Science Sensory Play

M & E exploring Rainbow Spaghetti

This week we had a lot of sciency fun at our house!  First we explored a tub of slippery, slimy multi-colored spaghetti.  It is very easy to make colored pasta; simply cook pasta as you usually would then grab a handful and put it in a large yogurt tub with food coloring and a tiny splash of vegetable oil and shake until evenly coated.  The girls loved the rainbow spaghetti and M kept exclaiming, "This doesn't feel like the Rainbow rice at all!"  E was very happy scooping large handfuls into the air and watching it cascade back into the tub.  I put an inexpensive shower curtain liner on the floor so as not to get it slippery too.  This also helped to visually mark off where the spaghetti was allowed to be. 

Ivory soap pre-microwave

Tonight we used describing words to explain what a bar of Ivory soap looked and felt like before being put into the microwave and after.  I asked M to draw what the soap looked like and then she and E felt it, knocked it on the table and added descriptors to M's drawing.  The pre-microwave describing words were hard, smooth and soft.  I then asked M to predict what she thought the soap would look like after it had been microwaved and to draw a picture of what she thought it would look like.  She predicted it would melt and maybe have black marks on it.  We placed the bar of soap (it has to be Ivory) in the microwave and waited for the show to begin.

Ivory soap post-microwave

At first it seems like nothing is going to happen but after about 40 seconds the soap starts to bubble and blow up like a pile of shaving cream but it still feels hard and not wet at all.  I imagine what is happening is similar to popcorn popping with a small amount of water inside heating up and causing the whole kernal to expand but I'm not really sure about this.  I left it in the microwave for a little over a minute, until it stopped expanding.  The girls then each felt it with their hands and decided to cut it using Popsicle sticks, breaking it into tiny pieces.  E was enthralled and kept breaking it smaller and smaller while M wanted to be very precise and only use the sticks to manipulate it.  I asked M to draw a picture of the soap after it had been in the microwaved and to add describing words.  Her new words included puffy and flaky.  At that point it was time for E to take a bath and get ready for bed but M asked if she could take a bath too and if she could bring in some of the "puff soap".  So we made another bar and brought it into the tub where M was thrilled to find out that it floated.  In the bath we added more descriptors including slimy and slippery.  The only draw back of having it in the bath was that we had to drain the entire tub and fish out the soap bits before the girls could rinse off but the exploration was definitely worth it.

DIY Moon Dough

The girls and their DIY Moondough

I got this idea from the blog Flights of Whimsy and thought, "It couldn't really be that easy?" but it is! You can make your own Moon Dough in about 2 minutes for very little money.  Simply mix 8 cups of white flour with 1 cup plus a little bit of baby oil.  Then mix until the consistency feels right.  I used generic aloe scented baby oil so it was a multi-sensory experience for the girls.  I worried that my one year old E would eat it but she put one dob on her tongue, realized it tasted awful and never did it again. My five year old M helped me measure and pour the flour I then divided the mixture into two big bowls and both girls mixed their own.  They then got down to the serious business of play.  E was happy mixing and squishing it with her hands but M ended up creating her own bakery using a deep cookie sheet and several cookie cutters.  We also created indoor snow people as well as sand castles. E was very excited to smash the towers and  crumble the shapes we made.

Sensory bin Take 1

I attempted to make my first sensory bin this evening.  I used Outlaw Mom's recipe for rainbow rice except I mixed the rice in a yogurt container I snagged from the recycle bin instead of using a ziploc bag.  I needed to rinse it out after each color but this was not a problem.  I involved the five year old in measuring and counting the scoops of rice but shook the yogurt container myself lest rainbow rice fly over my entire kitchen.  Since we were doing this on a rainy night I also dried the rice in the oven set to the lowest setting. I put parchment paper on cookie sheets and spread the wet rice on it before placing in the oven for 20 minutes. 

Colored rice ready for the oven

Recipe for Rainbow Rice

2 cups white rice
1 Tbls rubbing alcohol
splash of food coloring

Add all ingredients to clean 32 oz yogurt container, cover and shake until rice is evenly covered.  Spread on parchment lined cookie sheets and bake in oven set to lowest setting for 20 minutes.

