Yearly Archives: 2021

Camp Au Pair – Science/STEM

This week’s Camp Au Pair theme is Science (STEM).

Crafts, recipes, activities, and games related to all things science, technology, engineering and math can be found here on the Camp Au Pair – Science (STEM) pinboard. Try some of these great ideas!

Virtual Field Trips can be a great way for kids to learn and have new experiences. Here are a few places to visit virtually, that fit this theme:

Videos – On YouTube you can find many great videos of with science experiments to do with kids. You can also check out Steve Spangler Science lab videos! Check out the cool slime art!

Movies – The Lego Movie, Big Hero 6, Wall-E and Hidden Figures all fit the STEM theme.

Webcams – You can do a google search for science websites with webcams. Here is a collection of 22 science webcams from around the world.

 

Books – Stop by your local library and look for books on science, technology, engineering and math.

  • Clouds encourages children to look up at the sky and observe the clouds in order to find out what the weather will be. With simple text and folk-art style illustrations, this colorful picture book introduces 11 different types of clouds according to their positions in the atmosphere.
  • Roll, Slope, and Slide is a simple concept book that describes the different kinds, uses, and benefits of inclined planes and ramps. Includes an activity.
  • In a Guatemalan village, the tiny schoolhouse desperately needed expansion. When the money ran out before the project was finished, someone had a creative idea: Why not use readily available soda bottles for the walls? The Soda Bottle School teaches children that thinking outside the box can lead to the perfect solution.

Photos by: Lars Plougmann {flickr}, Frank Starmer {flickr}

Around the World in 80 Days – Netherlands

NETHERLANDS

Western Europe
Capital: Amsterdam
Languages: Dutch, regional languages
Predominant Religion(s): Christianity

COMMON CHARACTERISTICS:

  • Dutch applicants are open and down to earth.
  • They are hard workers.
  • They are polite, friendly and social.

FUN FACTS:

  • The colors of the Dutch flag are red, white, and blue. Red stands for the people, white for  the church, and blue for nobility.
  • Dutch people are on average the tallest people in the world. (Women 5 ft 7 and men 6 ft).
  • The total length of all roads together in the Netherlands is 132,397 km. That’s about four times around the world!

USEFUL PHRASES:

  • How are you?             Hoe gaat het?
  • Fine, thanks.               Goed, dank je wel.
  • My name is…              Mijn naam is…
  • Nice to meet you.        Leuk je te ontmoeten.
  • Thank you.                  Dank je wel.

“It’s a life changing experience. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about everything I’ve learned, all the amazing times I spent with friends and family and all the people I met. Being an Au Pair in America is my story of success so far – more are to come!” – Jodie – au pair from the Netherlands

Photo by Crash71100 {flickr}

Around the World in 80 Days – Brazilian Lemonade

Let’s get cooled off with some Brazilian Lemonade!

Brazilian Lemonade Recipe

Ingredients: 

  • 4 juicy limes
  • 4 cups cold water 
  • 1 can sweet condensed milk 
  • Ice 

Instructions: 

  1. Wash your limes and peel two of them. Cut them into 8 wedges and remove the white pith.
  2. Combine the lime wedges and water in your blender and pulse for a few seconds (10  seconds maximum). 
  3. Strain the juice through a fine-mesh strainer, pressing on the pulp to extract all the juice.
  4. Return the liquid to the blender and add the sweet condensed milk. Blend until creamy and frothy. 
  5. Serve immediately with ice!

And there you have it — Brazilian lemonade!

Around the World in 80 Days – Mexico

MEXICO 

North America
Capital: Mexico City
Languages: Spanish
Predominant Religion(s): Christianity (Catholic)

COMMON CHARACTERISTICS:

  • Mexican people describe themselves as hospitable, family oriented and warm.
  • Most Mexicans have very strong family ties.
  • Tradition, culture and Mexican food are very important for Mexicans.

FUN FACTS:

  • Mexico is the 14th largest country in the world!
  • The Aztecs used cacao seeds as a form of currency.
  • The world’s largest pyramid is in… Mexico!

