Seeds… how incredible that plants of all sizes can grow from such a tiny thing. If you’ve gardened with a young child, you’ve witnessed their fascination and wonder at the mystery of plants. To give your child the opportunity to actually witness the growth of a plant from the first roots shooting out of the … Continue reading »
In preparation for Earth Day next month, I’m currently reading a wonderful book… Friends of the Earth: A History of American Environmentalism by Pat McCarthy. The book, written for children ages 9 and up, introduces the efforts, struggles, and triumphs of men and women (scientists, artists, authors, naturalists) who dedicated their lives to protecting the … Continue reading »
Apparently, back in the 1950′s, engineers were considering building two dams in the San Francisco Bay to create fresh water reservoirs, right in the bay. Luckily, the US Army Corps of Engineers decided it would be a good idea to study the potential impacts that such a huge undertaking might have, both environmentally and economically, … Continue reading »
For those of you with kids in the 5-12 age-range, I highly recommend you check out The Magic School Bus Science Club, offered through The Young Scientist Club (www.theyoungscientistclub.com). By joining the club, you’ll receive twelve Magic School Bus science kits, one mailed each month of the year. The cost is about $240/year, but … Continue reading »
This past weekend, we attended a fun nature class at Coyote Hills Regional Park in Fremont. This free class for children aged 5+ and their family, called Family Nature Hour, is held on Saturday afternoons throughout the year. Each week a different concept from the natural world is covered. The one we attended on Saturday … Continue reading »
A fun activity to do a few days after a good rain is head to a nearby creek and look for animal tracks in the mud. We went on this kind of walk yesterday in the nature area near our home. As we walked to the area, I asked my son what animal footprints he … Continue reading »
The Seymour Marine Discovery Center, located in Santa Cruz on the bluffs above the Monterey Bay, is a true gem. Don’t expect the grandeur of the Monterey Bay Aquarium, but be prepared for a smaller, quieter, more intimate experience here. The location is phenomenal. On a clear day, the views can’t be beat. Inside the … Continue reading »
The final project in our three-part geology series, tailored for early elementary aged kids, is about metamorphic rocks. The focus of this experiment is to show “rocks” can change through heat, compression, and time. The “rocks” in this project are actually cookies. We made cookies, making some observations about the “minerals” (ingredients) we put into … Continue reading »
This the second in our three-part exploration of rocks. I’m teaching my 5-year-old about the three kinds of rocks (igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic), what they are made of, and how they are created. All three science experiments are being conducted in the kitchen. Today, we’re learning about sedimentary rocks. *** First, discuss with your child … Continue reading »
I found each of the experiments in this three-part geology series for young kids in the book, Kindergarten Success, by Jill Frankel Hauser. The first, from the book, is “Igneous Meltdown”, an exploration in how magma (rock melted deep in the earth from heat and pressure) flows out of the earth as lava, which, as … Continue reading »
Earth Science Week is going on right now, this week, October 14th-20th. This international “event” is put on by the American Geosciences Institute (AGI) “to help the public gain a better understanding and appreciation for the Earth Sciences and to encourage stewardship of the Earth.” Sounds like a great time to teach our kids a … Continue reading »
I’m always on the lookout for citizen science projects that would be fun to do with my son. I believe it’s a great way to teach science and get kids involved in a real-life project. Of course, this isn’t just for kids! Participating in citizen science projects is a wonderful way for people of all … Continue reading »
Tuesday night, my husband and I did something we haven’t done in a long time…. went to a movie! I was offered the opportunity to attend a movie preview, and I couldn’t refuse. Movie: Won’t Back Down Starring: Maggie Gyllenhaall and Viola Davis Opening: September 28, 2012 The Story: Maggie Gyllenhaal and Viola Davis play … Continue reading »
We’ve had a membership to the Oakland Zoo for over three years now. We visit frequently, as it is a beautiful place to run around, with a great Children’s Zoo for the kids. And what better way for a child to see, in relatively close and safe proximity, wild animals from around the world. Usually … Continue reading »
We all know that it’s not OK to approach a wild animal out in nature, so how can we provide opportunities to nurture our children’s curiosity about these animals and provide the hands-on learning our children love? We’re fortunate to have many programs in the San Francisco East Bay which allow our children to experience … Continue reading »
