Kid Activities

Welcome!

 

Tons of great ideas!  Watch us grow each day!!! We'll soon be the largest 'Before and After School' activity site on the internet!

Along with a future 'Home Page'--- features, activities, ideas, articles and fun are in the works. Yes, we're "Under Construction" until the end of summer; however, many great program ideas and activities are on the side bar. (There are already 79 categories up!!!) They're sure to make your curriculum planning much easier!

 The present Home Page contains the most recent 10 category entries.  If you are a regular visitor it will keep you current with the newest postings.

Have a Safe and Happy Summer!

Barb Shelby

LET'S THINK GREEN AND GET CREATIVE!

Do you have a recycling project in the works?
If so you’ll end up with large quantities of bottles, cans, paper, and cardboard. Before you have it collected by a recycling company, challenge your kids to build with it!

Do you have a theme going? If so can they make something to go with the theme? Could they build Egyptian pyramids? A scene from a book being read? A mosaic map of your state made from bottle caps?

One group of fourth graders centered on a social studies curriculum focused on Ancient Greece. To go with the theme, they built an 8'x4'x4' Parthenon out of bottles and cardboard recyclables! When ideas and learning become physical through hands-on building, kids have fun and concepts are more deeply understood and connected. 

GAMES & PLAY MADE FROM RECYCLED MATERIALS

FIVE PIN SOCCER
Required: Gripper Soccer Ball, Volleyball or rubber ball
Players: Small to large groups
A fun, all-involved game that builds soccer skills. Place teams at opposite ends of a gym or field.

• Place FIVE 2-LITER PLASTIC SODA BOTTLES (This is the re-cycled part)in the center of the field. A little gravel in the bottle helps it to stand up and creates more noise and excitement when hit.
• At the start signal, players kick balls from behind their line trying to knock down a pin.
• The player who knocks down a pin must run out and set the pin back up.
• Score 1 point for each pin knocked down. First to get five wins.
  You can adjust the game for age level---by placing more skilled players farther from the pins.
  It can also be played with four teams arranged in a square around the pins.

MAKE RING AND TOSS GAMES!
For a COIN TOSS, you have children toss pennies at a large coffee can, a muffin tin, or even an empty egg carton, depending on their age and skill level.

Making a RING TOSS game is also simple. First, shape rings from aluminum foil. (... this is an excellent way to recycle clean foil! )Next, turn a chair upside down so that the legs make suitable targets. (You can also throw the rings on pop bottles.)For added challenge, designate specific points for the furthest chair legs.

MAKE A GIANT BOARD GAME: Rug samples can be put together and used outside for a giant game board for checkers! Collect large bottle lids--paint and use them as the game pieces!

WRAPPING PAPER MATCH GAME (for Pre-K and K)
Materials: Clear contact paper, used wrapping paper with many designs of small and a variety of pictures on it, scissors, cardboard or tag board

• Cut out a piece of the wrapping paper to make the game board. Glue it to the cardboard/tag board a then cover it with clear contact paper.
• Next, cut out objects from another sheet of the SAME wrapping paper. Cover these with contact paper, too.
• Children then match the cut-out pieces to the designs on the game board; they put the cut-out on the board when they find a match.
• Tip: Laminating the board and pieces will give you a game that lasts quite awhile.

MEMORY GAME:

 You can also make a memory game much the same way as the above game. Use spray adhesive to glue wall paper or fabric onto cardstock. Make two of each pattern and play the traditional Memory Game!

RECYCLED TOWER RELAY GAME (This one is fun!)
Form as many teams as needed.
Kids on each team take turns running to the recycled storage area and take a variety of materials such as plastic containers and boxes. Each team works together and builds the tallest towers possible!

Idea: OLD SOCKS
Turn mate-less socks into BEAN BAGS (cut one at the ankle, fill with beans, then sew or glue it closed).

TRASH TO TREASURE CROQUET: This is an easy and different game…
You'll need croquet mallets and balls, but not the standard wire wickets. Instead, look for household items and recyclables that a croquet ball could pass under or through, such as:

• An oatmeal container with the top and bottom removed
• A cereal box with a hole cut on each side to make a tunnel
• A child's plastic chair
• A laundry detergent bottle with an arch cut from the bottom.

Set up a course that circles the yard. Use at least a dozen creative wickets, including one brave adult with his or her feet spread wide.

BUILD AN INDOOR MINIATURE GOLF COURSE
Need: Golf clubs (or sponge and yardstick), golf ball or rubber ball, masking tape, glue, scissors, markers, shoe box. cardboard, Coffee can.

• Use your own clubs, or use masking tape to adhere a new sponge to a yardstick
• Build your course (see ideas below) using the coffee can for the final hole.
• Take turns playing your way through your course.
• Save your obstacles for the next rainy/snowy day.

IDEAS FOR GOLF COURSE

• For a tunnel, cut out the bottom of an empty oatmeal box, and place the box on its side.
• To make a house, turn a shoe box upside down and cut out an entrance from one end, and the exit from the other end.
• Fold a piece of cardboard in half and set it up like a tent for the ball to go through.
• Place two or three Frisbees on the floor to form a curved fairway for the ball to go through.
• Make a ramp by scoring (run one point of the scissors in a straight line without cutting all the way through) a piece of cardboard twice. Bend slightly at each score mark to create a upside, flat, and downside to your ramp. Put some books under the center section for support.
• For a straight fairway, use two rows of building blocks.
• Make a sand trap from a hula hoop.
• For a pipe use paper and tape it.
• Put a chair or stool in the center of the room for the ball to go under.
  Source: creativekidsathome.com

JUICE CAN STILTS

An adult needs to punch the holes in the cans and cut the rope.
 2 large unopened juice cans (about 24 oz.)
 Hand bottle/can opener (with the triangular end)
 2 long pieces of rope
 Heavy duty scissors to cut the rope 
Various colors of electrical tape or various colors of paint and paint brush

• Use the bottle/can opener to punch 2 holes in either side of one can towards the top.
• Repeat with other juice can.
• Let the juice drain out of the cans (save it in a pitcher, container, etc.). Rinse out the cans with water and allow them to air dry.
• Cut 2 pieces of rope long enough to go through the holes in the can and up to child's hands to hold on to.
• Thread each piece of rope through the holes in the cans.
• Tie the two ends of each piece of rope together. You should have a loop of rope going through each can that is long enough so your child can hold on the the rope as handles.
• Use the scissors to cut the different colors of electrical tape and decorate the cans. You can also use the paint to decorate them.
• These stilts were made by Suzanne brown. She painted the tops and covered the plain cans with stickers!
  ___________________

#2 COFFEE CAN STILTS 

• Using two 1-pound coffee cans, turn each can upside down so that the plastic lid is on the bottom.
• Using a screwdriver, poke two holes, one on each side of the can.
• Using rope or several strands of yarn braided or twisted together--- thread through holes in cans; tie it off inside the can.
• Cans can be decorated if you like.

 MAKE A MANCALA GAME (Kids really like this game! It looks long-but it is NOT complicated)
Mancala is a game that has been around for centuries. Forms of this game were played in ancient Africa and Asia. There are many different names, boards and rules of play for Mancala. . . but most are played on wooden boards with beads, stones or glass game pieces. Children in Africa would play by scooping holes in the dirt to create a game board.

• This version is one that you make with a Styrofoam egg carton, two applesauce (or pudding cups) and dried beans. Of course, you can use anything for game pieces, beads, pennies, or anything small and easy to scoop!
• You will need 48 dried beans to start the game - 4 in each cup. Two people play at a time.

Set up:
Place the board between the two players so that the long sides face the players- and the two applesauce cups (Mancala cups) are on the right and left. You will have six cups of beans facing each player. Place 4 beans in each cup. Each player has a Mancala cup - which is the applesauce cup on their LEFT. This cup is where they put the beans they collect.

Object of the game:
Each player takes a turn and tries to collect as many beans as possible in their Mancala cup before the other player clears their side of the board.

How to play:
One player starts. In his or her turn, they pick up all of the beans from one cup on their side of the board- Then - going clockwise- they place one bean at a time in each cup- including their Mancala (collection cup) until they run out of beans.
 
EXAMPLE:

• If you go first and pick up all the beans in the cup on the far left- you would drop one bean in your Mancala (collection) cup and one bean each in the cups on the other side of the board.
• You must put one bean in each and every cup you pass over- EXCEPT for the opponent’s Mancala cup. You just skip that cup.
• If the last bean a player has drops into their Mancala cup, they get to go again! (Strategy here would tell you to start with the fourth cup from the left. . . which would let you drop your last bean into your Mancala. . . then you get another turn.

Also- in this version of the game, if you drop the last bean into a cup that already contains beans-- you pick up all the beans in that cup and keep going. Your turn ends when you place the last bean into an empty cup! Then, it’s the other players turn.

The game ends when one player has no more beans left in the cups on their side of the board. The player with the most beans in their Mancala cup wins!

MAKE JIGSAW PUZZLES

•  Give each child a piece of cardboard, scissors, and glue.
• Have them choose a picture from a magazine, calender or card; the children then glue their pictures onto their cardboard. (The sample to the rightis a picture drawn and painted by a child on heavy cardstock.) 
• When the glue is dry, have them cut their cardboard into the shape of jigsaw puzzle pieces.
• When kids have finished, have them trade puzzles and have a race to see who finishes first.

MAKE A BOX TOWN
This is an easy way to make a toy town using old boxes, cartons, colored paper, scissors, tape, paper tubes, and crayons. This can be an on-going activity--that is constantly added to! Just add plastic figures, cars and trucks to the community!
To make buildings:

• Wrap up boxes and other empty containers with colored paper.
• Carefully cut out doors if wanted.
• Use tissue tubes for chimneys.
• Decorate with windows, flower boxes, etc.
  To make trees:
• Use a tissue paper tube for the trunk.
• Draw a green blob on stiff paper or cardboard for the leaf canopy and cut it out.
• Tape the green canopy to the tube.

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CRAFTS

BERRY BASKETS

 

Use them as weaving boards for yarn, grass, or strips of paper; cover them with construction paper for buildings; add a string handle for a carry-along treasure basket. You can also print with them by painting the bottoms and pressing them onto paper.

CRAFT SCRAPS
Scoop those leftover sequins, pieces of felt and pipe cleaners into  zip-top bags and containers. When it's full, challenge  kids to use the contents of your "RAINY DAY GRAB BAG" to make something new, such as a collage or free-form sculpture. Larger pieces of unwanted artwork can be cut into strips or squares and used to make collage cards or decorate a back-to-school book holder or pencil pot.
Betsy/Maine

RAIN STICK #1 (Heavy-duty)
1. Hammer nails into Heavy cardboard mailing tubes 1/8" apart, using the spiral seam of the cardboard.
2. Add several handfuls of assorted filler material (rice, beans, etc)
3. Seal each end of the tube securely with tape.
4. Decorate your stick with raffia, ribbon, adhesive-backed shelf paper, wrapping paper or a jungle print or decorations.

RAIN STICK #2
Materials: Paper Towel Roll, Tape that can be painted, Paint, Glue, Uncooked Rice, Toothpicks...

• Pre-poke holes into the side of the paper towel rolls.
• Have children poke toothpicks through the holes and glue each end of the tooth pick.
• Next- tape one end of the roll closed.
• Add rice and tape the other end.
• Children can paint their sticks as they choose.
• Last, cut off the toothpicks that stick out from the tube.

WISH LIST IDEA
Put used clothing such as jeans on your program wish list!  With material, children make a purse, pocket memo holder or community quilt!  (Doreen Z-MI. /Florida

BLUE JEAN POUCH
Materials needed:
• Old pair of jeans (you only need the back pocket.)
• Ribbon, yarn, or roping.
Directions:
1. Cut out the back pocket of the jeans around the seams.
2. Cut from the inside of the jeans so you have the entire pocket,
both front and back.
3. Decorate with paint, beads, trim, etc.; add ribbon, yarn, or roping for a shoulder strap by sewing or tying
it to the sides of the pocket.
4. This makes a cute little pouch to carry small items.

FIVE ALUMINUM CAN CRAFTS

1.) CONTAINER FOR ODDS AND ENDS…

• Paint an empty and rinsed out tuna can with spray or acrylic paint. Decorate with glitter and glue, pom poms, buttons, lace, or stickers.
• These make cute holders for barrettes, pony tail holders, paper clips, rubber bands, keys, jewelry, or other small items.
• Using the same ideas, paint a soup or vegetable can to make a pen or pencil holder.
  ______________________

2.) COFFEE CAN WISH BANK to take home

• Have the kids cut pictures from old magazines or draw pictures of something they want.
• Decorate the cans with glitter, pictures, stickers or anything else you have. 
• Cut a hole in the plastic top of the can for kids to deposit money.
• Each time they add money to the can, they are contributing a little bit more to the "wish" item.
• A great way to teach kids to save money! (I like this one! Barb)
  ___________________
  3.) SOUP CAN VASE OR PENCIL HOLDER
  1. Clean the can being careful of the edges!--Sand the lip of the can with your sand paper, to smooth sharp edges.--Rinse any shavings off of the can
  2. Fill a paper towel with a layer of noodles
  3. Coat the outside of the can with glue, using a paintbrush
  Tip: Leave a half an inch or so on the top and bottom of the can without glue, so it won't pick up noodles and you can handle it more easily)
  4. Roll the can in the noodles covering the can; make sure the noodles are stuck securely and let them dry.
  5. Spray paint the outside of the can any color you like (Most of the kids here liked gold)
  6. Let them dry and use them to fill with flowers or pens and pencils, or whatever you like!
  They make great gifts!!!
  _____________________

4.) PAINTED PIGGY BANKS
Turn empty Kool-Aid canisters into piggy banks that the kids design and create. Simply peel the outside label off the plastic canister. Wash the canister and dry completely. Once dry, arrange the various paints and brushes... Children can use their imagination to make an animal, face or ________? Cut a slit in the top of the canister.

