Don’t Lose Your Marble

 

Marble is more than a rock. It is statuesque and a pillar of society. Dig into marble with these online activities.

 

CONNECT:

• What is marble and how is it formed in nature? See the answers at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHgifUKUqWw
• Discover many uses of marbles at https://geology.com/rocks/uses-of-marble/
• Game marbles are made of glass, but they used to be made of marble 1000s of years ago. Watch the history of marbles at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mteDMr2pk8M
• Read about the history of marble sculpture at https://mymodernmet.com/marble-sculpture-history/ (for older readers)

 

CREATE:

• Watch how to do marbling at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2yfHwItKks
• Learn how to do painting with marbles at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xE7aC4EqiRM
• Enjoy 15 fun ways to play with marbles at https://lappstoys.com/15-fun-ways-to-play-with-marbles-clip-clop-toys/
• Create a marble run experiment at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVEZcBWCqQc

 

CARE:

• See how to maintain marble at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3F80SBGnWk
• Watch how professionals restore marble statues at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kz_nq-HE8Ao
• Help save a marble museum at https://ncph.org/history-at-work/project-showcase-vermont-marble-museum/

 CAREER:

Does marble “rock” you? Several careers await you: sculptor, architect, builder, quarry manager, scientist, restorer, interior designer or decorator. Rock on with these sample jobs.

• Making a sculpture https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vR8ZiT9JTcg&t=59s
• Marble and granite jobs https://www.ziprecruiter.com/t/Most-Popular-Types-Of-Marble-And-Granite-Jobs
• Designing a home made of marble https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tw-YJD4Qm0g

Ring out the year

 

Bells have been used for centuries to sound out important events – as well as be used to enhance dance and music. There’s no time like now to ring in the new year with these online activities about bells. 

CONNECT:

• Get the facts about bells at https://kids.kiddle.co/Bell
• Find out about the most famous bells at https://www.historyofbells.com/famous-bells/notable-bells/
• See 9 types of bells at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVtfZXDRNpU
• How large can a bell be? See the possibilities at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9YydhLiU8I

 

CREATE:

• Jingle bell away with these fun activities at https://handsonaswegrow.com/jingle-bell-activities-kids/
• The National Bell Festival suggests kid-friendly bell activities at https://www.bells.org/activities
• Create your own secret ball sound system with a coat hanger and a string at https://www.exploratorium.edu/snacks/secret-bells
• Make jingle balls dance and jump at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TI2aKCtbBe0

 

CARE:

• The Salvation Army rings bells to help raise money to help families in need. Find out about this strategy – and how to become a volunteer bell ringer – at https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usa-central-territory/bell-ringing/
• Get sound advice about caring for bells at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ly43Q-8lQ24
• Ben’s Bells are colorful ceramic ornaments hung in communities throughout the world as symbols of kindness for people to find and take home. Get the details at https://bensbells.org/

CAREERS:

Do bells sound like music to your ears? You could make a living with them as a musician, a manufacturer or vendor, a dancer, or even a sound engineer. Maybe these sample job facts will resonate for you.

• Bell-ringing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9P5O4Myfxk
• Making church bells: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBQkLAWDIio
• Handbell ensemble: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FanxHK61Cg

Clean Up with Soap

 Can you imagine a world without soap? Get the dirt on soap with these online activities.

 

CONNECT:

• How does soap work? Watch how at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XR7agvwDOD4
• Watch this history of soap and how it is made now at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FST4B_IXjUQ
• You can make a soap timeline by using these fun historical facts about soap: https://ukcleaning.co.uk/2017/12/11/15-fun-facts-about-soap-2/

 

CREATE:

• Watch soap grow at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WA30cC9gy0. Then try it yourself!
• Make your own super soap bubbles the scientific way at https://www.homesciencetools.com/article/how-to-make-super-bubbles-science-project/
• Have some clean fun with these soap experiments: https://teachmama.com/soap-experiments/

 

CARE:

• How do soap and water make us clean? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XR7agvwDOD4
• Make a special soap gift by carving it. Follow the directions at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mlonSS210Qs.  You can make your own design.
• For parents: get tips on cleaning safety for kids at https://www.cleaninginstitute.org/cleaning-tips/parents-and-caregivers/cleaning-safety-for-kids

 

CAREERS:

Think you’d like to “clean up” by having a soap-related career? Think of the possibilities: car washer, hair dressers, pet groomer, soap maker or seller, cleaner, scientist, even soap artist.

