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

Shark!

 

Sharks seem to be a hot summer topic. But there’s a lot more beyond surface knowledge about them. Plunge into these online activities. They don’t bite!

 

CONNECT:

• Watch this kid-friendly video that share “all” about sharks at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfWMwG6aYzQ. Pay special attention to their teeth!
• Imagine a 5-foot long baby that can weight more than 2 tons as an adult! That’s the great white shark. Discover more details about this shark at https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/fish/facts/great-white-shark
• There are many different species of sharks that range in size from the size of a person's hand to bigger than a bus. Compare their sizes at https://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/sharks/anatomy/Size.shtml

 

 

CREATE:

• Learn the Baby Shark song at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqZsoesa55w
• Here’s a week of shark-themed activities for you to try: https://theeducatorsspinonit.com/sharks-themed-activities-for-shark-week/
• Dive into virtual shark camp at https://www.sharks4kids.com/virtual-shark-camp

 

CARE:

• Going to the beach? your risk of being killed in a shark attack is miniscule—approximately 1 in 3,749,067. But there are still some shark safety tips to follow (they work for most open water swimming): https://www.smartertravel.com/shark-safety-tips/
• Read how kids are helping sharks at https://www.sharks.org/kids-helping-sharks
• Shark fin soup is an ancient Chinese tradition; it’s especially favored at weddings. But it’s at the expense of sharks: about 100 million sharks are killed each year (much more than sharks kill people). Find out about this controversial practice at https://savingoceans.org/blog/f/the-controversy-of-shark-fin-soup

 

CAREERS:

It’s true that you can make money from shark parts, such as their teeth, but there are several more positive ways to make money from sharks without hurting them: as a conservationist, marine biologist, zoologist, shark driver, and lifeguard.

• https://www.sharksider.com/job-working-sharks/
• http://www.professorclarkthescienceshark.com/
• https://scubadiverlife.com/cool-scuba-jobs-great-white-shark-guide/

.

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/

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.  

 

 

 

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/

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/

 

Give a Fork

 

While some food can be eaten by hand, eating utensils come in handy much of the time. Explore these activities to dig into the facts about them.

 

CONNECT:

• Follow a time of eating utensils, starting from 500,000 BC to the present at http://www.eatingutensils.net/history-of-cutlery/timeline-of-eating-utensils/
• Compare the variety of forks, from sardines to ice cream, at http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/design/2012/06/the_history_of_the_fork_when_we_started_using_forks_and_how_their_design_changed_over_time_.html
• How do people around the world eat their food? See the variety of utensils at https://www.thetravelalmanac.com/food/utensils.htm
• Get the facts about chopsticks at https://kids.kiddle.co/Chopsticks
• What do trongs, splayds, chorks, and the fred have in common? They are all utensils; see them at https://www.bonappetit.com/test-kitchen/tools-test-kitchen/article/13-weird-eating-utensils-from-sporks-to-trongs.

 

 

CREATE:

• Watch how to use chopsticks at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucHuj48bzgE
• Make an origami holder for chopsticks by following this video’s instructions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzU5oZ-Klpc
• Try some of these recyclable chopstick crafts for kids: https://www.artistshelpingchildren.org/chopstickscraftsideasforkids.html
• ‘Tis the season for nutcracker-themed crafts; explore them at https://www.steamsational.com/nutcracker-crafts-for-kids/

 

CARE:

• For parents: here are tips for teaching young children how to use knives and forks safely: https://www.nhsggc.org.uk/kids/resources/ot-activityinformation-sheets/using-a-knife-and-fork-information-sheet/
• Here’s the low-down on kids and utensil use: https://kidsdigfood.com.au/low-down-kids-utensil-use/
• It’s fun to play “kitchen,” but play utensils can be hazardous; follow the safety tips at https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2010/05/toy-food-and-utensil-sets-safety-tips-for-children/index.htm
• Help save the planet by using recyclable drinking straws. Read by plastic straws are a recycling problem at https://mydisposal.com/plastic-straws#:~:text=Although%20the%20plastic%20they%20are,through%20the%20mechanical%20recycling%20sorter.&text=Because%20straws%20are%20non%2Drecyclable%2C%20they%20end%20up%20landfills.

 

CAREERS:

How might eating utensils turn into a career? As a restaurant worker, a utensil designer or manufacturer, as a cook, as an occupational therapist, or as a manners expert (you often need to know dining etiquette to get a job!).

https://career.vt.edu/job-search/presenting_yourself/interviewing/dining-etiquette/FAQs-dining-etiquette.html

https://collegegrad.com/careers/food-preparation-and-serving

https://study.com/academy/lesson/adaptive-eating-utensils-in-occupational-therapy.html

http://career.iresearchnet.com/career-information/silverware-artisan-worker-career/

Tune Into Radio

 

Radios have been around for almost 150 years, and they remain a major communications means for people around the world. Tune into these activities to learn about radios.

