Kids Konnect March/April 2022

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

The Weather / Water cycle issue

Owatonna, MN March/April 2022

Rainbow

Games & Activities

s & Ligh

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Wheel into spring

s t c a p m I c i r o t s i H The r e h t a e of W , s g o d n u S Lions, Lambs & ! s r e w o h S

DISTRICT NEWS & CALENDAR

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The History of Lighting Lighting has changed a lot through the years!

Look at this timeline:

1800 Candle

1810 1879 1976 Oil Gas Lamp Incandescent Bulb CFL Bulb

How fun things will you and your family do?

2006 LED Bulb

Not only have the shapes changed, but the bulbs are more efficient and last longer, saving energy AND money!

1,000 Hours – Incandescent Bulbs 10,000 Hours – CFL Bulbs

25,000 Hours – LED Bulbs 0

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

25,000

Would you like your family to switch to LED bulbs?

Owatonna Public Utilities can help with our rebate!

ENERGY STAR® LED BULB & FIXTURE REBATE: 50% of bulb, fixture, or package cost (not to exceed $7 per bulb and $20 per fixture)

Go to owatonnautilities.com to download a Lighting Rebate Application and make saving energy and money a part of your family’s future!

Owatonna Public Utilities circa 1925

 Visit a farm  Go on a nature walk  Have a family movie night  Make a bird feeder  Go on a picnic  Go to the zoo  Jump in puddles  Blow bubbles outside  Take a family photo outside  Make chalk art outside  Visit the library  Plant some seeds  Swing at the park  Go on a family bike ride  Fly a kite  Wash the car  Paint rocks  Go barefoot in grass  Play hopscotch  Read books outside  Hunt for 4 leaf clovers  Go cloud watching  Hunt for bugs  Eat ice cream  Go bird watching  Play mini golf  Go fishing  Pick wild flowers  Grill outside  Watch the sunrise  Have a family game night  Skip rocks  Visit a museum  Make a blanket fort  Play in the rain  Make mud pies

Kids Konnect • March/April 2022 • 3

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

Volume 3, Issue 2 March/April 2022 PUBLISHER Randy Rickman

K i ds

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS:konnect G R O W • P L AY • L E A R N Sarah Brooks Melanie Busch Brenda Donahe-Stevens Dr. Beth Gilthvedt Mary Hawkins Kellen Hinrichsen Jean Krause Darla K. Lager Thomas Meagher, PhD Sarah Reichert Mary Urch Kesiah Winters Jason Wray-Raabolle, M.D. COVER/PAGE DESIGN Kate McGillen ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Tom Kelling ADVERTISING SALES Amber Casterton Crystal Hobart Tim Mart For editorial or advertising inquiries, contact us at 507-444-2390 Kids Konnect is published by

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

Contents Rainbows and Light Historic impacts o f weather

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Splish Splash get ready for swim class

DIY RAIN GAUGE, PIZZA POCKETS, puzzles and more!

4 • March/April 2022 • Kids Konnect

Rainbows & Light

By Dr. Beth Gilthvedt, optometrist, Horizon EyeCare Professionals*

ROY G BIV. These are the letters to remember when you look at a rainbow or see colors through a prism.

Rainbows are only seen in special weather conditions. The sun must be shining behind you. There must be water droplets in the air in front of you.

These water droplets are usually rain but can also be from a waterfall. The rainbow will be in front of you, and it will be centered around your shadow.

It may be a beautifully colored arch or a partial arc made of 7 different colors: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo and Violet; ROY G BIV. If you can remember ROY G BIV you’ll always know the rainbow colors. The colors will always appear in the same order in a rainbow with red on the top / outside and violet on the bottom / inside. Sometimes it’s hard to see the indigo and violet as separate colors because the combine to make purple.

If you see a double rainbow the fainter arc will be above the brighter one, and the colors will be in the reverse order.

To help remember you could also say the phrase “Rainbows Over Your Garden Brief In Visiting”, or make up

of rainbows. Sunlight travels more slowly through water than through air.

So each raindrop acts as a tiny prism bending, separating, and reflecting the light that shines through it. We can see a rainbow because the refracted and separated light is reflected towards our eyes. Refraction is also the word that used by eye doctors when they use lenses to help you see clearly and to determine the lens prescription in your glasses. The lenses bend the light to focus in your eyes for your best vision. To learn more about eye doctors and your vision go to www.allaboutvision.com or to the patient resources tab at www.aoa.org.

Information about rainbows from https://www.youtube.com/c/metoffice, the National Weather Service for the United Kingdom” .

your own phrase with words that start with the letters ROY G BIV. A ray of light is made up of the same colors seen in a rainbow. This is seen when a ray of light is shined at an angle through a prism, a triangular shaped solid piece of glass. Light

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slows down as it travels from air into the glass, and that causes the light to bend. This is called refraction.

Each color in the light ray is bent at a different angle allowing 7 colors (ROY G BIV) to be seen. Red light is bent the least while violet is bent the most.

Sunlight is the key to the science

*Horizon EyeCare Professionals is a member of Vision Source, a network of independent eye doctors. The doctors and staff at Horizon EyeCare have access to the knowledge and resources of more than 3,300 locally owned practices and are dedicated to maintaining the special relationship between you and your family eye doctor. Decisions regarding your care are made by you and your Vision Source eye doctor based solely upon what is best for your eye health and vision. For more information go to www.visionsource.com or www.eyecareowatonna.com

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Kids Konnect • March/April 2022 • 5

Sundogs, Lions, Lambs & Showers!

by Kesiah Winters

Hello again, everyone!

I got to see a really neat thing this February— sundogs!

Sundogs are not actual dogs; they’re a weather phenomenon that can only be seen before snowy weather when it’s very cold.

Sundogs are two bright spots that appear on both sides of the sun, and they are kind of like winter rainbows—they even look a little rainbow-y. Sundogs are caused by sunlight reflecting off of ice crystals high in the atmosphere. I took a picture on my way to work because they looked so cool!

same day! If March begins with storms, it is said that it is coming in like a lion, with a lion’s ferocity, and the hope is that the month will end with nice weather that’s gentle like a lamb. Of course, this can go the other way, too. March can come in like a lamb, with generally pleasant (although cold!) weather and end like a roaring lion with a big bunch of spring thunderstorms.

