It's Electric!

 

You usually can’t see electricity but you can sometimes feel it; it can be shocking!  Light up your mind by engaging in these activities.

 

CONNECT:

• Watch electricity in nature explained at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-0gNl5f4BU
• What is an electric circuit? See the answer at What is an electric circuit? See the answer at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOFp8bHTN30
• How does electricity get to your house? Watch the journey at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPsetQ9Nt48
• Watch the history of electricity at What is an electric circuit? See the answer at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOFp8bHTN30
• Can a fish produce electricity? YES: electric eels – although they aren’t really eels; learn about them at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOFp8bHTN30

 

CREATE:

• Learn about electricity circuits by experimenting with batteries online at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOFp8bHTN30
• Do does static electricity work? Experiment by following the directions at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TAIUCYMlIQ
• Try several more electricity experiments at https://www.aneverydaystory.com/electricity-experiments-for-kids/

 

CARE:

•  Watch how to safe around electricity at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-QK20pZvto
• Find out 10 easy ways to conserve energy at home and school at https://tristate.coop/kids-conserve-energy-for-home-school
• Be a home energy auditor by following the guide at https://climatekids.nasa.gov/career-auditor/

 

 

CAREERS:

Does electricity turn you on? Here are some bright careers related to electricity: from scientist to manufacturer and repairer.

• Watch the many career paths of an electrician at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ya9KIN1GzbA
• https://learn.org/articles/What_are_Some_Common_Careers_in_the_Electricity_Industry.html
• https://www.rturnerelectric.com/careers-in-electrical-industry/

Why Are Diamonds So Special?

 

Diamonds have been highly valued for centuries. Why? Explore the history and use of diamonds with these activities.

 

CONNECT:

• Watch how carbon (which is also used to make coal) changes to the super crystal diamond at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tgnkoygbD0
• Learn how to cut diamonds at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3UX0l6f1aE
• Check out uses of diamonds at https://www.miningforschools.co.za/lets-explore/diamond/uses-of-diamonds

 

CREATE:

• Try these diamond-shaped crafts for preschoolers: https://classroom.synonym.com/diamondshaped-arts-crafts-preschoolers-8125731.html
• Make a paper diamond by following these instructions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdQ3aQR0G5U
• Can you turn coal into using peanut butter? Watch the process at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=737r0mRf0hY

 

CARE:

• Explore the Crater of Diamonds State Park at https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/crater-diamonds-state-park
• Watch a kid’s learning about diamond mining’s hidden cost at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sentTvMHnkQ
• Find out how to buy an ethical diamond at https://time.com/4013735/how-to-buy-an-ethical-diamond/

 

CAREERS:

Diamonds may be a career’s best friend: in manufacturing, cutting, jewelry making, selling, and marriage planning. Explore sparkling diamond-related careers with these Internet resources.

• https://austindiamondbuyer.net/career-diamond-industry/
• https://www.diamondfacts.org/pdfs/media/media_resources/fact_sheets/Diamond_Industry_Fact_Sheet.pdf
• https://miningdigital.com/top10/top-10-trends-in-the-diamond-industry

 

 

 

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Fall for Leaves

 

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

CONNECT:

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

CREATE:

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

 

CARE:

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

 

CAREERS:

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

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

 

 

 

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

Nature's Geometry

 

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

 

CONNECT:

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

 

CREATE:

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

 

CARE:

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

 

CAREERS:

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

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

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/

 

 

 

 

Fibonacci Numbers: Nature’s Code

 Nature isn’t as random as you might think. Mathematicians have coded patterns in nature, and Fibonacci’s sequence is one of the most famous – and seen in art as well as the physical world. Explore the following sequence of activities to see the pattern.

 

CONNECT:

• What is a Fibonacci sequence? See the answer at https://ca.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/math_nature/fibonacci-sequence/
• Who was Fibonacci? Find out at https://www.cbc.ca/kidscbc2/the-feed/its-everywhere-you-look-but-have-you-ever-heard-of-fibonacci
• Where do you see Fibonacci’s sequence? At https://insteading.com/blog/fibonacci-sequence-in-nature/

 

CREATE:

• Paint like Fibonacci-inspired Mondrian following the directions at https://teachbesideme.com/mondrian-style-fibonacci-art/
• Start with nature to explore Fibonacci numbers at https://youtu.be/ahXIMUkSXX0
• Explore Fibonacci math at http://www.maths.surrey.ac.uk/hosted-sites/R.Knott/Fibonacci/fibnat.html

 

CARE:

• Why does nature choose to follow the Fibonacci sequence? Discover the advantages at https://www.mathsisfun.com/numbers/nature-golden-ratio-fibonacci.html
• The conservationist Sierra Club salutes Fibonacci too: https://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/2015-2-march-april/green-life/wide-eyed-look#6
• Our face models Fibonacci’s sequence; see how at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wy6cqVUloJQ. Explore other parts of your body follows the sequence: arms, hands, and so on.

