solid+liquid=gas

we did a little non-toxic chemistry experiment. One that I do frequently when I clean, actually. the boys mixed baking soda and vinegar to see what would happen. while this is non-toxic, It can be messy, so we went outside in case of "explosion".

Instructions:

• Using a funnel, put 1 Tbsp. baking soda in a latex balloon.


• again using the funnel, pour 1C. white vinegar into a clean 20oz soda bottle.


• place the opening of the balloon over the neck of the bottle while keeping the balloon itself to the side - keeping the baking soda in.


• have your child keep one hand on the neck of the bottle and lift the balloon up with the other.


• watch as the solid dissolves in the liquid and the reaction makes a gas that bubbles, fizzes and blows up the balloon!

One for the Birds

This week's theme: Explorers

Since spring began, #2 has been insistant upon making a birdhouse at Daddy Day Camp. Sounds great, but Daddy isn't exaclty a handyman and with 2 big boys and a toddler, that really isn't feasible.

So....




I picked up a couple of unfinished ones at the craft store. They painted them. I'll spray with a clear sealer, add hangers and let them pick a spot in the yard.

Our yard is loaded with birds! We're borrowing a birdwatching book form the library to help us Explore our yard for different birds (and bats! we've got a bat house too).

Fossils

I used this recipe for "Coffee Ground Fossils" (great site - annoying pop-up). I mixed the dough the night before and made individual balls, wrapped them in plastic wrap and squashed them flat. When I mixed the dough, I found it to be more batter-like than desirable, so I added another 1/2c. salt and 1c. flour. It was still soft and sticky the next day. they left it out for a few hours to stiffen up and managed some fossils. I had to move them off of the kitchen table for dinner, and they lost some definition... so I'm not sure I'm 100% thrilled with the recipe. I think I may have gone wrong with the coffee grounds. we are NOT coffee drinkers, so my ILs put some in a Ziploc for us. They were still damp, but not dripping when I added them. perhaps they should have been dry.. the boys enjoyed this, so it may be worth a do-over. I also had to let them dry for 3 days and they still aren't totally dry. Perhaps "baking" in the sun would have helped.... or better yet... in the oven.

*This is a rare "Thomas the Tank Engine" fossil made by #1 who is having a hard time handing the trains over to #3...

Mugs

Another easy kit from the craft store. I remember doing these as a kid and I loved them! It is jsut a plastic mug with an assortment of paper inserts for them to choose and color and create their own mug. You can even trace one of the pieces of paper and make your own insert out of other papers - or even fabric! Just because it comes in a box doesn't mean you can't think outside the box...

#1 opted for crayons and #2 went with watercolors. #3 tried to eat his crayons.

Bookmarks

For this, I kind of "cheated" to keep it simple. I picked up blank foam bookmarks. 10 for $1 I think. I also threw in a bunch of stickers we have acquired over the years, some markers, yarn scraps and glitter glue (in case dad was feeling brave). We'll just let then have at it and decorate them! Another boost to the summer reading push. They have already managed to find their way into several books!