ML Interest Tag: sensory-exploration

19 Sensory Activities That Toddlers and Babies Love

by Gabby Cullen

Sensory play is critical for toddlers’ and babies’ developing brains, and you’ll enjoy watching as your child discovers new textures and learns about cause and effect, all while having tons of fun. So the next time you’ve got some sensory play on your mind, try these easy DIY ideas you can put together in a jiffy. Many use household items you already have on hand, like baby-safe paint, to stimulate babies’ senses and satisfy their need for exploration. Others may require you to grab a few things the next time you’re out at the store so can create these sensory activities for toddlers and babies when the time comes. Either way, planning sensory play at your house has never been easier.

Sensory Activities for Toddlers

sensory play
Mama.Papa.Bubba

1. The Sweet Sound of Velcro

The family at Mama.Papa.Bubba discovered their little one’s fascination with VELCRO and share lots of creative ways to use it to engage your curious kid. VELCRO can be used on its own, so kids can learn about how it sticks together and comes apart, or with different materials (think shoelaces, stuffed animals, socks) so they can figure out what sticks and what doesn’t. This is a no-mess activity, making it a great choice for days when you just can’t clean up another spill.

backyard waterpark ideas
Inner Child Fun

2. Sponge Bombs

On warm days, these sponge bombs are fun for kids of all ages. Your littlest explorer will be fascinated by the shape, color and texture of the sponges, and how they absorb and release water, while older kids can play catch, surprise friends with an unexpected shower, or score baskets. These can also be enjoyed in the bath or in your kitchen (perhaps with cookie sheets or towels to contain the water). Find out how to make them at Inner Child Fun. 

sensory play
Mama. Papa. Bubba.

3. Bubbles & Blocks

And speaking of bubbles... Mama.Papa.Bubba put them together with DUPLO bricks for an easy way to keep kids entertained for a long time. Lay down a towel or plastic tablecloth, and fill a plastic container with blocks, soapy water (use baby wash or dish soap), and a dish brush or sponges. Then watch as your child explores the bricks, splashes the water, plays with the bubbles, and picks up the scrubber to get those bricks clean. 

Domestic Mommyhood

4. Cool Painting Trick

On a warm day, try out this idea from Domestic Mommyhood: painting with colored ice cubes. Using ice trays from your freezer, liquid watercolor, and tap water, make ice cubes and then head outside with some big sheets of white paper and watch kids use them like crayons to make their own masterpieces. Holding onto slippery ice cubes is a great way for little fingers to practice their grip strength, and we love that any mess from this activity is left outside.

Related: 20 Baby Games to Play with Your Child From Birth to Age 1

sensory play
Meri Cherry

5. Wonderful Water Beads

Pop by any preschool classroom and you’re likely to find kids and parents equally enamored with water beads. Something about their squishy texture just screams “play with me!” However, because they aren’t edible, sharing them with young children means getting creative. Meri Cherry has the great idea to fill resealable bags with these beads, seal ‘em up with duct tape, and let your little one squish, mush and roll to their heart’s content (under your supervision, of course).

sensory play
Little Bins for Little Hands

6. A Rainbow of Exploration

Fill a container of any size and shape with almost any assortment of objects and voila! Instant entertainment for your little one. Little Bins for Little Hands tells you all you need to know to make one (or several bins), using items already in your home. Raid the pantry for beans, rice or cereal; head to the kitchen for measuring cups, spoons and whisks; duck into the yard for flowers, grass, pinecones and rocks; or hit up your closet for bracelets, shoelaces, old keys and buttons.

sensory play
The Imagination Tree

7. Spectacular Spaghetti

What’s colorful, slimy and completely fascinating? Cooked spaghetti. Spice it up with a bit of color, throw in some alphabet shapes, and you have an afternoon of sensory play for wandering toes, exploring mouths and bright eyes. It's another great idea from Anna at The Imagination Tree.

sensory play
Anna via The Imagination Tree

8. Make It Rain

Rain sticks take some time and work to create, but this is a musical instrument that will keep kids engaged for a long time. The Imagination Tree shares the instructions, which involve putting nails into a cardboard tube and filling it with small items (like rice, lentils, and barley) to make interesting sounds. Use one item per tube so each will make a different sound, just perfect for an impromptu jam session.

Happy Hooligans

9. Welcome to the Coffee Shop

This coffee shop activity from Happy Hooligans combines two of our favorite things: imaginative play and sensory exploration. With just a few ingredients, including sand, water, dish soap and coffee cups, your toddler can set up a play coffee shop and explore mixing ingredients in different proportions and serving your family, all while learning about cause and effect, textures, and the basics of running their own restaurant.

Fun at Home with Kids

10. Cotton Ball Bonanza

Want to take a quick shower? Let your child entertain themselves with a container of water and some cotton balls. As with most sensory play, simpler is often better when it comes to engaging little minds. Kids can explore how cotton balls absorb water, how the water comes out when you squeeze them, and how dry cotton balls stick together and come apart. This easy, inexpensive idea comes from Fun at Home with Kids.

sensory play
Fun at Home with Kids

11. Super Seeds

Also from our friends at Fun at Home with Kids comes this edible, safe-for-little-mouths activity uses basil seeds instead of the more common water beads. These seeds absorb water, resulting in a squishy, jelly-like consistency, and can be dyed any color you like. From there, your little one can scoop, pour, fill, empty, press, swirl, and more, all without you worrying about a choking hazard.

Sensory Play for Babies

sensory play
Little Bins for Little Hands

12. Foamy Fun

Bubbles! Grab your hand mixer, dish soap, water, and food coloring to make this foamy soap that will entrance your child. Spoon it into a tray or low plastic bowl and add plastic animals or bath toys for even more fun. If you can't play outside, lay down a large towel underneath or put your tray in the bathtub for minimal mess. This good, clean fun doubles as an easy way to clean some kid toys. Get the instructions for this sensory play idea at Little Bins for Little Hands.

Related: Let's Play! Sensory Activities for All 5 Senses

Hands On As We Grow

13. Jiggling Jello

Hands On As We Grow has an anthropological spin on the snack-time favorite by suggesting you insert small toys (or beans, rice, or beads) into the Jell-o, let it set, and then let your little one study how objects are suspended inside, and dig into it to see what they can extract. Your child will probably smell the fruity Jell-o, but if they take a nibble, watch closely for any choking hazards. It can get messy, so you might want to lay down a towel or tray or take this project outside or into the tub to minimize clean-up.

Toddler Approved

14. Toddler Tunnel

The folks at Toddler Approved are onto something with this simple yet brilliant idea to attach ribbons of varying lengths, widths and textures to an old box and letting your little one crawl in and out, feel the ribbons passing over their body, drag the box around, and play peek-a-boo with it. This creation can be left out and re-used or re-purposed, given it extra longevity and entertainment value.

