Issuu

K i ds

Owatonna, MN July/August 2020

konnect

! G O D T O H E SUMMER ISSUE!

G R O W • P L AY • L E A R N

H T S ’ IT Geoca Natu ching Treas re’s ure Hu nt

DISTRICT NEWS & CALENDAR

Games & Activities

S TEAM + +

S cience Techno lo gy Engineer ing Ar t s M at hemat ics

Silly Summer

h go on Q: Do fis ? vacation ey’re cause th A: No, be school! always in

Q. How do y ou get down o ff an elephant? A. You don’t ! You get down o ff a goose!

Q: What do you call a snowman in July? A: A puddle!

Jokes!

Q. Wha td a pig o o you call na A. Pull leash? ed por k!

Q: What’s gray, has four legs and a trunk? A A: mouse on vacation!

Q: Where do sheep go on vacation? A: To the baa-hamas!

Q: Wh at you co do you get w mbine an elep hen hant with a fish A: Swi mming ? trunks !

Q. What’s th

e difference between a piano and a tuna? A. You can tune a pian o but you ca tune a fish! n’t (tuna fish)

Q: What kind of candy do you get at the airport? A: Plane chocolate!

Q: How can you tell that the ocean is friendly? A: It waves!

Q: Why did the dolphin cro ss the beach? A: To get to the other tide!

Q: Why don’t oysters share their pearls? A: Because they’re shellfish!

lack Q: What’s b nd red and white a all over? ith a A: A zebra w ! sunburn Q. What do you say to a sweaty puppy? A. YOU ARE ONE HOT DOG!

Q: What kin d of music d whales like o killer ? A: They liste n to the orc a-stra!

The Smile Fairy is reading some of her read favorite books! Watch them on the links below! W The Tooth Book by Dr. Seuss www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmOO5o7WWco&t=203s Doc McStuffins-Brontosaurus Breath by Disney Junior www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMQ3YE6AU3Y Sugarbug Doug~ All about Cavities, Plaque, and Teeth by Dr. Ben Magleby www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXCn0BDIQ8M&feature=youtu.be My first visit to the Dentist by Eve Marleau and Michael Garton https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqWa6x5t6kA Let’s Smile, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization based in Steele County since 2013. Dental services are provided in School Based Dental Clinics and at the Steele County Community Pathways.

private message the Let’s smiLe, inc.’s Facebook page your chiLdren’s names, ages, and address. the smiLe Fairy wiLL deLiver new toothbrushes, toothpaste, and Fun dentaL activity sheets to your door!

We practice social distancing, so she will wave to you at your window or door!

letssmile@outlook.com | www.letssmileinc.com | Like Us On Facebook 2 • July/August 2020 • Kids Konnect

K i ds konnect G R O W • P L AY • L E A R N

Volume 1, Issue 12 July/August 2020 PUBLISHER Steve Fisher

K i ds

konnect CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: G R O W • P L AY • L E A R N Jessica Abrahams Shaylene Baumbach Sarah Brooks Melanie Busch Brenda Donahe-Stevens Mary Hawkins MaryAnne Higgins Jean Krause Darla K. Lager Thomas Meagher, PhD Mary Urch COVER/PAGE DESIGN Kate McGillen ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Tom Kelling ADVERTISING SALES Amber Casterton Sarah Escamilla Crystal Hobart For editorial or advertising inquiries, contact us at 507-444-2389 Kids Konnect is published by

Southern Minnesota LLC Southern Minn Media 135 West Pearl Street Owatonna, MN 55060

Contents a PATH FOR GLOBAL UNITY

4. hOW TO KEEP YOUR KIDS 10. ACTIVE THIS SUMMER 13.

ST E AM + +

S cience Technology Engineer ing Ar ts M athematics

28.

Geoc achin g – Natu re’s Trea sure Hunt

32.

Crafts , coloring and more!

Kids Konnect • July/August 2020 • 3

Submitted by Steele County Historical Society

Have you ever wondered why and where the Olympics were created? Have the Olympics changed throughout time? What values do the Olympics represent? What does the Olympic ring represent and what are the colors of the ring? The Olympics began in ancient Greece as a festival of games to honor the gods. The most prestigious games were the held in Olympia to honor Zeus, the king of the gods from the 8th century BC to the 4th century AD. Baron Pierre de Coubertin founded the International Olympic Committee in 1894 that led to the 1st modern Games in Athens in 1896. This young baron was dedicated to the promotion of physical education and became inspired after visiting the ancient Olympic site in Greece. In 1912, Coubertin furthered his world-wide vision by developing an Olympic Ring symbolizing 5 inhabited continents: Europe, Asia, Africa, America, and Oceania. The five colored rings are interlaced representing unity and flies over the Olympic stadium and all venues throughout the games. This flag has a white background with (in order) blue for Europe, yellow for Asia, black for Africa, green for Oceania, and red for America. These 6 colors appear on all the national flags of the world.

higher, stronger” make up the present day motto for athletes as they perform to the best of their ability and represent their nation in competition. The universal values of friendship, respect, excellence, determination, inspiration, courage, and equality is exemplified as nations around the world gather every 4 year’s each summer and winter for competition.

The sporting events of the Olympics may change over time but the motto, introduced in 1924 is meant to inspire athletes to embrace the Olympic spirit and perform to the best of their abilities throughout the competition. The Latin words Citius, Altius, Fortius which mean “swifter,

The universal value of the Olympics is a goal we can all try to achieve as we partake in our community sport leagues and games. Friendship, respect, excellence, determination, inspiration, courage, and equality are virtues to model in everyday competitions.

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The International Olympic Committee, IOC, is the governing body of today’s Olympics. The IOC sanctions competitors and regulations assuring equality and fairness throughout the games. The Olympics are hosted by a different nation every 4 years. Nations vie for this prestigious nomination and spend millions of dollars to build provide venues for the world to see. Tokyo, Japan was to be the host nation of this year’s Olympics prior to the world-wide Coronavirus pandemic. The IOC has postponed the 2020 Olympics to 2021 in Tokyo.

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How to keep your kids active this summer By Ashleigh Milbrath

Summer is traditionally a very busy time for families juggling hectic schedules. Unfortunately, at this time, the COVID-19 pandemic seems poised to change the type of activities that often fill these schedules. For some, our summer calendars have changed only slightly. However for many families, a significant change for planned activities is likely to occur. The troubling result is that children will unfortunately feel the negative effects of these changes. Yet, even though sporting leagues are either postponed or cancelled and local playgrounds, swimming pools and gyms remain closed out of caution and adherence to social distancing rules, physical activity remains essential for all ages. Therefore, the question becomes — how can we keep our kids active?

