting board and rotary cutter
As I mentioned before, I have a lot of leftover supplies from my quilting days, so I used these instead of scissors. I found it to be faster, but it's totally optional.

Use the ruler to measure and mark the fabric at 2-inch increments. (I found that 2-inch wide strips make for a nice curtain or valance. You might experiment with different widths or even use various widths to add interest.) If you are using ribbon or lace, you can skip this part.

After cutting your fabric into 2-inch wide strips, determine the desired length of your curtains. For me, I wanted some light to still come through the bottom of my windows, so I made my strips 43-45 inches long. Really, I was using scraps and I just figured whatever width I had was good enough. BUT, it's important to remember that you'll need TWICE the length (plus a couple inches) since each strip will be tied in the middle, giving you two hanging parts.

You might want to create a pattern of some sort or you may prefer a more random approach. My poor OCD mind couldn't handle too much "random", so I chose to follow the color order of the rainbow. My classroom already has a lot of red, so I swapped pink for red in my pattern and included several shades of some colors.

Once you've determined the order you want your fabric strips, begin tying them to the curtain rod. Since my windows are super high and I never really touch the curtains, I didn't knot the fabric strips. I just tied them once. This held the fabric in place without adding too much bulk. I liked the look, but I have seen it done several ways and you might prefer the knotted look. Go ahead and experiment. That's half the fun!

As you tie the fabric to the curtain rod, squish the tied pieces together to create a fuller curtain. Spread them out if you prefer a less puffy look. Once you're happy with the look, continue tying fabric strips to the curtain rod until it is completely full.

What are you waiting for?!? You're done. That's it. Nothing more. Just hang those cheerful curtains up in the window or door frame and enjoy your perfectly amazing work! In fact, take a picture and post it to Instagram. Tag me @iteachstem so I can see your version of these super easy curtains!

I have two windows and a back door, so I made three sets of these curtains so everything would be matchy-matchy, just the way I like it!

And...
I loved making these so much that I ended up creating a table skirt for the ceramic art studio my hubby and I own to hide the clutter of boxes and bubble wrap and unfinished pieces. They are so cute and WAY easy. I just tied the fabric strips to wooden dowel rods and used command hooks to attach them to the table! I'm in love!

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DIY Paint Can Back to School Survival Kit

With Back to School just around the corner, why not get an early start and do a fun, little DIY project? We've all seen those Back to School Survival Kits that you can make to give to teachers, but this unique kit is sure to grab some attention.  First of all, who knew you could buy brand-new, empty paint cans? When I discovered this, I just knew I had the perfect use for one of those shiny pails. Just look at this oh-so-inviting Back to School Survival Kit!

Here is what you need:

• A new, unused, empty paint can (I bought mine at my local Home Depot).
• Candy, school supplies, treats.  I included bubble gum, band aids, crayons, glue stick, travel size kleenex, life savers, paper clips, index cards, post-it notes, Milky Way, Jolly Ranchers, Nutter Butters, pencils, pencil sharpener, and erasers.
• Colorful ribbon
• Label for the outside
• Note to teacher with a list of contents and their meanings for the inside

 Assembling your kit is quite simple, once you have gathered your supplies! First cut out the paint can label and the Note to Teacher. You can create your own, or feel free to download the FREE labels as shown in the photo.

Next, start packing the items into the paint can. 

At first glance, it looks like you won't be able to fit everything in the can. With some careful packing, though, it can be done.  Just be sure NOT to forget your list of contents and their meanings in the can before it gets too full! 

Once your can is filled, add your Back to School Survival Kit label.  Glue the label to the front of the paint can.

Once the label is neatly in place on your can, add some colorful ribbon. I chose some spare red ribbon I had left over from another project.  I think it is perfect!

Now, the fun part: Give your Back to School Survival Kit to a lucky teacher! I can assure you that everyone will ask where it came from! Isn't it adorable? 

To download the FREE Back to School Survival Kit packet, click HERE.

Thanks so much for visiting!  I'd love to connect with you on my Facebook page, Appletastic: Blossoming in Fifth Grade!

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DIY Reading Game

Are you looking for a quick and easy way to engage your students? I put together this quick game, which can be used in many ways and easily differentiated for many different skills and levels. Using a dishwasher tablet container, green duck tape, and some construction paper, I whipped up this little "CHOMP" game. You could call yours whatever you see fit. Now comes the fun part, you can put skills you want your students to work with on cards and put them inside! Make sure a few of the cards say CHOMP on them, when the student draws that card, they have to put all of their cards back in. The object of the game is just to collect as many cards as possible.  

I have to admit that when I saw this container, I instantly started thinking of ways that I could make it into an alligator for my students, and then I started trying to figure out what kind of game I could use it for to keep them engaged in their learning.  Once the dishwasher tablets were gone (many moons later), I got right to work making it into an alligator. Now, I have to tell you that I have also searched this on Pinterest and there are MANY other teachers that had the same idea. I'm not claiming this as my original idea by any means because I'm sure that most primary teachers (or mothers of toddlers) would easily be able to see that this would make a great alligator! Today, I'm sharing how I made mine and the quick games that I use it for.

Like I mentioned, I started out with an empty dishwasher detergent container and green duck tape, but you could just tape or glue green paper around the container if you wanted. Then, I used construction paper to make the eyes and nostrils for the alligator/crocodile. I figured that if the kids tore up the construction paper, it's pretty easy to make another set and glue it on. Also, you will probably be able to cut out better circles than I did!

Next, just use paper or index cards to put skills inside that you would like your students to practice. You can easily have multiple bags or envelopes of cards with the game and different groups of students can use the cards that they need to work on, then put them back in the bag when finished. Instant differentiation!

To play, students take turns reaching in and drawing a card out. Each student reads the card or answers the question. If it's correct, they keep it. If incorrect, they put the card back in.  If they draw a CHOMP card, they have to put ALL of their cards that they have back in. The person with the most cards at the end of the game (when this center/station is over), would be the winner.

Instead of a total DIY,  I have created some cards already for my preschoolers at home, along with some for my 2nd graders that I teach! Click on the picture below for a link to those!

I'd love to hear what skills you decide to add to your DIY Chomp game!

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