Discover and Design

You can't have summer without a juicy slice of watermelon.  During this activity, children will develop their decision-making skills and hand-eye coordination as they paint their own one-of-a-kind watermelon to proudly display.

Mindfulness is the practice of being fully in the moment.  It means slowing down to really notice what you are doing.  Noticing how your body feels and what you see, taste, and smell.  Children who are taught and practice mindfulness strategies are better able to self-regulate, have improved social skills, sleep better, and demonstrate higher self-esteem.

You don't need to build a campfire to get gooey s'mores.  Just tap into the sun, the fuel source that people around the world use to power solar ovens.  Here's an easy model that will let you catch enough backyard rays to cook the most delicious s'mores!

Children are naturally curious and interested in insects.  Adults tend to err on the side of caution, discouraging this curiosity suggesting that insects are dangerous and will bite or sting.  During this activity, children will discover the amazing benefits of ladybugs as they create their own one-of-a-kind ladybug to display proudly.

A family is made up of people that we love and that we often live with.  Explain that any number of people can belong to a family.  Creating a family tree is a great way to learn about your extended family. This activity helps children understand that every family is unique and special, especially their own!

Encourage children's thinking to take flight as you introduce them to aviation.  Whether it is a kite, parachute, rocket, or airplane children enjoy creating and testing flying objects.  In this activity, children will design their own airplane and explore the mechanics of flight.  Create a supportive environment where children can be resilient and explore the possibilities of flight!

Woodworking is a valuable skill and this is a great project for anyone wanting to get started in woodworking. During this project, children will develop their decision-making skills, hand-eye coordination, and fine motor skills as they create a one-of-a-kind hedgehog to proudly display.

Dream catchers are commonly known to catch bad dreams, only letting the good thoughts and dreams come through. When the sun rises, all the bad dreams disappear. During this project children will create a unique dream catcher that catches only their hopes and dreams. This project is great to do at the begining of a new year.

Ho! Ho! Ho! Nothing is more satisfying than using ordinary household items and a few craft supplies to create a fun and whimsical holiday ornament. In this project, children will use a paintbrush and transform it into a Santa Claus ornament that can be displayed during the holiday season or gifted to someone special.

Yee-haw! Your little wranglers will love creating their very own stick horse out of a pool noodle. This project requires adult supervision and guidance. Consider turning this project into a family engagement event. As children gallop and play with their new horses, they will have fun, release energy, reduce stress, and burn calories.

Introducing young children to famous artists and their artwork helps build a sense of art appreciation and sparks their curiosity and creativity. In this lesson, children will explore the work of Louise Nevelson and create their very own unique assemblage (sculpture).

Recycle, reduce, and reuse! This is a great way to create a unique winter decoration using milk jugs. Children love being a part of the decorating process and having their artwork on display.

Children will have fun learning about primary and secondary colors and color mixing as they discover how easy it is to create their very own four-leaf clover. This is a great lesson to talk about the art elements of line, shape, and color.

Introducing young children to famous artists and their artwork helps build a sense of art appreciation and sparks their curiosity and creativity. In this lesson, children will explore the work of Emma Lindstrom and create their very own abstract canvas using pour painting techniques.

While sometimes mistaken for insects, isopods are actually a group of crustaceans that have adapted to life on land. They have hard exoskeletons that look like armor on their segmented body.

Animals, just like people, need several things in order to survive.  Food, water, shelter, and space are vital for an animal to live successfully in its environment.  Different animals live in different habitats such as the ocean, desert, tundra, rainforest, river, etc.

Let's go on a nature walk to collect leaves and look at the appearance of your leaves, including color, shape, and texture.

Like all animals, insects need food, water, shelter, and air. Learn how insects are different from other animals. 

This book connects each letter of the alphabet with a fruit or vegetable. Not only is this a great way to introduce children to different letters of the alphabet, but it is also a great way to become familiar with various produce and the importance of eating healthy.

Straws instead of paint brushes? Absolutely! Who says you can only paint with a brush? Blow art painting is an excellent way to explore abstract process art with simple materials. As children blow through straws to create a colorful monster, it helps them with their oral motor development and fine motor skills.

