Crafts and Caffeine
It's time to grab the ole cup again and discuss some very important things. Important things such as coffee and dissolving monster hands...you know, the really important stuff. But also inspiring people! Which, I would argue, truly is the important stuff!
Recently, we did a very scientific study of monster hands. It was an epic experience! The kids have not stopped asking to do the monster hand, the monster hand, the monster...hand, ad infinitium. And can you blame them? Not only did it involve a monster hand, it was a massively sensory experience with the end result being full body baking soda (green, no less!) coverage. Not a bad way to spend an afternoon.
The monster hand is based off the old vinegar and baking soda chemical reaction trick; a favorite among the youngsters. The bubbly reaction that occurs is truly fun! We thought we'd take this to the next level by placing veins and arteries in the hand! This way, as the hand dissolves, the kids would discover something more! Something that would add more depth to the experience. I figured I could draw parallels between the anatomy of the monster and human anatomy. (Was I getting at a more profound analogy here? A lady never tells.) Thus, providing an anatomy lesson through a playful learning experience. (With some Halloween thrown in there for good measure.)
Just look at that bubbly goodness!
The clothes came off!
Our discovery!
Educational goodness!
So how did we do it? It's quite simple! We formed a hand using:
-4 cups of baking soda
-1/2 cup of glue
-3/4 cup water
-Big squirt of green food color
-Pine cone scales for fingernails (optional)
We made the veins/arteries from...wait for it...RED, SPARKLY HOT GLUE!
Simply apply the hot glue on parchment paper in a tree like formation. This will look like the veins and arteries coming from the wrist. Once it dries, peel it off and apply it to the first layer of the hand.
Build the top part of the hand, forming the shape with a spoon.
Boom! Now HAND it to the kids with a bottle of white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar if that is all you have!) and let them go to town! When they find the veins, you can start a conversation about human anatomy. I hope you and your kiddos enjoy this activity! I also hope it can inspire you to talk more about human anatomy with your kids!
Now on to a couple of accounts that bring me inspiration!
1. Bonnie - Make it your Own
Bonnie is a GEM. That's spelled G.E.M. She creates truly heart warming and wonderful creations with her littles. Her ideas are often times nature based and always fun. You can find tutorials for various sewing projects, a rock fish pond, giant cardboard leaves and felt portrait bag tags on her site.
Bonnie has always been gracious and kind. She is passionate about the education of children and that means, I quite like her! :) You can find Bonnie across all social media platforms! Go find Bonnie at Make it your Own. She is a lovely friend to me and I know she will be one to you too.
2. Anne - Left Brain Craft Train
Look at the epic-ness in this picture. Take it in. This is the typical kind of awesome you will find over on Left Brain Craft Brain. The site is filled to the brim with interesting and thought provoking activities for kids. The activities are perfect for prompting a deeper discussion. Anne also runs a challenge on Instagram called Steamkidschallenge. It has been such a joy to participate with these challenges. I admire Anne's account for the intellectual inspiration that it provides for children. I admire Anne because she is really warm and welcoming! I'm 100% sure I'd enjoy a good chat with her. You can find Anne's site Left Brain Craft Brain here.