 

CAREERS:

Do you see patterns in numbers? You might see math in your future – as a mathematician, sure, but also as a statistician, a scientist, an engineer, a computer programmer, an architect, an artist, or a business person.

https://www.stemjobs.com/fibonacci-day/

https://www.mathscareers.org.uk/article/the-mathematics-of-rabbit-island/

https://recompilermag.com/issues/issue-8/finding-a-path-with-the-fibonacci-sequence/

https://dribbble.com/tags/fibonacci_sequence

The Little People

Who takes care of us? Not just our families but “little people” and fairy folk. They are found in Harry Potter books and many other tales.

CONNECT:

• Read the Muggle’s guide to house elves from Harry Potter at https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Muggles%27_Guide_to_Harry_Potter/Magic/House_Elf
• In Norway and Sweden mischievous little sprites protect homes. Their legends are found at https://www.ingebretsens.com/culture/traditions/legend-of-nisse-and-tomte
• A Scottish Brownie is not something to eat but rather a house elf. Read about them and other house elves in https://exemplore.com/magic/House-Fairies-and-Elves-The-Brownie-Monicello-and-More

CREATE:

• Cook up some elf food by following the directions at https://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/elf-food/b7bc54d1-9169-4d50-bae6-189ea68bd9ca
• Fairy bread is an Aussie children’s party favorite; make your own from this recipe: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/80934/fairy-bread/
• ‘Tis the time to make kid-friendly crafts: http://www.playideas.com/25-awesome-elf-crafts-for-kids/

CARE:

• A Brownie is also a young Girl Scout; scout out what they do and how they help others at https://www.girlscouts.org/en/our-program/grade-levels/what-brownies-do.html
• In Iceland elves save the countryside; find out their impact at https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2015/mar/25/iceland-construction-respect-elves-or-else
• Enjoy this German tale of the shoemaker and the helpful elves: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqOGt5TvAUA;  You can be a helpful elf too.

CAREERS:

Do your thoughts turn to fantasy? You could become a writer, a storyteller, an artists, an entertainer or even an anthropologist. Let your imagination fly!

https://www.themuse.com/advice/5-career-paths-for-people-who-love-telling-stories

https://www.forbes.com/sites/jmaureenhenderson/2015/09/14/if-you-can-tell-a-story-you-can-get-a-job/

https://blog.storyhunter.com/how-they-began-their-career-three-storytellers-with-inspiring-stories-42206690dbe9

Signs of the Times

We are surrounded by signs, but do we see them – or otherwise recognize them? Doing the following activities is a sign that you want to learn how to read the signs better. That’s a good sign!

CONNECT:

• Several early writing systems were picture- or sign-based. The Chinese still write in complex signs of “characters.” See the origin of their writing system and how it evolved at http://www.ancientscripts.com/chinese.html
• Did you know that the colors and signs of road and traffic signs are created on purpose? Read more into signs at https://www.myparkingsign.com/blog/significance-of-colors-shapes-in-road-traffic-signs/
• Hallmark Cards used that name for a purpose. Learn the history of hallmarking at https://www.thegoldsmiths.co.uk/company/history/hallmarking/.
• Did you know that sign language isn’t universal? Watch this video to see why: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=viRVFxvXSss

CREATE:

• A coat of arms is a sign of a family, and what makes them special. Learn about coats of arms, and make your own family coat of arms at http://medievaleurope.mrdonn.org/heraldry.html
• Learn how to read road signs by playing this game: http://www.jrso.com/funzone/roadsigns/roadsignsgame/
• Can you make a story with just emojis? This dictionary can help you: https://emojipedia.org/people/
• Whether weather? It happens whether or not you like it. But wouldn’t it be useful to forecast the weather? Learn the signs of weather at http://www.weatherwizkids.com/weather-forecasting.htm

CARE:

• Learn how to communicate with someone can’t hear; learn the basics of American Sign Language by following along with these kid-friendly videos: http://www.watchknowlearn.org/Category.aspx?CategoryID=333
• Learn how to read and made trail markings, which can be a nature-friendly to get around: http://howtowilderness.com/trail-signs/
• Danger! Several signs indicate chemical hazards: https://www.osha.gov/Publications/HazComm_QuickCard_Pictogram.html. You can cut out these pictograms like flashcards, and memorize them with your family. Your lives might depend them.  
• Have you seen the international peace sign? It was created in the 1950s by a student to promote peace and nuclear disarmament. Its 60^th birthday is coming up: April 4. Learn the reason for the design and more at http://www.planetpals.com/IKC/peacesignbirthday.html.  And celebrate peace!

CAREER:

Whether signs are from nature or humans, there’s a career in knowing about and making signs: forest ranger, meteorologist, graphic artist, billboard manager, interpreter, even chemist (for those neon signs). Sign up for a great job! Here are some examples:

http://work.chron.com/list-weather-climate-careers-18217.html

https://woman.thenest.com/sign-maker-job-description-20379.html

https://learn.org/articles/What_are_the_Top_Careers_in_the_Sign_Language_Field.html

https://www.historians.org/jobs-and-professional-development/career-resources/careers-for-history-majors