Rainy Day Science

With some rainy days here recently, we have had to resort to indoor fun.  What better activity when you are stuck inside than to learn about science!

Here are some of our favorites using common household items. 

Make it rain (in a jar)

http://www.greenkidcrafts.com/make-it-rain/

Water tension with pepper and dish soap (had to do this multiple times to show dad)

http://carrotsareorange.com/preschool-science-surface-tension/

Other water fun

http://learning.innerchildfun.com/2013/04/5-simple-experiments-with-water.html

Density demo with eggs (did not work the first time for us. You need to use a lot of salt.)

http://we-made-that.com/how-are-mountains-made/

Sink or float?  Or better yet, a Lego boat. 

http://handmadekidsart.com/lego-boat-engineering-project-for-kids/

Fun with magnets (magnets are really like magic!)

http://www.racheous.com/montessori-home/exploring-magnetism/#_a5y_p=1858730

Plate tectonics with graham crackers and whipped cream. (Yummy!)

http://we-made-that.com/how-are-mountains-made/

Other edible experiments (because you need to eat)

http://www.buzzfeed.com/morganshanahan/19-kitchen-science-experiments-you-can-eat

What is your favorite rainy day experiment?

5 Book Suggestions for Women's History Month

It's Women's History Month and time to find some good reading material for the kids.  I have only read the first two below, but the others are on my list.

Lives of Extraordinary Women: Rulers, Rebels (and What the Neighbors Thought)  (Author) Kathleen Krull

http://www.amazon.com/Lives-Extraordinary-Women-Neighbors-Hardcover/dp/B00EDZ15FM/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1457225469&sr=1-2&keywords=lives+of+extraordinary+women+rulers+rebels+and+what+the+neighbors+thought

Lives of Extraordinary Women has short intervals describing the accomplishments and vices of top women throughout history.  From Cleopatra to Aung San Sun Kyi, there is a lot to learn from strong women leaders of the past.  Their stories are not perfect, but do highlight the power that some of these women were able to wield and maintain.  Although some of the details are inappropriate for young kids, I am adapting for bedtime stories for this month.

A is for Abigail: An Almanac of Amazing American Women 

by Lynne Cheney 

http://www.amazon.com/Abigail-Almanac-Amazing-American-Women/dp/0689858191/ref=pd_sim_14_13?ie=UTF8&dpID=61feSfoEcmL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR156%2C160_&refRID=0HKPFQ4Q34GC7GY48SP4

This book is an entertaining who's who of American women, organized by categories, including women in science and math. 

Girls Think of Everything: Stories of Ingenious Inventions by Women

http://www.amazon.com/Girls-Think-Everything-Ingenious-Inventions/dp/0618195637/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1457225201&sr=1-3&keywords=women%27s+history+for+kids

Amelia to Zora: Twenty-Six Women Who Changed the World 

by Cynthia Chin-Lee 

http://www.amazon.com/Amelia-Zora-Twenty-Six-Women-Changed/dp/1570915237/ref=pd_sim_14_3?ie=UTF8&dpID=61FSLDPl%2BrL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=1A7BQ4G33F0Z1C9BSXQ5

Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World

by Rachel Ignotofsky 

http://www.amazon.com/Women-Science-Fearless-Pioneers-Changed/dp/1607749769/ref=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1457225671&sr=1-5&keywords=women+scientists+childrens+books

What are your pics for Women's History Month?