Stand Up for Muscles!

 

You couldn’t stand up without muscles; bones are not enough. And not all muscles are created equal. Build some brain muscles (figuratively, because there are no muscles in the brain) with the following online activities.

 

CONNECT:

• Watch the muscular system at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Emox3Uo01C0
• Get more facts about muscles at https://www.coolkidfacts.com/muscle-facts/ ;  older kids can get more details at https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/muscles.html
• How do snails and cockroaches move with their muscles? See the answer at  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGrIRUUaxzI

 

CREATE:

• Use your animal muscles by walking 10 different ways at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14BjRxE7f1o&t=48s
• Name that muscle – and exercise – at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypgzYzJbm14
• Get scientific with these muscle experiments: https://learning-center.homesciencetools.com/article/muscles-science-projects-for-elementary/

 

CARE:

• Try these strengthening exercises for kids and teens: https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=strengthening-exercises-for-kids-1-4804
• But don’t strain your muscles! Find out the amount and types of physical activity recommendations by a child’s age at https://www.cdc.gov/physical-activity-basics/guidelines/children.html
• Get tips on preventing muscle cramps at https://www.choa.org/parent-resources/sports-medicine/how-to-prevent-muscle-cramps-in-kids

 

CAREERS:

Thinking about muscling into a career that involves muscles? Here are several career connections to muscles: https://wtcs.pressbooks.pub/anatphys/chapter/7-7-career-connections-related-to-the-muscular-system/

• https://www.choosept.com/video/pediatric-physical-therapy
• Kinesiologist careers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TWxlIPo4Vk

Weaving It All Together

The world might fall apart if weaving didn’t exist. Weaving is largely a human endeavor, especially when it creates a recognizable pattern. Let your thoughts weave together in doing these online activities about weaving.

 

CONNECT:

• Get the facts about weaving at https://kids.kiddle.co/Weaving
• See a brief history of weaving at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bq58FAhuhxM
• See a simple hand weaving process at https://www.youtube.com/shorts/WrMpPZ9GPHw
• Watch how a basket is handwoven at https://www.youtube.com/shorts/UEo6F_wZFt0
• See the machinery involved in an industrial loom at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7vy-wrP1SQ
• For more advanced information: read about Navajo weaving at https://kids.kiddle.co/Navajo_weavingwhy

 

CREATE:

• Weave a fish by following the visual directions at https://www.youtube.com/shorts/1hqt2MMPJ5c
• Weave a rainbow; see how at https://www.youtube.com/shorts/G3LKt_HWuJY
• Use your fingers to weave, as shown at https://www.youtube.com/shorts/KPUmCkHmn_o

 

CARE:

• You can use a weaving technique to fix a hole in a sock (it’s called darning) by following the directions at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pdDY4dLKdo
• See how to stop your fabric from fraying at https://www.tiktok.com/@vikasspace/video/7259130558888938779?lang=en
• Get tips for taking care of woven baskets at https://www.wickerwoman.com/articles/basket-care#:~:text=Keep%20Baskets%20out%20of%20Sunlight,stains%2C%20mold%2C%20and%20mildew.

 

CAREERS:

You can weave a good career by weaving, whether it is with hair, baskets, fabric, furniture, rungs, even industrial conveyor belts. You can do it by hand or by machine—or you could teach weaving. It’s your choice! Here are some examples:

• https://careers.acteonline.org/career/weaving-instructor#:~:text=Weaving%20Instructor%20Career%20Paths,publishing%20instructional%20materials%20and%20guides.
• Colonial basket weaver: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLNfZJD06uQ
• OR you can be an underwater basket weaver: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VumIcyGUyJ0

Fall for Fall

Fall for Fall

It’s the time when there’s more nighttime light than sunlight in the northern hemisphere (the southern hemisphere has the same properties, but it occurs six months different). Discover what makes fall/autumn special with these online activities.

 

CONNECT:

• Watch the signs of autumn at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4pjJ70nC8E
• Why do leaves change color in the fall? See the answer at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4pjJ70nC8E
• Get the facts – 50 of them! – about autumn at https://wellbeingswithalysia.com/kids-autumn-facts/
• Find out how harvest festivals are celebrated around that world at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1DPPcBzG6M

 

CREATE:

• Explore autumn outdoors with these fun activities: https://www.famly.co/blog/10-outdoor-activities-to-try-this-autumn
• Experiment with leaves at https://learning-center.homesciencetools.com/article/fall-leaf-science-projects/
• Cook your way through autumn with these kid-friendly recipes: https://www.kids-cooking-activities.com/autumn-cooking-activities.html

 

CARE:

• Keep safe this autumn by following these practices: https://childsafetystore.com/blogs/news/autumn-safety-tips-for-kids#:~:text=Staying%20Safe%20in%20the%20Dark,to%20be%20safe%20than%20sorry.
• Warm up your family coziness by creating a new autumn tradition; here are some ones to consider: https://frayedpassport.com/crafts-cultures-autumn-traditions-harvest-festivals-from-around-the-globe/
• For parents: try this tips for keeping your child healthy this fall: https://annaleemd.com/2023/10/keeping-your-kids-healthy-and-happy-during-fall-tips-for-parents/#:~:text=1.,**Emphasize%20Good%20Hygiene:**

CAREERS:

Is your favorite season autumn? Do you wish it stayed all year round? Maybe autumn can be part of a lifelong career for you: as a scientist, a forest ranger, a cook, a designer, a gardener, an event planner, a farmer, a manufacturer, a sales person, or a photographer. Here is a sampling of opportunities; don’t leave a leaf unturned. (And autumn is the best season for job hunting.)

• https://sunday-dreamers.com/dream-jobs-for-people-who-love-autumn/
• Costume designer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GsGakw1Zsik
• A day in the life of an event planner: https://www.tiktok.com/@forbesfunctions/video/7230963600813477166
• Fall farmers’ market https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzLgMtWxct8

 

 

 

 

Good for you: Food!

 

Of course you need food to live, but some food is better for you than others – and the right mix of food can help keep you healthy. Get the inside scoop on the nutrition of food with these online activities.

 

COMMENT:

• What is nutrition? and why is it important? Get the answers at https://youtu.be/VpfYP2NtHfs
• A good place to start is a good plate. See the US Department of Agriculture’s recommendations for healthy eating at https://www.myplate.gov/life-stages/kids
• Family dentists are sharing 10 fun food facts for kids at https://wemakekidssmile.net/10-fun-food-facts-for-kids/
• Become a healthy superhero by watching Captain Create at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA9UUVYEagSVjyzf8enp9gQ/videos

 

CREATE:

• Make dining decisions a game at https://www.cdc.gov/school-nutrition/dining-decisions/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/bam/mobileapp.html
• Try the snack shack challenge at https://www.fda.gov/food/nutrition-education-resources-materials/whyville-snack-shack-games
• Take the Vitamin C challenge at https://aglab.ars.usda.gov/let-s-get-to-work/the-vitamin-c-challenge
• Are you 10 or older? Then you can help protect the community from food-based illness by playing https://outbreaksquad.com/index.html

 

CARE:

• Learn how to read a nutrition facts label at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylY0w04AAVk&ab_channel=DrSmarty; parents can use the information at https://www.fda.gov/food/nutrition-facts-label/how-understand-and-use-nutrition-facts-label to help plan nutritional family meals.
• What is a food allergy? See the answer at https://youtu.be/CnxzZXjbddk
• Girls only! Get girl-only nutrition tips at https://girlshealth.gov/nutrition/index.html
• Become a diet detective at https://health.choc.org/how-to-become-a-diet-detective-some-trends-may-be-harmful-to-kids/
• For parents: Build a healthy diet for your children, based on the Mayo Clinic’s guidelines at https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/childrens-health/in-depth/nutrition-for-kids/art-20049335

 

CAREERS:

Does good food sound good to you as a career? You could be a nutritionist, a dietician, a scientist, a healthcare professional, a cook or chef, a farmer, a teacher --- there are many ways to you can make a nutritional living. Here is a sampling of opportunities, so treat yourself.

• https://nutrition.org/careers/career-pathways-in-nutrition/
• https://www.eatright.org/health/wellness/healthful-habits/what-a-registered-dietitian-nutritionist-can-do-for-you
• Farmer markets https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7ZaVZpFSMM&t=51s&ab_channel=NationalAgriculturalLibrary
• Follow the nutrition story map about feeding a growing population at https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/6f92b5c2e3754eb3b449a96580605d98

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dog Days

 

Sometimes August is known as “dog days.” But dogs can be great companions all year round; a third of the world’s households have a dog. Be dogged in exploring the following online activities about dogs.

CONNECT:

• Check out ten amazing facts about dogs at https://www.natgeokids.com/au/discover/animals/general-animals/dog-facts/
• Find out about dog breeds from different countries at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xO47V5i2NXQ&ab_channel=Novakid
• Discover the history of dogs at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzz-2I6ne3A&ab_channel=AKidExplainsHistory 

CREATE:

• Get crafty with dogs at https://diycandy.com/dog-crafts/
• Do you have a dog? Here are some fun activities to do with your dog: https://www.akc.org/public-education/fun-home-activities-dogs-kids/
• Plan a puppy-themed party with fun games; see ideas at https://diycandy.com/dog-crafts/

CARE:

• Watch this video about the best kinds of dogs for children at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=baSpB5SxLhw&ab_channel=RobertCabral
• Sesame Street explains service dogs at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXTX88WKHaE&ab_channel=SesameStreet
• Try these fun activities to keep your dog and you healthy: https://www.daltonanimalcare.com/blog/escape-summertime-boredom-with-these-5-activities-for-kids-and-dogs/
• Dogs may bite sometimes, so here are ways to treat those bites: https://www.webmd.com/pets/dogs/dog-bites
• Find out about guide dogs for the blind at https://www.guidedogs.com/

CAREERS:

Are you dogged in your pursuit of a career with dogs? You could be a breeder, a dog walker, a dog groomer,  a dog trainer, a pet store owner, a veterinarian, a scientist, a historian, a photographer, a police officer, an artist, and, of course, a dog owner. Explore some of the possibilities here.

• Kids’ view of becoming a dog trainer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sF6w03Lqzeg&ab_channel=LittleBoat
• 15 exciting jobs that let you work with dogs: https://wearwagrepeat.com/best-jobs-dog-lovers/#:~:text=Find%20The%20Career%20You%20Want,Pet%20Business%20in%2030%20Days!
• AND 15 unique jobs for working dogs: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/working-dogs-jobs-for-dogs/#:~:text=We%20all%20know%20about%20some,15%20unique%20jobs%20for%20dogs.

 

 

Clowning Around

 

Clowns can be hilarious, silly, obnoxious, but they almost touch our feelings. And clowns have been around for centuries. There’s more to clowns than their make-up or dress, so reveal the inner clown with these online activities.

 

CONNECT:

• Explore clown facts at https://kids.kiddle.co/Clown
• Watch a short history of clowns at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIb7tnP755Q . For older youth, check out clown history (and the reason why clowns can seem scary) at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWFgt0n6WGM
• International Clown Week is celebrated the first week in August, and National Clown Day is held the Saturday of that week. Get the basics at https://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/august/clown-day-week.htm  For  more details, go to https://impactful.ninja/international-clown-week/

 

CREATE:

• Primary kids will enjoy the clown activities at https://childcarelounge.com/pages/clowns-and-circus-theme-and-activities?srsltid=AfmBOorxzMc6vjC1yOLVVd3iX5amqS9cVbquvhp-zSqtdKwrrVINIOiD
• Create a clown routine by following the directions at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vGrxXeq5po
• Have fun creating and carrying out your own clown party; see ideas at https://www.realizinghome.com/clown-themed-childrens-party/

 

CARE:

• Can clowning be a service? That’s what Clowns without borders do. Learn about them at https://clownswithoutborders.org/
• Another clown group that gives service is Caring Clowns international. You can get involved too at https://www.caringclownsinternational.org/get-involved/
• Patch Adams was a real doctor who clowned with children in hospitals to bring them joy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsiaWTRTAos Read his biography at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patch_Adams

 

CAREERS:

Are you a class clown? Do YOU want to be a clown - and get paid? Or have a career that involves clowns? It might be with a circus, on TV, or even in a hospital. You could make the world a happier place, as these insights into clown-related careers.  

• https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/clown/
• https://www.clownsinternational.com/
• A day in the life of a rodeo clown https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8P4O17wWUgQ

Soar with Butterflies (and Moths)

 

Butterflies and moths are winged insects, but probably are considered the beauty queens and kings of that species. Fortunately, these winged beauties can be found around the world – and in these online activities. Follow them here.

 

CONNECT:

• Watch the details about butterflies at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unGHaH7CtBA
• See 50 kinds of butterflies (and their names) at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nGL9DE4rt4
• Find differences between butterflies and moths at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iblveeTDkXQ

 

CREATE:

• Make a trivia game by using 30 fun facts about butterflies, found at https://www.teachstarter.com/us/blog/butterfly-facts-for-kids/
• Let your imagination soar by trying these easy butterfly crafts at https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/blog/2023/07/10-easy-butterfly-crafts-for-kids/
• Try these wild (spaces) butterfly lessons at https://butterfly-conservation.org/discover-and-learn/activities-and-resources

 

CARE:

• Help save the butterflies in partnership with the North American Butterfly Association at https://naba.org/
• Join the International Monarch Monitoring Blitz July 25 to August 3 at https://www.cec.org/newsletter/2025-international-monarch-monitoring-blitz/
• Help create wild spaces for butterflies at https://wild-spaces.co.uk/

 

CONNECT:

Do butterflies make your heart flutter? There may be a career it in for you: as a scientist, an artist, a photographer, an educator, a collector, a museum curator. May your career soar with these ideas.

• Careers in entomology: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNHHKnWZ8hg
• Butterfly raiser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nsnIK9nfyPs
• https://www.ucdavis.edu/majors/blog/what-can-you-do-with-an-entomology-degree