Let the New Year Begin!

This is one year that people are looking forward to, hoping for positive changes. It’s a good time for you to think about your own future – and find out about the past and its traditions. Be happy with these activities for the new year.

 

CONNECT:

• Why do we celebrate New Year’s Day? Watch the answers at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKHPtGSwPrQ
• See how other countries usher in the new year at https://bestlifeonline.com/global-new-years-eve-traditions/
• Find out the history of the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl at https://kids.kiddle.co/Rose_Bowl_Game

 

CREATE:

• Celebrate New Year’s Eve with kids with these 12 fun ideas: https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/reviewed/2021/12/22/kid-friendly-new-years-eve-ideas/8897889002/
• Count down to the new year with this fun music compilation with your friends from Daniel Tiger's: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nzopp23sTI
• Play some awesome New Year’s Eve games: https://mylifeandkids.com/30-awesome-new-years-eve-games-kids/
• Here are 35 New Year traditions to bring you (Good) luck from around the world: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/parenting/g25360543/new-year-traditions/

 

CARE:

• Plan a New Year’s Eve party for kids at https://kidsactivitiesblog.com/49138/plan-kids-new-years-eve-party/
• New Year’s Eve often includes fireworks so stay safe with these fireworks safety tips: https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/fireworks.html
• It’s time for New Year’s resolutions; try some of these healthy suggestions: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/family-dynamics/Pages/Healthy-New-Years-Resolutions-for-Kids.aspx

 

CAREERS:

Start the new year about thinking about your future career with these websites and video.

• https://kids.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Career_Sites_for_Kids
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pVyrW_vwaw
• https://www.thebalancecareers.com/helping-your-children-make-career-choices-525407
• https://hirepaths.com/blog/2021/10/04/career-exploration-how-to-encourage-kids-of-all-ages

 

 

Ho Ho Ho for Christmas

 Christmas is celebrated around the world, both as a religious event and as a cultural or commercial time. The following activities offer lots of ways to celebrate the season in many ways.

 

CONNECT:

• Chris IS the reason for the season, and here is why Christmas is celebrated on December 25: https://www.whychristmas.com/customs/25th.shtml
• Read up on the history of Christmas at https://www.history.com/topics/christmas/history-of-christmas
• See how Christmas is celebrated around the world at https://www.countryliving.com/entertaining/g4933/christmas-traditions-around-the-world/
• Watch about poinsettias (including their history and pronunciation) at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymgdsWr326A

 

CREATE:

• Follow Santa around the world with NASA at https://www.noradsanta.org/en/ (available in 8 languages)
• Get crafty about Christmas at https://www.thebestideasforkids.com/christmas-crafts-for-kids/
• Get a taste of Australia by making these kid-friendly Christmas treats at https://www.bestrecipes.com.au/entertaining/galleries/christmas-recipes-fun-christmas-recipes-kids-cook/67u8212d
• OR go British with these yummy Christmas baking recipes for kids: https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/christmas-projects-kids
• Ready to play Christmas games? There are 35 fun ones for the family to enjoy at https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/christmas-ideas/g2725/christmas-games/

 

CARE:

• Keep your holiday peaceful with these holiday safety reminders: https://saferide4kids.com/blog/holiday-safety-reminders/
• Candlelight is lovely but candle burns and uncontrolled fires are not, so here are candle safety tips for kids: https://smartkids101.com/blog/candle-safety/
• Cookie dough ice cream is fun to eat, but you shouldn’t eat raw cookie dough: here’s why: https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/communication/no-raw-dough.html

 

CAREERS:

Christmas is just one calendar day, but year-round careers are built around Christmas: not only the Christian religious life, but also tree farming, event planning, costuming and performance, designing and manufacturing Christmas items – and then selling and using them. Some jobs can make Christmas seem like every day. See samples here.

https://theundercoverrecruiter.com/top-christmas-jobs/https://www.careeraddict.com/christmas-jobs

https://www.coburgbanks.co.uk/blog/friday-funnies/10-weird-christmas-jobs/

https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20141222-where-christmas-is-a-way-of-life

 

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

 

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

Squash / Pumpkins

 

It’s pumpkin time – as well as time for other winter squashes. But pumpkins are older than Halloween, and they are more international than you might think. Don’t squash your interest in them; instead, dig out interesting facts about pumpkins in these activities.

