Dog Days

 

Sometimes August is known as “dog days.” But dogs can be great companions all year round; a third of the world’s households have a dog. Be dogged in exploring the following online activities about dogs.

CONNECT:

• Check out ten amazing facts about dogs at https://www.natgeokids.com/au/discover/animals/general-animals/dog-facts/
• Find out about dog breeds from different countries at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xO47V5i2NXQ&ab_channel=Novakid
• Discover the history of dogs at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzz-2I6ne3A&ab_channel=AKidExplainsHistory 

CREATE:

• Get crafty with dogs at https://diycandy.com/dog-crafts/
• Do you have a dog? Here are some fun activities to do with your dog: https://www.akc.org/public-education/fun-home-activities-dogs-kids/
• Plan a puppy-themed party with fun games; see ideas at https://diycandy.com/dog-crafts/

CARE:

• Watch this video about the best kinds of dogs for children at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=baSpB5SxLhw&ab_channel=RobertCabral
• Sesame Street explains service dogs at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXTX88WKHaE&ab_channel=SesameStreet
• Try these fun activities to keep your dog and you healthy: https://www.daltonanimalcare.com/blog/escape-summertime-boredom-with-these-5-activities-for-kids-and-dogs/
• Dogs may bite sometimes, so here are ways to treat those bites: https://www.webmd.com/pets/dogs/dog-bites
• Find out about guide dogs for the blind at https://www.guidedogs.com/

CAREERS:

Are you dogged in your pursuit of a career with dogs? You could be a breeder, a dog walker, a dog groomer,  a dog trainer, a pet store owner, a veterinarian, a scientist, a historian, a photographer, a police officer, an artist, and, of course, a dog owner. Explore some of the possibilities here.

• Kids’ view of becoming a dog trainer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sF6w03Lqzeg&ab_channel=LittleBoat
• 15 exciting jobs that let you work with dogs: https://wearwagrepeat.com/best-jobs-dog-lovers/#:~:text=Find%20The%20Career%20You%20Want,Pet%20Business%20in%2030%20Days!
• AND 15 unique jobs for working dogs: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/working-dogs-jobs-for-dogs/#:~:text=We%20all%20know%20about%20some,15%20unique%20jobs%20for%20dogs.

 

 

Clowning Around

 

Clowns can be hilarious, silly, obnoxious, but they almost touch our feelings. And clowns have been around for centuries. There’s more to clowns than their make-up or dress, so reveal the inner clown with these online activities.

 

CONNECT:

• Explore clown facts at https://kids.kiddle.co/Clown
• Watch a short history of clowns at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIb7tnP755Q . For older youth, check out clown history (and the reason why clowns can seem scary) at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWFgt0n6WGM
• International Clown Week is celebrated the first week in August, and National Clown Day is held the Saturday of that week. Get the basics at https://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/august/clown-day-week.htm  For  more details, go to https://impactful.ninja/international-clown-week/

 

CREATE:

• Primary kids will enjoy the clown activities at https://childcarelounge.com/pages/clowns-and-circus-theme-and-activities?srsltid=AfmBOorxzMc6vjC1yOLVVd3iX5amqS9cVbquvhp-zSqtdKwrrVINIOiD
• Create a clown routine by following the directions at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vGrxXeq5po
• Have fun creating and carrying out your own clown party; see ideas at https://www.realizinghome.com/clown-themed-childrens-party/

 

CARE:

• Can clowning be a service? That’s what Clowns without borders do. Learn about them at https://clownswithoutborders.org/
• Another clown group that gives service is Caring Clowns international. You can get involved too at https://www.caringclownsinternational.org/get-involved/
• Patch Adams was a real doctor who clowned with children in hospitals to bring them joy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsiaWTRTAos Read his biography at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patch_Adams

 

CAREERS:

Are you a class clown? Do YOU want to be a clown - and get paid? Or have a career that involves clowns? It might be with a circus, on TV, or even in a hospital. You could make the world a happier place, as these insights into clown-related careers.  

