Ways to nurture your child's interest in STEM

photo source: Wikipedia

When it comes to interest in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering and math), my kids are lucky to have had a supportive environment. Both their parents are engineers (Although I don't work in STEM right now, I have a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering and a master's degree in systems engineering. Alfie has a bachelor's degree in computer engineering and has worked in the field for almost 30 years), so numbers come easily to all of us. Being a "math nerd" is not a bad thing, and at this point, all 3 kids show interest and aptitude in science and math.

But if you are a parent who considers themselves "bad" at math, you might be at a loss as to how to nurture your child's interest in STEM fields. You might feel like you can't really help them with their homework (especially starting in middle school) because the math is just too intimidating. You want to encourage them to pursue their interests but don't really know how. If your child is a girl, it might be even more challenging, because you might not know of any role models you can point out (According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, women hold less than 25 percent of STEM jobs). I've written several posts about ways to get girls more interested in STEM careers,  Here are four things that any parent can do to nurture their child's interest and abilities in science and math:

Invest in toys that encourage open-ended exploration

I can't say enough about building toys like Lego and KNEX. Kids learn how to follow instructions and analyze diagrams. They learn to recognize patterns. They learn how to build things up and break them down. They learn how to figure out solutions when they're stuck. All of these are valuable STEM skills! The benefits add up even more when kids throw away the instruction manual and start to build on their own. They learn how to problem solve -- they learn how to figure out what works and what doesn't, and how to build things to meet their needs.

Get involved in your child's science and math education

If you have the time to volunteer for a science project, seize the opportunity! Show your child that you are interested in math and science. If you can't make it during school hours, don't worry. There are lots of other ways to show your child that you think science and math are cool. Show an interest in their math and science homework. Help him or her brainstorm a project for the science fair. Attend your school's math and/or science night.

Make science fun at home

There are so many activities kids and parents can do at home that help build science and math skills. Even something as simple as baking can get kids working on fractions, multiplication, and measuring! One of the most entertaining birthday party activities I ever devised was a building contest. Kids were given toothpicks and marshmallows and told to build the tallest tower possible in a set amount of time. Everyone had a great time! They quickly figured out some of the basics of structural engineering while engaging in friendly competition with their friends.

Encourage your child to join a science club or a competition

A great way to nurture kids' interests in STEM is to sign them up for an afterschool club, a summer camp, or (for older kids) a conference dedicated to STEM, or even a competition. The word "competition" can sound really scary to a kid, and no parent wants to be the pushy parent who forces their kid to compete -- but competitions can be fun, and they don't have to be showstopper events to teach kids valuable lessons. Case in point: I'm the noontime activities coordinator at our local elementary school, and one of our most popular activities is the annual Building Challenge. I pretty much took the marshmallow tower building concept and turned it into a multi-week competition, with different building materials every week. Kids work in teams, so they're learning teamwork as well as the laws of physics! If your school has something like this, by all means encourage your child to join. If your school doesn't, ask your local PTA to help you organize one!

Small school challenges like these are the first step to more serious competitions, and if your child shows like he or she wants to pursue STEM projects on a more serious level, there are many competitions out there. Many grade schools and middle schools have science clubs or robotics clubs that field teams to local competitions. Do you have a budding scientist on your hands? Encourage them to enter the Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge!

About the Young Scientist Challenge

The Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge is the nation’s premier science competition for grades 5-8. Through the program, young inventors have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work closely with a 3M Scientist Mentor, compete for $25,000, and earn the title of “America's Top Young Scientist.”

The mission of the Young Scientist Challenge is to foster a new generation of American scientists at an age when interest in science generally declines. In 2008, Discovery Education teamed up with 3M, one of the world’s most notable innovators – to cultivate the next generation of problem solvers and give students an opportunity to receive mentorship from 3M scientists.

 How the Challenge Works

•Call for entries is currently open through April, 20, 2016. To enter, participants must submit a one-to-two-minute video describing the science behind a new innovation or solution that could solve or impact an everyday problem.

•Judges evaluate the entries through April and May based on creativity, scientific knowledge, persuasiveness and overall presentation. Videos will not be judged on production skills and may be recorded on cell phones or basic digital cameras.

•Ten finalists are announced in the summer. These participants will be challenged to develop their innovations that positively impacts lives (including them, their family, their community or the global population). The students will participate in a mentorship program during which they will get the opportunity to work one-on-one with renowned 3M scientists as their mentors.

•Each finalist will also receive a trip to the 3M Innovation Center in St. Paul, Minn., to compete at the final event in October 2016

For more information on the Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge, including submission guidelines, tips from previous winners and complete rules, please visit www.youngscientistchallenge.com. Submissions will be accepted through April 13, 2016

Disclosure: This is a compensated post.  Information about the Young Scientist Challenge (in italics) was provided by The MOMS. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.
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Giveaway: Celebrate Science with NCircle Entertainment

As parents, we want to raise our children with self confidence and the belief that they can be anything they want to be when they grow up. Sadly, the struggle to attract young women into STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields continues.

