STEAM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics
Recycled Bird Feeder Mobile
Find a stick outside with at least 3 branches extending from it to create the base of your bird feeder. We want to have a branch to hang the mobile, and 1 to 2 branches for birds to safely land and feed. For this activity, gather slices of paper towel tubes, birdseed, corn syrup, cheerios, and string. Coat one slice of the paper towel tube with corn syrup and then roll in birdseed. On a second slice, coat with corn syrup and roll in Cheerios. Attach the coated paper towel tube slices to the branch. Find the perfect location in your yard to hang your mobile and observe your visitors!
https://babbledabbledo.com/science-design-for-kids-recycled-bird-feeder-mobile/
Science Experiment
Static Electricity Experiment
Blow up a balloon and encourage your child to draw a cartoon face on it. Measure a spoonful of salt followed by a spoonful of pepper onto a
paper plate and mix them up. Rub a woollen cloth over and around the balloon. Bring the balloon near the plate, and watch the pepper magically stick to the balloon, creating a stubbly beard! Rubbing the fabric against the balloon creates a negative charge called static electricity. When the balloon attracts enough of a negative charge, it attracts neutrally charged particles like salt and pepper! https://gosciencegirls.com/static-science-balloon-pepper-beard/
Physical Literacy
Nature Observations
Go on a nature walk with your family and take note of the different birds you see. Bring along binoculars and a camera. Print some photos of birds commonly found in your area off the internet, if possible and encourage your child to search for these birds. Observe their size, their colouring and their songs!
https://www.bigskysafaris.com/a-guide-to-bird-watching-with-kids/
Creative Activity
Family Wishing Tree
Create a family wishing tree! Gather a series of branches to create a display. Paint designs along the branches, or decorate using twine, ribbon, or yard. Invite each family member to write out a personal wish or commitment on a small piece of paper, hole punch it and use ribbon to hang it from one of the branches. Fill out the branches by creating other special pictures to hang. Display in a vase in a prominent location, inside or right outside your front door!
https://craftandboogie.com/blog/2018/12/13/winter-wishing-tree
Additional Resources
Visit NASA’s website to view a collection of stories, games, videos and at-home activities for children in grades K-12. https://www.nasa.gov/stem/forstudents/k-4/index.html
KateMessner.com: A collection of favourite authors and illustrators share resources that include video read-alouds, drawing and writing lessons
Learning at Home OSC KidZone Week 11
Learning at Home OSC KidZone Week 12
