Museums: The Denver Museum of Nature and Science

The Denver Nature and Science Center is a great place for your little one to explore nature through out time… with exhibits displaying large dinosaurs of prehistoric times (I mean what little explorer doesn’t like dinosaurs? and you can even talk to a real paleontologist !)

To their modern day ancestors like the powerful birds of prey…

There is a fantastic geology section where you can learn about the rocks that make up our world.

My little explorer really enjoyed the interactive displays where you can see the world through the eyes of a snake… COOL!

Walking and reading the signs with your little explorer will open their minds to big thoughts :o)

This museum also participates in the Blue Star Museums Program that offers large discounts and often free admission for military families from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Georgia Aquarium: an Underwater Adventure

The Froggy Heroes are out and about again! but this time we are traveling underwater in the Georgia Aquarium for a science lesson in marine biology.

Aquariums allow children to experience all the wonders of the ocean without even getting wet... well, you may get a little wet if you decide to touch a sting ray in the "water-petting zoos"...

The Georgia Aquarium is a world of marine biology in a controlled environment (my favorite kind when dealing with children)... and most of the staff can't wait to give you fascinating tidbits of information like how it is the home of the largest tank in the world... the size of a football field!

...and if you are over the age of 12 you can even set up an appointment to scuba dive in the tank! talk about field work!

Toy Review

We love brain-building toys! So we checked out a few that your little adventurer may be eyeing at the toy store.

the Ultimate Spy Watch by Spy Gear looked so cool! with its ability to decode secret messages, tell time in different time zones and stop watch capabilities!!!! Sounds Cool, Right?! ... but we could not get it to work :o(

Elenco EDU-37329 T-Rex Skeleton Kit is AWESOME!!!!!  It is 3 ft long when fully assembled! it looks like something right out of a real dinosaur museum... a must have for the dino-enthusiast!

The Smithsonian Microscope is a lightweight beginners microscope for the budding scientist. It comes with all the equipment needed to start micro-exploration... and we found it at Michael's 50% off :oD

The Sonic Sleuth is not just for ease dropping on your big sister's conversations... it can be a great tool for listening to all the little creatures on your afternoon nature walks...and this is really cool too!

Legos are the ultimate brain workout for any kid, it builds math skills, creativity and just may turn your kid into the biggest pint-sized architect on the playground.

Museums :The Cosmosphere

"Museums, how I love thee, let me count the ways..."

What better way to have an adventure than in a climate controlled, information saturated, visually stimulating museum?!

  

We took a Froggy Hero field trip to the Cosmosphere: Space and Science Museum. The kids were able to see and stand in real space equipment!

 There was a rocket and launch pad outside that sparked the imagination of my little ones... who knows, there may be a budding astronaut in the house :oD

Astronauts:
There is more to being an astronaut than just walking on the moon. Some astronauts repair spacecrafts and equipment while others work on science experiments and study the stars. Math and Sciences like Chemistry (the study of matter), Meteorology (the study of weather)  and Geology (the study of rocks) are important for this job.

for more information check out NASA and look over their missions... they'er really cool!

Easy Science Projects for Kids : How plants absorb water

This is an oldie but goodie! ...and it will be new to your preschooler.

I showed my preschooler how plants take water up their stems through little tubes and deliver it all the way to the tips of the leaves with this easy project.

I just took and old jar and let him fill it with water about 3/4 of the way, then he added "A LOT" of food coloring and a stalk of celery.

... we started to see a slight change in just a few minutes...

... and the next day they had completely changed color. My preschooler loved it and it remained a centerpiece on the kitchen table for the rest of the week, and sparked many conversations about the science of plants :o)

LEGO Math

Is there anything more fun than creating something with your bare hands?...

 How about learning while you do it!

From studying my son, I have seen the way that building blocks and Legos allow the imagination to soar... not to mention how they put math skills into use with looking for shapes and finding the right size piece to put into place... and let's not forget that sense of accomplishment your little one feels when they have finished their project and hold it up for you to see, "Mommy, look what I made!"

we are scheduling Lego time into our preschool school week :o)

Nature All Around

It is time for NATURE WALKS! 

The weather is nice and the animals are up, so put on your walking shoes and explore the great outdoors. We enjoy going to the local nature center when it is still cool in the morning and heavily populated with quiet elderly strollers.

We like the fact that there is safety in numbers and that everyone is quiet enough not to scare the animals away. The kids get to see nature in action... a value educational experience.
...plus our nature center is free :oD

*Great Froggy Heroes Activity*