Count on Carbon

What do coal and diamonds have in common? They are both carbon! Dig into this fundamental element with these online activities.

CONNECT:

• Get the facts about carbon at https://easyscienceforkids.com/uses-of-carbon-video-for-kids/
• Watch the carbon cycle – and why it is so important at https://youtu.be/p3R-dB9K4ss
• See carbon chemistry at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gipyujuKMf4

CREATE:

• Draw with carbon in the form at charcoal at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UsK2KQoxa-U
• Manage carbon in your garden with the guidance of https://kidsgardening.org/resources/digging-deeper-carbon-cycle-and-carbon-sequestration/
• Experiment with carbon dioxide at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JcEQnDHLi4

CARE:

• Carbon and oxygen together can be healthy or deadly. Discover the impact of carbon monoxide on your body at https://www.funkidslive.com/learn/safety-seymour/effects-carbon-monoxide-can-have-on-our-bodies-find-out-with-safety-seymour/
• What is a carbon footprint, and how do you reduce it? Find out at https://www.gokid.mobi/activities-for-kids-to-reduce-carbon-footprint/
• Check out ways to reduce carbon emissions at https://8billiontrees.com/carbon-offsets-credits/carbon-ecological-footprint-calculators/kids/

CAREERS:

Do you see the many career facets of carbon? Scientist, manufacturer, jeweler, artist, health care professional, chef, geologist, policy maker? Here is a glimpse of job opportunities.

• https://www.ziprecruiter.com/t/Most-Popular-Types-Of-Carbon-Emissions-Jobs
• Pencil manufacturing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqs3fxfmWr4
• How to cut a diamond: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lk8p0re8Eg
• Carbon projects: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yt5ySWAWWWw

Get Wild about Weeds

 

Weeds are sometimes defined as “unwanted plants.” What IS the role of weeds in the world? Dig into the following activities to weed out the truth about weeds.

 

CONNECT:

• Watch how to identify a weed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7i_gMxB2HU
• Why are weeds not wanted? Get the facts at https://kids.kiddle.co/Weed
• Discover why we need weeds at https://www.almanac.com/why-we-need-weeds

 

 

CREATE:

• Dig into these activities about weeds: https://www.bitesizedgardening.co.uk/gardening-for-kids-weed-identification-chart-activities/how-to-dig-for-victory/
• Watch this video series about weeds and try its activities: https://kidsgardening.org/in-the-weeds-with-christine/
• Use funny weeds for funny games at https://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/3291
• Here’s a clever idea: weed by eating; get the details at https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/defeat_weeding_by_eating_kids_and_science_in_the_garden_part_1_identifying           For parents: Learn about cooking with weeds at: https://practicalselfreliance.com/edible-weeds/

 

CARE:

• Read (and practice) valuable reasons for kids to pull weeds: https://takelearningout.com/the-importance-of-pulling-weeds/outdoor-learning/
• Here’s a clever idea: weed by eating; get the details at https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/defeat_weeding_by_eating_kids_and_science_in_the_garden_part_1_identifying
• Chemicals are sometimes used to get rid of weeds, but those chemicals may be more harmful than the weeds themselves. Get tips for choosing safe weed killers at https://gardengoodsdirect.com/blogs/news/tips-for-choosing-weed-killers-that-wont-harm-kids-or-pets
• Have you ever connected weeds with bad habits? Watch this story and see if it applies to daily life:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtWIihyy28c

 

CAREERS:

Weeds might lead you to a career: in gardening, science, health, even food. Dig into the possibilities here.

• Discover the role of a weed scientists at https://agexplorer.ffa.org/career/weed-scientist
• Check out the career profiles of theses weed scientists at https://wssa.net/careers/weed-science-career-profiles/
• https://mrplantgeek.com/2021/01/05/20-careers-to-consider-if-you-are-fascinated-by-plants/

 

 

 

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.  

 

 

 

It's the Berries!

Early summer is the time for berry picking and eating. Do these yummy online activities to binge on berries.

