Kids Konnect November-December 2020

K i ds konnect

Owatonna, MN November/December 2020

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Games & Activities

Robots Now and into the Future

! o g in B lk a W r e t Win

Getting your family mentally ready for COVID-19 during winter

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Why was the robot banned from driving?

She beeped too much.

et if What do you g bot you cross a ro with a tractor?

A trans-farmer.

Now that’s funny!

Why di d the rob ot sneeze ?

She had a virus.

What music do robots like ?

Heavy meta l.

How do eat robots salsa? ro With mic chips.

t’s What’s a robo ? favorite dance . ba The Room

Why does everyone fall asleep in Professor Robot’s flying clas s?

Because he drones on and on.

a What’s ’s robot favorite e? exercis Circuit . training

Knock kno Who’s th ck. ere?

Art. Art who ?

R2D2.

What name should you never call a robot?

Rusty.

What do you ca ll a frozen droid?

An ice borg.

Kids will spend 11 minutes dressing Spike up How about two like a princess. minutes to brush their teeth?

Brushing for two minutes now can save your child from severe tooth pain later. Two minutes, twice a day. They have the time. For fun, 2-minute videos to watch while brushing, go to 2min2x.org.

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Why are robots shy?

Because they’ve d got hardware an software but no underwear.

What d o robots wear in winter?

Ro-boot s.

Knock kno Who’s th ck. ere?

Anne.

Anne w ho Anne D ? roid.

What re sta did the urant robot go to?

Megaby tes. ke you ma o d w Ho angry? a robot ttons. bu Push its

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. letssmile@outlook.com www.letssmileinc.com Like Us On Facebook

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

Volume 1, Issue 14 November/December 2020 PUBLISHER Steve Fisher

K i ds

konnect CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: G R O W • P L AY • L E A R N Jessica Abrahams Sarah Brooks Melanie Busch Brenda Donahe-Stevens Mary Hawkins MaryAnne Higgins Jean Krause Darla K. Lager Thomas Meagher, PhD Sarah Reichert Mary Urch COVER/PAGE DESIGN Kate McGillen

Contents Robots Now and in the future

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Getting your family mentally ready for COVID-19 during winter

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ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Tom Kelling ADVERTISING SALES Amber Casterton 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

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8 gre at rob ot boo ks

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puzzles, coloring and more!

Kids KidsKonnect Konnect •• November/December September/October 2020 • 3

Robots Now and into the Future

By Steele County Historical Society

Robots have been part of our lives since the 1950s. The earliest robot was developed by George Devol, an inventor from Louisville, Kentucky. This first robot did not succeed in the business world. Robots continued to develop and now be found in homes as toys, vacuums, and as programmable pets.

Today robots area part of industry, medicine, science, space exploration, construction, food packaging, farming, and can even perform surgery. Robots are getting more personalized, interactive, and engaging than ever.

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Let’s learn about robots in everyday life. You may be surprised how the influence of robots is a part of your life!

1. Self-driving robots will drive our cars, trucks, trains, and planes! The day is not far when human drivers won’t be needed for driving our vehicles. As a result, accidents will be reduced and our roads, rail lines, and air space will be much safer.

2. The job of security, defense, and surveillance is a feature of many homes today. This robot helps to monitor home when people are away. You can control this type of robot from any location to monitor the activities of that location. This type of robot is also used in the military or in many police departments to arm and disarm bombs which provide safety for these dangerous jobs.

3. A robot can cook your food according to your choice once the quantity of the ingredients is set!

Many hotels and large restaurants use these robots to reduce the number of employees’ needed and reduce repetitive motion when preparing large quantities of food.

4. The impact of robots in medicine is everchanging from clinical system assistants to surgeons performing operations. Robots in the medical field have provided more precise accuracy than humans are able to provide.

5. Robots are a part of the social and economic structures. Robots are a part of education, especially for children who have diseases and not able to attend school. The robot performs the duties of a teacher.

Engineers have made these robots to be controlled by the student. The robot has a face with eyes serving as a camera and body features that looks human. Students can see and do everything in the classroom from home or the hospital.

6. Robots help in home maintenance, answer phone calls, assemble furniture, do laundry, pick up toys, serve meals, and look after pets! These robots are not as available and cost more money than many want to spend.

7. Robots perform many dangerous jobs relieving humans from these various jobs. These jobs include pipe line inspections relating to oil companies; cleaners in nuclear power companies; and substitute fire fighters.

8. Robots are used in farming practices including milking cows. The robots increase the speed of milking many cows throughout the day and reduce repetitive movement of the farmer.

Kids Konnect • November/December 2020 • 5

Top Outdoor Winter Activities in Owatonna Just because the weather is cold doesn’t mean you should spend all your free time indoors. Bundle up and head outside for some winter fun! The great thing about these activities is that they’re all safe to do during this time and allow for socially distancing. Here are some outdoor activities you can enjoy in Owatonna this winter.

