Aglow with Candles

 

This time of the year features candles in several cultures. Brighten up your day by doing the following activities about candles.

 

CONNECT:

• Find out who first invented candles at https://candles.lovetoknow.com/The_History_of_Candle_Making
• Explore the science of candles at https://candles.org/candle-science/
• Learn about candle traditions around the world: https://tinybeans.com/candle-traditions-from-around-the-world/

 

CREATE:

• Watch this video for details about making homemade candles: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRj61Z88iHo
• Make your own dipped candles as a fun family activity by following the directions at https://kidsactivitiesblog.com/6994/candle-dipping/ 
• Experiment with candles at https://toddlerinaction.com/water-candle-experiment-to-try-out-with-kids/

 

CARE:

• Lit candles are beautiful – until they start bigger fires. Watch this video about candle safety presented by a fireman: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqPDZb_Fjxc
• Learn more candle safety tips at https://smartkids101.com/blog/candle-safety/
• Use this handy checklist to guide family candle use: http://fire.co.clark.nv.us/(S(x1gny3u2gcln4u1pngbideth))/Files/pdfs/FPWCandle.pdf

 

CAREERS:

You can make a living making and selling candles, and you can incorporate candles in other jobs: interior decoration, party planning, emergency services, science, historical reenactments, and art.

https://www.betterteam.com/candle-maker-job-description

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DU8jMqiln8

Here’s a historic video about candle production: https://thekidshouldseethis.com/post/how-are-candles-made-british-pathe

 

Fall for Leaves

 

Leaves are fun to see and collect – AND are necessary for the planet, so explore them with these online activities.

CONNECT:

• Get the facts about leaves at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhpvSGLBEPE
• Find out why leaves change colors in the fall by watching https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xk4-6II8l5Q
• Learn how to identify trees by their leaves at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrqBW1NILuA

CREATE:

• Try some of these fun science activities for kids about leaves at https://igamemom.com/fun-science-activities-for-kids-about-leaves/
• How do leaves breathe? Do this experiment to discover the answer: https://www.kcedventures.com/blog/how-do-leaves-breathe-a-simple-science-experiment-for-kids
• Get crafty with leaves at https://www.diys.com/kids-crafts-made-with-leaves/

 

CARE:

• Leaf play is beneficial; see why at https://www.melissaanddoug.com/blogpost/?postId=sensory-benefits-of-leaf-play
• Learn how to recycle leaves at https://greenliving.lovetoknow.com/Recycle_Leaves_and_Grass
• Compost leaves by following the directions at https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/Kindergarden/kidscompost/CompostingForKids.pdf

 

CAREERS:

Don’t leave a leaf unturned for careers associated with leaves. Explore the possibilities below.

• https://mrplantgeek.com/2021/01/05/20-careers-to-consider-if-you-are-fascinated-by-plants/
• https://www.seedyourfuture.org/careers
• https://www.learnhowtobecome.org/career-resource-center/careers-with-plants/
• https://croplife.org/news/top-10-jobs-in-plant-science/

 

 

 

The Bear Necessities

 

What comes to mind when you think of bears? Stuffed toys? Polar bears? Bear claws? Yogi Bear? Polar bears?  (By the way, the second week in November is Polar Bear Week!) Maybe you have just bear-ly scratched the surface about bears. Dig into these activities – I bet you can bear-ly wait to start!

 

CONNECT:

• They're big, furry, and found many places around the world. Did you know there are only eight species of bears? Watch these international species at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54CDgurNMSI
• Did you know that teddy bears are named after a US President: Read the story: https://wonderopolis.org/wonder/how-did-the-teddy-bear-get-its-name
• Why do bears hibernate? Watch the answer at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfV-r3s9meQ. And How do bears get ready to hibernate? EAT! Watch them dine at https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/facts/brown-bear

 

CREATE:

• Get crafty about bears at https://artsycraftsymom.com/bear-crafts-for-kids/
• Here are 10 fun ways to celebrate a teddy bear day: https://theeducatorsspinonit.com/teddy-bear-day-activities/
• What keeps a polar bear warm when their natural habitat is so harsh? Try this fun polar bear blubber experiment to find out the answer: https://littlebinsforlittlehands.com/winter-polar-bear-blubber-science-experiment/

 

CARE:

• What if you meet a bear in the wild? Here’s what to do: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/bears/safety.htm

• Celebrate Polar Bear Week and help them at https://polarbearsinternational.org/act-now/awareness-events/polar-bear-week/

• Relax with a bear hug; see how at https://kidsrelaxation.com/uncategorized/big-bear-hug/

 

CAREERS:

Can you imagine a bear career? Find out about jobs that involve bears at https://work.chron.com/jobs-involve-bears-24643.html

Stand Up for Statues

 

Statues memorialize important people and animals: not only famous ones but also unknown ones who made a difference in history. Discover the importance of statues in the following activities.

