Gardening
The thought of starting a garden can be intimidating to many people who do not feel they have a "green thumb." The key to a project like this one is to start at a level where you feel most comfortable. There are many resources that promote gardening ideas from the simple herb box or single flower pot to the elaborate garden. Kids learn a lot from hands-on activity and getting dirty! Here are a few websites to check out and help you get started: KidsGardening.org - Check out their section on Family Gardening. Gardening With Kids - This article gives suggestions on the best crops to plant with children. Better Homes & Gardening, Kids Gardening - BHG shares some of its most popular ideas to get children started in gardening. Gardening Extension Activities
You can measure the growth of your plants and graph the information as a team. Here is a basic chart that you can use to get you started.
Take a look at how far our sunflowers have come in about 5 weeks! |
Chester County Education Programs - The county offers a range of opportunities each month. From learning to tie knots, to bats in the night, to digital treasure hunts, there is something for everyone! Click here for more information.
Program Registration The website is currently updated through May. Check back as it will continue to be updated in the coming weeks.
WebsitesClick on the image to access their Literacy in the Sciences resources.
My Garbology - Help students learn more about recycling and what to do with our waste. It offers creative ideas for parents to begin helping children understand the impact of choices and alternatives that might work!
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Bird Watching
I was always impressed that my mother could recognize the difference among the many different kinds of birds that visited our well-stocked bird feeders. The cats did not even scare them away. There were regulars like cardinals and blue jays along with harder to spot hummingbirds. Do you know what species frequent your backyard? Do your children? For those who are familiar, you can carve out some daily time to track and chart what you see. If you have never stopped to really observe, your fun can be there with your children.
Check out these websites for more tips for getting started: Birding with Children! - This site offers tips with how to begin bird watching with your children. In addition to the supplies you might want to invest in for the activity, there are book titles and guide book suggestions. Create a Certified Wildlife Habitat - These site offers ideas on how to attract wildlife to your habitat. Cornell Lab of Ornithology - Cornell University has compiled resources and provides links to activities to guide parents/educators on how to involve children in the study of birds. Click here for link. Bird Watching Tips - Here is a tip sheet for beginner's from Home Advisor. Thank you to a former Wildcat student for making the suggestion to add this resource! Birds & Wildlife in Your Barn - A new birdwatcher suggested this article because it has some good tips for those getting started! |
Mdf Original uploader at en.wikipedia was Mad Tinman at en.wikipedia - Transferred from en.wikipedia; transferred to Commons by User:Maedin using CommonsHelper. (Original text : photo by User:Mdf)
Did You Know?The state bird of Pennsylvania is the Ruffed Grouse (pictured above). It received this designation over 80 years ago and is one of 10 grouse species native to North America. One of the added benefits of examining any species is the natural connection to geography and history. You get a 3 for 1 special. Click here for more PA Facts & History.
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