Geocaching!

 n another life I used Garmin eTrex GPS devices to map sites for studies.  Families can geocache with these work horse devices.  But, you don’t need a GPS eTrex to geocache.  Instead download the free app on your cell phone to get started.  Here is an introduction to geocaching.  Look over this list of rules and geocaching etiquette before you start.  Sometimes, the cache has small prizes.  Here are ideas for small prizes to leave in exchange, such as keychains.  Does your family craft together?  Our little family likes to stamp leather keychains and bracelets, ideal as a small prize.  Try geocaching!  See if this fun activity resonates with your family.

School on a Budget: Salt Dough Projects!

  Do you make salt dough for projects?  Here is a simple recipe from Celebrating Chemistry with suggestions to vary the flour and salt—making the dough activity more inquiry-based.  I recommend experimenting with several salt dough recipes.  What can you do with the dough?  Make cell models, landforms,  fossil casts, layers of the earth, and salt dough plants (Make the models scientifically correct.). You can make salt dough maps.  If you make extra dough, plan on using it for salt dough ornaments.   There was a suggestion on social media to use the corrugated campaign signs as bases for the salt dough projects.  Ha!  There are certainly many still up in our area since the election.

Shop Good Will!

 Do you shop Good Will online?  Good Will stores across the nation post lots online here. It’s a fabulous place to find science books, kits, and equipment.   Below are current listings.  Take a look!