Here's a link to a earth day quiz: http://holidays.quiz.kaboose.com/60-kids-what-s-your-earth-iq
And here's how to make a Earth Day snack:
Bluberry Lemon Loaf
Pretty Hard
Adults do most things
Prep Time: 110 mins or more
Ingredients
1-1/2 cups (375 mL) all purpose flour
2-1/2 tsp. (7 mL) baking powder
1/4 tsp. (1 mL) salt
1 cup (250 mL) granulated sugar
1/3 cup (75 mL) butter, softened
2 eggs
1 lemon (peel grated, juice squeezed)
1/2 cup (125 mL) milk
1 cup 250 (mL) blueberries, fresh or frozen (don't thaw if using frozen)
Lemon glaze:
1/4 cup (50 mL) granulated sugar
juice from one lemon (above)
Cooking Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350 degree F (180 degree C). Grease a 9 x 5-inch (23 x 13 cm) loaf pan.
In a bowl, stir together the flour, the baking powder and the salt.
In a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer, beat the sugar and the butter for a few minutes until combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating after each one. Beat in the grated lemon peel. Add the flour mixture in two or three portions, alternately with the milk, beating just until the batter is smooth. Quickly fold in the blueberries, just until they're evenly distributed. If you're using frozen berries, the batter will turn blue -- don't panic, it will look fine when it's baked.
Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 60 to 70 minutes, until the top is golden brown and a toothpick poked into the middle comes out clean. Leave it in the pan while you prepare the lemon syrup.
In a small microwave-safe bowl or measuring cup, combine the 1/4 cup (50 mL) of granulated sugar with the lemon juice. Microwave on high power for 30 to 45 seconds -- just until the mixture boils. Remove from microwave and give it a stir. With a toothpick, poke holes all over the top of the Blueberry Loaf. Using a wide pastry brush, brush the top of the hot loaf with the hot syrup. Let cool for at least 30 minutes in the pan, then remove to a rack and cool completely.
Servings: 8
How kids can help:
Stir together the dry ingredients.Older children (10 and up) can use electric mixer (with adult supervision) to help beat the batter.Spread batter in prepared pan.Brush baked loaf with lemon syrup.
For more recipes, crafts, and activities, click here.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Earth Day Extra!
Earth day's coming up!
Here are some crafts, activities, and foods you can make on Earth Day. Enjoy and please comment!
Papier-Mache Globe
Medium Easy
Prep time: 30 to 60 mins
What you'll need:
Balloon
Heavy medium-sized bowl or large glass measuring cup
Newspapers
1 cup flour
5 cups of water
Medium saucepan
Two 7-inch paper plates
Scrap cardboard (recommended: cereal box, back of writing pad, etc.)
1 cardboard toilet paper tube
Scissors
Gesso (optional) (recommended: Liquitex Basics Gesso)
Acrylic paint: gold, brown, green, white, light blue
Paintbrushes
How to make it:
Line your work surface with several newspapers. This is a messy project so you want to make sure you cover everything.
Blow up the balloon and tie. If you have a more oval shaped balloon, don't blow it up all the way, try to keep it round. Place balloon, knot side down, onto medium bowl or glass measuring cup. This will act as a holder/stand for your project.
Mix together the flour and one cup of the water until completely combined. (See photo.)
Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan. Add the flour and water mixture to the boiling water. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let cool. (See photo.)
When flour glue mixture is cool, move the saucepan to your work surface. Be certain the pot is cooled completely! (See photo.)
Tear additional newspapers into 1” strips.
Dip strips into the flour glue and run the strip through your fingers to squeeze off the excess. Place the wet strip of newspaper across the balloon and smooth it down onto the surface until it sticks. Continue adding strips until entire balloon is covered. (See photo.)
Cover saucepan with plastic wrap; push the wrap down onto the surface of the flour mixture. Allow balloon to dry overnight.
Reheat the flour mixture so it bubbles and then allow to cool. (See photo.)
Repeat the process of covering the balloon with newspaper strips until a second layer is achieved. Allow to dry overnight. You can do a third layer, but two layers should be sufficient.
Turn the balloon over so that the tied end is up. Holding the tied end, use a pin or another sharp object to pop the balloon. The balloon will slowly pull itself away from the sides of the newspaper, leaving the round shell in place. Remove the balloon.
Paint the globe with a layer of gesso. If you don't have any gesso you can paint the balloon with white paint. This will create a layer of white that will cover the newsprint so the words and pictures printed on the paper do not show through. Allow to dry. (See photo.)
