Here at Hess UnAcademy, we believe that homeschooling should not only be fun, it should be EASY! And this awesome collection of unit studies for homeschool is a great place to dive into both fun AND easy learning adventures.
Unit studies make it easy to dive into a particular topic for an undetermined amount of time.
Sometimes unit studies make great additions to traditional homeschool curriculums. Other times unit studies provide families with a well-needed break or a fun learning day!
There are many homeschooling styles and methods out there, and each method works best for different families. If you are a family who follows the unit study method of homeschooling, or if you just enjoy dabbling in unit studies for homeschool lessons and topics here and there, then you’re in the right place.
Welcome to your one-stop-shop for all this regarding homeschool unit study lesson plans and activities!
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What Are Unit Studies?
In a nutshell, unit studies are a collection of lesson plans, learning activities, and other resources that all revolve around a central theme or topic. These unit studies can be used in conjunction with traditional homeschool curriculums or as stand-alone thematic units.
Many include worksheets or field trip suggestions and they tend to include multiple subjects such as math, reading, science, history, and so on. Some homeschooling families who follow the unit study approach use unit studies almost exclusively and others pick and choose based on holidays and current events.
How To Make Your Own Unit Study
Before we get into the made-for-you unit studies, let’s talk about making our own unit studies.
Many homeschoolers find it cost-effective and fun to make their own unit studies. Not everyone likes to make their own because this tends to be a time-consuming endeavor but if you don’t mind spending the extra time to customize your own homeschool unit study, then, by all means, go for it! Your kids will thank you.
Sometimes it can seem overwhelming to try and create your own unit study, so I am providing a unit study blueprint for you to use on your journey. Hopefully this blueprint gives you and your little learners the tools you need to design your ideal unit study.
This Unit Study Planner provides you with an easy-to-follow blueprint for creating your very own unit study. Use it as a brainstorming platform while you plan your lessons and activities.
And now, onto the premade unit study options, both free and paid. Enjoy!
The Best Free Unit Studies for Homeschoolers
Readers of Hess UnAcademy tend to have an interest in unit studies so we are diligently working on creating some unit study resources for you to download and enjoy in your homeschool.
I know homeschoolers tend to live and learn on a budget so while not everything on this site can be free, I try to offer free and affordable resources where I can. Here are some of our popular free unit studies for homeschoolers.
Frog Unit Study
With this free frog unit study, you can teach your kids about frogs! Learn about a frog’s life cycle, discover some fun facts about frogs, and enjoy some enrichment activities.
Click here to download your free Frog Unit Study!!
Recommended Resources For Your Frog Unit Study
Dandelion Unit Study Workbook
If you’re teaching your child about dandelions, flowers, or your own backyard, this free dandelion workbook would definitely work as a unit study.
Teach your kids about the life cycle of a dandelion as well as some dandelion facts, all while enjoying some themed art projects.
Recommended Resources For Your Dandelion Unit Study
Monarch Butterfly Life Cycle Study
This mini unit study revolve around the life cycle of the monarch butterfly. I say mini unit study because this 8-page study is much smaller than other unit studies on this page, but that’s okay! You don’t need huge and involved to be awesome.
In the course of this 8-page study, your kids will follow a monarch butterfly from egg to adult. You will learn what the monarch butterfly eats and how to tell the difference between a male and a female. And of course there are a couple of engaging activities that take your learning experience even further.
This study is geared towards ages 3-8 and is perfect for little ones. Follow up your study by raising some caterpillars of your own. Combining these lessons with hands-on gardening activities would be the perfect touch! Go get your free monarch butterfly life cycle study now!
Recommended Resources for a Butterfly Unit Study
Abraham Lincoln Unit Study
Upper elementary and middle school students will enjoy this Abraham Lincoln mini study. This free study includes 8 pages of facts, research, informational tidbits, research project ideas, and of course, a fun hands-on activity.
Learn about Abraham Lincoln and the important accomplishments he made in his life. Learn about his patent, his moral standards, and his influence over the Civil War. Grab your free Abraham Lincoln mini study now!
Recommended Resources For Your Abe Lincoln Unit Study
The Life of Helen Keller Study
If your kids are learning about famous and influential historical figures, have them take a look at this Life of Helen Keller study. It’s the perfect companion to any lesson on historical figureheads.
