воскресенье, 20 ноября 2016 г.

​How a caustic lake in Tanzania became a flamingo paradise

​How a caustic lake in Tanzania became a flamingo paradise
​How a caustic lake in Tanzania became a flamingo paradise

A flock of lesser flamingos (Phoeniconaias minor) standing in the waters of Lake Natron.
A flock of Phoeniconaias minor — more commonly known as lesser flamingoes — stand in the waters of Lake Natron. (Photo: sivanadar/Shutterstock)

There's nothing more relaxing than soaking in a mineral-rich hot spring, but if you happen to visit Tanzania's Lake Natron, you're better off leaving the soaking to the lesser flamingos that famously inhabit the area. Take a look at these unlucky animals that ventured into Natron's salty waters.



With animals literally being turned into calcified statues, you might wonder why flamingos like to hang out on the lake when there are plenty of freshwater sources throughout Africa they could choose from instead. There are actually several reasons, but first and foremost, it comes down to diet.


Lesser flamingos primarily feed on a cyanobacteria known as spirulina (Arthrospira fusiformis), which grows in bodies of water with high alkalinity levels. Because Lake Natron is brimming with alkaline water, it offers the perfect environment for this bacteria to thrive. As a result, flamingos flock there every year by the millions to feed and breed.


In addition to serving as the main food source of lesser flamingos, spirulina is also responsible for the birds' famous coloring. While the cyanobacteria itself is dark blue-green in color, spirulina contains photosynthetic pigments called carotenoids (also found in things like carrots, egg yolks and autumn leaves). You may have heard that if you eat enough carrots, your skin will turn orange. This is 100 percent true, and it applies to flamingos as well. The carotenoids in spirulina are directly responsible for the bright orange and bubblegum pink hues of flamingos.


Aerial view of Tanzania's Lake Natron.
Aerial view of Tanzania's Lake Natron. (Photo: Bildagentur Zoonar GmbH/Shutterstock)

The abundance of spirulina isn't the only reason Lake Natron (pictured above) is such an ideal habitat for these gorgeous birds. The lake is inhospitable to most flora and fauna, but the flamingos can safely wade in the shallow areas of the water. And because these birds like to breed and nest on the lake's isolated islands, the caustic water that surrounds them acts as a barrier, keeping them safe from predators like baboons and wildcats.


This natural buffer has enabled the birds to proliferate at this site in great numbers. Currently, Lake Natron serves as the primary breeding area for 2.5 million lesser flamingos — a number that accounts for about 75 percent of the species' global population.


A massive flock of lesser flamingos nesting on Lake Natron.
A massive flock of lesser flamingos nesting on Lake Natron. (Photo: Kjetil Kolbjornsrud/Shutterstock)

Needless to say, the flamingos have a pretty sweet arrangement, but this remarkable balance is starting to change as the area surrounding the lake is in danger of giving way to man-made development. Threats to Lake Natron and other lesser flamingo breeding sites across Africa are causing a "moderately rapid decline" in population, which is why the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has declared the species "near threatened."


One of the most recent threats to the Natron's ecosystem was a proposal to build a nearby soda ash plant, which would have extracted sodium carbonate from water pumped in from the lake.


According to BirdLife International, harvesting soda ash from Lake Natron "would not only affect the water levels and quality, and hence the breeding flamingos and other water birds, but also nature tourism, which is an important income generator in the wider area."


Luckily for the flamingos, the plan for the soda ash plant was eventually defeated. Despite this victory, the flamingos remain in a precarious position as the forces of climate change and human encroachment loom. About 32 percent of Tanzania's land is protected (the average for developing countries is just 13 percent), but Lake Natron's only designation is that of a "Wetland of International Importance" — a title that holds no enforceable policy power.


Original article and pictures take http://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/wilderness-resources/blogs/how-caustic-lake-natron-tanzania-became-flamingo-paradise site


пятница, 18 ноября 2016 г.

 STEM Activities for Kids 25 Screen Free Ideas

 STEM Activities for Kids 25 Screen Free Ideas
 STEM Activities for Kids 25 Screen Free Ideas

25 STEM activities for kids

Here are quite a few of our fun activities as well as some super cool ideas I hope to try with my son this year! They are all created by awesome bloggers! These STEM activities will keep the kids busy on vacations, weekends and those days when you just need to do a little something different! If the kids are bored, STEM activities will inspire them!


