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

How Do You Measure Up?

 When you think of measurement, do you think of a ruler? Or maybe a kitchen measuring cup? Or the bathroom scales? How do those measurements connect with each other? Even a ruler may have two different scales. Measurement is more complex than you think – it can even be political (such as measuring votes). Measure your learning by exploring the following activities.

 CONNECT:

• Why is it important to measure? How do we do it, and what are the units? Find out the answers at  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsv7bYSrzMU
• Watch how your body and other concrete items led to metric and standard measurement systems at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQPQ_q59xyw
• What are some different ways to measure things? Watch the possibilities at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCmqVAYujv4
• Watch the Measurement League use their incredible powers of measure to perform amazing feats of science and engineering at https://www.nist.gov/kids

CREATE:

• Solve this video mystery using measurement at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7omxmCDpW7U
• Play these measurement games online: https://pbskids.org/games/measurement
• Your house is filled with things to measure. Discover the fun at https://kidadl.com/articles/measurement-activities-for-kids
• Measurement can be delicious! See how with these cooking activities at https://www.landolakes.com/expert-advice/kids-in-the-kitchen-measuring-techniques/

 

CARE:

• Find out more about your body by measuring it with string: https://igamemom.com/fun-body-measurement-activities-with-a-piece-of-string/
• Learn how to read food labels, which measure nutritional information, at https://www.fda.gov/food/new-nutrition-facts-label/read-label-youth-outreach-materials
• Watch how water quality is measured at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94YcjbYBchc
• Discover how measurement helps to level the sports playing field at https://www.nist.gov/pml/weights-and-measures/metric-sports

 

CAREERS:

Think of a job that doesn’t include measurement. It’s hard, isn’t it. Sciences, service, education, business, construction, arts, entertainment, politics, sports all use measurement. There’s even an Instrument Society of America that focuses on careers based on measurement: https://www.aip.org/jobs/profiles/careers-instrumentation-measurement.

https://vpm.org/articles/3788/math-and-measurement-fair-prepares-students-for-future-careers

 

We’re All Ears

 

Ears are one of animals’ most important organ – and they come in different sizes and shapes. ‘Ears hoping you will perk up your ears with these online activities.

 

CONNECT:

• Watch how the ear works at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mptjEoHF2aI
• And how do hearing aids work? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJBjIEUbaeM
• Watch the different kinds of ears that animals have at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAo3gsDptFM
• Guess which animal hears best – and check your guess at https://www.pbs.org/video/hearing-which-animal-hears-best-vnwtlx/

 

CREATE:

Make your own animal ear headbands by following the directions at https://kidspot.co.nz/activities/make-your-own-animal-ears-headbands/

What would you hear differently if your ears were shaped differently? Experiment at https://www.exploratorium.edu/snacks/designer-ears

Discover how to create your own ear model at https://www.123homeschool4me.com/ear-anatomy-science-project_86/

Learn some basic American Sign Language signs at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUy9Dos9264

 

CARE:

• Ears are subjected to lots of conditions: water, sun, even piercing. Here’s some ways to take care of your ears: https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/ear-care.html
• What is hearing loss? And how do you communicate if you can’t hear? Here are some explanations: https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/hearing-impairment.html
• Earwax is healthy – until it builds up too much. Parents can read how to safely clean their children’s ears at https://www.choa.org/parent-resources/everyday-illnesses/ear-cleaning-in-kids
• What are ear infections? What are the symptoms? How do you treat them? Read the answers at https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/ear-infections-children

 

CAREERS:

Are you hearing a call for an ear-related career? You could become an ear doctor (audiologist), veterinarian – as well as a sign interpreter, sound engineer, musician, jewelry maker, or even ear piercer

• http://www.listencarefully.org/5-careers-in-hearing/
• https://www.jewelers.org/ja/careers-education/jewelry-careers-guide
• https://www.planitplus.net/JobProfiles/View/715/62
• https://thebestschools.org/careers/jobs-working-deaf-hard-hearing/
• https://www.disabledperson.com/blog/posts/top-10-jobs-for-people-with-hearing-impairments

And here are 8 jobs that lead to hearing loss – and how to prevent it: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/8-jobs-that-lead-to-hearing-loss-and-how-to-prevent-it/

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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/

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.  