• https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/clown/
• https://www.clownsinternational.com/
• A day in the life of a rodeo clown https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8P4O17wWUgQ

Spidey Sense

 

You see spiders all year round, not just at Halloween. While they may seem scary sometimes they benefit the environment. Develop your spidey sense with these online activities

CONNECT:

• Get 15 fun facts about spiders at https://www.toucanbox.com/facts-for-kids/spider-facts
• Watch various spider species at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04BrlLW8dDU&ab_channel=KidzNCrew
• Learn why spiders make the best roommates at https://www.oneearth.org/eight-surprising-reasons-why-spiders-make-the-best-roommates/

 

CREATE:

• Do you know the song “The Itsy-Bitsy Spider? If not, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_lCi8U49mY&ab_channel=TwinkleLittleSongs-NurseryRhymes and if you do, you can sing it at the same website.
• Get crafty with these artsy spider ideas: https://www.artycraftykids.com/craft/easy-spider-crafts-for-kids-to-make/
• Go natural with these outdoor spider activities: https://childsplayabc.wordpress.com/2023/06/29/spider-activities/
• Think like a scientist with these spidery experiments: https://inspirationlaboratories.com/spider-stem-and-steam-activities/

 

CARE:

• Consider having a pet spider? Here’s what to know and do: https://www.wikihow.com/Keep-Spiders-As-Pets
• Maybe you want to keep spiders – away. Here are some natural tips: https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-keep-spiders-away
• For parents: here’s how to identify and treat spider bites: https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/spider-bites-sheet.html

 

CAREERS:

Want to go beyond just singing about spiders and have a spider-related career? You can be an arachnologist (a person who studies spiders), a scientist, a zookeeper, veterinarian, health care professional, a pet shop owner, a writer, or a photographer. See some possibilities at

• https://www.americanarachnology.org/aas-meetings/aas-meeting-2021/featured-artists/
• https://www.philadelphiazoo.org/spiders-alive/
• https://vethelpdirect.com/vetblog/2023/02/11/are-there-vets-for-spiders/

Lunge for Lungs

 

We need air to breathe – and live – but we can’t do that without lungs. Discover the wonders of lungs with these online activities. You’ll find that lungs are a breath of fresh air – and more.

 CONNECT:

• Learn 10 fun facts about lungs at https://humanbodylearning.com/facts-about-lungs-kids/
• Watch how lungs work at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0giiDDBJVQU&ab_channel=NemoursKidsHealth
• Fish don’t have lungs so how they breathe? See how at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zj5v3n6Nlm8&ab_channel=SciShowKids

CREATE:

• Use your lung power at https://www.brighthorizons.com/resources/activity/education/using-lung-power
• Build your own lung model by following the images at https://discoverycentre.thekids.org.au/activities/science-at-home-build-a-lung-model/
• Explore lungs by trying these idea starters to at https://kidsdiscover.com/teacherresources/lungs-games-and-activities/

 

CARE:

• Follow these tips to keep your lung healthy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwsljkMSVok&ab_channel=NHLBI
• Participate in a lung force walk to help cure lung cancer; see the details at https://www.lung.org/get-involved/events/lung-force-run-walks
• Read about common childhood respiratory diseases at https://choc.org/news/7-common-respiratory-diseases/ 

 

CAREERS:

Do you gasp for a career with lungs? You could be a physician, a therapist, a scientist, a veterinarian, a researcher. Here is a sample of job that might take your breath away.

• See what a lung research does at https://vimeo.com/739858943
• Watch the work of pulmonary doctors at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEoxADZuMsE&ab_channel=MountSinaiHealthSystem
• https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/respiratory-care

AND here are jobs that can lead to lung disease: https://resources.healthgrades.com/right-care/copd/occupations-linked-to-lung-diseases

Great Grains!

 

One of the major food groups we need to eat healthy is grains. And grains have other uses too. Gain your grain knowledge with these online activities.

 

CONNECT:

• Go from grain to bread at https://www.funkidslive.com/learn/homeschool/baking/mission-1-what-is-grain/
• Some grains have changed little from ancient times; read about these timeless grains at https://kids.kiddle.co/Ancient_grains
• See some non-food uses of grains at https://www.shawnee.k-state.edu/schoolenrichment/school-enrichment/wheatbreadscience/Wheat-Kids-Connection-Magazine.pdf
• Read about the history of grain elevators at https://www.american-historama.org/1881-1913-maturation-era/grain-elevators.htm

 

CREATE:

• Try these 10 kid-friendly activities to do with whole grains: https://www.vermontharvestofthemonth.org/vthom-blog/10-whole-grain-activities
• Be a grain taste tester at https://www.actionforhealthykids.org/whole-grain-taste-test-ideas/
• Make grainy slime at https://goodineverygrain.ca/2020/02/13/amaizeing-corn-based-slime/

