Are Fairies Flighty?

 Fairies are fantasy creatures, and come in several varieties.  Over the centuries and across cultures, people have believed in them. Explore the following activities,  and you may find a fairy garden or two.

 

CONNECT:

• Watch the world of fairies at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQh1MLGyMW4
• Discover the who’s who of fairies at https://www.factmonster.com/culture-entertainment/mythology-folklore/fairies
• Read about the origin of some famous fairies at https://teetot.com/blogs/teetotblog/5-facts-about-the-history-and-origins-of-fairies

 

CREATE:

• Fairy bread is a popular Australian snack – and easy to make! Here’s how: https://www.playpartyplan.com/fairy-bread/
• Get creative with fairs with these whimsical crafts to do: https://www.parentmap.com/article/creative-diy-fairy-crafts-kids
• Create a fairy-themed trivia game based on 36 facts about fairies at https://www.griproom.com/fun/36-facts-about-faeries

 

CARE:

• wing the directions at https://laughingkidslearn.com/fairy-mud-for-outdoor-and-sensory-play/
• Sometimes you can’t believe your eyes, even about fairies. Individuals have tried to trick others into believing in fairies by producing faked photographs. Here’s the most popular true story about this deception: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fki-ELK3G5g  The moral of this story is to take care when looking at photos to examine them closely to see if they are real.
• Generative AI makes discernment even more challenging and important, so use these tips to be careful at images: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEhogS_yayY

 

CAREERS:

Do you have flights of fancy and fairies? There’s a job for you: as a storyteller, writer, anthropologist, costumer, party planner, actor, artist, jeweler and more. Sprinkle some dairy dust on your career.

• Interview a fantasy children’s author at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyFaunEL2SU
• https://cfs.osu.edu/about/resources/careers
• See how a fantasy artist works at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9gJyyLqrAE
• Even photographer! https://enchanted-fairies.com/?location=mission_viejo-ca

And here jobs that fairies do: https://theirishfairydoorcompany.com/faqs/what-jobs-do-fairies-do/

 

Let the Feathers Fly!

 Have you heard about fine feathered friends? Find out what makes feathers so fine by exploring the following activities.

 

CONNECT:

• Get the facts about feathers at https://www.treehugger.com/amazing-facts-about-feathers-4863989
• Why do birds have feathers? Watch the answer at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGg-CSLBD9c
• Watch how feathers can tell you secrets at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TNv-WLHBkU
• Watch how you can identify feather by their shapes: at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvlyVsIdFIM
• Feathers predate birds – did you know that dinosaurs had feathers? Check it out at https://www.kids-dinosaurs.com/feathered-dinosaurs.html

 

CREATE:

• Try ways to paint with feathers using the ideas at https://earlylearningideas.com/paint-with-feathers/
• Experiment with feathers at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RqKjsAG6tps
• Play a ninja feather game by following the directions at https://earlylearningideas.com/paint-with-feathers/ 

CARE:

• Watch how birds clean themselves, including their feathers, at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etGz3e7TyD8
• Find out if it is safe to collect feathers at https://www.gigglemagazine.com/super-bowl-recipes-kids-will-love/
• For parents: find out about kids’ possible allergies to down pillows at https://www.unitedpharmacies.md/blog/can-a-child-be-allergic-to-down-pillows/

 

CONNECT:

Do feathers give your heart wing? Fly some of these ideas for career opportunities:  scientist, fashion maker, artist, pet expert, manufacturer, even history. Read about feather experts here.

• https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/meet-roxie-laybourne-feather-detective-who-changed-aviation-180971803/
• https://www.hawaiibusiness.com/family-tradition-of-feather-work/
• https://theartssociety.org/arts-news-features/become-instant-expert-snowy-egret-feather

 

 

Let there be Light - Festivals!

India just finished celebrating Diwali, and several more light-centric festivals are scheduled soon.

Explore these activities to see the light about these important events.