CONNECT:

• You think you know berries? How about tomatoes as a berry? Get the berry real facts at https://kids.kiddle.co/Berry
• Look at 10 berries you probably never know about: at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6oMigYhlBYI
• Not all fruits are safe; watch the most dangerous fruits in the world: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RN8_-N7zxe0

CREATE:

• Try these super sweet berry crafts for kids: http://www.playideas.com/25-super-sweet-berry-crafts-for-kids/
• Like to eat berries morning, noon and night? Try these kid-friendly berry recipes: https://www.kids-cooking-activities.com/berry-facts.html
• Want to grow your own berries? Here are some good tips: https://www.superhealthykids.com/healthy-home/how-to-grow-berries/

CARE:

• Berries are not only good to eat, but they are also good FOR you. Read about their benefits at https://www.momjunction.com/articles/blueberries-for-kids_00397727/
• This family-oriented website gives tips on strawberry picking trips with kids: https://www.frugallivingnw.com/strawberry-picking-with-kids/
• Berry stains can last a long time; here are some good way to remove them: https://www.kidspot.com.au/lifestyle/home/home-solutions/how-to-remove-berry-stains/news-story/1f6072f4060332786a22d70953cc8054

CAREERS:

Berries can lead to a fruitful career: farming and other agricultural jobs, the food industry, science, and even fashion! Pick some of these berry informative sources about berries and job. You’ll be berry happy you picked these fields.

https://www.canr.msu.edu/hrt/students/undergraduate/careers_in_horticulture

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

https://www.agdaily.com/insights/farm-babe-stay-ahead-of-the-field-with-these-careers-in-plant-science/

Me Gustan Los Latinos

Mid-September to Mid-October is National Hispanic Heritage Month, which recognizes the contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. And their contributions continue all year. Now’s a good time to learn about their heritage and leadership.

CONNECT:

• Check out these facts about National Hispanic Heritage Month: http://www.softschools.com/facts/holidays/hispanic_heritage_month_facts/786/
• It’s about Time to read about leading Latinos in the United States: http://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/0,28757,2008201,00.html
• Watch these PBS specials about Latino heritage and culture: http://www.pbs.org/specials/hispanic-heritage-month/
• Explore Smithsonian’s Latino Center Kids Corner: http://latino.si.edu/kidscorner/
• Learn how to read a Mayan calendar at https://www.dkfindout.com/us/history/mayans/mayan-calendar/

CREATE:

• Create Ecudorian migajon miniatures following these directions: https://kidworldcitizen.org/2011/11/29/make-miniature-figures-out-of-ecuadorian-migajon-clay/
• Try making some of these Mexican recipes: http://www.dltk-kids.com/world/mexico/recipes.htm
• Play a traditional Mexican game such as toma todo:  http://www.spanishplayground.net/traditional-game-top-printable/
• Come party! Make your own Ponce carnival mask: http://amhistory.si.edu/ourstory/pdf/puerto/carnival_mask.pdf
• Calculate using Mayan numerals: http://mathcentral.uregina.ca/rr/database/rr.09.00/hubbard1/MayanNumerals.html

CARE:

• Add a festive touch to your home with traditional Mexican punched papers called papeles picados: https://happythought.co.uk/day-of-the-dead/how-to-make-papel-picado
• It’s family time for movies that feature Latinos: http://quemas.mamaslatinas.com/parenting/117211/18_latino_movies_your_kids
• Adopt a Latino sister city at http://www.sistercities.org/
• Grow a salsa garden: https://www.chicagobotanic.org/plantinfo/growing_salsa_garden
• Read the stories of these kid reporters about Hispanic Heritage Month, from celebrating Quinciañera to an interview with Selena Gomez: http://www.scholastic.com/browse/collection.jsp?id=695. You too can interview a Latino whom you admire.

CAREERS:

More than even, it’s important to communicate in two or more languages – and it’s a good career move: from translator to service provider, from teaching to business.

http://louisville.edu/spanish/what-can-i-do-with-a-major-in-spanish.html

http://study.com/articles/Career_Options_for_Spanish_Majors_Job_Information_and_Requirements.html

http://work.chron.com/careers-spanish-majors-bachelors-degree-8621.html

.

Dig Up the Dirt on Dirt

Dirt. It’s all around us, but do we really notice it – besides under our fingernails? Dirt is necessary for life. You'll hit pay dirt with these activities.