 

 

 

Palms Up for Palm Trees

 

You’ve seen one palm tree, you’ve seen them all, right? NO! There are about 2600 species of palm trees. Investigate the various aspects of palm trees in these Internet activities.

 

CONNECT:

• Discover the facts about palm trees, one of the best known and most widely planted tree families, at https://garden.lovetoknow.com/trees/palm-trees
• Watch where palm trees come from at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0IjENkhaAU
• See more than 25 uses for coconut and palm leaves at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsLSHDd4dFU

 

CREATE:

• Watch how to draw a palm tree at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nvxUZglP5E
• Learn how to cook with coconuts at https://www.kids-cooking-activities.com/coconut-facts.html
• Create a cool Hawaiian luau party for your friends: https://www.coolest-kid-birthday-parties.com/luau-party/

 

CARE:

• Discover the health benefits of coconut at https://healthy-kids.com.au/coconuts-need-know/
• Dates grow on palm trees – and they are good for kids; find out the facts at https://www.indiaparenting.com/health-benefits-of-dates-for-kids.html
• How healthy is palm oil? Find out at https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/39492207

 

CAREERS:

Are you swayed by palm trees? There may be a fruitful career for you – as a botanist, a gardener, a chef, an artist or decorator. Even climbing up trees!  Climb up a palm tree career.

• https://www.learnhowtobecome.org/career-resource-center/careers-with-plants/
• https://www.zippia.com/tree-trimmer-jobs/
• https://www.botany.org/Profiles/Scott_Mori.php

 

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/

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/

 

Talking about Walking

 

Walking is a daily activity for most people. But how much do you know about walking? Take steps to learn – HERE.

 

CONNECT:

• How have shoes changed how people walk? See at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pk9t3BAsic
• Do you swing your arms when you walk? Why? The answer is found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bh6ecWKzGEQ
• Watch how animals walk at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRx4F0ERb3w

 

CREATE:

• Try these family-friendly walking activities: https://www.verywellfit.com/fun-walking-with-kids-3436010
• Combine walking with games with these fun ideas: https://www.verywellfamily.com/liven-up-a-hike-or-stroll-with-walking-games-1257390
• Combine walking with nature with these fun crafts: https://www.thecraftycrow.net/2010/10/12-nature-walk-crafts-for-kids.html
• Watch how to make a walking horse: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmSa9-UIyhk
• Walk like an animal following these movements: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhUkI4Jqhek&t=3s

 

CARE:

• Read about the benefits of walking for children: https://novakdjokovicfoundation.org/the-benefits-of-walking-for-children/
• Playing golf can involve lots of walking. See how it can be used to support children’s charities: http://www.walkingforkids.org/about/
• Walk safely by following these guidelines: https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.dot.gov/files/811026.pdf
• Take care of your feet by following these tips: https://www.farmingtonpodiatry.com/blog/item/156-how-to-teach-children-about-proper-foot-care.html

 

CAREERS:

Like to walk? You can walk animals for a living, walk as a competitive sport, be a podiatrist (foot doctorO physical therapist, sell shoes, lead hikes, even deliver the mail! Walk into a great job!

https://methodshop.com/jobs-that-require-a-lot-of-walking/

https://explorehealthcareers.org/career/podiatric-medicine/podiatrist/

https://thetrek.co/12-job-ideas-thru-hikers/

 

 

 

 

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

 

Laud Labor Day

Labor Day is a U.S. national holiday in honor of all the hard-working citizens – and the efforts to help laborers. Find out how people labor through these activities.

 

CONNECT:

• Watch this video about labor day facts, aimed at kids: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KY_L8--kNB0
• Be thankful that child labor is not legal in the US now; see the history at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewu-v36szlE
• Child labor is a universal issue; see how it is being addressed at https://youtu.be/09sjAViDuqQ

 

CREATE:

• Try these fun ideas for celebrating Labor Day: https://www.bugbitething.com/blogs/bug-bite-news/4-fun-ideas-for-celebrating-labor-day
• Celebrate Labor Day with these crafty activities: https://www.care.com/c/stories/3941/6-labor-day-activities-for-kids/
• Labor Day is a perfect day for a picnic: make it a family activity at https://www.marthastewart.com/275233/plan-a-picnic-lunch-with-the-kids?

