Mermaids: the Real Story

 If you saw the movie or heard the story of Ariel, then you know something about mermaids. Dive deeper about their history and fascination with the following activities.

CONNECT:

• Get the truth about mermaids at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWAY1EaEzlk
• Read mermaid tales (not tails) from around the world at https://www.yunastories.com/blog/reading-for-kids/stories/mermaid-tales-around-the-world
• Discover how mermaids are portrayed in popular culture at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DUrrabtuxo

 

CREATE:

• Get crafty with mermaid crafts at https://studiodiy.com/mermaid-crafts/
• Plan a mermaid party with these games and other activities at https://sugarspiceandglitter.com/15-mermaid-party-games-activities/
• Try these fun mermaid beach activities at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHBx1ciEdp8

 

CARE:

• Learn how to be a water safety hero at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8EnnUaHK4k
• Don’t get fooled by mermaid hoaxes like this one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lx7EQnlNxXE
• Manatees are sometimes mistaken for mermaids. See how to save a manatee “mermaid” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEGgGNUy38M

 

CAREER:

Want to make a splash with a mermaid/merman career? You could perform in a sea-based show, write or tell stories about them, create art with mermaid motifs, or even manufacture and sell mermaid items. Here are a few samples.

• Mermaid-related careers: https://www.mermapp.com/mermaid-career-guide
• Professional mermaids: https://www.sheroesentertainment.com/so-cal-mermaids
• Mermaid summer job: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRlTUDLG9AY

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

 

 

Starry-eyed about Constellations

 

Ever connect the dots? On a clear night you can see groups of stars in the sky.  People have connected the star “dots” to form constellations that represent images. Often these constellations are used to tell stories and share myths. Try these activities and see starry constellations in your eyes.

 

CONNECT:

• Learn about the types of constellations, their names, and how to find them at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sZ15SUeS9w
• Want to know more about the myths and science of constellations? Watch this 2-part crash course: https://thekidshouldseethis.com/post/what-is-a-constellation-crash-course-kids
• Watch how different cultures view constellations at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HejyXGQN-wk

 

CREATE:

• Explore NASA’s activities about constellations at https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/search/constellations/
• Try some kid-friendly, hands-on constellation activities at https://www.howweelearn.com/constellation-activities-for-kids/
• Create a constellation telescope by following the directions at https://kidsactivitiesblog.com/53541/constellation-activity-craft/
• AND connect the stars anyway to want to make your own constellations!

 

CARE:

• Get the facts about night vision and eye health at https://www.aao.org/eye-health/anatomy/night-vision
• Connect the family closer by star – and constellation – gazing at https://www.pbs.org/seeinginthedark/for-families/
• Be inspired by https://www.lpi.usra.edu/education/space_days/activities/constellations/ to create a community space day for families.

 

CAREERS:

Do you get starry-eyed thinking about constellations? Do you see the stars in your future? If so, gaze at this constellation of astronomy careers.

• https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/astronomy-jobs
• https://aas.org/careers/career-in-astronomy
• https://www.iau.org/public/themes/careers/

Super Snakes

 

St. Patrick owes some of his fame to snakes. These reptiles play important roles in the environment – and they are famous in mythology too. Don’t let snakes throw you a curve. Instead, seek out snake information by exploring these online activities. (And at the end of this list, get the real story about snakes in Ireland).

 

CONNECT:

• ·         Watch snakes in action at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOHFt15eVD4
• ·         There are more than 3000 species of snakes, and live almost everywhere but a few islands. Find out more interesting facts and see dozens of videos about snakes at https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/reptiles/facts/snakes-1
• ·         All through history snakes have been both good and evil.  Here are some historic examples: https://www.kidzone.ws/lw/snakes/facts13.htm

 

CREATE:

• ·         Discover how snakes move at https://kidzone.ws/lw/snakes/facts04.htm. Then try moving like a snake.
• ·         Make some of these kid-friendly snake crafts: https://theeducatorsspinonit.com/snake-craft-for-kids/
• ·         Try these fun snaky activities: https://www.childrens-museum.org/blog/2020/03/game-pattern-snake-hide-and-seek

 

CARE:

• ·         Snakes as pets? Here are tips for getting a family-friendly snake: https://pethelpful.com/reptiles-amphibians/Best-Pet-Snake-Species-For-Children-Of-Any-Age
• ·         Snakes in lots of different habitats. So how do you avoid getting bitten by them – or how to treat a snake bite? Forest rangers have good advice for you at https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/know-before-you-go/snakes
• ·         Find out why we should save snakes – and how you can help at https://www.childrens-museum.org/blog/2020/03/game-pattern-snake-hide-and-seek and http://savethesnakes.org

 

CAREERS:

Are you tempted to pursue a career in snakes?