• Skating at Morehouse – Skating at Morehouse is a great way to get outside, have fun and burn energy! Don’t have skates? No problem, you can rent them from the Morehouse Chalet (currently pending this year due to COVID regulations). Skating is available on the river (if the ice is thick enough), on an in-line rink and two ponds.

Check the Owatonna Parks and Recreation website for Chalet hours and ice conditions.

• Sledding at the West Hills – Grab your sled and head over to the West Hills for sledding! The West Hills has a great sledding hill perfect for those with a need for speed.

• Ice Fishing – Try your luck at ice fishing on Lake Kohlmier or Chase Lake this winter. Bluegills, crappies or bass are a few types of fish you might catch. Ice fishing is a great way for your family to spend the day together. Check out the Owatonna Parks and Recreation Family Ice Fishing event scheduled for January 31st, it’s a great opportunity to try out ice fishing and possibly win a prize. Details can be found on the Owatonna Parks and Recreation website.

• Cross Country Skiing – Owatonna has many miles of groomed cross country ski trails. Cross country ski trails are groomed from Morehouse Park to Kaplan’s Woods, throughout Kaplan’s Woods and at Brooktree Golf Course.

The Morehouse Chalet offers cross country ski rentals (currently pending this year due to COVID regulations) if you don’t have your own set of skis and you’d like to try it out.

• Snowshoeing – Snowshoeing is a fun way to explore the woods in Owatonna. Try snowshoeing in Kaplan’s Woods and while you’re at it, see if you can find some animal tracks.

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• Fat Tire Biking in Kaplan’s Woods – Did you know you can bike in the winter? Fat tire bikes allow you to ride bike on the snow and there are many fat tire bike trails in Kaplan’s Woods in Owatonna. Contact Straight River Sports for fat tire bike options. Give it a try this winter!

• Walk on the Trails – Owatonna has many miles of hard surface trails which are cleared off during the winter.

Taking a walk in the winter is a fun way to discover items which you can’t find during other seasons. Take a walk on one of the trails, try the Winter Walk BINGO and see if you can find all the items!

• Play at the Park – Winter is a great time to play at one of Owatonna’s parks! The park will be transformed by the snow and you might even have it all to yourself.

• Build a Snowman – Build a snowman and enter the Snowman Contest! Get creative, build your best snowman and you could win a prize from Owatonna Parks and Recreation. Look for contest details on the Owatonna Parks and Recreation website during January.

Kids Konnect • November/December 2020 • 7

Getting your family mentally ready for COVID-19 during winter

BY Sarah Reichert is a clinical social worker at Mayo Clinic Health System in Red Wing, Minnesota

Winter can be a difficult time for some families. Long, dark days coupled with cold weather and social isolation can lead to feelings of sadness, anxiety or depression. The coming winter could be especially difficult as infectious disease experts recommend that we “hunker down” to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Here are five things you can do to prepare to help ease this transition for your family.

1. Schedule virtual interactions.

Earlier in the pandemic, many families used technology to virtually connect with loved ones.

For some, the frequency of this type of interaction slowed during warmer months of summer. Now is a good time to schedule regular virtual times with grandparents Reichert and other family members throughout winter to reconnect safely. A regular checkin schedule gives your kids something to look forward and provides the emotional and mental support that parents need.

2. Change your screen time routines.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many children and adults are incorporating more screen time into their 8 • November/December 2020 • Kids Konnect

work or school days. That’s why it’s more important than ever to evaluate your use of electronics the rest of the day. Screen time tends to increase during the winter because we spend more time indoors. However, there are health benefits related to reducing screen time, including improved physical health, decreased obesity, and more time to play and explore. Take time this fall to set expectations with your family for the number of hours per day along with creating phonefree zones or times.

3. Acknowledge changes in holiday traditions.

Traditions play a big part in our lives during the holidays. This year’s COVID-19 pandemic brings additional challenges and concerns about social distancing and large group gatherings. Your traditions will likely change or be canceled as we focus on safety.

This year, give yourself and your family permission to change plans and resume beloved traditions next year.

Consider creating a new tradition, such as ice skating or making holiday ornaments in honor or memory of those you’re not able to see in person this year. Also be mindful of the little things that bring joy to you and your kids while looking for ways to celebrate safely together, even if it is virtually.

4. Plan ways to give back.

Find ways to help your community, such as blood donations, checking on older people in your neighborhood, or donating supplies or money to local organizations. Helping a cause larger than yourself can give your kids a sense of purpose and fulfillment and focus their thoughts on the present and things to be grateful for today.

5. Engage in play.

Find an activity for your family to engage in, such as something you enjoy so much that you lose track of time while doing it. It may be an activity you haven’t done for a while, a new one you’ve been meaning to try or something completely out of your comfort zone. This kind of play gives us the opportunity to relax our bodies and minds and take a break from the constant pressures of daily life. Engaging in these types of activities also decreases feelings of stress and increases the connections in our families.