Paint the entire balloon light blue and let dry. (See photo.)
Print out a world map to use as a stencil. Cut out the land masses and trace around them onto the balloon. (See photo.)
Paint the land masses with brown paint. Add some green paint using a dabbing method on top of the brown in random areas.
Add clouds, using a dabbing method with white paint. This is a great way to cover up any pencil lines that may be showing from your tracings. Allow to dry completely. (See photo.)
Turn the balloon over so that the hole where you removed the balloon from is on top. Paint the bottom of the globe, about 2” around the hole with gold paint. Allow to dry. (See photo.)
To create the globe stand, Glue two paper plates together (nested together).
Cut cardboard into 4” squares. These will provide some weight for your globe stand.
With paper plates right side up glue one square of cardboard to the middle of the plate. Glue another on top of that, offset. Repeat for a total of 4 or 5 squares. Let dry. (See photo.)
Cut slits in one end of the toilet tube, about 1” up and 1” apart. Fold those slits outward.
Turn paper plate over so that the bottom is facing up.
Cover the slits of the cardboard tube with glue. (See photo.) Press down onto the center of the plate. Press the flaps onto the plate until the glue grabs and let dry. (See photo.)
Paint the cardboard tube and the plate with gold paint and let dry.
When dry, line the cardboard tube with glue and insert into the hole at the bottom of the globe. Turn over and adjust so that globe stands straight. Place back onto the glass bowl or measuring cup stand (upside down) until dry. (See photo.) Turn over and display.
Balloon
Heavy medium-sized bowl or large glass measuring cup
Newspapers
1 cup flour
5 cups of water
Medium saucepan
Two 7-inch paper plates
Scrap cardboard (recommended: cereal box, back of writing pad, etc.)
1 cardboard toilet paper tube
Scissors
Gesso (optional) (recommended: Liquitex Basics Gesso)
Acrylic paint: gold, brown, green, white, light blue
Paintbrushes
How to make it:
Line your work surface with several newspapers. This is a messy project so you want to make sure you cover everything.
Blow up the balloon and tie. If you have a more oval shaped balloon, don't blow it up all the way, try to keep it round. Place balloon, knot side down, onto medium bowl or glass measuring cup. This will act as a holder/stand for your project.
Mix together the flour and one cup of the water until completely combined. (See photo.)
Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan. Add the flour and water mixture to the boiling water. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let cool. (See photo.)
When flour glue mixture is cool, move the saucepan to your work surface. Be certain the pot is cooled completely! (See photo.)
Tear additional newspapers into 1” strips.
Dip strips into the flour glue and run the strip through your fingers to squeeze off the excess. Place the wet strip of newspaper across the balloon and smooth it down onto the surface until it sticks. Continue adding strips until entire balloon is covered. (See photo.)
Cover saucepan with plastic wrap; push the wrap down onto the surface of the flour mixture. Allow balloon to dry overnight.
Reheat the flour mixture so it bubbles and then allow to cool. (See photo.)
Repeat the process of covering the balloon with newspaper strips until a second layer is achieved. Allow to dry overnight. You can do a third layer, but two layers should be sufficient.
Turn the balloon over so that the tied end is up. Holding the tied end, use a pin or another sharp object to pop the balloon. The balloon will slowly pull itself away from the sides of the newspaper, leaving the round shell in place. Remove the balloon.
Paint the globe with a layer of gesso. If you don't have any gesso you can paint the balloon with white paint. This will create a layer of white that will cover the newsprint so the words and pictures printed on the paper do not show through. Allow to dry. (See photo.)
Paint the entire balloon light blue and let dry. (See photo.)
Print out a world map to use as a stencil. Cut out the land masses and trace around them onto the balloon. (See photo.)
Paint the land masses with brown paint. Add some green paint using a dabbing method on top of the brown in random areas.
Add clouds, using a dabbing method with white paint. This is a great way to cover up any pencil lines that may be showing from your tracings. Allow to dry completely. (See photo.)
Turn the balloon over so that the hole where you removed the balloon from is on top. Paint the bottom of the globe, about 2” around the hole with gold paint. Allow to dry. (See photo.)
To create the globe stand, Glue two paper plates together (nested together).
Cut cardboard into 4” squares. These will provide some weight for your globe stand.
With paper plates right side up glue one square of cardboard to the middle of the plate. Glue another on top of that, offset. Repeat for a total of 4 or 5 squares. Let dry. (See photo.)
