You’ve Got Nerve!

 

The body’s nerve signal pain, and that’s a good thing. It says “Pay attention!. Nerves have lots of other functions, which you can explore by doing these online activities.

CONNECT:

• Read the basics about the nervous system in English or Spanish at https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/brain-nervous-system.html
• Watch the nervous system at work at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDDaIHBlIu8&t=1s
• All animals have nerves, even if they don’t have a backbone (spine). See different animals’ nerve systems and their behavior at https://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/invert.html
• See a gallery of neurons at https://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/gall1.html

 

CREATE:

• See how to draw our nervous system at https://www.amnh.org/explore/ology/brain/draw-your-nervous-system2
• Build your own monster neural circuit at https://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/neuroscience/madneuron/
• Make your own neuron by following the directions at https://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/chmodel.html

 

CARE:

• Test your need and eye reflexes with the activities at https://www.brainfacts.org/for-educators/for-the-classroom/2026/test-your-knee-and-eye-reflexes-080626
• Different kinds of animals have poisons that act on the nervous system. They are used to protect the animal – but they can harm you. Now you can know what will happen to your nervous system by consulting this list: https://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/toxin1.html
• For teens: check out how to beat pre-performance nerves at https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/nerves.html
• For parents: discover how to calm your kids’ nerves at https://learn.wellbeing4la.org/detail?id=2035&k=1649185402

 

CAREERS:

Do you have the nerve to have a nerve-related career? You could become a scientist, a doctor, a dentist, a physical therapist, a surgeon, a counselor, or a veterinarian. Don’t be nervous discovering possible nerve-supportive job information here.

• https://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/chjob.html
• https://wtcs.pressbooks.pub/anatphys/chapter/8-7-career-connections/
• https://www.cmich.edu/blog/all-things-higher-ed/high-paying-careers-in-neuroscience
• https://specialtycareus.com/8-exciting-neuroscience-careers-to-explore/

 

 

 

Stand Up for Muscles!

 

You couldn’t stand up without muscles; bones are not enough. And not all muscles are created equal. Build some brain muscles (figuratively, because there are no muscles in the brain) with the following online activities.

 

CONNECT:

• Watch the muscular system at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Emox3Uo01C0
• Get more facts about muscles at https://www.coolkidfacts.com/muscle-facts/ ;  older kids can get more details at https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/muscles.html
• How do snails and cockroaches move with their muscles? See the answer at  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGrIRUUaxzI

 

CREATE:

• Use your animal muscles by walking 10 different ways at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14BjRxE7f1o&t=48s
• Name that muscle – and exercise – at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypgzYzJbm14
• Get scientific with these muscle experiments: https://learning-center.homesciencetools.com/article/muscles-science-projects-for-elementary/

 

CARE:

• Try these strengthening exercises for kids and teens: https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=strengthening-exercises-for-kids-1-4804
• But don’t strain your muscles! Find out the amount and types of physical activity recommendations by a child’s age at https://www.cdc.gov/physical-activity-basics/guidelines/children.html
• Get tips on preventing muscle cramps at https://www.choa.org/parent-resources/sports-medicine/how-to-prevent-muscle-cramps-in-kids

 

CAREERS:

Thinking about muscling into a career that involves muscles? Here are several career connections to muscles: https://wtcs.pressbooks.pub/anatphys/chapter/7-7-career-connections-related-to-the-muscular-system/

• https://www.choosept.com/video/pediatric-physical-therapy
• Kinesiologist careers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TWxlIPo4Vk

Lunge for Lungs

 

We need air to breathe – and live – but we can’t do that without lungs. Discover the wonders of lungs with these online activities. You’ll find that lungs are a breath of fresh air – and more.

 CONNECT:

• Learn 10 fun facts about lungs at https://humanbodylearning.com/facts-about-lungs-kids/
• Watch how lungs work at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0giiDDBJVQU&ab_channel=NemoursKidsHealth
• Fish don’t have lungs so how they breathe? See how at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zj5v3n6Nlm8&ab_channel=SciShowKids

CREATE:

• Use your lung power at https://www.brighthorizons.com/resources/activity/education/using-lung-power
• Build your own lung model by following the images at https://discoverycentre.thekids.org.au/activities/science-at-home-build-a-lung-model/
• Explore lungs by trying these idea starters to at https://kidsdiscover.com/teacherresources/lungs-games-and-activities/

 

CARE:

• Follow these tips to keep your lung healthy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwsljkMSVok&ab_channel=NHLBI
• Participate in a lung force walk to help cure lung cancer; see the details at https://www.lung.org/get-involved/events/lung-force-run-walks
• Read about common childhood respiratory diseases at https://choc.org/news/7-common-respiratory-diseases/ 

 

CAREERS:

Do you gasp for a career with lungs? You could be a physician, a therapist, a scientist, a veterinarian, a researcher. Here is a sample of job that might take your breath away.

