Planets Aren’t Plain

 

Our knowledge about planets is largely based on the eight (or nine) planets in our solar system. But the universe has many more planets. Explore or neighborhood planets and or distant planet relatives in these online activities. It’s out of this world!

CONNECT:

• Just what exactly constitutes a planet? National Geographic has the answer at https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/space/article/what-is-a-planet
• Discover our solar system’s planets as NASA explains them at its SpacePlace: https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/planets/en/
• When is a planet not a planet? When it is beyond our solar system. Then it is called an exoplanet. Get the details at https://sciencetrek.org/topics/exoplanets

 

CREATE:

• Little ones can make a solar system with play-doh; see how at https://onlypassionatecuriosity.com/fun-easy-solar-system-activity/
• Create your own planet by following the guidelines at https://www.starnetlibraries.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Build-A-Planet.pdf
• Expand your solar system knowledge with these hands-on activities at https://www.uaf.edu/museum/education/educators/heliophysics-aurora-outre/activities/solar-system/index.php

 

CARE:

• Become a planet protector; find out how at https://www.epa.gov/students/planet-protectors-activities-kids
• Watch 10 ways to take care of Earth’s environment at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2YgM1Zw4_E
• Earth Day is celebrated on April 2, but you can honor our planet every day. Here are some ways that parents can help raise environmentally-responsible kids: https://www.pbs.org/parents/protecting-our-planet

 

 

CAREERS:

Does thinking about planets put stars in your eyes? You could have a career as an astronomer, an astronaut, a geologist, a teacher or a writer. Here are some possibilities:

• https://sd2.org/exploring-planetary-science-careers-a-guide-for-students/
• https://www.europlanet.org/space-careers/
• Watch a planetary scientist at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUc_9d_HwIk

 

Celebrate Camels

 

What comes to mind when you think about camels? The desert? Christmas manger scenes? 2024 is the United Nation has proclaimed 2024 as the year of the Camelidae. Learn why and lots more about camels and their relatives with these fun websites.

 

CONNECT:

• There are different types of camels: read fun facts about them at https://www.coolkidfacts.com/camel-facts-for-kids/
• Camels have been the main way to travel across the desert sands. See how camels adapt to their environment at https://ca.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/camels/san-diego-zoo-kids/
• Campers are members of the biological family Camelidae, which also includes llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and guanacos. Find out what connects and distinguishes these family members at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xF4UYaiSFms      For a more extensive history of Camelidae, including the 2024 celebration, watch the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAolb2DYDo8

 

CREATE:

• Many quotes mention camels. You might make posters or a t-shirt using some of these quotes: https://www.wisesayings.com/camel-quotes/
• There are many ways to create a camel. Which one do you want to try? Check out 17 possibilities at https://www.teachingexpertise.com/arts-and-crafts/camel-crafts-and-activities/
• Play a Happy Camel game at https://springroll-tc.pbskids.org/happy-camel/c01ef930ff95427b3d797687fc8ffb7e611ef75c/release/index.html

 

CARE:

• Camels can get aggressive, so what are good practices in connecting with camels? Get some tips at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8F9y7BCnzQ&t=214s
• Can you “read” camel? Watch how to at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJ2FNBjH_EM
• Did you know that the wild camel is the 8^th most endangered large mammal on the planet? Discover the details at https://www.wildcamels.com/

 

CAREERS:

Are you curious about camels and care for them? How about a camel career? You could be a scientist, a veterinarian, a camel farmer, a camel racer, a tour guide, are even a camel artist! See some of the possibilities here:

• https://www.camelchannel.com/
• https://thefootnotes.com.au/the-humps-of-a-career-in-camel-farming/
• https://www.vetpracticemag.com.au/meet-camel-veterinarian-margie-bale/
• https://www.cnn.com/2017/03/14/sport/camel-racing-robots-uae-thoroughbred-hussain-al-marzooqi/index.html#:~:text=Deep%20in%20the%20heart%20of,be%20upwards%20of%20%242%20million.

 

Plastic Lives!

 

Plastic is all around us. It is hard to imagine not using plastic in our daily lives: eating with, using items made of plastic, even wearing it. But what really is plastic? And how does it affect us? Explore the answers with these online activities.