• A day in the life of a pet groomer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXQ9pjEmjkk
• Liquid soap manufacturing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzH2YrT9_p4
• Dry cleaning process: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6ZU0Hc3ap8

 

Sweet on Lemons

 It’s summertime, which often involves lemonade. One song about lemons reminds the listener that the flower is sweet but the lemon is sour. These sweet activities may make you feel less sour about lemons.

 

CONNECT:

• Enjoy fun facts about lemons at https://www.sciencekids.co.nz/sciencefacts/food/lemons.html
• See unique aspects of lemons at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BydsqVH6sbg
• Discover why lemons are sour by watching https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loMHfA_xNGo 

CREATE:

• Experiment with lemons at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNQmXbwJjLw
• Have kitchen fun with lemons at https://www.chopchopfamily.org/kidsclub/kids-club-vol-40-lemons/
• Squeeze out the learning with lemons at https://halseyschools.com/lemon-learning/

 

CARE:

• Check out the health benefits of lemons at https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/lemons
• Clean up with lemons; find out how at https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/20-fresh-ways-to-clean-with-lemon/
• Freshen your house with a lemon pomander; make it yourself following the directions at https://lifeasmom.com/diy-on-a-dime-make-a-citrus-pomander/

 

CAREERS:

Are you sweet on lemons? Several careers await you: gardener, chef, marketer. Read a few opportunities here:

• https://jeffashleylemontree.wordpress.com/careers-in-the-lemon-industry/
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfRS6Jhr6ko

Potatoes are Hot!

 The potato is a cuisine mainstay of many cultures, impacting those cultures more over the centuries. Dig into these activities to chew on the facts about this famous vegetable.

 

CONNECT:

• Did you know that potatoes were the first vegetable grown in space? Discover this fact and 49 more potato facts at https://facts.net/potato-facts/
• Watch history through the eyes of the potato at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xROmDsULcLE
• See the potato king who grows 400 different kinds of potatoes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9qWJ89m-hY

 

CREATE:

• Play with your food: here are 10 games that use potatoes: https://tinybeans.com/play-with-your-food-10-games-that-use-potatoes/
• Paint with potatoes by following the directions at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlTfDtTesKY
• Try experimenting with potatoes at https://sciencing.com/fun-science-experiments-potatoes-8216496.html

 

CARE:

• Try these healthy, kid-friendly potato recipes: https://mana.md/healthy-kid-friendly-potatoes/
• Grow your own potato; see how at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5spUhmGneGw
• Learn how to buy and handle potatoes at https://www.usfoods.com/great-food/great-food-resources/produce-resources/potato-resources.html

 

CAREERS:

Are you eye-ing a potato career? Keep your eye out for the possibilities: as a farmer, cook, scientist, or even exporter.

• Watch how an Australian potato farm operates at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmuueelyQww
• https://innovature.com/article/meet-natalie-kaiser-scientist-harnessing-power-potatoes-through-plant-breeding-innovation
• https://www.nationalpotatocouncil.org/benefits-of-potatoes/potato-economics-jobs/

Crystal Clear

 

Wintertime is a good time to see crystals. But they are around us all the time. Get clear about crystals by doing these fun activities.

