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DIY Dinosaur Fossils!
- Patria Lincoln Posted On Oct 8, 2018 | STEM
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2 - 4 Years STEM
The Science Behind Popcorn!
- Patria Lincoln Posted On Sep 10, 2018 | Science
Everyone’s favorite snack is actually a scientific example of physical change. Popcorn itself wasn’t really invented, but discovered, and might have very well been at the first Thanksgiving feast. Let’s look a little deeper into this delicious discovery!
Good zea mays everta, or popcorn kernels, seem dry and firm in plain sight. But inside each kernel is a tiny droplet of water surrounded by a hard shell called a hull. Popcorn can be heated by hot oil, air, or a microwave.The heat turns that water droplet into steam, building pressure inside the hull. Then – POP! – the hull can no longer keep in the pressure and the kernel explodes. The popping sound you hear is due to the rapid escape of water from the kernel.
Pop your corn any way you choose. Over the stovetop is this household’s choice, but any way will work. If you choose to microwave, 20 cups is about three bags.
Separate your popcorn evenly into how many food coloring choices you want. Here, there are six bowls uniformly distributed in order to make a rainbow.
Combine the corn syrup, butter, powdered sugar, marshmallows, water, vanilla, and salt together over medium-high heat. Keep the mixture moving and bring to a slow boil.
For adults only: Carefully pour the mixture evenly into each bowl of popcorn. The mixture is very hot, so let this one to the grown-ups. Use an ice scream scoop in an effort to keep the proportions even.
Add about 2-3 drops of food coloring to each popcorn/syrup mix.
Stir each bowl with a clean spoon so you don’t mix colors.
Working fast, shape the balls before the syrup mixture cools. Spray your fingers with a non-stick spray to be able to shape each ball. You can make them as big or small as you’d like! Enjoy!
So What Makes Popcorn Pop?
Good zea mays everta, or popcorn kernels, seem dry and firm in plain sight. But inside each kernel is a tiny droplet of water surrounded by a hard shell called a hull. Popcorn can be heated by hot oil, air, or a microwave.The heat turns that water droplet into steam, building pressure inside the hull. Then – POP! – the hull can no longer keep in the pressure and the kernel explodes. The popping sound you hear is due to the rapid escape of water from the kernel.Why Do Some Kernels Not Pop?
Simply put, there isn’t enough water in the kernel. A water droplet has to be present for that steam pressure to build up. Sometimes kernels are old and stale, or they become scorched during cooking.All this popcorn talk has us hungry.
Below is a playful recipe for colorful popcorn balls to share with your hungry little scientists. As you make them, explain the science behind what makes popcorn pop. You can also teach your little ones basic color recognition with this rainbow treat!You will need:¾ cup light corn syrup¼ cup butter3 cups powdered sugar1 cup marshmallows2 teaspoons water2 teaspoons vanilla1/8 teaspoon salt20 cups of popped cornFood coloring of your choicePop your corn any way you choose. Over the stovetop is this household’s choice, but any way will work. If you choose to microwave, 20 cups is about three bags.Separate your popcorn evenly into how many food coloring choices you want. Here, there are six bowls uniformly distributed in order to make a rainbow.Combine the corn syrup, butter, powdered sugar, marshmallows, water, vanilla, and salt together over medium-high heat. Keep the mixture moving and bring to a slow boil.For adults only: Carefully pour the mixture evenly into each bowl of popcorn. The mixture is very hot, so let this one to the grown-ups. Use an ice scream scoop in an effort to keep the proportions even.Add about 2-3 drops of food coloring to each popcorn/syrup mix.Stir each bowl with a clean spoon so you don’t mix colors.Working fast, shape the balls before the syrup mixture cools. Spray your fingers with a non-stick spray to be able to shape each ball. You can make them as big or small as you’d like! Enjoy!HAPPY POPPING!
The Science Behind Popcorn!