Kids Kitchen Cupboard Science Kit


Make a shopping list, head to the grocery store and come home with all the ingredients needed to try some great science experiments. I bet you already have much of what you need already.


kids science kit packed into carry tote

Check out some fun new ideas for summer STEM!


Click on photos!


Cardboard Box Rocket Ship How To Make a Cardboard Box Rocket Ship

Homemade Water Wall for Kids

Pool Noodle Structures Building with Toothpicks Summer Engineering

Simple Kaleidoscope for Kids

Gumdrop building or candy stem


Leftover candy makes for great science and a good way to use some of it up!


Made with Code Program


We stumbled upon this before Christmas and had a lot of fun trying it out! Must check it out!


Sandbox {or build one out of snow} Volcano


This is definitely our coolest volcano ever! Make it in the sandbox or if you have snow, make it out of a mountain of snow! Either way it’s tons of fun and a delight for kids and adults.


A couple inexpensive materials and you have a neat outdoor play idea


MUST TRY! We make slime all the time for quick play. This stuff is so cool and easy to make.


Best Slime Recipe Ever 5 Minute Slime 3 Ingredient Slime

One bar of soap and a very cool science experiment!


Simple STEM ideas with cardboard, play dough and straws, cups and more!


Try ordinary materials to create new play ideas. These are Christmas themed but can be adapted for any time of the year.


Ice melt: Space men play!


If you haven’t used a milk carton to make an ice block, you have to try it! Grab some lego men, imaginext guys, super heroes, or whatever and freeze them for an icy excavation.


Baking Soda Science


Baking soda science is pretty cool and only uses two common household ingredients. Check out our 10 Unique Baking Soda Science experiments for Summer.


12 Sensory Play Recipes


Looking for homemade sensory bins and sensory play recipes, these are perfect and straight out of the kitchen!


Geo board


A board, some nails and plenty of rubber bands. A few dollars for a cool STEM toy.


These are so easy to make and perfect for a bag of marshmallows!


Easy Homemade Bubbles


3 ingredients and the coolest bubbles ever!


Rain Gutter Races


Test gravity, explore different weights and shapes with rain gutter races. Gather your cars, balls, plastic eggs and play with ramps, angles and friction! Pick up a rain gutter at the hardware store and cut it in half, so easy and low cost!


egg races ramps one very low angle

Lego and building Challenges


Check out our 20+ Lego building ideas including a marble run, zip line, parachute, hex bug habitat and much more.


Measure the rooms in the house!


Sometimes you need something simple and easy but involves a little movement, problem solving, but no real set up of materials. Show your children how to measure large areas by using a variety of measurement tools. Remember, it has to be the same tool used for the whole room. The kids can use themselves to measure the room, or a shoe, or even a block! show them how to place it end to end, mark the spot and repeat all the way to the other side. How many body, shoe or block lengths does it take!


Make the Perfect Egg Drop | Lemon Lime Adventures


Grab a carton of eggs and read all about it!


Sweet and easy idea for feeding our feathery friends. Turn it into a nature study by observing the birds that stop by.


popsicle stick bombs {and other cool popsicle stick play ideas} | Frugal Fun For Boys


Simple and easy. My son was entertained all morning with these.


Balloon rockets |The Joys of Boys


We love balloons!


Simple Machines { pulley system} | Kids Activities Blog


Building simple machines is an awesome STEM activity!


Science for Kids Hanger Balance | Kids Activities Blog


Another great engineering and math activity!


2 options! One for younger child and one for a bit older child! I think my son would enjoy both though! Easy to pull together.


Make your own play snow indoors! | Mama OT


Super fun and who doesn’t want to play with the secret ingredient!


25 STEM Activities Kids Vacation Play Ideas

We hope you find some great ideas for your vacation play! Frugal fun all week long.


STEM activities are awesome ways for kids to learn, explore, discover, create, and play!


Around the house STEM activities for school vacation.


Please follow along with us in the New Year!


or SUBSCRIBE to us by email on our side bar


More fun vacation ideas! Click photos for full articles.


Preschool Science Experiments and Preschool Science Activities

25 Classic Science Experiments

Some of our favorite STEM tools at home! Amazon Affiliate Disclosure: I receive compensation for any items sold through this site. Our ideas are always free to enjoy and try at school or home.