Fun at Home with Kids

15. Rice, Rice, Baby

One of our favorite bloggers, Fun at Home with Kids, came up with a fun and super-easy idea for rice play. Why rice? It makes a neat swishy sound and is safer than sand for babies who put everything (and we mean everything!) in their mouths. Just add a tray and some wooden toys and your tot will be occupied for a good chunk of time.

Kate via Laughing Kids Learn

16. Pinterest for Babies

Make a cool "pin" board in a flash. Just grab the hot glue and some kid-friendly scraps you may have lying around the house for an eclectic collection of textures and colors. Check out Laughing Kids Learn for the DIY guide.

Related: The Best Age for Baby's First Music Class, Flight & More

sensory play
Dayna via Lemon Lime Adventures

17. Star Light, Star Bright

Fill a jar with twinkle lights for your child's own personal light show! Watch them roll it, bang on it, even gnaw on the jar. Just make sure that the top is on tightly. Dayna and the gang at Lemon Lime Adventures show you how it’s done.

sensory play
Amanda Rueter

18. Splish, Splash!

All children love water play. To engage younger kids, you just need to dribble a little water on a cooking sheet, add a couple of balls, and watch baby explore the wet space. Get more on this from the mama at Dirt and Boogers.

sensory play
Dayna via Lemon Lime Adventures

19. Rolling in the Dough

Soft and shimmery, light and flaky, this baby-safe cloud dough is made with just two ingredients (whole-grain rice cereal and coconut oil) and is safe for wee ones to get in their hands, hair and even mouths. Head to the Lemon Lime Adventures blog for supermom Dayna's recipe for cloud dough.

Make sure to capture all the messy fun—and share it with your family and friends near and far—with the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.

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13 Fall Science Experiments Perfect for Kids

by Erica Loop

Fall science experiments are perfect for when the weather cools off

It’s that time of year again! Your kids can’t wait to skip, jump, and hop into the Mount Everest-worthy pile of leaves that’ll soon be collecting in your backyard. And, with the start of the new season comes the chance for a whole new lineup of kids’ activities and fall science experiments. If your little explorer loves Halloween slime, falling fall leaves, and pumpkins, we’ve got the ultimate list of fall science experiments, and even a few fall science experiments for preschoolers. And bonus—they’re an educational (but still entirely entertaining) alternative to screen time. And, when you’re done with these, try out these fun potions just for kids.

Sink or Float Fall Edition

This fun experiment is always interesting, but add some fall items like (fake) pumpkins, leaves, rocks, and acorns to give it a cozy vibe.

Apple Browning Experiment

https://www.instagram.com/p/CFka3VWH8e8/?hidecaption=true

Ever wonder why apples don’t stay the same color? Us too. Have your kids take the steps to find out how and why this happens by checking out this experiment.

Salt Crystal Fall Leaf Science Experiment

This fall science experiment is one of the prettiest we’ve tried. With simple instructions and gorgeous results, preschoolers especially love this one. Get the tutorial here.

Nature Walk

fall science experiments
Michael Podger via Unsplash

What could be easier than going outside and taking a walk? The fall season means that there are plenty of changes to see outdoors. Bring a pad and a pencil to take notes or a sketchbook to draw. Ask your child a few open-ended questions about what they see and the season (such as, "Why do you think the trees look different now?" Along with the leaves in the trees, encourage your child to look for autumn animals or insects—or ask why they don't see as many critters and creatures as they would have a few short months ago.

Insider tip: Need more fall activities for kids? Here are 50+ ways to spend time as a family this fall. 

Related: Under Pressure! 10 At-Home Science Experiments That Harness Air

Halloween Slime

Mini Monets and Mommies

Slime science is always welcome with the pint-sized set. Try this recipe from Mini Monets and Mommies to make not-so-spooky Halloween slime, add glow-in-the-dark glue for a creepy type of cool or make a ghoulishly ghost version that shimmers with a hint of silver glitter. 

Insider tip: if your kids love slime as much as ours do, kick the fun up a notch with this recipe for DIY boogers (yep, you read that right).

Glowing Milk

fall science experiments
Learn Play Imagine

This kind of spooky science experiment is magic milk. That's right—magic. If your kid wants to make have a good time, head over to Learn Play Imagine for the how-to. 

Related: 6 Incredibly Easy Rainbow Science Experiments

Tissue Transfer Experiment

Mini Monets and Mommies

These color-changing leaves from Mini Monets and Mommies are more than just seasonal decor. Use tissue paper to test how the color moves from one surface onto another, creating red, orange, or yellow leaves in a magical moment—all while your little investigator is exploring the scientific process. Soak a paper leaf (that your kiddo draws) with water and place the non-colorfast tissue paper on top.

What happens next? Your child can make a prediction, test it, and compare the results to what they thought would happen. Afterward, encourage your child to talk about how the tissue's color ended up on the paper and why other types of objects might not produce the same effects.

Pumpkin Seed Science

fall science experiments with pumpkin seeds
Erica Loop

This sensory activity is ideal for little scientists who are into making hands-on discoveries. When you carve your family's jack o'lantern, let the kiddos close their eyes and describe what the inside of the pumpkin feels like. Then, clean and dry the seeds and have your child add a few drops of red, orange, or yellow food coloring into a bag, toss in the seeds and coat them. When they're dry, the seeds are perfect for making mini mosaics or other types of seasonal art. Not only is this sensory exploration an artsy adventure, but it's also a lesson in the plant life cycle. Save a few seeds and plant them in indoor pots, creating a second fall science activity!

Related: 26 Edible Science Experiments Worth a Taste

Exploding Pumpkins Science Experiment

Little Bins for Little Hands

By now you've probably parented for long enough to have tried the good ol' baking soda and vinegar volcano more than a few times. This fall-themed take on the classic from Little Bins for Little Hands is a scientific exploration that will make a mess in the most magnificent way possible!

Fall Color Science

Greg Shield via Unsplash

Why do leaves change color in the fall? That's a tricky one to explain to your child. That is, without the help of a hands-on experiment to do the "talking." If you're not sure where to start, check out this simple exploration from How We Learn. 

Related: 7 Sun-Science Experiments to Make Your Day

Fall Scents Science

fall science experiments
Asia Citro via Fun at Home with Kids

With this imaginative experiment from Fun At Home With Kids, your kiddo can combine the sensory science of the fall season with a creative craft. Encourage your child to ask questions about the senses and talk about how people can explore through them (including the sense of sight, taste, smell, touch, and hearing). As your child mixes, mashes, stretches, and smashes the scented dough, ask open-ended questions, such as, "How does the dough feel on your hands?" and, "What can you smell?" Your child can even create an accompanying chart, comparing the play dough scent to different foods. 