5.)PAINTED GLASS VASE
Recycle a jar into a pretty gift vase or pencil holder...
Materials:
Clean, empty jar
Acrylic or liquid tempera paints
Paintbrushes or cotton swabs
White glue
Clear glaze (available at craft stores)

• To make the paints stick to the glass, first mix the colors with some glue. Keep the paint thick so it won't run.
• Use brushes or cotton swabs to paint a design on the jar.
• To erase a mistake, use a paper towel to wipe off the paint before it hardens.
• LET THE PAINT DRY, then seal the finished design with a coat of glaze.
  ____________

ALTOID TINS make wonderful containers! (Gifts too!)
Need:
Empty, clean Altoid mint tins (other brands will do), acrylic paint, Paint brushes or sponges.
Decorative options: Ribbon, buttons, craft foam shapes, pom-poms, photos, magazine cut-outs, glitter glue, feathers...the possibilities are endless!

• First paint the tins using acrylic paint.
• After the paint is dry, it's time to decorate. You can use a glue-gun, glue dots, craft glue or even sticky backed craft foam! It's that easy!
• Fill your new tins with barrettes, paper clips, earrings, postage stamps, lost buttons or make a mini-sewing kit for traveling.
  (It wouldn't cost much to turn it into a SEWING KIT as a gift)
  

  

  _______________________

From: Leslie S. /Minnesota
It works nicely as a SMALL FIRST AID KIT for the car!

• Paint the tin white--when dry add the large red cross in the center
• Fill it with  some "FIRST AID SUPPLIES".
• I used sticky-backed red craft foam to make the cross, so no glue was necessary. Then, I filled the tin with Tylenol type tablets, disinfectant wipe and a couple bandages.

***Idea: OLD SOCKS  Make SOCK ELVES OR ZANY PUPPETS using whatever recyclables you have on hand.

 ***Check out the Making Homemade Instruments Category! More than 20 ideas and also what you can and should do with them once they are made!

CEREAL BOX PUPPETS
Materials:
Empty cereal box
Scissors
Construction paper
Glue
Yarn (optional)

• In order to make the puppet, find the middle of the box and cut across the width and down each side (only one side of the box will remain uncut). Next, bend the box over the uncut side. You now have the puppet created - place your hands in the open ends of the cereal box.
• To decorate your puppet, use the construction paper, scissors and glue. First glue construction paper over the outside of the cereal box (you may need to cut the construction paper to make it fit). Next cut out eyes and any other features you want the puppet to have. Glue them onto the puppet. You can use yarn, macaroni, old shredded rags etc. for hair.

CEREAL BOX WHIRLYGIG (spinner)
Materials:
Old flattened cereal box
Two foot piece of kite string or gardening twine
Marker or crayon
Juice can or oatmeal canister to use as pattern tracer
Scissors
Sharp pencil

• Using the base of the juice can as a template, trace a circle onto a flat area of the cereal box. Cut out the piece of cardboard.
• Use the sharpened pencil to punch two holes in the center of the disc.
• With crayons or markers, draw a spiral design on the plain side of the disc.
• Thread the string through both holes and tie the ends together to form a loop.
  To Use:
  Hold both ends of the string with your fingers, keeping the disc in the center. Flip the disc around and around like a jump rope, to tighten up the string. Once the string is tight, gently pull the string outwards to make the disc spin.

TENNIS BALLS

TALKING APPLE PUPPET
(Uses "OLD" tennis balls)
Materials: Old tennis balls (If no one in your program plays tennis, put them on your wish list! Someone will have some "dead" tennis balls and would be happy to donate them.)
Sharp knife (grownups only!)
Red paint and a paintbrush (You can skip this part if you're able to find red tennis balls--look at pet-toys)
Brown pipe cleaner
Scrap of green felt
Two large wiggle eyes
Masking tape
Tiny red pom-pom
Black marker
Scissors
White glue or thick blue glue gel
Newspaper to work on
Plastic-foam egg carton (for drying the tennis ball on)

1. Have an adult use a sharp knife to cut a slit across the lower half of the ball for the mouth and to poke a small slit in the top of the ball for the stem. If you have a shop vise, you can use it to hold the ball steady while you make the cuts. The deeper the mouth cut, the easier it will be to squeeze the mouth to open it.

2. Paint the ball red. Let it dry on the plastic-foam egg carton.

3. Stick a piece of masking tape on the back of each wiggle eye to create a better gluing surface. Glue the eyes on the ball above the mouth.

4. Glue on the red pom-pom for the nose.
 
5. Cut a 2-inch piece of brown pipe cleaner for the stem. Push the end of the stem through the hole in the top of the apple.
 
6. Cut a leaf shape from the green felt scrap. Cut a tiny slit at the base of the leaf. Slide the leaf down over the stem through the slit so that it sits on the top of the apple.

7. Use the black marker to make a line over the cut mouth to accentuate it.

8. To make the mouth of the apple open and close, squeeze the ball on each side of the mouth.

This little apple puppet can pick things up with the mouth and swallow them. You might want to make a game of seeing how many things the puppet can pick up and swallow in a set amount of time. Try picking up small pom-poms or popcorn kernels, bits of cereal and raisins. The kids especially liked to play the 'apple eats your nose game'." More than one group reported apple puppets nibbling at other kids with much giggling--- a part of the game.
Source: realfamiliesrealfun.com

RECYCLE OLD TENNIS BALLS!
Cover the table with newspaper. Put out poster paints and brushes. The kids can decorate the balls to look like faces, animals, or designs of their imagination. Be sure to use old tennis balls and let them dry before using them...
This project gives triple use to the balls- you first recycle the ball as an art project, and then recycle it again as a tennis ball!

Need tennis balls and tennis ball containers to play or make projects?
Go to local tennis courts (clubs) and ask them to save the containers from the balls. Kids can decorate them with permanent magic markers then go outside and collect bugs. They are adorable and FREE. Also, I didn't realize people only use the balls one time. The balls can be used outside and for crafts. From Mrs. Z in Michigan /Florida

JUNK MAIL JEWELRY

(For older school age to adult)
Letters, fliers, and brochures sent by direct marketers are often very colorful. We can help the environment and save landfill space by making paper beads from it. Many of the mail pieces you receive are varnished, making this type of paper expensive to recycle. Because of their coated surface, however, beads made from junk mail are very strong and fairly waterproof.

You will need: Junk mail with a coated, shiny surface, Newspapers to keep area clean, Broken jewelry to string with paper beads (optional), Ruler, pencil, and scissors, White glue, Round tooth picks, Strong, thin string, such as kite string, Needle for threading beads

1.  Cut the paper into small strips approximately 3/4" wide by 41/2" long. Roll each bead by wrapping it tightly around a toothpick. Complete the bead by gluing the last 1/2" of the strip. Remove the toothpick and repeat until all the beads are made.

2.  Beads of different sizes may be made by varying the dimensions given. To make the beads bigger, use longer strips of paper. Change the width of the strips to make wider or narrower beads. (Chunky beads are from longer triangles while narrow long beads are from short triangles.)

3.  When stringing beads, alternate handmade paper beads with beads rescued from broken necklaces and bracelets, or make your own with pulp paper Mache mixture. Tie a knot in the string to complete the necklace, or use a professional clasp which may be purchased at a craft store.

You can also use magazine covers and other slick papers to make beads. Even materials with some printing will do, since only the last inch or so of the bead is visible.
Adapted from:kid-at-art.com

Someone actually made me a gift like this-and it was beautiful! They looked like real beads! (Barb)
____________________
IDEA#2
Source: "Schoolage note of the day 5/20/08

• Gather used wrapping paper/old magazines, scissors, glue sticks, one drinking straw per child and yarn.
• Cut triangles from the paper that are approximately 2 inches across the bottom and 10 inches tall. Each triangle makes one bead.
• Place the triangle wrong side up on the table. Lay the straw along the wide end of the triangle. Tightly roll the strip around the straw twice.
• Put glue on the remainder of the triangular strip and continue to roll the paper evenly.
• Finish the bead by gluing down the narrow end and holding in place until the glue sets.
• Slip bead off of the straw and repeat this procedure until the desired number of beads are created.
• String the beads on the desired length of yarn and tie the ends together

EGG CARTON FLOWERS

 

You need:
Egg cartons (cardboard)
Scissors
Glue
Green flexible straws
Colored markers
To make a TULIP: Cut an individual cup from a carton. Trim the sides of the cup to form petals (the ends can be rounded or pointed). For a finishing touch, use a colored marker to accent the edges of the petals.
For a DAFODILL: Start with 2 cups from egg carton. Prepare one as described for the tulip. Trim the second cup so that the edge is even & the sides are about an inch tall. Fit the short cup into the first & glue in place. Last, make a small slit in the bottom of each flower & insert the end

 
CREATE AN EGG CARTON BUG! Materials: Cotton balls, egg cartons, paint/markers, google eyes, pipe cleaners, construction paper, glitter, any other material the children may want to use.
Cut the egg cartons in separate 1 to 3 hump-pieces and put them out with a variety of the above supplies. See where the children's imaginations will take them!  

CATERPILLAR
Materials:
Plastic-Foam meat tray
Hole puncher
Yarn
Pen

• Cut circles from a thoroughly sanitized plastic-foam meat tray.
• With a hole puncher, punch a hole through the center of each circle.
• Tie a knot in one end of a piece of yarn.
• Push the other end of the yarn through the hole in each circle.
• When your caterpillar is as long as you want, knot the second end of the yarn, leaving some yarn behind the knot for a tail.
• Draw a face on the front circle. You now have a Caterpillar!
• You can also make the caterpillars with long sections of egg cartons-such as the above bugs!

LITTER BUG CRAFT

(good for young children)
Materials -A variety of  Craft Items such as:
Paper towel and tisssue paper rolls
Stickers
Markers
Pipe Cleaners, String, Yarn, Buttons, Glue, Scissors, google eyes...
Using craft supplies and imagination create your own Litter Bug. Be sure to make it an ugly little bug. Use this bug to show young children that this is what people look like --when they don’t throw away trash!
 
TWO SHOE BOX IDEAS...
 
TREASURE SHOE BOX to take home…
Decorate an old shoe box and lid with construction paper, markers, paint, glue and glitter, crayons, googly eyes, stickers, lace, doilies, or whatever else you can find. Be sure to put the child's name inside the lid.

 This box make a great box for treasures found out in the yard, on the way home from school, or anywhere else children "hunt".

STARRY NIGHT SHADOW BOXES

• Paint the inside of a shoe box with black or dark blue poster or acrylic paint. OR...glue black construction paper inside the box.
• Using white crayons or stickers, make a night scene with stars and the moon on the black background.
• Get creative… use small plastic toys to create a scene inside the shadowbox or have children make their own with construction paper and glue.
• Cut out small pictures from coloring books or magazines and color and adhere to the scene.
• Hang a spaceship or shooting star from then top with a piece of string and glue. (Sample is step 1 and 2)

WAX PAPER AND TUBE KALEIDOSCOPE
Materials Needed:
Toilet tissue tubes
Wax paper
Crayons (Paper removed)
Potato peeler
Iron
Rubber bands
1. Cut wax paper into rectangular pieces that when folded, will fit over the end of the toilet tissue roll.
2. Have children cut tiny pieces of tissue and place on wax paper. They can tear it if they can't control scissors. Another variation is to have the child grate peeled crayons with a potato peeler onto the waxed paper.
3. Fold the waxed paper in half and press with a warm iron until the paper sticks together. Child can do this carefully.
4. Fasten the waxed paper to the end of the toilet tissue roll with a rubber band.
5. Hold up to light and see the various colors.

THREE OLD CD IDEAS....

Decorate old CDs to hang from the ceiling…

Cover the printed side of the discs, using construction paper and a glue gun. Use markers, crayons, paint, glitter pens and stickers to turn the discs into works of art. This CD is painted with acyrlics.

• Punch holes in the tops of the CDs and hang them with fishing wire or string.
• They could also be used as coasters if you don't wish to hang them! 
  _____________

CD SUN
Materials:
2 old CD's
Tacky glue
Yellow construction paper
String or yarn
Yellow sharpie marker

• Cut triangles with about a 1 1/2 inch base out of yellow paper.
• Spread tacky glue onto printed side of CD. Place triangles onto the outer rim of the CD (where the base of the triangle is at the edge, but into the glue).
• Place the end of the string/yarn onto the glue about 3/4 of the way into the glue, let the rest hang out.
• Spread a little  glue onto the printed side of the other CD. Now sandwich the CD's together (printed side/glue sides together).
• Write child's name on the CD with the yellow sharpie marker. You have a sparkling sun to hang in a sunny window!

