Kitchen Science (with free printables of adapted Scientific Method Worksheets)

scientific method lesson at home

All my kids love helping in the kitchen. Whether it's cutting vegetables, mixing ingredients or investigating new flavors and mixes, their [clean] hands are in. Every activity in the kitchen is an opportunity to learn, so for their many kitchen science escapades, I created a worksheet that helps guide us as we implement the scientific method into everyday cooking. Not only are we enhancing our science skills, but we're taking notes to use for future kitchen experiments. Download the free … [Read more...]

Teaching pi with pie, of course: a basic lesson in Geometry for kids

teaching pi to kids with pie

I didn't start learning the concept of pi until about seventh grade. Sure, we learned about circles and the basics of diameter, radius and circumference. But the concept of pi is one that's usually much more complex and held off in teaching until later. Oh, but there are such fun ways to teach pi to youngsters, and, as tomorrow is International Pi Day (aka 3.14 aka 3/14 aka March 14, get it?) why not jump in and teach pi? Of course, there's no fun in pi without some pie, right? So, … [Read more...]

My Robot Friend: STEM Educational app for older elementary kids

MyRobotFriend1

Last weekend before leaving for our family get together in Washington, DC, I added a few new apps to my iPad--just enough to add some adventure if there were any downtime in the hotel room. On Saturday, I was the one who needed a nap, and the kids took to the electronics to give Mommy some quiet. Review of MyRobot Friend Little grabbed the iPad and quickly found My Robot Friend, a new game created by the brains behind LeapFrog. The boys helped her to set it up and observed her play the … [Read more...]

Beyond the Julieverse: February 2013

Julie Meyers Pron also writes

Last month was an exceptionally busy month. P&G Everyday finally kicked off and, with that, seven of my posts went live over there. In addition, Marie Callenders and Rusty & Rosy both published parenting and educational pieces. Check out the pieces I've written  at a variety of websites about parenting, education, learning, exercise and more. Click through the links to read the articles. {...if you're stopping by for the first time, I'd love for you to subscribe to my emails. I send … [Read more...]

Breaking out of winter blahs at school

winter-blues-affect-behavio

A few weeks ago, I received a great question from Barb on the Julieverse Facebook page about behavior at school during the winter months. I find that kids truly do experience the winter blahs or winter blues and it does affect both their behavior and their educational learning. I have a question for you as a former teacher. I've noticed that my kids act out in different ways at school this time of year. It's becoming a recurring pattern with all of them. Is this normal? Did you find as a … [Read more...]

Blick Art Materials’ Art Room Aid helps keeps classrooms stocked

teachers register for school supplies

It's a horrible phenomenon: teachers just don't have the funding for classroom supplies that were typical when you and I were in school. They're lacking paints, brushes, glitter, paper. In fact, just last week, I overheard a teacher telling her class: I couldn't copy that list for you because we're out of paper!  While I hate that my taxes aren't providing enough for my children to learn in their public school, I also don't want our teachers, who make too little in each paycheck, to have to … [Read more...]