CONNECT:

• What’s the dirt on dirt? See this dirt-y video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=if29mjcd5bc
• Not all dirt is the same. Read about the difference at http://www.scienceforkidsclub.com/dirt-on-dirt.html
• Soil – the final frontier! See why at https://school.discoveryeducation.com/schooladventures/soil/
• Why does rain give off at fresh earthy small? Discover the answer at http://www.livescience.com/49520-smell-of-rain-aerosols.html
• Read animals that really dig dirt: http://www.earthtouchnews.com/natural-world/animal-behaviour/for-world-soil-day-6-animals-that-really-dig-the-dirt

CREATE:

• Tour the underground, and dig into dirt: http://archive.fieldmuseum.org/undergroundadventure/
• (Dirty) Fun: Get elbow deep in some dirt! Try these kid-friendly activities: http://www.nwf.org/what-we-do/kids-and-nature/why-get-kids-outside/dirt-is-great.aspx
• Need an excuse to get dirty? From construction activities to art with dirt, explore these dirt sensory activities: http://handsonaswegrow.com/30-dirty-kid-activities/
• Go eat dirt?? Here’s a recipe for a yummy pudding that looks like dirt, complete with worms: http://pbskids.org/zoom/activities/cafe/dirtpudding.html
• Play dirt detective at http://www.history.org/kids/games/dirtdetective.cfm

CARE:

• Let kids eat dirt. So says Time magazine: http://time.com/2828841/why-you-should-let-kids-eat-dirt/
• But there are also hazards in eating dirt. Know what’s good and bad about it: http://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/En/News/NewsAndFeatures/Pages/The-hazards-and-benefits-of-eating-dirt.aspx
• Celebrate the importance of mud on International Mud Day. http://www.kodokids.org/history-international-mud-day/ even shows you how to put on a mud event. It’s real hands-on fun!
• Having too much fun in the dirt? http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-remove-dirt-and-mud-stains/ shows you how to remove dirt and mud stains.
• Be a part of the KidsGardening Movement: https://www.kidsgardening.org/

CAREERS:

• Dig dirt? You might have the makings of an archeologist: https://www.nps.gov/archeology/public/kids/index.htm
• Or grow your career as a gardener or related fields: http://www.growcareers.info/
• Or dig into social science as a career: https://www.soils.org/careers

Orange you glad?

Orange is both a color and a fruit (in the English language), which makes for a fun mix of learning. Orange (..aren’t) you glad you can explore this colorful word?

CONNECT:

·         Did you know that oranges came from Southeast Asia? Travel the world with this history of oranges: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/history-of-orange-fruit.html. You might use a map to track the journey of oranges over time. (The “serious” history, including the citruc industry, is found at http://websites.lib.ucr.edu/agnic/webber/Vol1/Chapter1.htm).

·         Find out the background of the Osage orange at http://www.gpnc.org/osage.htm

·         Enjoy fun facts about pumpkins at http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/sciencefacts/food/pumpkins.html

CREATE:

·         Why settle for just plan orange juice when you can add so many different ingredients? http://www.all-about-juicing.com/orange-juice-recipes-for-kids.html  Try thinking up an original juice recipe yourself.

·         What can you do with an orange besides eat it? Try these orange fruit crafts: http://www.ehow.com/info_8295426_orange-fruit-crafts-preschoolers.html

·         Have an orange day at http://www.easyfunschool.com/article1331.html and http://www.123child.com/lessonplans/colors/orange.php and

http://www.atozkidsstuff.com/color.html#orange and

http://www.preschoolexpress.com/theme_station02/oct02_orange.shtml and

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/colors/orange.shtml

·         Did you know that over thirty cities in the United States have the word “orange?” Check out the US ZIP Code database (http://www.getzipcode.us/en/), and search for cities using the term “orange.” Both a list and a map will be generated. Some of the cities don’t seem to be likely places to raise oranges. Try looking up cities by other colors; you might make a comparison chart of how many cities have each color name (note: poor purple…).

CARE:

·         Gardening is a healthy habit; it helps children learn about how to care for nature, and it can lead to healthy eating. Try growing carrots with your children, following the advice at http://www2.fiskars.com/Kids-Activities-School/Projects/Kids-in-the-Garden/Recipes/Growing-Carrots-with-Kids#.U5tA5ij7Hbg

·         Wildflowers are imporant to preserve in nature; you can Identify them  by color at http://www.wildflowerinformation.org/colorlisting.asp

·         Learn about safety orange at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Safety_orange

·         Does someone need a little brightness in their day? Check out the psychology of the color orange at http://www.tuned-in.com/ColorSpeaks/Orange.aspx

CAREERS:

Orange has many meaning, as you have found out. So orange-related careers could go in lots of directions too: the citrus industry (see the connection above), forestry,  manufacturing, visual arts, cuisine, safety and transportation – or a job in a city named Orange! Sample some of these:

http://www.thelandlovers.org/

http://www.theartcareerproject.com/art-as-a-career/#.U5tF9Cj7Hbg

http://myfootpath.com/careers/culinary-careers/