How to get a box of amazing hands-on science projects sent your door

"You haven't given your kids a chance to be bored!" My mom's assessment of our summer schedule reflects my own feelings, but I don't think my children would agree. No one wants the school schedule back, but they could handle a little excitement, and even some learning. The summer chaos has already doubled my work load in the kitchen and the laundry room. Planning great activities is tough. Can you relate? If so, I have the perfect solution for you today.

How to set up a patriotic math craft for elementary kids

My dad would always take is out to the flag pole on all the national holidays like Memorial Day or Independence Day. He let us help raise the star spangled banner then we recited the pledge of allegiance. As we prepared for July 4 this year, we spent some time talking about the flag and what it means. I came up with this patriotic craft for my daughter who just completed kindergarten, and we talked about what the stars I the field of blue represent. It just so happens that it was perfect math practice as well.

How to learn chemistry while making delicious pickles

Mabel made dill pickles. Since it was bad luck to give away sour things, she demanded that we pay a penny for her goods. I imagine her recipes died with her. Miss Evie, our neighbor next door and Mabel's cousin, was a Pentecostal, and therefore not superstitious. She gave us her sweet pickles and the recipe freely. My dad gave her cucumbers and onions from our garden. 

Run Down a Rainbow: Kids' Summer Activity

When my sister and I were little girls, my mother would sometimes let us play with the hose in the back yard.  One of our favorite games, well, one of my favorite games was to walk down the rainbow.  

Water bottle guns

Once again, my husband invented a brilliant toy that entertained the children for the entire evening.

Easy repurposed parachute toys

My son is fascinated by rockets right now.  It is easy to see where he gets it.  My husband came up with a brilliant design for a parachute toy tonight.   As our neighbor said, "It's so simple, why haven't I thought of that before?"

Swimming Pool Physics

"Mom, why can you hold me in the pool?"  My son has been too heavy for me to physically pick up for some time now, so he loves that he can be a baby again in the pool.  Of course, the answer is physics, specifically a force called buoyancy.