 

CARE:

• Honor Labor Day workers with these crafty activities: https://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/968043/labor-day-crafts-for-kids/
• Especially now we should thank health care workers; here’s a way to send a special note to them: https://www.hennepinhealthcare.org/hennepin-healthcare-foundation/gratitude-message-for-staff/
• Labor Day is also considered the last day of summer so enjoy one last summer bash with your friends with these outdoor games: https://nextdaydumpsters.com/10-super-fun-diy-outdoor-games-for-labor-day-weekend/

 

 

CAREER:

• What do you want to be when you grow up? Explore careers at https://sites.google.com/a/greenvilleschools.us/kbhoward/career-education-1

 

Hail Hydrogen!

Hydrogen is the simplest and lightest element on Earth – but by mass, Hydrogen makes up about ¾ of all matter in the universe.  Uncover the hidden depths of hydrogen in these activities.

CONNECT:

• Watch the story of hydrogen at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiNRls_pBnU
• Hydrogen is an element of contrasts: necessary to create water – and can be explosive – as seen in this actual hydrogen balloon tragedy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgWHbpMVQ1U
• What do fertilizers, transportation and electricity have in common? Hydrogen! Read all about these uses of hydrogen at https://hydrogeneurope.eu/hydrogen-applications

CREATE:

• Read these kid-friendly facts about hydrogen and do your own hydrogen experiment at https://www.scienceforkidsclub.com/hydrogen.html
• Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is a common household liquid made of molecules with two hydrogen and two oxygen atoms. You can do several science experiments with H₂O₂ at https://diyeverywhere.com/2017/12/11/6-fun-science-experiments-you-can-do-with-hydrogen-peroxide/
• Make elephant toothpaste by following this video’s directions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSWHRwGaOqs

CARE:

• Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)  is sometimes used as medication. Find out its safety factors with kids at https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/hydrogen-peroxide
• Hydrogen is now powering some cars because it is such a clean and efficient form of energy. See how they work at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5b6SthDbsE
• There are several ways to clean toys, including with Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂); use the guidelines at http://theguidefortoys.com/Blogs1/The-Cleaning-Guide-for-Toys.htm

CAREERS:

Getting a hydrogen-related job may be elemental: as a chemist, scientist, doctor, manufacturer (and seller) or even astronaut! Get energetic with hydrogen!

https://www.energy.gov/eere/fuelcells/careers-hydrogen-and-fuel-cells

https://www.sciencemag.org/careers/2006/07/energetic-future-hydrogen

https://www.nasa.gov/topics/technology/hydrogen/index.html

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/

Feet Feat

You wouldn’t get far without your feet, but how much do you think about them? The world is at your feet so it’s time to explore them with these activities.

CONNECT:

• Find fun foot facts at https://pediatricfootankle.com/fun-foot-facts-for-kids/
• Check out some of the coolest animal feet at https://www.livescience.com/62055-weirdest-animal-feet.html
• Imagine having your bound to stop them growing! Read about this hold Chinese custom at https://wiki.kidzsearch.com/wiki/Foot_binding

CREATE:

• Get good and messy with these fun play activities using your feet: https://lemonlimeadventures.com/must-try-messy-play-activities-using-feet/
• Feet make tracks and you can make prints of them at following the directions at https://www.parentingscience.com/kindergarten-science-activities-tracking-animals.html
• Your feet impact how you walk. Imagine having the feet of another animal, and try walking like them – at https://pathways.org/help-your-childs-gross-motor-skills-with-these-animal-walks/

CARE:

• Look after your feet by following these tips: http://www.cyh.com/HealthTopics/HealthTopicDetailsKids.aspx?p=335&np=152&id=2340
• Find the right fit for your shoes at https://www.foothealthfacts.org/article/avoid-kid-s-foot-problems-with-the-right-shoes
• Why do your feet stink and what can you do to prevent the smell? https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/feet-stink.html

CAREERS:

Do you have a good feeling about feet? You can get a good footing in a career that involves feet: as a podiatrist, a pedicurist, a shoemaker, or just a job that keeps you on your feet!

https://www.careersinhealthcare.com/podiatrist/

https://www.truity.com/career-profile/manicurist-or-pedicurist

https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/shoemaker/

https://money.usnews.com/careers/slideshows/20-jobs-that-keep-you-on-your-feet