 

CONNECT:

• Watch the surprising science of snow crystals at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6zr2eLpduI
• Watch about the super crystal, diamond, at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tgnkoygbD0
• Crystals can be liquids – and can be used in many ways: see the possibilities at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MuWDwVHVLio
• It's time for time crystals. It’s a new kind of matter. See the reality at https://youtu.be/TjVi5L7cYLQ

 

CREATE:

• Try these cool crystal science projects: https://www.kiwico.com/diy/lists/6-cool-crystal-science-projects-for-kids
• Create your own crystals without freezing by watching https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fqjrFzR0HE
• Grow rock candy by following the directions at https://www.thoughtco.com/how-to-grow-sugar-crystals-607659

 

CARE:

• Some people think that crystals can heal.  Is that fake or fact? Find out at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jn4BcFKQoGc
• Does your family have any crystals? Here is how to take care of them: https://www.unearthedstore.com/blogs/guides/crystal-care-101-how-to-take-care-of-your-crystals

 

CAREERS:

There are lots of facets to crystal-related careers: scientist, teacher,  manufacturer, jeweler. Get crystal clear about the possibilities here:

• https://work.chron.com/jobs-use-crystals-20275.html
• https://www.acs.org/careers/chemical-sciences/fields/crystallography.html
• https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/jeweler/

Let the Feathers Fly!

 Have you heard about fine feathered friends? Find out what makes feathers so fine by exploring the following activities.

 

CONNECT:

• Get the facts about feathers at https://www.treehugger.com/amazing-facts-about-feathers-4863989
• Why do birds have feathers? Watch the answer at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGg-CSLBD9c
• Watch how feathers can tell you secrets at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TNv-WLHBkU
• Watch how you can identify feather by their shapes: at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvlyVsIdFIM
• Feathers predate birds – did you know that dinosaurs had feathers? Check it out at https://www.kids-dinosaurs.com/feathered-dinosaurs.html

 

CREATE:

• Try ways to paint with feathers using the ideas at https://earlylearningideas.com/paint-with-feathers/
• Experiment with feathers at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RqKjsAG6tps
• Play a ninja feather game by following the directions at https://earlylearningideas.com/paint-with-feathers/ 

CARE:

• Watch how birds clean themselves, including their feathers, at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etGz3e7TyD8
• Find out if it is safe to collect feathers at https://www.gigglemagazine.com/super-bowl-recipes-kids-will-love/
• For parents: find out about kids’ possible allergies to down pillows at https://www.unitedpharmacies.md/blog/can-a-child-be-allergic-to-down-pillows/

 

CONNECT:

Do feathers give your heart wing? Fly some of these ideas for career opportunities:  scientist, fashion maker, artist, pet expert, manufacturer, even history. Read about feather experts here.

• https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/meet-roxie-laybourne-feather-detective-who-changed-aviation-180971803/
• https://www.hawaiibusiness.com/family-tradition-of-feather-work/
• https://theartssociety.org/arts-news-features/become-instant-expert-snowy-egret-feather

 

 

Do glaciers move you?

 

CONNECT:

• Get 10 brilliant glacier facts at https://www.natgeokids.com/uk/discover/geography/physical-geography/glaciers/
• See how glaciers change the world at https://www.pbs.org/video/glaciers-glacier-encounter-d6m3hm/
• Find out what are ice sheets at https://kids.kiddle.co/Ice_sheet

 

CREATE:

• Make your own glacier by following the directions at https://www.habitot.org/hands-on-learning/habitot-at-home/stem-activities/make-a-glacier/
• Make glacier gak at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9uVA1DcgbY
• Experiment how glaciers impact earth at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuAx_UBHwjM

 

CARE:

• What would if all glaciers melted? Find out at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnRPHmrPQjU
• Take the following steps to help prevent glaciers from melting: https://www.earthreminder.com/how-to-prevent-glaciers-from-melting/
• Want to explore glaciers? Here are some safety tips: https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/safety.htm#:~:text=Snow%20and%20Ice&text=very%20steep%20slopes.-,Stay%20on%20designated%20trails%20and%20don't%20go%20beyond%20protective,children%20closely%20in%20such%20areas.

 

CAREERS:

Do glaciers move you? Here are some careers that leverage glaciers.