Does anyone still use film? If so – save those film canisters!
FILM CANISTER FINGER PUPPETS
When you're ready to load your camera, don't toss out the film canister. The plastic container makes a lively finger puppet that's easy and fun to make. All the dressing material can be used from previous craft projects.

If you don't have canisters, put them on your wish list- or ask a local photo store if they have discarded canisters to donate.
Materials:
Film canisters,
Colored plastic tape (electrician's tape),
Tacky glue,
Collage materials (yarn bits, ribbon, buttons, sequins and wiggle eyes).

• Wrap the tape around the canister's top or bottom to distinguish the body from the head of the puppet.
• Add hair and a face, and decorate the body using whatever collage materials you like.
• Turn each canister over to fill it with a small amount of fiberfill to give the puppet a snug fit on a little finger.
• Use the canister lids (slide them on the closed end) to make delightful hats for the puppets.
  One child used yellow pipe cleaners for a sporty flipped-up 'do,' wiggle eyes, and sequin leaves for a stunning gown. The film canister top looked really cute on top like a beret!
  From: Cassie/Mi.

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ART

MAKE A COLLAGE BOX and fill it with recycled materials!

• COLLAGE BOXES are containers for storing all those odds and ends that are perfect for creating collages.
• As you find scraps of lace, buttons, even pieces of foil or drinking straws, place them in your collage box.
• Also put in lids or extremely clean Styrofoam meat trays suitable for being the base of the collage.
• Leave it in your art center or occasionally place glue, scissors, and the collage box on a table.
• You'll see your children's imaginations at work, as they combine the various contents into a one-of-kind masterpiece.
  Tip: Before you place the art supplies on the work table, spread a few layers of newspaper, a plastic table cloth, wax paper or tray on its surface. This will make messy glue spills a breeze to clean...

TEN THINGS TO COLLECT for Making Collage Art...
1. Torn up bits of old paintings and drawings you don't want to keep.
2. Labels from boxes, cans, candy bars and bottles (soak them off then dry them).
3. Used postage stamps, especially from all over the world.
4. Shiny Mylar foil balloons that have gone flat.
5. Short pieces of string, yarn, thread, twine, ribbon and lace (short pieces...don't keep too much).
6. Words cut out of magazine headlines and ads.
7. Maps.
8. Broken jewelry.
9. Seeds from flowers, kitchen spices, leftover garden.
10. Used tickets from shows and sports events.

Do you have a lot of magazines?! MAKE A MAGAZINE HOUSE!

• Using an old catalog or magazine, cut out pictures of chairs, tables, curtains, bathroom fixtures and other furnishings.
• Spread out a large sheet of drawing paper. Sketch an "open sided" house.
• Have children place the pictures of the furnishings in the rooms of their choice. They can cut out more pictures to redecorate their house, cut out pictures of people, toys, pets, and anything they like!

OLD TO NEW CRAYONS

1.  Take the paper off old crayons
2.  Break them into pieces.
3.  Spray muffin/cupcake tins with nonstick spray or lightly coat with oil----OR---Line the cups of a miniature muffin tin with aluminum foil cupcake liners of regular liners 3 each deep.
4.  Put crayon pieces into muffin tins and melt in an oven at 250 degrees until just melted ...you can mix the crayons in the tins but you may want to have separate colors as well. Let tins cool.
5. Turn over and rap back of tins hard.
You can use a toothpick to make a swirl effect in the wax before it cools. Just be careful, the wax is very HOT!

 MAKE PLAY DOUGH COLLAGE/SCULPTURES
Materials:
Small paper plates
Play dough
Feathers
Pipe cleaners
Pony beads
Cereal with a hole in center

First of all make play dough instead of buying it! (Click here for more than 40 play dough recipes!)When your play dough has begun to outgrow its usefulness---remember this idea! 

• Give each child with a small paper plate containing a ball of play dough about the size of a golf ball. Have the children flatten the ball out just a bit.
• Provide the children with a variety of colored feathers, pipe cleaners, pony beads, cereal, etc.
  Some things they can do:
  Wrap pipe cleaners around pencils or their fingers to make spirals; thread the beads onto the pipe cleaners and stick the feathers and pipe cleaners into the play dough. Now, step back and watch them create some of the most interesting sculptures!!

ART FROM PACKING MATERIAL
The biodegradable packing peanuts MADE FROM CORNSTARCH can be assembled into fascinating sculptures simply by moistening one end of each piece with a damp cotton swab (the moisture melts them and makes them stick together.) Use these and other (bottle caps, twist ties, rubber bands) and stay busy for hours.

PAINT WITH BUBBLE WRAP

Assuming you can stop the kids from popping it all, paint a section and use it to make polka-dot snake skin-like prints.

 

MISCELLEANEOUS IDEAS

TAKE THINGS APART!
When children ask, "How does this work?" help them to find out. Provide non-working toasters, clocks, VCR’s, tape recorders, radios and other appliances to disassemble. You can put these items on your wish list to parents.

Remove electrical cords and establish guidelines for taking things apart (only with adult supervision, at this table, no more than 2 children at a time, etc.) Caregivers can teach safe use of tools at disassembly stations where screwdrivers, pliers, and bins for sorting screws and small parts are stored.

TALK GREEN TO THE CHILDREN

  Start out with basic things:

• Ways to save energy
• Using both sides of a sheet of paper
• The reasons to recycle
• We should use reusable water
• Buy reusable bags.
  (Advice from Mrs. Z. Michigan/Florida)
• Be a good role model! (From Barb)

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 Compiled by Barbara Shelby

This is the Science and Projects Category for School Age and Middle School Kids! It is divided into six sections. You are welcome to scroll through all six...or click on the link you would like to visit.

For all six Science Sections: click here

#1)  "What is What in Science with Kids"... it's a good over-view of the general categories of Science. Great to give you ideas and get you stated!

#2) Animals and Plants...

#3) Miscellaneous Experiments for kids. It contains many popular activities such as the Mentos and Coke experiment,  Alka Selter Rocket, Moo Goo, Volcanoes and Diapers!  It's a little bit of everything!

#4) Science Center/Area Supplies

#5) Collecting Critters (Insects)

#6) Mad Science Theme for Clubs and Parties

***If you have interesting science ideas for any of the category sections~please share them through the contact page! It will be added with credit given to you!

Putting this category together makes me wish I still worked in programs to do them all! Glad my grandchildren indulge me!!! Be sure to include science fun in your program!  Barb Shelby

Include Science in your school-age programs!

Some of the following ideas would be great for a Science Club, project, experiment or demonstration...Lots in these three sections to get you on your way!

FIRST, SOME FYI FOR PROGRAM CLUBS & EXPERIMENTS...

Don't be afraid of Science! If you are a novice in presenting 'Science Activities' - this section includes a little background.  It never hurts to know a 'little bit'...Plan your activities and it could very well become the hi-light of your program! (Also great fun to do at home.) You may find out that you've been doing some science all along!!!

WHAT IS A SCIENCE PROJECT?
The idea behind a science project is to see what happens if...
What happens to one thing if you change something else while you keep all of the other conditions the same? All of a sudden you're a scientist.
That's the heart of all research, and a science project is just another name for research.

One thing to keep in mind:
Science PROJECTS are NOT the same as science demonstrations. The idea behind a science project is to learn something new--through an experiment. You might guess the result beforehand, but you won't know for sure what will happen until you try out the experiment.

A DEMONSTRATION is different. It's fun to show that vinegar and baking soda together cause a reaction, for example. And if the reaction occurs like a volcano, you really do see the reaction explode. But that's all it is--a demonstration. No new information is discovered. You know exactly what the reaction is going to be.

PARTS OF A SCIENCE PROJECT:
While your science project may be simpler than a scientist's, it still needs to follow the same basic steps that make up the Scientific Process.
1.  The Research Question
2.  The Hypothesis
3.  The Procedure
4.  The Results
5.  The Conclusion

GENERAL CATEGORIES OF SCIENCE-With ideas included in each!

TAKE THINGS APART (Technology)

When children ask, "How does this work?" help them to find out.

• Provide non-working toasters, clocks, VCR’s, tape recorders, radios and other appliances to disassemble.
• Remove electrical cords and establish guidelines for taking things apart (Provide adult supervision, at this table, no more than 2 children at a time, etc.).
• Facilitators can teach safe use of tools at disassembly stations where screwdrivers, pliers, and bins for sorting screws and small parts are stored.

MOVE THINGS AROUND! (Physics)

•  Ask kids to predict how far cars will roll. Mark predictions with tape and measure the actual distances. Compare. Change the length and angles of ramps and compare results.
• Connect PVC pipes to roll marbles or running water downhill to fill containers or connect with other pipes.
• Use pulleys to move buckets of dirt across a yard.
• Create wheeled platforms to move heavy objects.
• Help children set up ramps at different angles to roll Matchbox cars.

CAPTURE THE MOMENT (Biology)

1.  When children find a frog, roly-poly bugs, moths, or an anthill, offer a magnifying glass or microscope for looking very closely.
2.  If they notice birds building a nest, provide binoculars and help them make regular observations to record what they see.
3.  Compare observations over time. Ask children to predict what might happen next (baby birds?)

 GROW THINGS (Horticulture)

• Grow different types of beans in wet cotton and plastic bags; tape the baggies to a window and some in a closet.
• Observe and photograph (or draw) sprouting once a week.
• Discuss differences in growth patterns and what plants need to grow. Measure and graph plant heights.
• Plant a garden and eat harvested vegetables.
• Discuss what animals and plants need for growing well.

INTRODUCE MEASUREMENT (Math)

 Offer measuring tapes, rulers, thermometers, balance scales, measuring cups, clocks, hour-glasses.

• Stand-on scales and help children weigh and measure everything...shoes, feet, living plants, table heights, how many minutes it takes to eat lunch, how long each child naps, etc.
• Record measurements, repeat often, and discuss what changes and what stays the same.

CHANGE THINGS (Chemistry)

• Observe frozen and boiling water and steam. Discuss what happens when water changes state.
• Help children make Jell-O or ice cream. (Remember cooking and making play dough, goop, gak and slime is also science! Anything that turns liquid into a solid is science!)
• Ask them to predict the effects of mixing cinnamon, salt, sugar, clean sand, and dirt into water.
• Experiment and draw results.

STIMULATE A SENSE OF WONDER (Scientific Method)

• Ask open-ended questions like "I wonder what might happen if..." or "If we change the temperature (or size, or shape,  or location), what do you think will happen?"
• Answer their questions by asking, "How might we find out?" Encourage predictions.
• Offer materials for experiments. Test out ideas. Discuss results. Ask more open-ended questions.
• Teachers do not need to have all the answers. What you need is curiosity, a little planning, some interesting "stuff," and pleasure in watching young scientists develop.

KIDS LIKE TO COLLECT THINGS

Capitalize on this interest by encouraging youth to bring their finds to your program for your science center. Example:

• LOTS of kids have rock collections. Do a geology theme and have kids bring in interesting and different rocks and minerals they have collected.  
• Provide field guides and a mineral test kit to identify each rock or mineral sample. They can learn about the properties of rocks and minerals as they perform tests on their own specimens, checking the streak, color, hardness, luster, and more.

 The same principle of collecting, identifying, and sharing can be used for botany, insects, and more. Click here if you'd like to visit the Everything about Critters Category. (Insects)

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Have fun with Science! Barb Shelby

THE SCIENCE OF ANIMALS and PLANTS

 
      STUDY LIFE CYCLES!

• The animal world is full of amazing transformations. Have students experience them first hand through life cycle studies. Hang a Butterfly Rearing Kit in the room so they can observe the day-by-day changes from caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly.
• For something less familiar, get a LADYBUG Habitat and show them the incredible change from strange alligator-like larvae to the ladybugs we all recognize.)
• IN THE SPRING, students can search for their own tadpoles and caterpillars.
  They will love caring for the live creatures and watching their progress every day. Encourage them to carefully observe and journal about the changes they see.

 

      ***Get a FROG HATCHERY kit! Children can then watch tadpoles grow legs and become frogs.

HATCH A BUTTERFLY GARDEN!
We have started one of the Butterfly Gardens that you can buy in science stores or catalogs. We got ours from amazon.com--- It is a HUGE hit. This is a wonderful experience from 3 to 30!!!

