Craving Cookies?

Cookies are great to eat any time of the year, but the holiday season brings even more kinds of these delicious treats. And there are e-cookies as well, which might be less of a treat. Good food for thought.

CONNECT:

• Cookies are older than Christmas! The first ones date by to the 7^th century BC in Persia. Trace the history of cookies at http://whatscookingamerica.net/History/CookieHistory.htm
• On http://en.translatethings.com/c/o/o/cookie.html, you can translate “cookie” into 148 languages.
• What the chemistry of cookies at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6wpNhyreDE.
• How do cookies get on your computer? And what ARE computer cookies? Find out at http://www.wisegeek.org/what-are-computer-cookies.htm

CREATE:

• Here are kid-friendly cookie recipes for the holidays: http://www.bhg.com/christmas/cookies/christmas-cookies-for-kids/ and http://www.parents.com/recipes/holidays/christmas/12-kid-friendly-christmas-cookies/
• Try making cookies from different countries: http://globalcookies.blogspot.com/ and http://www.christmas-cookies.com/recipes/bycountry.php
• When is a cookie not a cookie? When it’s a craft (such as an ornament or house): create some fun at http://www.ivillage.ca/food/recipes/easy-christmas-cookies-kids-holiday-baking-crafts

CARE:

• Can cookies be healthy? Here are WebMD’s recommendations for healthier holiday cookies: http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/healthier-holiday-cookie-recipes
• Help the hungry. Donate food to a food bank this season. To find a book bank near you, go to http://www.feedingamerica.org/
• Learn ways to be a good cookie through the Cookies for Kids’ Cancer at http://www.cookiesforkidscancer.org/

CAREERS:

Wouldn’t it be great to make money from cookies? You could be a baker or a nutritionist, a seller or a party planner. Or you could become a computer programmer. Look at these possibilities:

https://collegegrad.com/careers/bakers

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-programmers.htm

http://careers.stateuniversity.com/pages/535/Party-Planner.html

Thanks for the Giving

Today is Thanksgiving. What is its history? What are its implications? Feast your eyes on these holiday activities. Gobble them up!

CONNECT:

Visit the first Thanksgiving virtual to discover the location and history of that famous event and time: http://www.scholastic.com/scholastic_thanksgiving/

How does a turkey get from the farm to your table? Trace the trip at http://www.history.com/topics/thanksgiving/history-of-thanksgiving/videos/american-eats-turkey-assembly-line?m=528e394da93ae&s=undefined&f=1&free=false

The History Channel also has a video about the technology behind the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade: http://www.history.com/topics/thanksgiving/history-of-thanksgiving/videos/thanksgiving-day-parade-tech

We often think of Thanksgiving as one event that is food-centric, but that wasn’t the case 100 years ago. Enjoy looking as these photographs of Thanksgiving maskers; you might be reminded of Halloween: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/11/25/vintage-thanksgiving-phot_n_6213806.html

CREATE:

The Thanksgiving meal isn’t just the turkey. Each state has its own food specialties: http://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/?_r=0. Maybe you can help prepare a family specialty.

While some folks are cooking and watching sports, kids can have fun with these Thanksgiving activities: http://familycrafts.about.com/od/thanksgiving/ (Note that some older folks might need to help youngsters).

Have fun telling Thanksgiving jokes and riddles: http://www.enchantedlearning.com/jokes/topics/thanksgiving.shtml

CARE:

How much did you family spend on the Thanksgiving meal? Use this infographic http://blogs.kqed.org/lowdown/2013/11/27/what-a-typical-thanksgiving-meal-costs-this-year/ to guide your calculations – and to compare costs for the last couple of years.

Did you know that the Pueblo people domesticated turkeys for their feathers – before thinking of them as food? You might care more for turkeys after viewing their history: http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/my-life-as-a-turkey-the-making-of-a-turkey/7376/

Try one of these easy Thanksgiving service projects for kids: http://www.suburbia-unwrapped.com/2014/09/easy-thanksgiving-service-project-kids.html

CAREERS:

There are lots of ways to “slice up” careers related to Thanksgiving: from historians and writers to travel, entertainment and social workers. And don’t forget all the people involved in the food industry from farmers to waiters.
Did you know that one in six people work on Thanksgiving? We can all thank them for for efforts. Here are some details: http://abc7chicago.com/careers/survey-16-pct-of-employees-work-on-thanksgiving/410403/

What does it mean to be a citizen?

November is election time, time to vote for individuals to represent you – and bills that improve your life. Voting is a right and a privilege for citizens. What are the citizen of? Today, you might be a digital citizen. Find out what it means to be a citizen in this global society.