Apple Taste Test

fall science experiments
Mama Papa Bubba

The tastes, scents, and sights of fall are here! And your child is ready to explore what the season has to offer. Try a sensory science exploration with this apple-tasting activity from Mama Papa Bubba.

Insider tip: if you're looking for great apple recipes, click here. 

Related: It’s Alive! Gross (But Cool) Science Experiments for Kids

Candy Creations

fall science experiments
Lemon Lime Adventures

This STEM idea from Lemon Lime Adventures takes autumn engineering to the next level. Your little learner can explore the art of building, getting hands-on with concepts such as form vs. function, balance, and weight distribution. 

Insider tip: For ways to use up leftover Halloween candy, check out our ideas here. 

 

 

 

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5 Benefits of Sensory Learning for Toddlers

by Marianella Orlando
Partner Content

From the moment of birth, your toddler has been exploring their environment through of all their senses. They’ve touched foreign objects, smelled new scents, learned to recognize your face, have grown to love your voice and tasted so many new flavors (Woah, who knew milk was so awesome?). These key experiences increased their understanding and sense of curiosity and also helped develop their physical, mental and emotional capabilities.

As they enter pre-nursery, their sensory exploration will help them learn more and gain a whole new set of skills. Known as sensory play, activities that incorporate and exercise the senses can enhance your tot’s brain function, fine and gross motor skills and communication, and even ease their emotions.

At the British International School of Chicago, Lincoln Park (BISC-LP)—a unique, private international school for students ages 15 months to 11 years old—sensory exploration and play-based learning is a core component of the pre-nursery program. BISCP-LP motivates students to achieve success through an internationally-accredited curriculum delivered by globally trained teachers.

Separate from a traditional daycare or pre-school, BISC-LP’s toddler program helps to build a strong academic foundation for future grade levels. With the International Primary Curriculum, young learners are guided by overarching themes that integrate subject areas, such as foreign languages, STEAM subjects, athletics and performing arts. Students are also given access to one-of-a-kind experiences through collaborations with Juilliard, MIT and UNICEF, as they’re part of a global network of schools.

In a safe and nurturing environment, toddlers are further supported in their first school setting through lessons that engage their senses and are centered on play to help foster emotional and social development. “These foundational skills acquired in our early years’ program support each child with their learning and independence, enabling them to excel to their full potential as they progress in our ongoing academic program,” explains Emma Taylor, BISC-LP Pre-Nursery Director.

For BISC-LP, however, scent, smell, touch, taste and sight aren’t the only senses that children should explore their environment with. The toddler program also highlights the vestibular sense (the movement and balance sense that provides information about where our head and body are in space) and the proprioception sense (the body awareness sense that tells us where our body parts are relative to each other).

The reason for the focus on seven versus five? The unique combination “enables children to fully immerse with the characteristics of effective learning,” according to Taylor. To learn more about how sensory play can help your child as they take on school, we’ve listed out the top five benefits.

1. Promotes communication and language development

As toddlers play and engage with other children in class, they’re able to use all of their senses. They see their classmates running around, they hear nursery rhymes being played, they feel the different textures of toys, they’re able to share and taste snacks, and they may even smell certain objects depending on what it is (like that distinct Play-Doh scent from our childhood). By using multiple senses simultaneously, tots can practice describing what they’re doing and better explain their emotions towards a task.

2. Supports cognitive growth

From birth to age three, babies form over 1 million neural connections in their brain every second—and sensory play helps to bridge these pathways more. As they tackle new challenges through hands-on activities that spark their curiosity, problem solving, exploration and creativity, your little sponge is constantly absorbing new memories. Taylor adds that by incorporating these multi- sensory, first-hand experiences, children can connect and inquire about the world.

3. Boosts gross motor skills

With each day that passes, your little one can begin to do more and more with their body. This happens thanks to their growing gross motor skills (movements related to a child’s growing arms, legs, trunks and feet). Through sensory play at school, youngsters can increase their strength and coordination of these large muscle groups even more. Whether they’re learning to throw a ball, mastering the art of crawling or jumping and running all throughout the schoolyard, you’ll have a tiny explorer always on the go.

4. Encourages fine motor skills

Sensory play also has a key role in the development of a kiddos’ fine motor skills, which are the coordination and movement of the small muscle groups in the body (eyes, hands, fingers and wrists. By practicing holding a crayon, stacking up blocks and squeezing a handful of gooey slime, preschoolers can increase their hand-eye coordination and ability to grasp, as well as enhance their proprioception sense. “[Children can learn] about how much force to use, allowing us them to do something like crack an egg while not crushing the egg in their hands,” explains Taylor.

5. Helps calm children when overwhelmed

For toddlers, sensory overload and mixed emotions can result in the form of tantrums, outbursts, or sullen rage. A sensory activity, like squishing sand between their fingers, listening to music, and doing stretching exercises or breathing techniques, can help to calm these mood swings and ease feelings of anger, frustration and sadness. “Toddlers thrive when they are loved and well cared for, so building relationships is key to each child feeling safe, secure, and ready to learn,” says Taylor. “We support children when they’re having big feelings in a nurturing way, by providing cuddles and singing songs.”

At the British International School of Chicago, Lincoln Park, your tot will begin to explore their surroundings through sensory play, which is foundational to their older years. Contact the school today to begin your child’s educational journey in the pre-nursery program! 

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11 Ways NYC Families Can Do More on MLK Day

by Yuliya Geikhman

Find Martin Luther King Day events in NYC for everyone in the family, including those with little hands and big hearts!

The kids just got back in school, but another day off is on the horizon. The city (and the country) observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day on the third Monday in January, which in 2023 falls on January 16. The day celebrates the life and legacy of the civil rights movement leader, who was dedicated to ending segregation in the US and promoting racial equality. Today, his words of wisdom are as relevant as ever. Celebrate, remember and relax with the kids, both on that Monday and the weekend that precedes it. Join a commemorative celebration, learn about the man and his achievements, make themed crafts and edible treats, volunteer your time, and do more around NYC in honor of American hero Dr. King. There’s plenty to do for the holiday this year, which means there’s something for everyone here—and options in every borough!

Ways to Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day throughout NYC

Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service at NYC Parks

Volunteer to help make your parks more beautiful for everyone in the community with NYC Parks' Day of Service events. Learn about and care for the city's trees and plants with various family volunteering opportunities. Activities include cleaning up, adding and aerating mulch, providing off-season care to plants, and more ways that big and small hands alike can help. This event is held across a number of different parks, so you can look for ways to help out close to home.

Price: Free

Various times and locations
Online: nycgovparks.org

Volunteer with Repair the World

What better way is there to honor the civil rights movements than to give your time to volunteer as a family? Repair the World is a Jewish organization that serves communities in pursuit of equality and justice for everyone. There are a number of opportunities to volunteer as a family during this year's MLK weekend and Monday (and beyond!), which kicks off with a "We <3 NYC MLK Shabbat" event in Brooklyn and Manhattan. Help repair gardening beds, put together hygiene packs, or even help build a free food database from home. There are many ways to help and get the kids involved!