1. The caterpillars arrive in a sealed container with everything they need--all you have to do is observe them.
2.  After a week, we placed the cocoons in the habitat, and out hatched five gorgeous butterflies. We have only had them for two weeks, and the butterflies have tripled in size; they are spinning "silk' that the children like to call cob webs. We'll soon let the Monarchs go...
Tips: If you live where it's cold--be sure to order more towards springtime--I received my order in a couple days. They change very quickly, so watch each day and take photographs! From Sara in Oakbrook

***Idea: As director of a day care--I find that the children really like taking care of live pets. We have pet hermit crabs in our science area. We care for them and also observe shell changes, molting, and speed of movement. The older children chart the changes and seasons.
There is also an area that has live plants and the children are assigned to water and care for these. Also remember--cooking and baking is science. I think on this site there a reminder that turning "liquid into solids with cooking" is science. We do a lot of cooking with the kids. From pre-k to school age--cooking is scheduled in weekly activities!
From: Jenny in Michigan

SPROUTING SPROUTS

1.  Take a small zip-lock bag and using a needle, punch a few holes in the bottom seam of the bags.
2.  Get some alfalfa or mung bean seeds and place a teaspoon of seeds in each bag.
3.  Zip the bag closed and have children place the bag in a bowl of warm water.
4.  Soak the seeds overnight.
5.  The next day, take the bag out of the water and let it drain; have it sit in indirect sunlight the rest of the day. For the next few days, have children dunk the bags in water for a few seconds and then drain and put back in indirect light. 6.  On the fourth day, have your child set the seeds IN THE SUN.
Have fun watching the sprouts turn green.
7.  BE SURE TO USE THE BEANS! When ready eat the sprouts by sprinkling them on top of a green salad, on a sandwich or on top of cream cheese spread on crackers.

GROWING POPCORN IN A BAGGIE
Instructions: Take a plastic zip-loc baggie, put cotton balls in it and saturate cotton balls with water. Put popcorn kernels into the bag, seal it and tape to a window. Add water as needed and watch the plants grow. Transfer to potting soil later.

#1 SODA BOTTLE GREENHOUSE...
Materials:
2 clear 2-liter bottles (soda)
Sand
Dirt
Seeds
1.  Cut one bottle so that the bottom is approximately 4" high--this creates the bottom and base of the green house.
2.  Next, cut the second bottle so it's about 9" high this will be the "lid" or top for your house.
3.  Place small aount of potting soil in the bottom of the 4" base.
4.  Add soil and seeds. Water the seeds--- then slip the top over it to create a “greenhouse”.
5.  Put in sunny place and plants will appear in 2-5 days -- depending on the seeds you use.

#2 SODA BOTTLE GREENHOUSE

 1.) Thoroughly wash and dry the clear plastic bottle. A clear juice bottle or 2-liter soda bottle works. With the scissors, cut all the way around the bottle to carefully remove the top one-third of the bottle.

2.) Place about 1 inch of loose grave in the bottom of the bottle, then add about 3 inches of potting soil.

3.) Make small holes in the dirt and plant the small plants or seedlings in the soil, just deep enough to cover the roots.

4.) Add a few drops of water in the bottle, but do not soak the soil. As the bottle will be almost an enclosed garden only a little bit of water is necessary.

5.) Gently place the top part of the bottle back in place on top of the planted section. Use the wide clear tape to secure the 2 parts of the bottle together. (You may need an extra pair of hands for this part.) Once the sections are back together and in place, if you desire, you can decorate the bottle with sticky-backed ribbon to cover the joint where the bottle sections are taped together.

 6.) Place the green house in a sunny warm location and water only when necessary. You do not need to keep the lid on the bottle as the air and condensation will give the plants all the nutrition they need to grow into healthy, thriving plants. Source: Source:eHow.com

MIGHTY SEED: Learn about: exothermic reactions- Observe the power of seeds when you try to limit their growth.
Materials:
Clear plastic cup;
5 tablespoons of Plaster of Paris;
2 or more tablespoons of water;
Plastic spoon for mixing;
 Dropper
3 soybeans
1. Put the plaster of Paris in the plastic cup
2. Add 2 tablespoons of water and mix.
3. Continue to add drops of water until the mixture has the consistency of a very thick milkshake.
4. Push the soybeans into the plaster until they are covered and then smooth the surface.

Now, explore! What do you think will happen to the soybeans? Make regular observations. What happens? Why?

5.  The next day add a tablespoon of water to the cup and continue to make observations. What happens? Why?  What's Going On?

• Seeds require moisture and warmth to germinate. In this case the seed absorbs moisture from the plaster mixture.
• As the seed absorbs water it increases in size and applies pressure to the surrounding plaster. This force, combined with the strength of the germinating sprout, causes the plaster to crack and allows the shoot to grow up through the plaster.
• This strength and ability to grow in adverse conditions allows plants to survive in a wide range of environments.
• You may also notice that when water is mixed with plaster the cup becomes warm. A chemical reaction which gives off heat like this is known as an "exothermic reaction." Source:: cosi.org

SWEET POTATO VINE #1
Need: One healthy sweet potato; 2-litre, clear soda bottle; three tooth picks or wooden skewers, water, clean stones or gravel.
Easy Instructions:
1.  Cut the top off your bottle (start cut with a sharp knife, then use scissors).
2.  Place stones or gravel in bottom of bottle.
3.  Suspend your potato, narrow end down, into the bottle. Use toothpicks, punched into potato and resting on sides of bottle, to hold in place.
4.  Fill bottle with water so that at least half of your potato is submerged.
5.  Your sweet potato vine should show new roots within a week or two. Leafy purple sprouts will appear shortly after. Use a magnifying glass to see tiny root hairs and to examine little sprouts. Ask students to PREDICT what will happen next.

TIP: A sweet potato purchased from a natural foods store or farmers' market may sprout sooner than one from a supermarket--because it's less likely to have been sprayed with a sprout inhibitor.

EXTENSION IDEA:
Before you prepare your experiment, ASK students what plants eat. The general answer to this question is "nutrients collected from soil by roots." But what about plants grown in water? Students may guess that there are nutrients in what appears to be pure, clear water. Are there enough to support a whole, big plant?

WHAT IS YOUR VINE EATING?

• A sweet potato is a root tuber, a fleshy root that stores food for a plant and produces adventitious shoots or shoots growing from unusual positions--in this case, out of the sides of the root.
• What's happening to the potato, itself?  Your vine will continue to grow for months if you are careful to replenish water and/or change it when your bottle becomes cloudy.
• You may wish to plant your sweet potato outdoors in the spring, after danger of frost. It may not survive but, on the other hand, you may find a small crop of sweet potatoes in the fall.
• Dig up the plant and use one of the new potatoes to grow another vine.
  ______________________________________

SWEET POTATO VINE #2
1.  Using four toothpicks have child suspend the vegetable on the rim of a jar or mug filled with water.
2.  Make sure the bottom half - the pointed end - is under water.
3.  Place in a sunny spot and change or add water as needed.
4.  In a few days, roots will form below the water. And, two to three weeks later, leaves and stems will sprout from the top.
5.  Continue to grow the plant in water or, after a month or two, pot the sweet potato in a houseplant potting mix.
6.   Keep the soil moist.
7.  The stems are weak, so help children tie them to strings, wire or a stake.
8.  Feed once a month with a balanced water-soluble fertilizer such as 20-20-20. As the vine grows, cut it back a few inches to force the plant to grow bushy. Some are treated with heat to keep them from sprouting on grocery-store shelves, but most grow roots in a matter of days after being placed in water.

CARROT TOPS:

As the project is written, it is geared to GRADES 6 to 8; however, it can be adapted to ANY grade level.
QUESTION: Can a plant grow from just the top of a carrot?
RESEARCH: What kind of root does a carrot have? Why is the root so big? What is needed for a plant to grow?
HYPOTHESIS: Can the carrot top provide what is needed for the plant to grow?
MATERIALS: Shallow container, 4 carrots

1. Cut about half an inch off the end of the carrot that has the leaves. Cut the leaves off close to the base of the carrot.
2. Put the carrots into the container with the cut side down.
3. Add enough water to cover about half the carrot top.
4. Place the container in a well-lighted window.
5. Observe the carrot tops each day for any changes. Remember the changes may start out small and change slowly. Look for new leaves and roots.
6. Use a metric ruler to measure any growth you may observe.
7. Continue your observations for six days and write your report on the sixth day. Or---just have fun observing the carrot, while making observations along the way!

TEACHER/CAREGIVER SECTION FOR CARROTS:
POSSIBLE HYPOTHESIS: No growth will occur since the carrot is not living-OR Leaves will grow since even this small part of the plant is still living.
POSSIBLE CONCLUSION: The carrot top should show some new growth each day. The student should discuss the possible reasons for the growth.
Adapted from Judy Schneider

 
CARNATION SCIENCE
Here is a great little "science" project that will amaze younger children.
1.  Get a white carnation.
2.  Leave it out of water to 1 - 2 hours until it starts to wilt a bit.
3.  Cut 1" from the stem.
4.  Place carnation in red-colored (or other color) water made by adding red food coloring to water.
5.  Cover 6" of stem with water. Observe what happens to the carnation.

RED WHITE AND BLUE CARNATIONS...
Make tie-dyed looking red, white and blue carnations. These flowers look great for any red-white & blue theme!.
You’ll Need:
2 glasses
Water
Red and blue food coloring
White carnations
Green thread
1.  Pour water into a glass of water. Add 7 to 8 drops of red food coloring to the glass.
2.  Pour water into another glass and add 7 to 8 drops of blue food coloring to the glass.
3.  Cut the stem of a white carnation lengthwise. This will make the carnation stem into two thin stems.
4.  Set the two glasses of colored water together. Put half of the stem of the carnation into the red water and the other half into the blue water.
5.  Let the carnation sit for a few hours. The carnation will begin to change gradually into red and blue.
6.  Take the flower out of the mixture in just a few hours before the colors can change the white carnation entirely. You want it so that some of the white is still on the carnation.
7.  Wrap the stems together with green thread and place the carnation into a clear vase of water. Make several flowers and show off your beautiful red, white and blue flowers in a vase.

OSMOTIC CELERY: Cut the bottom of celery stalks and set them in glasses of tinted water; the longer the stalks are in water, the deeper the color will be. The stalks will absorb the color and then the kids can eat them!

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Compiled by Barbara Shelby

MISCELLANEOUS SCIENCE EXPERIEMENTS

DIET COKE & MENTOS ERUPTION
(Do this outside)  This is also known as a Mentos Eruption, Soda Geyser or just Diet Coke and Mentos.
This is a reaction between Mentos candy and cola. The experiment involves dropping several Mentos candies (usually 5–8) into a bottle of diet cola resulting in an eruption occurring because of rapidly expanding carbon dioxide bubbles on the surface of the Mentos.

If you want an explanation:
There are various theories being debated as to the exact scientific explanation of the phenomenon, many scientists claim that it is a physical reaction and not a chemical one. Water molecules strongly attract each other, linking together to form a tight connection around each bubble of carbon dioxide gas in the soda. To form a new bubble, water molecules must push away from one another. It takes extra energy to break this surface tension. So, in other words, water resists the expansion of bubbles in the soda.

When Mentos are dropped into soda, the gellan gum and gum arabic of the candy dissolves and breaks the surface tension. This disturbs the water connection, so that it takes less work to expand and form new bubbles. Each Mentos candy has thousands of tiny pores over its surface. These tiny pores function as nucleation sites, perfect places for carbon dioxide bubbles to form. As soon as the Mentos enter the soda, bubbles form all over their surface. They quickly sink to the bottom, causing carbon dioxide to be released by the carbonated liquid with which they come into contact along the way. The sudden increase in pressure pushes all of the liquid up and out of the bottle.
From: wikipedia.org
_______________________
ALKA-SELTZER ROCKET
....is a model rocket fashioned from a 35mm film canister and propelled by the generation of gas from an effervescent liquid. It is often used in science classes to demonstrate principles of chemistry and physics to students.

1.  In the experiment, a film canister is filled with water and an effervescent tablet (commonly Alka-Seltzer) and tightly sealed.
2.  After a short time, the evolved carbon dioxide reaches sufficient pressure to cause the body of the canister to be launched into the air with a popping sound.
3.  The canister may be elaborated with paper fins to resemble more closely a real rocket.

Lessons based around the Alka-Seltzer rocket can focus on a number of principles. For example, the students are sometimes asked to experiment with the amounts of water and Alka-Seltzer to find the combination which propels the rocket the greatest distance.
Alternatively they may derive equations to calculate the speed and velocity of the rocket from the distance it travels.
Source: wikipedia.org

BONES!

