My Trip to the Manatee Viewing Center in Florida

Sea Cows: My Trip to the Manatee Preserve in Florida

Looking for FREE things to do with the kids during a Florida vacation? Mayhem is guest posting. In this article written for homeschool language arts, she tells about our visit to the Florida Manatee Preserve in Apollo Beach, Florida. Enjoy!

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.

Meet Leila from Green Rainbow Revolution and Submit Your Creative Ideas

Green Rainbow Revolution?  What it is it?  Is it a blog? A store? A movement? Yes! GRR is all of that and more. While it is still in development stages, there is already a lot going on, and you can be a part of the revolution.   The founder Leila Goldmark has a serious background. She studied Philosophy, Religious Studies, earned a J.D./L.L.M in International and Comparative Law degree, and she has an MBA from Columbia Business School, where she focused on social-eco entrepreneurship, leadership, corporate social responsibility and corporate governance.   Phew... that's the short version. You can read about her in more detail here.  The idea for Green Rainbow Revolution was first born and nurtured during her time at Columbia.

But Leila is much more!  The product of an Architect and an Artist, her story is filled with interesting, impressive opportunities.  Learn more about her artistic side here. Hmm... serious attorney vs. free spirited artist? 

This background has led to GRR's need to focus on both the left and right side of the brain. Fascinated by the connection between art and science, Leila has pulled together an awesome selection of art and educational toys that will spark both sides of the brain.  Children learn through play.  The products at Green Rainbow Revolution will help foster fun activities necessary to grow great minds.

The fun products offered on the site are sustainable or the companies offer sustainability programs. Green Rainbow Revolution is doing the hard work for you. A portion of the proceeds goes back to help NGO's that provide art, environmental science, or social justice education for youth. You can help choose just click here for more information.

When you visit the site, Green Rainbow Revolution, you might notice there is still a lot of work to be done.  This is where you can help.  Do you have a creative idea for an art or science project?  Maybe you have an idea to start your own revolution?  Hop over and drop her a note. In the meantime, you can get involved by by learning more about her favorite revolutionaries, revolutionary kids, service project for kids, and important social justice projects by visiting Green Rainbow Revolution on Pinterest.

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Homeschool Science Project: Bread Making Investigation - How Does Matter Change?

Science Curriculum Ideas for Elementary Homeschooling: Investigate the MATTER of bread? 

In this homeschool science project you are required to experiment with bread making ingredients to study how matter can change. Enjoy!

After the experiment, make a loaf of bread and watch how yeast makes chemical changes. Find an Easy Artisan Bread Recipe on the internet like the one in this linky. We've included a link to our free printable worksheet: investigating the matter of bread. Instructions for the project are included in the worksheet.

This post contains affiliate links.

Kid Science Lesson on Matter Bread Making Investigation.

Homeschool experiment with bread ingredients. 

Print out worksheets from the link below.

Homeschool Science Worksheet: 

Investigating the Matter of Bread

Free Bread Clip Art

What happens when you experiment with bread ingredients? 

Get your safety glasses ready and find out. See the Dew? 

Don't do the Dew! Kid never drank it, just the Mommy. 

She quit, lost weight, and has never felt better! 

Recommended Reading:

For Kids Big Book of Science Experiments

Electric Bread for Kids : A Bread Machine Activity Book

Cooking with Kids: Jake's Indiana Corny Corn Muffin Recipe for Homeschool

Homeschooling Study Natural Resources with Corn Muffin Recipe

Science? Ever had Corn Muffins with pieces of corn inside? In Kentucky and Indiana, it is a pretty common recipe. For Jake's Homeschool Social Studies project, he created a recipe using a few of Indiana's most common natural resources. Corn, of course is a number one crop. The Grandpa tried his hand at making maple syrup this year, so it found it's way into the mixing bowl too. Oh- and eggs are a natural resource anywhere. Enjoy!

This post contains affiliate links.

Kid Science Lesson on Corn with Corny Corn Muffin Recipe.

Jake's Indiana Corny Corn Muffins Recipe.

Free Printable Lesson about Corn (Download and print it.)

It's easy with Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix and Frozen Corn.

How to Make Indiana Corn Muffins Recipe

You will need:

1 Pkg. Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix 

1 Egg 

1/3 C. Milk 

1/4 C. Grandpa’s Homemade Maple Syrup

1 C. Corn 

Muffin pan and Paper

How to make Corn Muffins, Indiana Style:

Preheat oven to 400 F degrees.

Mix the ingredients together.