Finished Sensory Bin

I used the parchment paper as a scoop and piled the rice in a large disposable tin pan.  Then I gathered various scoops, cups, tongs, funnels and measuring devices the girls can use to explore with.  I am so excited for tomorrow evening!

Family Fun for October 24 - October 30

Monday, October 24

Preschool Storytime: Trick-or-Treat and Costume Stories

10:30 AM

Centre County Library, 200 North Allegheny St., Bellefonte

Join us for the stories and activities for children under 5 years old, with a favorite adult, followed by a craft. 

Tuesday, October 25

Nursery Rhyme Toddler Time

9:30 AM

Schlow Library, 211 S. Allen St., State College

Schlow has designed programs to introduce toddlers to the library and its resources and to encourage interaction with others of the same age. An adult must accompany each child; parents are responsible for ensuring that siblings behave in an appropriate manner.  Registration requested 235-7817. Space limited to 20 families. Drop-ins welcome as space permits.

Paper Pumpkin Event

10:00 AM – Noon

Michaels, 44 Colonnade Way, State College

Grace your home with ghoulish decor. FREE Make-It Take-It. Ages 3 and up. While supplies last.

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Family Fun for October 18 - October 23

Tuesday, October 18

Mother Goose on the Loose

10:30 AM – 11:30 AM

Holt Memorial Library, 17 North Front St., Phillipsburg

For children under three years old with a favorite adult.  Join us for a musical, rhyming adventure through the world of Mother Goose.  This is a lap-sit program focusing on rhymes and music, encouraging interaction between baby and adult. This program aides in the development of both pre-reading and social skills. 30 minute program. Stay after for some fun with friends and educational playthings.

Preschool Storytime: Lost and Found

1:30 PM

Centre County Library, 200 North Allegheny St., Bellefonte

Join us for the stories and activities for children under 5 years old, with a favorite adult, followed by a craft. 

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Family Fun for October 10 - October 15

Plan Ahead!: Tickets are on Sale now for Fall Foliage Train Rides
Saturday, October 22 & Sunday, October 23
10:30 AM & 1:30 PM
The Bellefonte Train Station at Talleyrand Park, Bellefonte


Enjoy a fall foliage train ride on a beautifully-restored, circa 1940's historical passenger train along Bald Eagle Valley in Central PA. Call (814) 355-1053 and leave a message or call (814) 355-2917 or visit The Bellefonte Train! 

On-going Events

October 2 – November 13

Those Who Came Before: Archaeology of Centre County's Native Americans

1:00 - 4:00 PM (Wed/Fri/Sun or by appt.)

Centre Furnace Mansion, 1001 E. College Ave., State College

 
An exhibit of artifacts, photographs of regional excavations, and images depicting Native American life in Centre County.  Presented by the Bald Eagle Archaeological Society (BEAS), Penn State's Matson Museum of Anthropology, and CCHS.

Building on the Past

1:00 - 4:00 PM (Wed/Fri/Sun or by appt.)

Centre Furnace Mansion, 1001 E. College Ave., State College

A traveling exhibit which details the discovery of a large 19th century iron ore washing operation at the future Benner Commerce Park site.  Presented by the Centre County Historical Society. 

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Family Fun for October 1 - October 8

On-going Events

October 2 – November 13

Those Who Came Before: Archaeology of Centre County's Native Americans

1:00 - 4:00 PM (Wed/Fri/Sun or by appt.)

Centre Furnace Mansion, 1001 E. College Ave., State College

An exhibit of artifacts, photographs of regional excavations, and images depicting Native American life in Centre County.  Presented by the Bald Eagle Archaeological Society (BEAS), Penn State's Matson Museum of Anthropology, and CCHS.

Building on the Past

1:00 - 4:00 PM (Wed/Fri/Sun or by appt.)

Centre Furnace Mansion, 1001 E. College Ave., State College

A traveling exhibit which details the discovery of a large 19th century iron ore washing operation at the future Benner Commerce Park site.  Presented by the Centre County Historical Society. 

Saturday, October 1

Fall Festival

10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Downtown State College

This is the 12th annual Fall Festival in Downtown State College!  The Fall Festival is an exciting day filled with fun for the whole family, from alpacas to pumpkins, carousels to pony rides - there's so much to do!   Kids will love to decorate pumpkins and visit a variety of activity booths sponsored by various community organizations.  And hay rides are fun for the whole family!