Sitting at 8 pages, this is a short and sweet study. You’ll get a quick overview of Helen Keller’s early life and how, with the help of Anne Sullivan, she overcame her struggles. Students will be able to document some of Helen’s famous accomplishments.
Then students will be able to see a list of brail syllabary. Be sure to ask the if they think learning brail would be a challenge or not!
Wrap your mini study up with a word search and you’ll be well on your way to further understanding the wonder that is Helen Keller. Go learn more about the free Helen Keller Unit Study.
Recommended Resources For Your Helen Keller Unit Study
Sloth Unit Study
If you think those super-slow South American (and Central American) mammals known as sloths are intriguing, you are going to love this miniature Sloth Unit Study. I say miniature because unlike some of my more in-depth unit studies, this one does not include a character-building success principle. However, that doesn’t mean your kids won’t learn anything.
This free sloth unit study still includes plenty of learning activities and educational adventures. Plus I recently added a HUGE selection of puzzles, games, and other activities to the end so this is really an involved study. And you get everything for free!
Explore the world of the sloth. Learn about his habitat, his eating habits, and how he has adapted over the years. Watch videos and view real-life sloths with a virtual trip to some zoos. End your studies with some fun sloth-friendly activities and coloring pages.
Sound good to you? Perfect! Take a look at the free Sloth Unit Study now!
Recommended Resources For Your Sloth Study
Sea Turtle Unit Study
If your kids like sea turtles, they are going to LOVE this sea turtles unit study. Inside you will find no less than 74 pages worth of sea turtle adventures!
This is actually considered a mini unit study because it does not include the typical Hess UnAcademy success principle for kids lesson. However, that does not mean this unit study is lacking by any means.
You’ll get to enjoy lessons, information, and fun facts about some amazing sea turtles. Learn about the life cycle of the sea turtle and answer some enriching follow-up questions.
End your study with some coloring pages, a word search, some colorful jigsaw puzzles, and a few themed mazes. And of course the themed writing prompt is lots of fun too. Your kids can pretend to be a sea turtle keeper for a day and write a few sentences or an entire essay about their experience!
Sound fun? We thought so too! Go grab your free sea turtle unit study now!
Recommended Resources For Your Sea Turtle Study
Wildlife Services Unit Study
One of the first unit studies we ever created was this free unit study about Wildlife Services. That was a long time ago and we have grown and learned a lot since then, but you will still find value in this printable.
Your kids can learn about the United States’ Wildlife Services and what they do for the wildlife in our area. They will study academic concepts, learn success principles, and enjoy hands-on activities and enrichment questions. And of course, there are suggestions for related field trips when you’re done with your lessons.
Recommended Resources For Your Wildlife Study
Scarecrow Unit Study
This scarecrow unit study is actually a miniature study in comparison to a lot of our others. But it’s a really fun way to include some learning activities in your schedule, particularly around Halloween and Autumn time.
Like all our other unit studies, this one includes academic concepts and success principles along with hands-on activities, enrichment questions, and of course field trip suggestions. All the research is done for you so all you need to do is download, print, and enjoy.
Recommended Resources For Your Scarecrow Study
Thanksgiving Unit Study Ideas
While I have not created a Thanksgiving Unit Study that you can just download print and enjoy, this article about The History of Thanksgiving includes some ideas for creating your own unit study. Go check it out to get some fun holiday-themed ideas!
Let me know if there are any specific topics you would like to see us cover! Leave a comment with your suggestion below and I will see what I can do. And be sure to check back often as we try to add new studies regularly.
Recommended Resources For Your Thanksgiving Unit Study
George Washington Unit Study
I’ve put together a handy guide here for creating your very own George Washington Unit Study. This simple guide walks you through setting up your own unit study and provides ideas and resources in the following subjects:
- History
- Reading/Writing
- Language Arts
- Math
- Science
- Arts and Crafts
- Field Trips
- Snacks
Most of these resources are free, especially if you forgo the themed costumes. Use this guide around Independence Day, President’s Day, or any other time your studying history and the Founding Fathers. Enjoy learning about George Washington with your kids! Go read your George Washington Unit Study guide now!
Recommended Resources For Your George Washington Unit Study
Dolphins Unit Study
Dolphins are such fun and fascinating creatures! Dive into a mini unit study all about dolphins with your kids today!
This mini unit study contains 15 pages. You will get research, information, fun facts, access to fun educational videos, instructions for fun and related games, a math activity, a critical thinking language arts activity, and so much more! All revolving around the amazing dolphin.