Those sundogs got me thinking about rainbows, and the ways that sundogs and rainbows are the same and how they are different. It also got me thinking about how much I wanted to see a beautiful rainbow, and how I might be able to soon since the weather’s getting warmer because…

We finally made it to spring!

Well, technically at least, since the first official day of spring is March 20th even if it’s still cold or snowy outside. (Those of you who read the last Kids Konnect might remember that March 20th is the spring equinox, when the length of the day and night at the same.) From now until June 21st—the summer solstice—the days are going to get longer and longer.

Pretty soon, we’ll start seeing the tulips and daffodils popping up our yards, and we can start thinking about all the fun things we can do in the springtime, like spotting rainbows, jumping in puddles, playing in the rain, catching frogs, picking wildflowers, flying kites… There are so many things to do! What’s your favorite spring activity?

In like a lion, out like a lamb.

This saying is about the windy month of March. Sitting on the border between winter and spring, the weather in March can be wild and extreme one day and mild and pleasant the next… or even both on the

Sundog at the Owatonna People’s Press some of the water evaporates into vapor in the air. Warm air rises, so that air and the vapor it holds rises up into the sky. As it rises, the air gets cooler and then it can’t hold all that water anymore. That water

April showers bring May flowers!

While we all appreciate the flowers that pop up in the spring months, and we all know those flowers appreciate the rain that soaks into the ground, you may ask, why is spring so rainy anyway?

Rainy springs are caused by the combination of melting snow and warming air temperatures. Warm air can hold more water vapor than cool air— you’ll really notice this during a sticky, humid summer! As the season gets warmer, the snow melts into water and

needs to go somewhere, and because gravity makes things fall, down comes the rain! (Which may indeed wash itsy bitsy spiders out of water spouts.)

Build a better

lunch box ½

Vegetables & Fruits

+ ¼

Whole Grains

+ ¼

Lean Protein

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

n unsweetened weetened

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

n granola bar n brown rice

n whole grain crackers or cereal

n lower sodium, lean luncheon meats

n tuna packed in water n peanut butter

n beans n hummus or bean dip

n handful of nuts n hardboiled eggs

n string cheese w-fatt yogurt n low-fat

low-fa n lo w-fat or skim milk

n un-processed cheese

n low-fa w-fat cottage cheese

n orange segments n grape clusters

n diced melon n fruit cup in 100% juice

n bell pepper slices

applesauce raisins, apricots pples or apples n berries

+

add

1 Serving of Low-fat Dairy

= 1 Balanced Lunch Box

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6 • March/April 2022 • Kids Konnect

Spring in to a good book

Snowman – Cold = Puddle: Spring Equations

By Laura Purdie Salas Charlesbridge ©2019

Poetry + Math + Science = A new way of looking at spring

Owatonna Public Library

When Spring Comes

Little Blue Trucks Springtime

Bear Wants More

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt ©2018

Margaret K. McElderry Books ©2003

“Beep! Beep! Little Blue Truck is out for a ride with his good friend Toad.

The sun is shining and the flowers are blooming—it’s a beautiful spring day!

Who will they see along the way?”

-- Amazon

“When springtime comes, in his warm winter dena bear wakes up very hungry and thin!...”

by Alice Schertle

Spring

Why is it Spring?

Greenwillow Books ©2016

“When it is cold and snowy and bleak and brown, Spring seems far away. But if you wait, it will come.”

– Back Cover

by By Kevin Kenkes

By Julie Murray

Margaret K. McElderry ABDO Kids ©2016

Enslow Publishers ©2012

by Cynthia Amoroso

Big changes come in spring-from the weather to the activities we do.

Why do we have seasons and when will the spring season start? What spring activities do people do as well as what animals may do during this season.

A very simple introduction to the spring season, when it occurs, and the weather associated with it.

- Amazon

Download OPL Mobile & the Libby app on your digital device Monday & Thursday • 9 AM - 8 PM Tuesday,Wednesday, & Friday • 9 AM - 5 PM Saturday • 9 AM - Noon

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507-444-2460 www.owatonna.info

Spring

By Sara L. Latta

Library Card: The mosT vaLuabLe sChooL suppLy!

Owatonna Public Library

By Karma Wilson

Child’s World © 2010

STEELE COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH 507-444-7650 Call if for help with transportation, interpreters or making an appointment with a doctor or a dentist.

Keeping kids healthy in every Season Child and Teen Checkups available to children from birth through age 20 who are covered by Minnesota state health plans such as: • Medical Assistance • South Country Health Alliance

Kids Konnect • March/April 2022 • 7

Wheel into spring

By Jason Wray-Raabolle, M.D. As the snow melts and the days get warmer, are you ready to wheel into spring on your bike, skateboard or scooter?

Before you hit the streets, sidewalks and skate parks, here are some tips Wray-Raabolle to keep in mind:

Check your equipment.

After sitting all winter, your bike, scooter or skateboard may need to be cleaned up or tuned up. Have a grown-up check out your ride to make sure tires are inflated and wheels turn freely, and it’s in generally good condition.

Wear a helmet – and make sure it fits.

Whenever you’re wheeling about, you should wear a helmet to protect your melon. It should sit low and level on your forehead — not tipped back on your head.

Adjust the straps so it fits snugly. Only one finger should fit between your chin and the straps. If the helmet moves when you move your head, tighten the straps. If

it doesn’t sit down on your head, it’s time to get a new one.

Don’t forget protective guards and pads.

If you take a tumble off a skateboard or scooter, your knees, elbows and wrists can take a beating. Strap on knee and elbow pads, and wrist guards, so you can enjoy a full season of fun.

Know the safety basics.

While your feet can get you around just fine, bikes, skateboards and scooters do it faster. They also require more skill.

Know the basics of staying safe: • Make sure you know how to turn, control your speed and stop.

• Use bike trails and lanes whenever possible.

• Follow the rules of the road. Learn about hand signals and how to use them.

Obey all traffic signs, and ride with the traffic.

• Don’t use your skateboard, bike or scooter on sidewalks.

• Watch for changes in trails or street conditions, such as water, potholes, cracks, rocks, sand or other debris.

Avoid wet or oily surfaces. When in doubt, slow down.

• Follow skate park rules, and don’t skate where it’s not allowed.

• Remember, cars may not see you, so keep a sharp eye out for them.

• Stick to daylight hours, it’s safer, you’re easier to see and so is the road or trail.

• Never ride with more than one person on a skateboard.

• No texting or using earbuds so that you’re always aware of your surroundings.