CONNECT:

• Get the facts (and history) of light festivals at https://facts.net/events/17-facts-about-light-festival/
• See pictures of light festivals from around the world at https://communityoflights.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1117:spectacular-festivals-of-lights-from-around-the-world&catid=68&Itemid=239
• Experience the Hanukkah story at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tws_uMAEOs&list=RDQMtOA86jhwn5c&start_radio=1
• Enjoy the story of Ramaya: the origins of Diwali, at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pp59n0So-XE&list=RDQMtOA86jhwn5c&index=4
• Discover the origin of Kwanzaa at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUIdFiOMX5k

CREATE:

• Try these ideas to celebrate light in dark times: https://www.kidfriendlydc.com/2020/12/02/ideas-for-at-home-celebrations-of-light-in-dark-times-from-the-washington-waldorf-school/
• Reinact lantern festivals with these activities: https://lanternfestival.uk/lantern-festival-games-and-activities/
• Light up a party with these light festival ideas: https://theimaginationtree.com/light-party-crafts-and-games-for-kids/
• Make your own advent wreath by following the directions at https://happyhooligans.ca/cardboard-roll-advent-wreath-craft/

CARE:

• Get smart candle safety tips at https://smartkids101.com/blog/candle-safety/
• Make luminaries and candle holders as a holiday gift by trying some of the ideas at https://www.redtedart.com/diy-luminaries-and-candle-holders/
• Be a point of light by engaging in service projects for kids: https://www.pointsoflight.org/blog/12-service-project-ideas-kids/

CAREERS:

Do you like to celebrate with light? There's light at the end of the career tunnel for you: as a party planner, an anthropologist, a scientist, a historian, an artist, a cook, or a religious leader. Light the way for others. Light up some ideas with these resources:

• Festival planners: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSlPhaLxV28
• Careers in religion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=woCgbVWFRIg
• https://www.mashed.com/885179/what-its-really-like-being-a-disney-chef/

Do glaciers move you?

 

CONNECT:

• Get 10 brilliant glacier facts at https://www.natgeokids.com/uk/discover/geography/physical-geography/glaciers/
• See how glaciers change the world at https://www.pbs.org/video/glaciers-glacier-encounter-d6m3hm/
• Find out what are ice sheets at https://kids.kiddle.co/Ice_sheet

 

CREATE:

• Make your own glacier by following the directions at https://www.habitot.org/hands-on-learning/habitot-at-home/stem-activities/make-a-glacier/
• Make glacier gak at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9uVA1DcgbY
• Experiment how glaciers impact earth at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuAx_UBHwjM

 

CARE:

• What would if all glaciers melted? Find out at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnRPHmrPQjU
• Take the following steps to help prevent glaciers from melting: https://www.earthreminder.com/how-to-prevent-glaciers-from-melting/
• Want to explore glaciers? Here are some safety tips: https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/safety.htm#:~:text=Snow%20and%20Ice&text=very%20steep%20slopes.-,Stay%20on%20designated%20trails%20and%20don't%20go%20beyond%20protective,children%20closely%20in%20such%20areas.

 

CAREERS:

Do glaciers move you? Here are some careers that leverage glaciers.

• https://www.snexplores.org/article/cool-jobs-careers-ice
• https://www.onlinedegree.com/careers/life-physical-science/glaciologist/
• https://www.snexplores.org/article/cool-jobs-hunting-surprises-thinning-glaciers
• https://www.antarcticglaciers.org/students-3/careers/

Picture Picture Books

 Picture books are fun to enjoy -- and a great way to learn how to read. Learn more about picture boks with these activities. 

CONNECT:

• Here’s a starting point for learning about picture books: https://kids.kiddle.co/Picture_book
• Think you know about children’s authors? Discover fun book trivia facts about them at https://brokebybooks.com/book-trivia-for-kids/
• Watch the golden age of children’s book illustration at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPiZqPVY53c

 

CREATE:

• Here’s a dozen activities to do with any picture book: https://entertainyourtoddler.com/activities-picture-book/
• Try these book activities, including crafts, sensory and learning ideas, at https://abcsofliteracy.com/book-activities/
• Make our own book by following the directions at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LiVqbQm6d20

 

CARE:

• See how to take care of books at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9AFDxdDpGY
• There are lots of ways to store and display picture books; see some examples at https://www.homedit.com/kids-book-storage/
• Read a picture book about giving to others: https://www.readbrightly.com/picture-books-to-teach-children-about-giving/
• What can you do with old or unwanted picture books? Here are some good ideas: https://luandbeanread.com/what-to-do-with-old-childrens-books/

 

CAREERS:

Picture books are  not just for children. Some picture books are read by all ages. Do you picture yourself having a career with picture books? Get a clear picture of job options with these videos.

• See how picture books are made at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00w-a6yKQMI
• Watch how books are assembled at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBYRIh04_zY
• Watch a day in the life of a bookstore owner at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHR6hcGoR8Q
• Watch a day in the life of a children’s librarian at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oy-vERPOqdU

 

A Word about Dictionaries

 

October 16 is National Dictionary Day! Get the word about this valuable tool by exploring these activities.

