April 4th-8th Family Activities Newsletter

Welcome to the WMHT Family Activities Newsletter.
This weekly family newsletter is providing resources for children’s growing and learning throughout the spring and summer months.
The theme for this week is Engineering Concepts.
I hope you find this helpful!
Barbara Lukas, Family Learning Coordinator
Theme: Engineering Concepts
Welcome to family activities with PBS Kids!  Engineering is all about finding out how things are built and why. It's about finding ways to construct things better, and solving problems.
Two age level areas are available – PreK-K and Grades 1-2. 
PreK-K
Have you ever noticed that some things fall faster than others? In this activity investigate how things fall and record the results. After dropping objects from a high spot, write down your findings, and compare the differences. Write down what you noticed about the shape of each object, and if they fell fast or slow.

       Lid Top Slide
Make a game of exploring the strength of pushes and the directions an object moves. Supplies are simple: small bottle lids, crayons, tape, and cardboard or paper. Your goal is to push the lids into each shape, one at a time. What kinds of pushes did you need to reach each shape on the game board? Hard or soft? Did you set points and keep score?
Grades 1-2
Learn how pulleys can help lift heavy objects with this easy activity. Start with a broom, two sturdy chairs, and rope or strong string, Ask for adult help to tie the broom securely across the two chairs. Then decide what objects you want to try to lift. Try a second experiment using the rolling pin. Did it make the pulley easier to use? 

    Build an Aqueduct
 Build an aqueduct at home to learn about ancient engineering and the movement of water or other materials. You will need cereal boxes, cardboard tubes, and aluminum foil. Create your structure by planning how you can move water or objects through the aqueduct. Were you successful?


America’s Test Kitchen Young Chefs’ Club
S’mores Banana Boats  
Even if campfire season is not here yet, you can transport your taste buds to a campsite with these gooey, toasty treats! Supplies include bananas, chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and graham crackers. You will need adult help leaving the peel on and making sure not to slice all the way through the banana. Roast the banana until it is soft and easy to scoop, the chocolate is melted, and the marshmallows toasty. Did you make enough for other family members?

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