Price: Free

Various dates, times, and locations
Online: werepair.org

Martin Luther King Jr. Events at the NY Historical Society

The NY Historical Society has several events planned in honor of MLK Day. Join the museum on Sunday, January 15 for a special Sunday Story Time, featuring "Change Sings: A Children’s Anthem" by presidential inaugural poet and activist Amanda Gorman. Following the readalong, kids will make their own guitar crafts. Make Monday a day in and join the museum on Zoom for "Living History @ Home: Cooking for the Civil Rights Movement," which celebrates the contributions and shines a light on the roles of black women in the civil rights movement. Plus, bake a sweet potato pie! Finally, join the museum on Zoom again as you read along to "Martin and Mahalia: His Words, Her Song," written by Andrea Davis Pinkney and illustrated by Brian Pinkney, followed by a microphone-making craft.

Price: Virtual events are free and in-person events are free with museum admission

Various dates and times
NY Historical Society
170 Central Park West
Upper West Side
Online: nyhistory.org

Ways to Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Manhattan

MLK Day: All You Knead is Love Camp at Taste Buds Kitchen

While not specifically related to MLK Day, this camp for aspiring chefs will make sure the day off doesn't pass them by without some learning. Kids will learn to bake delicious bready treats at this school holiday mini-camp. Focusing on bread kneading techniques, children in attendance will learn to make chocolate babkas, savory flatbreads, and flavorful garlic knots. The class will teach kids what their kneading does to the dough, and give them skills they can use in the future. This mini-camp will be held in two sessions for different age groups (see below for details) and all recipes are vegetarian.

Price: $115 per child

Mon., Jan. 16, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. (ages 4-8) and 1-4 p.m. (ages 9-13)
Taste Buds Kitchen
109 West 27th St.
Chelsea
Online: tastebudskitchen.com, ages 4-8 and ages 9-13

Harlem Gospel Choir at Sony Hall

The world-renowned Harlem Gospel Choir at their Martin Luther King Jr. Day Matinee. The event is a tribute both to the legacy of the man, and to the founding of the Choir in 1986 by Allen Bailey, who got the idea for the Choir while attending a celebration in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Things come full-circle! Note that when you buy tickets, you're only guaranteeing that you'll get seats, not reserving specific seats. Show up early to get better seats—they fill up fast!

Price: $36 and up

Mon., Jan. 16, 1:30 p.m.
Sony Hall
235 West 46th St.
Midtown
Online: ticketmaster.com

Ways to Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Brooklyn

Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. at the Brooklyn Children's Museum

Join the Brooklyn Children's Museum for a special long weekend celebration of Dr. King, featuring interactive performances, protest matches, community art programs, and volunteering opportunities. Throughout each day, you'll be able to make puppets with Nehpii Ameni and watch shadow puppet performances, design posters and hold mock protest marches with musician Fyütch, and contribute to the museum's "community dream cloud" in the ColorLab art studio.

Price: Free with museum admission

Sat., Jan. 14-Mon., Jan. 16, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Brooklyn Children's Museum
145 Brooklyn Ave.
Crown Heights
Online: brooklynkids.org

37th Annual Brooklyn Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at BAM 

The annual celebration at BAM kicks off with music, performances, and a keynote speech by civil rights lawyer and former President and Director-Counsel of LDF (NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund), Sherrilyn Ifill. This year's theme is an especially pressing one: Defending Democracy. Following the speech, watch performances by Allison Russell and Sing Harlem, whether you attend in person, or catch the livestream.

Price: Free

Mon., Jan. 16, 10:30 a.m.
Brooklyn Academy of Music
30 Lafayette Ave.
Fort Greene
Online: bam.org

Martin Luther King Jr. Day School Holiday in Prospect Park

The Prospect Park Alliance invites kids to take advantage of their day off from school by exploring nature in the park. The event will consist of three sections. Families can grab a discovery pack from 12-3 p.m., which is filled with activities and tools to make exploration educational and fun. From 2 to 3 p.m., the Audubon Center's Naturalists will be sharing information about the animals in the Center's collection at an Animal Encounter event. Finally, the Winter Wilderness Walk from 3 to 4 p.m. will introduce kids to discovering animal tracks in the snow, answer questions about how nature survives the cold of winter, and more.

Price: Free

Mon., Jan. 16, 12-4 p.m.
Prospect Park Audubon Center
101 East Dr.,
Prospect Park
Online: prospectpark.org

Ways to Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the Bronx

Freedom Quilters of Gee’s Bend at Wave Hill

Families can get together and create their own quilt from fabric scraps at this Wave Hill Family Art Project. The craft was inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s visit to Gee's Bed in Alabama in 1966. On this visit, he contributed to the founding of the Freedom Quilting Bee, which would go on to help fund the community's freedom. Learn more about the history and culture behind these quilts as you make your own with bright fabric squares and shapes, guided by Wave Hill staff.

Price: Free with admission

Sat., Jan. 14 and Sun., Jan. 15, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Wave Hill
4900 Independence Ave.
Riverdale
Online: wavehill.org

 

Ways to Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Queens

Annual MLK Day Celebration at Kupferberg Center for the Arts

Join award-winning singer and performer Samara Joy for the KCA's annual MLK Jr. Day celebration. The concert will feature Samara's jazzy renditions of well-known songs from the Great American Songbook. You'll also be treated to a keynote address, a recognition ceremony, and a reception following the show.

Price: $25 and up

Sun., Jan. 15, 3 p.m.
Kupferberg Center for the Arts
65-30 Kissena Blvd.
Flushing
Online: ticketmaster.com

Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day at the Queens Botanical Garden

Take part in this community celebration with the Queens Botanical Garden. Visit to enjoy craft making, storytime, and a guided walk through the wintery grounds of the garden. This event focuses on promoting love, hope, and unity, and is recommended for ages 5 and up.

Price: Free, $5 suggested donation

Mon., Jan. 16
11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Queens Botanical Garden
43-50 Main St.
Flushing
Online: eventbrite.com

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You’re Number One! First Birthday Gift Ideas

by Eva Ingvarson Cerise

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation.

A first birthday is a big event for your favorite little person, and that calls for a truly special gift. Read on for meaningful birthday gifts for babies and fun baby toys—for playtime, baths, stroller rides and more—that kids will keep using as they grow.

Creative Kids Sense & Grow Sensory Magic Tissue Box

$26 BUY NOW

Keep babies out of your purse with this magical box of scarves in a variety of colors and textures. Oh, yes, some even crinkle when you touch them. Kids will love pulling out sheer, cotton and tulle scarves and putting them back in, over and over.