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Family Fun for September 18 - September 24

Upcoming Event: Mark Your Calendars!

The 2011 Shaver’s Creek Music Festival

1:00 – 7:00 PM

Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center, 3400 Discovery Rd., Petersburg

Ticket’s are now on sale for the second Music Festival on September 25, 2011, from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m.! Three exciting, local bands, Dreams and Bones, Poor Folk, and SkyTop Blues, will be taking the stage throughout the afternoon, and local food vendors Gemelli Bakers and Sustainable Kitchen will be on hand with delicious food for sale. As this is a fundraiser for Shaver's Creek, the event is rain or shine, and there will be no refunds. Tickets for the Festival are $10 for adults, $5 for students from grade school to grad school, and $5 for seniors. Children 6 and under are free. Call 814-863-2000 for ticket information or to order tickets.

Sunday, September 18

 

Then & Now Living History Encampment/Bivouac

10:00 am – 4:00 PM

The Pennsylvania Military Museum, Business 322/South Atherton St., Boalsburg

Visit this Living History Time Line of Uniforms and Equipment from the Colonial Period thru the Present.  18th and 19th century fashion show begins at 1pm followed by the 20th and 21st centuries at 2pm with a historic weapons demonstration at 3pm. This is an AW (All Weather) event.

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Family Fun for September 11 - September 17

Recurring Event

10^th Anniversary of the “Bears that Care” Drive

September 11 – September 21

Artistic Horizon, Building C on Cato Ave, State College

Artistic Horizon is proud to announce the 10th year anniversary of the "Bears that Care" program. The program was started by artist Michele Rivera after the terrorist attack in New York on September 11, 2001. Today the program reaches children in crisis locally and worldwide. The program collects and distributes stuffed animals with a handwritten note of encouragement for a child.

Please support our 10th year anniversary anyway possible.  Donate a NEW stuffed animals 16" or smaller or funds towards the cost of shipping. Write handwritten notes of encouragement.  Tell your friends! Call Michele @ 814-234-3441 with further questions.

Cirque du Soleil to present Quidam

September 14 – September 18

Bryce Jordan Center, University Park

Quidam had its world premiere in Montreal under the Big Top in April 1996. Since that time, the production has toured on five continents and been experienced by millions of people. In December 2010, Quidam embarked on a new journey, performing the same captivating production, but now in arenas throughout North America. The international cast features 52 world-class acrobats, musicians, singers and characters. Young Zoé is bored; her parents, distant and apathetic, ignore her. Her life has lost all meaning. Seeking to fill the void of her existence, she slides into an imaginary world-the world of Quidam-where she meets characters who encourage her to free her soul.  Ticket Information.

Show Schedule:

• Wednesday, September 14 at 7:30 p.m.
• Thursday, September 15 at 7:30 p.m.
• Friday, September 16 at 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, September 17 at 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, September 18 at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.

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Family Fun for 9/6 - 9/10

Tuesday, September 6

Toddler Learning Center

9:15 AM or 10:30 AM

Schlow Library, 211 S. Allen St., State College

Too Young For Preschool? Join us at the Library - a place for children to play and an opportunity for parents to talk.  Open to all children ages 18 months to 3 years. Registration is required. Sessions are limited to 12 families. Call 235-7817 to register.

Baby and Me Lapsit

9:30 AM

Schlow Library, 211 S. Allen St., State College

Story programs for infants, ages newborn-18 months. We've designed hands-on programs to encourage interaction between parent and child in a group setting.  Our 20 minute storytimes demonstrate story-sharing techniques for parents and infants. An adult must accompany each child; parents are responsible for ensuring that siblings behave in an appropriate manner.  Registration requested. Space limited to 20 families. Drop-ins welcome as space permits.

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Family Fun for August 28 - September 3

On-Going Event: August 25 – September 1

Centre Country Grange Fair and Encampment

10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Grange Fairgrounds, 169 Homan Lane, Centre Hall

Come for the concerts, the rides, the amazing food, the games, and the competitions. But you'll come on back for the experience of being in one of the most uniquely friendly "hometowns" in America...at the Great Grange Fair!

Sunday, August 28

Ask a Naturalist @ the Beach!