CARE WHEN YOU NEED IT.

During this time of uncertainty, Mayo Clinic Health System remains committed to providing the care you and your family need. Whether it’s through a virtual or an in-person appointment, we offer convenient and safe options to receive care, when you need it.

For more information, visit mayoclinichealthsystem.org.

Kids Konnect • November/December 2020 • 9

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

STEAM’in WITH “Dr. M” , 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

In this issue we’ll explore the new field of Robotics and how autonomous machines will become more integrated into our lives than ever before!

Send us pictures of your school PPE s’ and we’ll publish the best ones in the next issue.

Be sure to include your Kids Konnect magazine in the photo. You can also share your photos with Dr. M through his twitter handle: @meagher3dan or #Owatonnaproud.

Kids Konnect • November/December 2020 • 11

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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

What is Robotics?

Robotics is a new field of science and engineering that tries to figure out how machines can work more automatically rather than as simple tools we use every day. Historically, the word “robot” comes from an old word used to describe people who were forced into labor or slavery due to committing crimes or being unable to pay back debt they owed. Many years ago in eastern Europe people who were forced into labor were called “robota” and now today, we use the term “Robot” to describe a machine that can automatically do work for us.

Since many of the jobs we need to perform require us to use our hands, bodies and brains.

Industry is looking for ways to create ways to support our physical movements with mechanical ones. This can increase job safety, improve accuracy of how to do the job and reduce the wear and tear on our hands, feet, backs & brains!

One of the most difficult parts of building an effective robot is how to recreate how the Human hand works to grasp objects. If we look at the biology of your hand there are several parts that have to work together for your fingers to move.

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In order to create effective robotics, scientists and engineering seeks ways to create machines that can perform the same body movements that people and animals do. However, the complexity of brains, bodies, muscles and nerves can be very difficult to recreate using electronics, computers, levers, pulley systems and hydraulics.

First there are 27 bones that make up your wrist (carpals) hand (metacarpals) and fingers (phalanges).

There are tendons and muscles that move the bones in many different ways and your brain sends signals to nerves that direct which muscles need to move in which direction and feel touch, heat & cold. These nerves are called sensory nerves and are part of our five senses.

So in order to build a robot that can do the things a human being can, we need to understand that things like our hands are made up of multiple systems working together. There are the parts of the hand, the mechanisms that make the hand move and the senses that help our hands know what to do when we want them to work.

Depending on the jobs hands need to do animals have evolved all different kinds of “hands”.

For example primates such as Gorillas, Orangutan or Tarsiers all have different kinds of hands that help them live in different ways like walking, climbing or grasping.

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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 Robots work?

So what kinds of technologies are needed to make something like a robot hand to work? In order to make a robotic hand work there are several different kinds of simple machines that are put together to help operate the metal or plastic “bones” of the robot hand.

The fingers of a hand are often made of levers and hydraulic tubes that use pressure to move the levers back and forth.

It’s important that the joints only move in one direction so that that “fingers” of the robot can use the forces created by the hydraulic pressure to pull the metal joints inwards. This way to hand can grasp an object firmly and pick it up!

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The next step is to make the hand automated, this means that the hand needs to work independently and can be controlled by a person, but hopefully isn’t more work than just grabbing something yourself. This can be

especially important if the job of the robot is to protect the person’s hands, for example to pick up something dangerous like a bomb or delicate animal or plant.

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ENGINEERING

Examples of robotics you can build at home 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 see if we can build a robotic hand right at how with materials we can find around the house! This project will require some ingenuity, patience and imagination. The materials you’ll need will be: 5 bendable straws 5 pieces of string or fishing line Clear tape A scissors Permanent marker (like a sharpie) We need to make some fingers first by measuring the length of each straw to match the length of your own fingers, just line the straws up with your fingers and make with a sharpie.

Cut each straw to length and tape the bases together to make your wrist.

Next make a mark with your sharpie at each on the straws that match where your finger joints are located. Then bend the straws at each mark and cut a corner off the straw. The cut will make a diamond shaped hole in the straw which all the straws can bend in only one direct.

24 Hour Complete Towing Service 215 Cedardale Dr. SE Owatanna, MN 507-451-3424 16 • November/December 2020 • Kids Konnect

Next cut a small slit on the tip of the straw to insert the cotton string with a knot tied on the end, so the string stays in place. Then run the string down through the straw and let it hang out the bottom with enough length so you can grab it. Repeat this for each of the straw fingers.

Once the strings are in place try pulling the strings to see if each finger bends inward, like grasping with your own hand. Once all the fingers are pulling inward, you’re ready to start trying out your prosthetic hand! See if your new robotic hand is strong enough to pick up objects like a pencil or a notebook, will it pick up a cellphone or can you spell sign language letters with it?

