afterschool fun

Posts Tagged ‘afterschool fun’

Marshmallow Building

Wednesday, January 26th, 2011

Today, we’re wrapping up our Science for Kids activities. Although, I guess, technically, this is probably more of a math or engineering activity. In any event, I’ve saved the easiest, and tastiest, one for last.

Kids, remember on Monday when I said, “Don’t eat what you make.” Well, you can ignore that for this project. Yum!

Parents, your turn: You don’t have to do much of anything for this one except provide a bag or two of mini marshmallows and toothpicks. Feel free to provide a helpful hint or two about how triangles can be used to reinforce objects (think bridges) and encourage them to try something different if the first structure doesn’t work out (power of perseverance) but generally, just let them take it and run with it. The kids will be highly entertained. In fact, these kids below built for an hour or more. True story.

Oh! Almost forgot! Note learned from experience: if you’re combining the science experiments in this series for a birthday party or playdate, this activity is a great one to do while the kids let their Preposterous Polymer rest. You can even break the kids into groups and have them work together on this one.

Okay, enough from me. Let’s get on with the good stuff! We give you: Marshmallow Building

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Tags: afterschool fun, Arts & Crafts, parties, Playdate, science
Posted in Arts & Crafts, Science Fun | 6 Comments »

Make Your Own Preposterous Polymer

Tuesday, January 25th, 2011

Okay, here it is, our second science experiment! This time we’re making a polymer that is similar to a popular toy, but, I can’t say what as I don’t want to get into any legal-y type things. However, I think it’s ‘safe’ to say it rhymes with Pilly Sutty. Now, I’ll say it up front: that other stuff does some things this one can’t, like copy pictures from comic books (trust us, we got out the comic books and tried).

But this stuff? Well this stuff is still pretty darn wicked cool. At least that’s what these kids said. Or, maybe I said it and these kids agreed. Either way, it’s a fantastic experiment. Plus everyone oohed and aahed when the liquid developed solid-like properties. And an afternoon spent oohing and aahing is an afternoon well spent in my book.

So here we go: introducing Preposterous Polymer (not to be confused with the other stuff)

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Tags: afterschool fun, charity, Hot Cocoa for Water, parties, science
Posted in Science Fun | 2 Comments »

Make Your Own Lava Lamp

Monday, January 24th, 2011

Today we’re bringing you the first of three experiments we think you’ll love. They’re inexpensive, easy and super fun. Plus, the kids may even learn a thing or two along the way—like adding fractions, taking measurements, and hey! some science.

Parents, there are two things I want you to think about going into this: 1. how awesome would these projects be for a science-themed birthday party? (you know how I love parties) and 2. When school is canceled yet again for inclement weather, try a couple of these to keep the kids entertained. Most of the items you’ll already have around the house. And yes, fair warning, they may be slightly messy. But honestly, how important is a slight mess compared to sanity? It’s a trade off my friends, always a trade off.

Kids, there are some things you should keep in mind too: 1. don’t eat what you make 2. try to keep things neat and clean up after yourselves, okay? and 3. may we suggest you pretend to have your very own science show while you’re doing these experiments. That’s what these kids did. Go ahead, give it a try!

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Tags: afterschool fun, parties, science
Posted in Science Fun | 1 Comment »

Winter Carnival

Tuesday, January 18th, 2011

School closed? Stuck indoors? Kids driving you batty? Have them create their own Winter Carnival.

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Tags: afterschool fun, childhood, friends, games, Parenting, Playdate
Posted in Games & Creative Play, Parties & Celebrations | No Comments »

A Look Inside the Science Issue

Wednesday, November 10th, 2010

Haven’t had a chance to click through the Science Issue yet? Here’s a peek at what’s inside: Molly de Aguair stops by with a brilliantly clever butterfly themed craft.

Special thanks to ohdeedoh for featuring Molly’s work on their blog. Their take? It’d make a terrific favor for a butterfly, bug or science party. What a great idea!

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Tags: afterschool fun, Arts & Crafts, News, parties, science
Posted in Science Fun | 1 Comment »

Halloween Games

Tuesday, October 19th, 2010

Halloween parties are just around the corner. And if you’re like me, you’re either short on time or waiting until the last minute to prepare. Have no fear, because this week I’m bringing you some super easy game, activities and treat ideas to make your party planning easier. (more…)

Tags: afterschool fun, games, halloween, tag
Posted in Games & Creative Play | No Comments »

Cooking with Robot: Microwave Popcorn

Friday, September 10th, 2010

In the last post, I shared that I recently discovered I can make my own microwave popcorn using a few ingredients and a brown paper lunch bag. There was a link to Alton Brown’s recipe in the picture. But in case you missed it, I called in our Robot to show us how it’s done.

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