Viva Video!

 

Videos are all around you: on TV, on computers, on phones, in public places. How are they produced and what is their impact. Broaden your view of videos with these activities.

 

CONNECT:

• Watch how videos work at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ey6S3rKH_o4
• Watch how video games are made at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvrLOS7Lo0Y
• See how a VCR works at https://youtu.be/lRNv4uM6auI
• See how children react to videotapes at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kesMOzzNBiQ&t=198s
• What is media literacy? See what it is and why it is important at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIaRw5R6Da4

 

CREATE:

• What makes a good family movie? Watch this video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPNowUs-ztc) and start discussing movies as a family.
• Use this guide about types of camera shots at https://static.pbslearningmedia.org/media/media_files/typesofshots.pdf to analyze videos.
• Start thinking about creating a video by seeing how videos are produced at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVz6ibGZZd0
• Creating videos? Here are some tested tips for youth at https://joebrennan.us/Digital_Storytelling/Video_Tips/Video_Tips.html

 

CARE:

• Videos are not permanent. Watch how videotapes are preserved at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wo4Tn7_hm7E
• Watch how to preserve digital videos at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96Cei7THmyk
• See examples of video used for activism at https://www.huffpost.com/entry/queer-kid-stuff-activism-video_n_5af9ef51e4b0200bcab7ede9

 

CAREERS:

Do you view videos in your career future? See the possibilities in video production and using video to share your perspectives and expertise.  

• 10 careers in film and video production: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNMBMhNh2S0
• Film director: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_X965j-GD8 (increasingly, movies are made with videos)
• https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/career-video-production
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/film-and-video-editors-and-camera-operators.htm

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/

Hunting Hurricanes

•  

It's hurricane season, so it's time to keep your eye on them. Follow these online activities to track the information about hurricanes.

 

CONNECT:

• Get the facts about hurricanes at https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/hurricane
• Watch how hurricanes form at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKubdY2mHXc&ab_channel=SciShowKids
• How are hurricanes named? Watch the news at https://www.cbsnews.com/news/how-do-hurricanes-get-their-names-who-chooses-and-why-list/#:~:text=How%20are%20names%20chosen%3F,rotated%20through%20every%20six%20years.. See if you can find your name in one of the lists.

 

CREATE:

• Play a game about Hurricane Allie at https://scied.ucar.edu/kids/interactive/hurricane-allie
• Make a hurricane at home by following the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6DYWp27X1E&ab_channel=PlayingWithRain
• Hurricane Irma was a BIG hurricane (watch is a kid's story about it at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6pGIOVJOfE&ab_channel=AlinaCeleste). The storm inspired lots of hurricane activities for kids of different ages. Try some of them at https://www.alsc.ala.org/blog/2017/09/stem-hurricane-irma-activities-kids-tweens-teens/

 

CARE:

• Watch some of the hazards that hurricanes bring at https://scied.ucar.edu/kids/hurricanes/hurricane-hazards
• What should you do if a hurricane is headed your way? Get expert advice at https://www.ready.gov/kids/disaster-facts/hurricanes
• Try these activities to keep entertained during a hurricane: https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2021/05/26/ideas-for-keeping-kids-entertained-during-a-hurricane-or-tropical-storm/

 

CAREERS:

Hurricanes provide several career options: scientist, news reporter, photographer, emergency expert, or even hurricane hunter. Set your eye on these possibilities.

• Watch a hurricane scientist at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7suVdgfMjww&ab_channel=usoceangov
• Watch a storm chaser at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyxA06M1_6k&ab_channel=AccuWeather
• Watch an emergency responder at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyxA06M1_6k&ab_channel=AccuWeather

Go Nuts for Peanuts

When you think of peanuts, do you think of something small? Or a cartoon? Now is the time to think BIG about peanut plants as you do these online activities.  

 

CONNECT:

• Get 25 fun facts about peanuts at https://www.nationalpeanutboard.org/news/fun-facts
• Watch the amazing history of peanuts and peanut butter at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yw5vL7ndowQ
• Why are peanuts at baseball games? Discover the answer at https://www.nationalpeanutboard.org/news/whats-story-behind-peanuts-and-baseball.htm
• Learn about George Washington Carver and 300 uses of a peanut at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7Gb4LfgTW0

 

CREATE:

• Make your own peanut butter by following the directions at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOmIYNIeaSY
• Try these yummy edible peanut butter crafts for kids at https://funfamilycrafts.com/peanut-butter-crafts-kids/
• Cook up some peanut-friendly food for kids at https://www.nationalpeanutboard.org/recipes/for-kids/
• Watch how to grow your own peanuts at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MyCBL5TK_jA

 

CARE:

• Peanuts are not good tasting, but they are good for you; read about their healthy benefits at https://peanut-institute.com/are-peanuts-good-for-a-kids-health/
• However, some people are allergic to peanuts. Find out why at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqBw4tdRw9I
• Find out how safe peanuts are for dogs at https://www.petinsurance.com/healthzone/pet-health/pet-toxins/are-peanuts-safe-for-dogs/

 

CAREERS:

It may be time to get out of your shell and think about a future with peanuts. You can be working for peanuts – and making a good living in agriculture, science, manufacturing, selling, cuisine and more.

• https://www.peanutsusa.com/industry-info/the-peanut-industry.html
• Farming peanuts: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6SxMFDf4rQ
• The peanut scientist: https://cals.ncsu.edu/news/faculty-focus-stalker-makes-a-global-and-local-impact/

 

 

Spill the Beans!

 July is National Baked Bean month. Baking is just one way to serve beans, and beans have been srving us for thousands of years. Use your “bean” (brain) to spill the beans on beans with these activities.

