Bicycles Built for All

 

Bicycles can be built for -- and ridden by -- kids as well as adults and even professional bikers. Enjoy these activities as you get pumped up about bikes.

 

CONNECT:

• Check out this surprising stuff about your favorite two-wheeled transport: https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/ten-fun-facts-about-bikes
• Check out some of the science behind bikes at https://www.sciencekids.co.nz/sciencefacts/vehicles/bicycles.html
• Watch and read about the history of bicycles at https://bedtimehistorystories.com/history-of-bicycles-for-kids/
• Watch the most famous bike race in the world: the Tour de France: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrx3lr7roks

 

CREATE:

• Build bike-riding skills with these fun activities: https://activeforlife.com/activities-improve-bike-riding-skills/
• Be entertained with your bike with these easy fun activities: https://www.twowheelingtots.com/15-biking-activities-for-summer/
• Try some of the kid-friendly games while riding a bike: https://guardianbikes.com/blogs/around-the-block/summer-games-for-kids-while-riding-a-bike
• How creative can you be in making a bike without wheels? Watch one solution at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5b0DKfhPc4

 

CARE:

• Use this video to help you find the right size bike for each kid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYcmm-Cg87o
• Keep safe with your bike by following these ten rules: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PT1-mDlVyaI&t=1s
• Bike helmet safety can save your life; see how at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sV9GjU7cA7o
• Keep your bike in good share with these bike maintenance ideas for the family: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEdAzZApaaA
• Did you get hurt from a bike accident? Here are same tips on treating minor cuts and bruises: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WsmwXnzl40g

 

 

CAREERS:

Bikes could be your wheel of fortune. You can be a manufacturer, a seller, a racer, a messenger, a repairer – or a doctor who “repairs” kids who have had bike accidents. Pedal through these possibilities.

• This 12-year-old started his own bike repair business for a good cause: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-_CBqmb-Ac
• See an Indian bike factory at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJHpu2mccH0
• Can you make a living as a bike messenger? See one possibility at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2I0fxeeI1sg

Rev Up for Cars!

 

The U.S. is a nation of cars. Look under the hood of cars with these online activities.

 

CONNECT:

• See the history of cars at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iorv0Ty2Gbk; teens will probably prefer this visual history: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cFovJ4HZ8s
• How does a car work? Watch how gas and electric engines work at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyNaWBl4OXg
• Watch how cars are manufactured at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zn6scKf7k_0

 

CREATE:

• Going on a road trip? Try these 20+ unplugged road trip activities to pass the time: https://travelmamas.com/unplugged-road-trip-activities-for-kids/
• Like playing with toy cars? Here are lots of ways to expand that playtime for youngsters – AND store those toys: https://www.learningandexploringthroughplay.com/2016/08/toy-car-activities-and-storage-ideas.html
• Get crafty with cars with these toddler-friendly ideas: https://www.kidorzo.com/car-crafts-for-toddlers/

 

CARE:

• Watch how to be safe in a car: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5KrRVdt74U
• Learn about basic traffic signs and rules at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PpEWVxNj2xo
• Do you ride a bike? You usually share the road with cars and other vehicles, so watch this bicycle safer journey at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkoVxBnnGko&t=139s

 

CAREERS:

Does a car-related CAReer rev you up? Explore the possibilities!

• https://www.lelandwest.com/blog/listing.asp?2021/8/career-advice-for-people-who-love-cars
• See the range of jobs for car enthusiasts: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbJc7geEpiM
• Check out a mechanic at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDmQpsKwTmE

Key In

How can something as small play such a big role in our sense of security? Lock into this question is in the following online activities.

CONNECT:

• How many kinds of keys and locks can you think of? There are dozens! Read about some of them at https://www.hunker.com/12003745/different-types-of-locks-keys
• Did you know that keys were made 6000 years ago? Learn about the history of keys at http://www.historyofkeys.com/keys-history/history-of-keys/
• What is a skeleton key? It has nothing to do with bones, but it could make your bones rattle because it can open lots of doors and drawers. Find out how at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmmlZ284QKc
• How does a combination lock work? Watch it in action at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jz2WVSoQBxM

CREATE:

• What can you do with old locks and keys? Make them info fun activities: https://www.notimeforflashcards.com/2016/12/lock-and-key-activities-for-kids.html
• Play the game “Keeper of the keys”. Directions are available at https://dbp.theatredance.utexas.edu/node/43
• Make an original key chain as a gift. Here are lots of ideas: https://www.artistshelpingchildren.org/key-rings-artscraftsideaskids.html

CARE:

• What’s a love padlock, and how can it be unsafe? Discover the problem in Paris at https://www.efe.com/efe/english/life/unchained-love-40-tons-of-padlocks-taken-down-from-paris-pont-neuf/50000263-3573222
• How does a chip key work, and what is its safety advantage? Find out at https://bulldog-locksmith.com/transponder-keys/
• Choosing the best bike lock and learning how to use it properly are the most important things you can do to protect your bike from theft. Get the details at http://thebestbikelock.com/best-bike-lock/things-to-do-before-your-bikes-stolen/

CAREERS:

Keys may be the key to a great career. The most obvious job is a locksmith. Find out what they do at https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/locksmith/

Other occupations that involve keys include security, police work, and manufacturing.

https://securityintelligence.com/theres-never-been-a-better-time-to-consider-security-careers/

https://www.cybersecurityeducation.org/careers/

Vive la France!

France and the U.S. have always had a special relationship – and it’s not just the food or the same colors on the flags. Find out more about the delights of France; you may even become a Francophile.