1:00 – 3:00 PM

Bald Eagle State Park, 149 Main Park Rd., Howard

Do you have any questions about the plants or animals at Bald Eagle State Park? If so, stop by the Beach area and ask your park naturalist. Location: Beach Area near playground.

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Family Fun for August 21 - 27

Sunday, August 21

Artist Trading Card Event

11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Michaels, 44 Colonnade Way, State College

Design your own one-of-a-kind artist trading card. FREE Make-It Take-It. While supplies last. Ages 3 and up.

Foam Print Event

1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Michaels, 44 Colonnade Way, State College

Create a personalized foam stamp and print -- great for name tags and labels. FREE Make-It Take-It. While supplies last. Ages 3 and up.

Great Blue Heron

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Black Moshannon State Park, 4216 Beaver Rd., Phillipsburg

Enjoy a pontoon boat ride about the Great Blue Heron. This is a first come first serve program due to the limited seats. PFD's will be provided. Age limit-4 years and older. Meet at Boat Launch #1. Cost: $2 per person.

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Family Fun for August 16 - August 20

This week marks the end of my maternity leave and the first time I had to say goodbye to my baby girl at day care, so I apologize for this late posting but being parents you will understand my distress!

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Ag Progress Days

9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center, 2710 West Pine Grove Road, PA Furnace

Now in its 43rd year, Ag Progress Days showcases work done by Penn State faculty, staff and extension educators across the state to help agricultural producers, families, communities and government agencies address economic, environmental, health and quality-of-life issues.  With a variety of interactive exhibits and activities, the event also provides a fun and enjoyable educational experience for the whole family.

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Family Fun for August 7 - August 13

Sunday, August 7

Old Home Days

9:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Greenwood Furnace State Park, 15795 Greenwood Rd., Huntington

Discover the heritage of this former iron furnace community through Living History presentations, demonstrations, and musical programs while marking the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War. You can even participate in many activities, including our Old Home Day tradition, the cake walk! Best of all, the entire event is free. It’s a great way to get your family outdoors, learn some history, and have some fun!

Shark Week Events

Noon – 5:00 PM

Discovery Space of Central PA, 112 West Foster Ave., State College

Dig up and identify fossilized shark teeth and learn about these magnificent creatures. Each child gets to take home 1 shark’s tooth free with paid admission.

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Family Fun for July 31 - August 6

Sunday, July 31

Bog Treasures

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Black Moshannon State Park, 4216 Beaver Rd., Phillipsburg

Take a stroll on the boardwalk to see the unique plants and animals found at the bog. Meet at Boat Launch #3 on West Side Road.

Lake Dwellers

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Black Moshannon State Park, 4216 Beaver Rd., Phillipsburg

Discover the animals that live in Black Moshannon Lake. Wear clothes and shoes that can get wet. No sandals, flip flops, or bare feet will be allowed. Meet at the Environmental Learning Center.

Drop-In Science Explorations

2:00 PM

Discovery Space of Central PA, 112 West Foster Ave., State College

Join Discovery Space staff for free Drop-In Science Explorations in their Studio! Stop by to get a taste of the kinds of activities and experiments that will soon appear on their scheduled programs.

South Hills Music Picnic Series

5:00 PM Picnic Time

6:00 PM Music Starts

South Hills School of Business and Technology, 480 Waupelani Drive, State College

Lazy summer evening…nothing to do? Pack a picnic dinner and head to South Hills for an evening of great music! Enjoy Barbershop songs by the Nittany Knights with special guest the band "Anything Goes". Expect the opportunity to sing along as well! Cost free, all ages welcome.

Summer Sounds from the Gazebo

7:00 PM

Talleyrand Park, Bellefonte

Bring lawn chairs and blankets for this free concert by John “JT” Thompson on piano.

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Family Fun for July 24 - July 30

Sunday, July 24

26th Annual Friends of Black Moshannon Summer Festival

11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Black Moshannon State Park, 4216 Beaver Rd., Phillipsburg

Have fun at the children's land and water games, visit Smokey Bear, visit the crafters and food vendors, and see if you can win the canoe and kayak races.

South Hills Music Picnic Series

5:00 PM Picnic Time

6:00 PM Music Starts

South Hills School of Business and Technology, 480 Waupelani Drive, State College

Lazy summer evening…nothing to do? Pack a picnic dinner and head to South Hills for an evening of great music! The State College Municipal Band will liven up your evening. Cost free, all ages welcome.