Visit your local and state parks Local trails and state parks remain open, although social distancing rules do apply. Outdoor trails are perfect for a number of fun physical activities, including walking, hiking, biking and simply exploring. Geocaching at local parks is still an option and can be a great way to help kids engage with Mother Nature while having fun. Frisbee golf is

CARE WHEN YOU NEED IT.

another option and is available at certain local parks. Prior to going to a trail or park, consider creating a scavenger hunt filled with items to find while being physically active. Some of our community’s local trails surround lakes, which makes fishing another activity to engage in. Additionally, tennis nets are still

up at some of the local parks, which is a great and fun way to say active if you have some rackets and a couple tennis balls. Another helpful activity to consider while exploring Minnesota’s trails and state parks is to help pick up leftover winter litter that may have gotten neglected. Bring a small garbage bag, some safety gloves, and make it a goal to fill up the bag prior to leaving.

Your health and safety are our top priorities. During this time of uncertainty, Mayo Clinic Health System remains committed to providing the care you and your family need, including convenient options through Patient Online Services or in-person visits. For more information, visit mayoclinichealthsystem.org.

10 • July/August 2020 • Kids Konnect

Summertime is perfect for outdoor activity Golfing can be another great way to stay active during the summer months, especially since it’s currently recommended to walk the course instead of driving a cart. However, even if a cart is used, a person can still park the cart as far away as possible to help get in more steps. Golfing can either be enjoyed on the course itself, or even the driving range is a great start for beginners. If you prefer to stay close to home, an additional way to encourage activity is to purchase sports and play equipment as gifts. A new badminton net, scooter, baseball glove, jump rope, or soccer ball are all extra incentives to be active during the day while in your own backyard. Even simple activities like using sidewalk chalk, blowing bubbles, or flying a kite help get a person’s body moving in a fun way that is outside as opposed to being in front of a screen. Playing catch can be a good way to talk about the day while moving more. Stay active together as a family Being active as a family is a great way to promote physical activity for a lifetime. Riding bike together, playing catch, flying a kite, taking a pet for a walk, or even doing yardwork are all more fun when done together as a family. Gardening or taking care of the yard can encourage activity while also instilling a sense of pride and helpfulness when one can see the fruits of their labor paying off. As a family, consider creating an exercise habit where each day you start around the same time, but let a different family member choose the route.

Options for indoor activity Minnesota weather can sometimes make being active outside challenging. If being outdoors is not an option, consider staying active by taking part in an in-house scavenger hunt, creating an obstacle course, or trying fitness and yoga videos for kids that are available on digital platforms like YouTube. There are also many free programs available for families to explore during the COVID-19 pandemic to help promote staying active while inside. Stay active. Stay safe. While increasing your child’s activity during the summer months, it’s important to maintain their safety. Protect skin by using a minimum of SPF 30 sunscreen and wearing sunglasses and sun-protective clothing. If you’re outside early or later in the day, make sure to wear reflective clothing or

vehicles can see you. It’s always a good idea to review bicycling safety rules and regulations before hitting the roads and trails. Water safety is also very important. Make sure rules are reviewed and a life jacket is worn when required. Finally, during warmer months, don’t forget to hydrate. Children don’t sweat as easily as adults, so it’s very easy for them to overheat during summer months. Remember, movement is movement — so put on some music, get active and move your body every day. Ashleigh Milbrath is a family medicine physician assistant at Mayo Clinic Health System in Owatonna.

carry a light so drivers in Kids Konnect • July/August 2020 • 11

(MC) Students face many challenges during their academic careers. Overcoming those challenges not only sets a strong foundation for success in the classroom, but also outside of the classroom. Foreign language courses pose a significant challenge to many students. But learning a second language can benefit students in both the short- and long-term.

Build a better lunch ½

Vegetables egetables & Fruits

+ ¼

Whole Grains ains

+ ¼

Lean Protein

• Bilingualism can improve memory. A 2003 study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Psychology found that bilingualism had positive effects on both episodic memory and semantic memory. Episodic memory is a type of longterm memory that involves conscious recollection of previous experiences together with their context. Semantic memory also is a type of long-term memory that involves the capacity to recall words, concepts or numbers. Strengthening these types of memory can benefit children in the classroom and outside the classroom when they reach adulthood.

box

n cucumber n vegetable soup n carrot sticks slices n sugar snap n green garden n cherry tomatos peas salad

n bell pepper slices

n orange n diced melon segments n fruit cup in n grape clusters 100% juice

n uns unsweetened

n dried fruits:

applesauce raisins, aapricots pplesauce or apples pples n berries

n whole wheat n baked tortilla chips bread, pita, bagel, or wrap n popcorn

n granola bar n brown rice

n whole grain crackers or cereal

n lower sodium, n tuna packed lean luncheon in water wa meats n peanut butter

n beans n hummus or bean dip

n handful of nuts n hardboiled eggs

w-fat or n string cheese n low-fa w-fa skim milk n low-fat yogurt

n un-processed n low-fat cheese cottage cheese

add

= 1 Balanced Lunch Box

NUTRITION EDUCATION EDUCA

with

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071318_KidsKonnectAd3_75x4_9_3014

1 Serving of Low-fat Dairy

• Early language learning can improve cognitive abilities. The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages notes that various studies dating back several decades have connected language learning with improved cognitive abilities. Such studies have linked early language learning with higher IQs and superior problem-solving skills compared to non-bilingual students.

• Bilingualism can benefit working professionals. The benefits of bilingualism don’t end once students enter the workforce as professionals. In fact, a 2017 study of data from the market analytics firm Burning Glass Technologies found that, between 2010 and 2015, the number of job postings aimed at bilingual workers nearly tripled, rising from 240,000 in 2010 to 630,000 by 2015. Students who put in the effort to learn a foreign language during their academic careers can benefit greatly from that hard work when the time comes to begin their professional careers. • Bilingualism can make foreign travel easier. In addition to improving students’ academic and professional prospects, bilingualism can make it easier for students to fully engage in other cultures when they travel overseas. Understanding a native tongue in a foreign country can simplify travel within that country and potentially pave the way for lifelong friendships. Developing fluency in a foreign language is no small task, but it’s one that’s well worth the effort.