• Avoid “skitching” — where you hold onto the side or rear of a moving vehicle

— while riding a skateboard. It’s a bad accident waiting to happen.

Have fun.

Bikes, skateboards and scooters not only get you around, they also get you outside.

They’re good exercise, a way to learn new skills, and hang and have a good time with friends.

Jason Wray-Raabolle, M.D., practices family medicine at Mayo Clinic Health System in Owatonna, Minnesota.

Care when you need it.

Mayo Clinic Health System remains committed to providing the care you and your family need. Whether you are seeking routine or preventive care, or treatment for a serious or complex condition, Mayo Clinic Health System has convenient and safe options available, including virtual or in-person appointments.

Call 507-451-1120 to schedule an appointment. mayoclinichealthsystem.org

8 • March/April 2022 • Kids Konnect

The Historic Impacts of Weather By: Kellen Hinrichsen, Executive Director, Steele County Historical Society

Hello History Enthusiasts!

Today we get to talk about something that we deal with every day and has impacted history in so many ways over the years: the weather!

Now I know what you may be saying: what does weather have to do with history? Well, the short answer is…a lot!

Weather impacts everything around us, from our ability to travel, to the sewing and harvesting of crops, to construction, sports, and so much more. The weather is also something that we as humans have no control over, though we certainly wish we did. Here in Minnesota, weather has created or impacted history in many ways throughout the history of our state. One of the most noticeable impacts of weather and climate on our state may be a surprise to you. The Land of 10,000 Lakes got this name due to the weather! During the end of the last Ice Age, the massive glaciers (sometimes a mile thick!) receded as the climate warmed, and left large gashes in the land. These would eventually fill with melt water and become the thousands of lakes that dot Minnesota today.

More recent history related to the weather can be seen right here in Steele County.

Heavy rains in 2010 dropped millions of gallons of water on and around Steele County, leading to severe flooding of local rivers. Floods like this are caused by storms that simply drop more rain than local natural drainage systems can handle. The floods of 2010 saw heavy rains fall in late September, flooding already saturated soil. Low lying areas around Steele County were flooded, requiring some local residents to be saved by boat

rescue. The waters eventually receded, but we saw a great deal of damage left behind, particularly around Maple Creek and Straight River.

Our winter weather impacts greatly as well, with snow and wind making travel impossible, closing schools, and just making everyday life a bit more difficult. We live in a part of the country where weather during the winter can be challenging in many ways. We receive heavy snows, cold winds, and bone chilling temperatures. These winter conditions have proved difficult for generations, with pioneers in the 19th century being required to stay indoors for much of the winter time! These pioneers would often live in wooden structures that had to optimize the use of heat, with the hearth or fireplace centrally located, allowing for use for not just cooking but heating as well. Today, we have heavily insulated clothing, well insulated homes, and even remote starters for our cars!

Weather is a part of all of our lives and impacts us daily. It is because of this daily impact that weather has on us (what we wear, what we plan to do, etc.) that we sometimes forget the major impacts it has on history. I encourage you to ask family members about major weather events that they have experienced in their lives. This can be a great way to learn more about the weather and roles that it has played locally, while also being a great way to connect with loved ones. If you would like to learn more about the historic impacts of weather locally, you can contact the Steele County Historical Society and we can help you on your learning journey!

Morehouse Park and the flooded Straight River during the 2010 Floods.

You can see the bridge completely overtaken by water in this photograph.

Photo courtesy of the Steele County Historical Society

A blizzard in March 1917 causes the Rock Island railroad train to stop to clear snow near Owatonna. Heavy snows greatly impacted train travel historically and could severely limit travel!

Photo courtesy of the Steele County Historical Society

Heavy winds from a storm in the 1920s uprooted this tree.

Strong storms in the Spring and Summer can cause significant damage, especially related to downed trees and power lines.

Photo courtesy of the Steele County Historical Society

Strong storms brought heavy rains to Steele County in 1906, washing away part of Bridge Street in Owatonna.

Photo courtesy of the Steele County Historical Society

The Steele County Historical Society’s New Children’s Programming Series:

HISTORY DETECTIVES FREE ADMISSION! Developed for children 2 - 10 years old and their caretakers Local History

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Space is limited! Please call ahead to reserve your spot 1700 Austin Road Owatonna, MN SCHSMN.org 507-451-1420

Kids Konnect • March/April 2022 • 9

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S cienceTechnology Technology Engineering Engineer ing Ar ts MMathematics athemat i c s Science Arts

STEAM’in WITH “Dr. M” PhD Thomas Meagher, a nn (known to Owato ”) is the students as “Dr. M r for the STEAM Coordinato l District.

Schoo Owatonna Public

Weather, water cycle & water

There’s an old saying here in Minnesota, “If you don’t like the weather just wait 15 minutes and it’ll change.” You’ll notice that Minnesota is a land of weather extremes where we can have the coldest temperatures in winter and some of the hottest weather in summer. In this issue of the Kids Konnect, let’s explore how weather works, what we can do to get ready for when severe weather does happen and how to stay safe during a bad storm

Send us your pictures of STEAM creations, experiments, inventions and observations and we may publish the best ones in the next issue.

Be sure to include your Kids Konnect magazine in the photo.

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What is the difference between weather & climate?

We hear a lot about weather and climate these days, and the changes we observe happening to both. But what exactly is the difference between weather and climate?

Weather is what happens over a single day or week during the year. Climate is how the daily weather shows patterns over the course of a year, decade or century. It’s like the difference between what happens during a single game when playing soccer, compared to how the entire season of games turned out for a specific team. Some days the team may have a good game, others they lose, but at the end of the season did the team have a winning season or not?

Each day can bring new weather, and people like to know the high and the low temperatures, if there will be rain, or snow, or wind and if the sun will shine or if it will be cloudy. In order to figure out that, scientists that specialize in studying weather, meteorologists, take daily measurements and study how large masses of air are moving around the world.

Weather often depends on where and how large air masses are moving and the amount of energy they receive from sunlight and heat. These air masses have different pressures, some have high pressure (H) while others have low pressure (L). A rule of thumb is that a high pressure front brings sunny weather while a low pressure front brings clouds and precipitation. Can you read this weather map? What is the air pressure where rain & storms are happening?

Since the state of Minnesota is located

Kids Konnect • March/April 2022 • 11

in the middle of the North American continent, we can have frequent changes to the air masses that travel over us. This can cause our weather to change very quickly and drastically. In winter of 2008 the daily high was 36F and it dropped to -13F; that’s a drop in temperature of 49 degrees in one day!