 

CONNECT:

• Read some basic facts about dictionaries at https://kids.kiddle.co/Dictionary
• Read about different types of dictionaries at https://www.futurelearn.com/info/courses/understanding-dictionaries/0/steps/62789
• Watch how to use a dictionary at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fo2cSioY6wI
• The largest dictionary in the world is the Oxford English Dictionary. See how it keeps current at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=118HE_rrnRs
• Watch the history of dictionaries and how words are added to the dictionary at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJJ_pRqvtCs

 

CREATE:

• Use the dictionary to play fun word games with your family at https://www.scholastic.com/parents/books-and-reading/raise-a-reader-blog/family-dictionary-games.html and https://tinybeans.com/dictionary-games-for-kids/
• Is a picture worth a 1000 words? Find out with the picture dictionary games and activities: https://www.tefl.net/elt/ideas/games/picture-dictionary-games-and-activities/
• Create your own dictionary games!

 

CARE:

• For parents: Find the right dictionary for your child by using the guide at https://home.oxfordowl.co.uk/childrens-dictionaries-how-to-find-the-right-dictionary-for-your-child/
• Make a family dictionary by following the directions at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDPSF7zZVCM
• Handle your dictionary carefully; see how at https://youtu.be/C9AFDxdDpGY

 

CAREERS:

Love words – and pictures that represent them? You could be a lexicographer (look up its definition in a dictionary), a wordsmith, a proofreader, a librarian, or a translator. There are careers in manufacturing and selling dictionaries too.  And don’t forget data dictionaries for the workplace. Look up these wordy careers.

• https://www.themuse.com/advice/my-job-is-to-add-words-to-the-dictionary-which-is-pretty-cool
• https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/lexicographer
• Data dictionaries: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxWeDJiVdA0

 

Root, Root, Hooray!

 Roots can refer to hair or family roots. This topic focuses on plant roots, which are valuable to nature and humans. Dig into roots with these activities.

CONNECT:

• What do roots do? Watch their functions at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNmZOJHuf3k&ab_channel=HungrySciANNtist
• Watch how fast roots can grow at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w77zPAtVTuI&ab_channel=GPhase
• Would you eat a root? Watch how people grow root vegetables at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJ7KwES45GY&ab_channel=nmsuaces

CREATE:

• Know your roots with this trivia quiz: https://www.funtrivia.com/trivia-quiz/ForChildren/Know-Your-Roots-323200.html
• Chomp on these fun carrot root activities: https://artsymomma.com/fun-carrot-crafts-for-kids.html
• Have a root vegetable tasting party by following these family-friendly directions: https://food.unl.edu/free-resources/newsletters/food-fun-young-children/exploring-roasted-root-vegetables

CARE:

• Another reason to root for vegetables is that they are healthy for you; read what a doctor says at https://www.webmd.com/diet/what-are-root-vegetables
• Soil conservation is made possible largely because of roots; watch how at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNXke_-cnEc&ab_channel=RandburgMontessoriLearningCommunity
• Watch how to plant a garden at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TJuJTFEBbs&ab_channel=SciShowKids

CAREERS:

Want to find your roots in a growing career? You can root for gardeners, cooks, scientisst, and grocers. Consider the possibilities:

• https://mortonarb.org/educators/planted-podcast/
• Visit a sustainable tree farm at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwflaaZ6HNo&ab_channel=MarylandFarm%26Harvest

Viva Video!

 

Videos are all around you: on TV, on computers, on phones, in public places. How are they produced and what is their impact. Broaden your view of videos with these activities.

 

CONNECT:

• Watch how videos work at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ey6S3rKH_o4
• Watch how video games are made at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvrLOS7Lo0Y
• See how a VCR works at https://youtu.be/lRNv4uM6auI
• See how children react to videotapes at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kesMOzzNBiQ&t=198s
• What is media literacy? See what it is and why it is important at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIaRw5R6Da4

 

CREATE:

• What makes a good family movie? Watch this video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPNowUs-ztc) and start discussing movies as a family.
• Use this guide about types of camera shots at https://static.pbslearningmedia.org/media/media_files/typesofshots.pdf to analyze videos.
• Start thinking about creating a video by seeing how videos are produced at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVz6ibGZZd0
• Creating videos? Here are some tested tips for youth at https://joebrennan.us/Digital_Storytelling/Video_Tips/Video_Tips.html

 

CARE:

• Videos are not permanent. Watch how videotapes are preserved at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wo4Tn7_hm7E
• Watch how to preserve digital videos at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96Cei7THmyk
• See examples of video used for activism at https://www.huffpost.com/entry/queer-kid-stuff-activism-video_n_5af9ef51e4b0200bcab7ede9

 

CAREERS:

Do you view videos in your career future? See the possibilities in video production and using video to share your perspectives and expertise.  