 

CONNECT:

• Watch your fill of pumpkin videos at https://www.simplykinder.com/pumpkin-videos/
• Get the facts about pumpkins at https://www.sciencekids.co.nz/sciencefacts/food/pumpkins.html and dig deeper at https://kids.kiddle.co/Pumpkin
• Learn about the history of pumpkins and Halloween at https://www.halloweenexpress.com/the-history-behind-pumpkins-and-halloween/

 

 

CREATE:

• You can try more than 40 kid-friendly pumpkin activities at https://handsonaswegrow.com/40-pumpkin-activities-for-kids/
• Sing about pumpkins at https://www.morganmanagesmommyhood.com/9-pumpkin-songs-perfect-for-fall/.  Then make up your own pumpkin song.
• Pumpkins are more than decoration; you can cook them too. Just follow the recipes at https://www.kids-cooking-activities.com/pumpkin-recipes.html

 

CARE:

• Carving pumpkins is good for kids; here are five reasons why: https://sunshinehouse.com/blog/carving-decorating-pumpkins-5-benefits-for-your-child/
• AND you need to carve safely so here are some tips: https://www.thekitchn.com/3-ways-to-make-pumpkin-carving-with-kids-more-fun-261998
• You can grow your own pumpkin too; see the directions at https://www.thompson-morgan.com/growing-pumpkins-with-kids

 

CAREERS:

Pumpkins can be a gateway to several careers: from growing and selling them to decorating with them and cooking with them. See the possibilities at https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/jobs-if-you-love-halloween-0916

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

 

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/

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Paralympics Proud

 

There is a lot of news about the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, but do you know that the world Paralympic Games is also happening now in Tokyo? Get to know about these great athletes too.

 

CONNECT:

• Watch what is Paralympics sport? This video has an Australian focus: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRrRf2yvAaA  And this video is in Spanish: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZKfthh59kc&list=PLaSegn4AdJAz5NJH6CLfUkQe8BlA5zbYd
• Get the details about the Tokyo Paralympic Games at https://education.tokyo2020.org/en/games/about/paralympic-games/
• Did you know that physicist Stephen Hawking spoke at the opening ceremony of the 1992 Paralympic Games? Discover the history of the Paralympic Games at https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/medal-quest/past-games/

 

CREATE:

• Do this kids’ WebQuest about mobility and athletics at https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/kids/mobility.html
• Meet some Paralympians and their inspiring stories at https://www.paralympic.org.au/athletes/
• Recreate a Paralympic-inspired sports event at home, using these ideas: https://www.paralympicheritage.org.uk/Handlers/Download.ashx?IDMF=cbadfda3-0e5a-40b4-8bed-fbed22aee751

 

CARE:

• Share this fairy tale about William the One Winged Dragon and the Castle Football World Championships at https://www.paralympic.org/sites/default/files/document/120305113307821_Card_8_A_Fairy_Tale.pdf
• Find out how to volunteer in special needs sports programs at https://bethebestsport.org/how-to-volunteer-in-special-needs-sports-programs/
• Support Special Olympics Young Athletes at https://www.specialolympics.org/our-work/inclusive-health/young-athletes

 

CAREERS:

Paralympics combines two careers: sports and working with people with disabilities. Help others be all that they can be! You might be helping at one of the biggest sports events in the world!

• https://www.paralympic.org/careers and https://www.paralympic.org/athlete-careers
• https://www.specialolympics.org/about/careers
• https://www.allaboutcareers.com/career-path/paralympics-disability-sport/

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

Recording Music

 

How do you make music immortal? Record it. People have been recording music for thousands of years, and technology has greatly expanded the ways that music can be recorded. Find out with these online activities.

 

CONNECT:

• The first way that music was recorded was by writing it down: notation. See the history at https://kids.kiddle.co/Musical_notation
• Read about the history of recording technology at https://kids.britannica.com/students/article/sound-recording/273007
• Watch how to record a song at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jexlyS0QG-o

 

CREATE:

• See how to read sheet music at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybQ8nWNVZRo
• Compose your own music using https://www.classicsforkids.com/games/compose_your_own_music.php
• Try one of these apps to create your own music: https://www.cbc.ca/parents/learning/view/8-music-making-apps-for-kids

 

CARE:

• Here are tips to help take care of music CDs and DVDs: https://www.framedestination.com/cd-dvd-storage-archiving
• Find out how making music can help students cope with trauma at https://www.framedestination.com/cd-dvd-storage-archiving
• For parents: Music can help children feel better; read the benefits at https://www.zerotothree.org/resources/1514-beyond-twinkle-twinkle-using-music-with-infants-and-toddlers and https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/emotional-wellness/Pages/Music-and-Mood.aspx

 

CAREERS:

Want to record music for a living? Here are some leads.

