🎨 10 Themed Unit Studies We Loved (and How You Can Create Your Own)
One of the most magical parts of our Homeschool Harmony journey has been using themed unit studies. They allow us to dive deep into topics my kids are actually excited about, weaving together art, science, history, language, and nature in a way that feels alive—not boxed in.
Unit studies are how we bring joy, connection, and depth into our days. The best part? You can build them around almost anything your child is curious about.
If you want over 100+ themes for your homeschool grab ours HERE
Here are 10 themed unit studies we’ve loved throughout the years—and tips to help you create your own.
🌋 1. Volcanoes & Earth Science
We explored tectonic plates, the rock cycle, and made DIY volcano eruptions using baking soda and vinegar.
Activities:
Build a volcano model
Watch National Geographic Kids videos
Make a “layers of the Earth” clay craft
🐝 2. Bees & Pollinators
We studied the bee life cycle, pollination, and how important bees are to our food system.
Activities:
Visit a local garden or apiary
Taste different types of honey
Make beeswax candles
🌊 3. Ocean Life
We took a deep dive into marine animals, ecosystems, and conservation.
Activities:
Ocean sensory bin for my toddler
Watch “Octonauts” + documentaries
Create an ocean mural
🐴 4. Horses
My 9-year-old was obsessed, so we followed her lead. (Now it’s dinosaurs)
Activities:
Learn horse anatomy and breeds
Practice horse-related spelling and vocabulary
Field trip to a local stable
🧘🏽♀️ 5. Mindfulness & Emotions
This one was a family favorite!
Activities:
Make emotion wheels and calm-down bottles
Learn simple breathing techniques
Read books like The Color Monster
🍃 6. Herbs & Plant Medicine
We explored herbs we grow and use, connecting health to nature.
Activities:
Make tea blends and healing salves
Label plant drawings in a nature journal
Create an herbal field guide
🏕 7. Camping & Survival Skills
This was a practical and fun way to learn outdoor life skills.
Activities:
Build a shelter with sticks and a tarp
Learn fire safety (and make s’mores!)
Create a packing list together
🎶 8. Music Around the World
We explored global cultures through sound.
Activities:
Listen to and dance to different world music
Make simple instruments like shakers or drums
Learn about composers and rhythms
🐾 9. Animal Tracks & Wildlife
We spent time in nature looking for signs of animals and learning about their habitats.
Activities:
Use clay to make animal footprint stamps
Read field guides and create our own “wildlife journals”
Go on a real or pretend animal tracking adventure
🪐 10. Outer Space
We explored planets, the solar system, and constellations.
Activities:
Build a solar system mobile
Watch space launches or space-themed movies
Stargaze and learn about constellations
✨ How to Create Your Own Unit Study
It’s easier than you think—and doesn’t need to be Pinterest-perfect. Here’s a simple flow:
1. Follow the Spark
Ask: What is my child curious about right now? What lights them up?
(Animals? Dinosaurs? Crystals? Weather? Dance? Let that be the starting point.)
2. Choose Core Areas to Integrate
Once you have a theme, weave in:
📚 Reading: books, audiobooks, articles
✍️ Writing: journaling, labeling, stories
🔢 Math: measuring, counting, budgeting, graphs
🧪 Science: experiments, nature studies, documentaries
🎨 Art & Music: themed crafts, music, and performances
3. Use What You Have
Library books, YouTube videos, nature, crafts, recipes, and curiosity are enough. You don’t need a fancy curriculum!
4. Keep It Flexible
Some unit studies last a week, others unfold over a month. Let it evolve. It’s okay to pause or pivot.
Unit studies have brought so much joy, depth, and togetherness into our homeschool. They’ve allowed my kids to lead, explore, and truly fall in love with learning.
Whether you’re deep-diving into dinosaurs or making tea from herbs you’ve grown, remember: your homeschool doesn’t need to look like school…
it just needs to look like you.
Have you tried a unit study yet?
What’s been your favorite theme so far? Share in the comments or tag me @HomeschoolHarmony_ on Instagram—I’d love to see what your family is exploring!