 

CONNECT:

• Get the facts about the most famous statue in the US that greets newcomers: The Statue of Liberty: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usHRc7G0gVo
• Another famous American statue is the Oscar; see how it is made at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNPPHBZjUXI
• Do you wonder about Egyptian statues? Dig up the facts about them and other Egyptian sculptures at https://www.historyforkids.net/egyptian-sculpture.html
• Watch how a marble statue is made at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vR8ZiT9JTcg
• There are lots of horse statues in Washington, DC: Why? Get the answer – and find out some myths -- at https://www.washingtonian.com/2008/10/02/washingtoniana-whats-up-with-those-horse-statues/
• See 23 unbelievable statues and other sculptures at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jh6QiH9ZVSk

 

CREATE:

• Statues can be made with different kinds of materials; experiment with some and even create your own Statue of Liberty at https://www.ehow.com/list_6504456_activities-kids-build-statue-liberty.html
• Play Statues by following the directions at https://www.mainstages.com/blog/statues/
• Draw Easter Island Moai statues; see how to do that at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5Kr-1JY3qE – and watch the story of those statues at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4U5Y7MSAJc
• Want a fun hobby? Photograph action statue figures; watch how a professional does it at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZlOnW8ovjc

 

CARE:

• Statues wear down by weather and use. See how they can be preserved at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BFK3pas-J4
• Learn how to care for your own toy statues and action figures at https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/care-for-action-figure-collection-17920
• Does your family have a plaster statue? See how to waterproof them at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BFK3pas-J4

 

CAREERS:

Don’t just stand there; statues can lead you to a great career: studying them, making them, selling them, displaying them, preserving them – or be a living status. See some possibilities here.

• https://www.theartcareerproject.com/careers/sculpture/
• https://work.chron.com/careers-art-majors-7336.html
• https://study.com/articles/Sculpture_Artist_Information_for_Sculpture_Art_Students_Starting_a_Career_in_Sculpting.html
• https://careerplanet.co.za/careers-listing/living-statue/

.

Don’t Say Goodbye to Animals and Plants Yet

 

There are between 7 and 10 MILLION species on earth, but up to a third are threatened with extinction. Let’s try to explore these animals and plants before they become extinct – and try to help them thrive.

 

CONNECT:

• Learn top 10 facts about endangered species: https://www.theschoolrun.com/homework-help/conservation-and-endangered-species
• This century has been called the 6^th age of extinction. Watch out why at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kaKTGJ1UAGM
• Why do animals become endangered? Several answers are given at https://kidsdiscover.com/spotlight/endangered-species/
• Plants are endangered too; see some examples at https://www.pbs.org/video/endangered-species-endangered-plants-vmc1fj/

 

CREATE:

• Give a hand to endangered animals at https://www.greenkidcrafts.com/endangered-animal-handprint-craft/
• Here are 13 activities for kids to learn about endangered species: https://www.naturespath.com/en-us/blog/13-activities-kids-learn-endangered-animals/
• Get arty with these project ideas about endangered species: http://www.savingendangeredspecies.org/art-and-craft-activities.html

 

CARE:

• See some of most endangered animals – and what you can do to save them at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1IDQSeJ1cs
• Here are 9 ways you can help threatened species: http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/publications/factsheet-green-kids-guide-threatened-species-9-ways
• Worldwildlife.org suggests several ways that you can make a big difference in helping endangered species: https://www.worldwildlife.org/how-to-help

 

CAREERS:

There’s no danger that a job involving endangered species will go extinct. Check out some of the lively career possibilities.

