Science & Stories Online

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Science and Stories online with Elizabeth

ECHO Science & Stories Online: Pollinator Party

Bees, butterflies, moths, hummingbirds and even flies carry pollen between apples blossoms, strawberry blossoms and, well, ALL kinds of blossoms. What would happen if there were no more pollinators? Join Elizabeth as we explore this question and celebrate our local pollinators. In partnership with Cabot Creamery.
 
Featured book is: Bee Written and Illustrated by Britta Teckentrup. Published by Doubleday Books for Young Readers
 
Do More, Learn More Activity links:

ECHO Science & Stories Online: Roller Coaster Challenge

Calling all engineers! Do you like to build and create? Join Elizabeth as we look for inspiration and then get ready to build your own roller coaster thrill ride!

Featured book is: Roller Coaster by Marla Frazee. Illustrated by Marla Frazee. Published by HMH Books for Young Readers, 2006.

Do More, Learn More Activity links:
The Unsurpassed Challenge of Roller Coasters – Teachers are Terrific
Build Marble Roller Coaster | STEM

ECHO Science & Stories Online: Everybody Needs a Rock

Do you have a special rock? Join Elizabeth and learn about the steps you can take to find your very own special rock. We will investigate how rocks are made and how they weather away!

Featured book is: Everyone Needs a Rock by Byrd Baylor. Illustrated by Peter Parnell. Published by Aladdin Publishing.

Do More, Learn More Activity links:
My Rock Collection (outdoor activity)
20 Easy Activities with Rocks that will Make Learning Fun
Momma’s Fun World: Volcano Fun
Color and Shape Fine Motor Ideas: Surprise Rainbow Volcanoes

ECHO Science and Stories Online: Owl Prowl

Have you ever seen an owl? Join Eizabeth for Science and Stories to help solve a backyard mystery and gather all the things you need to go on an owl prowl of your own.

Featured book is: Owl Babies by Martin Waddell and Illustrated by Patrick Benson. Published by Candlewick Publishing

Do More, Learn More Activity links:
Owl Babies by Martin Waddell: Lesson Ideas and Activities
Owl Stick Puppets for Story Retelling with Kids
Create Your Own Paint Brushes
Owling with Kids
Eight Great Books About Owls to Support Nature-Based Learning

ECHO Science & Stories Online: Kitchen Chemistry Starring… Dairy!

When you mix things together and they make something new… that is Chemistry in action! What will we get if we start with butter and mix in a few other ingredients from the kitchen? Join Elizabeth, ECHO’s Group Programs Manager, as we investigate where our ingredients come from and discover the delicious result of their chemistry. In partnership with Cabot Creamery.

Featured book is: A Cow, A Bee, A Cookie and Me by Meredith Hooper and Illustrated by Alison Bartlett. Published by Kingfisher Publishing

Do More, Learn More Activity links:
Making Butter – Little House Inspired Science
See Exploding Colors in the Magic Milk Experiment – Babble Dabble Do
Edible Science Experiment form Go Science Girls – How to make Curds and Whey

ECHO Science & Stories Online: Engineers at Play!

Calling all engineers … Do you like to make, tinker and create new things? Join Elizabeth and together we will practice our engineering skills as we build, test and improve our designs. Will we get it wrong sometime? Yes we will! Will we give up? No we won’t!

Featured book is: The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires. Published by Kids Can Press, Ltd.

Do More, Learn More Activity links:
Build an Inventor’s Box: A STEM Activity Station for Kids
Recycled Building STEM Activity
Make your own supa-dupa-lupa race car track!
Engineer It! at Home

ECHO Science & Stories Online: Tracks in the Snow

Winter animals can be very secretive. But, they leave clues in the snow that tell us about their secret winter lives. What do you think we can learn from the tracks and traces animals leave behind? Share your ideas with Elizabeth as we explore tracks in the snow together.