USEFUL PHRASES:

  • How are you?             ¿Cómo estás?
  • Fine, thanks.               Bien, gracias.
  • My name is…              Me llamo / Mi nombre es…
  • Nice to meet you!        ¡Qué gusto conocerte!
  • Thank you.                  Gracias.

 

Around the World in 80 Days – Chinese Children’s Books

Lon Po Po, by Ed Young, is the Chinese version of Little Red Riding Hood.

The Seven Chinese Sisters, by Kathy Tucker, tells the story of six sisters with unique talents who must use them to save the seventh sister after she’s kidnapped by a dragon!

The Seven Chinese Brothers, by Margaret Mahy, is a retelling of the classic Chinese tale about a family of brothers who must work together to triumph over the corrupt emperor.

Dim Sum for Everyone!, by Grace Lin, is about a family with three daughters visiting a restaurant for a meal of dim sum. Childran learn about Chinese culture and traditions.

Around the World in 80 Days – Latvia

LATVIA

Northern Europe
Capital: Riga
Languages: Latvian
Religion(s): Christianity
(predominantly Roman Catholic/Lutheran)

Common Characteristics:

  • Latvia is a small nation, but Latvians are very proud of their heritage.
  • Latvians are hard working, polite and responsible.
  • Latvians can be reserved when you first meet them, but they are friendly and helpful after they get to know you – friendships are genuine.

FUN FACTS:

  • Aleksandrs was a famous Latvian explorer. He moved to Venezuela in 1939. His most  famous discovery was Angel Falls and he named the river, from which Angel Falls flows, Gauja. He also named 3 other rivers in Venezuela after Latvian Rivers such as Daugava (Riga), Venta (Kuldiga, Ventspils) and Ogre.
  • The capital of Latvia, Riga, is the largest city in the Baltic States and is famous for some of the best Art Nouveau architecture in Europe.
  • Walter Zapp invented and built the first Minox ”Spy Camera” in Latvia.

USEFUL PHRASES:

  • How are you?      Kātev iet?
  • Fine, thanks.       Paldies – labi.
  • My name is…      Mani sauc…
  • Nice to meet you.     Prieks iepazīties.
  • Thank you.           Paldies.

Photo by: Ricardo Liberati {flickr}

Around the World in 80 Days – Italy

ITALY

Southern Europe
Capital: Rome
Languages: Italian
Predominant Religion(s): Roman Catholic

Common Characteristics:

  • Italians love their country, and the first thing they miss is the food!
  • Italians love having large, social dinners with their family and friends.
  • Italians love to talk!

FUN FACTS: 

  • It’s true! Italians really do talk with their hands!
  • Italy is the world’s largest exporter of wine, pizza was invented in Naples and dates back to 1860, and 14 billion espresso coffees are consumed in Italy each year!
  • Italy is home to Europe’s only 3 active volcanoes: Etna, Stromboli and Vesuvius!

USEFUL PHRASES:

  • How are you?             Come stai?
  • Fine, thanks:               Bene, grazie.
  • My name is…:             Mi chiamo…
  • Nice to meet you.        Piacere di conoscerti.
  • Thank you.                  Grazie.

Photo by: Guldem Usten {flickr}

Camp Au Pair – Under the Sea

Now for some under the sea fun!! Most of these activities are easily created using items likely already around the house, but you may need to plan ahead a bit to have supplies on hand! Check with your host family about getting supplies to use!

 

Play with your food:

Field Trips & Virtual Field Trips –

**As always, please confer as a family before deciding upon activities. Follow all federal, state and local guidelines pertaining to COVID 19 and check to make sure you are able to visit locations as some are restricted to county residency or require pre-purchased, timed entry passes.**

 

