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1-2-3 The Floor is Lava!
- Patria Lincoln Posted On Aug 20, 2019 | STEM
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2 - 4 Years STEM
Summer STEM Gardening!
- Patria Lincoln Posted On Jul 26, 2019 | Science
Summer STEM
School is out for the summer - the days are long, daily schedules are relaxed, and parents everywhere are struggling to find activities to keep their kids engaged and entertained! We’ve lived all over the country, so summers have ranged from gorgeously warm to brutally hot and humid. Depending on your climate, this time of year means you are either trying to soak up the sun or escape the crazy heat. Well, today I am sharing one of our favorite STEM activities that can be enjoyed both indoors and out.
I frequently try to provide my daughters with activities that are open-ended. This means that there isn’t really a “beginning” and “end” to the play. There are no desired results and they have the freedom to be as creative as they would like. My girls have always enjoyed various forms of pretend play - usually acting out an occupation or activity that they observe from us, a book, or a show.
Gears Garden Building
I decided to create a fun Summer Garden set up in our living room on an overcast morning using our Gears, Gears, Gears! sets. My youngest can get a little frustrated with the base tiles, so the three of us arranged them together. After that, the girls were free to build the garden of their dreams!
I love these gears because the possibilities are endless. They have been one of the best ways to encourage free play involving STEM. Mainly because they make a great independent quiet time activity. It’s awesome to watch my daughters’ minds work as they try to figure out how to make the entire board of gears and their “flowers” rotate and spin.
Once they felt that their garden was complete, the sun had come out and I moved their garden to a table on our deck. I added in buckets of water, a watering can, small animals and fairies. Adding in the pretend play elements was a huge success and they especially loved getting to water their garden. The gears are great because we can easily use them both indoors and outdoors - to include water play! This activity ended up being a huge success and occupied them for over two hours. We will definitely be adding it into our summer “boredom busters” rotation for the rest of this year.
Save it for later!
Summer STEM Gardening!
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Summer STEM
School is out for the summer - the days are long, daily schedules are relaxed, and parents everywhere are struggling to find activities to keep their kids engaged and entertained! We’ve lived all over the country, so summers have ranged from gorgeously warm to brutally hot and humid. Depending on your climate, this time of year means you are either trying to soak up the sun or escape the crazy heat. Well, today I am sharing one of our favorite STEM activities that can be enjoyed both indoors and out.
I frequently try to provide my daughters with activities that are open-ended. This means that there isn’t really a “beginning” and “end” to the play. There are no desired results and they have the freedom to be as creative as they would like. My girls have always enjoyed various forms of pretend play - usually acting out an occupation or activity that they observe from us, a book, or a show.
Gears Garden Building
I decided to create a fun Summer Garden set up in our living room on an overcast morning using our Gears, Gears, Gears! sets. My youngest can get a little frustrated with the base tiles, so the three of us arranged them together. After that, the girls were free to build the garden of their dreams!
I love these gears because the possibilities are endless. They have been one of the best ways to encourage free play involving STEM. Mainly because they make a great independent quiet time activity. It’s awesome to watch my daughters’ minds work as they try to figure out how to make the entire board of gears and their “flowers” rotate and spin.
Once they felt that their garden was complete, the sun had come out and I moved their garden to a table on our deck. I added in buckets of water, a watering can, small animals and fairies. Adding in the pretend play elements was a huge success and they especially loved getting to water their garden. The gears are great because we can easily use them both indoors and outdoors - to include water play! This activity ended up being a huge success and occupied them for over two hours. We will definitely be adding it into our summer “boredom busters” rotation for the rest of this year.
Save it for later!
Coding Critters: Sequencing Lesson Plan
- Patria Lincoln Posted On Jul 11, 2019 | STEM
Discover the possibilities the Coding Critters brings to your early coding curriculum. Aligned to CSTA standards, these printable classroom activities from STEM.org will help your little learners discover coding without any screens or apps. Just power on the Coding Critters, and you’re ready to go!
Click here to download your STEM.org classroom Sequencing lesson plan
This lesson plan uses Coding Critters to teaching algorithmic thinking and how to develop a sequence of steps to create and test automated solutions.