Pottery Barn Kids Anywhere Chair

$135 BUY NOW

This extra-soft chair will be their favorite place to sit for movie night or story time. The slipcover zips off for cleaning, and the handle at the top makes it easy to move to a different spot. Personalization makes it the perfect birthday gift.

iPlay iLearn Baby Rattles Set

$28 for set of two BUY NOW

Suction these cute, colorful animals onto a high chair, stroller tray or restaurant table to keep a kid occupied. With every turn, slide, pull, twist and shake, kids are working on fine motor development.

Munchkin 1st Birthday Gift Basket

$38 BUY NOW

Celebrate milestones to come in the one-year-old's life with these toddler essentials: plates, fork & spoon, snack cup, sippy cups, teether and bath toys. In neutral colors, this set can be passed down to younger siblings.

Boon Pipes Bath Set

$15 BUY NOW

Use them individually or set them up to create a chain reaction. This bathtub toy makes tubby time fun for everyone (and will give parents a much needed moment of peace).

 

B. toys by Battat Mini Pull-Back Vehicles Set

$16 BUY NOW

If there's one kind of toy that will mystify and entertain little ones with wildly short attention spans, it's these pull-back pals. This set contains a hot rod, police car and school bus.

Mushie Flower Press Toy

$15 BUY NOW

Made with food-grade silicone, this wooden pop-it toy encourages sensory exploration and builds fine motor skills. Plus, it comes in super cool, muted colors and is sized just right for small hands.

M Sanmersen Musical Keyboard Playmat

$21 BUY NOW

Your new walker will love dancing their little toes over this piano and getting their groove on.

Curious George My First Tackle Box and Board Book

$40 BUY NOW

The perfect way for your kids to interact with a story being read to them! The set comes with a durable board book, tackle box, a rod, worm and two fish. The animals all make different sounds.

Bajo Camper with Surfboard

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Insert a little California cool into playtime with this classic wooden toy. Sustainably made, this Polish-made vehicle will stand the test of time.

Meowbaby Foam Ball Pit

$180 BUY NOW

You don't have to make a trip to Chuck E. Cheese for your little one to experience the fun of their first ball pit.

Color Me: Who's in the Ocean?: Baby's First Bath Book

$11 BUY NOW

This ocean-themed bath book has beautiful illustrations. And they change color when wet to captivate kids.

KiwiCo Panda Crate Subscription Box

from $16 per crate BUY NOW

Bead mazes, books, puzzles and more engage babies' minds and senses. You choose the subscription length; crates arrive every other month.

$18 BUY NOW

Made from New Zealand natural pine wood, this Montessori carrot matching game is great for fine motor skills and won't be something kids outgrow in a few months.

Red & Olive Baby Fox

$35 BUY NOW

Handmade in Peru with soft Peruvian cotton, these 7-inch dolls are perfect for baby snuggles. If a cute fox isn't your thing, choose a bear, bunny, cat or skunk.

American Greetings 1st Birthday Cupcake Card for Girls

$6 BUY NOW

This card is going in the baby book! Sparkles and a cute cupcake will help your birthday girl celebrate turning one.

American Greetings 1st Birthday Dinosaur Card for Boys

$5 BUY NOW

A dino with a googly eye and goofy grin will help your little one celebrate the big-kid adventures to come.

—Eva Ingvarson Cerise

RELATED STORIES:

11 Fun Birthday Gifts for 3-Year-Olds

Cool Birthday Gifts for Kids 4 & Up

Totally Unique Birthday Gifts for 2-Year-Olds

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The Power of Observation & Empowering Children to Use Their Senses

By PBS KIDS

Photo: PBSkids

Science is all about asking questions and making observations—and so are young children!

Observation, an important part of scientific inquiry, leads to discovery and learning. By encouraging your child to use their five senses—seeing, hearing, smelling, touching, and tasting—you’re empowering them to stay curious and grow in their environment.

Jorge Cham, co-creator and executive producer of “Elinor Wonders Why,” is a cartoonist and robotics engineer whose own daughter Elinor inspired the show’s main character, an observant and curious bunny rabbit with seemingly boundless energy to explore and learn.

“My youngest daughter Elinor was four when we were developing ‘Elinor Wonders Why.’ The real Elinor is super curious and I got inspired by her relentless question-asking and excitement. I would see her get excited about learning things and discovering the world around her,” Cham said.

“Our premise is that all kids are curious at a young age—the entire world, the entire universe is new to them. Their brains are hungry for information on how things work. Every kid is curious to learn how to ask questions and how to answer them. We’re not only teaching science facts but also how to think, ask questions, and look for answers yourself through observations.” Elinor encourages children and grown-ups at home to ask their own questions and experience the joy of discovery and understanding.

As your child sharpens their powers of observation and more questions about the natural world arise, rest assured—you don’t have to be a professional engineer to point your child in the right direction! “Parents might feel intimidated by science and science questions, saying, ‘What if I don’t know the answer? I don’t want to say the wrong thing.’ One of the things we’re aiming to do with the show is saying that you don’t always need to know the answer,” Cham said. “Sometimes you can reflect it back to the kids by asking, ‘I don’t know, what do you think?’”

The next time your child is feeling extra curious, motivate them to keep asking questions and use their senses to discover the answers (or find more questions!).

Tap Into the Power of Observation With Your Five Senses
Inspire your young child to use their five senses to observe the world around them. As Cham said, “Observations are the key to science!”

1. What do you see? When your child has a question, encourage your young scientist to look closer! “Owl Girl” is one of Cham’s favorite episodes when it comes to the power of making visual observations and constructing explanations. “Elinor thinks she knows all about owls—they’re awake at night and sleep during the day. But one day when she’s with her grandmother, she sees a burrowing owl and it turns her world upside down,” Cham said. “Through observing with her eyes, she notices these owls are different and realizes there are different kinds of owls. Science can reveal things you thought were one way but are another.”

Observation activity: Observe With a DIY Magnifying Glass

2. What do you smell? Cham suggested inspiring your child to sniff out new things by saying something simple like, “Let’s use our noses to smell!” to help your child observe and make sense of everyday outings, like walking past a garden or baking a cake. In “Colorful and Tasty,” Elinor and her friends are trying to sell cupcakes at a bake sale, but no one is buying any! After observing how flowers attract bees through smell, the kids use a fan to spread the aroma of the cupcakes. Before they know it, the place is “buzzing” and they sell every cupcake!

Observation activity: Play a Senses Discovery Game

3. What do you feel? Young children are naturally tactile learners. Cham recommended leaning into this to help them understand their world. Grab a soft blanket, a wooden block, or a fallen leaf and ask, “What can you tell about this object by using your fingers and hands?” “Ms. Mole’s Glasses” is one of Cham’s favorite episodes when it comes to sensory exploration. When Ms. Mole forgets her glasses at school, Elinor and her friends follow her to return them. “She has big, thick glasses that she leaves at school, and they retrace her steps through town and figure out Ms. Mole observes a lot of things through other senses—bread through smell, fruit through feeling. I love that episode because it’s so tactile.”

