A Science Egg-speriment

It's Spring and that means Easter is almost here! Before you boil all of your eggs, try out this neat Egg-speriment. It's fun, easy and only a tiny bit smelly.

You will need:
3 large eggs (you can use as many as you want but I would suggest at least 3, in case one breaks)
3 small tupperware containers and covers (you can use 1 large container just make sure the eggs won't touch)
White vinegar

Directions:
1) Discuss how the egg looks now. Is it hard or soft? What color is it? Record everyone's answers.
2) Put each egg in a container and add the vinegar until it is covering the entire egg. Place the cover on the container and place it in the refrigerator.
3) Ask your children to predict what they think will happen. Will it get bigger or smaller? Will the egg stay white? Is the egg going to stay hard or become soft? Again, record the answers.
4) Leave the egg in the container for 3 days.
5) Take the egg out of the vinegar and pass it around (CAREFULLY!!) for everyone to feel. Discuss what happened to the egg. Whose prediction was correct?
6) If one of the eggs has not already broken, gently break the egg and see what is inside.*
7) Let us know about your Egg-speriment and share any others you might have.

The acid in the vinegar eats away the calcium in the shell, leaving the translucent membrane. The membrane keeps the egg's shape.

To extend the activity, add a few drops of food coloring to the containers after the shell has dissolved and see if the egg changes color.

*Remember to thoroughly clean all of the surfaces and hands that have touched the egg.

What are your children thankful for?

My favorite Thanksgiving activity is going around the room and talking about what each person is thankful for. The younger kids usually enjoy it as well but have a harder time coming up with things to say so I came up with a more kid-friendly activity.

First, we read a book about thankfulness such as: Thanks for Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving is for Giving Thanks, or Thank You, World. While we are reading, we discuss if they also like or are thankful for the situations illustrated in the story.

Next, we each create a turkey out of construction paper and write, draw, or paste a picture on his feathers that show what we are each thankful for. You can do as many or as few feathers as you like. This project is very easy and a lot of fun.

When it's all finished, have the kids share their turkeys with the adults. It usually inspires a wonderful conversation that truly captures the spirit of Thanksgiving.

How to make a Grateful Gobbler:

You will need:
-approximately 3 different pieces of construction paper (depending on how colorful you want your turkey)
-crayons or markers
-glue (liquid or stick)
-magazines to cut out pictures (optional)
-photographs to cut (optional)


Directions:
-Cut out 1 pear shape approximately 5 inches in height for the turkey body
-Cut out 5 feathers approximately 5 inches long
-Glue the feathers to the back of the pear shape
-Glue the turkey onto a full sheet of construction paper
-After everything is glued down, make a face on the turkey
-Help your child draw or write about what they are thankful for.
-An optional idea would be to cut out photos or pictures from magazines
to show what they are thankful.

What your child is learning:
-Fine Motor Skills - strengthening of the small muscles in their hand
-Creative Expression
-Colors
-How to follow directions
-Family / Holiday Tradition
-Thankfulness

Here is a sample of what your child's turkey may look like:

Clifford's Dog Fair at the Children's Museum of Winston-Salem

Attention dog lovers!!!

The Children's Museum of Winston-Salem is having Clifford's Dog Fair on Saturday, October 17, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
This fair will feature:

* 11:00 - Dog/Owner Look-a-Like contest
* 11:30 - Best Costume (will be based on creativity and originality)
* 11:15 - Dog Tricks Presentation (owners can attempt two tricks with their dog)
* 11:45 - Dynamic Duo (i.e. Batman and Robin, Doctor and Nurse)
* 12:00 - Owner/Dog yogurt lick-off
* Forsyth Humane Society’s Rover with adoptable dogs
* Fun and furry storytimes
* Dog Caricaturist (bring a bag of dog or cat food for the Humane Society and receive $5 off coupon for caricature)
* author Leigh Somerville McMillan will be book signing “It all started with a Dog”
* plus dog sitters, groomers, services, artists,
arts and crafts, and more!

Free with paid admission or Museum membership.

Get out those rain boots!

We've been cooped up in the house way too long. The rain seems to be sticking around for awhile so let's take advantage of it. Grab those rain boots and a few waterproof toys and head outside. Here are a few ideas of what to do:

Water
- Splash around with your hands. Is the water warm or cold?
- Stomp in those puddles and compare the splashes made by big stomps vs little stomps.
- If you have a larger puddle, see if some of her toys float.
- Absorb water with sponges. Show him how the water goes into the sponge and what happens when you squeeze the sponge.
- Measure the water with measuring cups. See how many cups it takes to fill up a bucket. When one bucket has 1 cup of water in it, is it heavier than the bucket that has 2 cups in it?