• https://work.chron.com/types-jobs-can-degree-recording-arts-3318.html
• https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/music-producer/how-to-become/
• https://wiki.kidzsearch.com/wiki/Audio_engineer

By the way, the music industry is hard to get into as a child so here’s some advice: https://www.thebalancecareers.com/how-can-i-help-my-child-break-into-the-music-business-2460288

 

 

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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/

Amazing Asian Americans

 

May is Asian-Pacific Islander Heritage month, celebrating Asian and Pacific Islanders in the U.S. These peoples have contributed significantly: through inventions, fashion, medicine, food, technology, entertainment, architecture.  The list goes on and on. Discover more about these varied Americans through the activities below.

 

CONNECT:

• Check out these famous firsts by Asian Americans: https://www.infoplease.com/history/apa-heritage/famous-firsts-by-asian-americans
• AND here are 16 Asian American heroes kids should know about: https://redtri.com/asian-american-historical-figures/slide/1
• The first record settlement of Filipinos in American predates the American Revolution. Trace Asian American history’s timeline at http://www.cetel.org/timeline.html
• Asian Americans have encountered much prejudice in the United States, one of the worst being Japanese American confinement during World War II. Manzanar National History Site was once one of ten camps where Japanese American citizens and resident Japanese were incarcerated. Explore their stories at https://www.nps.gov/manz/index.htm

 

CREATE:

• Celebrate the rich history and culture of the generations of Asian and Pacific Islanders who have contributed to America’s diversity and success through 12 activities at https://www2.ed.gov/free/features/asian-pacific-heritage.html
• Enjoy some of these traditional Chinese games with your family: https://www.activityvillage.co.uk/traditional-chinese-games
• See lunches that Asian American kids brought to school: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0QycccIKLs
• Now here are tips to make Asian food kid friendly: https://thegingeredwhisk.com/category/cuisine/asian/

 

CARE:

• Watch how Netflix shows what Asian American families love about their culture at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIN6TX3Zc90
• Explore how 50+ Hawaiian practitioners care about their culture at https://smithsonianapa.org/aekai/.
• For parents: Watch this video about explaining hate crimes to children: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vpdGqbnPj8. CNN also provides tips on ways to support kids  during this time of anti-Asian American hate: https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/18/health/parents-support-kids-asian-hate-crime-wellness/index.html

 

CAREERS:

You’ll find Asian Americans in all walks of life and all kinds of careers. Maybe you’d like a career that links you to Asia. You might become a teacher, an historian, an interpreter, an international business expert, a foreign service officer, a travel agent, a writer, and more. Check out some of the possibilities here.

• https://files.upei.ca/careerservices/careers_asianstudies
• https://career.ku.edu/ealc

 

MARvelous MARS

 

For centuries, people have imagined what Mars was like.  The space vehicle Perseverance landed on the planet Mars February 18, 2021. Maybe you will help colonize Mars.  In the meantime, explore Mars in the following activities. May they raise your eyes to the skies.

 

CONNECT:

• NASA is a great launching pad to learn about Mars: https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/all-about-mars/en/
• Do Martians exist? Watch the possibilities at https://www.esa.int/kids/en/Multimedia/Paxi_animations/English/Do_Martians_exist
• See how Mars was viewed in popular culture at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPcRPqvdEog
• Discover how people might colonize Mars at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5D8e71c75U

 

CREATE:

• Explore life on Mars through this variety of activities: https://www.lpi.usra.edu/education/explore/LifeOnMars/
• Ready Jet Go with these games about Mars: https://pbskids.org/learn/readyjetgo/
• Make a paper Mars helicopter by following the directions at https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/edu/learn/project/make-a-paper-mars-helicopter/
• Join the Mission to Mars student challenge at https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/edu/mission-to-mars-student-challenge/#education-plan.all.week1

 

CARE:

• How much would you weigh on Mars? Calculate your weight – or any other object – on Mars using this online calculator: http://www.learningaboutelectronics.com/Articles/Weight-on-mars-conversion-calculator.php
• Read about the student-based Mars Metropolis Project at https://www.vivifystem.com/blog/2019/4/30/design-a-colony-on-mars-stem-project. Maybe your school can follow their lead.
• Help scientists imagine Mars by joining the Imagine Mars Project at https://mars.nasa.gov/imagine/leaders/getting_started/The_Imagine_Mars_Project.pdf
• Are you looking for the ultimate project-based STEM challenge? Do you need an engineering or science fair project or summer STEM showcase? Try designing a Mars colony, as detailed at https://www.vivifystem.com/blog/2019/4/30/design-a-colony-on-mars-stem-project

 

CAREERS:

This is a universe of space careers. Explore the opportunities; the sky is NOT the limit.