Batter will be lumpy, 

Spoon into muffin cups, fill ¾  full.

Bake 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Cool for 5-10 minutes.

Recommended Reading:

Hoot

Earth's Resources 

Corn by Gail Gibbons

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Futuristic Activities for Kids: Fly to the Moon Lesson Plans and Companion Games

Activities for Outer Space Moon Lesson

Looking for new ideas for a children's Homeschool or VBS Futuristic Outer Space or Moon lesson for the kids? These futuristic activities for kids are fun and educational. We've included a few Outdoor games for P.E. activities too. Enjoy!

Futuristic Space Astronaut Backdrop for Photo Booth Op.  
Outer Space theme VBS fun for school fundraiser too.

This post contains affiliate links.

Futuristic Architecture for Kids

Architecture with a Fun, Kid-Focused, Futuristic Atmosphere

So, I'm somewhat of an Architecture ophile (okay, I made that word up). I studied Architecture in college, back then futuristic architecture was an oxymoron of sorts. It meant buildings designed in the past to look futuristic, generally the architecture of the 1920's-1930's Art Moderne later termed the Art Deco style- think the Chrysler Building in New York City. We've come a long way, baby.

Futuristic Architecture Story Lesson for Kids.

Were you looking for FUTURISTIC ACTIVITIES for Children?

What is the tallest building in the United States? Scroll down to find out. This is a great Homeschool Architecture Lesson.

Chrysler Building, New York City. Public domain photo from Wikipedia.

The era of 1910-1920 is termed a futurist movement. Everything since 1960 is considered Post-Modern Architecture. Futuristic Architecture is space age, like The Jetsons in the 1960's or Futurama in present day, it is impossible to believe these buildings could happen. But, happen they do.

Futuristic Reading Nook for Kids by Sako Architects.

This is a popular children's bookstore complete with activity centers, book nooks, and lots of space to run around while playing hide and seek. See more pictures of Kid's Republic Bookstore in Beijing.

Interior of the Swan Hotel, upscale (more for adults).
Public domain photo from Wikimedia.

One of the favorite buildings I ever saw up close was designed by Michael Graves. The Humana building in downtown Lousiville, Kentucky is known to locals as the Milk Carton. Below, you can see why.

Swan Hotel, Walt Disney World designed by Michael Graves.

Humana Building, Louisville, Kentucky designed by Michael Graves.
Public Domain Photo from Wikipedia.

Many futuristic architects designed buildings in my little, old backwoods state of Indiana. The city of Columbus, Indiana is known as the architecture capital of the world. My favorite architect, Michael Graves is from Indiana. Think you don't know anything he's designed? Take a trip to Disney World and check out the Dolphin Hotel. He's also done an office building or two there.

The Dolphin Hotel in Florida. Photo from Wikipedia in public domain.

I stayed in the Dolphin hotel in 1992. Graves designed everything down to the disposable plastic cups which I still have in my curio cabinet today. 

Michael Graves, NCAA Hall of Champions in Indianapolis, Indiana.  
Public Domain photo from Wikipedia.

I guess, I'm kind of lucky to live in Indiana- near Columbus and also Chicago. 

Hey, Architecture, remember Chicago? Yep, the old home of the famous Sears Tower (Now the Willis Tower). Completed in 1973, the one-hundred and eight story building was known as the tallest building in the world beating out the former title holder, the Twin Towers in New York City. 

Huh. I just realized I was also lucky enough to tour all of these buildings. And, you were all like- you aren't really an Architecture-o-phile you're just a Mommy blogger. :) Funny, because it took me by surprise too. These Mommy days sure wear on a person, making you think you are only good for cooking, cleaning, and hugging.

So, the Sears or Willis Tower is still the tallest building in the United States, but it is only the seventh (or ninth, depending how you count them) tallest building in the world and no; I haven't visited any of those buildings... yet. 

Click here for a ranking of the Tallest Building in the World per Wikipedia. Although it is always changing, it looks like the city of Dubai has it locked for now. 

What does the future of FUTURISTIC ARCHITECTURE have in store for us? How tall will they go? To the moon and beyond? I'd go there.

I'm just kidding. The World Trade Center (Twin Towers), the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, and the Sears Tower (Willis Tower, today) were more than tall enough for me. I have NO desire to visit the others. In fact, after waiting in line to squeeze into the tiny elevator of the Sears Tower, I've had major claustrophobia and a tiny bit of Acrophobia. I can still feel the breathtaking view from the Empire State Building. 