If budget can afford it...purchase a life sized, plastic replica of a human skeleton. The children will be able to investigate how the bones are shaped, how the sizes related to each other and how the joints are restricted or facilitate movement. Children will clearly see how their own bones work. The cost would be about $50 but will be used for many years!....
(I'm known for my wackiness! Play the song Dem Bones-Barb)

 An inexpensive and easily found alternative for hands-on skeleton activities can be found at the supermarket. Bones from turkeys', chickens' and pigs' feet can be cleaned and given to the children to reassemble.
Idea from: findarticles.com

WET DIAPER SCIENCE
What it Teaches

: Polymers, absorption
What you Need: Diapers, resealable plastic bags, clear plastic cups, plastic teaspoons, water, blue food coloring
What to Do:

•  Show students a diaper. Once the giggles subside, ask them to guess how much water they think the diaper can hold, and record their responses.
• Invite small groups to cut out the waist and leg bands of a diaper and place the remainder in a bag.
• Separate the layers of the diaper and seal the bag.
• Shake the bag for two minutes. Kids will see a dry powder resting at the bottom. Have them remove everything from the bag except for this powder.
• Pour the powder (sodium polyacrylate) into a cup.
• Ask students to pour four ounces of water into a separate cup and add four drops of blue food coloring.
• Slowly spoon water into the cup with the powder, keeping track of the amount as you go.
  How does the powder change? (It should now be a gel.)
  Challenge students to predict how much more water this gel can hold.
• Continue to add spoonfuls of water, keeping track of the amount of water added and recording observations along the way, until the water no longer soaks into the gel. Ask students to determine how much water the powder can hold.
  WHAT'S GOING ON: Sodium polyacrylate is a super-absorbent polymer that absorbs up to 300 times its weight in water. It is used in baby diapers to keep wetness away from a baby's skin. This polymer is also used as a soil substitute.
  Source:thefreelibrary.com

MOO GOO
What it Teaches: Polymerization, physical properties
What you Need: One cup whole milk, two tablespoons white vinegar, hot plate, strainer (makes enough for four students but can easily be doubled)
What to Do:

• Warm the milk in a pan, but do not boil.
• Remove the pan from the heat and slowly stir in the vinegar.
• Continue to stir until a white rubbery substance forms in the liquid.
• Strain the liquid from the rubbery substance. If you've done the diaper experiment above, kids may correctly guess that they have created a polymer.
• Divide the polymer among students and ask them to gently pat and roll it to remove any remaining liquid.
  Test its physical properties. Kids will discover it stretches, bounces, and sticks to a surface.
  WHAT'S GOING ON: This is a very nasty-tasting, yet edible, experiment. Cow's milk is loaded with the polymer casein, a protein. Without this polymer, cheese would come unglued. The casein is suspended in milk, but the vinegar causes cross-linking of the casein chains, resulting in visible clumping of the polymer. Casein is used in some glue. Without casein, glue would come unglued too.
  Source: thefreelibrary.com

MIRROW DRAWING
Materials you will need:
Pencil
Paper
Mirror
Steps:
1. Draw a simple shape like a star or heart.
2. Place the mirror upright behind your drawing so that you can see it in the mirror.
3. Try drawing over your shape while looking into the mirror (keeping your eyes on the mirror all the time and not your paper).
When looking in the mirror, the top of your picture becomes the bottom. This makes it very difficult to copy your drawing (especially when the lines change direction).

WHIRLY GIG SPINNER-HOW LONG CAN YOU SPIN?
Need:
Film canister lid
Construction paper
Bamboo skewer
Tape
Scissors
1.  Cut a circle out of construction paper, about the size of a DVD or CD.
2.  Tape a film canister lid to the center of the paper circle. (You can draw a design on it-that would look interesting spinning)
3.  With an adult- poke or drill a hole through the film canister lid.
4.  Poke the skewer through the hole in the lid.
5.  Keep the paper circle near the point of the skewer. Give the skewer a twirl.

HOW DOES IT WORK?
The paper circle gives the skewer extra mass. When you twirl the skewer, you also twirl all the mass of the paper circle. A spinning mass tends to keep spinning unless something like friction slows it down.
About 72% of kids can make it spin MORE than 10 seconds...
Source: pbskids.org

BOTTLED AIR
You will need an empty soda bottle and deflated balloon.
1.  Show an empty soda bottle to the group & announce that although the bottle may look empty, you can prove that it's actually full.
2.  Put a deflated balloon into the bottle---stretching the open end of the balloon over the mouth of the bottle.
3.  Can your friend blow up the balloon while it's inside the bottle?? NO WAY!
4.  WHY? No matter how hard you blow, you will not be able to blow up the balloon while it is inside the bottle. This is because the bottle is already completely full--of air. Even though it's invisible, air takes up space.

DOLLAR PICK UP TRICK
Even George Washington couldn't do this dollar pick-up trick! Tell the children you'll give them each a dollar if they can pick it up from the floor. But there is a catch: They have to pick it up using your instructions. You'll have fun fooling them with this easy indoor game for kids.
You'll need a dollar bill and a wall…
Step 1: Have children stand with their feet together and heels up against a wall.
Step 2: Put dollar bills on the floor 12 inches in front of their feet.
Step 3: Tell them to pick up the dollars without bending their knees or moving their feet.
It is impossible to do! Why? When you are standing against a wall, your center of gravity is over your feet. If you bend forward, you have to move your center of gravity forward to keep your balance. Since you can't move your feet during this trick, you're flat out of luck. But that's better than being flat on your face!
Source: creativekidsathome.com

RINGING EARS
Materials:
A Fork
A Spoon
3 feet of String/Thread
Steps:
1. Take the string and tie the fork to the centre of the string/thread.
2. Take one end of the string/thread and tie it around your right index finger (pointer), then tie the other end of the string/thread around your left index (pointer) finger.
3. Place your fingers (index/pointer) to your ears and let the fork dangle in front of you.
4. Get someone to tap the fork with the spoon. You should hear loud ringing in your ears.
The ringing sound travels up the string/thread to your ears.
You could tie other metal objects to the string/thread to see what sounds travel to your ears.

MUMMIFICATION PROCESS... Discover how the Ancient Egyptians used drying as one step…
 
#1 EXPERIMENT: FISH MUMMY
Need:
l raw fish from the market
Two boxes of baking soda
Kitchen scale
Plastic container with a lid
1.  Weigh the fish on a kitchen scale.
2.  Coat the fish inside and out with baking soda, and bury it completely in baking soda in the plastic container. Let it sit this way for a week in a cool shady place (in a refrigerator, if you like).
3.  After a week, take it out, dust it off, and weigh it again. Re-bury it in fresh baking soda, for another whole week.
4.  Take it out and weigh it once more.
What does the fish look, feel, and smell like?

HOW’S IT WORK?
Baking soda acts as a preservative and drying agent. The weight loss you noticed is due to the removal of water by the baking soda. Drying the fish is essential to making it a mummy. What happened after the first week? After the second week?

Notes from a boy who did it…Jordan, 6th Grade, NY
I tried the experiment called "Fish Mummy" On the first week when I took the fish out; the first thing I noticed was the smell. It smelled like the most disgusting thing you can think of. I described it as rotting eggs. The next thing I noticed was what it felt like. It was kind of stiff. I thought that it would have felt like Jell-O. On the second week that I took the fish out the smell wasn't as strong as usual. It didn't smell as bad.
Adapted from: pbskids.org

PROJECT #2: MUMMIFIED APPLE
You Need:
1/2 apple
1 Popsicle or craft stick
1 medium-sized plastic bags that seals
Natron Solution: 1/4 cup table salt, 1/2 cup sodium carbonate (powder bleach), and 1/2 cup baking soda; Stir together--this makes enough to do one apple. You may maximize this recipe as necessary.

TO DO AND OBSERVE

• Make the Natron solution (recipe above) in the plastic bag.
• Carve a face into the apple with the Popsicle stick then stick the Popsicle stick into the apple so you have a handle (like you were making a candy apple).
• Dip the apple into the Natron Solution until the face is covered, and leave the apple in the bag.
• Safety precautions: Do NOT eat the apple or the Natron Solution; wash your hands after the activity and don't touch your eyes or mouth until you wash your hands. You might want to wear plastic safety goggles. Leave the bag open in an upright position to allow air to flow.

Record your observations as your apple mummifies. What happens to the apple once it is covered with the Natron Solution? How much time does it take for the apple to turn into a "mummy"?  (The mummification of the apple may take up to two weeks. Source: tryscience.org

SINK OR FLOAT

CAN YOU SINK AN ORANGE?
You will need: A Bowl, Water, and an Orange
1.  Fill the bowl with water.
2.  Put in the orange...What happens to the orange?  See if you can get the orange to sink.
3.  Take the orange and peel it.
4.  Place the peeled orange back in the bowl of water. What happens this time?
5.  The orange sinks because the orange peel if full of trapped air pockets, therefore making the orange light for its size (so   it floats).
6.  When you remove the peel (including the air pockets) the orange weighs a lot for it.

Along with the above experiment try a ‘Sink or Float with a Pumpkin or Watermelon!

• Fill a bin or aquarium or tub half full with water. Place everyday items near the bin. Get the kids to guess which items would sink and which ones would float. Have youth write their guesses in their notebooks. Then do the experiments to determine if they were right or not.
• Be sure to add a watermelon to the guess! (You can eat it afterwards!) Pumpkins are also fun. The pumpkin and watermelon will float because its mass is less than the mass of water it displaces. This is due primarily because the inside of the pumpkin and melon are hollow. It is mostly air, which has a much lower mass than water.

CATCH AN ICE CUBE
Need: Ice cubes, cup of water, string, salt
1.  Float an ice cube in the cup of water.
2.  Carefully lay one end of a piece of string on the floating cube.
3.  Sprinkle a pinch of salt onto the string and wait for about 30 seconds.
4.  Pick up the string, and WOW, you caught an ice cube
5.  But what else can you use besides salt? Try sugar, pepper, sand, flour, you name it. See what works, and what doesn't, and try to figure out why!
How's it work?
Salt that dissolves on the ice cube lowers its freezing point, which means that it actually melts faster than normal in the cup. After some of the salt washes away, a little bit of the water on the cube re-freezes, trapping the string with it. Substances that dissolve in water can lower the freezing point of ice, while things that don't dissolve can't.

From Jacy, age 12, MN (Catch an Ice Cube)
First I collected the materials that were needed. When I started with the salt and ice, I found that the salt melts the ice and then it refroze over the string. You could then lift up the string and the ice cube would be hanging from it. I tried doing this experiment with other substances like sugar, pepper, baking soda, and baking powder. I found that none of them worked like salt did to make the string stick to the ice cube. The experiment was cool.
Adapted from: pbskids.org

THREE CRYSTAL EXPERIMENTS
 
#1 CRYSTAL SHAPES
NEED: Epsom salt, a tablespoon, a cup of water, a paper circle, a jar lid
1.  Cut out a paper circle the same size as the jar lid. Put the circle in the lid.
2.  Measure 4 big tablespoons of Epsom salt. Don't worry if you add too much - the more, the better.
3.  Dissolve all 4 tablespoons in the water and stir the mixture thoroughly.
4.  Pour the water mixture into the jar lid. Stick the lid in a place where it won't be disturbed. It will take a few days, but let the water evaporate and see what happens!

HOW’S IT WORK?
In a few days, the water will evaporate from the lid. But the Epsom salt will be left behind. The salt will build up into its own unique crystal shape. You can make a miniature rock forest.
Source: pbskids.org
_____________________
#2 CHRYSTAL GARDEN
Materials: Water, Alum (found in the spice section of supermarkets or drugstore), Clear glass bowl, Clean rocks and pebbles
1.  Bring 1/2 cup of water to a boil.
2.  Add 2 ounces of alum, stirring until the alum is dissolved.
3.  Pour the solution into a clear glass bowl half filled with assorted clean rocks and pebbles.
4.  Within hours you should be able to see alum crystals forming as glass-like squares. Within several days you should have a number of crystals to look at.

______________________
#3 CRYSTAL SNOWFLAKES
1.  Cut a white pipe cleaner into 3 equal sections and twist it together to make a six-sided flake.
2.  Tie a string from point to point to form the pattern.
3.  Also, tie a piece to the top of one of the pipe cleaners and tie the other end to a pencil (This is for the snowflake to hang from)
4.  Fill a wide mouth jar, cup or glass with boiling water.
5.  Mix in Borax one tablespoon at a time (3 Tablespoons per cup of water) and stir it until it’s dissolved. (It’s alright if there is some settling.)
6.   If desired, add a little blue food coloring at this point to tint the snow flake.

Totally immerse the snowflake in your solution. Rest the pencil on the top of the container letting the flake suspend freely in the solution. Wait overnight and the next day the children will have a snowflake covered with tiny crystals.

CRAFTY Science...This one is fun!!!!!
TOOTHPICK TOWERS:

1.  Prepare large Ziploc bags with kids' names written on them.
2.  Put small Ziploc bags inside the large ones.
3.  Fill one small bag with about 100 toothpicks, another one with Tootsie Rolls, another one with Cheese Puffs, and the last one with Gummy Bears.
4.  The kids' task is to BUILD THE TALLEST, MOST STABLE STRUCTURE, using the materials provided.
EXTENSION IDEA:
You can have the kids make structures that resemble molecule shapes using the same materials. The activity then becomes "Make a Molecule Center."

MAKE PAPER FROM TOILET PAPER!
Materials:
Toilet paper (use an inexpensive brand – the coarser the better)
Empty plastic water bottle
Kitchen strainer
Large dry sponge
Old newspapers
Rolling pin
Waxed paper
Food coloring (optional)

1. First of all, make sure you have plenty of working space for this activity. Cover a table with newspaper to limit the mess.
 
2. Place 10 squares of toilet paper in the water bottle. Fill the bottle half full with water and close securely. If desired, you can add a few drops of food coloring to the bottle to create colored paper.

3. Have children count to 100 as they shake the bottle. This shaking will allow the toilet paper and water to make pulp.

4. Once the mixture looks like “slush”, the pulp is ready. Pour the pulp into the strainer in a thin, flat layer. Squeeze as much excess water out of the pulp as you can.

5. Prepare a working space with layers of newspaper to absorb the water. Without moving the layer of pulp with your hands, flip the strainer and let the pulp fall onto the layer of newspaper. Cover the pulp with a piece of waxed paper and use the rolling pin to squeeze out any excess water. Remove the waxed paper and place the sponge on the paper to absorb the excess water. You may have to repeat this process several times.