• https://www.snexplores.org/article/cool-jobs-careers-ice
• https://www.onlinedegree.com/careers/life-physical-science/glaciologist/
• https://www.snexplores.org/article/cool-jobs-hunting-surprises-thinning-glaciers
• https://www.antarcticglaciers.org/students-3/careers/

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

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

What a gas!

 

Gas is everywhere, even inside us! See what gases' impact in these activities.

CONNECT:

• Watch gas in action at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDTF6l2WhYo&ab_channel=funsciencedemos
• Get the facts about gases at https://easyscienceforkids.com/gases/
• Focus on natural gas at https://www.electricchoice.com/kids/gas/
• Air is actually a mixture of different gases. Air experts NASA shares more interesting aspects of air at https://climatekids.nasa.gov/10-things-air/

CREATE:

• Experiment with gas in balloons by following the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0g2BNpqryZM&ab_channel=RaisingdaVinci
• Have a gas around the house with these experiments: https://www.kiwico.com/diy/lists/10-kid-friendly-experiments-on-the-science-of-gas
• Gas can apply pressure. Experience this force with these activities: https://www.giftofcuriosity.com/3-air-pressure-activities-for-kids/

CARE:

• Watch these strategies for natural gas safety at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMEh4j_G8Nw&ab_channel=AmericanGasAssociation
• Keep safe with these activities about gas: https://www.nicorgas.com/safety/safety-activities-for-kids.html
• Learn how to be a natural gas safety whiz kid at https://myenergycoop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Natural-Gas-Safety.pdf
• For parents: deal with you child's gas pain at https://www.lybrate.com/topic/causes-and-treatment-of-gas-pain-in-children/44cc6a623058346b20d9958369ee182a

CONNECT:

Up in the air about a job using gas sound? You can experiment with gas, control and channel it, sell it, and use it in many jobs. Explore a few more below.

• https://getintoenergy.org/careers-in-natural-gas/
• Watch the job of a gas technician at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMdMj9wCmlo&ab_channel=JusttheJob

Clock Tick Tock

 

Time passes – and we keep track of that time with clocks. Over time, clocks have changed. Discover the timeliness and timelessness of clocks with these activities.

 

CONNECT:

• Start with these timely facts about clocks: https://easyscienceforkids.com/clocks-time-video-for-kids/
• See the history of the first clocks at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_vKW_D4UBg
• Watch how a mechanical clock works at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_QsCLYs2mY
• Watch the amazing atomic clock at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dS3MkLamhI8
• King Charles III get crowned? It took place in Westminster Abbey, which has one of the most famous clocks: Big Ben. Read these fun facts about Big Ben at https://kidzfeed.com/big-ben-facts-for-kids/

 

CREATE:

• Let the sun tell you the time by making a sun dial: https://www.generationgenius.com/activities/earths-orbit-and-rotation-activity-for-kids/
• When can a potato tell time? When it is a potato clock! Make your own potato clock by following the directions at https://www.coolkidfacts.com/how-to-make-a-potato-clock/
• Check out dozens of ways to learn how to tell time at https://www.weareteachers.com/5-hands-on-ways-to-teach-telling-time/

 

CARE:

• Getting enough sleep is important for everyone, and changing time for daylight savings can impact sleep. Get some tips to help that adjustment at https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/sleep/Pages/daylight-saving-time-dont-lose-sleep-over-it.aspx
• Everyone has an inner clock, biological rhythms. Experiment with your inner clock at https://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/clock.html
• Parents: use this age-by-age guide to teach kids time management: https://www.scholastic.com/parents/family-life/parent-child/teach-kids-to-manage-time.html

 

CAREERS:

Is it time to talk about careers? You can make and sell clocks, use clocks to time processes, and repair clocks. You can also use clocks to help people make the best use of their time. Take time to learn about some of these job opportunities.

• Identify the jobs at a clock factory by watching https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCxLlmRfTBk
• http://career.iresearchnet.com/career-information/watch-and-clock-repairer-career/
• https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/collections/careers-for-people-who-like-time-management/

 

 

 

Is the Grass Always Greener?