Everyone’s favorite snack is actually a scientific example of physical change. Popcorn itself wasn’t really invented, but discovered, and might have very well been at the first Thanksgiving feast. Let’s look a little deeper into this delicious discovery!Good zea mays everta, or popcorn kernels, seem dry and firm in plain sight. But inside each kernel is a tiny droplet of water surrounded by a hard shell called a hull. Popcorn can be heated by hot oil, air, or a microwave.The heat turns that water droplet into steam, building pressure inside the hull. Then – POP! – the hull can no longer keep in the pressure and the kernel explodes. The popping sound you hear is due to the rapid escape of water from the kernel.Pop your corn any way you choose. Over the stovetop is this household’s choice, but any way will work. If you choose to microwave, 20 cups is about three bags.Separate your popcorn evenly into how many food coloring choices you want. Here, there are six bowls uniformly distributed in order to make a rainbow.Combine the corn syrup, butter, powdered sugar, marshmallows, water, vanilla, and salt together over medium-high heat. Keep the mixture moving and bring to a slow boil.For adults only: Carefully pour the mixture evenly into each bowl of popcorn. The mixture is very hot, so let this one to the grown-ups. Use an ice scream scoop in an effort to keep the proportions even.Add about 2-3 drops of food coloring to each popcorn/syrup mix.Stir each bowl with a clean spoon so you don’t mix colors.Working fast, shape the balls before the syrup mixture cools. Spray your fingers with a non-stick spray to be able to shape each ball. You can make them as big or small as you’d like! Enjoy!
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So What Makes Popcorn Pop?
Good zea mays everta, or popcorn kernels, seem dry and firm in plain sight. But inside each kernel is a tiny droplet of water surrounded by a hard shell called a hull. Popcorn can be heated by hot oil, air, or a microwave.The heat turns that water droplet into steam, building pressure inside the hull. Then – POP! – the hull can no longer keep in the pressure and the kernel explodes. The popping sound you hear is due to the rapid escape of water from the kernel.Why Do Some Kernels Not Pop?
Simply put, there isn’t enough water in the kernel. A water droplet has to be present for that steam pressure to build up. Sometimes kernels are old and stale, or they become scorched during cooking.All this popcorn talk has us hungry.
Below is a playful recipe for colorful popcorn balls to share with your hungry little scientists. As you make them, explain the science behind what makes popcorn pop. You can also teach your little ones basic color recognition with this rainbow treat!You will need:¾ cup light corn syrup¼ cup butter3 cups powdered sugar1 cup marshmallows2 teaspoons water2 teaspoons vanilla1/8 teaspoon salt20 cups of popped cornFood coloring of your choicePop your corn any way you choose. Over the stovetop is this household’s choice, but any way will work. If you choose to microwave, 20 cups is about three bags.Separate your popcorn evenly into how many food coloring choices you want. Here, there are six bowls uniformly distributed in order to make a rainbow.Combine the corn syrup, butter, powdered sugar, marshmallows, water, vanilla, and salt together over medium-high heat. Keep the mixture moving and bring to a slow boil.For adults only: Carefully pour the mixture evenly into each bowl of popcorn. The mixture is very hot, so let this one to the grown-ups. Use an ice scream scoop in an effort to keep the proportions even.Add about 2-3 drops of food coloring to each popcorn/syrup mix.Stir each bowl with a clean spoon so you don’t mix colors.Working fast, shape the balls before the syrup mixture cools. Spray your fingers with a non-stick spray to be able to shape each ball. You can make them as big or small as you’d like! Enjoy!HAPPY POPPING!
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Frostonian Sensory Ice Tray!
- Patria Lincoln Posted On Aug 22, 2018 | STEM
Bathtub Science: Balloon-Powered Boat!
- Patria Lincoln Posted On Jul 24, 2018 | Science
Summer of Science Celery Experiment!
- Patria Lincoln Posted On Jul 10, 2018 | Science
This Summery Science Veggie Experiment is a great way to demonstrate the way plants pull water from beneath the ground up into their stems and leaves. This experiment is perfect for preschoolers and school-aged children and a great way to stay cool on a sunny summer afternoon. So, let’s do it!
Staying hydrated is critical to maintaining good health. You probably encourage your kids to drink plenty of water, particularly now when we’re all sweating out so much of our moisture to stay cool under the hot summer sun.
But we’re not the only ones who need to stay hydrated!
Our pets, and even our plants, need water to survive. Yup, plants! Plants use water to transport nutrients out of the dirt and into their tissue and also to help keep their cells plump and sturdy – that’s why plants get limp and saggy when they’re in need of watering.Water is also a key ingredient in photosynthesis, the process by which plants turn sunlight into food. But unlike people and animals, plants don’t have mouths to drink with. So how DO plants acquire and circulate water?
