history | Still Learning Something New

According to the Special Days in August list, the 14th is the anniversary of the invention of Wiffle Ball. Wiffle Ball is one of the best backyard activities! The game doesn’t require expensive equipment, a large area, or a lot of people. It’s wonderful for PE and science (and history too)! Here’s some resources to learn about the history of the game, the science behind the Wiffle ball, and the rules on how to play.

“It all began in the summer of 1953 …” http://www.wiffle.com/pages/welcome.asp?page=welcome

The Science of How a Wiffle Ball Works https://www.popsci.com/article/technology/how-it-works-wiffle-ball-pitch

Game Rules http://www.wiffle.com/pages/game_rules.asp?page=game_rules

Wiffle Ball Pitch – Science Video

Have fun learning and playing!

betty jo

June 21 is the first day of summer and the start of fantastic summer time learning! Here’s a list of free cross curricular summer themed resources and activities:

Reasons for the Seasons – Ted Ed Video Lesson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DD_8Jm5pTLk

Seasons and the Sun – Crash Course Kids Video Lesson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b25g4nZTHvM

Search your city’s sunrise/sunset times, sun distance, sun altitude, and more https://www.timeanddate.com/sun/

Day and night world map https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/sunearth.html?iso=20180618T1406

Bible Verses for the Summer http://www.beliefnet.com/faiths/christianity/bible/bible-verses-for-the-summer.aspx

Ancient Solstice Celebrations Article http://www.kidzworld.com/article/890-summer-solstice-the-first-day-of-summer

https://www.thoughtco.com/history-of-summer-solstice-holiday-litha-2562244

“The Longest Day” Math Lesson https://www.yummymath.com/2018/the-longest-day-2/

“How Much Pee is in the Pool?” Math Lesson https://www.yummymath.com/2018/how-much-pee-is-in-that-pool-2/

Summer Theme “Would You Rather” Questions http://minds-in-bloom.com/20-would-you-rather-questions-for-2/

Sun Experiments https://www.franw.com/2016/06/experiments-you-can-do-with-sun.html

Home Remedies (these make for some good science labs when the unfortunate happens)

Testing Sunscreen Effectiveness – Science Fair Project

Pesticide and Repellent – Science Fair Projects

Make a Thermometer http://www.weatherwizkids.com/?page_id=1715

Make a Barometer http://www.weatherwizkids.com/?page_id=1745

Summer Astronomy Events, Maps, and Guides https://www.almanac.com/astronomy

Dream Vacation Writing Prompts https://writeshop.com/dream-vacation-writing-prompts/

Camping Writing Prompts https://writeshop.com/writing-prompts-about-camping/

Camps and Summer Vacation Vocabulary https://myvocabulary.com/word-list/camps-and-summer-vacation-vocabulary/

Summer Crafts and Activities https://artfulparent.com/100-summer-crafts-activities-for-kids/

Animated Shakespeare’s A Mid Summer Night’s Dream Summary https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1wMfOwlAZ8

A Mid Summer Night’s Dream from “No Fear Shakespeare” ( Shakespeare’s language side-by-side with a facing-page translation into modern English) http://nfs.sparknotes.com/msnd

Famous Paintings of Summer http://blog.bridgemanimages.com/here-comes-the-sun-famous-paintings-of-summer/

Vivaldi’s Summer with Nature and String Instruments Music Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhkoUQ7HdIQ

Billboard’s Top Summer Songs https://www.billboard.com/articles/list/513566/top-30-summer-songs

ICE CREAM! ice Cream in a Bag Recipe and learn about the history of Ice Cream https://www.franw.com/2011/07/ice-cream.html

Healthy Summer Snack Recipes https://www.superhealthykids.com/30-kid-friendly-summer-snacks/

Swimming Pool Games http://www.medallionenergy.com/blog/40-swimming-pool-games-play/

DIY Backyard Games https://www.brit.co/diy-outdoor-games/

And, don’t forget about your local library! Many have special summer programs!

Happy Summer Schooling!

betty jo