Take Your Time with Turtles

 

Turtles sometimes get a bad rap, being slow and hiding away. But they have been around for over 200 million years, so they must be doing something right. Explore the wonders of turtles with these online activities.

 

CONNECT:

• Check out these turt-ally fab facts about turtles: https://www.natgeokids.com/uk/discover/animals/sea-life/turtle-facts/
• Learn about different types of turtles and why they are important to the environment at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZpGPT6uWRw
• See turtles move – sometimes thousands of miles – at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZS0kXtmXuj8&t=3s

 

CREATE:

• Little ones have lots of activities to choose from at https://childcarelounge.com/pages/turtle-theme-and-activities?srsltid=AfmBOoo7-NOqzPawTK5ploOS4sdu_-T3zb0Cuo3k_9KlnWU7Oi12Dt2w
• Game on with these turtle games at https://www.turtleguardians.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Turtle-Games-Grade-1.pdf
• Celebrate sea turtles with these activities: https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/earth-systems/blog/sea-turtle-kids-page/

 

CARE:

• Want to have a turtle pet? First, learn the dos and don’ts of turtle care at https://pethelpful.com/all-pets/the-dos-and-donts-of-turtle-care
• Found an injured turtle? Find out what to do at https://turtlerescueleague.org/emergencies/injured-turtle/
• Nearly all sea turtles are in danger of going extinct. See seven ways you can help save them at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-tU_Hubq7Q

 

 CAREERS:

Are you in tune with turtles? Want to make a career focused on turtles? You could become a turtle breeder, a pet store owner, a veterinarian, a park ranger, a zoo keeper, a biologist, a conservationist, or an artist. Explore some possibilities here.

• 5 tips if you want to work with sea turtles https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPtmU9pZIAQ
• Sea turtle biologist https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffBicNwyN7U
• https://www.conservation-careers.com/top-sea-turtle-conservation-internships-and-volunteer-opportunities/

 

 

 

Worm Your Way In

 

As spring arrives worms are busily aerating the soil – and maybe hiding from folks who fish. Worm into the lives of worms with these online activities.

CONNECT:

• Watch how earthworms work at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-zc_1vjLnI
• Get the dirt on worms at https://www.kitchengardenfoundation.org.au/funfactsaboutworms
• See weird and wonderful deep-sea worms at https://youtu.be/cdr1kWmSiiE

CREATE:

• Check out this worm activity theme for preschoolers with this rich list: http://www.preschoolexpress.com/theme-station12/worms-june.shtml
• Make a wormery by following the directions at https://naturestudyhomeschool.com/observe-worms-with-preschoolers/
• Try these wormy crafts at https://www.daniellesplace.com/html/worm-crafts-learning-activities.html

CARE:

• See five good reasons to have a pet worm as a pet at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MH60RBZvqyQ
• Help the planet by composting – with worm help; see how to do it at https://www.acua.com/Community-Hub/News/Blog/2019/Worms-Pets-that-Help-the-Planet-Through-Composting.aspx
• For parents: Worm infections are common in children. Find out how to prevent and treat them at https://raisingchildren.net.au/guides/a-z-health-reference/worms

CAREERS:

Want to worm yourself into a career that focuses on worms? You could be a scientist, a fisher, a worm farmer, a worm counter, or a vermiculturist (impress your friends with this fancy word). Dig into some possibilities below.

• https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/vermiculturist
• Worm counter: https://budgetsaresexy.com/side-hustle-series-worm-counter/
• Worm farm: https://www.abc10.com/video/entertainment/television/programs/backroads-ott/how-worms-at-a-california-farm-help-gardeners-and-farmers-improve-soil/103-04f68015-f09d-4fcc-a8d2-cd084efcd5bb

 

 

Dog Days

 

Sometimes August is known as “dog days.” But dogs can be great companions all year round; a third of the world’s households have a dog. Be dogged in exploring the following online activities about dogs.