 

Grass is found around the world. But don’t let grass grow under your feet; instead, use these activities about this important plan.

 

CONNECT:

• Get the facts about grass at https://www.factsjustforkids.com/plant-facts/grass-facts-for-kids/
• All grasses are not created the same; discover different types of grasses at https://www.konnecthq.com/different-types-of-grass/
• Why is grass green? It’s more than a pretty color. Watch the answer at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NesBxScxIVA
• How old are lawns? See the history of lawns at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=095t1w6Iuno
• See 44 uses for grass at https://www.trendhunter.com/slideshow/uses-for-grass

 

CREATE:

• Grow your own lawn-type grass in a cup by following the directions at https://www.pre-kpages.com/planting-and-growing-grass-in-preschool/  
• And here are grass science projects for older kids: https://sciencing.com/grass-growth-science-project-7334658.html
• Have grass, will play -- with these fun games: https://activeforlife.com/6-fun-games-you-and-your-kids-will-play-on-grass-this-summer/
• Try some of these grass-based activity starters: https://www.educatall.com/page/874/Grass.html

 

CARE:

• As much as people love lawns, these greeneries can harm animals and the environment. Read how at https://www.peta.org/living/humane-home/plea-lawn-safety/
• There may be other pet hazards in your yard. Learn how to fix them at https://www.familyhandyman.com/article/pet-hazards-in-yard/
• Can you eat grass survive? Get the answer at https://survivalfreedom.com/can-you-eat-grass-to-survive/

 

CAREERS:

Farmer, gardener, landscaper, crafter, cook, scientist, naturalist: all have jobs that involve grass. So DO let grass grow under your feet – and be paid for it. Read how others make their living with grass.

• Facts about cows, milk and grass: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VH62Sxy5IvI
• https://www.seedyourfuture.org/careers
• https://www.learnhowtobecome.org/career-resource-center/careers-with-plants/
• https://mrplantgeek.com/2021/01/05/20-careers-to-consider-if-you-are-fascinated-by-plants/

 

Meteors Rock!

 August is known as the best month to see shooting stars: meteors. But what are meteors? Basically space rocks. So what makes them special? Find out with these activities.

 

CONNECT:

• What is a meteor shower? Watch and learn  at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkglsg0K1IY
• Is there a difference between a meteor and a shooting star? Find the truth at https://littleastronomy.com/difference-between-meteor-and-shooting-star/
• What are meteorites and where do they come from? Read the facts at https://theconversation.com/curious-kids-what-are-meteorites-made-of-and-where-do-they-come-from-114408
• What’s the difference between an asteroid and a meteor? Get the answer at NASA: https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/asteroid-or-meteor/en/

 

CREATE:

• Get your hands on these meteoric experiments: https://meteorites.asu.edu/outreach/hands-on-activities
• Learn about asteroids through art at https://www.unawe.org/activity/asteroids_art/
• Get your game on with meteors at https://www.wartgames.com/themes/science/comets.html
• Discover how to watch a meteor shower at https://www.axios.com/2022/08/11/perseid-meteor-shower-peak-2022

 

CARE:

• Are you safe from meteors? Find out the odds at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71cg1nRcXHU
• Check out this meteor guide about the science and safety of earth-bound rocks: https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn23181-meteor-guide-science-and-safety-of-earth-bound-rocks/
• What are earthlings doing to product themselves from asteroids? Watch the defense efforts at https://www.esa.int/Space_Safety/About_asteroids_and_Planetary_Defence

 

CAREERS:

 

Do meteors put stars in your eyes? The sky is NOT the limit for meteor-related jobs, as you will see here.

• https://ares.jsc.nasa.gov/meteorite-falls/why-research-meteorites/
• https://caslabs.case.edu/ansmet/faqs/
• https://bestaccreditedcolleges.org/articles/astronomer-job-information-and-requirements-for-students-considering-a-career-in-astronomy.html

 

Let the Sunshine In

 The sun is necessary for life, but how much do you know about it? Shine some light on the sun by doing these activities.