• https://wildlife.org/next-generation/career-development/careers/
• https://www.trade-schools.net/articles/wildlife-jobs
• https://www.environmentalscience.org/career/endangered-species-biologist

Are you trying to trick me?

 

The television series “Loki” focuses on a magical trickster. He comes from a long line of tricksters in folk tales. You may learn a trick or two by exploring the following activities.

 

CONNECT:

• What has been so special about tricksters? Watch and see at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jELsxA28CgM
• Get kid-friendly facts about Loki at https://kids.kiddle.co/Loki

• Native Americans have DOZENS of tricksters from various tribes. Find out about them and read some of their stories at http://www.native-languages.org/trickster.htm
• Foxes hold a special place in Japanese culture, including as tricksters; watch some stories at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2T2Q0NVRcM
• Tricksters are found in many cultures; sample them at https://kidworldcitizen.org/trickster-tales-around-world/

CREATE:

• Act out the trickster tale of the baby turtle, found at https://www.cbc.ca/kidscbc2/the-feed/have-you-ever-heard-a-trickster-tale
• Discover tricksters from different cultures and try a quiz about them at https://kevpass.weebly.com/quiz.html
• Extend your experience with Anansi the spider with these activities: https://classroom.synonym.com/activities-anansi-spider-12041731.html

 

CARE:

• Want to experience being a junior historian? Read this newsletter about coyote stories and do some of the activities: https://history.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/coyote.pdf
• Write a trickster tale to amuse your friends by following these tips: https://amymacdonald.com/educators/writing-tip-trickster-tales-in-7-steps/
• Draw Lego Trickster for a friend who loves Legos (https://www.drawingtutorials101.com/how-to-draw-lego-trickster)  – or create your own idea of a trickster.

 

CAREERS:

It’s probably not wise to be a trickster at work – unless you’re a storyteller, or a magician. Or you could share information about tricksters as a historian, a teacher, or a filmmaker.

• https://www.themuse.com/advice/5-career-paths-for-people-who-love-telling-stories
• https://www.apu.edu/articles/i-love-telling-stories-what-majors-are-best-for-launching-storytelling-careers/
• https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Career/Magician/What-Is-How-to-Become

Lucky Charms

 

Lucky Charms is more than a cereal. Most cultures have some kind of lucky charm: for the four-leaf clover to evil-eye symbols. Find some good luck as you explore the following activities. You’ll be charmed!

 

CONNECT:

• Many cultures have charms against the Evil Eye. Indeed, about 40% of the world believe in that symbol.  Read about its history and use around the world at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evil_eye
• Another lucky charm found throughout the Mediterranean and the Middle East looks like a hand: hamsa. Watch this video of many artistic ways to create hamsas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKob1IFyzYE  Try making one yourself.
• You may have seen waving cat statues in East Asian restaurants. Discover their history – and luck – at https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/maneki-neko-fortune-cat-5-interesting-facts

 

CREATE:

• Create a welcoming sign, inspired by the tradition of hex signs in Pennsylvania Dutch communities: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t83ELNEN2DY
• Make your own lucky Egyptian amulet by following the directions at https://www.kiwico.com/diy/art-creativity/quick-easy-crafts/egyptian-amulet
• Make a fun spinning four-leaf clover by following this step-by-step video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXpOp95KiH0

 

CARE:

• Can talismans help your health? Here’s what doctors discovered: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10804902/
• You might bring good luck to your home by hanging up a horse shoe; here’s why: https://www.dailysabah.com/life/2019/04/15/superstitions-busted-hanging-a-horseshoe-for-good-luck
• Thai taxi drivers may have amulets for safety’s sake; read their story at https://www.thephuketnews.com/culture-thai-taxi-talismans-good-karma-protective-amulets-and-road-safety-in-thailand-59032.php

 

CAREERS:

Want a charmed life? These days we usually think of charms and jewelry. Here are some types for that kind of career. You could get lucky.

• https://www.jewelers.org/ja/careers-education/jewelry-careers-guide
• https://www.ganoksin.com/article/on-jewellery-career-options/

 OR you could study people’s beliefs in, and use of, lucky charms as an anthropologist or historian:

• https://www.americananthro.org/AdvanceYourCareer/Content.aspx?ItemNumber=1783
• https://www.geteducated.com/careers/anthropology-jobs/

Nature's Geometry

 

When you think of math, does nature come to mind? Think of all the shapes you find in nature – and maybe some you don’t find. Explore new dimensions of math by trying these activities about geometry in nature.