Coding Critters: Sequencing Lesson Plan
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Discover the possibilities the Coding Critters brings to your early coding curriculum. Aligned to CSTA standards, these printable classroom activities from STEM.org will help your little learners discover coding without any screens or apps. Just power on the Coding Critters, and you’re ready to go!
Click here to download your STEM.org classroom Sequencing lesson plan
This lesson plan uses Coding Critters to teaching algorithmic thinking and how to develop a sequence of steps to create and test automated solutions.
Coding Critters: Forces and Motion Lesson Plan
- Patria Lincoln Posted On Jul 11, 2019 | STEM
The Busbys' Tips for STEM Success!
- Patria Lincoln Posted On Jun 26, 2019 | Science
Teaching kids STEM skills is important. If you're reading this, you probably already know that; if you're a parent, you also know that it's never too early to start. We've talked before about our commitment to giving our daughters every possible advantage when it comes to developing STEM skills. Part of that commitment involved making sure they found the school that was right for them. When it came time to send the quints to preschool, Danielle and I chose a STEM-focused program that focused on introducing them to fun, accessible skills in science, technology, engineering, and math. We're also making sure that they stay active even when school is out; this summer, the girls will be attending science camp two to three days a week, where they can explore the world and keep their skills sharp at the same time.
That leaves us with one more question: how do we make sure our girls are learning when they're at home? That part can be tricky, especially for us; finding toys and games that are fun and educational and appealing to each girl's own passions and personality is often a real balancing act. Our biggest successes come when we can find easy, engaging skill-building activities that overlap with the girls' interests. For instance, Hazel loves activities that let her focus, like coloring and sorting, while Ava is really interested in matching and memory games, so sets of flashcards are perfect for helping them learn together. Other times, we focus on each individual girl; Olivia is our little dancer, so games that get her up and moving are always great, even when her sisters are off doing something else.It's pretty rare that we find one toy that appeals to all five quints. That's why we're so excited about Coding Critters. Since the Coding Critters came to our house, each of the girls has found something to love. Hazel loves dinosaurs and Parker loves dogs, so Bumble and Ranger were instant hits. Ava is in charge of laying out the coding cards, while Olivia can't wait to dance along to the critters music and moves. The girls love the critters like real pets, while also building early coding skills every time they play. 
The Critters are especially good for Riley, who's already helping her big sister Blayke code with Botley. Since she's a little ahead of her sisters, playing with Coding Critters gives her the opportunity to help them code their critters during story time while also building her own skills and confidence. With the help of Coding Critters, she'll be ready for coding challenges from Botley and beyond. Whether our girls wind up becoming scientists or not, we're happy with our commitment to helping them lead lives filled with learning and curiosity. It's not just an investment in them; it's a way of ensuring that the future is a little brighter for everyone. 
Save it for later!
That leaves us with one more question: how do we make sure our girls are learning when they're at home? That part can be tricky, especially for us; finding toys and games that are fun and educational and appealing to each girl's own passions and personality is often a real balancing act. Our biggest successes come when we can find easy, engaging skill-building activities that overlap with the girls' interests. For instance, Hazel loves activities that let her focus, like coloring and sorting, while Ava is really interested in matching and memory games, so sets of flashcards are perfect for helping them learn together. Other times, we focus on each individual girl; Olivia is our little dancer, so games that get her up and moving are always great, even when her sisters are off doing something else.It's pretty rare that we find one toy that appeals to all five quints. That's why we're so excited about Coding Critters. Since the Coding Critters came to our house, each of the girls has found something to love. Hazel loves dinosaurs and Parker loves dogs, so Bumble and Ranger were instant hits. Ava is in charge of laying out the coding cards, while Olivia can't wait to dance along to the critters music and moves. The girls love the critters like real pets, while also building early coding skills every time they play. The Critters are especially good for Riley, who's already helping her big sister Blayke code with Botley. Since she's a little ahead of her sisters, playing with Coding Critters gives her the opportunity to help them code their critters during story time while also building her own skills and confidence. With the help of Coding Critters, she'll be ready for coding challenges from Botley and beyond. Whether our girls wind up becoming scientists or not, we're happy with our commitment to helping them lead lives filled with learning and curiosity. It's not just an investment in them; it's a way of ensuring that the future is a little brighter for everyone. Save it for later!