Over the years we see that weather has a pattern that we can expect each season, this is called climate: winters are cold and snowy, spring is muddy and warm, summers are hot and humid and fall is cool and dry. When meteorologists record daily temperatures, precipitation, air pressures we see these patterns each year and how the yearly patterns either stay the same or change. Minnesota meteorologists have been recording this information since they built Fort Snelling in 1819. That means our weather records are over 200 years old and the yearly patterns are easily observable.

However, over the past 25 years there’s been observable changes in the climate patterns we see in Minnesota. Minnesota winters are getting shorter in length, which means there’s less days that are below freezing, lakes have fewer days covered by ice and winter days are warmer than usual. Our summers are getting longer, warmer and much wetter. Storms are dropping more precipitation than ever and the power of the storms is becoming much stronger.

These changes over time are what is happening in climate change. The long term climate of Minnesota is shifting and becoming more like the climate of states far south of here, such as Iowa and Missouri. If the climate continues to change, we may see the plants, animals and habitats that are common here in Minnesota change and move northward to follow the cooler climate migrating towards Canada.

To learn more about this watch my video on Vimeo channel “STEM with DR. M” or my video about weather here: https://vimeo.com/ channels/1765042/482784217

12 • March/April 2022 • Kids Konnect

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Let’s build a weather station.

To measure weather, we need to collect data on daily temperature, wind speed/direction, humidity and precipitation.

Many of these tools can be built with materials right at home.

An easy rain gauge can be made from an empty plastic bottle. Mark a line all the way around the top of a clear plastic bottle, be sure it’s a level circle. Carefully cut the top of the bottle off with scissors.

With a ruler and permanent marker, mark off every inch and half inch line along the

outside of the bottle. Flip the top upside down into the bottle then use tape around the outside to hold it in place. Place a few small stones in the bottom of the bottle, or attach it to a PVC pole with zip ties.

To measure the wind and the direction

wind is coming from, you can make a windsock. Take another empty, clear plastic bottle and carefully mark a 1 inch wide circle around the bottle, below the curve of the top. Cut the top off the bottle, then carefully cut the 1 inch wide ring of plastic from the bottle. Use a paper hole

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Kids Konnect • March/April 2022 • 13

punch to make 4 hole in the ring of plastic, one in each side of the bottle directly across from the others. Cut 4 pieces of kite string and tie one string through each hole. Tie the four string together forming a large knot on the end of the strings.

Next, cut 4 long strips of bright plastic from plastic shopping bags approximately 1 inch wide each. Make sure to cut them all the same width and length. Tape these strips to the outside of the plastic ring using weather resistant tape, like duct tape. Attach the kite string windsock

to the top of the PVC pole to act as both wind the higher the sock will rise and the a wind vane and anemometer (wind straighter the strips will fly out behind the speed meter). When the wind blows the ring. windsock will rise and the stronger the

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How can we use science and technology to protect ourselves from weather events?

Protecting ourselves and our communities can be serious business and we need to rely on both science and technology to solve this problem.

The problem of natural disasters or weather storm events falls into a few main categories.

Prediction: How can we predict if there will be a bad storm coming towards our community?

Scientists and engineers use a lot of information to predict the possible paths a storm may take and what sort of conditions the storm will bring to an area.

For example, during winter a storm may be a powerful blizzard with strong winds, large amounts of snow and cold temperatures. In spring or summer a similar storm may bring rain, lightning and circling winds that could lead to a tornado.

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Kids Konnect • March/April 2022 • 15

Meteorologists try to gather information on wind speed and direction the winds are traveling, the amount of water moisture, humidity, in the air and the amount of heat energy the storm has gathered. As a storm moves scientists share this information with the public and predictions are made on where a storm will be as it travels across the country.

This storm is so big it covers the states of Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Iowa! The green and red is rain and blue is snow. Can you find Owatonna in Minnesota and figure out what the storm is dropping here?

to protect against tornadoes, such as Many people volunteer to measure including shatter proof windows, roofs weather conditions and share their data that are reinforced and basements! Being with meteorologists in order to make below ground as a bad storm travels over accurate predictions. When storms are you is one of the safest places to be! accurately predicted and many people know where the storm is headed, Viracon in Owatonna is a business that hopefully there is enough time to prepare manufactures windows and glass that is for the storm and reduce any risk of injury meant to protect people during storms. or damage to your home, buildings or Their glass is so strong it resists being broken even during a hurricane! property!

The top left picture shows a window that cracks, but does not shatter when a board bring electricity back to people who lost power to their homes. traveling over 100 mile per hour hits it!

This is how viracon makes its special Also, the storm may have caused water If we can make accurate predictions then hurricane protective glass. damage, either from flooding, leakage or we can more easily prepare to protect ourselves. This really depends on the Remediation: How quickly can we damage to the roof or windows. Cleaning type of storm that could run through recover and rebuild after the bad storm up and drying out after a bad storm can be very difficult but if it is not done correctly, our community. Here in Minnesota we has passed through our community? the moisture can cause health problems. need to protect ourselves, homes and communities from things like blizzards, After a storm passes through, we need It’s important for a home and community to see if there is any damage and how to keep clean water available for people to tornadoes and thunderstorms. to clean up and repair anything that has use and remove water that damages our Homes are built in many different ways been broken. Many engineers work to homes or buildings.

Protection: How can we protect our community from a bad storm coming towards it?

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How can we use water to create a painting?

Have you ever tried to paint a picture of what you’re looking at? A great way to explore the world is to study with detail by painting what you see when you’re outside, such as a shoreline, forest or beautiful sunset. One way to paint is to use the technology of watercolors. By experimenting with combinations of water, paint and paper you can create amazing works of art!

Wet on wet watercolor is an easy way to paint sunsets, lakes and other smooth, colorful things. To paint in this way first fill up your brush with just water, no paint, and then “paint” the water all over where you want the color to go.

Brushing” can seem a little strange when it comes to watercolor, but it’s a great method that will give your art added sharpness! All you have to do is mix your colors and then dry off your brush on a Dry brushing is another simple paper towel, then dip your brush directly watercolor painting technique that you in the color you mixed.