 

CONNECT:

• Get the facts about plastic at https://kids.kiddle.co/Plastic
• Watch how plastic is made at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PgjA3HISmw
• What is plastic used for? Can you think of 100 uses? Jot down your ideas and compare them with https://allusesof.com/chemical/100-uses-of-plastic/

 

CREATE:

• What can you do with empty plastic bottles? Here are 25 kid-friendly craft ideas using them: https://www.playideas.com/plastic-bottle-crafts-for-kids/
• Try some of these tips for avoiding single-plastic: https://www.greenchildmagazine.com/single-use-plastic/
• Too much plastic is not good. Use National Geographic’s toolkit for tips on hosting a plastic-free party and give plastic-free gifts: https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/nature/kids-vs-plastic

 

CARE:

• See how plastic harms the environment at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dC5zUU1TSYg
• But what about saving trees? What is better to use: paper or plastic? Get the pros and cons at https://climatekids.nasa.gov/paper-or-plastic/ to decide.
• Britain has a Kids Against Plastic organization. See what they do – and consider how you could take action: at https://www.kidsagainstplastic.co.uk/

 

CONNECT:

You saw how plastic is used in so many ways. That means there are lots of jobs waiting for people who want to work with plastic. Discover some of those options here.

• https://www.plasticsindustry.org/careers
• https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Career/Plastic/What-Is-How-to-Become
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eN8w22B-GZU

Going Green

Whether to address climate change or to reduce energy, green technology is a growing trend. It’s never too early to go green, and these activities can help.

CONNECT:

• See the coolest most environmentally-friendly buildings in the world at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eO1GoPbXubg  Try designing your own green building.
• Part of green technology involves renewable energy. Get the facts at https://www.ducksters.com/science/environment/renewable_energy.php
• Can a bike be green? Read about this cardboard invention at http://teachers.egfi-k12.org/cardboard-pedal-pusher/
• What are some of the green technologies of the future that are being developed now? Find out at https://www.sciencefocus.com/future-technology/exciting-new-green-technology-of-the-future/

CREATE:

• Here are 20 activities that kids can do to learn about sustainability: https://www.naturespath.com/en-us/blog/20-activities-kids-learn-sustainability/
• Get artistic with these easy recycling projects: https://www.notimeforflashcards.com/2014/04/recycled-art-project-for-kids-2.html
• Plastic bottles, anyone? Here are lots of ways to recycle them into crafts: http://www.playideas.com/plastic-bottle-crafts-for-kids/  Brainstorm some more ideas.

CARE:

• What does it mean to be green? Watch this video to find out how you can be green: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lieN18OTlME
• How big is your carbon footprint? Take this survey to show your family’s impact on the environment: https://www.energystar.gov/ia/products/globalwarming/downloads/GoGreen_Activities 508_compliant_small.pdf
• Here are 10 ways to go green at school: https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/blog-posts/beth-newingham/my-april-top-ten-list-going-green-at-school/

CAREERS:

Green technology is a growing career sector. Scientists, environmentalists, engineers, manufacturers, recyclers, are just a few of the possibilities. Read these interviews with green technology professionals, and see your future bloom!

https://climatekids.nasa.gov/career-contractor/

https://climatekids.nasa.gov/career-recycling/

https://climatekids.nasa.gov/career-landscaper/

Getting Calculating

How calculated are you? People have been using calculators for centuries. Have some calculated fun with these online activities.

CONNECT:

• Get the facts about calculators at https://kids.kiddle.co/Calculato
• Slide rules were popular portable calculators, especially for engineers, before electronic ones. See how they work at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=waiprjueVpQ
• Watch this historic number cruncher – literally! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0anIyVGeWOI
• Use bones to multiply by watching this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXkQWZ77b_4. You can make your own set of Napier’s bones by following the directions at https://www.mathsteacher.com.au/year7/ch01_whole/10_proj/proj.htm

CREATE:

• Nowadays there are thousands of online calculators for specific purposes, such as figuring out math operations or converting money. Try some of them at https://www.onlineloancalculator.org/resources/math-games-and-calculators.php
• The ancient Egyptians used abacus over 3000 years ago. You too can calculate using this enduring calculator by following the directions at https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=how+an+abacus+works#kpvalbx=1
• Use your hands as calculators by watching this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wu3JSnRaaV0&list=PLdPYCxG6V7vchnDq5tj3pimCeorXGsgmI
• Try these calculator games: http://www.dr-mikes-math-games-for-kids.com/calculator-games.html

CARE:

• Calculating your BMI (Body Mass Index) can help determine your general health – so you can then get more fit. Find out your BMI at https://www.active.com/fitness/calculators/bmi-kids
• Use these calculators to save the environment! https://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/climate-weather/stories/the-15-best-carbon-calculators
• Saving part of your allowance can result in big returns over time, thanks to the miracle of compound interest. See how your money can grow using this compounding calculator: https://www.themint.org/kids/compounding-calculator.html
• This calorie-burn calculator will make you sit up – and get you out of your chair: http://standupkids.org/calculators/

CAREERS:

Are you the calculating sort? There are lots of careers that can use your calculating ability: data analyst, mathematician, marketer, teacher, manufacturer, banker, economist, insurance professional, engineer, accountant. It’s time to formulate your future here.

https://www.learnhowtobecome.org/career-resource-center/careers-for-numbers-people/

https://www.rasmussen.edu/student-experience/college-life/jobs-that-use-math/