More Futuristic Activities: Learn to be an Astronaut

Wanna come look over the edge? No thanks, I'm good let me just climb back into this tiny, killing contraption and get my feet on solid ground.

Recommended Reading:

Futuristic Field Trip for Kids

Graphic Design and Architecture, A 20th Century History: A Guide to Type, Image, Symbol, and Visual Storytelling in the Modern World*















ADS DISCLOSURE: We've partnered with some wonderful advertisers who may sponsor blog posts or send us samples to test. Some companies pay us to review their products.

*We also use affiliate links, if you make a purchase we get a tiny commission. Kids Creative Chaos participates in the Amazon LLC Associates Program*, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a mean for blogs to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon properties, including, but not limited to, amazon.com, endless.com, myhabit.com, smallparts.com, or amazonwireless.com. We also offer Tapinfluence, Google Adsense, SoFab, and Izea ads here. Thanks so much for helping us keep the lights on! :)

Pin it! Scavenger Hunt for Preschool Activities Weatherman's Day

Preschool Weather Ideas from Pinterest

Bet you didn't know there was a National Weatherman's Day (or person to be politically correct). So, when is Weatherman's Day? Tell your preschooler, this U.S. holiday is observed February 5 of each year. It recognizes people in the field of meteorology, weather forecasting, and even storm chasers. Observed for John Jeffries one of the first weather observers of record in the United States. (Wikipedia)

Weather Ideas for Preschool.

For this Pin it! Scavenger Hunt, the winning preschool activities  pin was pinned by Dawn Marelli (you knew it was) in the keyword category WEATHER for National Weatherman's Day. The featured blogger with a cute weather idea for preschool is Queen Vanna at the queen says a little about a lot of things.

Here are 3 fun ideas for Preschool Weather lessons!

Teach Preschool made rain in a jar! What an easy activity for preschoolers to learn about weather science.

Make Rain in a jar from Teach Preschool blog.

Hop over to Fantastic Fun and Learning blog for a roundup of weather science experiments for preschoolers from the Kid Blogger Network.

Fantastic Fun and Learning blog has a round up
of weather science experiments from the KBN.

After all that weather science, your preschoolers will need a weather craft. This rainy day umbrella is the perfect preschool weather craft. You can find it at Brook's Child Care on Tumblr.

Rainy Weather Umbrella Craft from Brook's Child Care on Tumblr.

Looking for more Weather Ideas for Preschoolers? Check back often for more fun posts! For more weekly preschool pinning fun ideas join our board Pin it! Scavenger Hunt.


Recommended Reading:

Oh Say Can You Say What's the Weather Today?

Kids' Weather Book: From Tornadoes to Snowstorms, Puzzles, Games, and Facts That Make Weather for Kids Fun!

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Jake's Journey Homeschool Science Project: How to Build a Cave Model Diorama from a Cardboard Shoebox

How to Build a Cave Model Diorama from a Cardboard Shoebox and Construction Paper

Here's a Homeschool Science Project on Stalactites and Stalagmites. Make your own cave for a science fair diorama project. Make sure everything is labeled clearly. This was made for a third grade science project for a gifted class, but it is suitable for grades 3-8. Enjoy!

Learning about spelunking and cave exploration by building a cave diorama project.

Great model, eh? How is this not art? Jake had a fabulous time designing and crafting this model of a cave for his Homeschool Science portfolio. He enjoyed researching each term, but refused to write them out in a report form. He labeled each item and taped down a descriptive tag, but did not do a report. He despises the art form of handwriting (we are working on this too).

The cave words were particularly intriguing with speleothems (cave formations) and speleologists (scientist who explore caves) ranking at the top of his interest list. All of the spelunking terms are fun to say!

To make a shoebox model diorama like this one you will need:

• shoe box or cereal box with the face cut off
• construction paper
• scissors
• tape and glue
• action figures

First, cover the inside of your cardboard box with an appropriate color of paper. Then, cut out cave formations (stalactites and stalagmites) leaving a little extra on the base. Fold this extra down like a flap, and glue or tape it to the top or bottom of your diorama. This makes it stay erect and sturdy.

Research the definition of various cave terms. Type these into a word program leaving several spaces between definitions, so they can be cut out for labels. Attach with tape or glue. This information should also be written into a companion report for your project to work toward an 'A' grade.

