Seeking Spring Break Activities

Hi B.,

Here is a fun experiment that my kids always liked even well after they "learned their colors" and not at all messy.

Make some ice cubes with water but mix in a few drops of a primary colored food color, making several of each color. After frozen, put 2 different colors in a ziploc bag and then start guessing what color the water will be as the ice starts to melt. It's really a neat experiment because as the ice starts to melt you can see the result and you can still see the 2 original colors in the ice.

You can also make some of the ice cubes deeper colors by adding more drops and then compare how the blended colors are different because of this.

Have a good spring break!
~L.

plant seeds for flowers & veggies! A perfect activity for both your children.

you could also do the bean in the wet paper towel in a ziploc bag....it's fun to watch the bean sprout.

a springtime scavenger hunt....identifying the "signs of spring" is also fun. Just make a list of things to notice- from lilies of the valley/jongquils/tulips....to the greening of grass....to robins pulling worms- the list can be endless!

Have you tried the PreSchool Rock.com website? It's been very helpful - great ideas. I find that some of their crafts for pre-schools would be better suited to older children.
P.S. you can sign up to receive their weekly newsletter, too.

Try www.surfnetkids.com lots of great ideas.

Check out the Library. You can find really great books with simple science experiments in them. They might also have activities or extra story time planned for spring break. Our library lets me get online at home and look up and reserve books. Great for when you have a busy little one.

My kids like activities with magnets or prisms. We also like to experiment with different acids and bases. Mixing baking soda and vinegar always is a neat reaction. We found it pretty interesting to experiment with different liquids and baking soda to see which ones will react.

When I was working I had interaction with a summer day camp. One thing the kids all loved and we tried at home was making baggy ice cream. You make ice cream in a couple of ziploc bags. I would have to find the exact recipe. I haven't tried rubber eggs or wish bones with my kids, but I remember doing that when I was a kid. www.familieswithpurpose.com/rubber-egg-vinegar-experiment...

Making slime with cornstarch can be fun but slightly more messy. Baking together can be fun but again a little more complicated. Still doable with a two year old. I did it when my son was one.

Good luck. Sounds like fun.

Don't forget the ever popular putting 4 toothpicks in the side of a yam. so it will rest above a jar of water.only the bottom half in water is the way I think it goes. then your yam will grow a very nice plant. good luck