 

CONNECT:

• Start your tour of geometry in nature by watching this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_q1z4k0o8A
• Why are bee honeycombs hexagonal (6-sided)? Find out at https://www.npr.org/sections/krulwich/2013/05/13/183704091/what-is-it-about-bees-and-hexagons
• Spirals are common shapes in nature – and they are mathematical in nature (pun intended). Find out how nature creates the Fibonacci sequence at http://www.montessori-blog.org/2017/08/29/geometry-in-nature-the-fibonacci-sequence/
• Explore the geometry of minerals at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkNM6666hG4,  and for teens see https://www.ted.com/talks/graham_baird_how_do_crystals_work/transcript?language=en

 

CREATE:

• Use this guide to find geometry for your next nature walk – even in the city: https://medium.com/purple-museum/finding-geometry-in-nature-797523737555
• Have fun in this geometry playground: http://annex.exploratorium.edu/geometryplayground/resources.php
• Create hexagonal paper snowflakes by following this video’s directions: http://youtube.com/watch?v=a3mpmly9b2o
• Can you make a cubic bubble? See how at https://www.rookieparenting.com/make-a-square-bubble/

 

CARE:

• Views of nature impact our mind, our feelings. See how biomorphic forms and patterns influence us at https://blog.interface.com/geometry-in-design/
• See how architects use geometry in landscaping, which helps enjoy nature’s geometry: https://land8.com/geometry-brings-out-the-best-in-landscape-architecture-at-the-earthly-pond-service-center/
• You can help others by uploading photos of your observations of geometry in nature to share on https://www.projectnoah.org/missions/37000089

 

CAREERS:

What jobs link nature and math? The most obvious career is photographer. But what about scientists, jewelers and landscapers? Check out the possibilities below. The benefits may be incalculable!

• http://passyworldofmathematics.com/jobs-with-geometry/
• http://theatlantic.com/education/archive/2014/10/10-creative-careers-that-use-science-and-math/382160/
• https://www.cooperhewitt.org/2019/12/11/the-geometry-of-nature/
• https://land8.com/wurth-la-rioja-museum-gardens-how-to-merge-geometry-with-nature/

Super Snakes

 

St. Patrick owes some of his fame to snakes. These reptiles play important roles in the environment – and they are famous in mythology too. Don’t let snakes throw you a curve. Instead, seek out snake information by exploring these online activities. (And at the end of this list, get the real story about snakes in Ireland).

 

CONNECT:

• ·         Watch snakes in action at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOHFt15eVD4
• ·         There are more than 3000 species of snakes, and live almost everywhere but a few islands. Find out more interesting facts and see dozens of videos about snakes at https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/reptiles/facts/snakes-1
• ·         All through history snakes have been both good and evil.  Here are some historic examples: https://www.kidzone.ws/lw/snakes/facts13.htm

 

CREATE:

• ·         Discover how snakes move at https://kidzone.ws/lw/snakes/facts04.htm. Then try moving like a snake.
• ·         Make some of these kid-friendly snake crafts: https://theeducatorsspinonit.com/snake-craft-for-kids/
• ·         Try these fun snaky activities: https://www.childrens-museum.org/blog/2020/03/game-pattern-snake-hide-and-seek

 

CARE:

• ·         Snakes as pets? Here are tips for getting a family-friendly snake: https://pethelpful.com/reptiles-amphibians/Best-Pet-Snake-Species-For-Children-Of-Any-Age
• ·         Snakes in lots of different habitats. So how do you avoid getting bitten by them – or how to treat a snake bite? Forest rangers have good advice for you at https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/know-before-you-go/snakes
• ·         Find out why we should save snakes – and how you can help at https://www.childrens-museum.org/blog/2020/03/game-pattern-snake-hide-and-seek and http://savethesnakes.org

 

CAREERS:

Are you tempted to pursue a career in snakes?

