Pyramids Are Tops

You may have seen pictures of Egyptian pyramids, but do you know their history – or the history of other pyramids around the world? They are also great examples of design thinking. There’s lots to figure out with these activities about pyramids. Get the point?

CONNECT:

• See how the ancient Egyptian pyramids look today at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xtc0LQuA3z4
• The ancient Mayans built pyramids too. See what they look like now at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyvw6G9Max0
• In fact ancient pyramids are found around the world; see ten examples at https://www.heritagedaily.com/2018/05/10-ancient-pyramids-around-the-world/119856
• Today’s buildings are sometimes constructed as pyramids, the most famous one at the Louvre. Get the facts at https://kids.kiddle.co/Pyramid_of_the_Louvre
• Math is the basis of pyramids – of several sorts; figure them out at https://www.mathsisfun.com/geometry/pyramids.html

CREATE:

• How do you build a pyramid? See the science and math behind the hard work at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52V9jmrgSbI
• Try this range of pyramid projects: https://study.com/academy/lesson/pyramid-projects-for-kids.html
• Learn about ancient Egypt with these fun activities: https://www.curiositychronicles.org/single-post/2017/09/08/19-Activities-for-Ancient-Egypt
• Make ancient Egypt come alive with these fun activities: https://egypt.mrdonn.org/games.html

CARE:

• See the history of the human pyramid at https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/a-visual-history-of-the-human-pyramid
• Use this activity pyramid for kids to keep in shape: https://www.mdpedi.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/eKids1.pdf
• The U.S. used to use a pyramid to explain how to have a healthy diet; see the history of USDA food guides at https://www.choosemyplate.gov/eathealthy/brief-history-usda-food-guides
• The pyramid of conservation is a good way to figure out where to start to green your home: https://www.treehugger.com/sustainable-product-design/the-pyramid-of-conservation-is-a-terrific-tool-for-figuring-out-where-to-start-to-green-your-home.html

CAREERS:

Be they old or new, pyramids can lead to an inspiring career: from archeologist to architect.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BXkL5nba40

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImTTW94ZicM

https://www.world-archaeology.com/features/pyramids-excavation-and-preservation/

It’s May, It’s May!

The lovely month of May is full of holidays and seasonal connotations. Celebrate this month every day through the following activities.

CONNECT:

• Cinco de Mayo is more popular in the U.S. than in Mexico. Learn about its history and importance at http://www.kiddyhouse.com/Holidays/Cinco/
• May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Learn more about these communities and their contributions at http://www.afk.com/resources/apahm.tpl
• The month of May is named after the Greek goddess Maia. Find out about her at http://www.ourladyofsalt.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=150:the-goddess-of-may-maia&catid=42:newsletter&Itemid=43

CREATE:

• Try some of these ideas for May-inspired activities: http://www.kidactivities.net/post/Ideas-for-Kids-for-the-Month-of-May.aspx
• Create a May calendar with holidays and celebratory birthdays, adding images for each event. Use these websites to fill in your calendar. Then plan your own way to celebrate one of these days, such as International Nurses Day on May 12. http://www.ducksters.com/history/mayinhistory.php. (Note: May is national Burger month so you could celebrate every day…)
• Dance around the maypole – and make it as a family activity: http://www.modernmom.com/f725b57c-3b45-11e3-8407-bc764e04a41e.html. Get ideas about music and dance at http://www.maypoledance.com/index.html

CARE:

• There are lots of ways to say thanks to mothers: making cards, poems, songs,crafts. http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/mothersday/ has several simple ideas.
• Did you know how the Mayflower plant is linked to the pilgrims? Root out the history at http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/trailing-arbutus/mayflower-trailing-arbutus.htm, and learn how to grow this historic flower.
• Memorial Day remembers the people who died in wars or in the service of their country. http://www.military.com/memorial-day/celebrating-memorial-day-with-children.html provides ideas for ways for youth to honor these military heroes.

CAREER:

Almost three-quarters of mothers in the U.S. are in the workforce. http://www.naccrra.org/sites/default/files/default_site_pages/2012/ccgb_mothers_workforce_jan2012.pdf has several important facts about them and their issues.