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

 

 

 

Put Your Stamp on Life

 People still write cards and letters, which they even mail – along with packages. And stamps have other uses too. Stamp out ignorance by doing these fun activities.

 

CONNECT:

• Watch why stamps were invented – and why collect them – at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4UaYDxL3w8
• Get fun facts about US postage stamps from the source: at https://facts.usps.com/stamps/
• Explore stamp stories at https://postalmuseum.si.edu/stamp-stories

 

CREATE:

• Be crafty with these 25 stamp activities: https://www.playideas.com/25-super-crafty-diy-stamps-for-kids/
• It’s fun and games for all ages at the National Postal Museum; try some at https://postalmuseum.si.edu/fun-games
• Design your own postage stamps at https://www.pbssocal.org/education/family-math-activity-design-your-own-postage-stamps

 

CARE:

• Show you care by making and mailing cards for hospitalized kids or the elderly; get the details at https://www.doinggoodtogether.org/bhf/create-greeting-cards
• Sadly, some people sell fake stamps; get the lowdown at https://www.uspis.gov/news/scam-article/counterfeit-stamps
• Watch how people feed their families on a food stamp budget at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXKkakwf6Vk

 

CAREERS:

• Want to be a mail career? Watch what they do at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXfL1CdkGT4
• Working for the post office isn’t limited to walking around the neighborhood with letters. See the possibilities at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddvVveMJ2mw
• Watch how stamps get designed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKh3lq6SV84
• OR you can do rubber stamping for fun and profit: https://www.musicalexpert.org/what-is-rubber-stamping.htm#:~:text=Rubber%20stamping%20has%20become%20more,only%20limited%20by%20your%20imagination

What a gas!

 

Gas is everywhere, even inside us! See what gases' impact in these activities.

CONNECT:

• Watch gas in action at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDTF6l2WhYo&ab_channel=funsciencedemos
• Get the facts about gases at https://easyscienceforkids.com/gases/
• Focus on natural gas at https://www.electricchoice.com/kids/gas/
• Air is actually a mixture of different gases. Air experts NASA shares more interesting aspects of air at https://climatekids.nasa.gov/10-things-air/

CREATE:

• Experiment with gas in balloons by following the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0g2BNpqryZM&ab_channel=RaisingdaVinci
• Have a gas around the house with these experiments: https://www.kiwico.com/diy/lists/10-kid-friendly-experiments-on-the-science-of-gas
• Gas can apply pressure. Experience this force with these activities: https://www.giftofcuriosity.com/3-air-pressure-activities-for-kids/

CARE:

• Watch these strategies for natural gas safety at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMEh4j_G8Nw&ab_channel=AmericanGasAssociation
• Keep safe with these activities about gas: https://www.nicorgas.com/safety/safety-activities-for-kids.html
• Learn how to be a natural gas safety whiz kid at https://myenergycoop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Natural-Gas-Safety.pdf
• For parents: deal with you child's gas pain at https://www.lybrate.com/topic/causes-and-treatment-of-gas-pain-in-children/44cc6a623058346b20d9958369ee182a

CONNECT:

Up in the air about a job using gas sound? You can experiment with gas, control and channel it, sell it, and use it in many jobs. Explore a few more below.

• https://getintoenergy.org/careers-in-natural-gas/
• Watch the job of a gas technician at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMdMj9wCmlo&ab_channel=JusttheJob

Clock Tick Tock

 

Time passes – and we keep track of that time with clocks. Over time, clocks have changed. Discover the timeliness and timelessness of clocks with these activities.

 

CONNECT:

• Start with these timely facts about clocks: https://easyscienceforkids.com/clocks-time-video-for-kids/
• See the history of the first clocks at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_vKW_D4UBg
• Watch how a mechanical clock works at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_QsCLYs2mY
• Watch the amazing atomic clock at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dS3MkLamhI8
• King Charles III get crowned? It took place in Westminster Abbey, which has one of the most famous clocks: Big Ben. Read these fun facts about Big Ben at https://kidzfeed.com/big-ben-facts-for-kids/

 

CREATE:

• Let the sun tell you the time by making a sun dial: https://www.generationgenius.com/activities/earths-orbit-and-rotation-activity-for-kids/
• When can a potato tell time? When it is a potato clock! Make your own potato clock by following the directions at https://www.coolkidfacts.com/how-to-make-a-potato-clock/
• Check out dozens of ways to learn how to tell time at https://www.weareteachers.com/5-hands-on-ways-to-teach-telling-time/