Next mix the color you want and then paint can use. Dry brushing is great for smaller in the water on your paper. Watch how the and more intricate details. The name “Dry This way you have a lot more color colors grow and fill the space where you put water! For added brightness, wait for the paper to dry and then paint over it in the same color. Layering is a great way to make your colors vibrant!

Kids Konnect • March/April 2022 • 17

than water in the brush. Next, use the paintbrush like a pencil and essentially draw on the page. Dry brushing gives you a really strong color that is easy to control and keep neat. So if you want to paint a tree or a dog or a city or anything with clear details dry brushing is the way to go.

If you want to take your painting to the next level combine these two techniques for a doubly awesome picture! Say you want to paint a cabin next to a lake, use wet on wet for a really fun and colorful lake, then use dry brushing to get a distinct shape for the cabin. By exploring these cool tools you’ll have fun, learn something new, and impress your friends with your awesome painting skills!

18 • March/April 2022 • Kids Konnect

S TE AM + +

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MATHEMATICS

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S c i e nce Te c hn o l o g y E n gin eer in g Ar ts M ath ematic s

Tornados are some of the worst storms that can hit here in Minnesota.

A tornado is similar to a hurricane, but it comes from the land instead of the ocean. But both storms have rotating winds that exceed 70 mile per hour!

The National Wind Institute of the University of Texas designed the “Enhanced Fujita” Scale which we now call E.F. Using the E.F. scale scientists and meteorologists can predict the size, shape Tornadoes are classified based on the and intensity of a tornado and then send “Fujita” scale, which measures the out a classification, such as an EF 1 or EF wind speed, level of heat and amount of 2 scale tornado. moisture the storm is carrying.

Engineers, designers and home builders Storm chasers are people who follow where a tornado goes and try to measure the speed of the wind and the amount of the rain that follows the storm.

can build houses, stores, office buildings in ways that can protect us from tornadoes that are the different EF rated storms that we see in a particular area.

In southern Minnesota in September of 2018, one very power storm created over 27 small tornadoes that swept across the state from Worthington through Owatonna and into Wisconsin. Fortunately the

Kids Konnect • March/April 2022 • 19

tornadoes were EF 0 or EF1 in wind speed, but since there were so many that was a lot of damage to homes, farms and even schools!

Look over the map on the right of where the tornadoes traveled, which number passed right through Owatonna? It was an EF1 level, how fast was the wind speed when it went by? Can you see the two tornadoes that are forming under one large storm cloud, in this picture from near Owatonna?

20 • March/April 2022 • Kids Konnect

Splish Splash, Get Ready to for Swim Class!

Swimming is a lifetime skill that all should try to learn! We have several places in Owatonna to swim and splash around. We have the West Hills Pool, the River Springs Water Park (Open JuneAugust) and Lake Kohlmier (Open JuneAugust). We offer swim lessons at River Springs, Owatonna Middle School and

Registration dates are March 17th, May 19th, June 16th, July 14th. If you

West Hills.

have questions as to which level you should register for check out our guide.

We also have private lessons in which the instructor will work with the child one on one at their skill level. If you have questions call us at 507-444-4321 or check our website at Owatonna.gov Level 1 - Introduction of Water Skill Level 1 helps students feel comfortable in the water.

• Enter and exit water using ladder, steps or side • Blow bubbles through mouth and nose • Bobbing • Open eyes under water and retrieve

submerged objects Front and back glides and floats Recover to vertical position Roll from front to back and back to front Tread water using arm and hand actions Alternating and simultaneous leg actions on front and back • Alternating and simultaneous arm actions on front and back • Combined arm and leg actions on front and back • • • • •

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Level 2 - Fundamental Aquatic Skills Level 2 gives students success with fundamental skills.

• Enter and exit water by stepping or jumping from the side • Fully submerge and hold breath • Bobbing • Open eyes under water and retrieve submerged objects • Front, jellyfish and tuck floats • Recover to vertical position • Roll from front to back and back to front • Change direction of travel while swimming on front or back • Tread water using arm and leg actions • Combined arm and leg actions on front and back • Finning arm action Level 3 - Stroke Development Level 3 builds on the skills in level 2 by providing additional guided practice.

• Enter water by jumping from side • Headfirst entries from the side in sitting and kneeling positions • Bobbing while moving toward safety • Rotary breathing • Survival float • Back float • Change from vertical to horizontal position on front and back • Tread water • Flutter, scissor, dolphin and breaststroke kicks on front • Front crawl and elementary backstroke Level 4 - Stroke Improvement Level 4 develops confidence in the strokes learned and to improve other aquatic skills.

• Headfirst entries from the side in compact and stride positions • Swim under water • Feet first surface dive • Survival swimming • Front crawl and backstroke open turns • Tread water using 2 different kicks • Front and back crawl, elementary backstroke, breaststroke, sidestroke and butterfly • Flutter and dolphin kicks on back

Level 5 - Stroke Refinement Level 5 provides further coordination and refinement of strokes.

• Shallow-angle dive from the side then glide and begin a front stroke • Tuck and pike surface dives, submerge completely • Front flip turn and backstroke flip turn while swimming • Front and back crawl, elementary backstroke, breaststroke, sidestroke and butterfly • Sculling Level 6 - Swimming & Skill Proficiency Level 6 refines the strokes so participants swim them with ease, efficiency, power, and smoothness over greater distances.

Level 6 is designed with a “menu” options that focus on preparing participants for more advanced courses, including the Water Safety Instructor, or other aquatic activities, such as competitive swimming or diving.

Options include: • Fitness Swimming (Owatonna Parks and Recreation focuses on this option) • Personal Water Safety • Fundamentals of Diving We also have the Lake Kohlmier beach for public swimming.

Hours for Lake Kohlmier are • Thursday-Friday 1:00pm-7:00pm • Saturday-Sunday 12:00pm-7:00pm • **Open Memorial Day 1:00pm-7:00pm Lake Kohlmier beach will be open Thursday through Sunday for aquatic and trail equipment rentals as well as concessions. Lake Kohlmier will be stocked with Adult, Child and Infant sized lifejackets which are included and required with each aquatic rental. If you have your own Coast Guard Approved Life Jacket you would be allowed to use it as long as the Guest Services attendant verifies the Coast Guard Approved Status. The beach is open daily and ropes are placed to indicate swim areas. There are no lifeguards on duty - individuals will swim according to beach rules and at their own risk.

We hope you take advantage of our water areas in the Owatonna Parks Department!