The Busbys' Tips for STEM Success!
Teaching kids STEM skills is important. If you're reading this, you probably already know that; if you're a parent, you also know that it's never too early to start. We've talked before about our commitment to giving our daughters every possible advantage when it comes to developing STEM skills. Part of that commitment involved making sure they found the school that was right for them. When it came time to send the quints to preschool, Danielle and I chose a STEM-focused program that focused on introducing them to fun, accessible skills in science, technology, engineering, and math. We're also making sure that they stay active even when school is out; this summer, the girls will be attending science camp two to three days a week, where they can explore the world and keep their skills sharp at the same time.That leaves us with one more question: how do we make sure our girls are learning when they're at home? That part can be tricky, especially for us; finding toys and games that are fun and educational and appealing to each girl's own passions and personality is often a real balancing act. Our biggest successes come when we can find easy, engaging skill-building activities that overlap with the girls' interests. For instance, Hazel loves activities that let her focus, like coloring and sorting, while Ava is really interested in matching and memory games, so sets of flashcards are perfect for helping them learn together. Other times, we focus on each individual girl; Olivia is our little dancer, so games that get her up and moving are always great, even when her sisters are off doing something else.It's pretty rare that we find one toy that appeals to all five quints. That's why we're so excited about Coding Critters. Since the Coding Critters came to our house, each of the girls has found something to love. Hazel loves dinosaurs and Parker loves dogs, so Bumble and Ranger were instant hits. Ava is in charge of laying out the coding cards, while Olivia can't wait to dance along to the critters music and moves. The girls love the critters like real pets, while also building early coding skills every time they play. The Critters are especially good for Riley, who's already helping her big sister Blayke code with Botley. Since she's a little ahead of her sisters, playing with Coding Critters gives her the opportunity to help them code their critters during story time while also building her own skills and confidence. With the help of Coding Critters, she'll be ready for coding challenges from Botley and beyond. Whether our girls wind up becoming scientists or not, we're happy with our commitment to helping them lead lives filled with learning and curiosity. It's not just an investment in them; it's a way of ensuring that the future is a little brighter for everyone. Save it for later!
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That leaves us with one more question: how do we make sure our girls are learning when they're at home? That part can be tricky, especially for us; finding toys and games that are fun and educational and appealing to each girl's own passions and personality is often a real balancing act. Our biggest successes come when we can find easy, engaging skill-building activities that overlap with the girls' interests. For instance, Hazel loves activities that let her focus, like coloring and sorting, while Ava is really interested in matching and memory games, so sets of flashcards are perfect for helping them learn together. Other times, we focus on each individual girl; Olivia is our little dancer, so games that get her up and moving are always great, even when her sisters are off doing something else.It's pretty rare that we find one toy that appeals to all five quints. That's why we're so excited about Coding Critters. Since the Coding Critters came to our house, each of the girls has found something to love. Hazel loves dinosaurs and Parker loves dogs, so Bumble and Ranger were instant hits. Ava is in charge of laying out the coding cards, while Olivia can't wait to dance along to the critters music and moves. The girls love the critters like real pets, while also building early coding skills every time they play. The Critters are especially good for Riley, who's already helping her big sister Blayke code with Botley. Since she's a little ahead of her sisters, playing with Coding Critters gives her the opportunity to help them code their critters during story time while also building her own skills and confidence. With the help of Coding Critters, she'll be ready for coding challenges from Botley and beyond. Whether our girls wind up becoming scientists or not, we're happy with our commitment to helping them lead lives filled with learning and curiosity. It's not just an investment in them; it's a way of ensuring that the future is a little brighter for everyone. Save it for later!