 

CARE:

• Getting enough sleep is important for everyone, and changing time for daylight savings can impact sleep. Get some tips to help that adjustment at https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/sleep/Pages/daylight-saving-time-dont-lose-sleep-over-it.aspx
• Everyone has an inner clock, biological rhythms. Experiment with your inner clock at https://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/clock.html
• Parents: use this age-by-age guide to teach kids time management: https://www.scholastic.com/parents/family-life/parent-child/teach-kids-to-manage-time.html

 

CAREERS:

Is it time to talk about careers? You can make and sell clocks, use clocks to time processes, and repair clocks. You can also use clocks to help people make the best use of their time. Take time to learn about some of these job opportunities.

• Identify the jobs at a clock factory by watching https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCxLlmRfTBk
• http://career.iresearchnet.com/career-information/watch-and-clock-repairer-career/
• https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/collections/careers-for-people-who-like-time-management/

 

 

 

Let’s Get Animated!

 

Animated cartoons, videos and films are popular around the world. Discover the world of animation and get animated through these activities.

 

CONNECT:

• Learn about animation history and cartoon facts from Nikki at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVkdroh9KKg
• Watch the history of cel animation at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdeCMWwMSRY
• Watch how traditional cel animation is created at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kTk1d8DTyg
• Explore the present and future of animation at https://www.spinningclock.com/services/animation/presentandfuture

 

CREATE:

• Watch 6 big ideas about animation for beginners: https://thekidshouldseethis.com/post/animation-basics-in-14-minutes-six-big-ideas-for-beginners
• Get started with animation with these activities that introduce you to animation: https://www.teachingexpertise.com/classroom-ideas/animation-activity/
• Watch how you can use Google Slides to create an animation at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3SeaxNl1oQ
• Stop motion is a special type of animation, which uses real objects. Try your hand on making them following the directions at https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/books/article/stop-motion-movies

 

CARE:

• Get 12 amazing facts on the effects of animation on kids’ brains at https://www.animaker.com/blog/effects-of-animation-on-kids-brain/
• Watch animation videos to gain social-emotional skills at https://www.mylemarks.com/sel-videos.html
• Read how animation cels are preserved at https://www.getty.edu/conservation/publications_resources/newsletters/29_1/animation.html

 

CAREERS:

Does animation animate you? The animation industry is HUGE and international! Many jobs are involved in animation: from creative and technical development to manufacturing, marketing, legal aspects, to sales and service. Discover the possibilities below.

• https://www.nfi.edu/career-in-animation
• https://www.screenskills.com/job-profiles/browse/animation/
• https://kidadl.com/facts/amazing-animation-facts-to-learn-all-about-the-industry

 

Rev Up for Cars!

 

The U.S. is a nation of cars. Look under the hood of cars with these online activities.

 

CONNECT:

• See the history of cars at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iorv0Ty2Gbk; teens will probably prefer this visual history: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cFovJ4HZ8s
• How does a car work? Watch how gas and electric engines work at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyNaWBl4OXg
• Watch how cars are manufactured at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zn6scKf7k_0

 

CREATE:

• Going on a road trip? Try these 20+ unplugged road trip activities to pass the time: https://travelmamas.com/unplugged-road-trip-activities-for-kids/
• Like playing with toy cars? Here are lots of ways to expand that playtime for youngsters – AND store those toys: https://www.learningandexploringthroughplay.com/2016/08/toy-car-activities-and-storage-ideas.html
• Get crafty with cars with these toddler-friendly ideas: https://www.kidorzo.com/car-crafts-for-toddlers/

 

CARE:

• Watch how to be safe in a car: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5KrRVdt74U
• Learn about basic traffic signs and rules at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PpEWVxNj2xo
• Do you ride a bike? You usually share the road with cars and other vehicles, so watch this bicycle safer journey at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkoVxBnnGko&t=139s

 

CAREERS:

Does a car-related CAReer rev you up? Explore the possibilities!

• https://www.lelandwest.com/blog/listing.asp?2021/8/career-advice-for-people-who-love-cars
• See the range of jobs for car enthusiasts: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbJc7geEpiM
• Check out a mechanic at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDmQpsKwTmE

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.”