Worms
- Count how many worms you see.
- Talk about how fast or slow they move. What other animals move like a worm does?
- Pick them up, how do they feel?
- Compare sizes of different worms. Do all worms look alike?
- Talk about why you see worms after in rains.
- What do worms eat? Which animals eat worms?

Mud
- Find some mud and get dirty!
- Let your child feel the mud with his hands and talk about how much heavier it is than regular dirt.
- Build a mud castle.
- Dig in the mud to find bugs.
- Play with cars and build a race track in the mud.

As I finish this post, the sun is peeking out a little bit so hurry before the puddles dry up! Hey, is that a rainbow I see?

What are your family's rainy day activities?

What's on our bookshelf....

Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs written by Judi Barrett and illustrated by Ron Barrett

This is a great book for any age - young or old. It's been my favorite for as long as I can remember and I'm so excited because it's just been released as a movie.

The book features a town called Chewandswallow where food drops from the sky three times a day instead of snow or rain. Life in Chewandswallow is really fun and convenient (no more grocery shopping!) but as you can imagine, it can get pretty messy. When the storms roll in, the food gets bigger, the portions are super-sized and people start to fear for their lives.

The illustrations alone will make you fall in love with this book. There are so many silly and outrageous drawings to look at, it's hard to get through the book without seeing something that you've never noticed before.

If you love the book, check your local listings to see the animated movie (available in 3-D at some locations).

What's happening this weekend....

UPDATE: The Honeybee Festival is cancelled due to weather.

Friday September 18th

Discount Night at the Children's Museum of Winston-Salem
The Children's Museum of Winston-Salem is hosting Discount Friday Night this Friday, September 18th. From 4 to 8pm non-members can gain admission for only $3 per person! There will be dog-themed crafts and games in anticipation of the Clifford the Big Red Dog exhibit that will open on September 26th. Check out their website for future discount nights.

Rock the Block
Rock the Block is coming to Fourth Street on Friday, September 18th from 6pm to midnight. There's a little something for everyone including but not limited to: great food, wine tasting, crafts, street performers, live music and a children's area. Visit their website for more details.

Saturday September 19th

Honeybee Festival
The Honeybee Festival will be held Saturday, September 19th at 4th of July Park in Kernersville from 10am - 6pm. The festival will have crafts, food, a children's area and free concerts. Admission is free and parking is available at Kernersville Elementary School.

Apple Fest 2009
Apple Fest will be held at Historic Bethabara Park on Saturday, September 19th from 10:30am - 4:30pm. There will be unique crafts, traditional music and food. Local orchards, handicraft demonstrations, and colonial re-enactors highlight this festival, as do horse-drawn wagon rides and colonial games. Admission is free.

Organizing Your Child's Artwork

I love displaying kid's artwork but am not a big fan of a cluttered fridge. My favorite way to display it is to hang a clothesline or wire along a wall and use clothespins or clips to hang the artwork. This way makes it super easy to switch out the artwork and you will not have to worry about the size of it.

If you like a more decorative look, there are frames specifically for displaying kid's artwork. Since the idea is to switch out the artwork often, the frame pops opens from the front with the use of magnets so you don't have to break your fingernails prying open those tiny metal tabs on regular frames. These frames also include a removable mat so you have a little leniency in the size of the art as well as some storage space to keep previous artwork in there. I've seen two at Target both for $24.99.



Artwork Display and Storage Frame from Target

Most people that I know don't have the space to keep all of their children's artwork but feel that they are throwing away a piece of precious history. I completely understand, so while you're agonizing over the decision about whether to throw it away or rent out a storage facility, get out your camera and take a picture of it. This is such a simple way to save space but savor the memory. The pictures will be easy to store but you can still display them if you like.

Displaying your child's artwork lets them know that you are proud of them and appreciate their artwork. Plus it's a fun conversation piece when guests come to visit. Please share your ideas on how you display artwork, better yet - take a picture and show us.

Preparing your child for a new situation

Children can often be frightened by new places or experiences such as a first haircut or dentist appointment. This is understandable as they are used to a world of familiar things and all of a sudden they are sitting in this big chair with a masked person coming at them with loud buzzing tools. Who wouldn't be scared? When kids are prepared for a unfamiliar situation they will most likely do better because they will know what to expect.

Here are some tips to use when preparing your child for a new situation:

1 - Read a children's book - Choose a book that includes the upcoming event. Talk about the book and how the characters handled the situation. Ask your child to imagine other possible scenarios.

2 - Incorporate the event during playtime with your child - For example, if your child has an upcoming dentist appointment, set up a makeshift dentist office with a desk, waiting area and some items to use as tools. Act out what will happen in the reception area and then lead the child to the "dentist chair."

3 - Get creative - In keeping with the dentist situation, use a cloth or bandanna that will mimic how the dentist will look in his mask. If you have an electric shaver or small appliance available that will make a noise similar to that of a drill, incorporate that during play so your child will not be as surprised by the noise.