S TE AM + +

S cienceTechnology Technology Engineering Engineer ing Ar t s MMathematics athematic s Science Arts

STEAM’in WITH “Dr. M” Summer Olympics , PhD (known to Thomas Meagher e ts as “Dr. M”) is th Owatonna studen na or for the Owaton STEAM Coordinat trict. Public School Dis

Let’s explore the science, technology, engineering, arts and math of the Olympic Games! Share your STEAM photos with Dr. M through his twitter handle @meagher3dan. Kids Konnect • July/August 2020 • 13

STEAM + +

SCIENCE

S cien ce Te c h n o l o gy En gi n e e r i n g Ar ts M ath e m ati c s

Kinesthesiology & Biomechanics:

the science of body movement and exercise. The summer olympics specializes in Track and Field events that have a focus on running, jumping, gymnastics, team field sports and martial arts such as wrestling, judo, boxing or archery. Olympic athletes are considered the most advanced athletes in the world and they earned that rank through hard work and dedication to improving their physical performances in their sport. The movement of a body requires muscular strength, coordination and flexibility, this is called Biomechanics (BIo-meh-kanics). These skills are learned through careful study and repetition. Having an effective coach that can observe what you’re doing allows you to have “eyes from the outside” view of the movement of your body. This is key to improving any physical skill, because our own eyes can’t see what our entire body is doing, but a coach can and help you learn how to move your body to improve strength, coordination and flexibility. The careful scientific study of how your body moves is called Kinesthesiology (Kin-esTHEE-zee-ology) and has been a major part of athletics and medicine for over 200 years! Athletes measure their performance in order to figure out if they can improve how well they do a particular action their their sport, for example runner record how much time it takes to run a certain distance, discus throwers measure how far they can throw the discus and archers record how close they can strike the bullseye of the their targets. It’s by recording this data and tracking whether the scores are moving up or down, faster or slower an athlete can try to change how they are performing and hopefully improve their scores.

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The coach will observe how the athlete is moving to see where the person is moving with strength, coordination and flexibility and where the athlete needs to change how they move in order to improve their performance. Runner can change how far they reach out with their Legs, a gymnast will change how to tuck their head in a flip, a judo competitor shifts the angle they throw their opponent over their hip!

If you want to improve your performance it takes a lot of practice and following the advice of an observant and effective coach. Your muscle, bones and joints need to be pushed to grow in strength and flexibility. Repeated motions such as calisthenics and cross training can help improve all three, strength, flexibility and coordination since the variety of movements pushes your brain to organize many different parts of your body. Training multiple sport activities can be the best thing to improve the performance in your favorite sport and your physical health! Too much repetitive motion in a single sport or skill can actually cause injury, so be careful and stay active in lots of different activities. Your body is well adapted to being able to run, jump, tumble, ride, swim, climb, lift heavy objects and walk!

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STEAM + +

TECHNOLOGY

S cien ce Te c h n o l o gy En gi n e e r i n g Ar ts M ath e m ati c s

How do the high tech tools of today’s sports improve performance? Many years ago athletes were limited in the sports equipment they could use due to the limits on what things could be made from, for example baseball bats and tennis rackets were only made from wood and archers used simple recurve/longbows made of the wood from Yew trees. Shoes were leather and swimsuits were cotton, if worn at all!

Today’s athletes have the most advanced sport equipment ever designed in history, just look at the technology behind modern compound bows used in competition.

Javelins, discus, pole vaults and bicycles are all made of the most technologically advanced materials that science and engineering can create.

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Then there are the measurement tools to record the speeds that the athletes are competing to get the best score. Since world competition is so close the differences in times are now having to be measured to the 1/100th of a second. This requires laser technology

that can measure the most precise movements of an athlete using the speed of light. High Definition (HD) video recordings can record the precise moment when an athlete crosses a finish line or an object strikes it’s target.

Video recording has been one of the most useful advancements in studying biomechanics and athletics. It’s by recording the visual movements of an athlete that allow a coach and the athlete to watch, observe and analyze how to improve performance in their sport. An athlete can improve their

skills by seeing firsthand how to move their body, without always relying on their coach to explain it to them. When your brain sees what your body is doing, it’s easier to understand how to change your physical actions and improve your performance Kids Konnect • July/August 2020 • 17

STEAM + +

ENGINEERING

S cien ce Te c h n o l o gy En gi n e e r i n g Ar ts M ath e m ati c s

Let’s explore the amazing engineering behind the biomechanical machines to open the Olympic games for all competitors, regardless of any personal limitations. The Special Olympic Games and Paralympic Games were created to allow people with disabilities to compete in both traditional sporting events and those unique to their disability. With new advances in engineering design, people who previously could never have competed in a sporting event can now compete at local, regional, national and international levels. Athletes with disabilities are paired with those without disabilities in the same events to build a cohesive team that encourages both teammates to train and push each other to

improve their own performance. The true aim of athletics to compete against yourself, and the limits your own mind and body have and learn new ways to improve your own skills and abilities. Let’s take a look at some of the amazing engineering that has been created for people competing in the Paralympics that have missing limbs. Such as runners with artificial legs or feet, that allow them to run with the speed and strength of a person with fully intact legs or feet.

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Historically, artificial limbs were designed to mimic a real leg or foot, however the precise biomechanical muscles needed to work this style of artificial limb aren’t present and therefore can be difficult to move for a person wearing one. But, engineering quickly realized that in order for a person to be able to use their legs to run quickly without the appropriate muscles, they needed to redesign the style of artificial limb a person wore to run. This new design relied on the shape of the fastest two legged animals on earth that use the muscle of the upper leg to run the ostrich. Running birds, like Ostrich, Emus, Turkeys or Pheasants, realy on powerful thigh muscles and reflexive feet to move quickly to escape predators. Using new materials such as carbon fiber, engineers created the lower legs of a bird for a person to use to run as fast as a person with intact legs! Athletes that rely on wheelchairs to move are now competing with the most high performance wheelchairs ever known. These devices are designed to maximize speed, balance and maneuverability. Historically, wheelchairs were designed for a person to push another person, today’s wheelchairs allow the person who needs one to have the freedom and mobility to go almost anywhere without relying on the assistance of others. Competitive wheelchairs specialize in providing balance and speed in racing chairs, and stability and maneuverability for people competing in wheelchair basketball or soccer.

