What shape is a spider web? Orb webs, with their wheel-like spokes, are probably what most quickly comes to mind. But if you've walked across a dewy lawn recently, chances are you passed by the funnel-shaped web of a grass spider. These webs really stand out on misty or dewy summer mornings and they …
family fun connections
Family Fun Connections: Take another look
Happy summer! Were you told that “only boring people get bored” as a kid, too? As much as I've tried to take this to heart with my own parenting, these are unusual circumstances and some of our everyday routines are starting to feel a little stale. Time for some fresh …
Family Fun Connections: Day and Night
Have you noticed how late the sunset is getting? My three-year-old started calling dinner “the dark meal” over the winter and spring, so we have definitely been noticing and talking about the lengthening days lately. With the summer solstice coming up this weekend, let's spend some time exploring …
Family Fun Connections: Move like an animal
I don't know if it's the changing weather, a bit of cabin fever, or both, but lately my household has been feeling a serious need to move! If that's true for your family, try taking a few minutes to slither, hop, and run along to this “Move Like an Animal” song in the video below: Then, to …
Family Fun Connections: Animal Homes and Nests
One unexpected outcome of spending all this extra time at home has been seeing what other creatures find shelter in my neighborhood, too! This week, my challenge to you is to look for places where wildlife live, hide, and nest all around you. And once you see something, take a closer look! What I …
Family Fun Connections: Spotting Differences
Have you ever had the experience of learning to recognize a new plant or bird species, only to realize that you've been crossing paths with it on a regular basis for years without realizing it? Getting to know our plant and animal neighbors is a lifelong endeavor, but it can begin with learning to …