4 - Take a tour - If possible, bring your child ahead of time to visit the location of the new experience.

5 - Children's museums or events - Keep an eye out for exhibits that may assist you in preparing your child. For example, Sciworks has an area called "HealthWorks" which has several doctor and dentist tools. Check out the Greensboro Children's Museum and the Children's Museum of Winston-Salem as they may also have helpful exhibits.

We hope that these tips help you in preparing your child for a new situation. Please let us know what works for your family as it may help others.

Winston Lake Family Day

Come Join the Fun!

Bring the entire family out to Winston Lake Family Day! The event will be held on Sunday, August 16, 4-8 p.m., at Winston Lake Park (event will be by the lake).

You will Enjoy:

* Live Music: Gospel, R&B, Jazz & more!
* Family Comedian
* Guest host from 102 Jamz
* Free school supplies (while they last)
* Free T-shirts (while they last)
* Free boat rides on Winston Lake
* FREE FOOD with a canned food donation. Bring at least 1 can of food for the Second Harvest Food Bank and get a FREE MEAL courtesy of the Winston Lake Senior Golf Association.

For your comfort, please bring a lawn chair. If you have any further questions please call 734-1221.

Kickoff to Kindergarten Event

The Children's Museum of Winston Salem is having a Kickoff to Kindergarten event on Saturday, August 15 from 11 am to 2 pm. Children will have the opportunity to climb aboard an actual school bus to learn about bus safety, go through a "pretend" lunch line (featuring healthy snacks), make crafts, hear stories, learn how to follow directions, explore the Museum, and much more. This event is free with paid admission or Museum membership.

What's on our bookshelf....

Just Us Women by Jeannette Caines - Illustrated by Pat Cummings

Travel along with Aunt Martha and her niece as they go on a special road trip to North Carolina with "No boys and no men, just us women." This detailed story will come alive before your eyes with the beautiful illustrations and descriptions. You feel as if you're standing next to them when they stop at roadside markets and fancy restaurants, in no hurry at all.

Mark your calendars for Bubblebration!

This FREE event sounds like loads of fun. Don't forget to bring your own bubbles and wands. To make your own bubbles, mix 1 cup water with 2 tablespoons light Karo syrup OR 2 tablespoons glycerin* and 4 tablespoons dishsoap.

*Glycerin can be found in most drug stores

For best results leave the solution standing for at least a few hours before use.

A new kind of swap meet

I recently heard about a great idea that I am so excited to share. Some friends of mine were talking at a play date about how their children have several toys that they don’t play with. They wanted to do something useful with them but felt that their child might notice. As they were brainstorming, one mom noticed that another child was playing with her son’s fire truck that he no longer pays attention to. The other child played with that fire truck almost the entire time, checking out all the flashing lights and the ladder. As she was contemplating why her son no longer likes the fire truck when this little boy thinks it’s so great, an idea struck her – a toy swap. Here’s how it works:

Take a few toys that your child has disregarded and exchange them with another child for an agreed upon period of time and then trade them back. Once the toy returns, he will look at it with renewed interest and play with it again. If he doesn’t, no harm done - just exchange it with another child.

This sounds like a great way to save money and get some use out of toys that are just collecting dust. Try it out and let us know what you think.

Water Wonders

The local weather people have forecasted beautiful weather this week. Warm and sunny weather makes me want to spend every minute outside. Visiting a local pool or lake is a wonderful idea but if you would rather stay in your own backyard, there are several ideas for educational water play.

Fill a kiddie pool or large plastic tote with water. Even if it isn’t big enough for the child to climb into, they can still have fun. Collect several waterproof materials from around the house such as: corks, non-electric egg beater, egg cartons, food coloring, funnels, measuring cups and spoons, paintbrushes, plastic dishes, empty squeeze bottles, strainer, sponges, and regular water toys.

Children can use these materials to experiment with water which will help facilitate math and science learning. They will learn about measurement when using the measuring cups and volume when trying to pour water from one container to another. Science is about asking questions and testing theories. Water play provides many opportunities for this. Children can experiment with the materials to find out if something floats and how to sink the object if it does. Encourage them to ‘paint’ outdoor items with paintbrushes or squirt bottles and see what areas dry faster than others. This is also a good time to discuss the properties of water especially the way water can change from a liquid to a solid into gas and back to liquid. Allowing kids to see this cycle during the discussion will help them to understand it.

Water play has several benefits other than learning math and science. Working with these materials will help to strengthen their hand muscles which is important when learning to write and with hand eye coordination. Experimenting with the water will increase problem solving skills and talking about their play will improve language skills.

Overall, water play is a fun-filled activity that provides several educational opportunities. Let us know your ideas for water play, we would love to hear from you!

Please practice safety during outdoor and water play. Never leave your child alone while he plays with water as drowning can occur in only a few inches and remember to apply sunscreen.