 

CARE:

• Check out the grains group of a healthy plate at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsMr2Y5hYms&ab_channel=FoodHero
• Discover the health benefits of different types of grains at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4J39DYnspEc&ab_channel=CaptainCreate
• For parents: some children are allergic to wheat. Discover the signs an symptoms – and how to deal with them – at https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/wheat-allergy.html

 

CAREERS:

Want to grow a career with grains? There are lots of possibilities: farming, manufacturing, selling, cooking, experimenting. See some options here:

• https://www.careerharvest.com.au/careers-in-grain
• Take a 360 degree tour of a a grain farm at https://www.farmfood360.ca/en/ontario-grain-farms/
• Watch how cereal is made at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XaddDPSDu5M&ab_channel=Factora

Soup's On!

 January is soup month, but soup crosses the seasons: hot soup warms you up in winter, and cold soup in summer can be very refreshing. And soup is found throughout the ages and around the world. Try these tasty online activities while the soup’s on.

 

CONNECT:

• Soup has been around since 20,000 BC as soon as they invented pots. Read about its history at https://www.onmanorama.com/food/features/2020/06/24/soup-popular-dish-history-origin.html
• Watch how tomato soup took over the world at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqdijvFLaps&ab_channel=HistoryofFood
• See the world of soups at https://www.thekitchn.com/collection/around-the-world-in-30-soups

 

CREATE:

• See how to make yummy vegetable soup at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CoOpfn5yRxo&ab_channel=KidsBakingClub
• Watch how to make broccoli cheddar soup at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDIH0wHKkYo&ab_channel=FamilyFunPack
• Still have your pumpkin? You can make soup with it at  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JN48a-uwF20&ab_channel=MeetMaxi

 

CARE:

• You should eat more soup; here are 5 reasons why: https://www.henryford.com/blog/2019/01/you-should-eat-more-soup-5-reasons-why
• For more details about soups, both healthy and non-healthy ones, go to https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/is-soup-healthy
• Chicken soup is often associated with getting over sickness. Discover the history of chicken soup and turtleneck soup at https://www.oxfordstudent.com/2019/04/28/the-history-of-chicken-soup/ and check out George Washington’s part in them.
• For parents: What about teaching kids charity through soup kitchens? Here is why not – and better alternatives: https://www.cnbc.com/2013/10/17/teaching-kids-charity-skip-the-soup-kitchen-trip.html

 

CAREERS:

Does soup sound like a tasty career? Think about becoming a chef, a nutritionist, a restauranteer, a dietician, or a manufacturer. Here are some leads, so eat up?

• A day in the life of a cook: https://youtu.be/ISWsysBslMk
• https://www.timeforkids.com/your-hot-job/articles/at-your-service-restaurant-manager
• Exploring dietitian and nutrition careers: https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Careers/Occupations/occupation-profile.aspx?keyword=Dietitians%20and%20Nutritionists&location=US&onetcode=29-1031.00

 

Sweet Season of Sugar

 

The holidays evoke the taste of sugar (sugarplum fairies and more).  Discover its seasonal role – and its larger impact in these online activities.

 

CONNECT:

• Check out some fun facts about sugar at https://easyscienceforkids.com/sugar/
• Where did sugar come from? Watch the answer throughout history at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4g6sReVCYQ&ab_channel=BBCStudios
• Find out about different sources of sugar at https://kids.britannica.com/kids/article/sugar/353821

 

CREATE:

• Make—and play--with sugar sand! Just follow the directions at https://createplaytravel.com/kids/diy-sugar-sand/
• Try painting snowflakes with sugar. See how at https://kidscraftroom.com/winter-sugar-painting-kids/
• Create colored sugar cubes and build with them by following the directions at https://handsonaswegrow.com/sugar-cube-activity-fun-for-kids/

 

CARE:

• Sugar is hiding in plain sight; find out where they hide at https://thekidshouldseethis.com/post/sugar-hiding-in-plain-sight-video
• Rethink your drink and the amount of sugar is in it at https://www.actionforhealthykids.org/activity/rethink-your-drink/
• What does sugar do for your body? Watch the answer at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2Sn81ulH8I&ab_channel=WonderGroveKids

 

CAREERS:

Does a sugar-related career sound sweet to you? You could raise it, process it, sell it, create with it, and study it. Here are some possibilities.

