The problem: You (or your kids) love taking pictures of nature with your iPhone. But it’s nearly impossible to get a decent close-up shot. The remedy: A macro lens for your smart device. When I shared a photo that The Big Explorer had taken using his iPad recently on Facebook, I was surprised by how many of you wanted more details about the lens we had used and what we … [Read more...]
5 Summer Science Experiments
Science and nature go together like peas in a pod, especially at our house. Around here, common reading for The Big Explorer (9) includes books about extreme weather and space, and The Little Explorer (6) is currently working his way through the complete Magic School Bus books, which are aptly called “science chapter books.” Which is all to say that you can bet there will be … [Read more...]
Summer Break Fun: Camp Mommy
In one short week, The Explorers will be out of school for summer. Nine weeks of vacation are almost here. I don’t know which of us is more excited, them or me.Don’t get me wrong – there will be lots of bickering, tantrums and frustrating moments. But heck, we have those all year! Summer is a time to slow down, play, explore, savor long, warm evenings and say “yes” more. I … [Read more...]
Fun Friday: ABC Nature Scavenger Hunt
In a couple of weeks, The Little Explorer will finish his first year of school. He’s learned his ABCs and 123s and isn’t afraid to use them. In fact, just a few weeks ago, I took his kindergarten class on a fun adventure in the school garden to put their skills to work. We went on an ABC nature scavenger hunt. An ABC nature scavenger hunt is a walk focused on finding natural … [Read more...]
Backyard Nature Game: Snail Races
Last week’s school garden activity was hands-down the most fun of anything we’ve tried in a long time. Thirty-some first graders, a couple of helpful fourth grade “judges” and 10 eager snails. Put them together and what do you get? The perfect ingredients for a great backyard game: Snail races.How to Host a Snail Race Although snail races are lots of fun with large groups, … [Read more...]