408 N. Cedar Avenue Owatonna, MN • 507-451-2051

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Kids Konnect • March/April 2022 • 21

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22 • March/April 2022 • Kids Konnect

CONNECT THE DOTS

How does a How does a hurricane see? hurricane With its eye. see?

With its eye.

What did one What didsay one lightning bolt lightning bolt say to the other to the other lightning bolt? lightning bolt?

“You’re shocking!”

“You’re shocking!”

What does a cloud What doeshis a cloud wear under wear under his raincoat?

Thunderwear. raincoat?

Thunderwear.

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Kids Konnect • March/April 2022 • 23

PIZZA POCKETS Great for a fun night in, appetizers or getting kids into the kitchen, these personalized childhood favorites are delicious and quick.

Total time 35 mins Cook time 22-25 mins Servings 6 pizzas

Ingredients 1 package refrigerated thin crust pizza dough 1/4 cup prepared pizza or marinara sauce 6 slices pepperoni, cut into quarters 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella

DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 375°F. 2. Spray a 6-cup muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray.

3. Roll out pizza dough and cut into 6 circles using a large glass or cookie cutter.

4. Press dough into cups.

Top each crust with marinara, pepperoni and cheese.

5. Bake until dough is golden brown and cheese is melted, 22–25 minutes.

NUTRITION 158 calories; 3 g fat; 1 g saturated fat; 4 mg cholesterol; 317 mg sodium; 26 g carbohydrate; 0 g fiber; 6 g sugar; 5 g protein Source: https://www.fareway.com/recipes/pepperoni-pizza-pockets

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24 • March/April 2022 • Kids Konnect

Relax.

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Kids Konnect • March/April 2022 • 25

Let’s get crafty!

As the weather warms up and spring gets underway, many birds that went south for the winter start to return to Minnesota to hatch and raise their babies. The soils warms up, and bugs and worms start to reappear; there’s plenty of food for hungry chicks. But before the eggs can be laid, the nest has to be built. Help out these soon-to-be bird parents by offering some building materials!

Nesting materials station What you’ll need: • A pressed paper egg carton (not Styrofoam) • Twine, cord, or yarn • Materials like straw, hay, dried grasses, twigs, leaves, paper shreds, pet fur, moss, bits of bark, feathers, and dried pine needles.

Remove the lid of the egg carton; you don’t need it, so you can use it for a different craft project. Cut a long length of twine or yarn— you can trim it down later if it’s too long— and run it though the hole in “peak” on the right side of the carton. (See photos.) Run the twine along the center line of bottom of the carton and then back up through the hole on the left side. This is your hanger, so tie the two ends together at the length you want your station to hang.

Now, fill those egg cups with a variety of bird-safe materials! DO include: small twigs, hay or straw, dried leaves, pet fur and shredded paper scraps. DON’T include: long, thin string that could tangle around birds’ feet, human hair, dryer lint, or anything plastic. Since the egg carton is very light, filling the four cups on the ends with birdseed, peanuts, or chopped fruit bits like apple or grape will help stabilize it and entice more birds to check it out.

Hang your station outside out of direct wind (you don’t want everything blown away as soon as you hang it!) somewhere that’s easy for the neighborhood birds to access. If you hang it somewhere by a window, you can watch your feathered friends visit and pick up supplies!

A simpler way would be to reuse a suet feeder. Suet feeders are small square metal cages that hold suet cakes for birds to feast on through the winter. After the colder months are over, they can be cleaned out, stuffed with nesting materials, and rehung.

Weird homes!

Great crested flycatchers, cute little grey-brown birds with yellow bellies, likes to be different than other birds— they are the only species that will use discarded snakeskin as a building material.

Hummingbird nests are teensy-tiny, about the size of a thimble or a walnut half! Hummingbirds use spider silk in the construction of their nests— the silk is sticky enough to hold the nest together and stretchy enough to allow the nest to accommodate the growing babies.

Bald eagles use the same nest for many years, and keep adding alterations and improvements every year.

Because of this, bald eagle nests can get very big and VERY heavy. The average nest is about the size of a bathtub, 3-4 feet wide and 2-3 feet deep, and weighs a half ton. The largest nest recorded was a whopping 9 and a half feet wide, 20 feet deep, and weighed three tons! That’s as deep as a two story house and as heavy as full-grown rhinoceros!

DIY Rain gauge (from education.com)

What you’ll need: • Empty two-liter plastic bottle • Scissors • A few handfuls of clean pebbles, gravel, or marbles • Masking tape • Water • Ruler • Permanent marker 1. Carefully use the scissors to cut the top of the bottle off at the wide part just below where it begins to get narrow.

2. Put the pebbles in the bottom of the bottle—these will help keep it from getting blown over if it’s windy.

3. Turn the top of the bottle upside down—make sure there’s no cap on it! It’s going to act like a funnel—and place it in the bottom part of the bottle, pointing downward.

Line up the cut edges and tape them together so the top part is held firmly in place.

4. Use a long piece of tape to make a straight vertical line from the top edge of the bottle to the bottom. Use the marker to draw a line on the vertical piece of tape just a little above the top of the pebbles. This will be the bottom of your rain gauge.

5. Set the ruler against the vertical tape so that the “0” line lines up with the bottom mark. Use the marker to mark every quarter-inch (or, if you want to get fancy, every eighth-inch) along the piece of tape. Then label the inches from bottom to top. (Alternatively, you can mark centimeters and half-centimeters instead.)

6. Set the bottle on a level surface and pour some water in until it reaches the bottom mark. Your rain gauge is now ready to go!

7. Put the rain gauge outdoors—you’ll need to pick a really good spot! You want somewhere level that’s open to the sky and that’s not likely to get too windy, where the gauge isn’t likely to be disturbed. There shouldn’t be anything hanging over the gauge that could either block any rain or make extra raindrops drip into the bottle (like a tree or a power line or the edge of a roof).

8. Pay attention to the forecast. On a day that you’re likely to get rain, make sure the water in the bottom hasn’t evaporated below your bottom mark; if it has, refill it to that mark.

9. If it rains within 24 hours, check your gauge and see how high the water is now. That’s how much rain has fallen in the last day! On your piece of paper, make a note of the date and the amount of rain. Then read the newspaper or go online and find out the official amount of rainfall in your area for the day and make a note of it—see how closely your figure matches the official one!

