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Shadow-Puppet-Sheets-Show-4
Activities

Shadow Show: Puppet Show and Illusions

Great activity idea: Put on a Shadow Puppet Show! You can use many different things for your puppet characters!

Shadow Puppet Show

All you need is a bed sheet or large piece of thin paper. Shine a light from behind it, where you will be casting the shadows. Your audience will sit on the opposite side of it and see the shadows that you cast on the sheet.

Shadows can be created from many things:

  • Paper cutouts
  • Foam shapes
  • Silverware
  • Other Unusual items from around the house
  • Your hands!

Try a Shadow Puppet play with your created characters!

Shadow Puppet Show with Sheets!
Shadow Puppet show — with a creative Bed Sheet!

Shadow Illusions

Kijeon and Zach show you some really cool shadow illusions. In the description of the video, you can download the 3d models if you wanted to print these out and try them!

mystery-science-logo
Middle School / Elementary

Mystery Science: Engaging Science for Remote Learning

The Mystery Science team creates lessons that inspire kids to love science! They provide an engaging and understandable approach for kids to learn about the mysteries of our world through science.

To help with School Closure Planning, they have created a dedicated page to access their FREE lessons that do not need an account.

Also, for a limited time each week, Mystery Science is giving away FREE memberships for one year (to June 2021). So if you don’t see them available, just visit their website on a regular basis.

In addition to Mystery Science, make sure you don’t miss “Ask Doug” each week! Doug answers real kids science questions and provides a fun and easy-to-understand perspective! He also inspires kids to ask their own questions that they may have. Check out Mystery Doug!

Learn exciting Science with Mystery Science!

activity-mystery-science

Mystery Science

web-activities-mysterydoug

Ask Doug

international-space-station
Activities

Science and Technology: Stay-at-Home Things to Do

The following is a list of great Science and Technology resources

Access Mars: VR Curiosity Rover

  • Explore Mars on NASA’s Curiosity Rover!

Mystery Science

  • Hands-on videos that are captivating and spark discussions!

Mystery Doug

  • Every Video answers real student science questions!

Everyday Earth

  • An Interactive, Online STEM Program

80+ Free Science Activities

5 Days of Engineering Challenges

  • Try out these easy-to-do engineering challenges!

Ask Dr. Universe

  • Kids get their questions answered by Dr. Universe at Washington State University

Smithsonian Ocean

  • Engage kids in the wonders of our oceans.

Steve Spangler Experiment Library

  • Experiments that you can do at Home!

NASA Kids’ Club

  • Play games and learn about Space

Tyto Experiments

  • Currently free for parents and teachers for a limited time

The Happy Scientist

  • Learn some science with Robert Krampf

activities-list
Activities, Middle School / Elementary, Preschool & Kindergarten

Stay-At-Home Things to Do (List #1)

This for when you’re looking for fun, educational, creative or worthwhile things to do when you’re staying around the house!

old-fasioned-things

40 Old-Fashioned Skills that Kids Need to Know Today

This is an excellent list, created by Frugal Fun 4 Boys & Girls. The article also has tips for practical knowledge and social skills.

The list of skills includes things like:

  • How to make a phone call
  • How to check tire pressure
  • How to fix something instead of replace it

10-page Stay-At-Home Care Package

This printable PDF package has been created by Alexandra Eidens of Big Life Journal

This pack of ideas will get your children moving and learning while staying indoors!

Free STEAM Activities from Ozobot

This list of online resources is provided for every letter in STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Arts and Math)

Thanks to Ozobot for such cool ideas!

Google Earth has a Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego game

You have to follow clues, research what the clues mean and figure out where to go next.

The game is filled with facts about each city you “visit.”

To get your assignment, look for the special edition Pegman icon in Google Earth for Chrome, Android and iOS. Good luck, super sleuths! “

digital-escape-room
Middle School / Elementary

Digital Escape Rooms

Very talented and creative people at a few libraries have created Digital Escape Rooms and offered it for FREE! It’s just like the fun and challenge of a physical Escape Room without the need to be trapped in a confined space!

You can complete this escape room as a family or individual, you can compete against friends and try it multiple times. Just make sure you have fun!

Hogwarts Digital Escape Room

Marvel’s Avengers: Escape from the Hydra Base!

Dog Man Digital Escape Room

Escape from Wonderland Digital Escape Room

Space Explorer Training Digital Escape Room

Minecraft Digital Escape Room

  • Created by Laura Escamilla, Youth Services Librarian at the Regency Park Library in New Port Richey, Florida

Pikachu’s Rescue Escape Room

Escape from Star Killer Base!

Bring the fun and challenge of a physical Escape Room to the virtual world.

