Starry-eyed

For centuries people have looked to the stars to find answers to life. Look to these activities to see what is in the stars.

CONNECT:

• What makes a star? Find out at http://www.cosmos4kids.com/files/stars_intro.html
• How do stars grow? They may be more like children than you might expect. Explore the process at http://www.skyandtelescope.com/astronomy-news/massive-stars-grow-finger-food/
• How many stars are there – more than the grains of sand on earth? Get the answer at http://www.universetoday.com/106725/are-there-more-grains-of-sand-than-stars/
• Imagine atoms the size that mountains; that’s what are neuron stars. Find out more at https://www.outerplaces.com/science/item/5737-neutron-stars-are-atoms-the-size-of-mountains
• Watch five of the most unusual stars discovered in our universe http://www.pbs.org/video/2365759270/

CREATE:

• Learn how to see the stars, and make your own planisphere at http://school.discoveryeducation.com/schooladventures/skywatch/index.html
• Identify your own special constellation – and find it out in the sky. You may be lucky to be born under a new star sign: http://www.bbc.co.uk/guides/zp4fvcw
• Did you know that constellation are imaginary? http://www.astro.wisc.edu/~dolan/constellations/ gives lots of information about these imaginary images. Try grouping stars in an original way; you too can create a constellation.
• Make a trivia game based on star facts: http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/sciencefacts/space/stars.html
• Make some space available to try these space activities: http://mrnussbaum.com/space/activities/

CARE:

• Create a special star for your special frineds: http://www.redtedart.com/star-crafts-ideas-join-getyourcrafton-challenge/
• Starfish are named for their shape. Read the story of the starfish, and participate in the Starfish Project for children: http://www.thestarfishprojectforchildren.org/
• Watch this video to make Jello stars for your family: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRpVqx_mn1g
• The Star of David means unity and good deeds. Find out other meaning of this important symbol at http://www.buzzle.com/articles/meaning-of-the-star-of-david.html

CAREERS:

Do you see stars when your think about your future? Astronomy can lead to many possibilities. The sky is the limit.

https://aas.org/learn/careers-astronomy

https://www.iau.org/public/themes/careers/

http://www.jobsforastronomers.com/careers

Building Bridges to Knowledge

The word “bridge” comes from the Germanic term for beam. Bridges can be found on the road, but also in politics and other negotiations as well as in your mouth and as a card game. Let’s stick to the road this time, though, by focusing on bridges used in transportation. These activities will bridge your knowledge.

CONNECT:

• Get down to basics about bridges at http://pghbridges.com/basics.htm
• How long can a bridge be? Why would a bridge make someone seasick? Find out when you check out these bridges: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/buildingbig/bridge/index.html
• What makes bridges so strong? Watch for the answer at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVOnRPefcno
• Compare bridge structures at http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/videos/engineering/bridgebuilding.html
• This video shows you that bridges can be beautiful: https://youtu.be/SsUglw23i0g. Which is your favorite?
• Trace the history of bridges at http://theconstructor.org/structures/history-of-bridges/5491/

CREATE:

• Create a trivia game about bridges by using these fun facts about bridges: http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/sciencefacts/engineering/bridges.html https://youtu.be/SsUglw23i0g and https://kidskonnect.com/science/bridges/
• Learn how bridges work by making your own suspension bridge: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/buildingbig/educator/act_suspension_ei.html
• Test bridge designs following the directions at http://kidsactivitiesblog.com/26605/build-a-bridge
• Can you build a bridge that withstands an earthquake? http://www.eduweb.com/portfolio/bridgetoclassroom/engineeringfor.html
• Build a virtual bridge at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/tech/build-bridge-p1.html

CARE:

• What about animals that need to cross the road? There are life-saving wildlife crossings. See some at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6lWv8enIAw
• Covered bridges are a national treasure. Help preserve these historical landmarks at http://www.coveredbridgesociety.org
• Especially in the winter season, you need to be cautious about bridges. See why – and what you can do at http://icyroadsafety.com/icybridges.shtml
• Bridges can be dangerous! Watch and read about how air can destroy a bridge – especially Galloping Gertie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XggxeuFDaDU
• and https://www.wsdot.wa.gov/TNBhistory/Machine/machine3.htm