• 10 careers in film and video production: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNMBMhNh2S0
• Film director: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_X965j-GD8 (increasingly, movies are made with videos)
• https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/career-video-production
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/film-and-video-editors-and-camera-operators.htm

It's Electric!

 

You usually can’t see electricity but you can sometimes feel it; it can be shocking!  Light up your mind by engaging in these activities.

 

CONNECT:

• Watch electricity in nature explained at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-0gNl5f4BU
• What is an electric circuit? See the answer at What is an electric circuit? See the answer at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOFp8bHTN30
• How does electricity get to your house? Watch the journey at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPsetQ9Nt48
• Watch the history of electricity at What is an electric circuit? See the answer at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOFp8bHTN30
• Can a fish produce electricity? YES: electric eels – although they aren’t really eels; learn about them at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOFp8bHTN30

 

CREATE:

• Learn about electricity circuits by experimenting with batteries online at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOFp8bHTN30
• Do does static electricity work? Experiment by following the directions at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TAIUCYMlIQ
• Try several more electricity experiments at https://www.aneverydaystory.com/electricity-experiments-for-kids/

 

CARE:

•  Watch how to safe around electricity at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-QK20pZvto
• Find out 10 easy ways to conserve energy at home and school at https://tristate.coop/kids-conserve-energy-for-home-school
• Be a home energy auditor by following the guide at https://climatekids.nasa.gov/career-auditor/

 

 

CAREERS:

Does electricity turn you on? Here are some bright careers related to electricity: from scientist to manufacturer and repairer.

• Watch the many career paths of an electrician at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ya9KIN1GzbA
• https://learn.org/articles/What_are_Some_Common_Careers_in_the_Electricity_Industry.html
• https://www.rturnerelectric.com/careers-in-electrical-industry/

Hunting Hurricanes

•  

It's hurricane season, so it's time to keep your eye on them. Follow these online activities to track the information about hurricanes.

 

CONNECT:

• Get the facts about hurricanes at https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/hurricane
• Watch how hurricanes form at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKubdY2mHXc&ab_channel=SciShowKids
• How are hurricanes named? Watch the news at https://www.cbsnews.com/news/how-do-hurricanes-get-their-names-who-chooses-and-why-list/#:~:text=How%20are%20names%20chosen%3F,rotated%20through%20every%20six%20years.. See if you can find your name in one of the lists.

 

CREATE:

• Play a game about Hurricane Allie at https://scied.ucar.edu/kids/interactive/hurricane-allie
• Make a hurricane at home by following the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6DYWp27X1E&ab_channel=PlayingWithRain
• Hurricane Irma was a BIG hurricane (watch is a kid's story about it at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6pGIOVJOfE&ab_channel=AlinaCeleste). The storm inspired lots of hurricane activities for kids of different ages. Try some of them at https://www.alsc.ala.org/blog/2017/09/stem-hurricane-irma-activities-kids-tweens-teens/

 

CARE:

• Watch some of the hazards that hurricanes bring at https://scied.ucar.edu/kids/hurricanes/hurricane-hazards
• What should you do if a hurricane is headed your way? Get expert advice at https://www.ready.gov/kids/disaster-facts/hurricanes
• Try these activities to keep entertained during a hurricane: https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2021/05/26/ideas-for-keeping-kids-entertained-during-a-hurricane-or-tropical-storm/

 

CAREERS:

Hurricanes provide several career options: scientist, news reporter, photographer, emergency expert, or even hurricane hunter. Set your eye on these possibilities.

• Watch a hurricane scientist at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7suVdgfMjww&ab_channel=usoceangov
• Watch a storm chaser at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyxA06M1_6k&ab_channel=AccuWeather
• Watch an emergency responder at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyxA06M1_6k&ab_channel=AccuWeather

Go Nuts for Peanuts

When you think of peanuts, do you think of something small? Or a cartoon? Now is the time to think BIG about peanut plants as you do these online activities.  