Observation Activity: Nighttime Is a Great Time to Explore!

4. What do you taste? Even something as ordinary as lunchtime can be full of opportunities for little ones to use their senses. In “Strawberry Jam,” Elinor plans the perfect camping breakfast for her dad’s birthday but realizes they’re out of his favorite strawberry jam. She and her friend Olive set out to find some strawberries and learn how to tell which strawberries are ripe and which are not. The two girls then use the ripe strawberries to make the perfect birthday breakfast for Elinor’s dad.

Observation activity: The next time you’re sharing a snack with your child, let the taste and texture of your treat lead to curiosity-sparking questions. Is the cookie salty or sweet? What ingredients might make a cookie taste sweet? Is the banana soft? How do you know when it’s ready to eat?

5. What do you hear? Cham said asking a question like, “How does this sound different from other things you’ve heard before?” can help you explore the natural world with your child. In “Make Music Naturally,” Elinor and her friends learn that Señor Tapir is putting on a concert. They want to participate but don’t have any instruments. After hearing all of the beautiful sounds around them in nature, Elinor realizes that they can make their own by listening to nature.

Observation activity: Play Elinor’s Nature Adventure Game

—Kayla Craig is a writer, podcaster, and author of To Light Their Way: A Collection of Prayers & Liturgies for Parents. She’s also a mom to four curious and messy young kids. 

RELATED:
6 Ways to Explore Nature with Preschoolers
“We Can Do Hard Things:” Building Resilience in Kids
5 Ways to Build Your Preschooler’s Confidence

This post originally appeared on PBS KIDS for Parents.

PBS KIDS believes the world is full of possibilities, and so is every child. As the number one educational media brand for kids, PBS KIDS helps children learn life lessons, explore their feelings and discover new adventures, while seeing themselves uniquely reflected and celebrated in lovable, diverse characters through television, digital media, and community-based programs. 

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Tummy Time Hacks by a Pediatric Physical Therapist

by #MomLife

 

Brita DeStefano

Dr. Brita is a pediatric physical therapist and mama of 2. She believes that milestones shouldn't be a mystery and enjoys giving parents peace of mind about their kid's development

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I see these new mamas all the time – they’ve just left the pediatricians office and have been prescribed tummy time for their newborn. Along with making sure they’re fed, healthy and thriving, they’ve also been given yet another task to be checked off their daily list. How the heck does an overwhelmed and exhausted new mom fit yet another thing into her day? And what about if their baby hates tummy time? Forget it! As a pediatric physical therapist and mom of two, not only have I been there, done that, but it’s actually my job to help parents and babies become tummy time masters! I want tummy time to be peaceful and productive, not a dreaded task to check off your list. It breaks my heart to see families struggling with this important activity, especially knowing how essential tummy time is for building a foundation for healthy development. So, let me share some of my tricks of the trade. Check out my favorite gear that will help make tummy time a breeze.

1

Sassy Tummy Time Floor Mirror

Engage Baby's Curiosity

$12.99

As baby's vision develops they are highly motivated by faces - even their own! This soft sided mirror is fully baby-proof with contrasting colors. The bee and ladybug also encourage tactile exploration once baby starts reaching.

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2

Lay and Play Adventure Mat

Tummy Time On The Go

$59

Let's face it, some days are busier than others. If you're going to be out of the house all day you might wonder how to fit tummy time in while you're on the go. Enter the Lay and Play Adventure Mat! It is an easily packable play gym with a wipeable and washable mat that is perfect for doing tummy time just about anywhere!

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3

Wee Gallery Art Cards for Baby

Whimsical Entertainment

$15.99

These high quality black and white art cards are not only adorable, but they help develop your baby's vision while they do their tummy time. At birth, babies see best in black, white and red so these cute animals are sure to catch your little one's attention.

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4

Taf Toys 2 in 1 Tummy-Time Soft Baby Developmental Pillow

Give Baby a Boost

$24.95

Tummy time is hard work! Sometimes baby just needs a little boost. This tummy time pillow is great for those little ones who need some extra support under their chest. It has a smaller side for 0-3 months and larger pillow for 3+ months (I love gear that grows with baby!).

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5

Exercise Ball

Ball for Birthing AND Baby

$26.99

You know how many moms use birthing balls when they're in labor? Well don't get rid of it! Your baby might be one of the ones who prefers motion during tummy time. Bouncing or rocking your baby while on their tummy over the exercise ball can be a great way to soothe them and build their endurance for being on their belly.

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6

Teether Book Take-A-Long Toy

Sensory Exploration

$4.99

Engage all of baby's senses during tummy time with their very first book! This soft book has crinkly pages for auditory input, textured handle and corners for oral exploration, and bright colors for visual engagement.

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7

ABC & Me Plush Toy Wobble Set

Reach and Wobble

$20 BUY NOW

As your baby gets stronger on their tummy, they'll begin to shift their weight and practice reaching for toys. These little wobbly animals are great to encourage this phase of tummy time skills. They tip over and pop back up to promote repetition which is the key to learning!

Let’s Play! Sensory Activities for All Five Senses

by Susie Foresman

Like a sponge, your baby is constantly soaking up information and learning new things about the world. These hands-on activities will engage one or more of the five senses, giving them lots of new things to touch, taste, smell, see and hear. Chances are, playtime is about to get a lot more exciting for you both. 

Sight: Glitter Sensory Bottles

Sharon McCutcheon via Unsplash

Shiny objects hold babies' attention, so these glitter-filled bottles from See Vanessa Craft are always a hit. They’re super easy to make, and your little one will be mesmerized as they move the bottle and watch the glitter sparkle.

Sensory Bags

NurtureStore

Engage your tot’s senses of both sight and touch with this simple sensory bag from NurtureStore. You can experiment with different add-ins, like pom poms, rice and pasta. Tape it to a table, floor or window for some mess-free, magical fun.

Sound: Exploring with Objects

Hands On As We Grow

Keep things simple but fun with this easy activity from Hands On As We Grow. Gather some household objects, like blocks, spoons and rice or beans, in plastic containers. With younger babies, you can create different sounds and see how they react to them. Let older babies bang and shake to make their own sounds. Or, better yet, make music together! 

Homemade Instruments

Minieco

Babies naturally respond to music, and playing with musical instruments together helps baby bond with caregivers. Check out this list of homemade musical instruments you can make yourself, from jingly ankle bracelets to shoebox guitars. Playing instruments is also a great activity for babies to play with older siblings.