To watch a video on how to make this robotic hand just click on my vimeo channel or following this link to my channel: https://vimeo.com/365150358 Kids Konnect • November/December 2020 • 17

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Building human beauty 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

into robots

Robots can be very useful when we rely on them to work for us and take over very tedious jobs that are repetitive. But that doesn’t mean that’s their only use, robots are starting to enter our lives in many different ways and what they look like, sound like or feel like is important if these modern robots or robotic machines are going to be part of our daily lives.

People have been imagining and investing in human-like robots for many years, just take a look at science fiction movies or some of the old pictures of the first robots that were created. People tried to use things like metal, plastic or wood to build human-like robots or robotic (prosthetic) body parts. But the result of these machines weren’t always the nicest things to look at!

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More recently, engineers and scientists have been collaborating with artists to design and build robotic machines that fit within human understanding of what we see as “aesthetic”, which means things of beauty, simplicity or grace.

In Japan, robotic engineers have been creating very lifelike machines that can move, respond and interact with people in ways that feel similar to interacting with other human beings. In the United States, medical engineers have been creating prosthetic arms and body parts that appear and respond to our brains almost like real limbs! Engineers are expanding robotics to include animals such as dogs, snakes or insects.

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Computation and Algorithms: how to create autonomous machines?

One of the greatest challenges that scientists and engineers face is how to make machines move and respond to things by themselves.

This requires that machine to be able to sense its environment and then react to it either do its job or move or simply not just stop.

Setting up a set of procedures and directions to follow has the fancy word of an algorithm. Using computer technology can be one of the easiest ways to design an algorithm or program a series of steps that the electronics can follow. This is similar to the way our brain works when it stores memories and reacts to what is happening around us using our five senses.

The logical step by step series of problems and solutions that need to be solved tend to follow this basic flow chart. Computer scientists work to design complicated digital steps and mathematical solutions to ever increasing complex needs.

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This flow chart was first described by Euclid in 300 BC and is the foundation of mathematics for over 2000 years!

Robots need to have sensors built into their machinery and then a computer that tells the mechanisms how to move or act in response to the different sensors.

Boston Dynamic has invented an amazing four legged robot that can move and react to the world independently like a large dog called “Spot”.The series of algorithms that were designed into its sensors and software helps the robot figure out where to go, what to down and how to keep from falling down!

Video of Spot Launch in action: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlkCQXHEgjA&feature=emb_logo We do many things in our lives without thinking about how we are doing it, like running, jumping, sitting down, thinking, remembering or solving problems. Robots need to have mathematical programs that help them make all these decisions and process them fast enough to keep up with the people trying to use the machines.

If you want to learn more about how robots work there are four key mathematics subjects that will help you. Geometry is the math of shapes, angles, and logic.

Measurement is important for building and moving with precise locations and construction. Algebra helps you to understand how to solve for knowns, for example figuring out how much force is need for a prosthetic hand to lift a pencil means we need to calculate the force needed to lift and hold a 2 gram pencil.

Lastly, Statistics is the math of understanding graphs, patterns and trends.

Using statistics helps in figuring out whether something you designed and built actually works or not.

So if you want to be someone who designs and builds robots, make sure to keep up with your Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math education and you can be an inventor of the world’s future!

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DO YOU HAVE A ROBOT IN YOUR HOME?

Recycled Robot Craft Source: https://www.teatimemonkeys.com/recycled-robot-craft/

If you have a vacuum cleaner that runs itself across the carpet or a device that can turn on the TV or lights when you ask it to, then you do!

Did you know that even thermostats can be “robots”? It’s true! They are called SMART THERMOSTATS. They can: • Use the Wi-Fi in your house to automatically raise or lower the heating or cooling.

• Can be controlled remotely by a smartphone or computer • Adjust to energy-saving temperatures when you are asleep or away

Wouldn’t it be cool to be sitting on the couch and use your smartphone to make the house warmer or cooler? We think so! So when your family buys a smart thermostat, Owatonna Public Utilities offers a

75 REBATE!

$

Have a grownup go to owatonnautilities.com to download a Natural Gas rebate application with complete terms and conditions.

SUPPLIES NEEDED: A toilet roll tube, or kitchen roll cut on half Tin foil Recycled materials: old bendy drinking straws, bottle caps, bits of pipe cleaner, buttons, scraps of craft foam etc Scissors Single hole punch or a way of making holes in the tube Glue stick Strong glue or double-sided sticky tape Stapler Optional: stickers, googly eyes, wooden kebab stick 1. Take a toilet roll tube and use a glue stick to cover it in glue.

2. Cut a piece of tin foil approx. 14 cm x 18 cm and wrap it around the tube. Push any excess foil inside the tube at each end.

3. Make two holes on each side of the tube. It’s easiest if you have a single hole punch, but it might make the holes too high up on the body for the arms to sit well.