If your daughter loves math and science, there's no time like the present to let them know that math and science are cool -- and if you have a son, there's no time like the present to let them know that girls can be just as good as boys! You can nurture their interest from the start by introducing them to shows like Sid the Science Kid and the Octonauts, and even the Cat in the Hat.  These shows spark kids' interest in the natural world because the characters they love are curious about how the world works!  Below are 3 great DVD's from NCircle Entertainment to check out -- and NCircle Entertainment will be sending all 3 DVDs to one lucky Bonggamom Finds reader!

The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That!: Space is the Place
Join the Cat in the Hat on a trip into space, and learn why the cosmos is such a cool place! In this new DVD, the Cat and his friends visit each of the planets, the sun and the stars. Young viewers can learn why day turns to night thanks to our friend, the sun.

Sid the Science Kid: What is a Rainbow?
After a rainstorm, the sun comes out and Sid spots a big rainbow in the sky. He races inside to tell his parents, but by the time he brings them outside to see it, the rainbow is gone. Sid and his friends investigate rainbows at school where they discover that rainbows can only form when light passes through water droplets.

Themes explored include: Where does light come from? How are shadows made? How are rainbows created? What causes darkness?

Octonauts: To the Gup-X!
This DVD includes the following exciting adventures: Captain Barnacles leads a mission to rescue Dashi, who is trapped inside a giant whale shark; Kwazii takes to the skies to retrieve a precious book from a school of flying fish; Peso tries to bandage a Great White Shark without becoming his lunch – and much more! Plus, in a special extra feature, Tweak & Tunip tell you everything you ever wanted to know about the Gup-X!


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I entered the NCircle Entertainment Celebrate Science DVD giveaway! Giveaway ends 5/20 at http://ow.ly/wFSjl

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Enter to win a trio of science-themed DVDs from NCircle Entertainment! Giveaway ends 5/20 http://ow.ly/wFSjl

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The Rules
This giveaway ends at 11:59PM PST on May 20,  2014; I will draw a winner at random, on May 21 and post their name after they confirm acceptance. Continental US residents only. For additional giveaway rules, click here.


Disclosure: I received a product sample to facilitate my review, but have not been paid to review the product or give my opinions. Prize package and product information (in italics) are provided by NCircle Entertainment. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.
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We're going to Camp EdTech!

I can't believe it has been two weeks since The Pea and I got back from our Expanding Your Horizons conference!  My mind is still swimming with ways to nurture my kids' interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).  I came back from that conference full of great information, tips, and resources.

One of the most useful things I brought back home was a list of STEM opportunities around the Bay Area for the summer.  There are so many summer camp providers in the area, it was great to have a list of camps specifically geared towards STEM!  Since the conference was held at UC Berkeley, many of the most interesting camps were located around Berkeley and Oakland, which was kind of a bummer, because that's an hour drive for us.  Fortunately, several on the list had campuses conveniently located all over the Bay Area -- including a gem right in our own back yard, Camp EdTech!  I thought I knew all of the summer camps in our part of town, so I was delighted to discover Camp EdTech.  Even more exciting, Camp EdTech is inviting one of my kids to experience a week at camp!

As the name implies, Camp EdTech has a clear focus on hi tech:  campers get down and dirty with real-life, hands-on engineering projects like creating Android-compatible apps, developing video games, creating animated films, soldering circuits and simple machines, and honing their digital photography skills.  Here's their session list:

2-D Video Gaming
3-D Video Gaming
Digital Photography
Film Making
Animation
App Creation
Maker Studio

Isn't it amazing that kids so young get to do these kinds of activities! It's so great that Camp EdTech introduces kids to these kinds of skills and gets them thinking about the kinds of STEM careers they can pursue!

What really excites me about Camp EdTech is that the curriculum was developed with the help of the Children's Creativity Museum and the California Academy of Sciences, two of the coolest museums in the Bay Area!  My kids love, love, love, going to those museums because they have so many amazing exhibits and hands-on activities. Any camp activity designed with their help is sure to be a great experience!

If your child is younger than the 5th-8th grade range for Camp EdTech, don't despair.  The same group that runs Camp EdTech (Edventure More) also has a camp for Pre-K through entering 4th grade!  Camp Edmo offers week-long summer camps for kids who love to learn and explore.  Like Camp EdTech, the curriculum at Camp Edmo is designed in partnership with the California Academy of Sciences and the Children's Creativity Museum -- so you just know your child is going to have tons of fun!