CAREERS:

Bridge-related jobs will always be needed. Check out these options:

http://bridges.gbaps.org/cms/One.aspx?portalId=571916&pageId=6419602

https://www.nsta.org/middleschool/connections/201412TNTStudentPacket.pdf

https://www.theguardian.com/careers/architecture-career-options

See the woods for the trees

Trees are a basic element of Christmas, and they are a vital part of our everyday life. Explore this natural resource in these activities.

CONNECT:

• Get the basic facts and benefits of trees at http://www.kidzone.ws/plants/trees.htm
• Through videos, games and more explore photosynthesis, old field progression, how to measure trees, how city building affects forests, tree harvesting, and much more at http://www.sites.ext.vt.edu/virtualforest/
• Why do leaves change color in the fall? What are leaves? What do they do? Find out at http://www.sciencemadesimple.com/leaves.html
• Trace this timeline of the Christmas tree: http://www.reindeerland.org/christmas-tree/christmas-tree-history-timeline.htm
• Watch how maple syrup is made at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_YZmUrNueo
• Check out fun apple facts: information about apple trees and popular apple varieties that you might find in your lunch box. http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/sciencefacts/food/apples.html

CREATE:

• This is a fun interactive site all about trees. You can even create your own at http://www.treetures.com/Meet1.htm
• Discover facts and information about the artwork of Native American Indians and the authentic traditional methods they used, and how to make a totem pole at https://www.warpaths2peacepipes.com/native-indian-art/how-to-make-a-totem-pole.htm
• Try these family-friendly tree crafts: http://www.busybeekidscrafts.com/Tree-Crafts-for-Kids.html
• What food comes from trees? Find out at http://globaltrees.org/threatened-trees/tree-values/food/, and taste some of them.
• Would you like to make things with wood? Try these: http://www.artistshelpingchildren.org/woodcraftsforkidsprojectsideas.html

CARE:

• Check out this website to learn all about real Christmas trees, how they are produced, and why you should consider using real Christmas trees for your holiday celebrations. http://www.christmastrees.on.ca/virtual-tree-farm/christmas-tree-history/25.html#
• This official site for Arbor Day explains this holiday and how you can help conserve trees and how to plant a tree of your own. There is also a tree identification guide at https://www.arborday.org/
• Tree nut allergy is the second most common allergy in infants and young children. Learn about it, and how to address it at http://www.kidswithfoodallergies.org/page/tree-nut-allergy.aspx
• Use these identification guides to create a neighborhood tree trail: http://www.treeremoval.com/tree-identification/

CAREERS:

Here are 50 urban careers related to trees: http://www.urbanforest.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/Pages.Page/id/430

See the forest careers through the trees at http://www.allaboutcareers.com/careers/career-path/forestry-trees-timber

Dig Up the Dirt on Dirt

Dirt. It’s all around us, but do we really notice it – besides under our fingernails? Dirt is necessary for life. You'll hit pay dirt with these activities.

CONNECT:

• What’s the dirt on dirt? See this dirt-y video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=if29mjcd5bc
• Not all dirt is the same. Read about the difference at http://www.scienceforkidsclub.com/dirt-on-dirt.html
• Soil – the final frontier! See why at https://school.discoveryeducation.com/schooladventures/soil/
• Why does rain give off at fresh earthy small? Discover the answer at http://www.livescience.com/49520-smell-of-rain-aerosols.html
• Read animals that really dig dirt: http://www.earthtouchnews.com/natural-world/animal-behaviour/for-world-soil-day-6-animals-that-really-dig-the-dirt

CREATE:

• Tour the underground, and dig into dirt: http://archive.fieldmuseum.org/undergroundadventure/
• (Dirty) Fun: Get elbow deep in some dirt! Try these kid-friendly activities: http://www.nwf.org/what-we-do/kids-and-nature/why-get-kids-outside/dirt-is-great.aspx
• Need an excuse to get dirty? From construction activities to art with dirt, explore these dirt sensory activities: http://handsonaswegrow.com/30-dirty-kid-activities/
• Go eat dirt?? Here’s a recipe for a yummy pudding that looks like dirt, complete with worms: http://pbskids.org/zoom/activities/cafe/dirtpudding.html
• Play dirt detective at http://www.history.org/kids/games/dirtdetective.cfm

CARE:

• Let kids eat dirt. So says Time magazine: http://time.com/2828841/why-you-should-let-kids-eat-dirt/
• But there are also hazards in eating dirt. Know what’s good and bad about it: http://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/En/News/NewsAndFeatures/Pages/The-hazards-and-benefits-of-eating-dirt.aspx
• Celebrate the importance of mud on International Mud Day. http://www.kodokids.org/history-international-mud-day/ even shows you how to put on a mud event. It’s real hands-on fun!
• Having too much fun in the dirt? http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-remove-dirt-and-mud-stains/ shows you how to remove dirt and mud stains.
• Be a part of the KidsGardening Movement: https://www.kidsgardening.org/

CAREERS:

• Dig dirt? You might have the makings of an archeologist: https://www.nps.gov/archeology/public/kids/index.htm
• Or grow your career as a gardener or related fields: http://www.growcareers.info/
• Or dig into social science as a career: https://www.soils.org/careers

Let It Snow!

Snow is cool! Both literally and figuratively. Don’t be a flake – have fun discovering the uniqueness of snow with these activities.

CONNECT:

• Some animals love the snow, such as the snowshoe hare: http://dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/ce/eek/critter/mammal/hare.htm
• What does it take to become an Olympic skier? Read all about them at http://usskiteam.com/
• Who built the first Snowboard? When was the first Snowboard competition? Find answers to this and more questions at http://www.sbhistory.de/
• Yeti means “magical creature” in Tibetan, but many know this scary creature as the Abominable Snowman. Read about the legend at http://www.scaryforkids.com/yeti/
• You may have heard that “No two snowflakes are alike.” You can thank Snowflake Bentely and his scientific photography for that fact. His discoveries are revealed at http://www.snowflakebentley.com/

CREATE:

• Create your own unique snowflake by following the directions at http://www.papersnowflakes.com/papersnowflakes
• Make your own snow globe. PBS shows you how: http://www.pbs.org/parents/crafts-for-kids/homemade-snow-globes/
• Here are 101 fun activities to do in the snow: https://www.care.com/c/stories/3931/101-snow-games-and-activities-for-kids/
• Try your hand at these snowman crafts, activities and recipes: http://happyhooligans.ca/25-snowman-crafts-activities-treats/

CARE:

• Read Severe Weather 101 to keep safe in winter storms: http://www.nssl.noaa.gov/education/svrwx101/winter/
• See how to treat frostbite at http://www.wikihow.com/Treat-Frostbite
• Learn about the International Snow Leopard Trust, which is dedicated to the conservation of the endangered snow leopard and its mountain ecosystem. You can also donate or adopt one. See https://www.snowleopard.org
• Keep the fun in snowboarding by keeping safe. Check out these safety tips: http://kidshealth.org/en/teens/safety-snowboarding.html
• You don’t need snow to get snow blindness. See the facts at http://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/snowblind.htm

CAREERS:

Love snow and the seasons in general? Think about these climate careers:

http://www.wmo.int/youth/careers

https://www.ametsoc.org/ams/index.cfm/education-careers/career-guides-tools/all-about-careers-in-meteorology/

Or think about careers in snow sports: manufacturing, sales, clothing, touristing, or athletics:

http://www.outdoorindustryjobs.com/snowsportsrindustry-resources.asp

http://www.snowsports.org/research-surveys/snow-sports-fact-sheet/

or even be a ski bum:

http://www.5280.com/magazine/2013/11/ultimate-guide-modern-day-ski-bum?page=full

http://www.onthesnow.com/news/a/83041/doing-a-ski-season--the-highs-and-lows