• See what a lung research does at https://vimeo.com/739858943
• Watch the work of pulmonary doctors at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEoxADZuMsE&ab_channel=MountSinaiHealthSystem
• https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/respiratory-care

AND here are jobs that can lead to lung disease: https://resources.healthgrades.com/right-care/copd/occupations-linked-to-lung-diseases

Blood is Good

 

We owe our lives to blood, even if sometimes we don’t like to look at it. Get an inside view about blood by delving into these online activities.

 

CONNECT:

• Get the facts about blood at https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/blood.html.  (A teen version is available at https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/blood.html#:~:text=Blood%20brings%20oxygen%20and%20nutrients,carries%20hormones%20around%20the%20body.
• What’s the use of blood? Watch the answer at https://www.pbs.org/video/blood-video-short-plzfgf/
• Not all blood is red. Find out about the rainbow colors of animal blood at https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/animal-blood-comes-in-a-rainbow-of-colors?loggedin=true&rnd=1710954751879

 

 

CREATE:

• Experiment with these science activities about blood: https://www.science-sparks.com/science-activities-about-blood/
• Try these kid-friendly hands-on circulatory system activities (outside of the real circulatory system): https://www.weareteachers.com/circulatory-system-activities/
• You too can make (a model of) blood by following the directions at https://letsgolivescience.com/activity/how-to-make-blood/

 

CARE:

• Find out how easy it is to donate blood at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JY5fPvW_YUQ
• Watch what happens to blook after it is donated at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZwtv9IJH6A
• See how a blood transfusion is done for kids: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDbd2y0oYM4
• Bonus: You might have an accident that results in a blood stain on your clothes. Here’s how to remove blood stains: https://thefabricofourlives.com/care-tips/stain-removal/blood-stains

 

CAREERS:

You don’t have to be a vampire to think about a career related to blood. Obviously, there are lots of options in the medical and health professions.  You can also go into the dry-cleaning or insurance business.  

• https://thefabricofourlives.com/care-tips/stain-removal/blood-stains
• Blood centers career video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVVGilvcAvk

 

Blood lines

 

You know what blood is — it's that red stuff that oozes out if you get a paper cut. But what is blood, really, and what does it do? Explore these activities to get these and more answers to our life stream.

 

CONNECT:

• Find out how blood works at https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/blood.html
• Watch how blood journeys around the body at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-s5iCoCaofc%20
• Watch the video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnEprHobSAA  to find out why there are different blood groups.

 

CREATE:

• Experiment with blood-y hands-on science activities at https://www.weareteachers.com/circulatory-system-activities/
• Learn about blood by playing this game: https://www.tinytap.com/activities/g1dv5/play/blood
• Explore blood typing science at https://learning-center.homesciencetools.com/article/blood-typing-science-for-kids/. While there is information about a blood typing kit, you don’t have to go that far; the experiment thereafter is informative in and of itself. But DO ask about your blood type the next time you see your doctor.

 

CARE:

• What happens when people donate blood? Watch the process at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90WPE4_JRD8
• What happens during a blood transfusion for children? Parents, get the facts at https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/blood-transfusions-for-children
• Watch this family-friendly video about treating minor cuts and bruises at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WsmwXnzl40g

 

CAREERS:

Don’t faint at the sight of several careers that are blood-related. Instead, explore some of them here (no cuts were made in selecting these websites).

• https://www.phlebotomyexaminer.com/careers-in-blood-work/
• https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/healthcare-science/roles-healthcare-science/life-sciences/blood-sciences
• https://www.jobs.net/article/cb-138-talent-network-healthcare-8-creepy-careers-in-healthcare-proceed-with-caution/

We’re All Ears

 

Ears are one of animals’ most important organ – and they come in different sizes and shapes. ‘Ears hoping you will perk up your ears with these online activities.

 

CONNECT:

• Watch how the ear works at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mptjEoHF2aI
• And how do hearing aids work? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJBjIEUbaeM
• Watch the different kinds of ears that animals have at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAo3gsDptFM
• Guess which animal hears best – and check your guess at https://www.pbs.org/video/hearing-which-animal-hears-best-vnwtlx/

 

CREATE:

Make your own animal ear headbands by following the directions at https://kidspot.co.nz/activities/make-your-own-animal-ears-headbands/

What would you hear differently if your ears were shaped differently? Experiment at https://www.exploratorium.edu/snacks/designer-ears

Discover how to create your own ear model at https://www.123homeschool4me.com/ear-anatomy-science-project_86/

Learn some basic American Sign Language signs at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUy9Dos9264

 

CARE:

• Ears are subjected to lots of conditions: water, sun, even piercing. Here’s some ways to take care of your ears: https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/ear-care.html
• What is hearing loss? And how do you communicate if you can’t hear? Here are some explanations: https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/hearing-impairment.html
• Earwax is healthy – until it builds up too much. Parents can read how to safely clean their children’s ears at https://www.choa.org/parent-resources/everyday-illnesses/ear-cleaning-in-kids
• What are ear infections? What are the symptoms? How do you treat them? Read the answers at https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/ear-infections-children