10. Repeat steps 7-9 for several rainy days.

26 • March/April 2022 • Kids Konnect

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

                                             

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

                                                   

                                  

                 

                         

                                                                                                                                                 

                           

                          

                                    

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

      

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

                           ' 



                                 

                                                   

   

         

                 

                        

Kids Konnect • March/April 2022 • 27

Respuestas a los acertijos, juegos, encuestas y muchas otras cosas muy divertidas.

Respuestas a los acertijos, juegos, encuestas y muchas otras cosas muy divertidas.

en Español

www.kidscoop.com

www.kidscoop.com

BOUQUET BOUQUET RABBIT RABBIT EASTER EASTER SHARE SHARE Y R E P A P S W E N YOUNGER YOUNGER N U B S H I R T Y NLUNCH LUNCH O O R T I E R A H SBUGS BUGS U C E N D Z A E O IHIDING HIDING SHIRT SHIRT I I Z B L T Q N A G THINK THINK S K N O N U B N U SFRIENDS FRIENDS A H U P G B I E H NPOINT POINT C E O S R A T P A GBUNNY BUNNY Buzz quiere hacer un NEWSPAPER ramo de flores para NEWSPAPER E S D N E I R F H Y regalarle a su mamá, parecido a este dibujo.

BUZZ Marca conBUZZ un círculo

En el acertijo, encuentra estas palabras ¡Busca un amigo(a) y juntos completen ntos completen esta página! Si la página te resulta fácil, en inglés, luego encuentra la traducción te resulta fácil, busca un compañero(a) más joven para Beeper construyó unos insectos con cartulina. Ayúdala a al líneas español de estas palabras en la página insectos con cartulina.

Ayúdalatea rotular cada insecto usando solamente ás joven para Beeper construyó unos rectas. que sea tu amiguito(a).

Si la página usando solamente líneas rectas. la página te rotular cada insectoresulta difícil, busca un compañero(a) de Kid Scoop de hoy. ompañero(a) mayor para que te ayude a completarla. a completarla.

Buzz y Beeper escondieron sus canastas de Pascuas bajo tierra.

Lo curioso es que las escondieron tan bien que ni siquiera ellos las pueden encontrar. ¿Puedes ayudarles?

Buzz quiere hacer un ramo de flores para regalarle a su mamá, parecido a este dibujo.

Marca con un círculo el conjunto de flores en la grilla que combinan con este:

el conjunto de flores en la grilla que combinan con este:

Observa cada huevo de Pascua. Si cada uno fuese recortado y colocado en la grilla, ¿cuántos casilleros cubrirían? Escribe tu pálpito en cada huevo. Luego recorta los huevos, cálcalos en la grilla y cuenta el número verdadero de casilleros que cada huevo cubre, total o parcialmente.

e a

Y

S

T

N

I

O

P

S

E

Observa cada huevo de Pascua. Si colocado en la grilla, ¿cuántos casi pálpito en cada huevo. Luego recor grilla y cuenta el número verdad Palabra de huevo la semana: cubre, total o

RAMO

El sustantivo ramo significa un grupo de flores arregladas atractivamente.

El domingo de Pascua le regalamos a mi tía un hermoso ramo de flores.

¿Quién se llevó la zanahoria de Buzz?

Uno de los hermanos malos se comió la zanahoria que Buzz planeaba comerse en el almuerzo. Usa las pistas para descubrir quien fue el culpable.

Intenta usar la palabra ramo en alguna frase que pronuncies el día de hoy mientras conversas con amigos(as) y/o parientes.

Piensa en palabras cortas, tipo "y" o "el" y observa cuantas veces las encuentras en la primera página del periódico.

Luego pídele a un amigo(a) tuyo que haga lo mismo. ¿Quién halló más palabras?

Piensa en palabras cortas, tipo Lección Bibliotecaria "y" o "el" y observa cuantas

Junto a un amigo(a),veces buscalasenencuentras el periódico en lade hoy las letras necesarias para formar las primera página del periódico. palabras “Huevos deLuego Pascua”. estas pídeleRecorta a un amigo(a) tuyo que haga lo mismo. ¿Quién letras. Revuelve las letras y tómense turnos halló más para formar nuevas palabras.

Porpalabras? cada palabra formada, el jugador recibirá un punto.

Conejito de Pascua avistado Lección Bibliote Un conejito de Pascua fue

avistado como Junto a uny tú, amigo(a), busca reportero, has sido hoy las letras necesarias pa designado para cubrir este palabras “Huevos de Pascu hecho. Asegúrate de letras.

Revuelve las incluir en tu nota quién, letras y para formar nuevas qué, dónde, cuándo, por palabra formada, jugador recibir qué y el cómo.

28 • March/April 2022 • Kids Konnect

St. Mary’s School 5th and 6th Grade sculptures in learning lab.

St.School Mary's School St. Mary's

and sculptures 6th Grade sculptures lear 6th5th Grade in learning in lab.

Learning Labs: The & 6th graders into groups to expe The 5th & 6th graders are5th mixed into groupsare to mixed experience different Learningareas Labs: The & 6th graders areour mixed into groups to experience content normally part of traditional curriculum.

These t normally part of not our5th traditional curriculum.

These learning labs are different content areas not normally part of our traditional curriculum. to provide new and fun experiences the The h nd fun experiences for the students have learning These learning labs arestudents. to provide The newfor and funstudents. experiences for students thelabs once a week forstudents anthe hour.

Each quarter students will switch students.

The have learning labsthe once aaweek for anlearning hour. to a d an hour.

Each quarter students will switch to different EachArt, quarter the students will switch to a diffand erent learning lab such as: lab such as: Art, Engineering, Entrepreneurship, and Co uch as: Engineering, Entrepreneurship, Coding.

St. Mary's St. Mary's SchoolSchool

d 6th 5th Grade and 6th sculptures Grade sculptures in learning in learnin lab.

Art, Engineering, Entrepreneurship, and Coding.

abs: The Learning 5th & 6th Labs: graders The 5th are & mixed 6th graders into groups are mixed to experience into groups different to experienc as not content normally areas part not ofnormally our traditional part ofcurriculum. our traditional These curriculum. learning labs These arelearn ew and to provide fun experiences new and fun for experiences the students.for The thestudents students. have Thelearning students labs have l k for once an hour. a week Each for quarter an hour. theEach students quarter willthe switch students to a different will switch learning to a differ lab such as: Art,lab Engineering, such as: Art, Entrepreneurship, Engineering, Entrepreneurship, and Coding. and Coding.