  • Calvert Marine Museum: At the Calvert Marine Museum pre-history, natural history, and maritime heritage come together to tell a unique story of the Chesapeake Bay. This is a family-friendly museum that offers live animals, fossils, interactive exhibits, daily activities, and a furnished cottage-style lighthouse – something for every age.
  • Calvert Marine Museum Paleo Prep Lab: Visit Kevin in the CMM Paleo Prep Lab to learn about unique fossils in the museum’s collection!
  • Calvert Marine Museum Paleo Prep Lab Megalodon Shark Teeth: Join CMM Exhibits Interpreter Kevin in the museum’s Paleo Prep Lab, as he shares a few fossilized meg teeth and talks about why these massive sharks may have journeyed into the Chesapeake Bay.
  • Calvert Marine Museum Otter Cam: Otter indoor cam.
  • Calvert Marine Museum Otter Cam: Otter outdoor cam.
  • Calvert Marine Museum River Otters: Located outside at the head of the Marsh Walk, the River Otter habitat is sure to please. Watch how otters frolic and engage in playing with their favorite enrichment item. You may find one diving into the 8,000 gallon freshwater pool or taking an afternoon nap beneath a favorite hollowed out log. River otters are well suited for life in and around the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, though often go unnoticed. In the wild, they tend to be more active during the dusk and dawn hours, their dark fur blending seamlessly into the background. During the day, river otters are often sleeping in their den or mud-bank cave. Healthy otters will generally avoid humans. In nature, otters are atop the food web with few predators. They will eat most anything including fish, insects, birds, reptiles, amphibians, crustaceans and even other mammals. “Squeak” does not have to bother with hunting as all of his food is provided for him. Fish, shrimp, hard-boiled eggs, carrots and various fruits round out their main diet.

Webcams – You can visit aquariums and such around the globe to observe sea creatures. The Monterey Bay has a wonderful collection of options to explore!

Videos –  Movies like Finding Nemo, Dolphin Tale, Moana and the Little Mermaid go well with this theme.

Books – Check your local library or book stores for books on sea creatures and the ocean!

  • The Rainbow Fish is a classic children’s book, your host kids may already own.
  • Ocean Anatomy – Julia Rothman’s best-selling illustrated Anatomy series takes a deep dive into the wonders of the sea with Ocean Anatomy. Follow Rothman’s inquisitive mind and perceptive eye along shorelines, across the open ocean, and below the waves for an artistic exploration of the watery universe. Through her drawings, discover how the world’s oceans formed, why the sea is salty, and the forces behind oceanic phenomena such as rogue waves. Colorful anatomical profiles of sea creatures from crustacean to cetacean, surveys of seafaring vessels and lighthouses, and the impact of plastic and warming water temperatures are just part of this compendium of curiosities that will entertain and educate readers of all ages.

 

Photos by: Cynthia Chan; marneejill {flickr}; Michael Ravodin {flickr}

Around the World in 80 Days – Famous People from Germany

Johannes Gutenberg was born in Germany in 1400. His invention led to the first printing press. Learn more from the seasonal calendar.

Grimm’s Fairy tales, originally written in German, have been translated into 160 languages. To find out more about Jacob Grimm, visit the seasonal calendar.

Born in 1875 in Germany, Albert Schweitzer studied music, science and religion. He won the Nobel Peace Prize and is probably best remembered for bringing modern health care to Africa  in the early 1900s. He said something that you might want to think about: “Constant kindness can accomplish much. As the sun makes ice melt, kindness causes misunderstanding, mistrust, and hostility to evaporate.” To learn more about Albert Schweitzer, visit our seasonal calendar.

Albert Einstein, born in Germany in 1879, lived in Italy, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, the  Netherlands and Israel before becoming a US citizen. As a child he loved to build houses out of playing cards. He is best known for his scientific theories, but he also worked to support the United Nations, nuclear disarmament, and civil liberties. To learn more, visit our seasonal calendar.

Around the World in 80 Days – Canadian Desserts

For some amazing Canadian recipes, check out the Food Network.  Berry Bannock Bread  Pudding looks amazing!  How about trying Uncooked Danties?

Mix Together

  • 1/4 cup margarine
  • 2 cups white sugar
  • 1/2 cup warm milk

Add

  • a few drops artificial vanilla
  • 3 cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup coconut
  • 6 tbs cocoa
  • 1/2 – 1 cup raisins
  1. Mix well and form into balls on ungreased cookie sheet.
  2. Place in fridge till chilled.

Submitted by Melissa Cleasby from Canada, au pair in Massachusetts 2004

Photos by: Jen Arr {flickr}