If you know of someone who would like to create one of these escape rooms, or want to create one yourself, you can check out this “How to Build a Digital Escape Room Using Google Forms” by Meredith/Bespoke.

paper-airplane-range
Activities, Middle School / Elementary, Preschool & Kindergarten

Paper Airplane Range: Have Fun with Paper Airplanes

Paper Airplane Range!

This is a game of skill where you challenge your friends and family to score the most points by flying your paper airplane through a target.

You can use large poster board paper and draw circles or other shapes and determine the points that your contestants will score when they fly their paper airplanes through the holes.

You can download a template to get you started: Paper Airplane Range.pdf

You can make it similar to this design

As you make Paper airplanes, try out various designs of folded airplanes and see which type you prefer! Some may fly straighter, for longer, or loop around. Then you’ll know what type of airplane you’d like to use when playing this Paper Airplane Range game.

outschool-overall
Activities, Middle School / Elementary

Outschool! Get FREE Remote Classes

Outschool is one of the best distance/remote education ecosystems out there, especially for kids! There are Arts Classes, Coding & Tech Classes, Health & Wellness, Life Skills, Math, Music and Science (and more, of course!)

The Deal? Click Here to sign up for Outschool and get $20 FREE toward classes. Since a lot of classes are $20 or less, that means you get a FREE Remote Class that is perfect for kids!

tynker-1
Middle School / Elementary

Kids Coding by Tynker

Tynker is an excellent platform for Kids to code! It’s a fun way to learn computer programming and starts with block programming, logic steps and transitions them into coding in a language like Javascript or Python.

Kids can do things like building games, modding minecraft and creating apps. Tynker is a great way to make kids’ screen time creative and productive. 

Tynker is currently offering 15 Free Coding Resources. Read more about it on the Tynker Blog.

  1. Until May 31, 2020, educators can apply for FREE access!
  2. Enroll for free training and get great tips on how to teach coding to kids
  3. Hour of Code – Story-based coding puzzles, fun projects, and STEM challenges
  4. Download Free Coding Apps
  5. Modding with Tynker and Minecraft: Education Edition
  6. Until Apr 30, 2020, parents can sign up to get FREE access! 
  7. Glitch Manor (free during school closures) 
  8. Augmented Reality(free during school closures)
  9. Python 1 (free during school closures)
  10. Coding puzzles for all levels
  11. Minecraft add-ons and mods
  12. NASA Moon 2 Mars
  13. Barbie You Can Be Anything
  14. Crystal Clash Game
  15. UN Sustainability Goals

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Middle School / Elementary

Virtual Visits to the Zoo!

Zoos and Aquariums have provided virtual tours and close-up interactions with their animals

Many have provided their Youtube Channels and have created interactive tours.

The following is a large list of all the Zoos in North America that we have found Youtube Channels and Tours.

Zoos in the United States
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
Zoos in Canada
Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan

Florida

GatorLand

Center for Great Apes

Central Florida Zoo

  • Adventures at the Zoo and Botanical Gardens!
  • Website | Youtube
  • Sanford, FL

Palm Beach Zoo

  • Inspiring conservation of the natural world
  • Website | Youtube
  • West Palm Beach, FL

Zoo Miami

Zoological Wildlife Foundation

  • Learning about rare and endangered animal species
  • Website | Youtube
  • Miami, FL

ZooTampa Lowry Park

  • Florida manatees, elephants, tigers and more!
  • Website | Youtube
  • Tampa, FL

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

  • Creature cams brings you close to the wildlife
  • Website | Youtube
  • Jacksonville, FL

Jungle Island

  • Watch shows and meet animals. The Jungle Awaits!
  • Website | Youtube
  • Miami, FL

Lion Country Safari

  • Safari and animal feeding experiences!
  • Website | Youtube
  • Loxahatchee, FL

Naples Zoo

  • Inspiring you with our planet’s wondrous inhabitants
  • Website | Youtube
  • Naples, FL

Sarasota Jungle Gardens

St. Augustine Alligator Farm

  • Alligators, Komodo dragons and more!
  • Website | Youtube
  • St. Augustine, FL

White Oak Conservation

  • Rhinos, giraffes and especially cheetah cubs!
  • Website | Youtube
  • Yulee, FL

Lubee Bat Conservancy

Disney Animal Kingdom

Animal Outtakes

Zoological Wildlife Foundation

  • Learning about rare and endangered animal species
  • Website | Youtube
  • Miami, FL

Alabama

Alberta

Calgary Zoo

  • Inspiring action to sustain wildlife and wild places
  • Website | Youtube
  • Calgary, Alberta

Edmonton Valley Zoo

  • Intimate zoo with authentic and engaging animal experiences
  • Website | Youtube
  • Edmonton, Alberta

Discovery Wildlife Park

  • Providing a forever home for wildlife in need
  • Website | Youtube
  • Innisfail, Alberta