CONNECT:

• Congress for Kids (http://www.congressforkids.net/) gives you access to interactive, fun-filled experiences designed to help you learn about the foundation of our federal government and how its actions affect you.
• You are a citizen of a country, but also have state’s rights. Find out about state government by seeing California’s state capitol museum at http://www.capitolmuseum.ca.gov/
• Tour the Angel Island immigration station and learn about what many Chinese and Japanese immigrants had to endure to become US citizens: http://aiisf.org/?page_id=5
• Did you know that it’s the Electoral College who elects the US President; technically, it’s not by popular vote? Find out about its procedures, policies, history and information on Presidential elections at http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/electoral-college/index.html

CREATE:

• iCivics teach kids about important civics topics: Citizenship and Participation, Separation of Powers, the Constitution and Bill of Rights, the Judicial Branch, the Executive Branch, the Legislative Branch and Budgeting. Sound boring? How about running for President? Passing new laws? It’s fun and games at https://www.icivics.org/
• One of the reasons for the American Revolution was lack of representation; Americans had little voice in the government but they were being taxed. Find out about the Boston Tea Party, and how this event by Boston citizens helped lead to the founding of the USA. Watch young people reinact this history-changing party at http://www.bostonteapartyship.com/
• Explore what it means to be a digital citizen at http://www.digizen.org/kids/
• The U.S. Department of Justice is adding a Kids Page where you can learn their department. Since this website is just for kids, the department wants K-12 kids to submit their ideas for the welcome page in a contest. You can draw, write, or use your computer. You can send entriies to the Department of Justice by mail or email. See https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles/kidspage.pdf for details.

CARE:

• The Center for Civic Education tries to help students develop (1) an increased understanding of the institutions of American constitutional democracy and the fundamental principles and values upon which they are founded, (2) the skills necessary to participate as effective and responsible citizens, and (3) the willingness to use democratic procedures for making decisions and managing conflict. Do you have a minute? Try their 60-second civics quiz and podcast at http://new.civiced.org/60-second-civics
• You can participate in elections even before being of voting age. Find out from PBS at http://pbskids.org/democracy/vote/
• Rock the Vote (http://www.rockthevote.org/) is dedicated to protecting freedom of speech, educating young people about the issues that affect us, and motivating young people to participate by registering, voting, and speaking out.
• One of the rights and responsibilities of citizens is to participate in the democratic political process. You can so this as part of the Endangered Species Coalition. Get active at http://www.endangered.org/

CAREERS:

Think about the jobs that are connected with citizenship, from helping people enter the country to teaching them how to become citizens to participating as a citizen through government service and leadership. Here are a few leads:

http://www.usa.gov/Citizen/Topics/Government-Jobs.shtml

http://www.wikihow.com/Prepare-for-a-Career-in-Politics

http://immigration.about.com/od/lifeintheus/a/ImmigrationJobs.htm

http://money.usnews.com/money/careers/articles/2008/10/23/7-best-nonpolitical-jobs-for-political-junkies

Trees are a Treat

In a recent Dr. Who episode, trees saved the planet.  In the TV show, they grew up overnight. While in real life, trees grow much more slowly, they still save planet Earth. (Notice how the word “plant” resembles “planet” ?). Explore these Internet websites – and save a tree in the process.

 

CONNECT:

·         4H Virtual Forest has fun and colorful information about forest. The site has several forest related sections such as photosynthesis, how to measure trees, how city building affects forests, tree harvesting, and much more. There are also fun videos to watch and games to play. http://www.sites.ext.vt.edu/virtualforest/
·         Learn all about how trees help make your world a better place. This site tells you what trees eat, why the leaves fall off in the fall, and more. http://www.inhs.illinois.edu/resources/tree_kit/student/
·         Pure maple syrup is made by concentrating the slightly sweet sap of the sugar maple tree. Learn how to harvest and process this tree food product at http://www.massmaple.org/how.php
·         Paper University explains about paper, papermaking, recycling, trees, forestry, careers, field trips, art and science activities using paper, history of paper, and other paper topics: http://www.tappi.org/paperu/welcome.htm

 

CREATE:

·         This is a fun and interactive site all about trees. You can create your own tree designs too. http://www.treetures.com/Meet1.htm
·         Why do leaves change color in the fall? Find the answer, and learn how plants prepare for winter. Also try three leaf-color science experiments at this website: http://www.sciencemadesimple.com/leaves.html
·         Check out trees first hand by hiking. http://www.pbs.org/parents/adventures-in-learning/2013/10/lets-learn-trees-video/ helps prepare you, and suggests fun activities along the way
·        Carved from mature cedar trees by the Native people of the Northwest Pacific coast, totem poles exemplify the region's Native American art forms. Try your own hand at designing one. http://users.imag.net/~sry.jkramer/nativetotems/default.html.