• ·         You might be amazed at the number of possibilities; over 90 careers for reptiles, including snakes, are listed at https://1zootree.weebly.com/careers-reptiles.html
• ·         For instance, how about becoming a snake milker? https://www.jobmonkey.com/uniquejobs/snake-milker/
• ·         Get more in-depth information at https://www.reptilesmagazine.com/working-with-reptiles/
• ·         Or read an interview with a herpetologist (the study of amphibians and reptiles) at https://jobshadow.com/interview-with-a-herpetologist/

 

Read the real story of snakes in Ireland at https://www.reptilesmagazine.com/did-st-patrick-really-banish-snakes-from-ireland/

 

 

Hey for Horses!

Horses predate humans and they have played important roles in human history. Gallop to these fun activities about horse – but no horsin’ around!

CONNECT:

• Learn about global horse culture through pictures and stories at http://www.theequinest.com/horses-from-around-the-world/
• Horses have played a role in myths around the world, as you can see in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klXMVUR-Y7Q
• You think tying your shoes is hard? What how horses get shoed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUpDpFoSegw 

CREATE:

• Create a fun trivia game by using these fun horse facts: https://www.coolkidfacts.com/horse-facts/
• Have you read Misty of Chincoteague? Ponies swim across islands every year. Watch them race at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BM8NwSRQ_wE. Then read the book (again) - or another horse book from this list: https://childrensbooksdaily.com/book_reviews/horse-books-children/
• You don’t have to be around horses to create horse crafts. Try some of these cute ideas: https://wonderfuldiy.com/horse-themed-kids-crafts/

CARE:

• Want to ride a pony or horse. Here are some tips for choosing kid-friendly breeds: https://www.thesprucepets.com/great-horse-and-pony-breeds-for-kids-1886142
• Horses can be very therapeutic for children with special needs. This charity touches lives one hoofbeat at a time: https://www.hopehorseskids.org/.  Another service program, Reading to Horses (https://hopeequinerescue.com/reading-with-rescues-beginning/), rescues and rehabilitates horses, and kids read to those horses, which helps with reading skills as well as nurturing horses. You might want to donate or participate in these kinds of programs that support kids and horses.
• Even tame horses can be dangerous. Here are some safety ground rules when you’re around horses: https://www.equisearch.com/articles/keeping-kids-safe-around-horses

CAREERS:

How about getting paid to do what you love – like working with horses? You might find just the right high-riding career, as these websites show. Even if you don’t ride a horse, you can get on the right track with them.

https://www.thebalancecareers.com/best-jobs-with-horses-125766

http://www.theequinest.com/horse-jobs-and-careers/

https://www.fei.org/stories/20-non-riding-careers-horse-lovers

.

The River Nile

The River Nile is the longest river in Africa. Grab your passport, suncream and shades, and check out the  fascinating Nile River.

CONNECT:

• Check out ten great facts about the great Nile at https://www.natgeokids.com/uk/discover/geography/physical-geography/nile-river-facts/
• Experience the Nile River, visually riding a Felucca boat on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glEBxUm1WAk
• Watch exotic creatures on the Nile at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUvsPFvY5OE
• Learn about Sobek: the Egyptian God of Crocodiles and the Nile,  at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxmznSQ5J74

CREATE:

• What might you have eaten as an ancient Egyptian? Find out at http://cotn.heavengames.com/history/food
• Make a model of the Nile River, following the directions at http://tapestryofgrace.com/blog/2016/10/making-a-model-of-the-nile-river/
• Do math like an Egyptian at https://www.storyofmathematics.com/egyptian.html
• Build an Egyptian paper boat craft to use in a local creek or the tub. See how at https://www.education.com/activity/article/paper-boat-craft-for-kids/

CARE:

• Is the Nile dying? If so, why? What can be done? Get the facts at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/resources/idt-sh/death_of_the_nile
• Several African animals, including the hippopotamus who lives near the Nile, are endangered. Find out what efforts are being done to same them, and help them, at https://www.awf.org/wildlife-conservation/hippopotamus
• Write like an Egyptian with hieroglyphics. Read about their system at https://www.ancient-egypt-online.com/hieroglyphics-for-kids.html and use their alphabet (https://www.ancient-egypt-online.com/hieroglyphics-alphabet.html) at  to write your own messages.
• Ancient Egyptians made their own paper—and you can, too! Then write in hieroglyphics or create a treasure map for more fun with your friends. See how at https://www.crayola.com/crafts/egyptian-papyrus-paper-craft/

CAREERS:

What kind of jobs might you have had in ancient Egypt? Explore the possibilities at https://egypt.mrdonn.org/jobs.html

Dig into the past of the Nile River by becoming an archeologist or even an Egyptologist:

https://www.environmentalscience.org/career/archaeologist

https://slate.com/human-interest/2014/10/what-is-it-like-to-be-an-egyptologist.html

Today you could become a travel agent or tourist guide:

https://collegegrad.com/careers/travel-agents

http://career.iresearchnet.com/career-information/tour-guide-career/