Original article and pictures take http://littlebinsforlittlehands.com/stem-activities-vacation-ideas-kids/ site


{Summer Camp} Harry Potter Activities Wizard For a Day - Design Dazzle

{Summer Camp} Harry Potter Activities Wizard For a Day - Design Dazzle
{Summer Camp} Harry Potter Activities Wizard For a Day - Design Dazzle

Harry Potter Butterbeer Free Printable and recipe - Design Dazzle
Harry Potter Butterbeer Free Printable

All three of my kids love Harry Potter, and I thought it would be fun to make a summer day filled with activities inspired by the world of Harry Potter. This is a great day to plan when you know that the weather that is not conducive to the kids playing outside, as all activities can be done indoors.


Wizard T-shirts.


Make your own Harry Potter shirt
Make your own Harry Potter shirt

Get any plain t-shirt. Black gives the best effect for the stenciling, but a lighter shirt works best for images.


For the “muggle” t-shirt, simply print the page and lay . If you are careful, you can staple several sheets of wax paper together to create multiple stencils. (I did three at a time.)


wax side down onto your t-shirt. Paint your t-shirt, and remove the wax paper.

Once you have completed your stencil, lightly iron on,


Another way to create a t-shirt is to print a picture onto “print and press” transfer paper.

trim the edges from your picture, and iron on.



You can download the “Harry P” font here, and customize your t-shirts, or you can click here for the Harry Potter, Severus Snape or Sorting Hat images seen above.


Recipe for making ButterBeer
Recipe for making Butterbeer

There are literally hundreds of recipes for Butterbeer on the Internet, but I tinkered around until I came up with one that is fast and easy, and doesnt’ require any time at the stove, which is great because kids love to help make it!


Magically Easy Butterbeer Recipe:


Butterbeer:


2 liter cream soda


*drop the extracts into the 2 liter bottle, put on cap and slowly rotate until combined.


Cream topping:


1 7oz container of marshmallow creme


1 cup whipping cream


*add all items together in an electric mixer and combine until smooth.


Pour the butterbeer into a glass, drizzle with the cream topping, and enjoy!


Free printable Butterbeer labels here.

Harry Potter Butterbeer Recipe and Free Printable - Design Dazzle
Get some popcorn, grab your Butterbeer, and beat the heat by watching one of the movies!

Hope your summer is filled with magic and fun.



Autumn Clemons is a Salt Lake City based interior designer,


Original article and pictures take http://www.designdazzle.com/2011/07/summer-camp-harry-potter-activities-wizard-for-a-day/ site


среда, 16 ноября 2016 г.

{Halloween Party Drink} Spooky Fog Drinks

{Halloween Party Drink} Spooky Fog Drinks
{Halloween Party Drink} Spooky Fog Drinks

Spooky Halloween Party Drink

Halloween Party Drink


You’ve got your child’s Halloween party planned.


Spooky decorations? Check.


Awesome costume? Check.


Yummy treats for guests to eat? Check.


But what about that little something to really “wow” your guests and make the party special?


Add a spooky fog drink! It’s easier than you think. I promise.


Halloween Fog Drinks

Halloween Fog Drinks

Spooky Fog Drinks


Here’s what we used to create these spooky fog drinks:




Fill your glass with your spooky drink first.


Add gummy worms or other creepy crawlies to the edge of the glass for an extra spooky effect.


Halloween Fog Drinks Witches Brew

Witches Brew


The final ingredient for your foggy witches brew is to add in a few small pieces of dry ice. Our dry ice came in a big brick and we had to chip pieces off of it. Use tongs to handle it or gloves if you must pick it up with your hands. It is very, very cold.


Watch the children’s eyes grow wide with amazement at what you have just created.


You can even use beakers to create a Mad Scientist Potion. Cool, right?


Safety Tips for Working with Dry Ice


  • Dry ice is a solid form of carbon dioxide gas that we exhale every time we breathe. The foggy smoke is not harmful. Of course, if you will be using large amounts of dry ice then be sure to work in a well ventilated area to keep good oxygen flow in the room.
  • Dry ice is much cooler than regular ice and can give you a freezer burn if you touch it directly so wear gloves when working with it. It will sink to the bottom of your drink so either wait until fog clears to take a drink or just sip the drink from the top without letting the dry ice actually go into your mouth. Don’t eat solid dry ice. It’s way too cold for your body!
  • Store dry ice in an insulated cooler, not your freezer. It is colder than regular ice and will slowly melt in your freezer. As it melts, it turns from solid carbon dioxide to gaseous carbon dioxide and the air pressure in a confined area of your freezer will increase and could cause damage.
  • Buy your dry ice as close as possible to when you plan to use it as it is difficult for you to keep it cold enough to remain solid for more than 8 hours or so in a home environment.