 

CARE:

·         What are reasons for planting a tree? What are the basics of tree planting, planting seedlings, and tree care? This website includes projects such as papermaking, a forest fundraiser, and tree adoption. http://www.ecokids.ca/pub/eco_info/topics/climate/tree_planting/
·         Find out how tree farming can help the environment: http://www.realtrees4kids.org/
·         Check out this website to learn all about real Christmas trees, how they are produced, and why you should consider using real Christmas trees for your holiday celebrations. http://www.christmastrees.on.ca/virtual-tree-farm/christmas-tree-history/25.html#
·         This is the official site for Arbor Day. You can learn all about this holiday and how you can help conserve trees and how to plant a tree of your own. There is also a tree identification guide. http://www.arborday.org/kids

 

CAREERS:

From growing trees to maintaining them, harvesting them, and making products from trees: all are tree-related careers. And you can also create art, music, and writing about trees. See how life-fulfilling they are?
http://www.urbanforest.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/Pages.Page/id/430
http://forestrycareers.org/
http://www.fs.fed.us/fsjobs/jobs_overview.shtml
http://forestry.about.com/od/forestryemployment/a/become_a_forester.htm
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/production/woodworkers.htm

 

Oktoberfest

Feast on the month of October.

 Connect:

Oktoberfest is a big German festival. Find out about its history and other things German at http://www.journey-to-germany.com/oktoberfest.html

Find out about Germany from the national Geographic Society at http://gogermany.about.com/od/citiesandregions/tp/Munich-For-Kids.htm

Learn some German  through games at http://www.german-games.net/
Get to know Germany through its food: http://www.globalgourmet.com/destinations/germany/#axzz1Kp7evGgR

 

Create:
Have fun with these Oktoberfest crafty activities: http://lifestyle.howstuffworks.com/crafts/seasonal/fall/oktoberfest-activities.htm
Plan your own family-friendly Oktoberfest party: http://entertaining.about.com/od/kidsparties/a/oktoberfestkids.htm
Play some Oktoberfest-inspired games: http://www.ehow.com/way_5251435_oktoberfest-games-kids.html
Plan a virtual trip to the Oktoberfest original city Munich: http://gogermany.about.com/od/citiesandregions/tp/Munich-For-Kids.htm

 Care:

One adult aspect of Oktoberfest is drinking beer. Drinking liquor is very unhealthy for youth; find out why at http://kidshealth.org/teen/drug_alcohol/alcohol/alcohol.html

The United States was concerned about the Berlin Wall, which divided the German people. Read about the President’s speech at http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/american_originals/kennedy.html.
Read about Anne Frank, who suffered under the German Nazis: http://www.annefrank.org/

 Careers:

Have you heard of seasonal jobs? Those are jobs that are short term, usually summer or Christmas time. Here is information about seasonal jobs:
http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/Clip/9852958/fox-29-business-expert-explain-seasonal-jobs

 

 

Kitchens are Cookin'

There’s a world to explore: in your kitchen!

Connect:

• Build your knowledge about kitchen machines at http://www.edheads.org/activities/simple-machines/frame_loader.htm
• Trace the history of kitchen appliances at http://inventors.about.com/od/kstartinventions/a/kitchen.htm
• See this infographic that traces the history of kitchen design at http://www.kitchencabinetkings.com/blog/history-of-kitchen-design/
• Discover the history of the kitchen stove at http://www.oldhouseonline.com/history-of-the-kitchen-stove/
• Eat up the history of pasta: http://oldwayspt.org/sites/default/files/Pasta%20for%20Children2012.pdf

 

Create:

• This site introduces kids to cooking with beginner tips and skills and tons of step-by-step video recipes: http://www.spatulatta.com/
• If you're hungry, grab your apron and get cooking! Making food yourself - with a little help from a parent - is a great way to learn about food and meal preparation. And this site has plenty of recipes for you to try - from pizza to pancakes! http://kidshealth.org/kid/recipes/index.html
• Play these kitchen clerning games: http://www.cleaning-games.net/kitchen-cleaning-games
• Test these food chemistry experiments: http://a2zhomeschooling.com/explore/chemistry_kids/food_chemistry_experiments/ and http://www.science-sparks.com/2013/04/27/kitchen-science-round-up/
• Cooking with children can be fun. Here are tools that every child chef needs: http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/kitchen-tools-kids

 

Care:

• What are developmentally appropriate kitchen chores for children? Find out at http://www.clean-organized-family-home.com/kitchen-chores.html#sthash.HWsnl1mO.dpbs
• Be safe in the kitchen by following the tips at http://kidshealth.org/kid/watch/house/safe_in_kitchen.html
• http://www.nutrition.gov/life-stages/children/kids-food-safety covers several aspects of good safety.
• Watch tips about knife safety for kids: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ICQL5H9qfY
• Kids can help with simple plumbing skills; find out at http://plumbernw.com/teaching-your-children-basic-plumbing-skills/.

 

Careers:

Look around you in the kitchen: food, appliances, utensils, furniture, interior design, cleaning. These items all lead to careers: agriculture, design, carpentry, manufacturing, services, sales, cookery, architecture,plumbing, electrical engineering.  Here are some starting websites:

http://www.pbs.org/food/tag/kitchen-careers/

http://education-portal.com/how_to_become_a_kitchen_designer.html

http://careerplanning.about.com/od/occupations/p/chef_cook.htm

http://www.careeroverview.com/home-appliance-repair-careers.html

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/home.htm