Featured book is: Tracks in the Snow by Wong Herbert Yee. Published by Square Fish Publishing

Do More, Learn More Activity links:
Recipe for White Play Dough
Snow Playdough
Strap on some homemade animal feet and make your own tracks
Winter Scavenger Hunt

ECHO Science & Stories Online: Ice Is Nice!

Join us for an icy story that will warm your heart. We will explore the chilly properties of ice and Elizabeth, ECHO’s Youth Programs Manager, will show you how to create a cool craft.

Featured book is: Stella Queen of the Snow by Marie Louise Gay. Published by Groundwood Books.

Do More, Learn More Activity links
Sticky Ice Science Experiment
Ice Balloons Science Experiment for Kids
Ice Painting for Kids
Wonderful Wintertime Frozen Sun Catcher Ice Ornaments

ECHO Science & Stories Online: Winter Trees

Many of our Vermont trees stand all sticks and bones in the winter time, but not the evergreens. They provide us with color all winter. Join Elizabeth Nuckols, ECHO’s Youth Programs Manager, for Science and Stories online as we learn more about these majestic trees.

Featured story: The Sheltering Tree: A Felt Board Story by Linda Meuse retold by Elizabeth Nuckols

Do More, Learn More Activity links:
Winter STEM Activity for Preschool: Evergreen Tree Building Challenge
Simple Play-doh Recipe
Woodsy PlayLand…With Pine-Scented Play Dough
Pine Needle Sachet (Great Gift Idea Here)

ECHO Science & Stories Online: The Power of Wind

Wind can be as soothing as a summer breeze or as biting as a winter snow squall. Explore the power of wind with Elizabeth, ECHO’s Youth Programs Manager, during this week’s Science and Stories Online. 

Featured book is: Gilberto and the Wind by Marie Hall Ets. Published by Puffin Books.

Do More, Learn More Activity links:
Paper Helicopter Pinwheel with Free Template
Windy Day Hair Painting with Straws
Super Fun Straw Races Kids Will Love Playing and Exploring
It’s a Windy Race to Make the Kids Silly

ECHO Science & Stories Online: Animals in November

What are you doing to get ready for winter at your house? Have you pulled out your winter boots? Have you put snow tires on your car? Have you stocked up on comfort food? Join Elizabeth, ECHO’s Youth Programs Manager, as she investigates the ways our outside animal neighbors are getting ready for the long winter ahead.
 
Featured book is: Animals in November by Cynthia Rylant. Illustrated by Jill Katstner. Published by HMH Books for Young Readers.
 
Do More, Learn More Activity links:

ECHO Science & Stories Online: Sleeping Bears

Bears have been hungrily eating berries and nuts all summer and fall, packing on the pounds in order to get ready for a long winter’s nap. Do bears really sleep all winter long? Bring along your favorite Teddy Bear and join Elizabeth, ECHO’s Youth Programs Manager, as we explore this question and more during this week’s Science and Stories Online.

Featured book is: Time to Sleep by Denise Fleming Published by Square Fish Publishing.

Do More, Learn More Activity Links 
Create a Hibernating Bear Den | Activity 
Make a Diorama of Animals that Hibernate in Winter – Printables Included
Snow Dough Recipe

ECHO Science & Stories Online: Migration

Flying south seems like a good strategy for dealing with our harsh winter weather, but some birds stay in Vermont all winter long. What determines if they stay or if they go? Come and explore this question with Elizabeth, ECHO’s Youth Programs Manager, during this week’s Science and Stories Online.

Featured book is: Round Robin by Jack Kent. Published by Prentice Hall.

Do More, Learn More Activity links:
DIY- How To Turn A Milk And Juice Carton To A Bird Feeder
Bird puppet kids craft
Why do birds fly in a “V”?

ECHO Science & Stories Online: Pumpkins

Did you plant a pumpkin in your garden last spring? What happened after you planted the seed? Join Elizabeth, ECHO’s Youth Programs Manager, as she explores the life cycle of a pumpkin with some messy pumpkin fun.