 

CONNECT:

• Watch this video introduction about the sun at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkW54j82e9U
• Read about fiery sun myths at https://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/completelist/0,29569,2046823,00.html
• Explore lots of aspects of the sun gathered by NASA at https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/menu/sun/
• Get energized about solar energy at https://blog.namastesolar.com/solar-energy-for-kids

 

CREATE:

• Try some of these sunny kid activities at https://lifestyle.howstuffworks.com/crafts/seasonal/sun-activities.htm
• Get crafty about the sun at https://www.acraftylife.com/sun-kids-crafts-bright-craft-projects/
• Think like a scientist with these sunny experiments: https://igamemom.com/science-experiments-to-learn-about-sun/
• Print with the sun following the directions at https://www.pbs.org/parents/crafts-and-experiments/make-sun-prints

 CARE:

• Let the minions show about to be sun safe at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxAsoBXmCJk
• Watch how to become a sun safe superstar like George at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7ghJsZug60
• What is a solar eclipse, and how can you watch it safely? Find out at https://www.parentcircle.com/when-where-how-to-see-solar-eclipse-for-kids/article
• What are solar flares and why are they dangerous? See the answer at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Mrf9IIz0Co

 

CAREERS:

Shine a light on sun-related jobs: from solar panel manufacturing to astronomer.

• https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/career-in-solar
• https://earth911.com/eco-tech/careers-in-solar-energy/
• https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/jobs-for-astronomy-majors

 

 

All American Benjamin Franklin

 

A new PBS series features one of our most famous American founding fathers: Benjamin Franklin. Explore these online activities to inspire your inner “Benny” self.

 

CONNECT:

• Watch this bedtime story about Ben Franklin at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJhBtd8QA_4
• Watch the many things that Ben Franklin invented at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YN9hFfC0lz0
• Ben Franklin was one of the five men who the wrote the document that declared the independence of the United States; watch how and why it was created at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIO-7dFz2JU

 

CREATE:

• Ben Franklin’s first job was using a printing press. You can try your own hand a printmaking with these activities: https://tinkerlab.com/printmaking-for-kids/
• Ben Franklin did many science experiments, especially related to electricity: conduct your own electricity experiment following these directions: https://hiphomeschoolmoms.com/ben-franklin-easy-electricity-science-experiment/ and https://benjaminfranklinhouse.org/event/virtual-class-ben-franklins-lightning-rod/
• Try some more Ben-inspired activities: https://www.daniellesplace.com/html/benjamincrafts.html

 

CARE:

• How do you become a better person? Ben Franklin knew that self-improvement was a hard job. Try Ben’s strategy for yourself by following this activity: https://edsitement.neh.gov/student-activities/benjamin-franklins-virtues
• Ben Franklin was known for clever sayings to advise people; read several of his most famous ones: https://www.fi.edu/benjamin-franklin/famous-quotes.  Which one do you like best? Try creating your own special advice saying.
• When Ben Franklin was doing electricity experiments, he sometimes got a shock. Watch these safety tips when dealing with electricity: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCvScgI1MCs

 

CAREERS:

Want a career like Ben Franklin? You have a lot to choose from: printer, writer, businessman,  postmaster, scientist, inventor, diplomat, politician, culture promoter. Read this biography to discover his career(s) path: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Benjamin-Franklin/Achievements-and-inventions

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Failure is an option

 

We all make mistakes or fail, but we can learn from thos experiences and become better people as a result. These online activities help you benefit from those failures – and help you not do define yourself as a failure.

