Getting Calculating

How calculated are you? People have been using calculators for centuries. Have some calculated fun with these online activities.

CONNECT:

• Get the facts about calculators at https://kids.kiddle.co/Calculato
• Slide rules were popular portable calculators, especially for engineers, before electronic ones. See how they work at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=waiprjueVpQ
• Watch this historic number cruncher – literally! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0anIyVGeWOI
• Use bones to multiply by watching this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXkQWZ77b_4. You can make your own set of Napier’s bones by following the directions at https://www.mathsteacher.com.au/year7/ch01_whole/10_proj/proj.htm

CREATE:

• Nowadays there are thousands of online calculators for specific purposes, such as figuring out math operations or converting money. Try some of them at https://www.onlineloancalculator.org/resources/math-games-and-calculators.php
• The ancient Egyptians used abacus over 3000 years ago. You too can calculate using this enduring calculator by following the directions at https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=how+an+abacus+works#kpvalbx=1
• Use your hands as calculators by watching this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wu3JSnRaaV0&list=PLdPYCxG6V7vchnDq5tj3pimCeorXGsgmI
• Try these calculator games: http://www.dr-mikes-math-games-for-kids.com/calculator-games.html

CARE:

• Calculating your BMI (Body Mass Index) can help determine your general health – so you can then get more fit. Find out your BMI at https://www.active.com/fitness/calculators/bmi-kids
• Use these calculators to save the environment! https://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/climate-weather/stories/the-15-best-carbon-calculators
• Saving part of your allowance can result in big returns over time, thanks to the miracle of compound interest. See how your money can grow using this compounding calculator: https://www.themint.org/kids/compounding-calculator.html
• This calorie-burn calculator will make you sit up – and get you out of your chair: http://standupkids.org/calculators/

CAREERS:

Are you the calculating sort? There are lots of careers that can use your calculating ability: data analyst, mathematician, marketer, teacher, manufacturer, banker, economist, insurance professional, engineer, accountant. It’s time to formulate your future here.

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

https://www.rasmussen.edu/student-experience/college-life/jobs-that-use-math/

Run Your Engines

Transportation runs on engines. Look under the hoods of engines with these Internet activities.

CONNECT:

• Read about the history of engines are https://www.kidsdiscover.com/spotlight/engines-kids/?mc_cid=83d38977fe&...
• What makes a car go? It is its engine. Watch this video on car engines and how they work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIsak4hWWio
• Steam engines were an important invention of the Industrial Revolution. See why at https://www.ducksters.com/history/us_1800s/steam_engine_industrial_revolution.php

CREATE:

• Try these fun train engine activities for kids: https://play-trains.com/category/learn/science-activities-with-trains/
• Have you read The Little Engine That Could? These activities link to the book: https://sugarspiceandglitter.com/steam-the-little-engine-that-could/
• Build a simple soda can engine by following the directions at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yzZuIw25TU

CARE:

• What are some alternatives to gasoline-powered engines? Think about these energy saving possibilities: https://play.thomasandfriends.com/en-us/games
• Plan a fun firefighter engine party for your friends: https://www.thespruce.com/firefighter-party-games-2104590
• Your body is like an engine. Here are ways to help children self-regulate their body’s engine: https://www.srsd119.ca/departments/teacherinformation/professionaldevelopment/How%20Does%20Your%20Engine%20Run%20-%20Program%20Overview%20and%20Breakdown.pdf

CAREERS:

Get moving with these engine careers:

https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/auto-jobs-0717

https://www.flyingmag.com/careers/unique-aviation-careers-turbine-engine-design

https://lifehacker.com/career-spotlight-what-i-do-as-a-train-engineer-1683307144

Get Energized!

It’s time to get up the energy to do some activities about energy. It can be energizing!

CONNECT:

• Get the basics about energy at http://www.scienceforkidsclub.com/energy.html
• Watch this video crash course on humans and energy at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EM1IyIyr-Zc
• What energy sources power the world? See how they map out at https://www.visualcapitalist.com/energy-sources-power-world/

CREATE:

• Learn about energy and try some fun games and activities. Discover what energy is, where it comes from, how to use and save energy, and more at https://www.eia.gov/kids/
• Try these kid-friendly kinetic energy experiments: https://sciencing.com/kinetic-energy-experiments-kids-8426436.html
• Burning calories, a form of energy, through exercise is good for your health. Here are 87 energy-busting indoor games and activities for kids: https://whatmomslove.com/kids/active-indoor-games-activities-for-kids-to-burn-energy/

CARE:

• Investigate research about alternative energy resources, and consider supporting various alternative energy resources into the community. Get the facts at http://www.altenergy.org
• You can save the world – and transportation energy -- by bicycling; here’s the evidence: http://beagreencommuter.com/5-ways-riding-a-bike-can-help-save-the-world/
• Conduct an home energy use audit using the guidelines at https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/home-energy-audits/do-it-yourself-home-energy-audits

CAREER:

Do you have the energy for – and interest in -- an energy career? The following websites might spark some energy for you!

https://www.energy.gov/eere/education/explore-clean-energy-careers-0

https://careerwise.minnstate.edu/guide/energy/energy-careers.html

https://energy.careercast.com/article/best-jobs-energy