More Kids Activities


This spooky Halloween party drink is sure to be a crowd pleaser! Have you even made fog drinks? Let us know if it was as hit. What other kids activities would you like to have at the perfect Halloween party?


Original article and pictures take http://kidsactivitiesblog.com/7532/halloween-party-drink-spooky-fog-drinks site


Yves St. Laurent Touche Éclat

Yves St. Laurent Touche Éclat
Yves St. Laurent Touche Éclat

before

after

As Director of Artistry for The Makeup Show, The Powder Group and On Makeup Magazine, makeup artist James Vincent has touched every facet of the industry with his talent. With specialties in film and theatre, television and celebrity work, editorial and runway work, James is foremast a passionate educator, training for brands such as MAC, Stila, CNN and Lancome. He continues to inspire the next wave of artists with his beauty expertise. Follow James on Twitter @JVincentmakeup.


Original article and pictures take http://www.beautylish.com/a/vxvvq/ysl-touche-eclat site


вторник, 15 ноября 2016 г.

Your Favorite Cheap & Easy DIY Projects for Homeschoolers

Your Favorite Cheap & Easy DIY Projects for Homeschoolers
Your Favorite Cheap & Easy DIY Projects for Homeschoolers

20 Cheap and Easy DIY Projects for Homeschoolers | https://diyprojects.com/cheap-and-easy-diy-projects-for-homeschoolers/
20 Cheap and Easy DIY Projects for Homeschoolers

Looking for some DIY projects for homeschoolers? If you need some cheap and easy craft projects for kids, then I’m sure you’ll have a lot to choose from!


Cheap and Easy DIY Projects for Homeschoolers | Crafts for Kids


In homeschooling, you should have different activities to keep the kids entertained. You can have them sing, dance and most importantly, teach them craft projects that will boost their creativity and imagination. So if you’re taking care of homeschoolers, here are some great DIY projects you can have them do. Make learning more fun while doing kids crafts!


1. Pipe Cleaner Crafts


DIY Pipe Cleaner Crafts for Homeschoolers | https://diyprojects.com/cheap-and-easy-diy-projects-for-homeschoolers/
Pipe Cleaner Crafts

Make different pipe cleaner crafts any kid will enjoy. Click here to read more.


2. Lava Lamp for Kids


Cool DIY Projects for Homeschoolers | https://diyprojects.com/cheap-and-easy-diy-projects-for-homeschoolers/
via 123 Homeschool 4 Me

Need a science experiment? Show the kids that oil and water don’t mix with this DIY lava lamp. See how here.


3. DIY Snowflakes


Cool DIY Projects for Homeschoolers | https://diyprojects.com/cheap-and-easy-diy-projects-for-homeschoolers/
via Blissfully Domestic

You may need to wait a few hours or have this overnight, but the outcome is really cool. Get the steps here.


4. Making Handmade Paper


Simple Recycled Material Activities for Homeschoolers | https://diyprojects.com/cheap-and-easy-diy-projects-for-homeschoolers/
via Child Central Station

Teach the kids how to make recycled paper. I’m sure they’ll appreciate papers more after knowing how to make their own. Get the instructions here.


5. DIY Felt Activity Board


Creative DIY Projects and Activities for Homeschoolers | https://diyprojects.com/cheap-and-easy-diy-projects-for-homeschoolers/
via Wait Til Your Father Gets Home

Watching over some toddlers? Here’s a great way to teach them about shapes. Check the tutorial here.


6. Light-up Cave of Wonders


Cool and Creative DIY Project for Homeschoolers | https://diyprojects.com/cheap-and-easy-diy-projects-for-homeschoolers/
via Free Homeschool Deals

This will be a fun craft project the kids will enjoy. Just imagine all the activities they can do inside. See how here.


7. Solar Oven


Simple Homemade Science Activities and Projects for Homeschoolers | https://diyprojects.com/cheap-and-easy-diy-projects-for-homeschoolers/
via I Can Teach My Child

The perfect project you can try for summer. Watch marshmallows melt in your DIY solar oven. Check it out here.