 

CONNECT:

• Learn from failure by watching this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fld9I8WOong
• Explore the museum of failure at https://museumoffailure.com/. What would you add to it?
• Watch about 10 famous people who failed – and ended up succeeding in life: at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaLanU3oMQU
• Scientists use a design process to solve problems, and learn from their failures. Watch how anyone can do that at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAhpfFt_mWM

 

CREATE:

• What do you do when science experiments fail? Here are some good tips: https://blog.sonlight.com/science-experiment-fails.html
• Try this marshmallow experiment – and learn even if you fail: https://connectedprincipals.com/archives/3224
• Scientists use failure to solve problems, as seen in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcUX6eNT2j4&t=52s   Apply what you learned by redoing the marshmallow experiment.
• Try more ideas to test your design processing skills, and go from failure to success: https://stemgeek.com/engineering-design-process-for-kids/

 

CARE:

• Watch this inspiring commercial about failing – and succeeding: https://youtu.be/zsZ5yOImHQQ
• You’re not alone. Here are tips from kids about failure: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDzgfwgacMc. Try some of these tips to help your friend recover from failure.
• Here are ways to create games that help kids deal with failure: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EyAzumTnLh8
• For parents: your children may feel bad when they fail; here are a few tips for helping your children develop resilience: https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/teaching-children-it-s-ok-to-fail

 

CAREERS:

Failing can actually help you in your life’s careers. Here are some tips for everyone in the family:

• https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/failing-to-success
• https://youtu.be/MQx39z99_Js
• https://career.uconn.edu/blog/2015/07/01/why-experiencing-failure-is-as-important-as-experiencing-success/

AND if all else fails, you can become a failure analysis engineer: https://www.zippia.com/failure-analysis-engineer-jobs/

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On The Ice

 It’s like magic how water can turn into ice. And all the associations we have with it: drinking with it, healing with it, fighting it, skating on it. Try these icy cool activities below.

 

CONNECT:

Watch the weird and wonder forms of ice at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCsrOHjupio

Humans have appreciated ice for over 3000 years! Discover the history of ice at https://www.icecoldjustice.com/news/the-history-of-ice/#:~:text=The%20practice%20of%20putting%20ice,and%20the%20early%20Islamic%20world.

Refrigerators used to be called iceboxes; find out the reason why at https://www.icecoldjustice.com/news/the-history-of-ice/#:~:text=The%20practice%20of%20putting%20ice,and%20the%20early%20Islamic%20world.

How many ice sports can you think of? Check out 17 types of ice sports at https://www.urby.in/blog/types_of_icesports/

Get inspired with these amazing snow and ice sculptures from around the world: https://stacker.com/stories/3719/50-amazing-snow-and-ice-sculptures-around-world

 

CREATE:

Feel your way with the 33 freezing and fun ice sensory play ideas at https://besttoys4toddlers.com/freezing-fun-ice-sensory-play-ideas-kids/

Try a dozen ways to turn a bag of ice into the best toy ever at https://www.cbc.ca/parents/play/view/12-ways-to-turn-a-bag-of-ice-into-the-best-toy-ever

Explore this interactive science experiments with ice at  https://www.pbs.org/parents/crafts-and-experiments/observing-ice

These ice science experiments for kids – with good critical thinking questions – at https://parentingscience.com/preschool-science-experiment/

You can also have fun with ice games at https://kidadl.com/articles/ice-games-activities-kids

 

 

CARE:

IS it Ok to eat ice? Get the answer at https://www.bellevuekidsdentistry.com/mint-kids-blog/2019/1/16/my-child-loves-crunching-ice-will-it-damage-his-teeth

Did you know that the color of ice can indicate its safety? Learn that trick and watch other ice safety tips at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G21WyZrhRKw

Get ready for ice by following the guide at https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/winter-safety.html

Use this ice safety education checklist about when and where to go on ice:  https://www.whitehorse.ca/home/showdocument?id=12542

Learn how to properly ice an injury at https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-to-ice-an-injury-2548842

 

CAREERS:

You can put your career exploring on the ince – in a good way: ask a skater, a chemist, a food preparer, a recreation leader, transportation specialist, even a Zamboni* operator. Chill out with these jobs.

https://www.sciencenewsforstudents.org/article/cool-jobs-careers-ice

https://theartcareerproject.com/careers/ice-sculpture/

https://www.wikihow.com/Become-an-Olympic-Figure-Skater

 

*Zamboni: a machine at resurfaces ice

.

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/