This study is geared towards ages 6-15.
Grab your free dolphins unit study now!
Recommended Resources For Your Dolphin Study
Herbivores, Omnivores, and Carnivores Unit Study
This mini unit study walks your kids through the wonders of herbivores, omnivores, and carnivores. At 10 pages long, this study is the perfect companion to any lesson on animals (of any kind) you are already enjoying.
Kids will learn about herbivores, omnivores, carnivores, frugivores, grainivores, folivores, and more! (Did you know there were so many ways to classify the way an animal eats?) They can complete the activities that encourage critical thinking and problem solving.
There is even a vocabulary review and a section for doing your own animal research project.
This study is geared towards elementary ages, but lower middle school kids are welcome to participate as well.
Grab your free herbivores, omnivores, and carnivores unit study now!
Recommended Resources For Your Herbivores, Omnivores, and Carnivores Unit Study
Symbols of Christmas Unit Study and Lesson Plan
Most people know about the traditional symbols of Christmas—the manger, the star, candy canes, and so on. But what do these symbols mean? And where did they come from?
In this unit study and lesson plan, we’ll take a look at the history and meaning behind some of the most famous Christmas symbols. We’ll also explore how these symbols can be used to teach children about the true meaning of Christmas.
So whether you’re looking for a fun family activity or an educational supplement to your homeschooling curriculum, this Symbols of Christmas unit study and lesson plan is just what you need!
Teach your kids about the symbols of Christmas with this free Symbols of Christmas unit study and lesson plan now!
Photosynthesis Unit Study
Have your kids ever wondered why leaves change colors? Teach your kids about photosynthesis with this free printable photosynthesis unit study and lesson plan!
Photosynthesis is one of those big, important words that you hear all the time, but what does it actually mean? In this unit study, we’ll take a closer look at photosynthesis and how it affects the changing of leaves.
So if you’re looking for a way to teach your elementary kid about this essential biological process, look no further!
The Best Paid Unit Studies for Homeschoolers
As with any good learning resource, not all unit studies can be free. There is a ton of time and energy that goes into creating a unit study for homeschoolers to enjoy, so in order to make it worth my time, I must charge for some.
These paid unit studies are our most in-depth options and are definitely worth your time and money.
Medieval Times Unit Study
I am no history buff but even I truly enjoy a good Camelot story. This unit study is not about Camelot per se, but it does go into depth on the history surrounding medieval times and medieval mythology.
Your kids will learn about dragons (this unit study has a strong focus on dragons), St. George the Dragon Slayer, the Knights of the Round table, and so much more! This unit study contains more than 43 pages worth of research, information, hands-on activities, lesson plans, worksheets, field trip ideas, and so on.
Like all of the Hess UnAcademy unit studies, this unit study also has a section that focuses on a related success principle. In this case, the success principle is chivalry and what it means to be a ‘good man’ and a ‘good person.’
Snag your Medieval Times Unit Study now and let the learning adventures begin!
Recommended Resources For Your Medieval Times Unit Study
Wildlife in the Gardens Unit Study
If your kids are into gardening, outdoor critters, and how we live and work together with nature, they are going to love this Wildlife in the Gardens unit study. This study contains no less than 55 pages of nature-themed learning fun that you will absolutely enjoy.
This unit study contains academic concepts, a character-building success principle, hands-on activities, follow up questions, taking it further activities and ideas, and SO much more! This study is highly involved and you are guaranteed to have a blast.
This Wildlife in the Gardens study is geared towards kids ages 4-14. You will find it in my shop for $9.
Recommended Resources For Your Wildlife in the Gardens Unit Study
Corn Maze Unit Study
This Corn Maze Unit Study is one I am quite proud of. It is a fun and unique topic that you are unlikely to find anyplace else. It brings a touch of education into an otherwise seemingly mundane time of year, while also including a whole lot of fun.
I spend weeks putting together this unit study for you (no joke) and I hope you find a lot of value in it! I have received a ton of positive feedback so I guess I did something right.
Like all the Hess UnAcademy unit studies, it includes research, academic concepts, success principles, hands-on activities, enrichment questions, field trip ideas, and so much more. You’ll get more than 35 pages in this collection so it’s definitely worth the value. Go get your Corn Maze Study here ($5).
