Go to Bat for Baseball

 

It’s summer time and baseball time. And it’s the United States national pastime. Have a homerun experience doing these online activities about ballgame.

 

CONNECT:

• Read fun baseball facts for kids at https://www.coolkidfacts.com/baseball-facts-for-kids/
• Watch the history of baseball at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1459SxYqNk
• Discover how a baseball is made at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PesSaqUb568
• Find out where based is played outside the U.S. at https://www.mlb.com/news/baseball-in-other-countries

 

CREATE:

• Lots of baseball teams have activities for you and your family; see the list at https://www.mlb.com/news/baseball-themed-home-activities-for-kids
• Have fun with these 10 baseball games of kids at https://activeforlife.com/10-baseball-drills-and-games-for-kids/
• Try these 10 awesome baseball crafts for kids at https://www.therealisticmama.com/10-awesome-baseball-crafts-for-kids/
• Learn math the fun way - with baseball -- at https://stressfreemathforkids.com/members-only/using-baseball-to-teach-math/

 

CARE:

• Follow these baseball safety tips at https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/safety-baseball.html (en español: Consejos de seguridad sobre el béisbol)
• Find out what are the most common baseball injures and how to prevent them at https://www.childrenshospital.org/sports-injury-prevention/baseball
• Check out the safety code for Little League at https://www.littleleague.org/playing-rules/appendices/appendix-b/

 

CAREERS:

Are you bats about baseball? Becoming a professional baseball player is very competitive. Lots of other jobs relate to and support baseball: coaches, accountants, stadium managers, transportation and hotel staff, sports equipment and clothing manufacturers and sellers, journalists, sports casters, videographers and photographers, media producers, statisticians, even librarians. You definitely can be a team player in the sports career world. Here are a few examples.

• Major League baseball career options: https://www.mlb.com/careers/home
• How to become an MLB pro: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAZ0Wxj1F4c
• https://www.sportsmanagementworldwide.com/jobs-in-baseball
• https://baseballjobsoverseas.com/
• https://katiequinn88.com/the-sports-librarian/

Get On the Ball with Basketball

 

It’s March Madness time in the United States: the time to celebrate the best in collegiate basketball. And it is a game that you can play year round. Get the ball rolling with online activities about basketball. GO, team!

 

CONNECT:

• Watch the history of basketball at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0qn56l1ElU
• Discover a 14-year old girl who hold 3 Guinness world records for her basketball skills at https://kids.guinnessworldrecords.com/records/young-achievers/zaila-avant-garde
• See simple basketball adaptations for kids with disabilities at https://kids.guinnessworldrecords.com/records/young-achievers/zaila-avant-garde

 

CREATE:

• Watch how to play basketball around the world at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCYAeuepnNw&t=25s
• Play 22 fun basketball games for kids at https://proformancehoops.com/22-fun-basketball-games-for-kids/?srsltid=AfmBOopus7MA1iARVarbr7RZlsE3lWKrZrkX9qWcYoJfKG4eOcH_Jwwu
• Make a mini paper basketball game by following the directions at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMBRQmjX6nc

 

CARE:

• Play basketball safely by following these tips: https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/safety-basketball.html
• Practice 5 essential exercises to prevent youth basketball injuries at https://www.therapeuticassociates.com/5-essential-exercises-to-prevent-youth-basketball-injuries/
• Learn about The USA Basketball Open Court program, which connects children to local facilities with the goal of encouraging basketball participation in a fun and safe environment, at https://www.usab.com/play/opportunities-in-your-community

 

CAREERS:

Lots of kids want to become professional basketball players but it is a very competitive career. What are some other possibilities? You can be a manager, a sports writer or commentator, a basketball teacher or coach, a manufacturer or seller of basketball equipment and swag, a basketball event planner, or a physical therapist. Check out some of the possibilities.

• https://www.ziprecruiter.com/t/Most-Popular-Types-Of-Basketball-Related-Jobs
• https://jobs.community.kaplan.com/career/basketball-commentator
• How basketballs are made: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xw1k0RCI7uc

 

National Anthem Pride

Anthems are usually associated with national anthems such as “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Anthems usually represents a group, a country, or a movement. As the U.S. has a new president, it is good to think about national pride – of many groups. Explore anthems with these online activities.

 

CONNECT:

• Why are there national anthems? Discover the answer at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lA0-cA2BRAA&ab_channel=Tapakapa
• Watch the history of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at https://youtu.be/Umg8v6DLZjs (“spangled” means cover in spangles or other sparkling objects or lights).
• “Lift Every Voice and Sing” is often called the Black National Anthem. Read why at https://www.pbs.org/articles/lift-every-voice-and-sing#:~:text=Many%20people%20are%20surprised%20to,as%20the%20Black%20National%20Anthem.
• National anthems are also sung at sports events. Watch several countries sing their national anthems at rugby (soccer) games at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRIjnHtGua1hV68cq5HuO9_z78jNj-fVU

 

CREATE:

• Create a replica of the original flag that inspired “The Star-Spangled Banner” at https://funfamilycrafts.com/cardboard-star-spangled-banner/
• Another popular, but unofficial, U.S. anthem is “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee,” which is based on the United Kingdom’s national anthem “God Save the King.” In turn, that tune resembles an old dance piece of the early 17^th century!  Listen to 15 versions of the same melody at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0d0uR5Gew88&ab_channel=LEONAR Now try making up new lyrics to this tune.
• Learn how to sing Canada’s national anthem at https://funfamilycrafts.com/cardboard-star-spangled-banner/

CARE:

• Plan a Star-Spangled Banner Birthday Celebration Week with these ideas: https://starspangledmusic.org/ssb-celebration-week-resource-pack/
• Learn about flag etiquette at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-rHN8Ow87w&ab_channel=KMTV3NewsNow
• Conduct a flag ceremony with your family following these steps at https://shapinguptobeamom.com/how-to-do-a-flag-ceremony-with-your-family/

 

CAREERS:

How do national anthems fit into your possible career? As a musician, a composer, an historian, an event planner, or even a manufacturer.

• Flag manufacturing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sijUOBx4q_E&ab_channel=ThinkOne
• Writing an anthem: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjsljVCN_MU&ab_channel=FraserTwitchett
• Music historians: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-become-music-historian#:~:text=A%20music%20historian%20is%20a,the%20public%20on%20their%20findings.

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/

 

 

Unmasking Masks

 The last couple of years people have been wearing masks to keep healthy, but people have been wearing masks for thousands of year, often for fun. Unmask some mysteries of masks with these online activities.

CONNECT:

• Unmask the facts about masks – and see examples throughout history – at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWb_en6Fr-k&ab_channel=BrianReverman
• See 10 peculiar and splendid masks with different purposes at https://museumsvictoria.com.au/article/10-peculiar-and-splendid-masks/
• Even medical masks have a long history, which you can see at https://wellcomecollection.org/articles/XwMmcBQAAGwR9GY8
• What is Lucha Libre? Translated, it means freestyle wrestling – and it is associated with masked Mexican wrestlers. This short documentary unmasks their reality: https://www.google.com/search? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9uDAl_MmQb4&ab_channel=FilmIsNowMovieTrailersInternational

CREATE:

• Make a carnival eye mask by following the directions at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9xKaURmzT0&ab_channel=GatoRainbow%26GataMoon
• Here are 30 more do-it-yourself kid-friendly mask ideas for you to create: https://kidsactivitiesblog.com/75750/diy-mask-ideas-kids/
• Who do you think are the greatest masked superheroes? Here is one person's opinion about the top masked Marvel and DC superheroes: https://www.comicbasics.com/superheroes-that-wear-masks/ Do you agree?

CARE:

• Find out why it's important for kids to wear face masks: https://carithersgroup.com/facts-face-masks-for-kids/
• Make health masking fun with these activities: https://blog.kaplanco.com/ii/mask-activities-for-kids
• Parents can use these tips to help their children gain social and emotional kills while being masked: https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/tips-to-help-your-child-wear-a-mask

CAREERS:

Is a mask in your future? - in medicine, fire fighting, manufacturing, art, theater, the food industry? Unmask these careers that involve masks.

• https://careertrend.com/info-8413686-jobs-use-gas-mask.html
• https://www.zippia.com/mask-designer-jobs/
• https://theater-masks.com/teaching-workshops-residencies/about-masks-in-actor-training/

Use a search engine to find images of “jobs that involve masks.”

Paralympics Proud

 

There is a lot of news about the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, but do you know that the world Paralympic Games is also happening now in Tokyo? Get to know about these great athletes too.

 

CONNECT:

• Watch what is Paralympics sport? This video has an Australian focus: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRrRf2yvAaA  And this video is in Spanish: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZKfthh59kc&list=PLaSegn4AdJAz5NJH6CLfUkQe8BlA5zbYd
• Get the details about the Tokyo Paralympic Games at https://education.tokyo2020.org/en/games/about/paralympic-games/
• Did you know that physicist Stephen Hawking spoke at the opening ceremony of the 1992 Paralympic Games? Discover the history of the Paralympic Games at https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/medal-quest/past-games/

 

CREATE:

• Do this kids’ WebQuest about mobility and athletics at https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/kids/mobility.html
• Meet some Paralympians and their inspiring stories at https://www.paralympic.org.au/athletes/
• Recreate a Paralympic-inspired sports event at home, using these ideas: https://www.paralympicheritage.org.uk/Handlers/Download.ashx?IDMF=cbadfda3-0e5a-40b4-8bed-fbed22aee751

 

CARE:

• Share this fairy tale about William the One Winged Dragon and the Castle Football World Championships at https://www.paralympic.org/sites/default/files/document/120305113307821_Card_8_A_Fairy_Tale.pdf
• Find out how to volunteer in special needs sports programs at https://bethebestsport.org/how-to-volunteer-in-special-needs-sports-programs/
• Support Special Olympics Young Athletes at https://www.specialolympics.org/our-work/inclusive-health/young-athletes

 

CAREERS:

Paralympics combines two careers: sports and working with people with disabilities. Help others be all that they can be! You might be helping at one of the biggest sports events in the world!