CONNECT:

• Check out ten amazing facts about dogs at https://www.natgeokids.com/au/discover/animals/general-animals/dog-facts/
• Find out about dog breeds from different countries at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xO47V5i2NXQ&ab_channel=Novakid
• Discover the history of dogs at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzz-2I6ne3A&ab_channel=AKidExplainsHistory 

CREATE:

• Get crafty with dogs at https://diycandy.com/dog-crafts/
• Do you have a dog? Here are some fun activities to do with your dog: https://www.akc.org/public-education/fun-home-activities-dogs-kids/
• Plan a puppy-themed party with fun games; see ideas at https://diycandy.com/dog-crafts/

CARE:

• Watch this video about the best kinds of dogs for children at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=baSpB5SxLhw&ab_channel=RobertCabral
• Sesame Street explains service dogs at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXTX88WKHaE&ab_channel=SesameStreet
• Try these fun activities to keep your dog and you healthy: https://www.daltonanimalcare.com/blog/escape-summertime-boredom-with-these-5-activities-for-kids-and-dogs/
• Dogs may bite sometimes, so here are ways to treat those bites: https://www.webmd.com/pets/dogs/dog-bites
• Find out about guide dogs for the blind at https://www.guidedogs.com/

CAREERS:

Are you dogged in your pursuit of a career with dogs? You could be a breeder, a dog walker, a dog groomer,  a dog trainer, a pet store owner, a veterinarian, a scientist, a historian, a photographer, a police officer, an artist, and, of course, a dog owner. Explore some of the possibilities here.

• Kids’ view of becoming a dog trainer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sF6w03Lqzeg&ab_channel=LittleBoat
• 15 exciting jobs that let you work with dogs: https://wearwagrepeat.com/best-jobs-dog-lovers/#:~:text=Find%20The%20Career%20You%20Want,Pet%20Business%20in%2030%20Days!
• AND 15 unique jobs for working dogs: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/working-dogs-jobs-for-dogs/#:~:text=We%20all%20know%20about%20some,15%20unique%20jobs%20for%20dogs.

 

 

Spidey Sense

 

You see spiders all year round, not just at Halloween. While they may seem scary sometimes they benefit the environment. Develop your spidey sense with these online activities

CONNECT:

• Get 15 fun facts about spiders at https://www.toucanbox.com/facts-for-kids/spider-facts
• Watch various spider species at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04BrlLW8dDU&ab_channel=KidzNCrew
• Learn why spiders make the best roommates at https://www.oneearth.org/eight-surprising-reasons-why-spiders-make-the-best-roommates/

 

CREATE:

• Do you know the song “The Itsy-Bitsy Spider? If not, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_lCi8U49mY&ab_channel=TwinkleLittleSongs-NurseryRhymes and if you do, you can sing it at the same website.
• Get crafty with these artsy spider ideas: https://www.artycraftykids.com/craft/easy-spider-crafts-for-kids-to-make/
• Go natural with these outdoor spider activities: https://childsplayabc.wordpress.com/2023/06/29/spider-activities/
• Think like a scientist with these spidery experiments: https://inspirationlaboratories.com/spider-stem-and-steam-activities/

 

CARE:

• Consider having a pet spider? Here’s what to know and do: https://www.wikihow.com/Keep-Spiders-As-Pets
• Maybe you want to keep spiders – away. Here are some natural tips: https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-keep-spiders-away
• For parents: here’s how to identify and treat spider bites: https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/spider-bites-sheet.html

 

CAREERS:

Want to go beyond just singing about spiders and have a spider-related career? You can be an arachnologist (a person who studies spiders), a scientist, a zookeeper, veterinarian, health care professional, a pet shop owner, a writer, or a photographer. See some possibilities at

• https://www.americanarachnology.org/aas-meetings/aas-meeting-2021/featured-artists/
• https://www.philadelphiazoo.org/spiders-alive/
• https://vethelpdirect.com/vetblog/2023/02/11/are-there-vets-for-spiders/

Here's Hopping for Rabbits (and Bunnies)

 

Easter often features rabbits. Why? What else characterizes rabbits and bunnies? Are they wild or domestic? Find these and other answers in the following online activities. Now hop to it!

 

CONNECT:

• Why are rabbits symbols of Easter? Get the answer at https://www.pethealthnetwork.com/news-blogs/a-vets-life/what-does-a-rabbit-have-do-easter
• Bunnies are very popular, but also misunderstood. Get the facts about rabbits at https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/rabbit/wellbeing-and-care/facts-about-rabbits
• Did you know that there are over 40 rabbit breeds to keep as pets? See the details at https://www.thesprucepets.com/rabbit-breeds-1237186

 

CREATE:

• Create a trivia or true/false game using this long list of rabbit facts: https://vetsonparker.com.au/kids-corner/fun-rabbit-facts/
• Try one or more of these fun bunny activities for kids at https://childcarelounge.com/pages/easter-bunny-theme-ideas?srsltid=AfmBOopGQppoetdk8slJwgh13vXBBJ3K2oyHLjot5PU3f8XLFkts84P6
• Play like a rabbit by using the ideas at https://tinkergarten.com/activities/play-like-rabbits-11d3a028-b06f-46f5-a4da-fb47f58da036

 

CARE:

• Too often rabbits are given as Easter gifts, and that’s not always a good idea.   See why -- and what you can do about it at https://houserabbit.org/updates/easter-2025
• Watch the pros and cons of rabbits at https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=4fQHPzPYOtw
• If you do want a bunny, considering adopting one through a rabbit rescue group as this one: https://www.savesomebunny.org/
• Wishing for a rabbit as a pet? Get the details on rabbit pet care at https://www.northwoodanimal.com/rabbits/
• Do you have a rabbit? If so, watch this video on how to find a rabbit veterinarian: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NCA9LrgExo
• Watch these fun activities FOR rabbits at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KV8YtI7-y8o

 

CAREERS:

Do you want to hop to a bunny-oriented career? You could be a rabbit breeder, caretaker, veterinarian, scientist, pet store staff, meat producer, cook, or clothing producer.  Explore some possibilities below.

• https://arba.net/rabbit-showmanship-with-caleb-bell-2/
• Finding a rabbit veterinarian: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NCA9LrgExo

Go Nuts for Peanuts

When you think of peanuts, do you think of something small? Or a cartoon? Now is the time to think BIG about peanut plants as you do these online activities.  

 

CONNECT:

• Get 25 fun facts about peanuts at https://www.nationalpeanutboard.org/news/fun-facts
• Watch the amazing history of peanuts and peanut butter at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yw5vL7ndowQ
• Why are peanuts at baseball games? Discover the answer at https://www.nationalpeanutboard.org/news/whats-story-behind-peanuts-and-baseball.htm
• Learn about George Washington Carver and 300 uses of a peanut at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7Gb4LfgTW0

 

CREATE:

• Make your own peanut butter by following the directions at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOmIYNIeaSY
• Try these yummy edible peanut butter crafts for kids at https://funfamilycrafts.com/peanut-butter-crafts-kids/
• Cook up some peanut-friendly food for kids at https://www.nationalpeanutboard.org/recipes/for-kids/
• Watch how to grow your own peanuts at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MyCBL5TK_jA

 

CARE:

• Peanuts are not good tasting, but they are good for you; read about their healthy benefits at https://peanut-institute.com/are-peanuts-good-for-a-kids-health/
• However, some people are allergic to peanuts. Find out why at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqBw4tdRw9I
• Find out how safe peanuts are for dogs at https://www.petinsurance.com/healthzone/pet-health/pet-toxins/are-peanuts-safe-for-dogs/

 

CAREERS:

It may be time to get out of your shell and think about a future with peanuts. You can be working for peanuts – and making a good living in agriculture, science, manufacturing, selling, cuisine and more.

• https://www.peanutsusa.com/industry-info/the-peanut-industry.html
• Farming peanuts: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6SxMFDf4rQ
• The peanut scientist: https://cals.ncsu.edu/news/faculty-focus-stalker-makes-a-global-and-local-impact/

 

 

Are Dragons Fantastic?

 

The short answer is: no.  But it all depends on context. Lots of dragons exist in our imagination and our stories. And dragons DO have inspired by real things. So may you find that dragons ARE fantastic in the best meaning of the word (as in “great!”) when you explore these activities.

 

CONNECT:

• Explore facts about dragons at https://www.twinkl.com/teaching-wiki/dragon
• Read about Smithsonian’s look at potential inspiration for dragon myths at https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/where-did-dragons-come-from-23969126/
• Dragons are often culturally created and defined. Find out the differences between Eastern and Western dragons at https://www.draconika.com/culture
•  Watch 5 facts about dragons in real life at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crVtO3kJkc8&ab_channel=ColossalCranium

 

 

CREATE:

• Connect the dots between dragons and STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) connect by trying fun dragon STEM activities at https://theresjustonemommy.com/dragon-stem-activities/
• Get crafty with dragon-inspired activities at https://www.teachingexpertise.com/classroom-ideas/dragon-crafts-and-activities/
• Pick some great books about dragons to read from this list: https://imaginationsoup.net/dragon-books-kids/
• 2024 will be the Chinese Year of the Dragon so start early to learn about that Zodiac sign – and related activities – at https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/where-did-dragons-come-from-23969126/