 

CONNECT:

• Get 25 fun facts about peanuts at https://www.nationalpeanutboard.org/news/fun-facts
• Watch the amazing history of peanuts and peanut butter at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yw5vL7ndowQ
• Why are peanuts at baseball games? Discover the answer at https://www.nationalpeanutboard.org/news/whats-story-behind-peanuts-and-baseball.htm
• Learn about George Washington Carver and 300 uses of a peanut at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7Gb4LfgTW0

 

CREATE:

• Make your own peanut butter by following the directions at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOmIYNIeaSY
• Try these yummy edible peanut butter crafts for kids at https://funfamilycrafts.com/peanut-butter-crafts-kids/
• Cook up some peanut-friendly food for kids at https://www.nationalpeanutboard.org/recipes/for-kids/
• Watch how to grow your own peanuts at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MyCBL5TK_jA

 

CARE:

• Peanuts are not good tasting, but they are good for you; read about their healthy benefits at https://peanut-institute.com/are-peanuts-good-for-a-kids-health/
• However, some people are allergic to peanuts. Find out why at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqBw4tdRw9I
• Find out how safe peanuts are for dogs at https://www.petinsurance.com/healthzone/pet-health/pet-toxins/are-peanuts-safe-for-dogs/

 

CAREERS:

It may be time to get out of your shell and think about a future with peanuts. You can be working for peanuts – and making a good living in agriculture, science, manufacturing, selling, cuisine and more.

• https://www.peanutsusa.com/industry-info/the-peanut-industry.html
• Farming peanuts: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6SxMFDf4rQ
• The peanut scientist: https://cals.ncsu.edu/news/faculty-focus-stalker-makes-a-global-and-local-impact/

 

 

Spill the Beans!

 July is National Baked Bean month. Baking is just one way to serve beans, and beans have been srving us for thousands of years. Use your “bean” (brain) to spill the beans on beans with these activities.

CONNECT:

• Read fun facts about beans at https://justfunfacts.com/interesting-facts-about-beans/
• What's inside a bean? Get the inside story at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFmBKpQxf-U&ab_channel=SciShowKids
• Watch the life cycle of a bean at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9C1snqYyf-0&ab_channel=CesarIbarra
• How do Mexican jumping beans jump? Solve the mystery at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZ45se_3TKA&ab_channel=BBCStudios

CREATE:

• Experiment with beans in the kitchen by following the directions at https://www.kids-cooking-activities.com/bean-facts.html
• Get crafty with beans with these fun activities: https://funfamilycrafts.com/bean-crafts-kids/
• Act out being a bean with these warm-up ideas: https://www.teachingideas.co.uk/warm-up-ideas/beans-activity
• Taste-test these 42 kid-friendly bean recipes: https://www.lizshealthytable.com/2020/06/08/42-bean-recipes-kids-and-families-will-love/

CARE:

• Green beans are one of the easiest plants to grow, as seen in this video. Try it yourself: https://youtu.be/OZr4KBcPXiY
• Grow your own lima beans; learn how at https://smartclass4kids.com/lima-beans-facts/
• Beans help you take care of yourself. Get the facts about beans – their history, their variety, and their benefits – at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9ivVEcs6b8&ab_channel=HealthFacts

CAREERS:

Want to grow beans or cook them – or spread the good news about beans? Here are some careers that could sprout up for you.

• https://start.rm.edu/exercise-science-careers/7-careers-in-nutrition/
• Coffee bean growing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kMKRY9AN4U&ab_channel=PotluckVideo
• Exporting beans abroad: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4qvHynyPS0&ab_channel=FarmKenya

Are Dragons Fantastic?

 

The short answer is: no.  But it all depends on context. Lots of dragons exist in our imagination and our stories. And dragons DO have inspired by real things. So may you find that dragons ARE fantastic in the best meaning of the word (as in “great!”) when you explore these activities.

 

CONNECT:

• Explore facts about dragons at https://www.twinkl.com/teaching-wiki/dragon
• Read about Smithsonian’s look at potential inspiration for dragon myths at https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/where-did-dragons-come-from-23969126/
• Dragons are often culturally created and defined. Find out the differences between Eastern and Western dragons at https://www.draconika.com/culture
•  Watch 5 facts about dragons in real life at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crVtO3kJkc8&ab_channel=ColossalCranium

 

 

CREATE:

• Connect the dots between dragons and STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) connect by trying fun dragon STEM activities at https://theresjustonemommy.com/dragon-stem-activities/
• Get crafty with dragon-inspired activities at https://www.teachingexpertise.com/classroom-ideas/dragon-crafts-and-activities/
• Pick some great books about dragons to read from this list: https://imaginationsoup.net/dragon-books-kids/
• 2024 will be the Chinese Year of the Dragon so start early to learn about that Zodiac sign – and related activities – at https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/where-did-dragons-come-from-23969126/

 

CARE:

• Did you know that bearded dragons really exist? Here is how to take care of them: https://kidspetclub.com/bearded-dragon-care/
• Dragon breath may be good for you; see why and how to do it at https://www.first5california.com/en-us/articles/inhale-exhale-why-practicing-dragon-breathing-can-help-your-child-manage/
• Have you heard of the game Dungeons and Dragons? Research says it can help youth build social skills. check out the research at https://www.geekwire.com/2023/can-dungeons-dragons-and-other-tabletop-games-help-youth-build-social-skills/

 

CAREERS:

Do flights of (dragon) fantasy tempt in in terms of a career? Writing and illustration loom big. The entertainment media industry – films, TV, games – may call you. You might also manufacture dragon-related items: toys, art, jewelry, cloth and clothing, even dragon-shaped desserts. You might even teach about dragons (besides at Hogwarts).