British Columbia

BC Wildlife Park

  • Connecting you to nature and encouraging the appreciation and respect of wildlife
  • Website | Youtube
  • Kamloops, BC

Greater Vancouver Zoo

  • Inspiring appreciation of our ecosystems and supporting conservation efforts
  • Website | Youtube
  • Vancouver, BC

Victoria Butterfly Gardens

  • Learning about rare and endangered animal species
  • Website | Youtube
  • Victoria, BC

Manitoba

Assiniboine Park Zoo

  • Sharing the wonders of nature to inspire conservation for the future.
  • Website | Youtube
  • Winnipeg, MB

New Brunswick

Magnetic Hill Zoo

  • Educating and inspiring conservation action
  • Website | Youtube
  • Moncton, NB

Cherry Brook Zoo

  • Inspiring excellence in conservation through education
  • Website | Youtube
  • Saint John, NB

Nova Scotia

Shubenacadie Wildlife Park

  • Natural habitats with outdoor educational opportunities
  • Website | Youtube
  • Shubenacadie, NS

Oakland Farm Zoo

  • Family Farm-like setting, along with a mix of exotic animal species
  • Website | Youtube
  • Aylesford, NS

Ontario

Toronto Zoo

  • Connecting people to Wildlife. Keeper tours!
  • Website | Youtube
  • Toronto, ON

Greenview Aviaries Park & Zoo

Brantford Twin Valley Zoo

  • Learning about rare and endangered animal species
  • Website | Youtube
  • Brantford, ON

Bird Kingdom

  • Free flying indoor aviary to discover birds and exotic animals
  • Website | Youtube
  • Niagara Falls, ON

African Lion Safari

  • Home to exotic birds and animals that roam freely in game reserves
  • Website | Youtube
  • Hamilton, ON

Oshawa Zoo

  • Fun farm and zoo of friendly exotic and domestic animals
  • Website | Youtube
  • Oshawa, ON

KidsActivities-3
Preschool & Kindergarten

Activities: 5 ways for your Preschooler to Practice Cutting!

Your child can enjoy learning and improving their skill of cutting. This activity provides many benefits beyond scissors. It helps young children with fine motor skills that they will use when writing, painting, coloring and eating with spoons or forks. Many activities that require hand-eye coordination will benefit from this practice.

Kumon Cutting Books: Bright and fun cutting projects on durable paper

These cutting books are full color with pages of fun and bright projects!

My First Book Of Cutting (Kumon Workbooks)
Let’s Cut Paper! (Kumon First Steps Workbooks)
Let’s Cut Paper: Amazing Animals (Kumon First Steps Workbooks)

When using these books, select the page for your child and remove it from the book. Then they will be able to hold and move the paper as needed when cutting.

Melissa & Doug Scissor Skills Activity Book 

There are some great resources online to find Cutting projects for your child.

Free Cutting Projects

You can download the following cutting projects and print them out. They are available as PDFs so that they can be easily printed.

Cutting craft projects made from vector assets provided by Vecteezy

Click to download Printable PDF

Rainbow Cutting Project

Click to download Printable PDF

Dogs on a Leash Cutting Project

Click to download Printable PDF

Advanced Rainbow Cutting Project

Click to download Printable PDF

Bouquet Cutting Project

From around the Web

These are various cutting pages/projects found from around the Web:

The cut out projects that you glue together after are a favorite!

Scissors for 3 year olds

It’s a great idea to start with plastic-bladed scissors and upgrade when they become more confident. Make sure you use safety scissors, especially ones with blunt tips.

Crayola My First Safety Scissors
Stanley Guppy 5-Inch Blunt Tip Kids Scissors Pack of 2
Pack of 3 Safety Scissors in Dolphin, Crocodile and Toucan

Start with Playdough Scissors

If you find that your toddler/child would like to cut with less supervision, starting with Playdough is a great way to practice cutting.

Play-Doh Buzz ‘n Cut Barber Shop Toy
Play-Doh My Little Pony Canterlot Court
Play-Doh Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Set
Illuminations Play-Doh My Little Pony Make ‘n Style Ponies
Melissa & Doug Created by Me! Cut, Sculpt, and Roll Modeling Dough Kit
Strokes Art Durable Clay and Dough Tools, Shapes Scissors

Practice tasks similar to cutting

There are many activities that also require fine motor skills.

Try using other instruments or doing other tasks associated to cutting.  For instance, tongs, tweezers, and hole-punchers require the same open-close motion of scissors.

Source: Scissor Cutting Skills: Why They’re Important & How To Learn ’Em
Makeovers & Motherhood
Helping Hands Fine Motor Tool Set Learning Resources 
Tape Activity Book
Kids Tool Set
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