This can be a fantastic example for children to show cause and effect as well as chain reactions. 

Materials Needed

• White Vinegar
• Baking Soda
• Instant Rice (non-instant rice is too dense for this project)
• Clear Jar
• Water
• Food Coloring (Optional)

How To

1. Fill the Clear Jar 3/4 Way Full Of Water. If desired, mix in food coloring.
2. Add in 1 TBS of Baking Soda and Stir. Mix completely.
3. 1/4 Cup Of Uncooked Rice. Note that instant rice is needed for this project! Non-instant rice is too dense and won’t result in a “dancing” reaction.
4. Add in 1-2 TBS of White Vinegar.

A reaction can occur with just baking soda and vinegar, but when the other ingredients are added a different reaction occurs.

This science experiment would be excellent in a preschool or lower level elementary classroom setting or at home. Children will enjoy the dancing of the rice. Maybe even turn on some music and tell kids to dance like the rice.

Source: greenkidcrafts

Looking for a simple and cheap ways to keep your kids busy?

Who would have though there are so many things to do with something as simple as straws?!

WHAT SUPPLIES DO I NEED TO MAKE DIY STRAW BEADS?

You don’t need much to make your own straw beads. Just some yarn and straws.

It can be paper straws, but plastic straws work, as well! 

HOW DO I MAKE DIY STRAW BEADS? 

• To make your straw beads, all you have to do is cut your straw into little half inch sections.
• The best part about this project is, the size of your straw beads can vary because you decide how long to make the beads!
• You can make your beads all one color with just a straw or two, or you can go all out and make them lots of colors. I really like the way they make her straw beads shiny here.
• In order to string your beads, just add a bit of tape to the end of the yarn so it doesn’t fray as you play with it.

This craft is great for preschoolers (supervised, of course), as well as older kids. So, that make it a wonderful craft ideas for times when you have multiple age groups working together.

Just make sure that they are old enough to understand that the beads cannot be eaten!

source: kidsactivitiesblog

Got a lot of old buttons laying around the house?

Turn those piles, bags, drawers  (I had a lot of buttons too, no judgement) full of old buttons into something beautiful and functional.

These bowls are easy to make and the supplies are very cheap. Button bowls would be a fun craft to make with your kids on a rainy day, or as a one-of-a-kind gift for that someone who has it all. 🙂

What you will need:

• flat buttons of desired colors and sizes (I have found that smaller buttons tend to stick better)
• balloons
• white glue- Elmer’s white glue works well, or Tacky glue, anything that dries clear
• large paint brush
• scissors
• news paper
• cup or can to balance balloon on while it dries (see photos)
• patience 🙂

1. Blow up a balloon to the desired size you want your bowl to be and place it knot side down into a cup, can or jar that you don’t mind getting a little glue on

2. Cover half of the balloon with glue using a paintbrush (or your finger, works for me). You might have to alternate holding the balloon by the knot for a few minutes then setting it knot-side-down in your jar in order for the glue to have an even coat and not drip off.

3. Let the glue dry completely forming a layer of rubber-like protection between the balloon and your layer of buttons

4. After this first layer is completely dry, apply a second coat of glue using your brush (or finger) starting at the top of the balloon and working your way down toward the knot. Attach buttons to this layer as close together as you can fit them.

5. Continue adding the second layer of glue and attaching buttons until your half a balloon is covered with beautiful buttons.

6. Once all the desired buttons are attached turn your button covered balloon upside down in your cup so that the knot is in the air and the buttons are balanced on the lip of the cup- this is to keep your buttons from sliding down the balloon while they dry.

7. Let the layer of glue and buttons dry completely- usually requires about 4 or 5 hours.

8. Once the second layer of glue and buttons is completely dry, coat the buttons over again with a third layer of glue.

9. Allow this third layer of glue to dry completely and if desired you can apply a fourth layer of glue to strengthen your bowl even more.

10. When your bowl is entirely dry use a scissor and cut the knot on the balloon to slowly let the air out. Sometimes glue will drip down, just peel it back and use the scissor to snip any unwanted glue bits away from the button edge.

11. Admire your hard work and patience!

These bowls are a lot of fun to make and each one comes out unique! It is important to note that these bowls are NOT WATER RESISTANT, unless you choose to use a water resistant form of glue. They are for decorative purposes only and should not be used for food (unless, of course,  the food is decorative as well)

source: kristentool