• https://www.shmoop.com/college-majors/mythology-and-folklore/jobs.html
• https://self-publishingschool.com/fantasy-creatures/
• https://www.syracuse.com/news/2011/02/artist_lives_out_fantasy_with.html
• https://www.businessinsider.com/jobs-childhood-fantasy-dream-career-pay-well-2019-9

 

 

 

Put Your Stamp on Life

 People still write cards and letters, which they even mail – along with packages. And stamps have other uses too. Stamp out ignorance by doing these fun activities.

 

CONNECT:

• Watch why stamps were invented – and why collect them – at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4UaYDxL3w8
• Get fun facts about US postage stamps from the source: at https://facts.usps.com/stamps/
• Explore stamp stories at https://postalmuseum.si.edu/stamp-stories

 

CREATE:

• Be crafty with these 25 stamp activities: https://www.playideas.com/25-super-crafty-diy-stamps-for-kids/
• It’s fun and games for all ages at the National Postal Museum; try some at https://postalmuseum.si.edu/fun-games
• Design your own postage stamps at https://www.pbssocal.org/education/family-math-activity-design-your-own-postage-stamps

 

CARE:

• Show you care by making and mailing cards for hospitalized kids or the elderly; get the details at https://www.doinggoodtogether.org/bhf/create-greeting-cards
• Sadly, some people sell fake stamps; get the lowdown at https://www.uspis.gov/news/scam-article/counterfeit-stamps
• Watch how people feed their families on a food stamp budget at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXKkakwf6Vk

 

CAREERS:

• Want to be a mail career? Watch what they do at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXfL1CdkGT4
• Working for the post office isn’t limited to walking around the neighborhood with letters. See the possibilities at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddvVveMJ2mw
• Watch how stamps get designed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKh3lq6SV84
• OR you can do rubber stamping for fun and profit: https://www.musicalexpert.org/what-is-rubber-stamping.htm#:~:text=Rubber%20stamping%20has%20become%20more,only%20limited%20by%20your%20imagination

What a gas!

 

Gas is everywhere, even inside us! See what gases' impact in these activities.

CONNECT:

• Watch gas in action at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDTF6l2WhYo&ab_channel=funsciencedemos
• Get the facts about gases at https://easyscienceforkids.com/gases/
• Focus on natural gas at https://www.electricchoice.com/kids/gas/
• Air is actually a mixture of different gases. Air experts NASA shares more interesting aspects of air at https://climatekids.nasa.gov/10-things-air/

CREATE:

• Experiment with gas in balloons by following the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0g2BNpqryZM&ab_channel=RaisingdaVinci
• Have a gas around the house with these experiments: https://www.kiwico.com/diy/lists/10-kid-friendly-experiments-on-the-science-of-gas
• Gas can apply pressure. Experience this force with these activities: https://www.giftofcuriosity.com/3-air-pressure-activities-for-kids/

CARE:

• Watch these strategies for natural gas safety at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMEh4j_G8Nw&ab_channel=AmericanGasAssociation
• Keep safe with these activities about gas: https://www.nicorgas.com/safety/safety-activities-for-kids.html
• Learn how to be a natural gas safety whiz kid at https://myenergycoop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Natural-Gas-Safety.pdf
• For parents: deal with you child's gas pain at https://www.lybrate.com/topic/causes-and-treatment-of-gas-pain-in-children/44cc6a623058346b20d9958369ee182a

CONNECT:

Up in the air about a job using gas sound? You can experiment with gas, control and channel it, sell it, and use it in many jobs. Explore a few more below.

• https://getintoenergy.org/careers-in-natural-gas/
• Watch the job of a gas technician at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMdMj9wCmlo&ab_channel=JusttheJob

Clock Tick Tock

 

Time passes – and we keep track of that time with clocks. Over time, clocks have changed. Discover the timeliness and timelessness of clocks with these activities.