 

CARE:

• Did you know that bearded dragons really exist? Here is how to take care of them: https://kidspetclub.com/bearded-dragon-care/
• Dragon breath may be good for you; see why and how to do it at https://www.first5california.com/en-us/articles/inhale-exhale-why-practicing-dragon-breathing-can-help-your-child-manage/
• Have you heard of the game Dungeons and Dragons? Research says it can help youth build social skills. check out the research at https://www.geekwire.com/2023/can-dungeons-dragons-and-other-tabletop-games-help-youth-build-social-skills/

 

CAREERS:

Do flights of (dragon) fantasy tempt in in terms of a career? Writing and illustration loom big. The entertainment media industry – films, TV, games – may call you. You might also manufacture dragon-related items: toys, art, jewelry, cloth and clothing, even dragon-shaped desserts. You might even teach about dragons (besides at Hogwarts).

• https://www.shmoop.com/college-majors/mythology-and-folklore/jobs.html
• https://self-publishingschool.com/fantasy-creatures/
• https://www.syracuse.com/news/2011/02/artist_lives_out_fantasy_with.html
• https://www.businessinsider.com/jobs-childhood-fantasy-dream-career-pay-well-2019-9

 

 

 

Don't Be Immune to Vaccines

 

Both humans and some pets get vaccines to stay healthy. What are the facts? Find out by doing these online activities. And keep healthy.

 

CONNECT:

• Get the top 10 facts about vaccines at https://www.funkidslive.com/learn/top-10-facts/top-10-facts-about-vaccines/
• Watch how vaccines work, including how it helped win the American Revolution, at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WGTa3fhVUc
• Milk is pasteurized. You can thank Louis Pasteur for that – and creating an effective vaccine -- at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lLNZQVPpQA
• Listen to what kids learned from the COVIC-10 vaccine at https://time.com/6112328/vaccination-in-schools-history/

 

CREATE:

• Beat the germs by playing Vax Pack Hero at https://vaxpackhero.com/
• Watch “Getting a shot: You Can Do It!” to get ready to get vaccinated: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWx2WogUFoY
• Sesame Street has lots of fun videos and activities about vaccine. Try a few at https://sesamestreetincommunities.org/subtopics/vaccines/

 

CARE:

• For parents: What are the myths and facts about vaccines? Discover the difference at https://caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/immunization/vaccines-myths-and-facts
• For families: Should your pet be vaccinated? Find out at https://www.aaha.org/your-pet/pet-owner-education/ask-aaha/Pet-Vaccination/
• For parents: use these immunization resources to help you understand and optimize vaccines for your children: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/resources/childhood.html

 

CAREERS:

From discovery to cure, there are careers related to vaccine. Explore some of these healthy choices:

• https://historyofvaccines.org/vaccines-101/careers-vaccine-research
• https://www.aavmc.org/becoming-a-veterinarian/a-career-in-veterinary-medicine/
• https://jobs.cdc.gov/index.html
• https://www.learnhowtobecome.org/make-a-difference-careers/vaccinations/

 

Dear Reindeer

 

Dear Reindeer

‘Tis the season to think about reindeer. What is so special about them? Find out the answers and more with the following activities.

 

CONNECT:

• When is a reindeer NOT a reindeer? When it is wild and live in North American – they are then called caribou. Watch more facts about reindeer at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXsqn8cskZ8
• Read 12 incredible reindeer facts for Christmas at https://a-z-animals.com/blog/12-incredible-reindeer-facts-for-christmas/?from=exit_intent
• What’s the story behind reindeer and Santa? Get the answer at https://www.cnn.com/2012/12/22/opinion/galloway-reindeer
• Compare deer and reindeer at https://pediaa.com/difference-between-deer-and-reindeer/#:~:text=The%20main%20difference%20between%20deer,second%20biggest%20species%20of%20deer

 

CREATE:

• ‘Tis the season for fun reindeer crafts for kids: at https://www.kitchencounterchronicle.com/20-ridiculously-fun-reindeer-crafts-for-kids/
• Play some reindeer-inspired games at https://www.joyintheworks.com/10-reindeer-games-christmas-parties-family-fun/
• Learn how to make reindeer rockets and other holiday science at https://thekidshouldseethis.com/post/reindeer-rockets
• Make magical reindeer food at https://www.inspiringsavings.com/reindeer-food/
• Track Santa and his reindeer journey at https://www.noradsanta.org/en/