Gather Your Materials:
- Fresh celery stalk with plenty of leaves
- Food coloring (blue or red works best)
- Water
- Knife
Fill a glass half full of water.
Add a tablespoon of food coloring and stir.
Trim the bottom of your celery stalk to expose a fresh bottom.
Place the stalk in the glass so that the stem is in the water, but the leaves are not, and take a photo with your phone.
Leave as-is overnight.
The next day, compare your celery stalk to the photo you took the night before!
Does anything look different? Ask your kids a few questions about what they see, including:
Do you think the water has moved up into the celery stalk?
Why do you think this? How can you tell?
How do you think the water traveled through the celery stalk?
Once you’ve observed and discussed the changes to your celery stalk, try cutting about a quarter inch off the bottom. There may be small dots of color (the same color as your food coloring) on the base of the stalk.
Explain to your kids that these dots are the bottoms of the plant’s xylem – small tubes inside the plant that suck up the water and nutrients like a straw and circulate them through the plant so that it can stay healthy, stand up tall, and make its own food.
How will you sneak science into your summer?
Summer of Science Celery Experiment!
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This Summery Science Veggie Experiment is a great way to demonstrate the way plants pull water from beneath the ground up into their stems and leaves. This experiment is perfect for preschoolers and school-aged children and a great way to stay cool on a sunny summer afternoon. So, let’s do it!
Staying hydrated is critical to maintaining good health. You probably encourage your kids to drink plenty of water, particularly now when we’re all sweating out so much of our moisture to stay cool under the hot summer sun.
But we’re not the only ones who need to stay hydrated!
Our pets, and even our plants, need water to survive. Yup, plants! Plants use water to transport nutrients out of the dirt and into their tissue and also to help keep their cells plump and sturdy – that’s why plants get limp and saggy when they’re in need of watering.Water is also a key ingredient in photosynthesis, the process by which plants turn sunlight into food. But unlike people and animals, plants don’t have mouths to drink with. So how DO plants acquire and circulate water?
Gather Your Materials:
- Fresh celery stalk with plenty of leaves
- Food coloring (blue or red works best)
- Water
- Knife
Fill a glass half full of water.
Add a tablespoon of food coloring and stir.
Trim the bottom of your celery stalk to expose a fresh bottom.
Place the stalk in the glass so that the stem is in the water, but the leaves are not, and take a photo with your phone.
Leave as-is overnight.
The next day, compare your celery stalk to the photo you took the night before!
Does anything look different? Ask your kids a few questions about what they see, including:
Do you think the water has moved up into the celery stalk?
Why do you think this? How can you tell?
How do you think the water traveled through the celery stalk?
Once you’ve observed and discussed the changes to your celery stalk, try cutting about a quarter inch off the bottom. There may be small dots of color (the same color as your food coloring) on the base of the stalk.
Explain to your kids that these dots are the bottoms of the plant’s xylem – small tubes inside the plant that suck up the water and nutrients like a straw and circulate them through the plant so that it can stay healthy, stand up tall, and make its own food.
How will you sneak science into your summer?
DIY 4th of July Slime!
- Patria Lincoln Posted On Jun 21, 2018 | STEM
Happy Birthday, America! A Salute to Slime
All hail the red, white, and blue! When it comes to the Fourth of July, America comes together to celebrate these three colors in a big way. And why not celebrate with a little science? Salute America’s birthday with this patriotic-themed slime!But why do we applaud the colors of red, white, and blue? It is believed that our country’s colors were actually “borrowed” from Union Jack, the flag of Great Britain. Our founding fathers were simply used to red, white and blue. But over the years, each color began to symbolize a different virtue of America:
Red = hardiness, valor
White = purity, innocence
Blue = vigilance, perseverance, and justice
Interesting! Now, let’s get down to the slimy stuff we all want! To make three different types of Fourth of July slime, you will need:Ingredients:
3 cups of warm tap water, divided
½ cup of white glue
Themed confetti½ cup of clear glue (unless you can source out blue glue)
½ cup of red glitter glue
Contact Lens Solution
Measuring cups, spoons, and mixing bowls
Craft sticks to stir
To make the white, confetti slime:
Measure out a ½ cup of white glue.
Pour it into your mixing bowl. You might need a craft stick to move the glue along.
Add a ½ cup of warm tap water. Keep stirring until it is all incorporated.
Now is the time to add your confetti!