Another way to do it is by flattening the tube slightly and making a small cut on either side with some scissors. Unflatten the tube and poke a pencil through the cuts to make the holes.

4. If you’re using an old bendy straw for the arms, cut the long end so it is the same length as the short end (see photo). Extend the straw (kids LOVE doing this!). If you’re using a pipe cleaner, take a piece approx. 16cm in length. You can wrap it in foil if you want to make it look like metal.

*rebate is $75 for Energy Star / $50 for non-Energy Star smart thermostats

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5. Poke one end of the straw or pipe-cleaner through one hole and out the other side of the body. Bend each arm forwards and trim if necessary. Now the arms can rotate up and down!

6. NON-MOVING WHEELS VERSION: place a piece of doublesided sticky tape or a blob of strong glue to the top part of a bottle cap. Stick it to the bottom of the body in line with one of the arms. Do the same on the other side.

7. Now you can decorate the body. I used white stickers to make the mouth and the panel for the buttons, but you can use paper, card, craft foam – whatever you have. Add some buttons, eyes and draw on the mouth with a black marker.

MOVING WHEELS VERSION: make a hole in the centre of each bottle cap using a screwdriver or the point of a pair of scissors (needless to say, only an adult should do this!).

8. For the antenna you can make a hole at the top of the head and thread in a piece of pipe-cleaner. Another option is to just fix a short length of drinking straw with a stapler.

9. Your adorable recycled robot is finished! Now have fun making it zoom around and try to pick things up with its bendy arms!

Take a wooden kebab stick and push one end through a bottle top as shown in the photo, leaving about 1cm poking out one side.

Make a hole on each side of the tube, about 1 cm from the bottom and in line with each of the arms.

Poke the stick through the two holes in the tube and push the other bottle cap onto the kebab stick.

Trim the kebab stick, making sure that some of the stick is poking out on either side, otherwise the wheels can come off easily.

LINDSEY MCGURRAN Realtor Berkshire Hathaway Advantage Real Estate

507-456-0474 lindsey@owatonnarealestate.com

Working To Build Healthy Kids 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 STEELE COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH 507-444-7650

Call if you need help with transportation, interpreters or making an appointment with a doctor or a dentist.

Kids Konnect • November/December 2020 • 23

How parents can keep kids

safe at bath time

(MC) Bath time can be fun for young children and their parents. Many children love playing in the water, while their parents enjoy hearing their kids laugh and play with their rubber ducks and other bath toys.

It’s easy to focus on fun at bath time, but it’s important that safety remain the utmost priority when bathing children.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends parents take the following steps to keep bath time as safe as possible.

• Make the bathroom inaccessible.

Children who love playing in the bathtub may try to access the bathroom even when it’s not bath time. The AAP notes that the simplest way to avoid bathroom injuries is to make the room inaccessible so curious kids cannot

get in the room when parents aren’t keeping an eye on them.

• Remain in the bathroom at all times. Bath seats and bathing aids can be effective, but they won’t prevent drowning. Children can drown in a few inches of water, so parents must remain in the bathroom at all times while kids are in the tub.

• Use a no-slip strip in the tub. A no-slip strip or a non-slip bath mat can ensure kids don’t slip and fall while in the tub. That’s especially important as children reach the toddler stage and older, when many youngsters tend to stand up and move around in the tub.

• Control water temperature.

The AAP advises parents to adjust their water heaters so the hottest

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temperature at the faucet is no more than 120 F. Test the water temperature using your wrist or elbow. Water for youngsters’ baths should be warm, but not hot.

• Unplug and store all electric appliances. It may be convenient for adults to keep hair dryers, razors and other electric appliances in the bathroom, but doing so is dangerous.

Unplug all electric appliances and store them in a locked cabinet when not they are not in use. The AAP notes that using electric appliances in rooms where there is no water is preferable to using them in the bathroom.

Bath time is fun for both children and their parents, though it’s vital that parents take safety seriously when bathing their youngsters.

The Robot Book

by Heather Brown

Robot Zombie Frankenstein

by Annette Simon

Robots, Robots, Everywhere!

by Sue Fleiss

Age: 1-4

Age: 4-8

Age: 2-5

The Three Little Aliens and the Big Bad Robot

by Margaret McNamara

Robot Zot

by Jon Scieszka

Awesome Dawson

by Chris Dall Age: 4-7

Boy and Bot

by Ame Dyckman Age: 2-5

Age: 3-7

Age: 4-8

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.

Owatonna Public Library Little Bot And Sparrow

by Jake Parker Age: 2-6

105 N Elm Ave. 507-444-2460 www.owatonna.info Kids Konnect • November/December 2020 • 25

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Start

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Ingredients 1 box Brownie Mix 1 tub white vanilla icing green food coloring small round sprinkles small star sprinkles candy canes Instructions Line an 8”x8” baking pan with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray.

