In
1905, Frank Epperson ran the soda stand in a small amusement park. He sold
drinks made from soda water mixed with flavor packets.
Frank
wondered how a frozen drink would taste. One cold night, he left a glass of
flavored soda outside with a wooden stirring stick in it. The soda froze. Frank
took his creation to school, and his classmates said it tasted good.
When
Frank grew up, he made and sold “Ep-sicles.” His kids suggested he change the
name to “Popsicles.” The rest is history.
Activities:
1.
How many words can you make from the letters in Popsicle? Make a sentence with
each new word.
2.
Do you like popsicles? What is your favorite flavor of popsicle? Have you made
popsicles by yourself? If not, try it. Then watch the video to explore some
yummy and healthy popsicle recipes.
Do you play kites? Kites have been a toy for thousands
of years. They come in a variety of designs. The wide winged bird, the long-tailed
dragons, the spinning metallic stars, the cartoon characters…. They dance with
your hands in the sky! Do you wonder how to make kites by yourself? Actually, it is quite simple. You’ll need:
two lightweight, smooth sticks, one 3 feet long, the
other 2 feet;
a large plastic trash bag, cut open;
a long strip of lightweight cloth or plastic for the
tail;
scissors; strong tape; a very long string
Then follow these steps:
Step 1: Form a cross shape with the sticks. Wrap tape
around the sticks where they meet.
Step 2: Cut off a 4-foot piece of string. Tape each
end of the string to each end of the long stick. This string is called the
bridle. Tie one end of the rest of string to the middle of the bridle.
Step 3: Lay the cross on the open plastic bag. Cut a
diamond shape around it. Make sure to cut the diamond shape wider than the ends
of the sticks.
Step 4: Fold the corners of the diamond over the ends
of the sticks. Tape the corners tightly to the sticks.
Step 5: For a tail, tape the strip of cloth or plastic
to the bottom of the kite.
When you are ready, remember to choose an open, safe
place to fly your kite. Don’t fly your kite near power lines. Keep away from
trees, roads, and airports. Don’t fly a kite in the rain or when you hear
thunder. Be sure nothing is on the ground to trip over. Have a fun!
Activities:
1. Find ten words that rhyme with kite. Then make a story with the new words.
2. Besides
the diamond shape, can you make other shapes of kites? Have a try. Then watch
the video to learn interesting explanations about Benjamin Franklin and his kite.