• ·         You might be amazed at the number of possibilities; over 90 careers for reptiles, including snakes, are listed at https://1zootree.weebly.com/careers-reptiles.html
• ·         For instance, how about becoming a snake milker? https://www.jobmonkey.com/uniquejobs/snake-milker/
• ·         Get more in-depth information at https://www.reptilesmagazine.com/working-with-reptiles/
• ·         Or read an interview with a herpetologist (the study of amphibians and reptiles) at https://jobshadow.com/interview-with-a-herpetologist/

 

Read the real story of snakes in Ireland at https://www.reptilesmagazine.com/did-st-patrick-really-banish-snakes-from-ireland/

 

 

It’s the Bees’ Knees!

Bees have been buzzing around since before humans arrived on the scene. But they are disappearing. Discover how bees contribute to the world in these activities.

 

CONNECT:

• Find out all about our brilliant bees at https://www.natgeokids.com/za/discover/animals/insects/honey-bees/
• Why are bees important? Watch their contributions at https://www.youtube.com/watch/z9zZ48jJZyk
• Why do bees make honey? Watch the reason at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0248uQf_ao
• Bees use body language to communicate, as you can see at  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFDGPgXtK-U

 

CREATE:

• Play bee games as described at https://kindernature.org/activity/bee-games/
• Here’s several recipes for kids using honey: https://honey.com/blog/get-the-kids-in-the-kitchen-with-fun-honey-recipes
• Try more than 30 bee crafts for kids: https://www.kidslovewhat.com/34-of-the-absolute-best-bee-crafts-for-kids/

 

CARE:

• The environment has impacted bees – which can impact us. Read about the potential loss at https://theconversation.com/losing-bees-will-sting-more-than-just-our-taste-for-honey-42765
• Support bees (and other pollinators) by growing a pollinator garden. Follow the directions at https://www.ecobeneficial.com/videos/the-pollinator-victory-garden/
• See how to treat bee strings at https://www.webmd.com/allergies/insect-stings

 

CAREERS:

What do you want to BEE when you grow up? A bee keeper, honey maker, a gardener, a scientist? Be all you can bee…

• https://www.sciencenewsforstudents.org/article/cool-jobs-abuzz-bees
• http://www.buzzingacrossamerica.com/2014/07/careers-in-honey-bees.html
• https://www.thebalancecareers.com/beekeeper-career-description-125609
• AND here are 9 jobs of honey bees: https://www.hobbyfarms.com/9-hive-jobs-of-honey-bees-2/

P.S. "It’s the Bees’ Knees!" means something is excellent. The term originated in the 18th century to mean something fanciful, that didn't exist (like hen's teeth). In the 1920s, flappers invented phrases to express that something was really great, such as "the cat's pajamas" and adopted the older term to mean something special.  

 

 

 

Rah for Rodents

 

January 21 is Squirrel Appreciation Day, and 2020 was the Chinese Year of the Rat. What do squirrels and rats – and porcupines -- have in common? They are both rodents, along with about forty percent of all mammal species -- and found on every continent except Antarctica. Gnaw on these and other facts and fun with the following activities.

CONNECT:

• Here are 10 fun facts about rats: https://www.natgeokids.com/au/discover/animals/general-animals/facts-about-rats/
• Rats have been around a LONG time, and are great travelers. Read about their history at https://theconversation.com/curious-kids-where-did-rats-first-come-from-121307
• Check out the history of the lab rat at https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/history-lab-rat-scientific-triumphs-ethical-quandaries-180971533/
• Indeed, rats may  be the unexpected heroes of the working animal world: https://www.treehugger.com/rats-unexpected-heroes-of-the-working-animal-world-4861866

 

CREATE:

• What’s true or false about rats? Play this game of true and false about rats at https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=7dipg3u47VU
• Watch how to make a maze game by following the directions at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97gSldzVNcA
• Celebrate the end of the Year of the Rat before the next Chinese New Year with these crafts: https://artsymomma.com/cute-mouse-rat-crafts.html

 

CARE:

• Rodents can be risky for children. If your home has rodents, follow these medically-approved safety tips: https://childrensmd.org/browse-by-topic/safety/rodents-children-medical-risks-mice-rats/
• What should you do if you’re bitten by a mouse? Follow these directions: https://www.healthline.com/health/bit-by-a-mouse
• Rodents may be pests, but they can also be pets (more than just missing an “s”). Here’s how to select a pet rodent – and how to care for it: https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/petcare/selecting-pet-rodent

 

CAREERS:

From caring for rodents to ending them, there’s a career for you. You can also research them, photograph or draw them, sell them, or treat others because of them. Dig into these rodent careers.

https://www.pestworld.org/mission-history/careers/

https://careers.stateuniversity.com/pages/313/Pest-Control-Worker.html

https://whyy.org/segments/when-your-job-includes-experimenting-on-animals/

Give a Fork

 

While some food can be eaten by hand, eating utensils come in handy much of the time. Explore these activities to dig into the facts about them.