Spoon out approximately 1/2 of the tub of icing into a bowl.

Prepare the brownie mix according to the package directions and bake as directed.

Add green food coloring until you’re happy with the color.

Allow brownies to completely cool, approximately 1.5 hours.

Spoon the green icing into a zip lock bag.

Seal the bag and cut off a small corner of the bag with sharp scissors.

Remove the brownies from the pan, and cut into triangles. (Cut in three rows, then cut in alternating diagonals, as in the photo shown above).

Unwrap the candy canes, and use a sharp knife to gently cut/break the candy canes into 1.5” long pieces.

Press the sharper end of the candy cane into the bottom of the brownie triangles.

Starting at the top of the brownie triangles, gently squeeze out the icing in a curvy zigzag as you go down the tree.

Add your favorite sprinkles and a small star sprinkle at the top.

Enjoy!

Source: https://onelittleproject.com/christmas-tree-brownies/

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 • November/December 2020 • 33

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

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



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

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

                                       

            

                                                    

    

                      

   

   

     

                                                                   

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



                                           

                                                        

 

 

      

                                                                  

34 • November/December 2020 • Kids Konnect

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

   

  

          

       

          

             

                                                                                                                                                         

   

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                    

       

                                      

                                    

                  

                      

 ' 



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

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

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

en Español

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

En el acertijo, encuentra estas palabras ROBOT ROBOT en inglés, luego encuentra la traducción SQUIRREL al español de estas palabrasSQUIRREL en la página rdilla con cola velluda ladra un Una ardilla con cola velluda ladra un de Kid Scoop de hoy. o. Otra ardilla que anda por las aviso. Otra ardilla que anda BARKED por las BARKED nías, rápidamente se pone en cercanías, rápidamente se pone en S D I P E A K E S R dos patas y sin moverse, mira dos patas y sin moverse, mira SPEAKERS SPEAKERS dor para detectar algún peligro. alrededor para detectar algún peligro.

O N S R O D E N T QARTIFICIAL ARTIFICIAL gro. La ardilla que ladró Pero esta vez no hay peligro. La ardilla que ladró robot de nombre Rocky. es en verdad una ardilla robot de nombre Rocky. n como se relacionan las Los científicos observan como se relacionan las INCISORS C T N R O N B O U OINCISORS y, con sus sentidos de olfato y otras ardillas con Rocky, con sus sentidos de olfato y ra descubrir cuáles sonidos y meneos de rabo, para descubrir cuáles sonidos y uerpo tienen significado en el movimientos del cuerpo tienen significadoREMOTE en el T R A L A I C I F IREMOTE “lenguaje” de las ardillas. “lenguaje” de las ardillas.

SCANS SCANS T S H R Q S T U N C Las ardillas de árboles, Las ardillas de árboles, Cuántas bellotas ¿Cuántas bellotas ROCKY ROCKY entierran nueces y entierran nueces y puedes hallar en puedes hallar en I N S S U O C R A O semillas y usan su agudo esta página en 60 semillas y usan su agudo sta página en 60 COUSINS sentido del olfato para sentido del olfato para gundos? Pídele a segundos? Pídele a COUSINS hallarlas y desenterrarlas. un amigo que haga hallarlas y desenterrarlas. n amigo que haga T E U R E M OHIND I E B ACTIVITY: ACTIVITY: Algunas nueces y semillas lo mismo. o mismo. ¿Quién ¿Quién HIND Algunas nueces y semillas Maze up the Maze up the nunca son ingeridas y nunca son ingeridas y encontró más encontró más tree. comienzan a brotar como comienzan a brotar como bellotas? bellotas?

R A B L I S Otree.D E KRODENT RODENT plantas. De esta manera, plantas. De esta manera, las ardillas las ardillas ayudan a Partan, profesora auxiliar ocky se parece a unaayudan a Sarah Partan, profesora auxiliar FOOD K Y S R R E L R O CFOOD sembrar nuevas plantas.del área de conducta animal de sembrar nuevas plantas. ea de conducta animal deardilla la y no a un robot. la rsidad de Hampshire Pero es una máquina operada por Universidad de Hampshire Las remoto. ardillas del NUTS Las ardillas del suelo NUTS achussets), usa una científicos ardilla a control Lossuelo (Massachussets), usa una ardilla juntan tocar nueces y granosrobot y para poder observar a las juntan nueces y granos y para poder observar investigadores a las pueden lasgrabados guardan en las guardan en sus s en su medio natural, sonidosende ardillas porsus ardillas en su medio natural, TAIL en TAIL buches. Luego transporbuches. Luego transpor-

uno artificial como diminutos un altavoces, ubicados tanrobot. este alimento torio. Los científicos dentrocomo de la ardilla Ademása suslamadrigueras. esora Sarah Partan pueden esperan lograr que ardilla conocer más sobre mueva la su rabo. nicación entre ardillas.

n dientes _______ ratas y os roedores des dientes en cas. Dos están or y dos en la e los conoce sivos.

es incisivos en un ______ a de la vida de roer objetos las nueces y entes son manera no se es.