READ MORE
Coding Critters: Healthy and Happy Critters Lesson Plan
- Patria Lincoln Posted On Jun 25, 2019 | STEM
Coding Critters: Critter Habitats Lesson Plan
- Patria Lincoln Posted On Jun 25, 2019 | STEM
DIY Pool Noodle STEM!
- Patria Lincoln Posted On Jun 24, 2019 | STEM
Pool Noodle STEM is an engaging activity for all age levels, and best of all - it’s cost-friendly!
DIY Pool Noodle STEM!
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Pool Noodle STEM is an engaging activity for all age levels, and best of all - it’s cost-friendly!
DIY Crawling Rainbow!
- Patria Lincoln Posted On May 29, 2019 | STEM
All kids love experiments!! They are captivated by the unknown and in awe of the results. The crawling rainbow experiment is a sure crowd pleaser for all age levels! It simulates how secondary colors are created from primary colors. What a gorgeous color wheel it creates!
The beauty of this experiment is that it requires little prep and simple supplies, and leaves little to no mess! So if you’re working with little ones, you can rest easy.
Supplies
- 5 or 6 clear plastic cups or mason jars
-Water
- Paper towels cut into strips
- Food color drops or gel dye
Experiment Time
Getting started, it might be a good idea to begin with asking the kiddos predictions of what they think might happen and why. I’m always so amazed with their background knowledge with the phenomena in the world around us. After the discussion, prepare three cups with water filled three-quarters of the way full. Add as much or as little of the primary color food coloring as desired (red, yellow, blue). I believe adding more color will produce better results.
Next, prepare two cups with water and assemble them as seen in the picture above. You will notice the osmosis occurring instantly! The colors will slowly begin to“crawl”and form the secondary colors.
Be aware that you’ll need to let the cups set for some time (a few hours) for final results, however, check back in to see the color changes happening periodically. If the kiddos play with the water in the cup, the color will begin to transfer more quickly. Some of my favorite pictures of the experiment happened during the color transfer. It’s incredible to seethe two pigments coming together. After having finished the experiment, I wish I had added a sixth cup to watch purple form. I think you should definitely give it a try!
If you’re looking to extend this experiment, you can pair it with the incredible book, MIXED. It’s “A Colorful Story” about how lucky we are to live in a world full of different colors. It begins with red, yellow and blue and ends with endless colors!
Final Product
Enjoy this highly engaging experiment as the excitement unfolds before your very eyes!
Save it for later!
DIY Crawling Rainbow!
READ MORE
All kids love experiments!! They are captivated by the unknown and in awe of the results. The crawling rainbow experiment is a sure crowd pleaser for all age levels! It simulates how secondary colors are created from primary colors. What a gorgeous color wheel it creates!
The beauty of this experiment is that it requires little prep and simple supplies, and leaves little to no mess! So if you’re working with little ones, you can rest easy.
Supplies
- 5 or 6 clear plastic cups or mason jars
-Water
- Paper towels cut into strips
- Food color drops or gel dye
Experiment Time
Getting started, it might be a good idea to begin with asking the kiddos predictions of what they think might happen and why. I’m always so amazed with their background knowledge with the phenomena in the world around us. After the discussion, prepare three cups with water filled three-quarters of the way full. Add as much or as little of the primary color food coloring as desired (red, yellow, blue). I believe adding more color will produce better results.
Next, prepare two cups with water and assemble them as seen in the picture above. You will notice the osmosis occurring instantly! The colors will slowly begin to“crawl”and form the secondary colors.
Be aware that you’ll need to let the cups set for some time (a few hours) for final results, however, check back in to see the color changes happening periodically. If the kiddos play with the water in the cup, the color will begin to transfer more quickly. Some of my favorite pictures of the experiment happened during the color transfer. It’s incredible to seethe two pigments coming together. After having finished the experiment, I wish I had added a sixth cup to watch purple form. I think you should definitely give it a try!
If you’re looking to extend this experiment, you can pair it with the incredible book, MIXED. It’s “A Colorful Story” about how lucky we are to live in a world full of different colors. It begins with red, yellow and blue and ends with endless colors!
Final Product
Enjoy this highly engaging experiment as the excitement unfolds before your very eyes!
Save it for later!