 

CONNECT:

• Follow a time of eating utensils, starting from 500,000 BC to the present at http://www.eatingutensils.net/history-of-cutlery/timeline-of-eating-utensils/
• Compare the variety of forks, from sardines to ice cream, at http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/design/2012/06/the_history_of_the_fork_when_we_started_using_forks_and_how_their_design_changed_over_time_.html
• How do people around the world eat their food? See the variety of utensils at https://www.thetravelalmanac.com/food/utensils.htm
• Get the facts about chopsticks at https://kids.kiddle.co/Chopsticks
• What do trongs, splayds, chorks, and the fred have in common? They are all utensils; see them at https://www.bonappetit.com/test-kitchen/tools-test-kitchen/article/13-weird-eating-utensils-from-sporks-to-trongs.

 

 

CREATE:

• Watch how to use chopsticks at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucHuj48bzgE
• Make an origami holder for chopsticks by following this video’s instructions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzU5oZ-Klpc
• Try some of these recyclable chopstick crafts for kids: https://www.artistshelpingchildren.org/chopstickscraftsideasforkids.html
• ‘Tis the season for nutcracker-themed crafts; explore them at https://www.steamsational.com/nutcracker-crafts-for-kids/

 

CARE:

• For parents: here are tips for teaching young children how to use knives and forks safely: https://www.nhsggc.org.uk/kids/resources/ot-activityinformation-sheets/using-a-knife-and-fork-information-sheet/
• Here’s the low-down on kids and utensil use: https://kidsdigfood.com.au/low-down-kids-utensil-use/
• It’s fun to play “kitchen,” but play utensils can be hazardous; follow the safety tips at https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2010/05/toy-food-and-utensil-sets-safety-tips-for-children/index.htm
• Help save the planet by using recyclable drinking straws. Read by plastic straws are a recycling problem at https://mydisposal.com/plastic-straws#:~:text=Although%20the%20plastic%20they%20are,through%20the%20mechanical%20recycling%20sorter.&text=Because%20straws%20are%20non%2Drecyclable%2C%20they%20end%20up%20landfills.

 

CAREERS:

How might eating utensils turn into a career? As a restaurant worker, a utensil designer or manufacturer, as a cook, as an occupational therapist, or as a manners expert (you often need to know dining etiquette to get a job!).

https://career.vt.edu/job-search/presenting_yourself/interviewing/dining-etiquette/FAQs-dining-etiquette.html

https://collegegrad.com/careers/food-preparation-and-serving

https://study.com/academy/lesson/adaptive-eating-utensils-in-occupational-therapy.html

http://career.iresearchnet.com/career-information/silverware-artisan-worker-career/

Get Buzzy with Insects

 

What do honeybees, mosquitos, butterflies, and cockroaches have in common? 6 legs and an exoskeleton. In short, they are all insects. AND they make up 90% of all living things on earth. Don’t let them “bug” you; instead, go buggy for insects with these activities.

 

CONNECT:

• Get the facts about insects at https://www.coolkidfacts.com/insect-facts/
• Learn 25 cool thing about bugs at https://www.natgeokids.com/uk/discover/animals/insects/15-facts-about-bugs/
• Watch 15 exotic insects you won’t believe exist at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9Ym4EO0Zjk

 

CREATE:

• Play these interact insect and pest games, or try to ace quizzes on bug trivia at https://www.pestworldforkids.org/for-kids/games/
• Even primary children can be insect investigators at https://learning-center.homesciencetools.com/article/early-elementary-insects-science-lesson/
• Make your backyard a biology bug lab; see how at https://nourishingmyscholar.com/backyard-biology-insects-kids/
• Have fun with these insect craft ideas: https://iheartcraftythings.com/insects-arts-crafts-ideas.html

 

CARE:

• Bugs can care for gardens; find out how at https://www.seewhatgrows.org/kids-guide-beneficial-bugs-garden/
• What are safe insects that kids can explore? Find out at https://www.moms.com/safe-insects-kids-explore-bugs/
• How do you treat insect bites? Follow the advice at https://www.webmd.com/allergies/ss/slideshow-bad-bugs

 

CAREERS:

Do you go bug-eyed over insects? You might make a living because of them: as a beekeeper, pesticide expert, teacher, illustrator, scientist (entomologist and more), photographer, public health professional, or even habitat designer. Jobs are a-buzzing!