 

CONNECT:

• Discover radio facts for kids at https://kids.kiddle.co/Radio
• What are different kinds of radio? Find out at https://www.techwalla.com/articles/about-different-types-of-radios
• Look at some early crystal radios at https://kids.kiddle.co/Crystal_radio
• Watch how radios work at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drLxfjqZHVo

 

CREATE:

• Try these kids-friendly children’s radio music at https://tunein.com/radio/Childrens-Music-c530749/
• Listen to 9 great online radio shows for kids; get the list at http://www.educational-freeware.com/news/radio-for-kids.aspx
• Download this app to listen to Kidjam: https://www.kidjamradio.com/
• Become the family radio DJ by following these directions: https://www.realplaycoalition.com/activities-for-kids/radio-dj/

 

CARE:

• How safe are baby radio monitors? Find out at https://www.fcc.gov/engineering-technology/electromagnetic-compatibility-division/radio-frequency-safety/faq/rf-safety
• Follow  these Internet radio safety tips for kids: https://www.searchrpm.com/internet-safety-for-kids/kid-and-teen-resources/internet-radio-safety-tips-for-kids
• Learn how walkies talkies can help kids stay safe and build their independence: https://midlandusa.com/kids-walkie-talkies/
• Get the answers to frequently asked questions about the safety of radiofrequency (RF) and microwave emissions from transmitters and facilities regulated by the FCC: https://www.fcc.gov/engineering-technology/electromagnetic-compatibility-division/radio-frequency-safety/faq/rf-safety

 

CAREER:

Tune onto a great radio career by checking out these websites:

• https://beonair.com/careers/radio
• https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Careers/Occupations/Occupation-profile.aspx?keyword=Radio%20and%20Television%20Announcers&onetcode=27301100&location=UNITED%20STATES&onet=27301100
• https://www.jobmonkey.com/broadcastjobs/radio-production/
• https://careertrend.com/list-different-jobs-needed-operate-radio-station-26987.html

.

 

 

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/

 

 

 

 

Eggscellent Eggs

 

We decorate them, we eat them, we even come from them. It’s time to get eggscited about eggs through these online activities.

 

CONNECT:

• Collect facts about eggs at https://kids.kiddle.co/Egg_(biology)
• Discover animal eggs you won’t believe they eat in other countries: https://www.thedailymeal.com/travel/6-animal-eggs-you-won-t-believe-they-eat-other-countries
• Read about the ancient arts of decorating eggs at https://blogs.loc.gov/folklife/2017/04/decorating-eggs/

 

CREATE:

• Learn how kids can cook eggs at https://www.kids-cooking-activities.com/how-to-cook-eggs.html
• Try dozens of egg crafts: https://www.firefliesandmudpies.com/easy-entertaining-egg-crafts-kids/
• Play kid-friendly Easter egg games any time at https://www.firefliesandmudpies.com/easy-entertaining-egg-crafts-kids/

 

CARE:

• Here are 26 things you need to know before buying a carton of eggs: https://www.eatthis.com/eggs/
• Here’s why you need to know about egg safety: https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/what-you-need-know-about-egg-safety#:~:text=Wash%20hands%2C%20utensils%2C%20equipment%2C,cooked%20to%20160%C2%B0%20F.
• Learn about Salmonella and eggs at https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/communication/salmonella-and-eggs.html

 

CAREERS:

Eggs can be the birth of an eggsciting career: as a farmer, a grocer, a scientist, a doctor, a chef, an artist. A focus on a career in eggs can be eggstremely fruitful!

• https://www.thebalancecareers.com/egg-farmer-125613
• https://www.eggfarmers.ca/2017/08/five-unexpected-egg-based-careers/
• https://www.careergirls.org/career/ob-gyn/
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/food-preparation-and-serving/chefs-and-head-cooks.htm

 

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

Are you a fan of fans?

Are you a fan of fans?

Summers can get hot, and fans can help cool us. Fans can also cool other animals and inanimate objects, such as computers. Try these activities to fan your interest in fans.

CONNECT:

• Fans are 5000 years old! Explore their history at the Fan Museum:  https://www.thefanmuseum.org.uk/fan-history
• Electric fans have a much shorter history: less than 150 years old. Read about their development at https://www.fancollectors.org/fanhistory.htm
• How did mosquitos lead to air conditioners? Watch the connection at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGX3P7P5AOE
• You can dance with fans; watch these Chinese folk dancers at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlQsVY3z4TI and these Korean folk dancers at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuF0OosXR78

CREATE:

• Try these fan experiments with your little ones: http://nerdybaby.blogspot.com/2011/01/fan-experiments.html
• Make your own pocket folding fan at https://gluesticksblog.com/diy-pocket-fans/
• This is a game to use fans and put balloons to the space of your competitor: https://45mix.net/en/fan-the-balloon-game/
• Learn the romantic language of the hand fan at https://www.whalingmuseum.org/online_exhibits/fans/language.html

CARE:

• Fans can feel good – until you get hurt by them. Here are some safety measures to consider when using fans around children: http://www.ourhousefamilies.org/are-cooling-fans-safe-for-children.html
• Here are tips for keeping cool in the car, especially in a car seat: https://thecarseatlady.com/keepingcool/
• Your pets get hot in the summer too. Follow these strategies to keep your furry friends cool without fans: https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/keep-pets-safe-heat
• Computers need fans to keep the elements from overheating. Here are some ways for older family members to keep those fans in good condition: https://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch001339.htm

CAREERS:

Do you FANcy a career with fans? You can study fans as a historian or museum curator, you can make handmade fans or manufacture HUGE fans, you can sell fans, and you can repair fans. Fan your interest here.

https://www.justrightair.com/webapp/p/632/6-reasons-why-you-should-consider-hvac-as-a-career