8. DIY Thermometer


Cheap and Simple DIY Science Project for Boys and Girls | https://diyprojects.com/cheap-and-easy-diy-projects-for-homeschoolers/
via What Do We Do All Day

Not all thermometers have mercury, sometimes they can also be made from an empty glass bottle and a clear straw. Get the tutorial here.


9. Crystal Eggshell Geodes


Creative DIY Science Activities for Homeschoolers | https://diyprojects.com/cheap-and-easy-diy-projects-for-homeschoolers/
via Connections Academy

Want to make crystal grow? Do it in the kitchen. Get the instructions here.


10. DIY Robots


Cool DIY Robot Ideas for Homeschoolers | https://diyprojects.com/cheap-and-easy-diy-projects-for-homeschoolers/
via DIY Ready

All kids are fascinated with robots. Take your pick with what DIY robot you want to make. Click here to read more.


11. How Plants Absorb Water


Fun and Easy DIY Science Project for Homeschoolers | https://diyprojects.com/cheap-and-easy-diy-projects-for-homeschoolers/
via Paging Fun Moms

Teach kids a little about botany with this colorful DIY project. Check it out here.


12. Backyard Geyser


Simple Homemade Science Activities for Homeschoolers |https://diyprojects.com/cheap-and-easy-diy-projects-for-homeschoolers/
via Coffee Cups and Crayons

Have you seen what happens when coke and mentos mix? Give the kids that awesome experience. See how here.


13. DIY Art Journal


Easy and Simple Art Project Ideas for Homeschoolers | https://diyprojects.com/cheap-and-easy-diy-projects-for-homeschoolers/
via Creative with Kids

Get the kids into some fun art projects with this DIY art journal. Check it out here.


14. DIY Soda Rockets


Cheap and Creative DIY Projects for Homeschoolers | https://diyprojects.com/cheap-and-easy-diy-projects-for-homeschoolers/
via Lemon Live Adventures

Encourage a little engineering to your little ones with this cool DIY rockets. Get the tutorial here.


15. Self Inflating Balloon


Simple Homemade Science DIY Project for Kids | https://diyprojects.com/cheap-and-easy-diy-projects-for-homeschoolers/|
via Paging Fun Mums

Kids will feel like little scientists after making this cool DIY project. Get the instructions here.


16. DIY Wormery


Cool DIY Science Project Ideas for Kids | https://diyprojects.com/cheap-and-easy-diy-projects-for-homeschoolers/
via Science Sparks

They’ll be either grossed out or be totally fascinated with this cool project. Find out how here.


17. Tabletop Dinosaur Fossil Dig


Creative DIY Projects for Kids and Homeschoolers | https://diyprojects.com/cheap-and-easy-diy-projects-for-homeschoolers/
via DIY Ready

Make the kids little archeologists for a day with this cool dino dig. Get the tutorial here.


18. Bubbling Quicksand


Fun and Cheap DIY Projects for Homeschoolers | https://diyprojects.com/cheap-and-easy-diy-projects-for-homeschoolers/
via Paging Fun Mums

Kids love anything that bubbles. They’ll surely enjoy this DIY project. Check it out here.


19. Edible Slime


DIY Edible Slime for Kids | https://diyprojects.com/cheap-and-easy-diy-projects-for-homeschoolers/
via Fun at Home with Kids

Remember when you tell your kids not to play with their food, well now you can. Get the recipe here.


20. DIY Silly Putty


Cheap and Easy DIY Projects for Homeschoolers | https://diyprojects.com/cheap-and-easy-diy-projects-for-homeschoolers/
via Paging Fun Mums

Now this is something they shouldn’t eat but I’m sure they’ll have a whole lot of fun with this. See it here.


Did you enjoy our list of DIY projects for homeschoolers? Let us know in the comments section below what your thoughts are on these cool DIY projects for kids. Do you have any other craft projects you’d like to share? Share it with us and we’ll give it a try. We love doing cool DIY projects by making craft projects, home decor projects, upcycling ideas, recipes, tutorials and anything you can do yourself. That’s why we created this site, we want people to be more in touch with their creative side and realize that there’s a lot of things that they can do themselves. We’d love to hear from you and create a community of DIY enthusiasts where any project is just a click away. Stay connected with us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram!


Want more cool DIY projects for kids? Check out more of our posts:


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Original article and pictures take http://diyready.com/your-favorite-cheap-and-easy-diy-projects-for-homeschoolers/ site