Hobbies And Interests
Scavenger Hunt
Science-based scavenger hunts help children discover about science items that are in their own back yard. Create a list of items that somehow relate to science and that children can find in the home, back yard or neighborhood. Specifics will vary depending on where you live and the season, as well as the ages of your kids. Ideas include a bug, a plant, an example of condensation, melting ice, solids, liquids and gases. Work together or let each child complete the list individually.
Recycle Sorting Race
Recycling is a simple activity that kids can take part in at home. It is based on scientific principles. If you're already recycling, this is a great way to get the kids involved. If you're not recycling yet, this game will encourage you as a family to start recycling. Save all of the recycling for a few days without sorting it. Divide the recycling among the kids so that each one has the same number of items. The kids race to see who can sort their items into the correct bins the fastest. A similar idea is to send the kids through the house and yard to find as many recyclable items as possible. The child who brings back the most items wins.
Spaghetti Bridge Contest
This activity engages kids in building a bridge from dry spaghetti noodles. Miniature marshmallows serve as the joints for the noodles. Set the minimum length for the bridge before the kids begin building. The goal is to create the bridge that can withstand the highest amount of weight. Once the bridges are constructed, slowly begin adding weight to them. The child whose bridge holds the most weight is the winner.
Trivia
Create a list of questions that relate to science. Take turns asking trivia questions, awarding a point to the child who answers correctly. The child who answers the most science trivia questions correctly is the winner.