Left: Wheelchair racer Aerelle Jones, 17 from Cedartown, Kentucky competing in her first 5K. Kids Konnect • July/August 2020 • 19

STEAM + +

ART

S cien ce Te c h n o l o gy En gi n e e r i n g Ar ts M ath e m ati c s

The art of movement of the human body The olympians are not only competing for the best time or accurate score, there is also beauty and grace of movement, such as gymnastics. A gymnast competes with both the complexity of movement on and the artistic coordination and structure their body can create during their movements. There is a difficulty in measuring the artistic quality of an individual athlete’s movements, but you can see it when it happens!

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Gymnasts compete in many different events that push a person’s strength and coordination to their limits, the high bar, horse, vault or floor routine allow athletes to demonstrate both their coordination and graceful movements. They are scored on how closely their movement match a specific description and the opinion of the observing judges on the “artistic” quality of their movements.

Let’s look at the many movements a gymnast can do on the floor routine: A judge will determine how closely these competitors meet the descriptions of each movement, but also on the grace, symmetry and balance they demonstrate while executing the movements. World Gold Medalist Simone Biles has been the most successful gymnast in Olympic history. She combines strength, coordination, flexibility with artistic beauty, race and style which has earned her over 25 medals in Olympic competition.

“In gymnastics... there is a growing competition that has nothing to do with performance itself. I’m talking about beauty, I don’t know why others feel as though they can define your own beauty based on their standards. Nobody should tell you, or I, what beauty should or should not look like.” Simone Biles. Kids Konnect • July/August 2020 • 21

STEAM + +

MATHEMATICS

S cien ce Te c h n o l o gy En gi n e e r i n g Ar ts M ath e m ati c s

FAST is the FASTEST runner or How

swimmer in the world?

When measuring speed it’s all relative, in other words relative to the competition. When we watch Olympic athletes compete in the 100 meter dash or marathon or 50 meter freestyle swimming, we are watching competition among the best athletes in the world. However, the fastest competitors there are really within fractions of a second to each other. Therefore, watching 10 athletes in close competition is very exciting, regardless if they are the fastest in the world, or fastest in your own neighborhood. It’s measuring the competition of almost equals that can be the most interesting and exciting competitions, which means the race down the street in your neighborhood is as important as the race in the Olympic Stadium in Tokyo Japan! That’s why pushing ourselves to test our

So let’s take a look at the fastest people in the world in various track events and see how they compare to other species of animals!

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skills against others of similar skill and ability is the best we can determine how well we currently are at our spirt and what we can do to improve to reach the next level of competitive skill. This means more study and practice to improve your strength, coordination and flexibility.

Since speed is relative to the competitors, animals are much faster than we are in both running and swimming. Dogs can run more than twice as fast and dolphins can swim six times faster than we can! Which means it wouldn’t help for you to either outrun a dog or outswim a dolphin. Therefore, we need to out smart them, and this is why Human beings have developed such a powerful brain. If we compare ourselves to predators that might want to catch us or animals we need to chase for food, let’s see what the data says about our speed. If we could climb trees like squirrels we might be able to catch those to eat, but if we’re being chased by a lion or cheetah, it would be hard to escape! What about swimming in the ocean, could we catch a fish by swimming after it, or would larger fish catch us?

Kids Konnect • July/August 2020 • 23

Become part of a winning team...

THE SUMMER WATER SAVERS!

y z z I Ask

My name is Izzy and I’m here to answer questions you might not want to ask your teacher, friends or parents. Sometimes only another kid will understand! I’m a lot like you – I go to school, play in the band and I LOVE sports! I have a younger sister and a puppy and I love to do crafts when my schoolwork is finished. My favorite thing to do is help people and try to spread kindness, so that’s why I think I’m a good person for you to ask questions. You can send me anything – school problems, friends, parents – and I promise I’ll do my best to give you a good answer. You can ask a question any time, and I will answer in an upcoming Kids Konnect magazine.

Dear Izzy: My Pet Died. How Can I Feel Better?

Water is a valuable resource that shouldn’t be wasted. Practice the conservation tips below and you’ll win by saving water and money! • Shorten your shower – each minute you cut from shower time will save 550 gallons a year! • Turn off the water when you brush your teeth. • When washing your parent’s car, wet it quickly, then use a bucket of soapy water to wash it. Turn on the hose for a final rinse. • Play in a sprinkler only when your lawn needs watering. • If your parents have automatic sprinklers, tell them to install a WaterSense® Weather-Based Irrigation Controller. It can save nearly 8,800 gallons of water annually! Plus they can apply for a 50% rebate (up to $75). Visit our website at www.OwatonnaUtilities.com for more conservation tips and to download a Water Efficiency Rebate Application.

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It’s sad when a pet dies and for a while, you may not feel anything at all. That’s OK. You may feel like crying and that’s OK, too. A way to feel better is to talk with your parents about how you are feeling. You can talk about the pets your parents used to have when they were kids and how difficult it was for them to say goodbye. At first, it can be hard to talk about the pet you’re missing and you might want to forget about everything instead. But talking to someone you love is the best way to help you start to feel better.

Dear Izzy: I am starting middle school this fall. What can I do to feel less nervous about going?

Yes, moving to a middle school can be scary. It’s a brand new building, maybe taking a different bus with different students and the friends you made in elementary school may end up going to different schools. While these are all scary to think about, there are advantages to moving up to middle school. Your new school will probably offer new teams, clubs and activities that you can join. You will get to know new people and make some new friends. To prepare for your first day, think about going to orientation day. You will get to tour your new school and find out what it will be like to go there. The first day of school make sure you get enough rest the night before, eat breakfast and be BRAVE! You got this!

The importance of free play (MC) The National Education Association notes that recess and free play are critical to the development of students in grades pre-K through eighth grade. According to the NEA, recess and free play during the school day encourages interpersonal interactions and problem-solving skills, and such opportunities also can prove beneficial for older students. Despite these benefits, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that 40 percent of schools have reduced or eliminated recess over the last 20 years in an attempt to increase instructional time for students. While that may be understandable, it ignores the many benefits of recess and free play, which the American Academy of Pediatrics says are crucial to students’ mental, emotional, physical, and social development. In addition, the AAP notes that research has shown a connection between recess/ free play and improved performance in the classroom.