 

CONNECT:

• Start with these timely facts about clocks: https://easyscienceforkids.com/clocks-time-video-for-kids/
• See the history of the first clocks at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_vKW_D4UBg
• Watch how a mechanical clock works at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_QsCLYs2mY
• Watch the amazing atomic clock at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dS3MkLamhI8
• King Charles III get crowned? It took place in Westminster Abbey, which has one of the most famous clocks: Big Ben. Read these fun facts about Big Ben at https://kidzfeed.com/big-ben-facts-for-kids/

 

CREATE:

• Let the sun tell you the time by making a sun dial: https://www.generationgenius.com/activities/earths-orbit-and-rotation-activity-for-kids/
• When can a potato tell time? When it is a potato clock! Make your own potato clock by following the directions at https://www.coolkidfacts.com/how-to-make-a-potato-clock/
• Check out dozens of ways to learn how to tell time at https://www.weareteachers.com/5-hands-on-ways-to-teach-telling-time/

 

CARE:

• Getting enough sleep is important for everyone, and changing time for daylight savings can impact sleep. Get some tips to help that adjustment at https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/sleep/Pages/daylight-saving-time-dont-lose-sleep-over-it.aspx
• Everyone has an inner clock, biological rhythms. Experiment with your inner clock at https://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/clock.html
• Parents: use this age-by-age guide to teach kids time management: https://www.scholastic.com/parents/family-life/parent-child/teach-kids-to-manage-time.html

 

CAREERS:

Is it time to talk about careers? You can make and sell clocks, use clocks to time processes, and repair clocks. You can also use clocks to help people make the best use of their time. Take time to learn about some of these job opportunities.

• Identify the jobs at a clock factory by watching https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCxLlmRfTBk
• http://career.iresearchnet.com/career-information/watch-and-clock-repairer-career/
• https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/collections/careers-for-people-who-like-time-management/

 

 

 

Let’s Get Animated!

 

Animated cartoons, videos and films are popular around the world. Discover the world of animation and get animated through these activities.

 

CONNECT:

• Learn about animation history and cartoon facts from Nikki at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVkdroh9KKg
• Watch the history of cel animation at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdeCMWwMSRY
• Watch how traditional cel animation is created at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kTk1d8DTyg
• Explore the present and future of animation at https://www.spinningclock.com/services/animation/presentandfuture

 

CREATE:

• Watch 6 big ideas about animation for beginners: https://thekidshouldseethis.com/post/animation-basics-in-14-minutes-six-big-ideas-for-beginners
• Get started with animation with these activities that introduce you to animation: https://www.teachingexpertise.com/classroom-ideas/animation-activity/
• Watch how you can use Google Slides to create an animation at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3SeaxNl1oQ
• Stop motion is a special type of animation, which uses real objects. Try your hand on making them following the directions at https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/books/article/stop-motion-movies

 

CARE:

• Get 12 amazing facts on the effects of animation on kids’ brains at https://www.animaker.com/blog/effects-of-animation-on-kids-brain/
• Watch animation videos to gain social-emotional skills at https://www.mylemarks.com/sel-videos.html
• Read how animation cels are preserved at https://www.getty.edu/conservation/publications_resources/newsletters/29_1/animation.html

 

CAREERS:

Does animation animate you? The animation industry is HUGE and international! Many jobs are involved in animation: from creative and technical development to manufacturing, marketing, legal aspects, to sales and service. Discover the possibilities below.

• https://www.nfi.edu/career-in-animation
• https://www.screenskills.com/job-profiles/browse/animation/
• https://kidadl.com/facts/amazing-animation-facts-to-learn-all-about-the-industry

 

Rev Up for Cars!

 

The U.S. is a nation of cars. Look under the hood of cars with these online activities.

 

CONNECT:

• See the history of cars at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iorv0Ty2Gbk; teens will probably prefer this visual history: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cFovJ4HZ8s
• How does a car work? Watch how gas and electric engines work at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyNaWBl4OXg
• Watch how cars are manufactured at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zn6scKf7k_0

 

CREATE:

• Going on a road trip? Try these 20+ unplugged road trip activities to pass the time: https://travelmamas.com/unplugged-road-trip-activities-for-kids/
• Like playing with toy cars? Here are lots of ways to expand that playtime for youngsters – AND store those toys: https://www.learningandexploringthroughplay.com/2016/08/toy-car-activities-and-storage-ideas.html
• Get crafty with cars with these toddler-friendly ideas: https://www.kidorzo.com/car-crafts-for-toddlers/

 

CARE:

• Watch how to be safe in a car: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5KrRVdt74U
• Learn about basic traffic signs and rules at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PpEWVxNj2xo
• Do you ride a bike? You usually share the road with cars and other vehicles, so watch this bicycle safer journey at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkoVxBnnGko&t=139s

 

CAREERS:

Does a car-related CAReer rev you up? Explore the possibilities!