CONNECT:

• Want to know about all things France? Start with the kids’ encyclopedia: http://academickids.com/encyclopedia/index.php/France
• France celebrates its own kind of Independence Day 10 days after the U.S.’s day: on July 14. It’s called Bastille Day in English, but it’s really the “Fete Nationale.” And it’s not really about the storming of the Bastille. Get the real facts at http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/french-revolutionaries-storm-bastille
• The U.S. Independence owes a great deal of gratitude to France; read the stories at http://classroom.synonym.com/did-france-aid-american-colonies-6250.html
• Dig up the history of Paris at http://www.paris.culture.fr/en/
• Did you know that a Frenchman created the Statue of Library – but not for the US? Find out 10 amazing facts at http://parade.com/311395/viannguyen/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-the-statue-of-liberty-she-was-almost-gold/

CREATE:

• Try one of the fun French activities listed at http://www.kidactivities.net/post/countries-around-the-world-themes.aspx
• What’s more French than French food? Learn how to say French fries in French (the French actually call them fried potatoes) and many other mouth-watering French words at http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/primarylanguages/french/food_and_drink/. You can hear how they sound too. Bon appetit!
• Make some of your own French cuisine using the kid-friendly recipes at http://www.easy-french-food.com/easy-recipes-for-kids.html
• Wonder what it would be like to see from the top of the Eiffel Tower? You can do that, plus play games about this famous landmark, at http://www.toureiffel.paris/en/childrens-tower.html.
• Tour Versailles without the crowds or expense: http://en.chateauversailles.fr/homepage

CARE:

• One of France’s most popular flowers is the lavender. Make a lavender sachet following these directions: http://www.redtedart.com/2012/08/01/kids-crafts-sewing-with-kids-lavender-bags/
• Promote good U.S.-French relations by connecting with the world’s largest cultural and language centr network: Alliance Francaise: http://alliance-us.org/
• Follow France’s famous bike race: the Tour de France at http://www.letour.fr/us/. Consider creating your own Tour de Neighborhood race as a service project fund-raiser. Race to raise money….

CAREERS:

Are you a Francophile (someone who loves all things French)? There are lots of jobs waiting for you: chef, fashion designer, diplomat, literary expert, translator, travel agent, teacher, international business person.

Check out this long list of job possibilities: http://www.umassd.edu/cas/fll/programs/undergraduateprograms/majorsminorsconcentrations/frenchmajor/whatcanidowithafrenchmajor/

http://www.omniglot.com/language/articles/frenchcareers.htm

This site also gives good reasons for learning French: http://french.virginia.edu/undergraduate/whattodo

Family Fix-it

Is your family in a fix? All family members should feel confident about doing household repairs; you never know when something might need fixing – and such practice are good for the environment. Family members can teach each other – and they can consult reputable online resources. In addition, reading repair documents helps one follow and create good directions, which is a valuable lifelong skill.

CONNECT:

• Yahoo contribute Sylvia Branch lists five basic home repair skills for kids: https://shine.yahoo.com/five-basic-home-repair-skills-kids-223800824.html
• Ms. FIXIT’s how-to library has lots of advice on home repairs. Here’s her list of ways to deal with laundry and stains: http://www.mrsfixit.com/fixits/FixitCategoryList.asp?id=16
• Watch about electricity safety at http://www.ogepet.com/videos/kids-safety-video.aspx
• Kids can be rough on clothes, so it’s good to involve them in repairing those occasional rips. The University of Kentucky cooperative Extension Service provides useful factsheets on clothing repair: http://www2.ca.uky.edu/hes/fcs/factshts/CT-MMB-147.PDF

CREATE:

• Children should learn how to use basic repair tools, such as screwdrivers, hammers, and even can openers. Get some starting tips at http://www.stretcher.com/stories/10/10dec06e.cfm
• How do parents start teaching children about home maintenance and repair? Get some ideas from http://voices.yahoo.com/involve-kids-home-maintenance-repairs-teach-self-12314086.html?cat=25
• There are some tips for teaching children basic plumbing skills: http://plumbernw.com/teaching-your-children-basic-plumbing-skills/
• Youngsters can have fun with these fire prevention activities: http://www.sparky.org/

CARE:

• You may find that directions need improvement, or you might discover a better way to do something. http://www.wikihow.com/ provides a venue for contributing how-to-ideas to the public.
• Here are some great youth programs focused on “recycle-a-bicycyle”: http://www.recycleabicycle.org/youth-programs.  See if something similar is in your area – or consider starting such a program. You can become a member of this program, and get ideas for helping.
• RePlay for Kids is an organization that provides free repair services to agencies tht work with kids with disabilities. Teens often participate in this service, so maybe your family can get involved too: http://www.replayforkids.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=109&Itemid=54
• Find good resources on bike maintenance and bike repair for kids at http://www.partselect.ca/resources/bicycle-maintenance-and-repair.aspx. Maybe you can host a neighborhood bike repair day.

CAREERS:

Do you have handy family members? Even in this “throw-away” culture, there are always repairs to do, and as people become more resource conscious, repair/recycle jobs will become even more important. There a lot of ways to get a fix on jobs in repairs:

http://www.bls.gov/opub/ooq/2010/fall/art03.pdf

http://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/maintenance-and-repair-worker

http://occupations.careers.org/field/49/installation-maintenance-and-repair

https://www.collegetoolkit.com/careers/category/installation__maintenance___and__repair/49.aspx

http://www.careerprofiles.info/installation-repair-careers.html

FOR PARENTS:

Be sure to discuss with your family as to when a repair should be done by an outside expert rather than dealing with it by yourselves. This note applies particularly when high-voltage electricity is involved.