In Jake's model you can see the Cave Bacon which is a stalactite hanging from the "ceiling" of the cave. It looks like bacon with the side stripes of color. Cave Eggs cover the floor or ground as Stalagmites. These are round formations with circular rings of pattern. Cave Cauliflower and Soda Straws are pictured above, but you need something to research on your own, so get busy!

How can you remember which is which? Easy! Use this simple memory trick.

stalaCtite - look for the "C" for ceiling of the cave.

stalaGmite - look for the "G" for ground of the cave.

Recommended Reading:

Complete Caving Manual: Spelunking*

Don't Behave Like You Live in a Cave *






ADS DISCLOSURE: We've partnered with some wonderful advertisers who may sponsor blog posts or send us samples to test. Some companies pay us to review their products.

*We also use affiliate links, if you make a purchase we get a tiny commission. Kids Creative Chaos participates in the Amazon LLC Associates Program*, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a mean for blogs to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon properties, including, but not limited to, amazon.com, endless.com, myhabit.com, smallparts.com, or amazonwireless.com. We also offer Tapinfluence, Google Adsense, SoFab, and Izea ads here. Thanks so much for helping us keep the lights on! :)

Free Things to do in Indiana ~ Sodalis Nature Park in Plainfield/Camby

Home of the Endangered Myotis Sodalis Bat

Here is my article at Examiner.com, Sodalis Nature Park. A nature preserve is a great way to get outdoors, explore nature, and teach kid's science.

Endangered Indiana Bat
 

The park is perfect to take the kids on a nature scavenger hunt or a Saturday hike.

Futuristic Activities for Children: Kindergarten Field Trip to Outer Space

Take a Field Trip to Outer Space Futuristic Activities for Kids

From Angie's Corner: Field Trip to Challenger Learning Center to learn about Astronauts. This Futuristic Activity for Kids is perfect for a Homeschool Field Trip, it is located in Brownsburg, Indiana. Enjoy!

Futuristic Activity for Elementary Children: 
How Astronauts sit during take off of Shuttle.

I was lucky enough to be able to go along with Bug's Kindergarten class to the Challenger Learning Center (part of our school district) for their yearly field trip. At this very special place, they have different "missions" for the kids.  It is a very hands on place and the children get to learn and do scientific tasks just like real Astronauts. Each area of this place is geared to be age appropriate.  

Futuristic Architecture

On this day, each parent was given a station to man, to guide, and help out when needed while the children read and followed the instruction for the tasks they needed to complete.  I personally got to man the Magnetic station and the Magnifying Glass and Mirror stations. 

The children learned how two magnets can either attract each other or push away from each other. With Magnifying Glasses, they were able to see how to read tiny print and with Mirrors they were able to see how, if placed properly, the mirrors would show the other side of a half word or shape. 

This was a fabulous place to discover. Everyone that worked there was excited to have the children learn about not only space and science, but also teamwork.


Recommended Reading:

Space Stations: Base Camps to the Stars*

Personal Space Camp Activity and Idea Book*
















ADS DISCLOSURE: We've partnered with some wonderful advertisers who may sponsor blog posts or send us samples to test. Some companies pay us to review their products.

*We also use affiliate links, if you make a purchase we get a tiny commission. Kids Creative Chaos participates in the Amazon LLC Associates Program*, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a mean for blogs to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon properties, including, but not limited to, amazon.com, endless.com, myhabit.com, smallparts.com, or amazonwireless.com. We also offer Tapinfluence, Google Adsense, SoFab, and Izea ads here. Thanks so much for helping us keep the lights on! :)

Pin-it Online Scavenger hunt ~ 4/23/2012

Join our Preschool Scavenger Hunt on Pinterest

Join us on Pinterest.

And the Winner is (4/16)...  Sleepy Mom! Be sure to visit her blog and help enter the world of blogging.

Remember to Win it you must leave a comment on this blog post after completion of the hunt. Below this post is a divider bar on the left side you will see the words "Tell us your two cents" click here to leave a comment. Any comment will do :-)

We have several pinners but less than 10 are entered in the drawing each week!!!  

Leave a comment on Pinterest to be added as a collaborative pinner under the purple tack.

Most pinned (145 repins) pinned by Jennifer O. from the blog Housing a Forest Dancing Oobleck ~ Kid Science - Cornstarch.

My favorite pin, pinned  by Carole McIntire (9 repins) from the classroom of Carole McIntire: Earth Day or Arbor Day Classroom Bulletin Board.  

This week's keyword search topics are:

Cinco De Mayo Crafts
Kid Science ~ Sponges
Things to do with Clothespins
Easy Fairy Tale Costumes