What’s so special about the Blaine Wetland Sanctuary? Imagine a giant sponge that goes as deep as 60 feet, where mid-July there is still ice. Blaine Wetland Sanctuary (BWS) is an open space, natural area that includes specialized wetland called a fen. A fen is a type of wetland with a high water table and […]
Weird, Wonder-Filled Science Happenings for Kids this Fall Autumn has arrived! Celebrate natural changes by investigating these 4 happenings (phenomena) with children. Lead with exploration of a leaf pile, a hike, unstructured time with loose parts such as leaves, crisp fall air, dried grasses, squash and frosty grass. Emphasize the use of our senses. Collect their observations. […]
Air, Insulation & Heat-trappers Keep Squirrels Warm How do squirrels stay warm when they sleep? Do you think that acorns and fur are enough to keep a squirrel from freezing on chilly nights? How is a squirrel’s nest similar to your snuggly bed? Taking a closer look at a squirrel’s nest of leaves high in […]
Tricks & Treats That Leaves Teach Us Why do leaves change color? What causes seasons? Why are some leaves yellow and some leaves red? What makes the leaves crunch so much? The first step of the scientific method is to ask a question…so keep kids asking! Some questions are testable with an experiment. Other questions […]
Tips, Types, What to Pack…and Leave Behind Outdoor adventures await you! Camping can be a fun and easy way to play outside, gain a sense-of-place, experience your environment, and practice sustainability as a family. State parks and national parks are like giant natural playgrounds for kids of all ages. Here are some things to consider […]
Trees. Trees. Trees. How will you celebrate Arbor Month this May…Eat an apple? Climb a tree? Plant a tree? Enjoy the shade? Here are ways for classrooms and families to show appreciation and care for trees. Get to know a tree that you often pass by. Investigate the bark by getting a crayon rubbing , […]
A project from recyclables that’s for the birds, really. January 2014 will be remembered for the frigid temperatures, and also a day off of school for Minnesota kids and teachers! This bird feeder project uses recyclables that many have on hand. It can be built in 15 minutes or drawn out to take longer […]