¿Puedes hallar las dos ardillas idénticas?

vez de uno artificial como un laboratorio. Los científicos como la profesora Sarah Partan esperan poder conocer más sobre la comunicación entre ardillas.

Las ardillas dientes del Las ardillas habitan todos tienen los continentes parecidos a susLa ________ planeta, a excepción de dos.

Antártida es (ratones, ratas yRevisa tu uno. ¿Puedes roedores adivinar cuál es el otro? hámster).

Todos los roedores respuesta usando el código. tienen cuatro grandes dientes en el ____ de sus bocas. Dos están en la parte superior y dos en la inferior. A estos se los conoce como dientes incisivos.

Estos cuatro dientes incisivos mantienen un ______ a lo largo de la vida de las ardillas. Al roer objetos Hablar, comunicar, duros, tales como las nueces y charlar las ______, los dientes sony sonse limados y de estaconversar manera no palabras que vuelven tan grandes. significan casi la misma cosa. A este tipo de palabras se las conoce como sinónimos. Busca en el periódico palabras que sean sinónimos. Recorta estas palabras y pégalas en una hoja de papel.

Luego entrégasela a tu maestra.

E en al

S

R

R

L

T

A

L

R

tan este alimento a sus madrigueras.

¿Puedes decirnos cuáles de estas aseveraciones son verdaderas y cuáles no lo son? Revisa tus respuestas sumando los números que están al lado de otro número. Aquéllas que resulten impares, Las ardillas habitan todosenlosnúmeros continentes delson Por el contrario, aquéllas que planeta, averdaderas. excepción de dos.

La Antártida es dan números pares son falsas.

uno. ¿Puedes adivinar cuál es el otro? Revisa tu respuesta usando el código.

18 - 7 =

Los perritos de praderas son un tipo de ardillas.

24 + 8 =

Todas las ardillas viven en los árboles.

12 + 9 =

Las ardillas se saludan tocándose las narices.

35 - 12 =

Un tipo de ardilla “vuela” o planea.

29 - 15 =

Las ardillas bebé nacen con pelaje y ojos abiertos.

Hablar, comunicar, charlar y conversar son palabras que significan casi la misma cosa. A este tipo de palabras se las conoce como sinónimos. Busca en el periódico palabras que sean Busca en el periódico ejemplos de cómo la sinónimos.

Recorta palabras y tecnología ayuda a la vida de laestas gente. pégalas en una Escoge una nota, léela e identifica quién, hoja de papel. qué, cuándo, dónde, por quéLuego y cómo. entrégasela a tu maestra.

Noticias tecnológicas

¿Puedes decirno aseveraciones so lo son? Re Palabra de la semana: sumando lado de ot ROER que resulte verdaderas. Por El verbo roer significa dan una números par morder o masticar algo

y otra vez.

18 - 7 =

Los perritos de prader

La ardilla comenzó a roer 24 + 8la=bellota.

Todas las ardillas vive

12 + usar 9 = la palabra Las ardillas Intenta roerse saludan en alguna de tus pláticas - 12 = Un tipo de ardilla “vu con35amigos(as) o familiares el día de hoy.

29 - 15 =

Las ardillas bebé nacen

Hablando como nutrias

Te pidieron que entrevistes a una nutria parlante para un show de Busca en el periódico ejem televisión. Escribe cómo tecnología ayuda piensas que se daría estaa la vida Escoge una nota, “entrevista” imaginaria.léela e id ¿Qué lecuándo, preguntarías? qué, dónde, por ¿Qué te respondería?

Noticias tecnol

Kids Konnect • November/December 2020 • 35

DISCOVER ST. MARY’S SCHOOL AFFORDABLE. EXCELLENCE. SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE.

Above: Mrs. Meger’s 4th graders made Alka-Seltzer rockets as they learned about chemical reactions in science class.

Above: Mrs. Kasper’s 5 graders: We are learning about the design process with the help of the electric modules called littleBits.

By engineering with these hands-on modules, the students can incorporate input and output bits to see how coding works in real-world applications.

Above: After reading the book “Creepy Carrots” by Aaron Reyonlds, Mrs. Konz’s Kindergartners built fences to keep the creepy carrots contained.

