Now that many schools, libraries, and community centers are temporarily closed, kids will have quite a bit time on their hands! There are LOTS of STEAM activities kids can do alone or with your guidance. Here are some ideas get you started:
- NATURE WALKS It is nearly spring here in the northern hemisphere. Get outside and look for the sights, sounds, and smells of the spring season! Bring a bag or box and collect physical evidence or take pictures/audio of your finds. Use binoculars or bring a hand lens if you have one. Categorize what you see by color, size, shape, and/or texture. Sounds can be categorized by volume, pitch, type, and intensity. What did YOU find?
- NATURAL MIXTURES AND POTIONS Add what you find on your nature walk to a big container filled with water. Give your child a spoon to stir and mix. What things SINK? What things FLOAT? Ask them why they think some things BUOYANT and some things are not. What else can you find to add to your nature “potion”? Grass, acorns, twigs and small sticks are great additions!
- ANIMAL TRACKS With lots of rain, spring is the perfect time to go on an animal tracks walk! Take a walk in a muddy, sandy, or dirt-covered area- carefully focusing on the ground as you go. If you live in an urban area, you can do this in a park. What tracks do you see? Were the tracks made by birds, bugs, or animals (humans!)? What tracks do YOU make? Use a stick to make tracks of your own!
Image credit: Flickr