6. Once you’ve removed all of the excess water, allow the paper to dry overnight. The children now have their own piece of handmade paper. They can decorate the paper the next day, use it to write a note, or make a gift tag or pin. Be creative!

TRY MAKING... AN ERUPTING VOLCANO...#1 Version 

• Fill a child’s swim pool or sandpit with lots of slightly moist sand.
• Get the kids to each make a volcano sand mound with a hole in the center
• Place a small disposable cup in the hole; put in 1 tablespoon of baking soda plus 2 tablespoons of water in order to make it dissolve.
• Add 2 tablespoons of vinegar to which you have added a few drops of red food coloring, then watch it erupt!
  You can repeat the activity over and over again.

VOLCANO #2

1.  Before the eruption event, form a piece of modeling clay about the size of a baseball into a mountain shape.
2.  Put the shape on waxed paper.
3.  Using your fingers, pinch the sides of the clay to form lumps that look like lava coming down the sides of the volcano.
4.  Poke a hole in the middle of the volcano. Let the clay dry overnight.
5.  Paint the volcano with brown paint. Let the paint dry thoroughly.
....To make your volcano active: Put 1 tsp of baking soda in the center of the volcano. Then add 1 tbsp of vinegar to make it erupt. Watch out!

Volcano #3  Materials you will need: 

 1/4 Cup of Vinegar 
 Red Food Coloring 
 Liquid Dishwashing Soap 
 1 Tablespoon Baking Soda 
 Modeling Clay (Plasticine) 
 Newspaper or Vinyl Table Cover
     Steps
1. Clear a work surface and cover it with newspaper or a vinyl table cover.
2. Model a volcano out of modeling clay. You could use red clay around the top of the volcano to make it look like red-hot lava. 3. Make a hole at the top of the volcano.
4. Stir in 1 tablespoon of baking soda
5. Add a few drops of red food coloring
6. Add a few drops of liquid dishwashing detergent.
7. Get ready! Pour in ¼ cup of vinegar and stand back!!!
The eruption is acid meeting another substance called an alkali.

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Compiled by Barbara Shelby

It's important that parents and educators see child care staff as professionals! We want to be perceived as individuals who care about the development, interests and education of the children and families we serve.

What does the environment of program space have to do with our image?

The environment in which we house our programs speaks volumes!  It is the first impression made on those entering the program space. It tells others what we are doing.

• Are we organized?
• Is the program stimulating?
• Is is a place where children are safe, learn, have their needs met and have a good time?

What does your space say about your program and the people working in it? Use the following check list to gage how you're doing.

Room Organization Check List for Child Care Programs
What Should be Included?

1. Make rooms look and feel homey and attractive…

• Store materials in their appropriate activity centers and/or large labeled containers
• Keep areas organized, neat and clean
• Display attractive bulletin boards
• Personalize space with children's work and play
• Include soft elements such as pillows, carpets, bean bag chairs and mats. A large “patio umbrella” and rug lends a nice touch in the “relaxing/quiet” area
• Use color and forethought where possible. (Bright plastic tablecloths, table-tent signs indicating the activity for “That” table, silk/paper flowers, posters, etc.)
• Play soft, soothing music in early a.m. and late p.m., sign-In and stressful moments. Use appropriate music at other times such as transitions, games, clean up, etc.
• Have a welcoming entrance; post a ‘Welcome’ sign. Make a sign for over the entrance-saying “This is a Fun Place!”

2. Provide “Parents/General Information” Center…This center Is placed adjacent to “Parent’s Sign-in” area. It contains:

• Business postings from the main office
• General daily schedule/routine (What is offered at what time)
• Current month’s activity plans
• Current month’s gym activity plans
• Staff photographs with short, professional/interest biographies
• Snack List (What is served for the week or a reminder for children to bring their snack)
• Monthly program newsletters (Also share with host-building staff)
• Reminder to “Check-Out the Kid’s Center”
• Suggestion/idea box
• Attendance schedule changes, pens, note paper, stapler and tissue. (Make this area user friendly)
• Periodic articles on current child development and timely topics
• Occasional program memos
• Recipes/directions used in popular SAC activities (cooking project, play dough, etc.)
• ‘Mission Statement” and all licensing requirements posted.

3. Peace Wall (Or any name you choose to call it) This is an area where 'Behavior Management Tools' are posted. It tells both children and staff what is expected. It gives information on  limits, expectations and boundaries of the program. It contains:

• Children's Rules
• Color Rules (For those who don’t read yet)
• Conflict Resolution Steps (Problem Solving Steps)
• Self-Esteem Posters
• Behavior management tools of the school if the program's host is a school.

4. Kid’s Center (Near the Peace Wall; if possible it is up at all times) If you share space and do not have wall space, place a  tri-fold board with information near the Parent Information Center.
    It should contain:

• Children’s current events and activitiesUpcoming events and activities
• Sign up sheets for clubs, classes, and special activities
• Current Info for “on-going activities”
• Directions and recipes for Special Activities
• Children's work
• Unit or theme pictures/seasonal materials
• Reminders for children’s forms/questionnaires/ contracts to be filled out and returned by youth. Examples: “Gym Contract: & “Who’s Who” Page

5. Suggested Display Areas…

• Bulletin boards   
• Windows 
• Hallways    
• Posters
• Draped materials   
• Sheets
• Oil cloths    
• In/on Parents Center/Table
• From ceiling   
• Directly on Walls (attractive when colored roll paper taped to wall like a board, surround by border; items then adhered to paper) 
•  Doorway Entrance
• Large Chalk board/white board
• Tri-Fold Boards

6. What to display…

• Children's work
• Unit or theme pictures/seasonal materials
• Photographs of children/pictures from home
• Upcoming events/activities
• Program planning/daily schedules
• Photographs of program activities and children in action (First get parental consent)

7. Use an eraser/white board at the entrance to the room; it is advisable for lead caregivers to post daily plans… This daily plan should include:

• Approximate times of activities
• What is given for snack (if supplied),
• Free time, staff and child directed activities
• Interest centers
• Scheduled activities, transition and cleanup times, announcements and discussions.

8. Arrange for adequate space…

• To accommodate the number of children
• To accommodate a variety of activities
• To provide several rooms for a large number of children rather than one room
• To accommodate extra activities such as gym, kitchen-type space, auditorium
• To provide a base room specifically for SAC
• To provide enough space so children can move about safely
• To provide areas where space is arranged for youth to be alone, or in groups.
• For storing multi-stage projects.
• For storing supplies, foods, and all necessary items to run program

9. Arrange room into activity/interest/storage centers…

• Arts & crafts, messy area near a water supply 
• Games and puzzles
• Blocks, cars, Legos, and trucks
• Reading, homework and computers
• Talking with friends and doing nothing; a quiet area
• Dramatic play
• Science and cooking activities
• Woodworking
• Music, dance and gross motor play

10. Procure sufficient equipment/materials/supplies…

• Furniture for every child to sit on at the same time
• Toys for every child to have one to play with
• A  variety of toys and materials to interest children 
  • Enough materials to eliminate waits to share scissors, paste, etc.
  • Materials are readily accessible to children
  • Creative materials are available for use without permission
  • Materials are durable and in good repair
  • Materials are available for children to do homework

11. Plan storage space…

• For children's personal things
• For extra art/craft materials
• For food serving Items
• For program records/office supplies
• For additional toys/games
• For outside and gym equipment (balls, jump ropes hula hoops, etc.)
• For staff personal things

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Compiled by Barbara Shelby

After-school snacks can be a nutritious way to make sure children get the energy and nutrients

they need to properly fuel their bodies and to ensure proper growth and development. Snacking can be part of a healthy diet --if snacks are chosen correctly. Plenty of healthy ideas below as well as some treats and novel fun!

 SOME SPEEDY AFTER-SCHOOL SNACKS :

• Bagel or English muffin pizza
• Tortilla Rollups: Roll a tortilla with shredded cheese, microwave until cheese is soft, and dip in salsa.
• Peanut butter on a mini bagel
• Cereal topped with fruit and milk
• Cheese and crackers
• Sliced salami with cheese and crackers
• Fruited yogurt topped with granola
• Cut-up vegetables dipped in low-fat ranch salad dressing
• Sunflower Seeds-Pumpkin Seeds-Nuts 
• Pretzels
• Banana Pops: Peel a banana, dip it first in yogurt and then in crushed breakfast cereal or granola; freeze.
• Celery with low-fat cream cheese
• Peanut butter on graham crackers
• Fresh fruit (cut up and ready in a bowl, easy to grab and eat)
• Canned fruit 
• Low-fat string cheese
• Breakfast bars
• Banana or apple topped with peanut butter
• Fruit Shake-Up: Put ½ cup low-fat yogurt and 1/2 cup cold fruit juice in an unbreakable, covered container. Shake it up and pour it in a cup.
• Turkey and Cheese Roll Ups
• Stuffed Celery: See a ton of great 'Stuffed Ideas" in the Warm weather snack category. Click here 
• Simple snacks such as the little goldfish and teddy grahams

KID MADE SNACK MIX!
Put out several ingredients from the below list:
Raisins
Goldfish crackers, plain or cheese
Chex cereal
Life cereal
Cheerios
Square pretzels or pretzel sticks
Nuts (only if no children in your group are allergic to nuts)
Yogurt covered raisins
A mixture of m&m’s, chocolate chips, mini marshmallows

• Put your variety of ingredients out in bowls.
• After kids wash their hands--give them each a baggy. To keep track of whose is whose it is-have them write their name on it)
• The ingredient will then go into each child's baggy with their choice of mixes.
• Let them know how much measurement-wise they can take of offered foods; also how many choices they can have. Example: ½ cup of 4 foods.

ALMOST S'MORES #1
Take 1 graham cracker and 1 tbsp. chocolate frosting. Break each cracker into four secions and spread frosting on two. Place the oter two cracker on top to make sandwiches.

EASY ALMOST S'MORES #2

Use Marshmallow Fluff! TAKE chocolate-covered grahams and spread them with Marshmallow Fluff for easy, no-bake S'Mores!

 

#3 SALTY S'MORES
Ingredients:
Peanut Butter, Saltine Crackers, Marshmallows
...Spread Peanut butter onto saltine crackers.
...Place a marshmallow on top of peanut butter.
...Place in toaster oven until marshmallow is golden brown.
...Cool...Eat!

SANDWICH ON A STICK

 Ingredients: Bread, cheese, lunch meat, grape tomatoes, lettuce, pickles, olives.
Ingredients can be served in bowls and children choose what they like and then slide onto their skewer.
1. Cut up cubes of bread, cheese, and lunch meat (1/2-inch-thick cubes of ham and turkey are good).
2. Slide the cubes onto a skewer (long pick) with other foods the children like, such as a grape tomato, a piece of lettuce, a pickle, or an olive.
3. Set out a side of mayo or mustard for dipping.

 CHEESE HAMMERS & TOWERS
Cut a variety of cheese into small squares. For a hammer, poke a pretzel into each one.
Children can connect their cubed cheese with the pretzel sticks to construct cheese towers.

Open- face CREAM CHEESE AND PEANUT SANDWICHES
Serves: 8 full slice or 16 half sandwiches
Ingredients:
1/2 cup (4 ounces) Philadelphia fat-free or regular cream cheese
2 tablespoons Maple Syrup
1/4 cup (1 ounce) chopped dry roasted peanuts
8 slices bread
1. In a medium bowl, stir cream cheese with a spoon until soft. Stir in maple syrup. Add peanuts. Mix well to combine.
2. For each sandwich, spread about 1.5 tablespoons filling mixture on bread.

TORTILLA & CHEESE ROLL-UPS
Ingredients:
Small flour tortillas
Colby-jack STICK cheese
Salsa, if desired

• Place one stick of Colby-jack cheese (or use mozzarella string cheese) near the edge of the flour tortilla.
• Roll the tortilla around the cheese; secure it with a toothpick (remove it later before children snack).
• Microwave until cheese is soft.
• Dip in salsa.

FALL & WINTER FRUIT SKEWERS...
1 pkg. (2.1 oz.) Ready to Serve Bacon
15 (Kraft) Cheddar & Monterey Jack Cheese Cubes
16 red or green seedless grapes
7 red or green apple chunks
7 pineapple chunks
15 wooden toothpick

• MICROWAVE bacon as directed on pkg. for less crispy slices.
• WEAVE 1 bacon slice alternately around 1 piece of cheese and 2 pieces of fruit on each toothpick.
  Source: Kraft food website

MINI-WRAPS
Lightly spread a tortilla with a little cream cheese and place one or two slices of thin ham or turkey over the cream cheese. Roll tightly and cut into small rounds.

TURN THE DAY UPSIDE DOWN!
Have a breakfast feast (or snack) with kids in the PM!
You can have breakfast any time. Cereal, eggs & bacon, waffles, French toast, or pancakes. Add juice & fruits. Budget low?
Have kids sign-up to bring in items. Breakfast is always better at night.