Using a ½ cup of warm tap water, mix in ½ teaspoon of contact lens solution. The solution will be cloudy. Small particles at the bottom are okay.
Slowly add the solution to the glue/water in the mixing bowl. At this point, it’s all about the stirring. Keep the slime moving until it forms a clump. Then begin to mix with your hands.
For the red slime:
If you are lucky enough to find red glitter glue, follow the steps exactly like above. The only difference with clear glue (and this red is considered clear glue) is that you add ¼ teaspoon of Borax to the warm water instead of a ½.If you can’t find red glitter glue, add 3-4 drops red food coloring and glitter during step 4 from above.
For the blue slime:
Lastly, for the blue slime, use clear glue and blue food coloring for Step 4(unless you can find blue glue). Honestly, the kids delight to watch the food coloring incorporate, so it is a fun step!
Great results! Now it’s time to play!
Happy 4th of July!
DIY 4th of July Slime!
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Happy Birthday, America! A Salute to Slime
All hail the red, white, and blue! When it comes to the Fourth of July, America comes together to celebrate these three colors in a big way. And why not celebrate with a little science? Salute America’s birthday with this patriotic-themed slime!But why do we applaud the colors of red, white, and blue? It is believed that our country’s colors were actually “borrowed” from Union Jack, the flag of Great Britain. Our founding fathers were simply used to red, white and blue. But over the years, each color began to symbolize a different virtue of America:
Red = hardiness, valor
White = purity, innocence
Blue = vigilance, perseverance, and justice
Interesting! Now, let’s get down to the slimy stuff we all want! To make three different types of Fourth of July slime, you will need:Ingredients:
3 cups of warm tap water, divided
½ cup of white glue
Themed confetti½ cup of clear glue (unless you can source out blue glue)
½ cup of red glitter glue
Contact Lens Solution
Measuring cups, spoons, and mixing bowls
Craft sticks to stir
To make the white, confetti slime:
Measure out a ½ cup of white glue.Pour it into your mixing bowl. You might need a craft stick to move the glue along.
Add a ½ cup of warm tap water. Keep stirring until it is all incorporated.
Now is the time to add your confetti!
Using a ½ cup of warm tap water, mix in ½ teaspoon of contact lens solution. The solution will be cloudy. Small particles at the bottom are okay.
Slowly add the solution to the glue/water in the mixing bowl. At this point, it’s all about the stirring. Keep the slime moving until it forms a clump. Then begin to mix with your hands.
For the red slime:
If you are lucky enough to find red glitter glue, follow the steps exactly like above. The only difference with clear glue (and this red is considered clear glue) is that you add ¼ teaspoon of Borax to the warm water instead of a ½.If you can’t find red glitter glue, add 3-4 drops red food coloring and glitter during step 4 from above.
For the blue slime:
Lastly, for the blue slime, use clear glue and blue food coloring for Step 4(unless you can find blue glue). Honestly, the kids delight to watch the food coloring incorporate, so it is a fun step!Great results! Now it’s time to play!
Happy 4th of July!
DIY Bath Bombs: Beaker Creatures Style!
- Patria Lincoln Posted On Jun 21, 2018 | STEM
Ever wonder how we make our Beaker Creatures pods so fizzy and fun?? Check out this awesome DIY experiment with erupting results! Make your own bath bomb and find out the science behind how it works with our friends the Beaker Creatures!
You will need:
1 cup baking soda
1/2 cup citric acid
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup Epsom salt
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp. essential oil
1 or 2 tsp water
Food coloring
Bath bomb mold
Measure out all of the dry ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
Combine the oils and the food coloring in a separate bowl and mix well. Slowly add this mixture to the dry ingredient bowl.
The texture of the mixture should clump and feel like wet sand. Add the teaspoons of water until you get this texture. Only add the amount of water necessary until the mixture clumps ( you may not use all 2 teaspoons).
Put some oil on the inside of the bath bomb molds and pack the mixture firmly into the molds.
Let dry for 24 hours (waiting is always the hard part!)
Gently take the bombs out of the molds. Throw them in the bath and watch them erupt with color!
If you want to make a bath bomb with your own creature inside, hide a toy in the mixture while it is still wet. When the bomb dissolves, the kids will have a fun surprise, just like Beaker Creatures! Don't forget to check out all the cool sets we have to get the Beaker Creatures out of their pods!
