Ages 1 and up

Nature Collection

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AGES:

1 and up  

INGREDIENTS:  

Natural materials such as rocks, shells, pinecones, etc.  

Container with compartments (muffin tin, plastic egg cartons)  

Optional: magnifying glasses and view finders  

INSTRUCTIONS: 

  1. Explore nature in your own back yard! Select rocks and leaves to add to your nature collection.

  2. Compare, contrast, categorize, arrange, and rearrange your natural treasures in each compartment.

  3. Use view finders, magnifying glasses, or paper towel tubes to see your found items in a new way.

  4. When you’re ready to mix up your collection, return items to nature and start again. 

Stained Glass

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AGES:

1 and up  

INGREDIENTS:  

Contact paper  

Masking tape  

Tissue paper  

Optional: ribbons, scrap paper, sequins  

INSTRUCTIONS: 

  1. Using masking tape, tape up contact paper on a window with the sticky side facing out.

  2. Stick tissue paper and scraps to the contact paper.

  3. Explore layering materials, cutting paper into shapes and making designs.

  4. When the collage is complete, flip the contact paper over and tape it to the window.

  5. Watch how the light makes the art come alive. 

Foamy Fun

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AGES:

1 and up 

INGREDIENTS:  

Shaving cream  

Tools, such as paint brushes or spatulas.  

Tub, container, or tray  

Optional: food coloring 

INSTRUCTIONS: 

  1. Spray shaving cream into a container or onto a surface.

  2. Add a drop of food coloring and experiment with different color combinations.

  3. Use your hands and utensils to explore the properties of this funky foam. Painting with shaving cream is so much fun.

  4. Don’t worry about making a mess—we promise this one’s easy to clean. 

Upcycling Architect

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AGES:

1 and up 

INGREDIENTS:

Empty recyclable containers (yogurt containers, cracker or cereal boxes, etc.)  

Tape  

INSTRUCTIONS:  

  1. Clean and save containers, cans, and boxes.

  2. Design and create structures with your collection of unusual building materials.

  3. For an extra challenge, sketch your design before, during, and after it’s built.

  4. Grab your favorite toys, stuffies, or vehicles and go to town in your new upcycled city.  

Bath Time Geometry

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AGES:

1 and up

INGREDIENTS: 

Thin craft foam (often at dollar stores)  

Scissors  

Wet tile wall (bathtubs or showers are perfect for this!)  

INSTRUCTIONS:  

  1. Cut the foam rectangles into a variety of shapes.

  2. Wet the tile wall or dip foam pieces in water.

  3. Stick foam shapes to the wall and/or bathtub.

  4. Use your imagination to make designs with your beautiful shapes or just have fun putting them up and taking them down. 

Paper Smoothies

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AGES:

1 and up  

INGREDIENTS:

Blender  

White scrap paper  

Water  

Variety of tools: scoops, tongs, and cups  

A large container or tray  

Glitter (optional)  

INSTRUCTIONS: 

  1. Shred or tear paper into small bits.

  2. Fill the blender to the top with paper pieces.

  3. Fill the blender with water until it just covers the paper and blend.

  4. Dump the paper smoothie into a tray with containers and utensils. Add glitter to make it glamorous or food coloring to make it bright. 

Perfect Play Dough

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AGES:

1 and up

INGREDIENTS:

1 ¼ cup of water  

¾ cup of salt  

½ cup of oil  

Food coloring  

3 to 3 ½ cups of flour  

Kitchen utensils: cookie cutters, rolling pins, whisks  

INSTRUCTIONS:  

  1. Mix the first four ingredients together.

  2. Slowly add flour to the mixture as you use your hands to mix in the dough.  

  3. Continue to slowly knead in flour until the dough is at the desired consistency.

  4. Combine with child friendly kitchen utensils and imagine you are cooking up some delicious grub.

Tubes, Ramps, and Balls

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AGES:

1 and up

INGREDIENTS: 

Variety of cardboard mailing tubes  

Razor blade (adult only)  

Variety of balls  

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Cut the tubes in half and lengthwise to create tubes and ramps.

  2. Build ball runs, tunnels, and explore the endless possibilities with tubes!  

  3. Discover which balls fit inside the tubes and which balls roll fastest down the ramps.

  4. Peer through the tube to explore a new perspective.