TURKEY ROLLUPS
Satisfy your salty, crunchy and savory cravings in one punch with this quick snack.
4 slices deli turkey breast (about 2 ounces total)
8 teaspoons honey mustard or mango chutney (or whatever kids like)
8 sesame breadsticks
Spread each slice of turkey with 2 teaspoons mustard (or mango chutney) and season with pepper if desired. Wrap each prepared turkey slice around 2 breadsticks

PEANUT BUTTER & JELLY ROLL-UPS

Spread peanut butter and jelly onto a flour tortilla. Roll...Eat

 

MAKE A SANDWICH FACE
Just put out the ingredients and let kids make and take…
Peanut Butter
Bananas - sliced
Raisins
Bread (1 slice)
M &M's candy
Spread the peanut butter on the slice of bread. Next, put 2 banana circles on the bread to look like eyes. Then use a raisin as a nose. Last, make your mouth out of M&M's candy.

MAKE A TASTY FACE
Spread peanut butter onto a rice cake.
Use jellybeans and M&M's to make facial features---

SWEET TORTILLA SHAPES

• Using small fun shaped cookie cutters cut shapes out of a flour tortilla.
• Place on non stick cookie sheet and lightly brush with a little butter.
• Lightly sprinkle (you only need a little) with a mixture of 1 part cinnamon and 3 parts brown sugar.
• Bake in a moderately hot oven for 10 minutes for a sweet and crispy treat.

CHEERIO NECKLACES
1. String Cheerios or Fruit loops onto a piece of yarn or string. (As a treat-mong thin licorice rope is also fun!)
2. Tie ends together so that they slip easily around a child’s head.
3. Children can munch on them while playing.

MARSHMALLOW STICKS
Let children make their own snack.
Set out some small marshmallows and some thin pretzel sticks.
Have children stick a pretzel in each marshmallow. Store in a small zip-lock bag.

BANANA IN A BLANKET
1 (6 inch) tortilla
1 tablespoon smooth peanut butter or cream cheese
1 medium banana
1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey
1 tablespoon crunchy, nutty nugget cereal

• Lay tortilla on a plate.
• Spread peanut butter evenly on the tortilla.
• Sprinkle cereal over peanut butter.
• Peel and place banana on the tortilla and roll the tortilla.
• Drizzle maple syrup or honey on top.

LEAF PILES
Nice for September through October
Ingredients:
6 cups cornflakes
1 cup Karo syrup
1 cup peanut butter.
You will also need some Wax paper to lay your leaf piles on.
Directions: In a microwave melt the Karo and peanut butter together. Pour over the cornflakes and place them in piles on wax paper. Let them cool and dry

HAVE KIDS MAKE THEIR OWN PUDDING IN A BAG!
You Need:
Boxes of Instant Pudding (1 box for 2 children)
Milk (according to instructions on pudding box)
Ziploc® bags (1 for each child)
Measuring cups
1. Pour half a box of pudding into each child's Ziploc bag.
2. Measure enough milk to make half a box of pudding and allow children to add it to their pudding in the bag.
3. Seal the bag (make sure it's really sealed!!)
4. Children can squish the bag around with their hands, mixing the pudding with the milk.
5. When all of the pudding is mixed, cut a small hole in the corner of the bag and let the kids suck the pudding out!

***Idea: MAKE SHAKER PUDDING- Pour 2 cups of milk into a jar/container with a lid, add 1 small box of instant pudding mix, and shake for one minute.

FIVE FUN POPCORN RECIPES!

EASY CARAMEL CORN #1
3 quarts popping corn
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup corn syrup
1 stick of butter
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1. Put popcorn in a heavy paper bag.
2. Melt butter in a saucepan and mix together sugar, syrup, and salt.
3. Add 1/2 teaspoon baking soda and stir well.
4. Pour into paper bag and stir with a wooden spoon. Put bag in microwave and cook on high for 1 1/2 minutes. Take out and shake well.
5. Cook for another 1 1/2 minutes. Shake bag again and pour into a large container.
6. Serve in paper baggies that kids can decorate.

CARAMEL CORN #2
This recipe is very inexpensive and easy to make.
Ingredients:
One stick (equals 1/2 cup) butter or margarine
1 cup packed brown sugar
3 Tbs. Light Karo syrup
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. baking soda
Popped popcorn

• Put one stick of butter or margarine in a medium saucepan; add one cup packed brown sugar (light OR dark it doesn’t matter). Add 3 TBS. Karo Syrup.
• Heat all ingredients over med until you start to see it bubble. Turn the heat to low and let it cook for 5 minutes (Do not stir during the five minutes)
• Remove from heat and quickly add 1/2 tsp vanilla and 1/2 tsp baking soda.
• Stir and quickly pour over a large mixing bowl full of popped corn. Mix it all up to get it evenly coated. Enjoy! 

#3 POPCORN 'SNACK MIX'
This snack mix relies on lightly sweetened popcorn to give it just the right flavor. Some prefer "Mallow Magic" popcorn from Jolly time. The "Caramel" flavor variety from Act II is also yummy-Or just use your favorite kettle corn.
To make this mix you'll need:
Popped "Mallow Magic" popcorn that is cooled--
Raisins
Dried sweetened cranberries
Small twist pretzels (hard type)
Multi-colored goldfish crackers

• For a good sized group take 3 bags of popcorn, plus 1 bag of goldfish, 2 cups of pretzels, plus 1/2 cup each of raisins and dried cranberries. Howeverm you can make it in whatever proportion you like.
• For a special treat, you can even add in some M&Ms.
• Note: the "Mallow Magic" comes with packets of gooey icing to put over the top; it's not necessary. And of course it adds extra calories and sugar.

#4 COLORFUL POPCORN BALLS (See photo up above)
Ingredients:
2 c. light corn syrup
1 cup sugar
1 lg. box of any colored/flavored gelatin dessert
20 cups popped popcorn
1. Combine sugar and syrup and boil for 1 minute. Do not stir.
2. Add Jell-o and mix. Pour over popcorn and mix well.
3. Add sprinkles if desired.

#5 SNOWBALL POPCORN BALLS
For 10- 3" Balls you need: 8 cups popped corn-unsalted, 1/4 cup butter/margarine, 1 cup light brown sugar, 1/2 cup light corn syrup, 1/2 cup water, 1/2 tsp. vanilla, 1-cup cold water, additional margarine for hands, optional candy thermometer

• Remove all unpopped kernels from popped corn.
• In large saucepan melt butter over medium heat.
• Add the brown sugar, corn syrup, and 1/2 cup water. Stir and bring to boil.
• Boil until syrup reaches soft ball consistency (235 F) or until a tsp. of syrup dropped into a cup of cold water forms a pliable dough-like ball.
• Pour the syrup over the popped corn and stir until well coated.
• With buttered hands--shape the popcorn into balls"!

GOOEY APPLE CRISPIES
Ingredients: Traditional rice crispy bars with a twist
15 oz box apple ring cereal
16 oz bag large marshmallows
3 tbsp butter or margarine
Non-stick cooking spray

• Over medium-high heat, melt butter in a non-stick saucepan.
• Add entire bag of marshmallows to the pot. Stir constantly until all of the marshmallows have melted. Remove from heat.
• Pour entire box of cereal into a large non-stick pot or bowl.
• Pour marshmallow mixture over the cereal. Stir to completely cover all of the cereal.
  For Round Apple Crispies: Lightly spray your hands with non-stick cooking spray. Shape cereal mixture into balls. Store in an air tight container or wrap individually in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow to harden slightly.
  For Thick Apple Crispy Bars: Press cereal mixture in a lightly greased 9 x 13 pan. Cover with plastic wrap; refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow bars to harden slightly before cutting.
  Tip: To ensure easy cutting, spray your knife with non-stick cooking spray. This will prevent the knife from sticking to the marshmallow.
  Source: familycorner.com by Tami Rose

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HOT SNACKS

VELVETA CHEESE DIP

(Made on Stove or microwave and good anytime!
Ingredients:
1 pound Velveeta Pasteurized Process Cheese Spread, cubed
1 jar (8 ounces) salsa (I use Pace)
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (optional)
TOP OF STOVE:
1. In saucepan, stir Velveeta and salsa over low heat until Velveeta is melted. Stir in cilantro.
2. Serve hot with tortilla chips and veggie dippers.
MICROWAVE:
Microwave Velveeta and salsa in 1 1/2 quart microwave safe bowl on HIGH 5 minutes or until Velveeta is melted. Stir after 3 minutes. Stir in cilantro. Serve as directed.
Makes 3 cups

CHILI CHEESE DIP
Ingredients:
1 lb. (16 oz.) VELVEETA Pasteurized Prepared Cheese Product, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 can (15 oz.) chili with or without beans
MIX VELVEETA and chili in microwaveable bowl. Microwave on HIGH 5 min. or until VELVEETA is completely melted and mixture is well blended, stirring after 3 min.
SERVE hot with tortilla chips, RITZ Toasted Chips or assorted cut-up vegetables.

BAGEL PIZZA
Ingredients:
1 bagel, split open
2 to 4 teaspoons bottled pizza or spaghetti sauce
2 to 3 tablespoons grated mozzarella cheese
1. Spread 1 to 2 teaspoons of sauce on each bagel half. Sprinkle with grated cheese.
2. Microwave, bake or broil until cheese is melted.
3. Add other items before cheese as desired...

BREAKFAST PIZZA
Ingredients:
English muffin halves, grated cheese, cooked sausage or crumbled bacon
Sprinkle cheese onto muffin half.
Top with meat.
Heat in toaster oven or at 350 in oven until cheese melts.

ANY TIME PIZZA!      Ingredients:
1/2 loaf Italian or French bread split lengthwise, or 2 split English muffins
1/2 cup pizza sauce
1/2 cup cheese, low-fat shredded mozzarella or cheddar
3 Tablespoons chopped green pepper
3 Tablespoons sliced mushrooms, fresh or canned
Other vegetable toppings as desired (optional)
Italian seasoning (optional)
Instructions:
1. Toast the bread or English muffin until slightly brown.
2. Top bread or muffin with pizza sauce, vegetables and low-fat cheese.
3. Sprinkle with Italian seasonings as desired.
4. Return bread to toaster oven (or regular oven preheated to 350 degrees).
5. Heat until cheese melts.
This low-carb pizza is a great, quick treat. It comes from a diabetic website and is broken down for diabetic information needs.
180 Calories; 21g Total Carbohydrates; 7g Total Fat; 3.5g Saturated Fat; 15mg Cholesterol; 12g Protein; 540 mg Sodium; 3g Fiber dlife.com

CROCK POT WEENIES
1 pkg. (16 oz.) OSCAR MAYER Little Smokies or cocktail weenies...
1 jar (10 oz.) grape jelly
1 jar (12 oz.) chili sauce
2 Tbsp. cornstarch
1. HEAT Little Smokies or weenies as directed on package.
2. MIX jelly, chili sauce and cornstarch in small saucepan. Cook on medium heat 5 minutes or until sauce boils and thickens, stirring frequently.
3. POUR sauce into slow cooker or fondue pot set on LOW heat. Add little smokies.

*** There are 7 Hot Dog and Little Smokie Recipes in the No-Baking Category. All are made in Crock-Pot!

FRIENDSHIP SOUP!

Hot-hearty and healthy for cold days!!!
Great for after school programs...Think about making a big pot of soup in a crock pot. You can start it in the morning program and let it go on low during the day. Have kids sign up to bring potatoes, small onion, carrots, celery, cans of beef broth, can of diced tomatoes, seasoning, crackers or rolls, etc.
* Each child would only have to bring a single item to make a huge pot.
* If your program isn’t too large---canned soup heated is also good!

 CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE CHILDREN’S SOUL
From Tasha- Vista, California
I boil some chicken off the bone or purchase the chicken in a can at Sam's Club. Chop some potatoes; throw in a can of green beans, corn, and tomato sauce. I also add some chicken broth. Simmer until done. (This is faster with the canned chicken) Serve in small cups with some saltine crackers.
(I made this for my 2, 3, 4 year old classes-Older mixed groups will also like it!).

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WINTER THEMED SNACKS

 BANANA BLIZZARDS
To serve about 10 children - Blend together one cup cold milk with two or three bananas in a blender. Ask the children to count aloud as you add ten snowballs (scoops of vanilla frozen yogurt) to the blender. Invite the children to turn the blender on and off again to create the blizzard. Serve in 5 ounce cups

COTTAGE CHEESE SNOWMEN
Ingredients:
Cottage Cheese
Carrots
Cottage Cheese Snowman
Raisins
Slice of toasted bread
Celery stalk
Ice cream scoop and melon ball scoopers (for graduated body size)
Directions:

• Place two or three scoops of cottage cheese on a salad plate.
• Place the raisins to create buttons and eyes.
•  Cut a small piece of carrot for the nose and a slice of celery for the mouth.
• The leafy part of a celery stalk can be adder for arms
  and the hat is cut from the toast.

SNOWMAN COOKIE
Nice after snow play...this gives 1 Snowman Snack
Ingredients:
3 vanilla wafers,
1 tablespoon vanilla icing,
Raisins/sprinkles/candy corn/other garnish
1. Place vanilla wafers on plate so they are in a vertical line.
2. Coat each wafer with vanilla icing.
3. Decorate snowman however you like. Some ideas: Round sprinkles for eyes and mouth, raisins for buttons, candy corn for the  nose.