• Check out the sugar industry at https://www.sugar.org/about/us-industry/
• Read about the scientific voice of the sugar industry at https://www.sugar.org/
• Discover how sugarcane is farmed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyNDJHkLyrE&ab_channel=CANEGROWERSWatch how sugar is processed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SfKDdE6YEiw&ab_channel=HowIt%27sMade

 

Cheer for Cheese!

 

By itself and in combination with other food, cheese is great! Find out why with these online activities.

 

CONNECT:

• Check out 11 fun facts about cheese at https://www.popcornforthepeople.com/blogs/blog/11-fun-facts-about-cheese
• Watch the different types of cheese at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gATmYIO5p48
• See how cheese is made at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8AIamucOVQ
• Cheese is over 7000 years old! Read about its global history at https://kids.kiddle.co/History_of_cheese

 

CREATE:

• You can play with your food if it’s cheese. Discover how at https://www.himama.com/learning/child-activities/activity/yummy-cheese-play
• Cheese can also facilitate practical life activities: see how at https://www.howwemontessori.com/how-we-montessori/2019/09/six-practical-life-activities-using-cheese.html
• Make your own cottage cheese by following the directions at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAPwpYDicT0
• Experiment with stretching cheese at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGkIY4q6ttI

 

CARE:

• As a family, read about the benefits of cheese for kids at https://thelaughingcow-sea.com/articles/the-benefits-of-cheese-for-children-why-cheese-is-a-healthy-choice-for-kids/
•  And you can get more details per kind of cheese at https://thelaughingcow-sea.com/articles/the-benefits-of-cheese-for-children-why-cheese-is-a-healthy-choice-for-kids/
• Yes, you can care for cheese. See how at https://www.idfa.org/cheese-facts
• Find out how safe moldy cheese is at https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/food-and-nutrition/faq-20058492

 

CAREERS:

Thinking about a cheese-y job? You can make cheese, taste it, sell it, cook with it, and study it. Here are some yummy possibilities:

• https://careers.stateuniversity.com/pages/7/Cheese-Industry-Worker.html
• Selling cheese as a cheese monger: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51w7gSHVqAc
• Cheese and milk processing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9_yIMWsdTs

Rah for Rice

Rah for Rice

Rice is a staple food for people around the world. But how much do you know about this vital grain? Discover why you should hurray for rice by exploring these activities.

CONNECT:

• Check out these fun facts about rice at https://freerice.com/blog/10-fascinating-facts-about-rice
• Watch how rice is grown at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxAEiHCErSA&t=28s
• See how kids react to rice dishes from around the world at
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=et1yp1pnw3A
• Be amazed with the science of rice at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4im1TNpPlOg

CREATE:

• Fill your senses with these rice-based sensory play ideas: https://besttoys4toddlers.com/rice-sensory-play-ideas-kids/
• Try these run rice crafts and recipes for kids: https://funfamilycrafts.com/rice-activities-crafts-for-kids/
• Make rice dance by following these directions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alMD3dq7Nec

CARE:

• How healthy is rice? Find out at https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-rice
• What would happen if you ate rice every day? Get the answers at https://www.eatingwell.com/article/8039484/eating-rice-every-day/
• Check out these tips on handling rice safely: https://www.torbay.gov.uk/business/food-safety/handling-rice-safely/

CAREERS:

Might rice be a staple part of your career? You can grow it, process it, sell it, cook with it, study it, even make art with it. Here are some possibilities:

• https://www.usarice.com
• Rice processing with technology: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ray8LsGvvgQ
• Rice artist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AruavMuIGpc

 

 

 

 

Sweet on Lemons

 It’s summertime, which often involves lemonade. One song about lemons reminds the listener that the flower is sweet but the lemon is sour. These sweet activities may make you feel less sour about lemons.