 

CARE:

• Do you have a reindeer – or wish you had one? Here is how Santa takes care of reindeer: https://www.petmd.com/blogs/thedailyvet/aobrien/2013/dec/facts-about-reindeer-and-life-with-santa-31173
• Discover threats to reindeer/caribou at https://www.arcticwwf.org/wildlife/reindeer-and-caribou/
• You can adopt a reindeer at https://alaskawildlife.org/project/reindeer/

 

CAREERS:

Do reindeer-related jobs sound cool to you? You could raise them, heal them, create art about them, or even cook them (tearfully??). You don’t have to be Santa, and you are not limited to Christmas. Just check out these jobs.

• https://www.theguardian.com/money/2010/dec/18/working-life-reindeer-herder
• https://www.unh.edu/unhtoday/2019/05/reindeer-career
• https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/yourvet/even-santas-reindeer-need-veterinarian

AND here are some weird and wonderful Christmas jobs (including reindeer walker): https://coburgbanks.co.uk/blog/friday-funnies/10-weird-christmas-jobs/

 

 

 

 

Meow to ROAR!

 

There are more than 500 million domestic cats in the world. AND they have play important roles throughout history, and have even been considered sacred at one point. AND let's not forget wild cats. Get your claws into the following activities to learn about this PURRfect animal.

CONNECT:

• Check out a range of facts about cats at https://kids.kiddle.co/Cat
• Read how cats communicate via Cat Language 101: https://www.petmd.com/news/view/cat-language-101-how-do-cats-talk-each-other-37620
• How did cats become domesticated? Watch 10,000 of cats at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WolEFv6oyg&ab_channel=Tinyverse
• See every type of cat in the cat family at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cQmky_wQao&ab_channel=SciShowKids

CREATE:

• Cuddle up to these 28 cat crafts for kids: https://www.kidslovewhat.com/diy-crafts/cuddle-up-to-these-28-cat-crafts-for-kids/
• Conduct science with your cat at https://info.thinkfun.com/stem-education/science-with-your-cat
• Play nature cat games at https://pbskids.org/naturecat/games

CARE:

• Follow these tips for taking care of cats: https://animalwellnessmagazine.com/teaching-kids-care-cat/
• Even though there are half a billion domestic cats, some kinds of cats are near extinction. Find out how you can help them survive at https://friendoftheearth.org/conservation-project/save-the-big-cats/
• Hopefully, you would not want to hurt a cat, but sometimes people do hurt them without realizing it. Watch 21 bad habits in caring for cats – and how to take care of them better: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKhwgSXlOmE&ab_channel=Jaw-DroppingFacts

CAREERS:

Do you purr when thinking about a career about cats? There's always veterinary science, but you could also make things for cats (such as clothes, food and furniture), take care of them, and even sell them. Explore the possibilities.

• https://www.insider.com/jobs-cat-lovers-2018-11
• https://www.rover.com/blog/jobs-for-cat-lovers/
• https://www.thepennyhoarder.com/make-money/20-best-jobs-with-cats/

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/

 

Penguins, Please

 

Happy Celebrate National Penguin Awareness Day: January 20! Discover what’s special about these unusual birds as you explore the following activities.

 

CONNECT:

• Watch the facts about penguins at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8qilxaBR20
• Get details about different kinds of penguins at https://kids.kiddle.co/Penguin
• Explore Emperor penguin families at https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/birds/facts/emperor-penguin
• Not all penguins are black and white; learn about some unusual penguins at https://www.antarctica.gov.au/about-antarctica/animals/penguins/unusual-penguins/

 

CREATE:

• Celebrate National Penguin Awareness Day, January 20, with these penguin activities: https://handsonaswegrow.com/penguin-activities/
• Try some of these fun penguin crafts at https://kidsactivitiesblog.com/49375/penguin-activities/
• Here are activities about penguins for preschoolers: https://www.childfun.com/themes/animals/penguins/

 

CARE:

• Several types of penguins are endangered. Find out about their threats and ways you can help at https://www.worldwildlife.org/species/penguin
• Help scientists understand penguin population changes by counting penguins and their eggs at https://www.zooniverse.org/projects/penguintom79/penguin-watch
• Penguins can be so cute; wouldn’t you like one as a pet? Is it safe – or even legal? Get your answers at https://petkeen.com/penguin-as-a-pet/

 

CAREERS:

Here’s a hot idea: making a career out of working with penguins: https://careertrend.com/info-10067059-jobs-interacting-penguins.html

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/

 

 

Rah for Rodents

 

January 21 is Squirrel Appreciation Day, and 2020 was the Chinese Year of the Rat. What do squirrels and rats – and porcupines -- have in common? They are both rodents, along with about forty percent of all mammal species -- and found on every continent except Antarctica. Gnaw on these and other facts and fun with the following activities.