• https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2016/article/careers-in-space.htm
• https://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/careers/index.html
• https://www.space-careers.com/
• https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2019/07/22/six-space-jobs-you-can-train-for/1638131001/

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/

I Protest (Peacefully)

 

It’s inevitable that at some point, you don’t like to do what someone else is doing – or is making you do, be it giving away your favorite toy – or someone bullying you. What can you do? These activities can show you what action you might take – and the consequences of bad actions.

 

CONNECT:

• Hear and watch the children’s book Let the Children March at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnptqGnM4xQ
• Learn about and listen to music that was written to protest and the unequal treatment of black people at https://www.classicalmpr.org/story/2020/06/08/classical-kids-music-lessons-protest-music
• Protests reflect a broad spectrum of actions and a huge mix of social issues. This video explains non-violent protests. It is geared for teens and adults, but is very accessible: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eP-mv5IjFzY

 

CREATE:

• Help kids find their voice why supporting ways to help families stand up against injustice: https://www.aeinstein.org/nonviolentaction/198-methods-of-nonviolent-action/
• As citizens, we should be engaged in our community: here’s how to go on a protest as a family: https://www.parents.com/parenting/better-parenting/advice/tips-for-protesting-with-kids/
• Try some of these activities that can help kids handle bullying situations: https://www.pacer.org/bullying/classroom/elementary/

 

CARE:

• Use this guide to talk with youngsters about protests: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5694f5c6bfe87314267a8a1b/t/5a9fe809e4966b2fb99f7627/1520429067378/Talking+With+Kids+6+and+Under.pdf
• Especially now, news on television shows much violence and disinformation. Here are some good practices about screen time use: https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Children-And-Watching-TV-054.aspx
• Active listening is vital for effective communication within the family and among friends, especially where there is disagreement. Try some of these tips: https://www.cdc.gov/parents/essentials/communication/activelistening.html#:~:text=Active%20listening%20is%20a%20good,what%20she%20has%20to%20say.&text=give%20your%20full%20attention%20to,other%20things%20you%20are%20doing

 

CAREERS:

Want to address injustice? Want to make your community better? It might lead to a lifelong career: as a politician, community organizer, social worker, journalist, teacher, lawyer, and more. Explore the possibilities through these websites.

https://www.brazen.com/blog/archive/job-search/10-careers-that-let-you-fight-for-equality

https://www.humanrightscareers.com/magazine/careers-in-social-justice-and-human-rights/

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/10-careers-that-let-you-f_b_1586777

Walking Well

 

Have you heard the adage: “walk at one, talk at two”? Walking is (hopefully) a lifelong exercise that is good for you. Explore the following activities about this universal activity.

 

CONNECT:

• See how different animals walk at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVvZKcKBTtg
• One special way to walk is through a labyrinth; watch the 4000 year history of labyrinth walking at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7u80ZLEh3M. You could make your own labyrinth.
• Watch the history of walking sticks at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBvqVd5jyVU

 

CREATE:

• Move with this walking song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6cJB7k6eEk and you can make up your own walking song
• Try some of these ideas for fun family walks: https://www.verywellfit.com/fun-walking-with-kids-3436010
• You can enjoy walking even during the pandemic by following the tips at https://kidsofthewild.co.uk/2018/01/24/fun-easy-walks-with-kids/
• Try this animal walk exercises: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOKm8l-Vx78

 

CARE:

• Find out the benefits of walking for children at https://novakdjokovicfoundation.org/the-benefits-of-walking- for-children/
• Put your best forward by starting a school walking club; get the details at https://www.positivepromotions.com/positive-resource-center-start-a-school-walking-club/a/950-r/
• Get great tips in this kid’s guide safe walking: https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.dot.gov/files/811026.pdf

 

CAREERS:

Like to walk? You might walk into a great job that requires a lot of walking: from dog walking to tour guide. Let your fingers do the walking as you check out the opportunities below.

• https://money.howstuffworks.com/10-careers-people-who-cant-sit-still.htm
• https://methodshop.com/jobs-that-require-a-lot-of-walking/