'REAL SNOW' SLUSH CONES
Collect some freshly fallen snow and scoop it into bowls. Put a few spoonfuls of frozen juice concentrate on top, and you have your own slush snow cones.

“SNOW” COVERED DONUTS
Take 1 tube unbaked biscuits and separate. Cut or split crosswise. Heat oil in small pan. Fry the little biscuits like donuts until golden brown. After frying drain and then roll in powdered sugar 'snow.'

FROZEN JUICE IGLOO BLOCKS
Have children pick their favorite drink (fruit punch, apple juice, etc) and then pour it into an ice cube tray.
Have kids write their name on a Popsicle stick and put it in the tray.
Last- PUT THIS OUTSIDE AND LET IT FREEZE (if it is not cold enough you can put it in the freezer)
When frozen---you have an igloo block for snack

POLAR BEAR CUPS

• First put ice cream and then a layer of your choice of candy (M&M's, Kisses, Chocolate or Peanut Butter Chips.)
• Cover candy layer with Cool Whip and decorate it with gummy bears.
• Serve it in small-clear plastic cups for individual serving or  one big vat that everyone shares.
• Usually, children like to have their own.

IGLOOS
Ingredients:
Canned peach halves
Paper towels
Small paper plates,
Cool-whip type topping
Coconut-optional
Small graham cracker figures such as teddy bears or elves.
1. Pat dry the peach half-and put on paper place.
2. Cover the peach with the topping to resemble an igloo.
3. Sprinkle on the coconut.
4. Use the topping to "glue" the figure to the igloo.

NO-MELT SNOWBALLS
6 cups of crispy rice cereal
Stick of margarine
10 ounce bag of marshmallows
Powdered sugar
Melt margarine in a saucepan and stir in the marshmallows until smooth.
Stir in the Crispy Rice cereal.
After the mixture has cooled slightly, rub your hands with margarine or butter. Using your hands, form balls with the mixture.
Shake the balls in a zip-lock bag to coat with the confectioner's sugar.
Makes approximately 24 two-inch "snowballs".

NO BAKE PEANUT BUTTER SNOWBALLS
Kids will have fun making these NO-BAKE nutty snowballs.

• 1 1/2 cups peanut butter
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine, softened
• 1 box (16 ounces) confectioners’ sugar
• 1 package (12 ounces) white chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon vegetable shortening
• Confectioners’ sugar or edible glitter for dusting
Preparation Time: 1 hour plus chilling
Makes about 4 dozen

1. In a large bowl, combine peanut butter and butter until blended; add confectioners’ sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring after each addition.
2. Line a baking sheet with foil. Using your hands, shape peanut butter mixture into 1-inch balls. Place balls on prepared baking sheet; chill until firm, about 1 hour.
3. Place white chocolate and shortening in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on MEDIUM, stirring at 30-second intervals, until chocolate is melted and smooth (about 2 minutes).
4. Line a baking sheet with waxed paper. Using a spoon, dip each peanut butter ball into melted chocolate, spooning chocolate over ball to coat, if necessary.
Source: cookingvillage.com

SNOW CREAM!!!
Have children collect clean snow in a large bowl. Add approximately one cup of milk, 1/2 cup of sugar and some vanilla extract. It will be about the same texture as a milkshake! This is really easy and the kids can do it themselves. Kids always love this one!

REINDEER FACE SANDWICH (1 slice bread)
Peanut butter
4 mini pretzels
4 raisins or m&m's
2 mini marshmallows
Maraschino cherries or red-hot cinnamon candies
Plates and knife

1. Cut bread in half from corner to corner, making two equal triangles.
2. Spread peanut butter over bread.
3. Decorate as follows:

• Place it in front of you, with the point facing you and the long side of triangle facing away from you. Place one mini pretzel on each upper corner for the antlers; two raisins in the center of each slice (the eyes) and one mini marshmallow for the nose...if you are making Rudolf, use a maraschino cherry or cinnamon candy -- on the tip of each short point nearest you for the nose). You now have two reindeer faces...

 ICE CUBE SHAPED JELLO

• Make Jello using only 1/2 of the recipe directed amount of water.
• Fill an ice cube tray with the Jello and refrigerate.
• Carefully pop out each "cube" with a knife.

ICE CREAM SNOWMAN
For each child place in a small paper bowl…
Two balls of Ice-cream to build a snowman. For the eyes, nose and mouth--choose from small pieces of banana, cherry, raisins, m&m's or ______ and place where indicated. You'll end up with a friendly, yummy snowman. This child-made snowman has a strawberry for his hat!

BEVERAGES

KID’S CRANBERRY CITRUS PUNCH
1 (12-ounce) can frozen cranberry concentrate
31/2 cups fresh orange juice
1 liter lemon-lime soda
Combine all ingredients in a pitcher. Divide into smaller pitchers for easy serving. Serve over ice.
Source: Semi-Homemade Cooking with Sandra Lee

WARM APPLE ORANGE PUNCH
1 gallon (4 qt.) apple cider
About a cup of orange juice
Orange slices a nice touch...
2- 4 cinnamon sticks

1. Place all ingredients in large saucepan. Cook on low heat 20 min. or until heated through, stirring occasionally. (Do not boil.) 2. Can also be made in crock pot…
3. Remove cinnamon sticks and serve warm. Float orange slices...
Great for the Holidays and winter Days!
 
*Another version made with Chrystal Light is in 'Apple Snacking and Cooking Category. 

POLAR ICE CAP 
Ingredients:
Blue Kool-aid (prepared as directed),
Ginger ale
Vanilla ice cream
Clear glass
Straw
Directions:
1) Put the Kool-aid and ginger ale in the refrigerator until they are cold.
2) Fill a glass almost halfway with blue Kool-aid.
3) Add ginger ale almost to the top of the glass.
4) Drop in one big scoop of vanilla ice cream.
5) Enjoy your "North Pole" drink with a straw!
Source: perpetualpreschool.com

• Looking for other fall and winter food ideas? Be sure to check out the various Theme and Holiday Categories'! Each 'theme" category has many!
• There are also Fall and Winter Beverages at the page bottem of Smoothies, Coolers and Yummy Drinks.  
• Also visit the wonderful 'Hot Cocoa" Ideas on this site

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Compiled by Barbara Shelby

TELLING JOKES IS GOOD FOR KIDS!

• It increases their confidence...
• Helps them to remember a story in order...
• Relate the story to others...
• And stimulate their thinking!

The following menu is the range of jokes in this category.  If  you do not wish to scroll the entire page, click on the link you would like...

JOKE MENU...

• School & Computers
• Crossing the Road
• Food Jokes
• Animals: Cats, Dogs, Elephants, Variety
• Dinosaurs
• Sports:  Baseball-Football-General
• Jokes Insects, Fleas, Flies, Spiders
• Jokes: Weather, Flowers & Gardens, Birds, Bees, Frogs
  HOLIDAYS...
• Patriotic (Labor Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Fourth of July, Patriotic Theme, Uncle Sam, Presidents Day)
• Halloween
• Thanksgiving
• All Winter time Jokes: Good All Winter, Reindeer, Christmas
• Valentine  
• St. Patrick’s Day
• Easter
• April Fools Day

For Riddles & Trick Questions click here...

How do bees get to school?
 By school buzz... 

How do the fish get to school?
By octobus!

What does a gorilla learns in school?
His Ape B C's.

What does a snake learn in school?
Hiss tory.

Why is 2+2=5 like your left foot?
It's not right.

Did you hear about the cross eyed-teacher?
He couldn't control his pupils!

Teacher: Can anyone tell me how many seconds there are in a year?
Student: 12! January 2nd, February 2nd, March 2nd...

Teacher: Johnny, which month has 28 days?
Student: Every month!

Q. What did the glue say to the teacher?
A. "I'm stuck on you."

Q. What do get when you cross one principal with another principal?
A. I wouldn't do it, principals don't like to be crossed!

Q. Why was the music teacher not able to open his class room?
A. Because his keys were on the piano.

Q. What do you do if a teacher rolls her eyes at you?
A. Pick them up and roll them back to her!

Q. Why are school cafeteria workers cruel?
A. Because they batter fish, beat eggs, and whip cream.

Q. What flies around the kindergarten room at night?
A. The alpha-BAT.

Q. What did the ghost teacher say to his class?
A. "Look at the board and I'll go through it again!"

Q. Why did the students study in the airplane?
A. Because they wanted higher grades.

Q. Why doesn't the sun go to college?
A. Because it has a million degrees!

Q. Why is it dangerous to do math in the jungle?
A. Because when you add four and four you get ate (eight).

Q. Why did the jellybean go to school?
A. To become a smartie!

Q. What is a math teacher's favorite dessert?
A. Pi!

Q. What object is king of the classroom?
A. The ruler!

Q. What do you call a boy with a dictionary in his pocket?
A. Smartie Pants!

Q. Why did the teacher draw on the window?
A. Because he wanted his lesson to be very clear!

Q. Why did 6 hate 7?
A. 7 8 9.

Q. Why did the boy go to the top of the school?
A. Because he wanted to go to high school.

Q. What did the math book say to the other math book?
A. "I've got problems."

Q. What did the calculator say to the other calculator?
A. "You can count on me!"
 
Q. Why didn't the class clown use hair oil the day before the big test?
A. Because he didn't want anything to slip his mind.

Q. Why do teachers give you homework?
A. Just to annoy you.

Q. What did the bully have for lunch?
A. He had a knuckle sandwich!

Q. What's the difference between a train and a teacher?
A. The teacher says, "Spit your gum out" and the train says, "Choo-........choo!"

Q. Why did the Cyclops close his school?
A. Because he only had one pupil.

Q. Why did the boy eat his homework?
A. Because the teacher said it was a piece of cake.

Q. Why did the boy take a ladder to school?
A. Because he wanted to get to high school.

Q. Why is arithmetic hard work?
A. All those numbers you have to carry.
 
Q. What did the student say after the teacher said, "Order students, order?"
A. "Can I have fries and a burger?"

Q. Where did the pencil go for vacation?
A. To Pennsylvania.

Q. Why did the new boy steal a chair from the classroom?
A. Because the teacher told him to take a seat.

Q. When is a blue school book not a blue school book?
A. When it is read!

Q. Where do New York City kids learn their multiplication tables?
A. Times Square.

Q. Why did the student drown?
A. All her grades were below C-level!

Q. What tools do you need for math?
A. MultiPLIERS.

Q. What's the best place to grow flowers in school?
A. In kindergarden.

Q. Why was the voice teacher so good at baseball?
A. Because she had the perfect pitch.
 
Q. What happened when the teacher tied all the kids shoe laces together?
A. They had a class trip!

Q. What's the worst thing that can happen to a geography teacher?
A. Getting lost.

Why did the teacher wear sunglasses?
Because his students were so bright!

Where do monsters study?
In ghoul school.

Who sits in front of the class in ghoul school?
The creature teacher

Knock Knock!
Who's there?
Dewey.
Dewey who?
Dewey have to go to school today?

Have you heard about the teacher who was cross-eyed?
She couldn’t control her pupils!

Teacher: Name two days of the week that start with "t".
Pupil: Today and Tomorrow.

What school supply is always tired?
A knapsack!

Teacher: I see you missed the first day of school.
Kid: Yes, but I didn't miss it much.

Teacher: Could you please pay a little attention?
Student: I'm paying as little attention as I can.

Teacher: James, where is your homework?
James: I ate it.
Teacher: Why?
James: You said it was a piece of cake!

Teacher: Why is your homework in your father’s handwriting?
Pupil: I used his pen!

Teacher: You’ve got your shoes on the wrong feet.
Pupil: But these are the only feet I’ve got!

What’s the difference between a teacher and a steam train?
The first goes “Spit out that chewing gum immediately!” and the second goes “chew chew”!

Today my teacher yelled at me for something I didn’t do.
What was that?
My homework!

What is white when its dirty and black when its clean?
A blackboard!

COMPUTER JOKES

What do you call a computer superhero?
A Screen Saver.

Why did the computer cross the road?
To get a byte to eat. 

Who chases computer criminals?
A hacker-tracker. 

What do you get if you cross a computer with an elephant?
Lots of Memory.

What do you get when you cross a dog and a computer?
A machine that has a bark worse than its byte.

Why was the computer so angry?
Because it had a chip on its shoulder.

Why did the computer get glasses?
To improve its websight.

Why did the computer sneeze?
It had a virus.

Where do computers go to dance?
The disk-o

Where do cool mice live?
In mouse pads.

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  MENU OF SITE JOKES

• School & Computers
• Crossing the Road
• Food Jokes
• Animals: Cats, Dogs, Elephants, Variety
• Dinosaurs
• Sports:  Baseball-Football-General
• Jokes Insects, Fleas, Flies, Spiders
• Jokes: Weather, Flowers & Gardens, Birds, Bees, Frogs
  HOLIDAYS...
• Patriotic (Labor Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Fourth of July, Presidents Day)
• Halloween
• Thanksgiving
• All Winter time Jokes: Good All Winter, Reindeer, Christmas
• Valentine  
• St. Patrick’s Day
• Easter
• April Fools Day