The science behind it:
When baking soda and citric acid are mixed together and then put in the bath, they start a chemical reaction! The reaction makes a lot of bubbles which are made out of carbon dioxide gas. It is totally safe and makes for lots of fizzles and fun!
DIY Bath Bombs: Beaker Creatures Style!
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Ever wonder how we make our Beaker Creatures pods so fizzy and fun?? Check out this awesome DIY experiment with erupting results! Make your own bath bomb and find out the science behind how it works with our friends the Beaker Creatures!
You will need:
1 cup baking soda
1/2 cup citric acid
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup Epsom salt
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp. essential oil
1 or 2 tsp water
Food coloring
Bath bomb mold
Measure out all of the dry ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
Combine the oils and the food coloring in a separate bowl and mix well. Slowly add this mixture to the dry ingredient bowl.
The texture of the mixture should clump and feel like wet sand. Add the teaspoons of water until you get this texture. Only add the amount of water necessary until the mixture clumps ( you may not use all 2 teaspoons).
Put some oil on the inside of the bath bomb molds and pack the mixture firmly into the molds.
Let dry for 24 hours (waiting is always the hard part!)
Gently take the bombs out of the molds. Throw them in the bath and watch them erupt with color!
If you want to make a bath bomb with your own creature inside, hide a toy in the mixture while it is still wet. When the bomb dissolves, the kids will have a fun surprise, just like Beaker Creatures! Don't forget to check out all the cool sets we have to get the Beaker Creatures out of their pods!
The science behind it:
When baking soda and citric acid are mixed together and then put in the bath, they start a chemical reaction! The reaction makes a lot of bubbles which are made out of carbon dioxide gas. It is totally safe and makes for lots of fizzles and fun!
3 Backyard Science Activities!
- Patria Lincoln Posted On Apr 26, 2018 | STEM
Scientific discoveries are as close as your backyard! As the weather warms up, the opportunities to explore and learn outside abound, bringing science to life. From insects and worms, to the composition of dirt and compost, to plants and flowers beginning to blossom and bloom, every square inch of backyards, gardens and neighborhoods are home to hundreds of interesting things just waiting to be discovered.Using the Outdoor Discovery Set and the Sand and Water Fine Motor Tool Set, my three daughters aged two, four and six and I set out on a mission to uncover the mysteries and treasures in our backyard. We were pleasantly surprised to learn that even in a small space there are plenty of things to unearth.
With dozens of organisms living underground, what will kids find when they start digging? After a few minutes working through the dirt in the garden, the girls found plenty of worms and an insect they’d never seen before.Using the handy scooper, my eldest daughter carefully placed the bug in the Bug View jar.
With its handy twist top, the Bug View jar gives kids freedom and control to independently inspect their discoveries. The Bug View jar also has a built-in magnifying glass which means kids can examine and analyze what they’ve discovered up close and personal.We talked about what kind of insect we thought it was – most likely a Click Beetle larvae - and how it is different than other bugs we are familiar with. We also discussed the bug’s unique features and characteristics. Did it have eyes and legs? What other distinctive traits could we see?
First, we filled one of the plant pots with soil.
Next, we made a hole in the dirt larger enough to fit a clove of garlic. Then, we planted the garlic in the plant pot, making sure to pop the clove in the right way up.
After planting the garlic, we covered it up with fresh soil, then watered it.
Voila! The last step is to wait see what happens. How long will it take for the garlic to sprout?
First, we filled a big bucket of water in the backyard. Then we used the droppers and scoops to squeeze, squirt and spurt water. The toys can be used with sand too! Do sand and water squish and spray differently?
We found more than meets the eye as we explored our backyard. What new scientific discoveries will you capture, observe and create as you head outdoors?