36 • November/December 2020 • Kids Konnect

s

Mrs. Peterson’s 1st Grader

Mrs. Johnson’s 3rd Gra

ders

Mrs. Kaspe

Mrs. Hall’s 1st Graders

Mrs. Lattery’s 3

Mrs. Meger’s 4th Graders

Mrs. Wobschall’s 4th Graders

Mrs. Seykora’s 6th Graders

r’s 5th Grade

rs Mrs. Shaner’s 5th

Junior High (7th & 8th)

Graders

Graders

Mrs. Seykora’s 6th Graders

Mrs Konz Kindergartne

rs

730. S Cedar Ave|Owatonna | www.stmarys-owatonna.org | 507-446-2300 | admissions@stmarys-owatonna.org Kids Konnect • November/December 2020 • 37

winter bucket list

Go Ice Skating Build A Snowman Bake Cookies Build A Fort Wear Slippers All Day Go On A Winter Walk Make Paper Snowflakes Try A New Food Snuggle Up With A Book Pajama Day Drink Hot Cocoa Soup Night Camp Out In The Family Room Go Bowling Make A Bird Feeder Do A New Puzzle Family Movie Night Drink Hot Cider Sleep In Play A Board Game

Sled Down A Hill Ring In The New Year Take A Family Photo Craft A Homemade Ornament Go Ice Fishing Make Snow Angels Donate Old Towels And Blankets To The Animal Shelter Collect Pine Cones Make and mail a card to Grandparents

What’s the Difference? There are four things different between Picture A and Picture B. Can you find them all?

Answers: 1. Extra allspice 2. Pine bough is larger 3. Missing cranberry 4. Extra chocolate block

38 • November/December 2020 • Kids Konnect

COVID-19 COVID-19 COVID-19 Basic Principles

Basic Principles Principles Basic

• If you are sick, stay home.

Sickstudents, students,teachers teachersand andstaff staff Sick • Enforce regular hand washing with shouldnot notcome cometo toschool school should soap and water for 20 seconds or Enforceregular regularhand handwashing washingwith with Enforce use hand sanitizer soapand andwater waterfor for20 20seconds secondsor or soap • Disinfect & clean daily highly usehand handsanitizer sanitizer use usedDisinfect objects&& and surfaces Social Disinfect clean dailyhighly highly used clean daily used distancing -and including limiting large objectsand surfaces objects surfaces gatherings Socialdistancing distancing--including including Social limiting large gatherings • Wear clothlarge facegatherings coverings over limiting Wear cloth face coverings over yourWear mouth and nose in public cloth face coverings over yourmouth mouthand andnose nosein inpublic public your settings

#OwatonnaProud #OwatonnaProud #OwatonnaProud

settings settings

SchoolAttendance AttendanceLines Lines School Free lunches for ECSEPre-K: Pre-K: 507-444-8050 507-444-8050 ECSE anyone kids 1-18 Lincoln: 507-444-8105 507-444-8105 Lincoln: McKinley:507-444-8205 507-444-8205 McKinley: are available for Washington:507-444-8305 507-444-8305 Washington: Wilson:up 507-444-8405 pick during Wilson: 507-444-8405 distance learning.

OWATONNA PUBLIC SCHOOLS

DISTANCE LEARNING MEAL PICKUP SCHEDULE AS OF NOVEMBER 13TH, 2020 Now that the public schools have integrated into a full distance learning schedule, pickup days, times and locations have changed. You are able to pick up your meal bundle on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at either of the five locations, Owatonna High School, Owatonna Middle School, McKinley Elementary, Lincoln Elementary and Wilson Elementary. There is no sign up sheet or any forms to fill out, just show up to one of the locations and get your meal bundle. *Tentative schedule and subject to change.

Visit https://ohsmagnet.com for more info

Stay Connected!

Connected!

Connected!

Stay

Celebrate our students, our staff

Celebrateour ourstudents, students,our ourstaff staff Celebrate and ourschools schoolsbybyfollowing following andour our us us and schools by following us onsocial socialmedia. media.

If you what social media. you likelike what on IfIfyou like what yousee, see, be sure toto share with you to share ititwith you see,be besure sure share it with others. Together,we we are others. others.Together, Together, weare are #OwatonnaProud! #OwatonnaProud!

#OwatonnaProud!

@Owatonna761 @Owatonna761 @Owatonna761 Kids Konnect • November/December 2020 • 39

Relax. It’s Main Street Dental We want you and your family to see what comfortable, neighborly dental care is all about.

Main Street Dental Clinics are locally owned and operated Blooming Prairie

Mankato

405 East Main Street 507-583-2141

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Rochester 3110 Wellner Dr. NE 507-536-7700

mainstreetdentalclinics.com

Build a better lunch ½

Vegetables egetables & Fruits

+ ¼

Whole Grains ains

+ ¼

Lean Protein

box

Your Hometown Heating & Cooling Experts for 40+ Years

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 dried fruits:

n uns unsweetened

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

applesauce raisins, aapricots pplesauce or apples pples n berries

add

1 Serving of Low-fat Dairy

= 1 Balanced Lunch Box

NUTRITION EDUCATION EDUCA

with

495 West North St. Owatonna, MN 55060 Owa 40 • November/December 2020 • Kids Konnect

071318_KidsKonnectAd3_75x4_9_3014

+