 

CONNECT:

• Enjoy fun facts about lemons at https://www.sciencekids.co.nz/sciencefacts/food/lemons.html
• See unique aspects of lemons at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BydsqVH6sbg
• Discover why lemons are sour by watching https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loMHfA_xNGo 

CREATE:

• Experiment with lemons at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNQmXbwJjLw
• Have kitchen fun with lemons at https://www.chopchopfamily.org/kidsclub/kids-club-vol-40-lemons/
• Squeeze out the learning with lemons at https://halseyschools.com/lemon-learning/

 

CARE:

• Check out the health benefits of lemons at https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/lemons
• Clean up with lemons; find out how at https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/20-fresh-ways-to-clean-with-lemon/
• Freshen your house with a lemon pomander; make it yourself following the directions at https://lifeasmom.com/diy-on-a-dime-make-a-citrus-pomander/

 

CAREERS:

Are you sweet on lemons? Several careers await you: gardener, chef, marketer. Read a few opportunities here:

• https://jeffashleylemontree.wordpress.com/careers-in-the-lemon-industry/
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfRS6Jhr6ko

Iconic Symbols

 Nowadays we tend to think of icons as those tiny little pictures on the computer or phone, but icons have a long history – and have been associated with other concepts than technology. See the possibilities with these online activities. It could be an iconic experience.

CONNECT:

• Legos, the Beatles, and tea are all cultural icons. Find out why at https://kids.kiddle.co/Cultural_icon
• Read about computer icons and how are they used at https://wiki.kidzsearch.com/wiki/Computer_icon
• Watch the background about Orthodox religious icons at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gvrkF3XDBk 

CREATE:

• Get fun ideas about drawing customized social media icons at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iieii87lCIM
• Symbols can be icons, such as United States symbols. Test your memory with the U.S. symbols match game at https://matchthememory.com/kimbrowning
• Can you guess these logs in 3 seconds? Try it as a family at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PNX8MY9lZw

CARE:

• What does the wheelchair symbol actually mean? Watch at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppNYZq-hYTw
• Have you seen food safety icons? Check them out at https://www.foodprotection.org/resources/food-safety-icons/
• Health Icons is a volunteer effort to create a ‘global good’ for health projects all over the world. These icons are available in the public domain for use in any type of project. https://healthicons.org/about

CAREERS:

Dreaming about an iconic career? You could be a graphic designer, a sign maker, a religious leader, or an international communicator.

• (Almost) everything you need about icons in under 3 minutes at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCXFJEK_lVk
• https://usajobs.github.io/design-system/icons/
• https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/graphic-design-jobs

 

Blood is Good

 

We owe our lives to blood, even if sometimes we don’t like to look at it. Get an inside view about blood by delving into these online activities.

 

CONNECT:

• Get the facts about blood at https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/blood.html.  (A teen version is available at https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/blood.html#:~:text=Blood%20brings%20oxygen%20and%20nutrients,carries%20hormones%20around%20the%20body.
• What’s the use of blood? Watch the answer at https://www.pbs.org/video/blood-video-short-plzfgf/
• Not all blood is red. Find out about the rainbow colors of animal blood at https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/animal-blood-comes-in-a-rainbow-of-colors?loggedin=true&rnd=1710954751879

 

 

CREATE:

• Experiment with these science activities about blood: https://www.science-sparks.com/science-activities-about-blood/
• Try these kid-friendly hands-on circulatory system activities (outside of the real circulatory system): https://www.weareteachers.com/circulatory-system-activities/
• You too can make (a model of) blood by following the directions at https://letsgolivescience.com/activity/how-to-make-blood/

 

CARE:

• Find out how easy it is to donate blood at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JY5fPvW_YUQ
• Watch what happens to blook after it is donated at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZwtv9IJH6A
• See how a blood transfusion is done for kids: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDbd2y0oYM4
• Bonus: You might have an accident that results in a blood stain on your clothes. Here’s how to remove blood stains: https://thefabricofourlives.com/care-tips/stain-removal/blood-stains

 

CAREERS:

You don’t have to be a vampire to think about a career related to blood. Obviously, there are lots of options in the medical and health professions.  You can also go into the dry-cleaning or insurance business.  

• https://thefabricofourlives.com/care-tips/stain-removal/blood-stains
• Blood centers career video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVVGilvcAvk

 

Crystal Clear

 

Wintertime is a good time to see crystals. But they are around us all the time. Get clear about crystals by doing these fun activities.