CONNECT:

• Read fun facts about beans at https://justfunfacts.com/interesting-facts-about-beans/
• What's inside a bean? Get the inside story at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFmBKpQxf-U&ab_channel=SciShowKids
• Watch the life cycle of a bean at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9C1snqYyf-0&ab_channel=CesarIbarra
• How do Mexican jumping beans jump? Solve the mystery at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZ45se_3TKA&ab_channel=BBCStudios

CREATE:

• Experiment with beans in the kitchen by following the directions at https://www.kids-cooking-activities.com/bean-facts.html
• Get crafty with beans with these fun activities: https://funfamilycrafts.com/bean-crafts-kids/
• Act out being a bean with these warm-up ideas: https://www.teachingideas.co.uk/warm-up-ideas/beans-activity
• Taste-test these 42 kid-friendly bean recipes: https://www.lizshealthytable.com/2020/06/08/42-bean-recipes-kids-and-families-will-love/

CARE:

• Green beans are one of the easiest plants to grow, as seen in this video. Try it yourself: https://youtu.be/OZr4KBcPXiY
• Grow your own lima beans; learn how at https://smartclass4kids.com/lima-beans-facts/
• Beans help you take care of yourself. Get the facts about beans – their history, their variety, and their benefits – at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9ivVEcs6b8&ab_channel=HealthFacts

CAREERS:

Want to grow beans or cook them – or spread the good news about beans? Here are some careers that could sprout up for you.

• https://start.rm.edu/exercise-science-careers/7-careers-in-nutrition/
• Coffee bean growing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kMKRY9AN4U&ab_channel=PotluckVideo
• Exporting beans abroad: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4qvHynyPS0&ab_channel=FarmKenya

Are Dragons Fantastic?

 

The short answer is: no.  But it all depends on context. Lots of dragons exist in our imagination and our stories. And dragons DO have inspired by real things. So may you find that dragons ARE fantastic in the best meaning of the word (as in “great!”) when you explore these activities.

 

CONNECT:

• Explore facts about dragons at https://www.twinkl.com/teaching-wiki/dragon
• Read about Smithsonian’s look at potential inspiration for dragon myths at https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/where-did-dragons-come-from-23969126/
• Dragons are often culturally created and defined. Find out the differences between Eastern and Western dragons at https://www.draconika.com/culture
•  Watch 5 facts about dragons in real life at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crVtO3kJkc8&ab_channel=ColossalCranium

 

 

CREATE:

• Connect the dots between dragons and STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) connect by trying fun dragon STEM activities at https://theresjustonemommy.com/dragon-stem-activities/
• Get crafty with dragon-inspired activities at https://www.teachingexpertise.com/classroom-ideas/dragon-crafts-and-activities/
• Pick some great books about dragons to read from this list: https://imaginationsoup.net/dragon-books-kids/
• 2024 will be the Chinese Year of the Dragon so start early to learn about that Zodiac sign – and related activities – at https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/where-did-dragons-come-from-23969126/

 

CARE:

• Did you know that bearded dragons really exist? Here is how to take care of them: https://kidspetclub.com/bearded-dragon-care/
• Dragon breath may be good for you; see why and how to do it at https://www.first5california.com/en-us/articles/inhale-exhale-why-practicing-dragon-breathing-can-help-your-child-manage/
• Have you heard of the game Dungeons and Dragons? Research says it can help youth build social skills. check out the research at https://www.geekwire.com/2023/can-dungeons-dragons-and-other-tabletop-games-help-youth-build-social-skills/

 

CAREERS:

Do flights of (dragon) fantasy tempt in in terms of a career? Writing and illustration loom big. The entertainment media industry – films, TV, games – may call you. You might also manufacture dragon-related items: toys, art, jewelry, cloth and clothing, even dragon-shaped desserts. You might even teach about dragons (besides at Hogwarts).

• https://www.shmoop.com/college-majors/mythology-and-folklore/jobs.html
• https://self-publishingschool.com/fantasy-creatures/
• https://www.syracuse.com/news/2011/02/artist_lives_out_fantasy_with.html
• https://www.businessinsider.com/jobs-childhood-fantasy-dream-career-pay-well-2019-9

 

 

 

Put Your Stamp on Life

 People still write cards and letters, which they even mail – along with packages. And stamps have other uses too. Stamp out ignorance by doing these fun activities.

 

CONNECT:

• Watch why stamps were invented – and why collect them – at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4UaYDxL3w8
• Get fun facts about US postage stamps from the source: at https://facts.usps.com/stamps/
• Explore stamp stories at https://postalmuseum.si.edu/stamp-stories

 

CREATE:

• Be crafty with these 25 stamp activities: https://www.playideas.com/25-super-crafty-diy-stamps-for-kids/
• It’s fun and games for all ages at the National Postal Museum; try some at https://postalmuseum.si.edu/fun-games
• Design your own postage stamps at https://www.pbssocal.org/education/family-math-activity-design-your-own-postage-stamps

 

CARE:

• Show you care by making and mailing cards for hospitalized kids or the elderly; get the details at https://www.doinggoodtogether.org/bhf/create-greeting-cards
• Sadly, some people sell fake stamps; get the lowdown at https://www.uspis.gov/news/scam-article/counterfeit-stamps
• Watch how people feed their families on a food stamp budget at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXKkakwf6Vk

 

CAREERS:

• Want to be a mail career? Watch what they do at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXfL1CdkGT4
• Working for the post office isn’t limited to walking around the neighborhood with letters. See the possibilities at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddvVveMJ2mw
• Watch how stamps get designed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKh3lq6SV84
• OR you can do rubber stamping for fun and profit: https://www.musicalexpert.org/what-is-rubber-stamping.htm#:~:text=Rubber%20stamping%20has%20become%20more,only%20limited%20by%20your%20imagination