This is true even for older students, including high schoolers. Regular breaks from the rigors of the classroom provide adolescent students with opportunities to mentally decompress, potentially improving their focus when classroom sessions resume. Such benefits highlight the important role of free play in the development of students, including older students whose school schedules may no longer include time for free play or recess.

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Olympics 2020 Draw a face for these athletes!

26 â€˘ July/August 2020 â€˘ Kids Konnect

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Help THem ReacH THeiR Full poTenTial. Child and Teen Checkups are available to children from birth through age 20 who are covered by Minnesota state health plans such as:

• Medical Assistance • South Country Health Alliance Call if you need help with transportation, interpreters or making an appointment with a doctor or a dentist.

STEELE COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH • 507-444-7650 Kids Konnect • July/August 2020 • 27

Geocaching – Nature’s Treasure Hunt

Geocaching (pronounced GEE-o-cash-ing) is a fun way to spend time outdoors. It’s a high-tech outdoor treasure hunt. What Is Geocaching?

Geocaching uses a smartphone app or a GPS unit to find hidden “caches” in your neighborhood or out on the trails. Caches are containers of all sizes that may be camouflaged to blend into their surroundings. Inside there will be a logbook to sign, with larger caches also containing various trinkets for trade.

How Do I Start Geocaching?

Visit Geocaching.com to learn how to get started. Geocaching.com tells you how to download the app and lays out geocaching basics. If you’d prefer to use a GPS unit, they’re available to check out from the Owatonna Park and Rec Office. Geocaching.com lists millions of active geocaches worldwide, so you should be able to find several good caches just about anywhere. Some caches are easy to find while others may require a long hike, so check the difficulty and terrain ratings on the web page before you go.

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What Do I Bring Geocaching?

You’ll want to dress comfortably for the outdoors and bring some water and maybe some snacks. Caches often contain small trade items or trinkets. The rule of geocaching is that if you take something from the cache, you must replace it with something of equal or greater value. So, you’ll want to bring an assortment of trinkets for trading.

Looking for a Cache

To find a cache once you’re out and about, look at the app’s map page for caches near you. Click on the cache you choose and then begin your hunt. You can switch between a map view and a compass view, so experiment with each as you search. The map view only indicates how close you are, not the best route to take. If you keep an eye on where the compass is pointing as you get close, you may be able to guess where the cache is hidden. Safety tip: Be aware of your surroundings. Take your eyes off of the screen occasionally so you don’t fall down a hill (or worse). The app is accurate to roughly within 30 feet, so when you are closer than this to the cache, it really can’t tell you much more. At this point you should put it away and start looking.

Tips to locate a cache:

• Look for likely places or objects that appear out of place (unnatural piles of sticks, etc.). • Double-check the size of the cache on the app; you can also use the hint feature if needed. • Take your time and be patient.

Once You Find a Cache

You found it! Congratulations! Now what? 1. Take something from the cache. 2. Leave something in the cache. 3. Write about it in the logbook—be sure to use your geocaching.com username in the entry.

the logbook. Some people don’t care to trade, and that’s OK too. Carefully reseal the cache and hide it as well as you found it. Once back at home, go to geocaching.com and write a log to let the cache “owner” know you found it. Let them know the condition of the cache, your experiences on the trail and any trades you made. Go on a real treasure hunt this summer with geocaching and see how many treasures you can find in Owatonna. If you have any questions about geocaching, you can call the Owatonna Park and Rec Office at 507-444-4321. Have fun on your treasure hunt!

Look through the cache. Take an item and leave an item, and enter your name and experience into Source: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/geocaching-kids.html

We pride ourselves on having the best value in the midwest, We with a quality that is guaranteed to shine through.

Serving all of Southern Minnesota endreswc.com • 507-WE-CLEAN • 507-932-5326 Kids Konnect • July/August 2020 • 29

Board games are family-friendly boredom busters (MC) Families spend a lot of quality time together. While there are many ways to fill that time, sometimes the best activities are those that inspire a bit of nostalgia. Board games have been a tried and true family activity for centuries. In fact, Senet, which is believed to be the world’s first board game, was enjoyed in Ancient Egypt as far back as 3500 BCE. Checkers, chess and backgammon are some other beloved board games that have withstood the test of time. Many family-friendly board games that have been developed through the years are just as fun to play today as they were when they were first introduced. • The Game of Life¨: The idea behind this game is to go through life making smart decisions. The player who retires first and with the most money is the winner. It can be a great way to teach youngsters about money management and sound decision-making. • Scrabble¨: Players strategically place letter tiles on the board in a crossword puzzle format. These letters form words, and each letter is valued differently, creating a score for each word. Families can enjoy this fun competition while expanding their vocabularies.

30 • July/August 2020 • Kids Konnect

• Clue¨: Clue is the original “who done it” mystery game. Players attempt to figure out which suspect was involved in the crime against Mr. Boddy, naming the room in which it took place as well as the weapon used during the crime. Although it’s somewhat macabre, the game can instill thoughtful problem-solving skills as players try to narrow down the possibilities. • Monopoly¨: The first Monopoly game was released in 1935, and since then there have been various incarnations. The game involves buying and trading properties and requires both risk and luck. Monopoly is fun to play and teaches great lessons regarding real estate, budgeting and other financial skills. • Battleship¨: What started out as a pen-and-paper game during World War I evolved into a successful strategy game. Two players attempt to target and sink their opponents battleships on a 10 x 10 grid. • Chess: Players have to maneuver 16 pieces across a 64-square game board with the ultimate goal being to checkmate the opponent’ s king piece. This game has endured nearly 1,500 years and has many different fans. Board games can be an ideal activity that the entire family can enjoy together.

Summer Adventure Reads!

The Truth About My Unbelieveable Summer, written by Davide Calli, is an exploration of how wild a day at the beach can be. While this is a fictional story, filled with mischief and fun, it highlights the true spirit in every visit to the beach; you never know just what you’re going to find!

In To Market, To Market by Nikki McClure, we feast our eyes on the morning of Market Day. There are those preparing to sell their produce at the local market, and a mother and son eagerly preparing their shopping list. Market Day is filled with excitement and hope, and as the whole community gathers we learn where each healthy food item comes from.

While at the beach, build a sand castle (not too close to the water), have plenty of snacks and water (not to mention sunscreen), and keep your eyes peeled for interesting creatures in and out of the water. A lot can be learned from a day at the beach!