Kids Konnect • March/April 2022 • 29

Contact us to set up a tour!

730. S Cedar Ave | Owatonna www.stmarys-owatonna.org 507-446-2300 admissions@stmarys-owatonna.org

St. Mary's School

Roz Engineering Project: The 4th-grade students read the book; The Wild Robot and the 5th graders read; The Wild Robot Escapes, which is Rozsequel.

Engineering Project: the book; The WildaRobot and the the Each year The we 4th-grade bring thestudents groupsread together to create scene from 5thoriginal graders read; TheThe WildWild Robot Escapes, which is the sequel.

Eachup year we bring the the book: Robot.

The 4th-graders come with an idea groups together create scene from the original book: The Wildlittle Robot.

Themodules 4th-graders for the scenetoand thea5th graders have to incorporate Bits come up with an idea for the scene and the 5th graders have to incorporate littleBits to make the scene come alive by movement, sound, and lights. modules to make the scene come alive by movement, sound, and lights. It is a great ItProject: is a great cooperative hands-on project and the the students enjoy gineering Rozcooperative Engineering The Project: 4th-grade Theand 4th-grade students students read thethe read book; The book; Wild The Robot Wild and Robot the the and Engineering Project: The 4th-grade students read book; The Wild Robot and hands-on project the students enjoy bringing the story to life.

We then bringing the story toflipgrid life.Escapes, We then have the students dowe flip have the students do videos along with their project. raders 5th read; graders The read; Wild The Robot Wild Escapes, Robot which is to which the sequel. is the Each sequel. year Each bring year we thebring h graders read; The Wild Robot Escapes, which isgothe sequel.

Each year we bring the grid videos to go along with their project. together groups together to create to a create scene from a scene thefrom original the book: original The book: Wild The Robot.

WildThe Robot.

4th-graders The 4th-gr ps together to create a scene from the original book: The Wild Robot.

The 4th-grader upcome with an upan idea with for anfor the idea scene for the and scene thethe 5th and5th graders thegraders 5th have graders to incorporate have to incorporate littleBits littleB me up with idea the scene and have to incorporate littleBits and lights. andItlights. isIta is great is a gr ules modules to make to themake scene the come scene alive come by movement, alive by movement, sound, sound, and lights. aItgreat odules to make the scene come alive by movement, sound, ative cooperative hands-on hands-on project and project thethe students andstudents the students enjoy bringing enjoy bringing thethe story the to life. story We to We then life.then We perative hands-on project and enjoy bringing story to life. have thethe have students the students do flipgrid dovideos flipgrid tovideos go go with along their with project. their project. have students do flipgrid videos to along go to along with their project.

St. St. Mary's School School St.Mary's Mary's School

NOW ENROLLING FOR THE 2022-2023 SCHOOL YEAR! Preschool through 8th grade Phone: 507-446-2300 | Email: admissions@stmarys-owatonna.org Website: www.stmarys-owatonna.org

30 • March/April 2022 • Kids Konnect

Exploring Weather/ #OwatonnaProud The Water Cycle

First graders check puddle depth with sticks of different sizes to learn if their measurements change.

Looking for and documenting forms of water. Water vapor, ice, snow, liquid water in puddles, and running water off the roof.

Snow from an elementary recess area, followed by what was left behind after it melted.

Eating snow from the playground is not a good idea!

Kids Konnect • March/April 2022 • 31

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!

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@Owatonna761

Exploring water with second graders how many drops can fit on a penny before the surface tension breaks?

Important Upcoming Dates March 24 - End of third quarter

May 4 - McKinley Track Meet

March 25 - No school, teacher work day

May 5 - Wilson Spring Concert

March 28 - April 1 - No school, spring break

May 10 - Wilson Track Meet

April 15 - No school, district closed

May 11 - Lincoln Track Meet

April 26 - McKinley Spring Concert

May 18 - All City Track Meet

April 28 - Washington Spring Concert

May 30 - No school, district closed

May 2 - Lincoln Spring Concert

June 2 - Last day of school

May 3 - Washington Track Meet Stay up-to-date with all events. School calendars are available at www.isd761.org.

32 • March/April 2022 • Kids Konnect

Why did the leaf go Whyto didthe thedoctor? leaf go Ittowas green. thefeeling doctor?

It was feeling green.

How can you tell Howthe canocean you tell is the friendly? ocean is friendly?

It waves.

It waves.

Why is grass so Whydangerous? is grass so dangerous?

Because it’s full Because it’s full of blades. of blades.

Whydid didthe the sun Why sun gogo school? totoschool? get brighter.

ToTo get brighter.

How cut aa Howdodoyou you cut wave in half? wave in half?

Use saw.

Usea sea a sea saw.

What tree Whatdid didthe the tree wear to the pool wear to the pool party? party?

Swimming trunks.

Swimming trunks.

What did the What ground saydid to the the ground say to the earthquake?

Youearthquake? crack me up!

You crack me up!

14196-1; Kids Konnect; LETS SMILE INC; Color; 6 x 6.25; XPos: 9 YPos: -0, Width: 711.36 x 450

PREVENTING TOOTH DECAY

TOOTH TRUTH

Teeth have a protective outer layer called enamel. This layer is harder than bone and protects the tooth like a helmet.

TOOTH TRUTH Bacteria eat sugar.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO Avoid acidic, sour or sweet foods and drinks, which can eat away at the enamel on your teeth.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO Avoid diets high in sugar, which increase the amount of bacteria in your mouth.

TOOTH TRUTH

Calvities (or decay) are caused by bacteria. Without intervention, bacteria in the mouth will double every five hours.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO Brush at least twice a day to clean the bacteria off the teeth and tongue.

TOOTH TRUTH WHAT YOU SHOULD DO As bacteria eat, they produce acid Use fluoride toothpastes, that breaks down the enamel in a which can help reverse some of process called demineralization. the damage.

TOOTH TRUTH

If you can catch a cavity early, before it breaks through the hard enamel. it is much easier to prevent more serious problems.

Let’s Smile, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization based in Steele County since 2013. Dental services are provided to children & adolescents with MA, SCHA, or no dental insurance at no cost to families. See us in the Community Pathways Building or at your school-based dental clinic!

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

Getting regular checkups (at least twice a year) helps make sure you catch these problems early before anything bad happens.

Call/text 507-363-3023 to set up an appointment or email us at letssmile@outlook.com www.letssmileinc.com Like us on Facebook!