• https://www.lelandwest.com/blog/listing.asp?2021/8/career-advice-for-people-who-love-cars
• See the range of jobs for car enthusiasts: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbJc7geEpiM
• Check out a mechanic at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDmQpsKwTmE

Unmasking Masks

 The last couple of years people have been wearing masks to keep healthy, but people have been wearing masks for thousands of year, often for fun. Unmask some mysteries of masks with these online activities.

CONNECT:

• Unmask the facts about masks – and see examples throughout history – at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWb_en6Fr-k&ab_channel=BrianReverman
• See 10 peculiar and splendid masks with different purposes at https://museumsvictoria.com.au/article/10-peculiar-and-splendid-masks/
• Even medical masks have a long history, which you can see at https://wellcomecollection.org/articles/XwMmcBQAAGwR9GY8
• What is Lucha Libre? Translated, it means freestyle wrestling – and it is associated with masked Mexican wrestlers. This short documentary unmasks their reality: https://www.google.com/search? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9uDAl_MmQb4&ab_channel=FilmIsNowMovieTrailersInternational

CREATE:

• Make a carnival eye mask by following the directions at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9xKaURmzT0&ab_channel=GatoRainbow%26GataMoon
• Here are 30 more do-it-yourself kid-friendly mask ideas for you to create: https://kidsactivitiesblog.com/75750/diy-mask-ideas-kids/
• Who do you think are the greatest masked superheroes? Here is one person's opinion about the top masked Marvel and DC superheroes: https://www.comicbasics.com/superheroes-that-wear-masks/ Do you agree?

CARE:

• Find out why it's important for kids to wear face masks: https://carithersgroup.com/facts-face-masks-for-kids/
• Make health masking fun with these activities: https://blog.kaplanco.com/ii/mask-activities-for-kids
• Parents can use these tips to help their children gain social and emotional kills while being masked: https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/tips-to-help-your-child-wear-a-mask

CAREERS:

Is a mask in your future? - in medicine, fire fighting, manufacturing, art, theater, the food industry? Unmask these careers that involve masks.

• https://careertrend.com/info-8413686-jobs-use-gas-mask.html
• https://www.zippia.com/mask-designer-jobs/
• https://theater-masks.com/teaching-workshops-residencies/about-masks-in-actor-training/

Use a search engine to find images of “jobs that involve masks.”

It's PI Day!

 

March 14 (3/14) is Pi Day because the number pi is 3.14159…. What makes this number and day so special? Discover the reason and other facts about pi by exploring these online activities. It’s as easy as pi!

 

CONNECT:

• Watch an explanation of pi and why it’s celebrated at https://youtu.be/mC3Vj1q5rXo
• Read about the history of pi at https://www.homeschoolwithlove.com/2013/03/14/share-a-history-of-pi-with-your-children-for-pi-day/
• Read top 25 interesting facts about pi at https://www.piday.org/pi-facts/

 

CREATE:

• Find out how to find the circumference of a circle – and why it is important -- at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVf9jkQ2QqA&t=177s
• Start with https://www.pbs.org/parents/crafts-and-experiments/happy-pi-day and then try some of these  mathtastic Pi Day activities at https://www.weareteachers.com/pi-day-activities/
• Plan your own Pi Day using https://www.exploratorium.edu/pi/guide-celebrating-pi-day

 

CARE:

• See how someone kept others warm and comfy by making a pi-inspired quilt: https://www.snexplores.org/article/math-is-muse-for-these-artists
• Do you care about the universe? Meet Pi: a new earth-sized planet – at https://news.mit.edu/2020/earth-sized-pi-planet-0921
• For parents: Are your kids anxious about pi and other math? Help them manage their math stress at https://www.webmd.com/parenting/features/how-to-help-your-child-with-math-anxiety

 

CAREERS:

Do you want a piece of the career pi? You can be a mathematician, of course, but you can also use pi in building, transportation, communications, medicine, and music.  See its job-related uses here:

• https://amazingarchimedes.weebly.com/real-life-application-of-pi.html
• https://www.universetoday.com/110331/happy-pi-day-5-ways-nasa-uses-pi/#:~:text=In%20basic%20mathematics%2C%20Pi%20is,flight%2C%20to%20name%20a%20few
• https://www.greenworldinvestor.com/2016/06/05/life-is-weird-ten-real-life-applications-of-the-most-famous-number-in-the-world-pi/