On the next adventure to your local farmer’s market, be sure to bring a basket, try a new or interesting food, take a moment to smell the locally grown and freshly cut flowers, and, for extra fun on a beautiful day, ride your bikes there!

In Wong Herbert Yee’s Summer Days and Nights, a young girl’s curiosity leads her to discover the limitless outdoor fun possible throughout a summer’s day and night. We follow her on many adventures, including searching for insects, sipping lemonade under the shade of the tree, finding a giant slide, and dreaming about what new fun might come on the next summer’s day. While out at the park, you can enjoy a picnic, play some soccer, hop on the jungle gym, or chase insects with a bug net.

Monday - Thursday: 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Friday - Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Sundays (October - April): 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Who better to teach us about curiosity and adventure than Curious George! In Curious George Goes Camping, the Reys tell yet another tale of George getting into all kinds of trouble on a summer trip. While setting up camp, George follows wild animals through the forest, is sprayed by a skunk, puts out a fire, and enjoys roasted marshmallows. Just another day in the adventurous life of George, one that certainly illustrates the sense of adventure that camping can give (though you may not want to perfectly replicate all that mischief with your family)! While roughing it in the outdoors, try some of these classic activities: roasting marshmallows over an open flame (be sure Smokey says it’s okay!), telling scary stories, having a story contest around a campfire, cloud watching, and hiking. You can also bring some items from home for a fun scavenger hunt around the campground. Camping is an excellent way to let the imagination come alive, and provides lots of opportunities for adventure.

Owatonna Public Library

105 N Elm Ave. 507-444-2460 www.owatonna.info

Source: https://readingpartners.org/blog/four-childrens-books-inspire-summeradventure/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIhr-XiNCn6gIVVx6tBh3hNAoYEAAYAyAAEgJ1IPD_BwE

Kids Konnect • July/August 2020 • 31

Finish the drawings!

NAPA OWATONNA DISTRIBUTION CENTER

“SUPPORTING OWATONNA KIDS AND EDUCATION”

N APA O WATONNA D ISTRIBUTION C ENTER D IVISION O F G ENUINE P ARTS C OMPANY 32 • July/August 2020 • Kids Konnect

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Kids Konnect • July/August 2020 • 33

Color Me!

34 • July/August 2020 • Kids Konnect

E Z A M ! E Z A CR

hELP THE HUNGRY MONKEY FIND THE BANANAS

Kids Konnect • July/August 2020 • 35

Make a Back to School Time Capsule

This DIY back-to-school time capsule is a fun way to preserve first day of school memories. Fun back-toschool activities for kids and mementos help to create an adorable back-to-school time capsule to preserve those special first day of school memories. Supplies: Time capsule label (see opposite page) Mason jar (or clear container) Ribbon Yellow confetti Colored construction paper String Pencil Scissors Glue dots Best First Day Of School Q&A filled out (see opposite page) Photos of child with Best Day List photo props First day of school mementos (like the Best Day List lunch box notes)

Instructions: 1. Trace your child’s hand on a piece of colored construction paper and cut it out. Have your child write their name and their grade on the handprint. 2. Have your child stand up against a wall and use the string to measure your child’s height. Cut off the string the same length as your child. Bundle it together neatly and secure it with a piece of ribbon. 3. Print out the back-to-school time capsule label and cut it out. Gather your Best Day List Q&A, child photo’s and first day of school mementos.

36 • July/August 2020 • Kids Konnect

5. Now place the handprint, Best Day List photos, Best Day List lunch notes (or other mementos) and the bundled string inside the mason jar. 6. Pour confetti inside the mason jar and around the inside edge of the jar. Close the jar and use glue dots to adhere the back-to-school time capsule label on the front of the jar. Now tie a bow around the top lip of the jar with ribbon.

YOUR BACK-TO-SCHOOL TIME CAPSULE IS COMPLETE! Place it up on a shelf or in a special place so that on the last day of school you can open it up and your child can remember that first day of school and see how much they’ve changed and grown throughout the school year. Source: https://iheartcraftythings.com/diy-back-to-school-time-capsule.html

Cut out these labels for you time capsule!

4. Fold the Best Day List Q&A in half and then roll it up to fit inside the mason jar. Place it down inside the jar.

Best First Day of School Q & A Name

Grade

Before School: What are you most excited for today? What do you think you will do today? What do you want to learn? Are you nervous about anything? What will you share about your self? After School: What did your new classroom look like? Did you ready any books today? Which ones? What did you do at recess? Did you meet anyone new today? What did your teacher tell you today that you didn’t know before?

Serving Owatonna with Life-Long Family & Cosmetic Dentistry 605 Hillcrest Ave. Ste 230, Owatonna (507) 451-7250 www.hollandfamilydental.com Kids Konnect • July/August 2020 • 37

Build-Your-Own Pasta Salad

By Sarah Brooks, Director of Nutrition Services

Looking for something cold yet delicious for lunch during the hot summer months. Try making pasta salad! With farmers markets open for the summer, try adding different local veggies for more variety. Stop by the Owatonna Farmers Market at Central Park on Saturdays from May through October from 7:00am - 3:00pm to pick up some delicious, fresh ingredients! How To Build a Delicious Pasta Salad 1. Pick a theme • Ideas: Italian, Southwest, Mediterranean, Meatless 2. Choose your pasta • You can pick any pasta shape. Try whole wheat pasta for added fiber or tri-color pasta for added color. 3. Add lots of veggies • Choosing at least three different veggies adds color and texture to the salad as well as a variety of nutrients. 4. Include protein • Meat Ideas: diced chicken breast, tuna, deli meat • Meatless Ideas: canned beans, seeds, nuts

38 • July/August 2020 • Kids Konnect

5. Increase in the Flavor • Dressing Ideas: Choosing a vinegar and/or oil-based dressing can be a lighter choice on hot summer days. Otherwise you can use a creamy dressing base such as ranch, mayonnaise, or Greek yogurt. The dressing will depend on the theme of your salad. • Additional ingredients: fresh herbs, spices, low-sodium seasonings. • Other ingredients to use in moderation: olives, cheese, salami or pepperoni 6. Allow time for salad to chill and flavors to build.