Celebrate the magic of the holidays by playing reindeer games together. These simple game ideas are a great way to build friendships and learn about cooperation.

Piñatas are fun no matter what you are celebrating! These piñatas are festive, inexpensive, super simpleto make, and are a lot less mess than using papermache. The outside and inside can easily be customized. Plus, each child can make their own with materials you may already have. These piñatas break open a little differently than traditional ones. Have fun!

Add a touch of enchantment to your garden or potted plants by crafting a fairy garden stick. These whimsical creations are not only visually delightful and fun to make, but they also provide children with an opportunity to develop a range of skills and concepts. This magical activity is ideal for large groups or as a family project. 

Children will enjoy making this sweet and simple paper plate donut complete with icing and sprinkles. This activity is perfect for celebrating special occasions, reinforcing the letter D, or teaching about kindness. Plus, it can be easily adapted with different art materials to suit your needs. 

 This engaging insect hunt encourages children to explore theworld around them by carefully observing insects. It is a fantastic way to boost their curiosity and observation skills while getting outdoors and interacting with nature. By focusing on the insect movements and counting its legs, children build important thinking skills that support future learning.

Cloud watching is a wonderful way for children to engage with nature and boost their creativity. By lying on their backs and spotting shapes or animals in the clouds, children not only enhance their imagination but also begin to understand how different objects can form patterns. This simple activity fosters creativity and visual thinking, which are essential for early problem-solving.

Searching for a clover is a fun and rewarding outdoor activity that helps children hone their attention to detail and fine motor skills. As they look for the rare four-leaf clover, they will practice patience and learn how to gently handle nature. The activity also offers a chance to introduce children to the magic and luck associated with these special plants.

This fun activity lets children experience the magic of blowing on a dandelion puffball and watching the seeds float away. It’s a great way to develop oral motor skills, which are important for speech development. Plus, it introduces children to the concept of cause and effect, and the idea of making wishes—perfect for a magical springtime moment!

This activity offers an opportunity for toddlers and preschoolers to connect with nature and explore the textures of leaves in a fun, hands-on way. By making leaf rubbings, children develop essential motor skills that will help them inwriting and other daily tasks. Plus, it is a great way tointroduce them to the beauty of the outdoors!

This activity turns flowers into a wearable piece of art! By collecting small flowers and arranging them on masking tape, children can create a bracelet while exploring nature. It's a hands-on way to engage your child with the outdoors and help them develop their fine motor skills. Plus, the sensory experience of touching and arranging flowers will deepen their connection with nature.

Finding a bird’s nest in a tree is a fun way for children to explore nature while developing their observation skills. This activity encourages children to look closely at the environment, ask questions about how birds build their homes, and learn about nature’s wonders. It is a great way to introduce early scientific thinking and foster curiosity about the world.

 Squirrel spotting is a fun and interactive way to explore the outdoors with your child! By watching squirrels run, jump, and play, children will improve their observation skills and learn more about these lively creatures. This activity also encourages curiosity and critical thinking as children track the movements of the squirrels and think about their behavior.

This activity is a fantastic way to introduce children to the wonders of nature while strengthening their gross motor skills and balance. By feeling and rolling a pinecone, children will improve their coordination while discovering how pinecones help trees grow. It is a simple yet engaging activity that connects them to the natural world!

 This magical activity invites children to use their imagination as they pretend a stick is a magic wand. Waving the stick and drawing shapes in the dirt sparks creativity while also helping to build fine motor skills that are essential for writing and drawing. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to explore the outdoors and learn about how sticks and twigs play an important role in nature.

 This tree knot exploration offers children a fun, hands-on way to connect with nature. By feeling the different textures on tree bark, children will improve their tactile awareness and fine motor skills. This activity not only builds sensory skills but also fosters curiosity about the natural world and the wonders trees provide.

This fun and simple shadow exploration activity gives children a chance to interact with light in a whole new way! By moving around in the sunlight, your child will watch their shadow grow, shrink, and change shapes, helping them develop body awareness and an early understanding of cause and effect. It’s a playful way to introduce science concepts while building their motor skills