• https://1zootree.weebly.com/careers-insects.html
• https://www.careercast.com/career-news/6-creepy-crawly-careers
• https://www.ent.iastate.edu/careers
• https://entomology.unl.edu/scilit/careers-entomology

.

Pleasures of Pineapples

 

What comes to mind when you think of pineapples? Hawaii? A prickly plant? A funny name for a fruit is that neither a pine nor an apple? Get the inside juice on pineapples with these activities.

 

CONNECT:

Check out these fun pineapple facts for kids: https://www.sciencekids.co.nz/sciencefacts/food/pineapples.html

Watch how pineapples are processed from baby plants to your table at What comes to mind when you think of pineapples? Hawaii? A prickly plant? A funny name for a fruit is that neither a pine nor an apple? Get the inside juice on pineapples with these activities.

 

CONNECT:

• Check out these fun pineapple facts for kids: https://www.sciencekids.co.nz/sciencefacts/food/pineapples.html
• Watch how pineapples are processed from baby plants to your table at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25uSmiw2HNo
• Cloth from pineapples? Read how it’s done at https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/cloth-made-from-pineapples

 

CREATE:

• Try making these pineapple snacks and crafts by following the directions at https://www.chfusa.com/blog/back-to-school-pineapple-snacks-crafts/
• From kids to teens there are pineapple crafts to do at https://casawatkinsliving.com/17-diy-pineapple-crafts-kids-teens/
• Sing a song about pineapples at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19AcV4htTe8

 

CARE:

• Watch how to grow a pineapple at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25uSmiw2HNo
• Is pineapple healthy for little children? Here is good advice for parents to read: https://www.healthline.com/health/parenting/can-babies-eat-pineapple
• Pineapples used to be a status hostess gift, and continue to be a symbol of hospitality. Find out why at http://www.learn2grow.com/inspirations/gettingstarted/findingideas/WelcomingPineapple.aspx

 

CAREERS:

Aloha! Does a pineapple career call to you? Not only could you grow them, but you can sell them, cook with them, and even make designs with them. Find out about the pineapple industry from the ground up.

https://www.rd.com/article/summer-job-pineapple-picking/

 

Apple of Your Eye

 pples have a long history, all the way back to Adam and Eve. Apples are now common in many parts of the world. Pick out fun activities below about apples. Yum!

 

CONNECT:

• How do apples grow? See the answer at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWLmEh1HIBw
• You might be amazed at the variety of apples around the world; see some of the possibilities at https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/unusual-apples
• Read about the top ten apples in mythology: https://girlwithherheadinabook.co.uk/2017/06/top-ten-apples-in-mythology.html

 

CREATE:

• Create an apple trivia facts game using these facts: https://www.factsjustforkids.com/food-facts/apple-facts-for-kids.html.  And you can look for more facts, of course.
• Cook with apples using these kid-friendly recipes: https://happykidskitchen.com/healthy-apple-recipes-to-cook-with-kids/
• Fall for these fun apple crafts to make: https://buggyandbuddy.com/apple-crafts/

 

CARE:

• “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Fact or fiction? Find out at https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/an-apple-a-day-keeps-the-doctor-away#benefits
• Watch how to keep apples from turning brown in the lunchbox: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XUZDqm46bk
• Find out about Green Apple Day of Service: https://www.mygreenapple.org/about

 

CAREERS:

Apple-related careers can be found both in the country and the city: from growing them to selling them, from drawing them to cooking them. The following websites might be the seed for a fruitful success.

https://www.agcareers.com/career-profiles/

https://www.careersinfood.com/career-planning/

https://www.theculinarypro.com/abouttheindustry

https://www.thebalancecareers.com/cool-jobs-food-industry-2064051