Featured book is: The Listening Walk by Paul Showers and Illustrated by Aliki. Published by Harper Collins Publishing

Do More, Learn More Activity links:
Five Little Pumpkins Cutting Practice Printable 
Mini Pumpkin Volcanos Fall Science Experiment for Kids
Fluffy Pumpkin Slime

ECHO Science & Stories: Shadows

Have you ever noticed that shadows can make things seem a lot bigger than they really are? And sometimes you can’t find a shadow at all. What makes a shadow anyway? Join Elizabeth, ECHO’s Youth Programs Manager, to explore this question and have some fun with shadows.

Featured book is: Moon Bear’s Shadow by Frank Ashe. Illustrated by Frank Ashe. Published by Aladdin Books

Do More, Learn More Activity links:
Shadow Sidewalk Chalk Art
Shadow Puppet Printable Play Sets
Shadow Games

ECHO Science & Stories: Fall Leaves

There is nothing more beautiful than a maple tree in the fall. And nothing more fun than jumping into a big pile of leaves once they have fallen off the tree. Come jump into the science and fun of fall leaves with Elizabeth, ECHO’s Youth Programs Manager.

Featured book is: Going on a Leaf Hunt by Steve Metzger, Illustrated by Miki Sakamoto. Published by Cartwheel Books.

Do More, Learn More Activity links:
Fall Leaf Hunt Activity: Gather & Sort
Easy Marbled Fall Leaves

ECHO Science & Stories: Bubble Science

Can you make a round bubble? Sure you can! How about a square bubble? Explore bubble shapes with Elizabeth, ECHO’s Youth Program Manager, during this week’s Bubble Science episode. Featured book is: Bubble Magic by Mercer Mayor. Published by Carson- Dellosa Publishing

Do More, Learn More Activity Links:
2 Ingredient DIY Bubbles | Homemade Bubble Recipe For Kids | Easy Bubble Solution
Creative Bubble Wands
Popped Bubble Art

ECHO Science and Stories: Sound Detectives

We learn so much about the world around us by using all of our senses. Join Elizabeth, ECHO’S Youth Programs Manager, to explore your sense of hearing as we go on a listening adventure and practice listening closely. Featured book is: The Listening Walk by Paul Showers and Illustrated by Aliki. Published by Harper Collins Publishing

Do More, Learn More Activity links:
Outdoor Activities for Kids: Go on a Sound Walk (with free printable)
DIY Sound Sensory Jars
Science of Sound Waves Experiments

ECHO Science and Stories: Marvelous Monarchs

Monarch Butterflies have been busy all summer sipping nectar and laying eggs. It is time for the young Monarchs to prepare for their long journey south. Where do they go? How do they know? Join Elizabeth, ECHO’s Youth Program Manager, for Science and Stories as she investigates the mysteries of the Monarch. Featured book is: The Butterfly by Anna Milbourn and Kathy Shimmen. Published by Usborne Publishing Ltd.

Do More, Learn More Activity links:
Monarch Butterfly Stick Puppet
How to Raise Butterflies

ECHO Science & Stories: Beach Treasures

Join Elizabeth for a virtual trip to the seashore! We will hunt for sandy treasures and investigate the creatures that make them. Close your eyes, put your feet in the water, dig your toes in the sand and breath in that sea breeze. Featured book is: Seashells by the Seashore by Marianne Berkes. Illustrated by Robert Noreika.

Do More, Learn More Activity links:
Make Noodle Necklaces! | Activity
Ocean Slime Recipe for Kids Summer Fun! | Little Bins for Little hands
Seashell Science and Math

ECHO Science & Stories: A Good Day Fishing

The snow is melting and the rivers are running high and fast. It is a great time of year to go fishing! But what do you need for a good day fishing? Join us for Science and Stories to find out and share stories about the one that got away! Featured book is: A Good Day Fishing by James Prodsek. Published by Simon and Schuster Books

Do More, Learn More Activity Links:
DIY Magnetic Fishing Game
Rainbow Fish Art Craft for Kids

ECHO Science & Stories: Sink or Float?