Recommended Resources For Your Corn Maze Study
Solar System Unit Study
Solar system studies are very popular and are a whole lot of fun. I have my own unique solar system unit study for you to purchase and enjoy in your homeschool. It includes all the typical components of a Hess UnAcademy unit study (academic concepts, success principles, activities, etc etc) and I hope you find a lot of value in this study.
Buy your Solar System Unit Study here for $9. Or if you prefer to put together your own study, I’ve got an article on studying the solar system with kids and a bunch of ideas for projects. Use them as stand-alone ideas or in conjunction with any studies you purchase.
Again, if there is a specific topic or subject area of unit study you would like to see, please leave a comment with your suggestion below. We take all suggestions seriously and will do our best to serve you. We tend to make unit studies for elementary and middle school grade level students, but if we get a specific request, we are open to making one for high school level students.
Recommended Resources For Your Solar System Unit Study
Bats and Echolocation Mini Unit Study
Bats are fascinating creatures. They live in dark caves and crevices, have wings that span from a few inches wide to several feet, and they can fly up to 60 miles per hour! But what is most intriguing about bats is their ability to use echolocation.
Echolocation is the process of using sound waves to locate objects by interpreting reflected sound waves. In other words, it’s how bats know where things are without seeing them.
We’ve created a fun unit study on bats with lots of activities for kids 8-14.
Let your children learn all about this amazing animal while having fun at the same time! Go check out the Bats and Echolocation Unit Study now!
Recommended Resources For Your Bats Study
Tornadoes Mini Unit Study
If you’re planning to study tornadoes in your homeschool, you’re in luck! This mini Tornadoes unit study is just for you.
This unit study consists of 13 pages. Inside you will find facts, background information, research, activities, and more. This mini-unit study is the perfect companion for anybody who wants to learn more about weather, natural disasters, or tornadoes. Grab your Tornado Mini Unit Study now.
Hurricanes Mini Unit Study
On the topic of natural disasters, we also have this fun Hurricane Mini Unit Study. This miniature unit study comes with 10 pages. You will learn all about hurricanes and have fun while doing so!
This mini unit study even includes a make your own hurricane survival kit activity so you can be prepared if you’re ever caught in a hurricane. Grab your Hurricane Mini Unit Study now.
Recommended Resources For Your Tornados Unit Study
More Paid Unit Studies From Other Expert Homeschool Bloggers
It may surprise you to hear that I am not the only homeschool blogger on the internet and I am not the only person in the world who makes premade unit studies.
Take a look at some of these other awesome unit study options that are available from some of my homeschool blogging buddies.
United States Presidency
Learn about the United States Presidency with this fun online unit study. Kids will learn what it takes to become the president, what the president does, and even where the president lives. The United States Presidency unit study is only $8 from Techiehomeschoolmom.com.
Ancient Egypt
If your kids are looking to dive into the world of Ancient Egypt, this Ancient Egypt Unit Study is going to be a great resource. Only $24, this online unit study covers all kinds of topics including mummies, pyramids, Egyptian daily life, hieroglyphics, and more.
Stars
Kids who always have their heads in the clouds will love this Stars Online Unit Study. Only $8, this unit study takes kids through lessons on types of stars, constellations, and more. It’s fun and engaging for all star lovers.
Christmas Around the World
With this Christmas Around the World Unit Study, kids will learn about 10 different countries and their cultural Christmas traditions. This unit study is the perfect addition to any holiday learning adventure, and it’s only $24 at Techiehomeschoolmom.com.
All About the U.S. Elections
If you’re having a lesson on the U.S. Elections, the All About Elections Unit Study is sure to enhance your learning adventures. Learn all about America’s electron process through 9 engaging lessons. Only $24.
Famous Artists
Are you studying famous artists in your homeschool? Techiehomeschoolmom.com has two fun Famous Artists Unit Studies that walk your kids through many of history’s most famous and influential artists. Each version is only $24. Grab Famous Artists version 1 here and Famous Artists version 2 here.
More Online Unit Studies
If you like these online unit studies, you’re going to love the rest of the options from Techiehomeschoolmom.com. Here are just a few more unit study topics they have available:
- 4th of July
- Labor Day
- Ancient Greece
- Marie Curie
- Martin Luther King Jr.
- Famous Inventors
- Ancient Rome
- Memorial Day
- Easter
- Chinese New year
- Columbus Day
- And more!!
You can see the entire collection of online unit studies here. Enjoy and happy learning!