This is a fabulous list of resources and ideas to inspire and keep you and your family active and entertained while social distancing.
Ideas include free online yoga classes, language learning resources, starting a virtual book club, hosting a virtual hangout or wine tasting with friends, making a family scrapbook or newsletter and SO much more.
Browse inspirational ideas and links to free online resources
“It’s the most wonderful time of the year! As parents and teachers, we know the awe and wonder at the crystal growing process never wains. Each crystal develops so uniquely that different crystal growing experiments are enjoyable to watch. Using engineering to build crystal Christmas trees and chemistry to mix this reactionary solution, your kids will get a huge kick out of watching these holiday-themed crystals grow!”
“We have done several crystal projects using a borax solution, but it can be even simpler than that! We bet you already have exactly what you need for our gingerbread man salt crystal science project right in your kitchen! If you have some brown construction paper on hand, it makes for an easy gingerbread theme science activity! It is a simple activity to set up and complete. Note: The crystals will take a bit of time to grow.”
“Can you imagine waking up to this adorable treat? Our friend Brandy shares her recipe for hot white chocolate, mixed with half and half cream, milk, and a bit of vanilla and topped with a polar bear marshmallow. It’s a fun treat to make on a chilly winter day!”
“Who doesn’t love an ooey gooey Rice Krispie treat – child OR adult? Let’s be real – they are a scrumptious marshmallow treat that is always a surefire crowd-pleaser at any event. This time of year, there is no shortage of holiday events to attend and what better treat to bring that Rice Krispies Treat TREES!? It’s a great baking activity for all with an opportunity for the littler hands to help “decorate” the tree, practicing creativity and motor skills.”
Holiday Cookie Cutter Science
“Did you know baking cookies is actually chemistry? Who knew that with all of the holiday baking, you are really doing a science experiment? A special chemical reaction occurs to give our cookies and other baked goods a little lift. While you’re baking cookies this holiday season, save the cookie cutters for a little science fun with baking soda, water and vinegar to see how these all react together! This is a super simple activity that can even include the smallest of kids.”
“What kid doesn’t like to put on their mad scientist hat and perform a magic chemistry experiment? This is a fun science experiment with a holiday twist. Combining chemistry and creativity, these fizzy eruptions can be made into any seasonal theme! We colored our baking soda green, formed trees with paper plates for Christmas and adding some solution, we watched this melting Christmas tree experiment unfold before our eyes!”
Dissolving Candy Canes
“If you are looking for a quick holiday science experiment to stop your kids’ brains from turning to mush on holiday break, look no further! In this quick and easy experiment, find out what happens when candy canes are immersed in different liquids. Which candy cane dissolves the fastest? You might be surprised to find out! Results do not take long in this experiment to find out.”
“There is no more meaningful gift than a homemade holiday card with a hand-written message. These Pull-Tab cards are an imaginative way to start the holiday season.”
Ages 5+
“This is a simple science experiment for kids to enjoy with a minimum amount of supplies. Growing crystals does take some time, but it is fun to watch the process begin soon after you add the hot water solution. Approaching Christmas, why not use pipe cleaners to make crystal candy canes! This is also a great opportunity to learn about suspension science (chemistry).”
“Give the gift of entertainment with this holiday puzzle box. Wrap your special someone’s present in this box and then sit back and watch them try to open it.”
Ages 9+
“Tis the season for homemade gifts kids can make and there is certainly no shortage of people who are on your list. Why not incorporate a bit of leaning into gift making this season with a fun science lesson! This activity melts peppermint candy together in cookie cutters to make candy cane ornaments! This is an easy activity for young hands with items you may already have in your kitchen.”
“At one point or another in our academic lives, many of us adults had to devise a catapult in physics class. As it turns out, all that fun is now paying off with the opportunity to guide our kids through this Physics riddled Holiday catapults activity! Making a catapult is a great STEAM activity that uses math, engineering and science. It is a simple machine designed to use a lever. In the Holiday spirit, add red and green jumbo Popsicle sticks! My three-year-old enjoyed getting to experiment with launching different items.”
”Here’s one of our favorite winter STEAM projects that combines math and art – creating symmetrical snowflakes! Use Q-tips to create symmetrical shapes that result in beautiful snowflakes. There are so many possibilities, and a whole class can create them with no two alike. Young kids will enjoy this, but don’t underestimate the value of doing this with teens – they can create some amazing designs! This snowflake craft is a great addition to any math lessons on symmetry, patterns, and would be a fun addition to a unit on snowflakes or winter!”
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