Who sank the boat? Join Elizabeth, ECHO’s Youth Program Manager, to find out as we explore the sink and float properties of different objects. Can you design your own boat that will float even when loaded with heavy cargo? Featured book is: Who Sank the Boat by Pamela Allen. Published by the Putman and Grosset Group.

Do More, Learn More Activity Links:
Recycled Boats – Sink or Float – Science Experiments for Kids
Sink Float Water Science Experiment in the Kitchen

 

ECHO Science & Stories: Seed Science

A seed holds all the promise of a colorful field of flowers, a bountiful garden or a big oak tree. Where can you find seeds to plant if you can’t get to the store? They are in your kitchen cabinet, in your yard, in your compost! Plant some seeds today with Elizabeth, ECHO’s Youth Program Manager, and feel the joy as they take root, sprout and grow. Featured book is: I’m a Seed by Jean Marzolla. Illustrated by Judith Moffatt. Published by Scholastic.

Do More, Learn More Activity Links:
Grow a Seed in a Ziploc Bag Greenhouse: Observing Seed Germination in a Plastic Bag From our friends at Shelburne Farm: Seed hunt and sort
Kitchen Scrap Gardening: 15 Foods You Can Regrow from Scraps

ECHO Science & Stories: Explore the Pond

Do you know the ingredients of a pond? Join Elizabeth, ECHO’s Youth Program Manager, as she mixes one up and together we will stock it with the creatures that call the pond habitat their home. Featured book is: Little Turtle’s Big Adventure by David Harrison. Illustrated by J.P. Miller. Published by Random House, Inc. 1969.

Do More, Learn More Activity Links:
Make your own underwater pond scope
Create an indoor pond habitat with this Pond Playset Printable

ECHO Science & Stories: Celebrate Earth Day!

How do you help take care of the earth? Celebrate Earth Day with Elizabeth, ECHO’s Youth Program Manager, as she thinks about ways we can help take care of our planet all year long and why it is so important that we all lend a helping hand. Featured book is: The Trouble with Dragons written and illustrated by Debi Gliori. Published by Walker and Company, 2008.

Do More, Learn More Activity Links:
Build a home for animals: DIY Bee Hotel Tutorial
Plant seeds in recycled containers: 8 Recycled Seed Starting Containers for Gardening
Create an Earth Day art project: Earth Day Coffee Filter Craft

ECHO Science & Stories: Signs of Spring

Is it Spring yet? How will we know when it’s finally here? Share the signs of spring you have noticed and we will celebrate the small changes together as we head into the new season. Elizabeth Nuckols, ECHO Youth Programs Manager, reads the book, North Country Spring, by Reeve Lindbergh. Paintings by Liz Sivertson. Published by HMH Books for Young Readers, 1997

Continue hands-on learning with a spring scavenger hunt with your kids!

ECHO Science & Stories: Mud

We are embracing and celebrating Vermont’s fifth season. How do you mix up the perfect batch of mud anyway? Elizabeth, ECHO Youth Programs Manager, will read Mud by Mary Lyn Ray and illustrated by Lauren Stringer. Join Elizabeth in muddy research, testing out some muddy recipes and having lots of muddy fun! Book published by Harcourt, Inc. 1996.

Continue hands-on learning with other activities:
Mud Ooblek recipe
Mud Slime recipe
Playdough recipe: add coffee grounds and a little brown paint to make mud playdough

ECHO Science & Stories: Maple Sugaring

Near the end of winter before spring has sprung, something special happens in the woods of Vermont. Come learn about the exciting process of making maple syrup while Elizabeth Nuckols, ECHO Youth Programs Manager, reads the book, Sugaring, by Jessie Haas. 

ECHO Science & Stories: Color Mixing

Where have all the colors gone? As the Vermont winter lingers things begin to look a bit drab. It is time to bring a burst of color into our lives. Join us in reading White Rabbit’s Color Book by Alan Baker. Come investigate and experiment with all the colors of the rainbow with ECHO Youth Programs Manager, Elizabeth Nuckols. 
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