 

CONNECT:

• Watch the surprising science of snow crystals at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6zr2eLpduI
• Watch about the super crystal, diamond, at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tgnkoygbD0
• Crystals can be liquids – and can be used in many ways: see the possibilities at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MuWDwVHVLio
• It's time for time crystals. It’s a new kind of matter. See the reality at https://youtu.be/TjVi5L7cYLQ

 

CREATE:

• Try these cool crystal science projects: https://www.kiwico.com/diy/lists/6-cool-crystal-science-projects-for-kids
• Create your own crystals without freezing by watching https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fqjrFzR0HE
• Grow rock candy by following the directions at https://www.thoughtco.com/how-to-grow-sugar-crystals-607659

 

CARE:

• Some people think that crystals can heal.  Is that fake or fact? Find out at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jn4BcFKQoGc
• Does your family have any crystals? Here is how to take care of them: https://www.unearthedstore.com/blogs/guides/crystal-care-101-how-to-take-care-of-your-crystals

 

CAREERS:

There are lots of facets to crystal-related careers: scientist, teacher,  manufacturer, jeweler. Get crystal clear about the possibilities here:

• https://work.chron.com/jobs-use-crystals-20275.html
• https://www.acs.org/careers/chemical-sciences/fields/crystallography.html
• https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/jeweler/

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/

 

 

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

 

 

 

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/

 

 

 

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.”

Cheers for Chocolate!

 

Many a Christmas stocking will contain chocolate. Indeed, chocolate is associated with several holidays and events in life. The following activities will give you a bigger taste of this delicious confection.

 

CONNECT:

• Answer your questions about chocolate at https://planbee.com/blogs/news/chocolate-facts-for-ks2-children-and-teachers
• See a history of chocolate at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibjUpk9Iagk
• Take a virtual chocolate factory field trip at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iC-EnTZrddk

 

CREATE:

• Did you know about National Chocolate Day? You can celebrate it – and chocolate itself – with these fun activities and crafts: https://www.123homeschool4me.com/chocolate-crafts-and-activities-for_44/
• Fill your senses with these chocolate sensory play ideas at https://sugarspiceandglitter.com/10-chocolate-sensory-play-ideas/
• Experiment with chocolate at https://blog.pitsco.com/blog/chocolate-covered-learning

 

CARE:

• Chocolate stains are inevitable. Find out how to remove them at https://kidspot.co.nz/family-time/how-to-remove-chocolate-stains/
• Sadly, some people are chocolate-sensitive or are allergic to chocolate. Discover the symptoms and triggers to chocolate – and how to avoid reactions to chocolate at https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317775#Reactions-to-other-ingredients
• Chocolate can lose its taste and appearance, so learn how to preserve chocolate at https://www.fauchon.com/en/mag/advice/how-to-preserve-chocolate/

 

CAREERS:

Does a chocolate-related career sound yummy? There are several possibilities for you then: just like a variety box of chocolates. So take your pick below for a tasty job.

• https://fortune.com/2013/02/14/8-chocolate-covered-careers/
• https://www.institutculinaire.fr/en/news/chocolatier-job-description
• See how chemistry can lead to a chocolate career at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9oBgnZBb-w

Starry-eyed about Constellations

 

Ever connect the dots? On a clear night you can see groups of stars in the sky.  People have connected the star “dots” to form constellations that represent images. Often these constellations are used to tell stories and share myths. Try these activities and see starry constellations in your eyes.

 

CONNECT:

• Learn about the types of constellations, their names, and how to find them at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sZ15SUeS9w
• Want to know more about the myths and science of constellations? Watch this 2-part crash course: https://thekidshouldseethis.com/post/what-is-a-constellation-crash-course-kids
• Watch how different cultures view constellations at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HejyXGQN-wk

 

CREATE:

• Explore NASA’s activities about constellations at https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/search/constellations/
• Try some kid-friendly, hands-on constellation activities at https://www.howweelearn.com/constellation-activities-for-kids/
• Create a constellation telescope by following the directions at https://kidsactivitiesblog.com/53541/constellation-activity-craft/
• AND connect the stars anyway to want to make your own constellations!

 

CARE:

• Get the facts about night vision and eye health at https://www.aao.org/eye-health/anatomy/night-vision
• Connect the family closer by star – and constellation – gazing at https://www.pbs.org/seeinginthedark/for-families/
• Be inspired by https://www.lpi.usra.edu/education/space_days/activities/constellations/ to create a community space day for families.

 

CAREERS:

Do you get starry-eyed thinking about constellations? Do you see the stars in your future? If so, gaze at this constellation of astronomy careers.

• https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/astronomy-jobs
• https://aas.org/careers/career-in-astronomy
• https://www.iau.org/public/themes/careers/