Easy Pasta Salad Total time 45 mins

Chill time 30 mins

Servings 9 servings

Ingredients • 1 (12 oz) box tri-color rotini pasta • 1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes, halved • 1 cucumber, diced • 1 head broccoli, cut into small pieces or florets • 1 bell pepper, seeded and diced (any color) • 1/2 c olives, sliced • 3/4 c carrot, shredded or diced • 1/3 c red onion, chopped • 1/2 c finely shredded parmesan cheese • 1 cup bottled Italian salad dressing • Optional: protein choice

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions to al dente (do not season water with salt; the recipe has enough flavor without it). Drain and rinse with cold water. 2. While pasta is cooling, wash and cut veggies as needed. 3. Pour pasta into a bowl, add veggies, olives, and parmesan cheese. 4. Optional: Add protein like meat or canned beans to make the salad more filling! 5. Pour dressing evenly over pasta and mix thoroughly to coat all ingredients with dressing. 6. Cover and chill at least 30 minutes or up to 1 day. 7. Dressing will settle to the bottom of the bowl so stir before eating. Source: Grant, L. (n.d.). 5 Kid-Friendly Lunch Box Pasta Salads. Allrecipes. https://www.allrecipes.com/article/kid-friendly-lunch-box-pasta-salads/ Recipe: https://www.cookingclassy.com/pasta-salad/

Mom packed my lunch from FAREWAY! NOT. TRADING. ANYTHING!

“Yum!”

“Thanks, Mom!”

“So good!”

“Mmmm!”

Store (507) 451-1550 • Market (507) 451-0071 Mon - Sat 7:00AM to 9:00PM Kids Konnect • July/August 2020 • 39

        



Ben, Bobbie and Brendan can’t remem base today. Use the coach’s clue to hel  each player  from to the base they will                

                                                           ur muscles 1. Exercise makes yo ep you at ke Playing team sports is one way lps he r, stronge d makes to exercise. But, you can also the right weight an get fit all by yourself. you feel happy.

scle and 2. Your heart is a mu onger. str it s ke ma ise exerc the s ep ke art he g A stron all your oxygen flowing to dy parts body parts. Your bo y healthy! need oxygen to sta

The third basema first baseman’s nu

Amy, Lisa and Trini each like to exercise alone. But their reflections are really weird. Can you find the differences?

ise, your 3. When you exerc icals called em ch s ke body ma OORendorphins (en-D ls make fins). These chemica you feel happy.

Hank and Hugo are playing some one-on-one basketball. Add up the numbers on the basketballs to find out which player will win.

Who will win the race? Add up the numbers along each skater’s path. The one with the highest total wins!

When you use a muscle to push against something, that is a resistance exercise. Resistance exercises tone muscles and keep them strong. They also strengthen your bones.       You can get great resistance exercise    by helping around the house! Here’s how: push a vacuum, rake leaves, move furniture, scrub the floor or even knead bread. Circle the kids doing a resistance exercise.

40 • July/August 2020 • Kids Konnect

             

                                              

       

                                                 

EXERCISE PHYSICAL STRONG ENDORPHINS PLAYER COACH HUNT SPORT HEALTHY SCRUB LINE GARDEN BODY BASE LEAVES

Find the wor then in this w stories an

S N I H P

L G N G U

E A N E A

A Y C O D

V D H I R

E O D C S

S B I O A

E S A B E

E S C R U

Hoeing, bending and digging keeps a garden growing and makes your body strong and healthy. Gerry’s garden is 6 feet by 6 feet. How many pepper plants can he plant if the plants need to be 12 inches from one another as well as 12 inches from the fence surrounding the      plot? 

                 

Look through the newspaper to find: • A picture of someone playing a sport • Someone who looks healthy • A place to exercise

            

The sports pages are a goo math skills. Follow teams a percentages of games won baseball statistics to unrave batting averages.  ' 



                 

What can you do for ente          does not use electricity       least three different activ      it is about    each you   

s hace en equipo1. Hacer ejercicios físico ngan po se los scu mú tus era de ejercitarse. que ene en , tú también más fuertes, te manticontento. ar est ce ha rte en forma peso y te ente. músculo y 2. Tu corazón es uns físicos lo cio rci eje ar liz rea como a Amy y corazón hace más fuerte. Un ta hacer oxígeno el e qu ce ha rte or su cuenta. fue o tu cuerpo. ¡Tus xiones son llegue a todrpo rales necesitan co órganos as. ar sanos! est ra pa oxígeno a llar tarse, tu cuerpo cre ias? .3. Al ejerci químico llamado un neuro mpuesto endorfinas. Este co te hace e qu el es ico ím qu sentirte contento.

los mino

Los deportes en equipo son una manera de ejercitarse. Sin embargo, tú también puedes ponerte en forma individualmente. Tanto a Lisa como a Amy y Trini les gusta hacer ejercicios por su cuenta. Pero sus flexiones son bastante raras. ¿Puedes hallar las diferencias?

Hank y Hugo están jugando un partido de básquetbol, uno contra uno. Suma los números en las pelotas y así sabrás quien será el ganador.

EXERCISE PHYSICAL STRONG ENDORPHINS PLAYER COACH HUNT SPORT HEALTHY SCRUB LINE GARDEN BODY BASE LEAVES

En el acertijo, encuentra EXERCISE estas palabras en inglés, luego encuentra la traducción PHYSICAL al español de estas palabras en la página de Kid Scoop de hoy.

e a

S N I H P R

en Español

L G N G U E

E A N E A N

A Y C O D E

V D H I R R E O D C S T

S B I O A Y

E S A B E O E S C R U B

Betty, Bobbie y Brendan no recuerdan quien jugará en cada base hoy. Dibuja una línea desde cada jugador hasta la base en la que va a jugar. Usa la clave del entrenador para ayudarlos

Desmalezar, carpir, cavar la tierra mantiene tu jardín vibrante y tu cuerpo sano y fuerte. ¿Quién ganará la carrera? Suma los El jardín de Gerryque es de 6 pies por ¿Cuántas números aparecen en 6elpies. camino matas de podrá plantar si éstas dechiles cada él patinador. El que sumenecesitan estar 12más pulgadas será deelseparación ganador. entre ellas además de estar enfiladas a 12 pulgadas de la cerca perimetral?

Desmalezar, carpir, cavar la tierra mantiene tu jardín vibrante y tu cuerpo sano y fuerte. El jardín de Gerry es de 6 pies por 6 pies. ¿Cuántas matas de chiles él podrá plantar si éstas necesitan estar 12 pulgadas de separación entre ellas además de estar enfiladas a 12 pulgadas de la cerca perimetral? El número del jugador de la tercera base es dos veces el número del jugador de la primera base más 2.