Insect Investigation
What will you find when you dig in the dirt or the compost?With dozens of organisms living underground, what will kids find when they start digging? After a few minutes working through the dirt in the garden, the girls found plenty of worms and an insect they’d never seen before.Using the handy scooper, my eldest daughter carefully placed the bug in the Bug View jar.With its handy twist top, the Bug View jar gives kids freedom and control to independently inspect their discoveries. The Bug View jar also has a built-in magnifying glass which means kids can examine and analyze what they’ve discovered up close and personal.We talked about what kind of insect we thought it was – most likely a Click Beetle larvae - and how it is different than other bugs we are familiar with. We also discussed the bug’s unique features and characteristics. Did it have eyes and legs? What other distinctive traits could we see? Creating and Experimenting with Gardening
The Outdoor Discovery Set includes guided activity cards for experiments, tests and observations. We used the Growing Garlic activity card as a launching point. How fun to make the connection that some of the very things we eat and cook in our kitchen can be planted just as they are in our backyard and produce new food.For this experiment, we used garlic cloves from our kitchen!First, we filled one of the plant pots with soil.Next, we made a hole in the dirt larger enough to fit a clove of garlic. Then, we planted the garlic in the plant pot, making sure to pop the clove in the right way up.After planting the garlic, we covered it up with fresh soil, then watered it.Voila! The last step is to wait see what happens. How long will it take for the garlic to sprout?Exploring the World of Water
For toddlers and children in the younger preschool years who may be less interested in gardening experiments and investigating insects, exploring outside with water and testing fine motor skills might be right up their alley. The Sand and Water Fine Motor Tool Set is a fun starting point to challenge a child’s dexterity while having fun.First, we filled a big bucket of water in the backyard. Then we used the droppers and scoops to squeeze, squirt and spurt water. The toys can be used with sand too! Do sand and water squish and spray differently?We found more than meets the eye as we explored our backyard. What new scientific discoveries will you capture, observe and create as you head outdoors?Looking for more screen-free science? Click here for some more activities!
3 Backyard Science Activities!
READ MORE
Scientific discoveries are as close as your backyard! As the weather warms up, the opportunities to explore and learn outside abound, bringing science to life. From insects and worms, to the composition of dirt and compost, to plants and flowers beginning to blossom and bloom, every square inch of backyards, gardens and neighborhoods are home to hundreds of interesting things just waiting to be discovered.Using the Outdoor Discovery Set and the Sand and Water Fine Motor Tool Set, my three daughters aged two, four and six and I set out on a mission to uncover the mysteries and treasures in our backyard. We were pleasantly surprised to learn that even in a small space there are plenty of things to unearth.With dozens of organisms living underground, what will kids find when they start digging? After a few minutes working through the dirt in the garden, the girls found plenty of worms and an insect they’d never seen before.Using the handy scooper, my eldest daughter carefully placed the bug in the Bug View jar.With its handy twist top, the Bug View jar gives kids freedom and control to independently inspect their discoveries. The Bug View jar also has a built-in magnifying glass which means kids can examine and analyze what they’ve discovered up close and personal.We talked about what kind of insect we thought it was – most likely a Click Beetle larvae - and how it is different than other bugs we are familiar with. We also discussed the bug’s unique features and characteristics. Did it have eyes and legs? What other distinctive traits could we see? First, we filled one of the plant pots with soil.Next, we made a hole in the dirt larger enough to fit a clove of garlic. Then, we planted the garlic in the plant pot, making sure to pop the clove in the right way up.After planting the garlic, we covered it up with fresh soil, then watered it.Voila! The last step is to wait see what happens. How long will it take for the garlic to sprout?First, we filled a big bucket of water in the backyard. Then we used the droppers and scoops to squeeze, squirt and spurt water. The toys can be used with sand too! Do sand and water squish and spray differently?We found more than meets the eye as we explored our backyard. What new scientific discoveries will you capture, observe and create as you head outdoors?
Insect Investigation
What will you find when you dig in the dirt or the compost?With dozens of organisms living underground, what will kids find when they start digging? After a few minutes working through the dirt in the garden, the girls found plenty of worms and an insect they’d never seen before.Using the handy scooper, my eldest daughter carefully placed the bug in the Bug View jar.With its handy twist top, the Bug View jar gives kids freedom and control to independently inspect their discoveries. The Bug View jar also has a built-in magnifying glass which means kids can examine and analyze what they’ve discovered up close and personal.We talked about what kind of insect we thought it was – most likely a Click Beetle larvae - and how it is different than other bugs we are familiar with. We also discussed the bug’s unique features and characteristics. Did it have eyes and legs? What other distinctive traits could we see? Creating and Experimenting with Gardening
The Outdoor Discovery Set includes guided activity cards for experiments, tests and observations. We used the Growing Garlic activity card as a launching point. How fun to make the connection that some of the very things we eat and cook in our kitchen can be planted just as they are in our backyard and produce new food.For this experiment, we used garlic cloves from our kitchen!First, we filled one of the plant pots with soil.Next, we made a hole in the dirt larger enough to fit a clove of garlic. Then, we planted the garlic in the plant pot, making sure to pop the clove in the right way up.After planting the garlic, we covered it up with fresh soil, then watered it.Voila! The last step is to wait see what happens. How long will it take for the garlic to sprout?Exploring the World of Water
For toddlers and children in the younger preschool years who may be less interested in gardening experiments and investigating insects, exploring outside with water and testing fine motor skills might be right up their alley. The Sand and Water Fine Motor Tool Set is a fun starting point to challenge a child’s dexterity while having fun.First, we filled a big bucket of water in the backyard. Then we used the droppers and scoops to squeeze, squirt and spurt water. The toys can be used with sand too! Do sand and water squish and spray differently?We found more than meets the eye as we explored our backyard. What new scientific discoveries will you capture, observe and create as you head outdoors?Looking for more screen-free science? Click here for some more activities!