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Family Fun for July 14 - 23

Sorry for the delay this week but we have been on vacation and though I planned to continue posting we did not have internet access at our cottage.

Thursday, July 14

Central PA Festival of the Arts

10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Downtown State College and University Park

http://www.arts-festival.com/

The Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts will bring over 125,000 people to downtown State College and the University Park campus of Penn State to celebrate the arts with its nationally recognized Sidewalk Sale and Exhibition, gallery exhibition, sand sculpture and music, dance and theatrical performances in a variety of traditional and non-traditional venues.

Discovery Space of Central PA Open House

10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

112 W. Foster Ave. in State College

The doors will be open free to the public to take a peak at the 5-6 exhibits ready to be viewed. Many exhibits are still in the making but Discovery Space wanted the community to have an early preview of a few finished exhibits.

Make it, Take it Event: Passport to the France

11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Michael's, 44 Collannade Way, State College

Join Michael's staff in learning about the culture of France. Find a variety of French-themed activities. Create an impressionist-style painting and funky little craft Frenchmen. Free while supplies last.  Ages 3 and up.

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Family Fun in and around State College for the week of 7/3 - 7/9

Sunday, July 3

Sunday Morning Stroll

9:00 am

Bald Eagle State Park, 149 Main Park Rd, Howard

Don’t miss out on one of the most exhilarating times of the day in nature-the morning! Join the park naturalist in meandering around the local trails to explore what the morning brings. Natural history topics from insects to plants may be discussed. (Participants will be walking at least a mile on uneven surfaces).
Meet at the Nature Inn.

South Hills Music Picnic Series

5:00 PM Picnic Time

6:00 PM Music Starts

South Hills School of Business and Technology, 480 Waupelani Drive, State College

Lazy summer evening…nothing to do? Pack a picnic dinner and head to South Hills for an evening of great music! The Deacons of Dixieland will liven up your evening with their unique style of fun, happy feel good music.  Come prepared to join in with the band!  Cost free, all ages welcome.

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Family Fun in and around State College for the week of 6/26 - 7/2

Sunday, June 26

Canoe and Kayak Basics

Anytime between 1:00 – 3:00 PM

Black Moshannon State Park, 4216 Beaver Road, Philipsburg

Get some basic canoe and kayak instruction then try paddling on the lake. Cost free, meet at Boat Launch #1.

South Hills Music Picnic Series

5:00 PM Picnic Time

6:00 PM Music Starts

South Hills School of Business and Technology, 480 Waupelani Drive, State College

Lazy summer evening…nothing to do? Pack a picnic dinner and head to South Hills for an evening of great music! The Nittany Knights will harmonize your evening with barbershop music and a sing-a-long.  Cost free, all ages welcome.

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Family Fun in and around State College for the week of 6/19-6/25

Tuesday, June 21

Make it, Take it Event
Michael's, 44 Collannade Blvd, State College

Children ages 3 and up can join Michael's staff in learning about the culture of Sweden while making a Swedish flag hat pin, a woven Swedish Heart and paper dolls featuring traditional Swedish dress.  Cost free. 11:00 am - 2:00 pm.

Wednesday, June 22

A World of Laughter with David Perry
Schlow Library, 211 S. Allen St., State College

David Perry is an artist/musician/comedian who uses his guitar, pictures, puppets and props to entertain children of all ages.  Cost Free. 2:30 PM in the Children's Dept.

Read it, Watch it Summer Movie Series at the State Theatre
130 West College Ave., State College

Visit Schlow Library and read "Matilda" (not required for admission) then come to the State Theatre at noon to watch "Matilda" on the Big Screen.  Cost Free. 12:00 PM

State College Spikes vs Auburn Doubledays
Medlar Field at Lebrano Park, Porter Rd, State College

Enjoy Half-Price Wednesday with the Spikes.  $3 Bleacher Seats and Half-Price medium sodas all night long while you cheer the Spikes to victory! 7:00 PM

Family Fun Night
Welch Pool, 670 Westerly Parkway, State College

Tailgate party! All Ages welcome. Cost "After 5 pm" admission rates apply. 5 - 8 pm.

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