Un ejercicio de resistencia es cuando usas un músculo contra algo, empujando. Los ejercicios de resistencia tonifican los músculos y los mantienen fuertes. Además enderezan tus huesos. ¡Tú puedes ejercitar tu resistencia haciendo las tareas de tu casa! ¿cómo?: pasar la aspiradora, rastrillar hojas, mover muebles, fregar los pisos o hasta amasar pan. Marca con un círculo los niños que están haciendo ejercicios de resistencia.

Busca en el periódico:

• Una foto de alguien practicando deportes. • Alguien que se vea en buen estado físico. • Un lugar para ejercitarse.

Busca en el periódico:

• Una foto de Cálculos Deportivos alguien

Las páginas de deportes son una buena manera practicando deportes. de ejercitar las habilidades matemáticas. Realiza Alguien que un seguimiento de los equipos y •determina los se vea en buen porcentajes de juegos ganados y perdidos. Usa estado físico. las estadísticas del béisbol para desentrañar las • Un lugar para cifras detrás de los promedios de bateo. ejercitarse.

STRONG ENDORPHINS O D N E PLAYER T E U P COACH X N S Y HUNT SPORT T I P H HEALTHY N L O T SCRUB A M R L LINE S G T A GARDEN H V E E BODY BASE C P E H LEAVES

Betty, Bobbie y Brendan no re en cada base hoy. Dibuja una jugador la base en la que Palabra hasta de la semana: clave del entrenador BUENA FORMApara ayud La expresión Buena Forma significa: Saludable y lleno de Energía.

En la escuela corremos para mantenernos en buena forma física.

Trata de usar la expresión Buena forma en una El número de oración hoy con tus base es dos ve amigos y familiares de la primera

Energía Humana

¿Qué entretenimientos Cálculos Depor puedes realizardesin usar son Las páginas deportes electricidad? Describe de ejercitar las habilidades m seguimiento de los equip alun menos tres diferentes porcentajesyde juegos actividades qué es lo ganad las deldebéisbol p queestadísticas más te gusta cifrascada detrás de los promedio una.

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Including half-day and full-day preschool options.

STANDARDIZED TESTS

8+ points above national average in Math

6+ points above national average in Reading R EA S O N S O U R S MA L L S C H O O L MA K E S A B I G DIFFERENCE

01. Cultivated kindness, character, and curiosity 02. Intellectual engagement, preparing for success throughout life’s journey 03. Individualized support in a small class size where each child is known 04. Strong moral foundation and confidence to support tough choices

AFFORDABLE EXCELLENCE

05. Leadership development to prepare students to become productive citizens 06. A connected, valued, and warm community where relationships are nurtured 07. A deepened faith and spiritual formation 08. Ability to think critically and independently to prepare for the next step

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE 09. Meaningful community service opportunities to put faith into action 10. A fostered ambition that develops a lifelong love of learning

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#OwatonnaProud

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Parent Reminders Summer Food Program Serving Monday through Thursday All kids ages 1-18 FREE June 8-August 6 11:30 am to 12:30 pm Locations: McKinley Elementary: 1050 22nd Street NE Owatonna Middle School: 500 15th Street NE Owatonna Public Library: 105 N Elm Ave No sign-up required! Meal bundles include both breakfast and lunch. Thursday meal bundles include meals for both Thursday and Friday. Adults can purchase a single meal bundle for $7.00. Exact change required. See menus online at www.isd761.org.

Stay Connected! Celebrate our students, our staff and our schools by following us on social media. If you like what you see, be sure to share it with others. Together, we are #OwatonnaProud!

Visit www.owatonnaproud.org for updates on the new high school and to see initial concepts.

@Owatonna761 Kids Konnect â€˘ July/August 2020 â€˘ 45

e g n a r O z z i F

Watch the video here! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWBxKXoJ8ZU&feature=youtu.be

Materials: An Orange or Clementine 1/2 Teaspoon Baking Soda

Instructions: Cut the orange into slices or peel separate into sections Dip a slice or section into the baking soda Take a bite! As you chew, it should start to bubble in your mouth

How does it work? When acids and bases mix, you get some exciting chemistry! Oranges and other citrus fruits are filled with citric acid. It is a safe acid, and it’s what gives oranges, lemons, and limes their sourness. Baking soda is a base, the opposite of an acid. It’s also safe, but doesn’t taste very good on it’s own, and will give you a tummy ache if you eat a lot of it. As the citric acid and baking soda mix, it makes millions of carbon dioxide bubbles, the same gas you breathe out, and the same one that makes soda so fizzy. Source: http://www.sciencefun.org/kidszone/experiments/orange-fizz/ 46 • July/August 2020 • Kids Konnect

s p m a t S Fun Fossil s l i s s o F p o t k s e D and

Watch Scientist Joe perform the experiment at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_8LxXn-cXA&feature=youtu.be

Materials: Pen Paper Scissors Styrofoam Plate Tape Marker Air Dry Clay Instructions:

Find a picture of a fossil to base your stamp off of. There are plenty on the Web, make sure yours is not too complicated (for example, a skull or bone works better than a whole skeleton) Print the picture or trace it onto a sheet of paper. Cut the flat center out of the Styrofoam plate. Place the fossil image onto the Styrofoam, then draw over it with a pen. Push hard enough that the design transfers to the foam beneath the image. Remove the paper, and you should be able to see your fossil image in the Styrofoam. Draw over the image once more with the pen. Your stamp is almost done! You can make a handle out of tape by sticking a loop to the back of the Styrofoam. Color over the front of the stamp with a marker or highlighter, then quickly press it firmly onto a sheet of paper. To make a clay ‘fossil’ using similar methods, repeat steps 1-5. Trace over the fossil image three or four times with a pen, pushing firmly into the Styrofoam. It should be easy to pop the center of the fossil picture out of the Styrofoam. If it isn’t, draw over the outline one or two more times. Gently pull the center out of the fossil design Use the fossil cut-out you just made to make a fossil imprint on a flat piece of air-dry clay. Peel the cut-out off of the clay and let it dry according to the clay’s instructions. Source: http://www.sciencefun.org/kidszone/experiments/fun-fossil-stamps-and-desktop-fossils/

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Color Me!

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