Cut slits in one end of the toilet tube, about 1” up and 1” apart. Fold those slits outward.
Turn paper plate over so that the bottom is facing up.
Cover the slits of the cardboard tube with glue. (See photo.) Press down onto the center of the plate. Press the flaps onto the plate until the glue grabs and let dry. (See photo.)
Paint the cardboard tube and the plate with gold paint and let dry.
When dry, line the cardboard tube with glue and insert into the hole at the bottom of the globe. Turn over and adjust so that globe stands straight. Place back onto the glass bowl or measuring cup stand (upside down) until dry. (See photo.) Turn over and display.
Tips:
Liquitex Basics Gesso is a craft medium that provides a surface for paint to easily adhere to and is available at your local craft supply store.
For younger kids, simply paint the globe with blue and green, leaving out the brown and white.
You can speed up the drying process by using a hair dryer or placing the wet balloon near a heat source such as a space heater. If you do this follow all the manufacturer's safety guidelines for using such an appliance.
Liquitex Basics Gesso is a craft medium that provides a surface for paint to easily adhere to and is available at your local craft supply store.
For younger kids, simply paint the globe with blue and green, leaving out the brown and white.
You can speed up the drying process by using a hair dryer or placing the wet balloon near a heat source such as a space heater. If you do this follow all the manufacturer's safety guidelines for using such an appliance.
Works best on long, rainy cold weekends (sort of like the weekend I'm expreancing now!).
Earth Hour
This is a late (late, late) post, but it's amazing all the same. When I saw some of the pictures of that day, I was sooooo surprised! Teaches you how if we all work together, even the smallest actions can change our world! Here are a few pics of that day...please enjoy and comment. Thanks!
How to make: Ice-Cream at home
Hey!
You might be wondering what in the world does making ice-cream at home have to do with global warming...well, if you always buy ice-cream from the store or a truck, they will keep making more in a factory. More polluting the air, more Global Warming. Instead, you can easily make one at home! But dont just start a business out of it! Actually, why not? You're not using any smoke to create your ice-cream, so it really doesnt matter. Anyway, here's how to make it:-
Home-made ice-cream in a Bag
Very Easy
Prep time: about 5 to 10 mins
What you'll need:
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 cup milk or half & half
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
6 tablespoons rock salt
1 pint-size plastic food storage bag (e.g., Ziploc)
1 gallon-size plastic food storage bag
Ice cubes
How to make it:
Fill the large bag half full of ice, and add the rock salt. Seal the bag.
Put milk, vanilla, and sugar into the small bag, and seal it.
Place the small bag inside the large one, and seal it again carefully.
Shake until the mixture is ice cream, which takes about 5 minutes.
Wipe off the top of the small bag, then open it carefully.
Tips:
A 1/2 cup milk will make about 1 scoop of ice cream, so double the recipe if you want more. But don't increase the proportions more that that -- a large amount might be too big for kids to pick-up because the ice itself is heavy.
You might be wondering what in the world does making ice-cream at home have to do with global warming...well, if you always buy ice-cream from the store or a truck, they will keep making more in a factory. More polluting the air, more Global Warming. Instead, you can easily make one at home! But dont just start a business out of it! Actually, why not? You're not using any smoke to create your ice-cream, so it really doesnt matter. Anyway, here's how to make it:-
Home-made ice-cream in a Bag
Very Easy
Prep time: about 5 to 10 mins
What you'll need:
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 cup milk or half & half
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
6 tablespoons rock salt
1 pint-size plastic food storage bag (e.g., Ziploc)
1 gallon-size plastic food storage bag
Ice cubes
How to make it:
Fill the large bag half full of ice, and add the rock salt. Seal the bag.
Put milk, vanilla, and sugar into the small bag, and seal it.
Place the small bag inside the large one, and seal it again carefully.
Shake until the mixture is ice cream, which takes about 5 minutes.
Wipe off the top of the small bag, then open it carefully.
Tips:
A 1/2 cup milk will make about 1 scoop of ice cream, so double the recipe if you want more. But don't increase the proportions more that that -- a large amount might be too big for kids to pick-up because the ice itself is heavy.
Enjoy!
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Video: Basics of Global Warming
Here's a link to a video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJAbATJCugs
This video's basically about the basics of Global Warming. It explains what is global warming, why it happens, and how we could stop it. It's not one of those boring ones, so you might as well watch it. Then comment please. THANKS!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJAbATJCugs
This video's basically about the basics of Global Warming. It explains what is global warming, why it happens, and how we could stop it. It's not one of those boring ones, so you might as well watch it. Then comment please. THANKS!
