It's summertime! And what does a mom who is also certified in Early Childhood Education do? She buys a bunch of science kits and keeps the boys busy learning science! BTW, these kits require very little science knowledge from me. And the boys love the busy hands-on experiments.
Now, one of the things we're focusing on is learning more about the human body. And since I get grossed out by the idea of doing a frog autopsy [you can buy em in formaldehyde, ya know, ugh – yuk!], I decided to instead use electronics and circuitry. Through the wires and parts, I get to explain a little about how our bodies are "wired".
Now the really cool thing is that I also created a FUN, FREE Downloadable printable pack for readers of HappyandBlessedHome.com so that you too can enjoy some fun electric circuits discussion and exploration with your kids at home. Keep reading to learn more.
Summertime is also, sadly, the most challenging time of the year for blood donation centers. Unfortunately, donations drop during summertime and the centers sometimes are missing one of the important blood types, A, B, AB or O.
So as I talk the boys through our bodies' "wiring" I'm also teaching them about their unique blood types. And about the importance of donating blood when they are older. In fact, donated blood nearly saved our eldest son's life when he was diagnosed with anemic blood. You can read about his miracle birth and preemie growth story here.
Donated blood saves millions of lives each year around the world, including the lives of pregnant women and their newborn babies, people living with challenging health conditions, and cancer patients. However, blood donation rates drop by about 20 percent in the summer, making the need for donations of every blood type all the more critical.
So while I share some fun photos from our electric circuitry and fun science experiments, I hope you'll consider donating blood this summer. A single donation can save up to three lives – including the life of a little preemie – a child just like my son.
Kids are brilliant little learners and you can teach them all sorts of things with simple science kits. For instance, the picture on the table above, there's a blue gel forming into a bug shape. I was able to explain to the boys that this is also how blood can clot.
When things get into the blood that isn't very good for it, the blood can stick together – just like the jelly bug is formed by mixing fluid – like blood, with a non-fluid powder, something that could pollute the blood. I have a blood-clotting disorder known as sticky blood, so being able to explain this to my two boys was important. And using science kits, like this Scientific Explorer Ultimate Science Blast, was a great way to explain it with no actual blood involved.
Another great tool for teaching science basics is the use of models. My dad gifted the boys this fun snap and go circuits set and I love that they take the initiative to build one of the dozens of electronic experiments inside the kit.
We're studying all things science this summer, and this Discovery 3D Glowing Solar System Kit was a huge hit with the boys. They have loved painting the planets with glow-in-the-dark colors.
This FREE STEM Science Activity Pack – Learn Science and Save Lives include loads of fun coloring sheets, puzzles, and pages for problem-solving. Just click the link below to get your copy!
Where can you go to make a Blood Donation? Join the Missing Type campaign and sign-up to make a donation that saves lives.
Will you plan to Learn Science and Save Lives this Summer?
What are your favorite summer activities? Are your kids' little wanna-be scientists too? Or do they want to play soccer, take swimming lessons, or study to become a ninja? Please leave a comment below and join the conversation. I love hearing from my readers!
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