Summer Brain Drain- SLO newsletter 2020 | Page 5

Tips Science � Grow a garden. It’s a great science lesson and can encourage a love of nutritious foods . Use pots on the balcony or windowsill if you don’t have a yard. Have the kids help make nutritious meals from their harvest. � � � � � � � � There are numerous learning opportunities at the beach. Discuss the sun, howshadows move during the day, what sand is, collect seashells and discuss their originalpurpose. Bring a colander to a tide pool to hold in the water and safely house little sea animals you find for viewing before you send them home. Try Earthcaching! It’s the earth science version of Geocashing. You can literally fill an afternoon with baking soda, vinegar, bottles, & balloons! Take a hike! Bring containers to collect “samples” (bugs, leaves, rocks, moss) Seeing all the masks these last few months due to COVID19, might make it a good time to read a book, watch a video, or talk about germs and how hygiene is important. BONUS:They might be better about washing up on their own! Go fishing. Try out a cool website called “Find a Fish” to identify and learn about the types of fish you catch. Star gazing! Point out constellations. BONUS: Tell a bedtime story of mythological characters in constellations. Check out a science experiment book from the library or online. Most supplies are readily available in the house. Your little scientist will gain some confidence if he is allowed to read, follow directions and conduct an experiment on his own. You might be fueling a future career! Just double check for safety before the kids begin. Keep a composition book handy for sketching and recording results. Science APPs & LINKS: Discovery Education Ed- Heads Science Made Fun Cells Alive! Neuroscience How Stuff Works Science 360 – iOS & Android NASA Visualization Explorer - iOS Science Fair Projects Earthquakes For Kids Franklin Institute Genetic Science Learning Center Smithsonian Air & Space Museum Frontiers for Young Minds Smithsonian Natural History Museum Home Science Tools