Shell Out!

Nature’s seashells are not only beautiful and varied, but they also house a variety of creatures. Come out of your shell and discover a wonder of nature with these online activities.

 

CONNECT:

• Read cool facts about seashells at https://www.sciencing.com/seashell-kids-5233555/
• Watch what seashells are made of at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bmy2TfEJ42o
• Learn about 17 varieties of seashells at https://www.southernliving.com/travel/gastropod-shells

 

CREATE:

• Explore the wonders of the ocean with this collection of Shell Crafting Ideas at https://www.bakerross.co.uk/craft-ideas/category/kids/themes/seashell/  You can sort the activities by age, time to make and type of idea.
• Grow crystals on seashells by following the directions at https://www.engineeringemily.com/grow-crystals-on-seashells-steam-activity-for-kids/
• Party on with these sea-based activities at https://gooberstudioprints.com/2024/09/03/15-under-the-sea-party-games-and-activities-thatll-make-a-splash/?srsltid=AfmBOooSYVJXGH_Cv4pRtWbCjjsjR-Lm1WjrvixxmpczAbyuLtFy_D0m

 

CARE:

• Watch how to keep safe at the beach at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFJeiji8IFE
• Considering collecting seashells? Is that good or bad? Watch the factors at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IE5t4zfsr6g
• If you DO want to collect seashells, here is how to do it responsibly: https://adventuregirl.com/activities/collecting-seashells/#:~:text=Limit%20Your%20Collection%3A%20Take%20only,or%20contributing%20to%20environmental%20degradation.

 

CONNECT:

Do you want to sell seashells on the seashore, or have other shell-centric careers? Besides collecting and selling seashells, you can study them as a scientist, cook with them, or make art with them. Here is a sampling of possibilities.

• https://unity.edu/environmental-careers/ocean-jobs-a-marine-careers-list-for-water-lovers/
• https://www.fit.edu/lp/ycd-career-options-in-marine-science/
• https://www.ucdavis.edu/news/seashells-inspired-career-lauded-evolutionary-geologist
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RW1CfHKVZSg

 

 

 

 

 

 

Great Mardi Gras!

Have you heard of Mardi Gras? It is sometimes linked with carnivals, New Orleans, masks, beads, food, and religion. Celebrate Mardi Gras by exploring the online activities below.

 

CONNECT:

• Get the facts about Mardi Gras at https://www.ducksters.com/holidays/mardi_gras.php
• See how people celebrate Mardi Gras at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ayydZYlxfj4&t=2s&ab_channel=KidColors
• For more details, about the history of Mardi Gras, watch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBFSY4RM0p4&ab_channel=Hey%21GuessWhat

 

CREATE:

• Dance and sing about Mardi Gras and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJ1KIjv1-og&ab_channel=TheKiboomers-KidsMusicChannel
• Get crafty for Mardi Gras at https://redstickmom.com/mardi-gras-crafts-kids/
• Try up to ten ways for families to celebrate Mardi Gras at https://www.jumphouses.com/blog/10-fun-and-festive-mardi-gras-activities-for-kids/
• Plan a kid-friendly Mardi Gras party using some of these ideas: https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/mardi-gras-party-ideas/?srsltid=AfmBOordZooJuiVUeVbLxOIPIz2ebraGvbOE_J7veaEcdP3RM8x7opbo

 

CARE:

• Masks are usually associated with Halloween, but they are also popular at Mardi Gras. Make sure to wear those masks safely by following these tips: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgqw6VXmu3A&ab_channel=13WMAZ
• For parents: Is there a Mardi Gras event near you? Here are some good reminders if you want to take your kids to Mardi Gras and other parades: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUKO6LCEU3s&ab_channel=WDSUNews
• The day after Mardi Gras is the of Lent, which is a time of sacrifice – rather than partying.. Get introduced to Lent at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rV8XpwPoRvI&ab_channel=TwinklEducationalPublishing

 

CAREERS:

Want to participate in Mardi Gras year round? It could be a fun career choice.  You could be a party planner, a performer, a costume designer, a make-up professional, a musician, a chef – as well as a religious leader.

• See behind the scene of Mardi Gras at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_cGXDqbOB4&ab_channel=SydneyGayandLesbianMardiGras
• Watch how Mardi Gras floats are created at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VM9ODg03srU&ab_channel=Insider
• Join a Mardi Gras krewe; see what is involved at https://mardigrastraditions.com/ride-parade/#:~:text=Fortunately%2C%20some%20parading%20krewes%20let,or%20an%20after%2Dparade%20party.