 

CAREERS:

Are you hearing a call for an ear-related career? You could become an ear doctor (audiologist), veterinarian – as well as a sign interpreter, sound engineer, musician, jewelry maker, or even ear piercer

• http://www.listencarefully.org/5-careers-in-hearing/
• https://www.jewelers.org/ja/careers-education/jewelry-careers-guide
• https://www.planitplus.net/JobProfiles/View/715/62
• https://thebestschools.org/careers/jobs-working-deaf-hard-hearing/
• https://www.disabledperson.com/blog/posts/top-10-jobs-for-people-with-hearing-impairments

And here are 8 jobs that lead to hearing loss – and how to prevent it: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/8-jobs-that-lead-to-hearing-loss-and-how-to-prevent-it/

.

Feet Feat

You wouldn’t get far without your feet, but how much do you think about them? The world is at your feet so it’s time to explore them with these activities.

CONNECT:

• Find fun foot facts at https://pediatricfootankle.com/fun-foot-facts-for-kids/
• Check out some of the coolest animal feet at https://www.livescience.com/62055-weirdest-animal-feet.html
• Imagine having your bound to stop them growing! Read about this hold Chinese custom at https://wiki.kidzsearch.com/wiki/Foot_binding

CREATE:

• Get good and messy with these fun play activities using your feet: https://lemonlimeadventures.com/must-try-messy-play-activities-using-feet/
• Feet make tracks and you can make prints of them at following the directions at https://www.parentingscience.com/kindergarten-science-activities-tracking-animals.html
• Your feet impact how you walk. Imagine having the feet of another animal, and try walking like them – at https://pathways.org/help-your-childs-gross-motor-skills-with-these-animal-walks/

CARE:

• Look after your feet by following these tips: http://www.cyh.com/HealthTopics/HealthTopicDetailsKids.aspx?p=335&np=152&id=2340
• Find the right fit for your shoes at https://www.foothealthfacts.org/article/avoid-kid-s-foot-problems-with-the-right-shoes
• Why do your feet stink and what can you do to prevent the smell? https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/feet-stink.html

CAREERS:

Do you have a good feeling about feet? You can get a good footing in a career that involves feet: as a podiatrist, a pedicurist, a shoemaker, or just a job that keeps you on your feet!

https://www.careersinhealthcare.com/podiatrist/

https://www.truity.com/career-profile/manicurist-or-pedicurist

https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/shoemaker/

https://money.usnews.com/careers/slideshows/20-jobs-that-keep-you-on-your-feet

GIve a Big Hand for Hands

Aren’t hands amazing? They move in so many ways, and have so many uses. They certainly come in handy, as these activities show.

CONNECT:

• What are hands made of? Bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. See each of them at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyl6eoU-3Rg
• How does the hand work? Read the details at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279362/
• Did you know that your hand can be used to understand math beyond just counting your fingers? Discover how your hand demonstrates the Divine Proportion and other math concepts at http://www.goldennumber.net/human-hand-foot/
• Create a trivia game based on these fun facts about hands: http://www.eatonhand.com/hw/facts.htm

CREATE:

• Try some of these hands-on crafts for kids: http://www.craftsforkids.com/
• Hands are the main way that we use the sense of touch. This website on the senses includes many experiments and activities in which the participant is blindfolded in order to heighten the sense of touch: http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/chsense.html
• Think drawing a hand is just drawing a circle and 5 lines? There is so much more! Look at the possibilities at http://design.tutsplus.com/tutorials/human-anatomy-fundamentals-how-to-draw-hands--cms-21440
• What kind of fingerprint are you? Try this experiment: https://www.nsta.org/sciencematters/docs/Shippensburg-FingerPrinting2.pdf

CARE:

• Show your care of the environment by making crafts from recycled materials: http://www.handsoncrafts.org/
• No matter how old you are or what you do for a living, you are always using your hands. When there is something wrong with them, you may not be able to do your regular activities. Find out about possible hand problems and how to prevent or deal with them at  https://medlineplus.gov/handinjuriesanddisorders.html
• Choosing the right pair of gloves or mittens for snow sports can be the difference between a fun-filled, comfortable outing and a miserable trip with frigid fingers. Learn the details at https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/snow-gloves-and-mittens--how-to-choose.html
• And if you have ink on your hands (say you did fingerprint experiments), be crafty, and make something for a friend: http://www.triciagoyer.com/15-fingerprint-crafts/

CAREERS:

Do you like to work with your hands? Almost all jobs use hands, but some jobs specialize in hands: hand care specialists, health professionals hand models, clothiers, forensics.

• Here are top jobs for hands-on workers: http://www.insidejobs.com/blog/top-jobs-for-hands-on-workers
• Communicate with your hands as a sign language interpreter: http://www.deafwebsites.com/sign-language/career-sign-language-interpreter.html
• Watch how detectives use fingerprints at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ohDwGPeqgE