• https://www.paralympic.org/careers and https://www.paralympic.org/athlete-careers
• https://www.specialolympics.org/about/careers
• https://www.allaboutcareers.com/career-path/paralympics-disability-sport/

Swimming in Information

People have been swimming even since they needed to cross water, and animals have been swimming for millions of years before then. Swimming isn’t just a matter of necessity; it is also a sport. Plunge into this life skill and recreation in these activities.

CONNECT:

• Swimming has been enjoyed as early as by the ancient Egyptians in the Nile. How did it become an Olympic sport? Dip into the facts at https://www.olympicchannel.com/en/stories/news/detail/the-history-of-olympic-swimming/
• Speaking of history, how did swimming strokes originate? You can look at cave paintings, but this website is more convenient to find out: https://www.livestrong.com/article/347359-history-of-swimming-strokes/
• Swimming is applied physics as you can see at https://www.real-world-physics-problems.com/physics-of-swimming.html
• Can all mammals swim? No. Which can – and can’t? Read about the strange experiments to find out: http://www.bbc.com/earth/story/20170320-the-cruel-experiments-that-revealed-most-mammals-can-swim

CREATE:

• Enjoy the last days of summer with the fun pool games for kids: https://www.activekids.com/parenting-and-family/articles/10-fun-pool-games-for-kids
• Sink or swim? Find out with this hands-on water activity: https://www.cbc.ca/parents/play/view/sink-or-swim-water-activity
• Make your own pool / water toys by following the directions at https://www.craftfoxes.com/blog/6-great-diy-pool-toys-for-kids-and-adults
• Here are 31 ideas to help you throw an epic pool party (even if you just have sprinklers): http://redtri.com/summer-splash-pool-party-ideas/

CARE:

• Watch the minions show you swim safety at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNO18rEMR1o
• Pools are fun but they can be dangerous too. Feel safe around pools by following these rules: https://www.swimmingpool.com/pool-living/pool-safety/safety-for-kids
• What about outdoor water safety? Here are some times based on the type of water: https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/water-safety-outdoors.html
• Don’t toy with water toys; know their risks and what to do at https://www.royallifesaving.com.au/families/at-home/home-pool-safety/pool-toys-safety

CONNECT:

Yes, you can be a professional swimmer, but there are lots of other swimming-related jobs to choose from: lifeguard, swimming coach, camp counselor, marine biologist, physical therapist, sports doctor, pool manager or manufacturer, photographer, reporter. Hopefully, you are swimming with career ideas now.

https://www.goldfishswimschool.com/blog/2016/august/swimming-for-a-living-9-careers-for-kids-who-lov/

https://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/news/swimming-find-a-job/

https://www.theodysseyonline.com/11-career-lessons-learned-from-competitive-swimming-career

What’s Average?

Numbers can be informative – or misleading. Learn how to make sense of groups of numbers and other types of data. You’ll discover a new meaning for mean – and more -- through these un-average activities.

CONNECT:

• What is data? How many kinds of data are there? See examples at https://www.mathsisfun.com/data/data.html
• What are statistics? And why are they useful? Watch the answers at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_GBJhu65asTedEd
• Map is a map more than a map? When it shows data that you can compare with similar maps: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/08/07/upshot/music-fandom-maps.html
• What are some some of the amazing statistics about your world? See them – and maybe your future  -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGGYIw_pIj8

CREATE:

• Become an M&M data expert doing these activities: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/bring-science-home-statistical-candy/ (NOTE: You can’t have your data and eat it too)
• How often do you see snake eyes? Learn about probabilities by playing with dice: https://www.education.com/activity/article/probability-dice-game/
• Play these data handling games at https://www.topmarks.co.uk/maths-games/5-7-years/data-handling
• Use data to improve your baseball performance: https://www.education.com/activity/article/pitch_and_hit_data_second/

CARE:

• You can help the environment through data: see examples at http://kids.nceas.ucsb.edu/DataandScience/index.html
• Save the day with data at https://ca.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/kids-lab-oos-afterschool-operation-data-saves-day/operation-data-saves-the-day-activity-plan-pbs-kids-afterschool-adventure/
• Here’s another way to look at the spread of poverty and wealth: by visualizing the data: https://www.gapminder.org/dollar-street/matrix
• Some people lie with statistical graphs. Learn how to not get fooled by them at https://www.frontporchmath.com/topics/probability-statistics/graphs/misleading-graphs/

CAREERS:

There’s a large number of careers that deal with data and statistics: scientist, engineer, economist, marketer, poll taker, reporter, code-breaker.  You can count on a high probability of finding a good job in this area.

https://www.cnbc.com/2014/05/30/why-your-kids-will-want-to-be-data-scientists.html

https://www.ma.utexas.edu/users/mks/statund/careers.html

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

https://www.careers.govt.nz/resources/tools-and-activities/maths-statistics/

https://www.forbes.com/sites/metabrown/2017/08/28/20-data-analytics-careers-that-arent-data-scientists/#75054c455771