Smell: Scented Edible Finger Paint

Fun at Home with Kids

We love how vibrant these edible baby-safe paints are, and they contain only two common ingredients: yogurt and Kool-Aid drink powder! Nontoxic ingredients means it’s fine if your tot sneaks a taste. And yes, it works with nondairy yogurt (coconut, soy, etc) too. Head to Fun at Home with Kids for the instructions. For a non-scented variation, try this recipe, made with flour, water and food coloring.

Scented Playdough

The Typical Mom

Take your homemade playdough to the next level with a yummy scent. This version from The Typical Mom uses vanilla extract and lavender essential oil for a calming vibe. Experiment with your favorite essential oils or vary scents by season: pumpkin spice for autumn, peppermint in winter, spring florals and bright lemon for summer.

Touch: Kinetic Sand

Surviving a Teacher’s Salary

Check out this genius kinetic sand recipe from Surviving a Teacher’s Salary. It’s made with ingredients you probably have in your pantry, and it keeps well in an airtight container for multiple playtimes. Littles will love shaping the sand and letting it run through their fingers. Add your child's small cars, DUPLO blocks or small plastic animals to encourage imaginative play.

Touch and Feel Sensory Sticks

The Baby Bump Diaries

Teach your mini-me about different textures with this cool idea from The Baby Bump Diaries. Glue sandpaper, cotton balls and other items with varying textures onto popsicle sticks, and let your little one examine each one. This is a great activity to try during tummy time.

Taste: Fruit Exploration

Fun Littles

If your child has started eating solids, it's a great time to try this sensory exploration from Fun Littles. Set up a tray of fruit in varying forms and let baby examine and smell each one, and and even have a taste. As they do, you can point out the different colors, textures and scents of each fruit.

Applesauce Activity

Stacy Spensley via Flickr

Cooking together is a great way to interact with your child at any age. Teaching 2 and 3 Year Olds shows you how to engage older kids in making applesauce. With younger babies, you do the prep work and talk to your baby about each step. Show your child a whole apple and let them touch or nibble it. Then cut it so they can hear the knife sound and see and lick the inside. Once the apples are cooked, show your baby how you mix it and then enjoy a healthy snack.

—Susie Foresman

RELATED STORIES:

Independent Play: Busy Boxes for Babies & Toddlers

The Best Age for Baby’s First Music Class, Flight & More

18 DIY Sensory Play Ideas for Baby

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26 Edible Science Experiments Worth a Taste Test

by Allison Sutcliffe

Did you know you can make ice cream in a resealable plastic bag without an ice cream maker, make your own candy geode, and bake hygroscopic cookies without any special equipment? Give curious minds at home a boost with these delicious science experiments for kids that’ll add a dash of excitement to your table and bring a whole new meaning to phrase “brain food.” Flip through the slideshow to see all the delicious science projects.

Save these tasty tests to Pinterest. Just click here!

Discover Density

Allison Sutcliffe

This colorful experiment found on CandyExperiments teaches your little scientist all about density using candy as the main ingredient. What’s not to love about this weighty rainbow!

Brain Boost Factor: The volume of sugar in each colored layer is the key to figuring out why the colors rise or sink.

 

S'more Solar Oven

Tierra Encantada

This awesome project from Tierra Encantada can be recreated any time of the year, as long as the sun is shining. 
You will need: 

  • -Cardboard box
  • - Aluminum foil
  • - Plastic wrap
  • - Black construction paper
  • - Tape
  • - Scissors
  • - Something to prop your oven’s lid open (ruler, stick, marker, etc.)
  • - S’more goodies - graham crackers, chocolate, marshmallows (you can also reheat cooked food!)

Cover the inside of the box with aluminum foil (use tape to seal tightly). Place black construction paper inside the box to absorb light. Stack your s’more ingredients. Cover opening of box with plastic wrap to conceal heat. Adjust lid to find the best angle to reflect sunlight. Use a stick to keep the lid in place.

Get cooking! Don’t forget to check on your food every few minutes. Depending on the temperature outside and reflection of the sun, it should take about 30 minutes to cook.

Check out the video tutorial here.

 

Pumpkin Seed Science

fall science experiments with pumpkin seeds
Erica Loop

When it's pumpkin time again, do some sciencey fun while you carve your family's jack o'lantern by letting the kiddos explore the ooey gooey goop inside. This sensory activity is ideal for little scientists who are into making hands-on discoveries. Have them close their eyes and describe what the inside of the pumpkin feels like. When they're done, scoop out the seeds and let them dry. Your creative kid can add a few drips of red, orange or yellow food coloring into a bag, toss in the seeds and coat them. When they're dry, the seeds are perfect for making mini mosaics or other types if seasonal art. Not only is this sensory exploration an artsy adventure, but it's also a lesson in the plant life cycle. Discuss why pumpkins need seeds. Save a few seeds and plant them in indoor pots, creating a second fall science activity!

Insider tip: in the mood for Pumpkin recipes? We have pumpkin recipes for every taste bud. Just hop on over to our story for pumpkin recipes here. 

Candy Creations

fall science experiments
Lemon Lime Adventures

This STEM idea from Lemon Lime Adventures takes autumn engineering to the next level. Your little learner can explore the art of building, getting hands-on with concepts such as form vs. function, balance and weight distribution. 

Insider tip: for ways to use up leftover Halloween candy, check out our ideas here. 

Pop Corn on the Cob

Tinkerlab

Break out your favorite family movie and grab the butter to go with homemade popcorn. Find out how to pop your own in this experiment outlined on Tinkerlab.

Brain Boost Factor: This is a simple heating up water experiment. The trick is that the water is inside the corn kernel. Who knew?

 

Rock Candy Geodes

a geode can be an edible science experiment if you do it right.
How to Cook That

Take the traditional rock candy string experiment to the next level by making these tasty geodes. It’s all about crystallization achieved through total saturation with this experiment. Find out how to make these realistic looking candy creations at How to Cook That. Rock on!

Brain Boost Factor: They'll learn all about how crystals form and this one gives curious cuties the chance to see them life-size without using a microscope.

Churn Butter and Whip Cream

Make and Takes

Churn Butter and Whip Cream

When a trip to colonial Williamsburg isn’t on the menu, you and your little chef can make your own homestead-style whip cream or butter by simply shaking and shaking and shaking heavy cream. Make and Takes has everything you need to turn back the clock in your own kitchen.

Brain Boost Factor: Churning butter and whipping cream is all about agitating the fat molecules (those pesky buggers) and getting them to eventually clump together. The longer you shake ‘em up, the stickier they get.

 

Microwave Marshmallows

Put marshmallows in the microwave and your little scientists will be amazed at the crazy antics that follow. They puff up. They shrink back down. And they still taste good. The Exploratorium spells out the necessary steps for this simple (tasty) experiment.

Brain Boost Factor: The thrilling combo of sugar, water and air do amazing things when heated up and cooled off quickly.

