Posts Tagged ‘explore’

Be a Backyard Explorer

Tuesday, June 21st, 2011

Gardening with kids teaches them an appreciation for nature. By including them in the process from start to finish–choosing, planting, tending the plants–you’ll give them a sense of satisfaction and ownership. Here are some tips on gardening together:

  1. Choose plants that suit your environment. Visit your local nursery or garden center to find plants that will thrive in different conditions.
  2. Build a flower box or create a full outdoor gardening space.
  3. Plant a vegetable garden–not only will you reap the benefits of being outside while gardening, but your family will enjoy fresh vegetables.
  4. If space is limited, try a container garden. They’re easy to plant and can be maintained indoors or out.

Recycling is one of the best ways you can positively impact the world in which we live. Research shows that 75% of our waste is recyclable, which goes well beyond what you toss in your recycling bin at home or at school. The following activities will help you better understand why it’s important to recycle:

  1. Research how many trees recycling paper could save.
  2. Keep a record of how much paper you throw away in a week and try to recycle more paper items.
  3. Look for items that carry the recycling logo and determine why we should use items with this logo.
  4. Help replace what you’ve used-plant a tree!
  5. Recycle grocery store bags or look for reusable bags to use at the grocery store.

Fossils are the remains of living things and can be found in rocks, such as limestone and sandstone. Collecting fossils in Ohio is a fun way to learn about plants and animals that lived long before dinosaurs roamed the earth. Here are some tips for finding fossils around your home:

  • If you do not live in an area where fossils are abundant, try looking for fossils in driveway gravel or in rocks along a nearby stream.
  • Search your gravel driveway after it rains when dust is washed from the rocks.
  • Fossils are usually shinier or duller than rocks and often have different colors, textures, and shapes.
  • Closely examine rocks for fossils by getting near the ground or using a magnifying glass.

Tags: , , , , | Posted in Explore the Outdoors | No Comments »

Cool Tips for Safe Summer Trips

Friday, June 3rd, 2011

Who wants to visit a State Park, forest, mountains, or a beach? If you’re planning a roadtrip this summer, you’ll want to make sure you’re fully prepared.  Your first priority should be getting to your destination and back safely. We’ve compiled a list of tips but feel free to comment on this post if you have any to add! We think it’s a great idea to share these tips with your kids. Good habits can start at any age!

 

Regular maintenance such as tune-ups, oil changes, battery checks, tire rotations, and so forth go a long way toward preventing breakdowns before they happen. If you’re not sure what to check, take a look at our list below or bring your car into a shop.

  • Tires – Check the air pressure, tread wear, and make sure you have a spare!
  • Belts and Hoses- Be aware of the condition and fittings
  • Wiper Blades- Take a look at the wear and tear on both sides
  • Cooling System- Check your coolant level
  • Fluid Levels- Took a look at the oil, brakes, transmission, power steering, coolant and windshield
  • Lights- Check your headlights, brake lights, turn signals, emergency flashers, interior lights and trailer lights
  • Air Conditioning- Sensitive to heat? Check the AC!

(more…)

Tags: , , , , , , , | Posted in Safety | No Comments »