STEAM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics
Twirling Twig Mobiles
Learn about gravity, tension and compression as you develop engineering skills with this activity. Gather small branches or sticks, yarn or string and a small rock or pine cone. Decorate the sticks by wrapping with string or yarn or by painting. Arrange 3 branches together to form a triangle and secure together with string, wrapping the joints tightly to make the top of your mobile. Arrange a series of small sticks to hang from the bottom of the triangle. Tie each one at roughly the centre point of gravity, one below the other. This will be determined by holding up your mobile and determining the best spot to keep the triangle straight. Tie on a rock or pinecone at the end as a weight. https://babbledabbledo.com/engineering-for-kids-twirling-twig-mobile/
Science Experiment
Crystal Gardens
To complete this activity, you will need glass jars, Epsom salts, very hot water, food colouring, a measuring cup and a spoon and a rock. Heat 1 cup of water in the microwave for 45 seconds and add it to a glass jar containing 1 cup Epsom Salts. Stir for at least 2 minutes, dissolving thoroughly. Add 1 drop of food colouring, if available. Add in the rock for the crystals to grow on. Place in the freezer for 10 minutes to quickly cool and then in the fridge overnight! You will find a surprise in the morning!
https://babbledabbledo.com/science-for-kids-crystal-garden/
Physical Literacy
Balancing Play
Test your balancing skills! Have each family member try to balance a book on their head while walking along a tape outline Make the challenge more difficult by adding books and creating zig-zag patterns in the tape outlines!
Creative Activity
Glue Painting
Use paper from your recycling bin for this activity. Take out glue bottles and make some random, fun glue squiggles or patterns. Let dry overnight. Paint on the paper. The glue will resist the paint, allowing for a neat effect.
https://artfulparent.com/glue-resist-art-project-for-kids/
Additional Resources
Check out this YouTube video by Dr. Jean Feldman. She shares lots of ideas of how to play with your child using simple items from around the house. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0xibLFsSNE
This website has a variety of activities for children. You will find games, jokes, recipes, crafts, answers to science questions, hidden pictures and more. https://www.highlightskids.com/