 

Bake Fresh Bread

Allison Sutcliffe

Break out your favorite bread recipe (and that bread machine that’s collecting dust in the cupboard) to cook up a loaf alongside this experiment, explained on Teach Beside Me. It’s an “inner working” visual that will certainly make an impact on your little cooker.

Brain Boost Factor: As yeast munches on the sugars in the bread, the gasses released perk it up, up, up!

Shake Up Ice Cream

no bake desserts
iStock

\You don’t need all 31 flavors to start in on this experiment with your kidlet. Get the step-by-step on shaking out single serve scoops in re-sealable plastic bags on Instructables. Be sure to have fresh fruit or other treats ready to mix in when the experiment is over. Yum!

Brain Boost Factor: The salt does most of the work in this frosty experiment. It lowers the freezing point of the outside ice enough so that the milk mixture inside becomes cold and creamy. Delish!

Squeeze an Egg

Science Sparks

This egg-cellent experiment described on Science- Sparks will have everyone cringing when little hands put the big squeeze on a fragile egg. Try as you might, that baby won’t break. Until you crack it into a pan to make breakfast for dinner afterward.

Brain Boost Factor: The egg’s shape is clearly stronger than it looks.

 

Element Cookies

 Life at Cold Feathers Farm

Let your little chemists study the periodic table and make a tasty treat, all at once. Prep a batch of (extra big) sugar cookies, let the kids choose an element at the beginning of the periodic table, then set out frosting and M&Ms to re-create the atomic layout. Easy! Get the details over at Life at Cold Feathers Farm.

Brain Boost Factor: Giving your kids a visual (and tasty) version of nature’s building blocks is an easy intro to the physical sciences.

 

Test Grape Juice

Allison Sutcliffe

If you didn’t know grape juice was an indicator before, you will after walking your sidekick through this experiment found on education.com. Simply mix up some juice, add in a few extras and watch what happens. It’s a juicy revelation!

Brain Boost Factor: Recognizing acids and bases is the name of this color-changing game.

Regrow Leftovers

Karolina via Pexels

Insert a little plant science into the mix by re-growing food from scraps. Think onions, potatoes, and lettuces for this one (psst… green onions are a super easy, fast option). Get the low down on all that recycled goodness at Mrs. Happy Homemaker. Since plants need water and sunlight to grow, exposing scrap roots to that winning combo helps them recharge.

Make Fizzy Lemonade

Learn with Play at Home

Plain old fresh-squeezed lemonade is so last year. Boost the fun quotient and learn a simple science concept simultaneously when you recreate this edible Fizzy Lemonade drink from Learn With Play at Home. It’s super easy to mix and little sippers report it’s pretty tickly too. A great alternative to the baking soda-vinegar volcano, it shows kids what happens when an acid and base are mixed together. 

 

Gumdrop Structural Challenge

The Homeschool Scientist

'Tis the season for gumdrops and this classic structural engineering challenge uses just two ingredients: toothpicks and candy. We’re particularly fond of this one from The Homeschool Scientist because it helps you explain what the concepts (engineering, load distribution, physics, shape comparison) are to your kiddos while they are building it. doing it. Visit The Homeschool Scientist to get going. And click here for five more gumdrop-themed challenges. 

 

Bake Hygroscopic Cookies

This simple science experiment is best when you check in on it the next morning. Bake up a batch of cookies, then place them in an airtight container with a piece of fresh bread. Watch as the cookies stay straight-from-the-oven soft thanks to the moisture of the bread (The sugar in the cookies is hygroscopic, which means it absorbs water molecules out of the bread). The best part? Getting to eat the cookies!

 

Dissolving Candy Hearts

Emily Ranquist via Pexels

Explore the science of your child's fave Valentine's Day candy and use up those leftovers STAT. Toss them into warm water and wait (and watch, of course) to see what happens. Repeat the science experiment with cool water, veggie oil, milk or any other liquid and record what caused the candy to dissolve the fastest, which took the longest. 

A Smell Challenge

Babble Dabble Do

Teach kids the importance of smell with this activity that asks them to use only their noses to identify objects. Can they sniff out the fish oil over the garlic cloves? The lemon juice over the orange oil? Homeschooling blogger Ana has the instructions at Babble Dabble Do.

 

The Juice-Tasting Challenge

Susanne Jutzeler via Pexels

Tummy’s rumbling–it’s time to eat! Did you know that you “eat” with your nose and eyes as well as your mouth? It’s true. Put your family’s snifffers and peepers to the test with this juice-guessing game.

You’ll Need:
Masking tape
4 glasses
Pen and paper
4 flavors of juice
4 food colorings

How to:
1. Stack a piece of tape on the bottom of each glass and number them one to four, making sure your partner can’t see the numbers. Pour one type of juice into each glass.

2. Send your partner out of the room. Drip a different food coloring into each juice and stir so your partner can’t recognize the juice by its color alone. Record the number, juice type, and color in each glass on a piece of paper.

3. Call your partner back. Tell her to hold her nose, sip from each glass, and guess the juice If she’s like most people, she’ll be kind of confused–her eyes and tongue give her two conflicting flavor messages.

4. Ask her to unplug her nose, close her eyes, and sniff the juice before drinking it. Her guesses should be on target now. All hail the mighty schnoz!

Reprinted from Exploralab: 150+ Ways to Investigate the Amazing Science All Around You. Available online. $24.95.

 

Invisible Licorice

From Candy Experiments 2 by Loralee Leavitt/Andrews McMeel Publishing, LLC.

Did the candy melt or disappear? Your sweetums might think it’s magic, but it’s really all about how oil redirects light, causing half the candy to disappear! Click here for the instructions on how to recreate this mind-warping experiment.

 

Taste Test

Education.com

After figuring out this simple experiment your sidekick will want to play Houdini with all her friends. All it takes is an apple, vanilla extract, and a cotton ball to pull one over on her tastebuds. Abracadabra!

 

Rock Candy

Jessica B via Flickr

A Lesson in: Crystallization.

Be careful: The water only has the power to make the sugar crystals “invisible” when it’s piping hot. After the water cools down and evaporates, the sugar turns back into a solid. And with a little help of your sugar-soaked string, the crystals will find a home to grow upon and become rock candy. Learn how to make your smart sweets with these instructions from the Exploratorium. 

Messiness factor: Two sponges.

Magnetic Cereal

Rookie Parenting

A lesson in: Magnetism.

You’ve probably seen the label that says “fortified with iron” on your cereal box, but how much iron is actually in your cereal? Is there enough to cause a magnetic reaction? This super easy experiment doesn’t require too many fancy ingredients (cereal + magnet) which means you and the kiddos can try it right away. The results may surprise you! Get the how-to at Rookie Parenting and get started!

Messiness Factor: Two sponges.

 

 

 

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