CONNECT:

• Here are 10 fun facts about rats: https://www.natgeokids.com/au/discover/animals/general-animals/facts-about-rats/
• Rats have been around a LONG time, and are great travelers. Read about their history at https://theconversation.com/curious-kids-where-did-rats-first-come-from-121307
• Check out the history of the lab rat at https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/history-lab-rat-scientific-triumphs-ethical-quandaries-180971533/
• Indeed, rats may  be the unexpected heroes of the working animal world: https://www.treehugger.com/rats-unexpected-heroes-of-the-working-animal-world-4861866

 

CREATE:

• What’s true or false about rats? Play this game of true and false about rats at https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=7dipg3u47VU
• Watch how to make a maze game by following the directions at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97gSldzVNcA
• Celebrate the end of the Year of the Rat before the next Chinese New Year with these crafts: https://artsymomma.com/cute-mouse-rat-crafts.html

 

CARE:

• Rodents can be risky for children. If your home has rodents, follow these medically-approved safety tips: https://childrensmd.org/browse-by-topic/safety/rodents-children-medical-risks-mice-rats/
• What should you do if you’re bitten by a mouse? Follow these directions: https://www.healthline.com/health/bit-by-a-mouse
• Rodents may be pests, but they can also be pets (more than just missing an “s”). Here’s how to select a pet rodent – and how to care for it: https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/petcare/selecting-pet-rodent

 

CAREERS:

From caring for rodents to ending them, there’s a career for you. You can also research them, photograph or draw them, sell them, or treat others because of them. Dig into these rodent careers.

https://www.pestworld.org/mission-history/careers/

https://careers.stateuniversity.com/pages/313/Pest-Control-Worker.html

https://whyy.org/segments/when-your-job-includes-experimenting-on-animals/

Are you a fan of fans?

Are you a fan of fans?

Summers can get hot, and fans can help cool us. Fans can also cool other animals and inanimate objects, such as computers. Try these activities to fan your interest in fans.

CONNECT:

• Fans are 5000 years old! Explore their history at the Fan Museum:  https://www.thefanmuseum.org.uk/fan-history
• Electric fans have a much shorter history: less than 150 years old. Read about their development at https://www.fancollectors.org/fanhistory.htm
• How did mosquitos lead to air conditioners? Watch the connection at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGX3P7P5AOE
• You can dance with fans; watch these Chinese folk dancers at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlQsVY3z4TI and these Korean folk dancers at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuF0OosXR78

CREATE:

• Try these fan experiments with your little ones: http://nerdybaby.blogspot.com/2011/01/fan-experiments.html
• Make your own pocket folding fan at https://gluesticksblog.com/diy-pocket-fans/
• This is a game to use fans and put balloons to the space of your competitor: https://45mix.net/en/fan-the-balloon-game/
• Learn the romantic language of the hand fan at https://www.whalingmuseum.org/online_exhibits/fans/language.html

CARE:

• Fans can feel good – until you get hurt by them. Here are some safety measures to consider when using fans around children: http://www.ourhousefamilies.org/are-cooling-fans-safe-for-children.html
• Here are tips for keeping cool in the car, especially in a car seat: https://thecarseatlady.com/keepingcool/
• Your pets get hot in the summer too. Follow these strategies to keep your furry friends cool without fans: https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/keep-pets-safe-heat
• Computers need fans to keep the elements from overheating. Here are some ways for older family members to keep those fans in good condition: https://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch001339.htm

CAREERS:

Do you FANcy a career with fans? You can study fans as a historian or museum curator, you can make handmade fans or manufacture HUGE fans, you can sell fans, and you can repair fans. Fan your interest here.

https://www.justrightair.com/webapp/p/632/6-reasons-why-you-should-consider-hvac-as-a-career