How to make a 'School Day Frame'
Here's how to make a 'School day frame' using nothing but things you find around the house! Enjoy!
Rating: Medium Hard
Parents help/supervision required
Rating: Medium Hard
Parents help/supervision required
You Need:
- School Photo
- Wooden Yard Stick
- Cardboard
- Pencil, Crayon, Eraser, Pencil Sharpener or Other School Supplies
- Tacky Glue
- Matte Knife
- Cardboard Easel
Instructions:
Most yardsticks are 1" wide. 1/2 inch has measurements, the other 1/2" has advertisements. We asked Dad to cut ours in half lengthwise to cut off the advertisements. He used a matte knife.
Our photo had a lot of empty space on both sides so we trimmed it to 4-1/2" wide. Most school class photos are 7"x5". If you photo is 7"x5", follow the measurements provided. Otherwise adjust measurements.
Cut a piece of cardboard 8"x6". Glue photo in the middle. Cut your ruler on the 8" line, 13" line, 21" line and 26" line. Discard the last 10" of the yardstick. Glue yardstick pieces around photo. Arrange school supplies and glue around frame. Add an easel. And you're done!!!
PS: If you think I should add an image of the finished product (tah-dah!), please let me know.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Dead as a Dodo- Do something!!!
Have you ever seen a dodo, a woolly mammoth, or a Yangtze river dolphin? Well, of course not, because all these creatures are extinct! They are now just faded pictures in books or exhibits in museums. Let's just get this straight: Exticnt means something is gone. You can't press a button or wave a magic wand for it to come back. It's just, gone! If we keep up our actions and actually make Global Warming happen...who knows? Maybe the stray dog that everyone in your neighbourhood loves or the dolphin that you see every year in the Amusment Park may become extinct. Who knows??? Now, my only request is that you try to help stop Global Warming. And of course, spread the word. Oh, and here are a few pics of the extinct animals. Please comment!
First Post: A short (ok, maybe not so short) Inturduction
What got me to write this blog is because nobody really thinks about Global Warming. I mean, sure they do. Maybe they do. But most people only think about Global warming when they're either reading a book about GB (global warming), watching a tv show about GB, or having a disussion with someone about GB. I used to do that too. But now, I want to take that step a little higher. I want to spread the word about global warming, and I thought a blog would be the perfect way to do that! Now, there are a lot of ways to help stop gb. Here are some of the main (maybe a little strange) ways to help:
- Stop buying toys
Well, maybe not completley stop buying toys, but maybe one or two. But having a long list of all the things you want (notice I said 'want') for Christmas, Eid, your Birthday, etc. How this helps? Well, if you buy less toys, you encourage factories to stop making so much toys at once! Now, you might be wondering: How can I, one person in this whole world, make a difference? Well, imagine if everyone in the world said that? We'd never get anywhere. Now imagine if the whole world did stop buying those toys. The whole, wide world? Wouldn't that be amazing? The effect would really work! That's why I want people to share the word and spread it, so we could really make a diffrence. I mean, you dont have to tell them about my own blog, but just let them know in any way.When we had a discussion about this with my friends, my friends said they were green, and they didnt want any presents. But I have never met anyone in mylife, that said to their parents: "Mom/dad, I don't want any presents for Christmas/Eid/My birthday, instead, the money you were gonna use to buy me a present can go to a shelter home." Now, you dont have to do that, nor should anyone expect you to. But you certainly dont need to be bragging about how many presents you got for x-mas/b-day/eid. Just keep it low, and dont over-do.
2. Ride your bike
Now, you might hear this alot. But really, it works! You dontproduce any smoke to litter the atmosphere, and you get excersise. That's the best way to get to school, a store, or anyplace close, really!
3. Use both sides of your paper
Seriously! The world is filled with Carbon Dioxide. Now, if we cut down trees, we wont have any oxygen, and the trees wont be taking in any CB. Also, animals will eont have a home, so they'll become extinct. So , to sum it all up, just use both sides of your paper!!!
Now, there's way more stuff to do than that, but these are just the main ones and with a Reader's Digest's version about them. Now, please spread the word about my blog or just tell people, and do the activities yourself! And maybe, just maybe, we could actually just stop Global Warming! And all you have to do is do one small thing everyday. So what are you waiting for?
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