DIY Earth Day Sensory Art
- Patria Lincoln Posted On Apr 19, 2018 | STEM
Happy Earth Day! A wonderful way to celebrate our one-of-a-kind planet, this Earth Day art project is alive with color. Engaging the senses of even your littlest conservationist, recreate this masterpiece with a just few items you probably already have at home.
You will need:
- A baking sheet with sides
- Shaving cream
- Food coloring or watercolor paints
- Chopsticks or craft sticks for swirling
- White cardstock
- An old gift card or credit card for scraping
On the cardstock, trace circles about 8-9” in circumference using a bowl or plate. Cut out and set aside.
Spray the shaving cream directly into the baking sheet. Now spread the shaving cream evenly in the pan. It almost feels like frosting a sheet cake.
Using a generous hand, drop your food coloring or paint all over the shaving cream in the pan. Then, with the craft stick, swirl the pain around. Be careful to swirl, not mix. This step is rich in sensory for the children – the smell of the shaving cream, the drag of the foam, the mixing of the color. Fantastic!
Grab one of the circles. Gently lay your soon-to-be-Earth on top of the shaving cream, pressing down gently. You want to make sure all the Earth’s surface is touching the paint/shaving foam mixture.
Grab a little section and gently peel up your circle off of the foam. Find a spot to lay it flat.
Next, using the former gift or credit card, begin on one end and scrape the paint off, getting very close to the surface of the card stock. Revealed under all that shaving cream is a beautiful, marbled, Earth-from-outer-space look!
Add some additional paint or food coloring to your mix if you feel like either color is coming through strong enough. It seems like it’s almost impossible to add too much color.
Enjoy this sensory-rich activity with all ages of kids.
Happy Earth Day!
DIY Earth Day Sensory Art
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Happy Earth Day! A wonderful way to celebrate our one-of-a-kind planet, this Earth Day art project is alive with color. Engaging the senses of even your littlest conservationist, recreate this masterpiece with a just few items you probably already have at home.
You will need:
- A baking sheet with sides
- Shaving cream
- Food coloring or watercolor paints
- Chopsticks or craft sticks for swirling
- White cardstock
- An old gift card or credit card for scraping
On the cardstock, trace circles about 8-9” in circumference using a bowl or plate. Cut out and set aside.
Spray the shaving cream directly into the baking sheet. Now spread the shaving cream evenly in the pan. It almost feels like frosting a sheet cake.
Using a generous hand, drop your food coloring or paint all over the shaving cream in the pan. Then, with the craft stick, swirl the pain around. Be careful to swirl, not mix. This step is rich in sensory for the children – the smell of the shaving cream, the drag of the foam, the mixing of the color. Fantastic!
Grab one of the circles. Gently lay your soon-to-be-Earth on top of the shaving cream, pressing down gently. You want to make sure all the Earth’s surface is touching the paint/shaving foam mixture.
Grab a little section and gently peel up your circle off of the foam. Find a spot to lay it flat.
Next, using the former gift or credit card, begin on one end and scrape the paint off, getting very close to the surface of the card stock. Revealed under all that shaving cream is a beautiful, marbled, Earth-from-outer-space look!
Add some additional paint or food coloring to your mix if you feel like either color is coming through strong enough. It seems like it’s almost impossible to add too much color.
Enjoy this sensory-rich activity with all ages of kids.
Happy Earth Day!