Camp Edmo has camps for all kinds of interests and all kinds of kids:

Art and Science camps
This year's themes for Art and Science include Incredible Edibles (exploring the physical sciences), Magic & Medieval Times (exploring the physical sciences), Critterville (exploring the natural sciences), and Planet Power (exploring the natural sciences).  All themes include art and outdoor recreation activities.

Animation camps
You're never too young to learn about technology!  Campers will create an animated short film from start to finish.  Each week has a different animation theme and covers different stop-motion animation techniques.

Park program
Camps are held in local and regional parks, and campers spend lots of time outdoors, going on hikes, enjoying nature activities, playing games, and completing art and science projects.  This year's themes are Bay Camps, Sprout About, Sea Creatures, and Smart Art.  What a great way to get your child closer to nature!

Check out the Camp EdTech and Camp Edmo websites for more details including locations, times, dates, and prices.  Discounts are available for multiple weeks, multiple siblings, referrals, and financial aid is available.


Disclosure: I am receiving a free week of camp for one of my children and a discount for additional weeks and/or additional children. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.
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Dinosaur Train pajama giveaway

Get ready, Dinosaur Train fans! PBS Kids is airing a new Dinosaur Train episode on January 17. My kids love watching Buddy the T-Rex and his adopted Pteranodon family go on adventures and learn about natural history and natural science, and they love the paleontologist who appears at the end of every episode and compares the dinosaurs they saw in the program to modern-day animals.


Here's a press release with more information about the new episode and about the Dinosaur Train series:

The hit television series Dinosaur Train ® is roaring into 2011 with an all-new episode premiering Monday, January 17 on PBS KIDS® (check local listings). In the all-new episode, “The Good Mom;” “Diamond Anniversary,” Mrs. Pteranodon meets fellow mom Millie Maiasaura, who is a little too over-protective of her kids. The two moms share some time comparing mothering methods in a play date at the Big Pond. And, Mr. and Mrs. Pteranodon decide to surprise each other with gifts on their anniversary.

DINOSAUR TRAIN, created by Craig Bartlett (Hey Arnold!), embraces and celebrates the fascination that preschoolers have with both dinosaurs and trains while encouraging basic scientific thinking and skills. Each episode includes animated segments with live-action sequences featuring a paleontologist who brings to life the show's natural science and natural history curriculum for preschoolers, giving specific facts about dinosaurs and comparing their features to animals of today.

DINOSAUR TRAIN is a Parents’ Choice Recommended TV series, and the DINOSAUR TRAIN website received a Parents’ Choice Silver Award and was the recipient of a prestigious 2010 Prix Jeunesse Award.

Win Dinosaur Train pajamas
To celebrate the premiere of the new Dinosaur Train episode, Dinosaur Train is giving away a Dinosaur Train footed pajama set (size 4T) to one lucky Bonggamom Finds reader! Available at Kohl’s, these “Dinosaur Train™ Striped Footed Pajamas” are the perfect way to keep toddlers warm and cozy during the winter months The dinosaur appliques and striped pattern on these footed pajamas offer timeless touches, and the footed design keep toes toasty.



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The Rules
This giveaway ends at 11:59PM PST on February 1, 2011; I will draw a winner at random on February 2 and post the winner's name after the winner confirms acceptance. Pajamas are size 4T. Continental US residents only. For additional giveaway rules, click here. Good luck!



Disclosure: I did not receive a sample or monetary compensation for this post. Show information is provided by the featured company and is clearly indicated as such. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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Mythbusters Science Kits Review

Several days ago I wrote about how science experiments are a great way to beat boredom and keep kids' minds active over the winter break. We recently received a Mythbusters Science Kit to review which proves once again that science can be fun, and puts end to the myth that science is for dweebs.

If your family has ever watched Mythbusters on the Discovery Channel, you'll know this is no boring science kit. The Mythbusters don't do boring -- they uncover the truth behind popular myths and legends using the scientific method and their own ingenuity. Some of the myths the team has put to rest include:

* Can combining Diet Coke and Mentos make your stomach explode?
* Would a bull really cause destruction in a china shop?
* Is it possible to beat a lie detector test?
* Can plugging your finger in a gun barrel cause it to backfire?
* Is there a way to beat police speed cameras?
* Can Christmas tree lights really cause house fires?
* Is a dirty car more fuel efficient than a clean car?

Their show is a blast (sometimes literally!), so you can be sure that their science kits, while still introducing kids to some basic principles of physics, chemistry and other branches of science, are also a bit quirky, a bit offbeat, and a lot of fun.


Here's a description of the Mythbusters Science Kit we received (Power of Air Pressure):
Have a blast with "The Deadly Belch" and other air-powered experiments. In this kit you'll get to the bottom of air pressure. You might not even notice the air around you, but it packs a powerful punch. Can it cause your stomach to explode? Will it help your bones predict the weather? If you get the air free, can you save your house during a tornado? This kit can help you understand these questions and many more!

The Discovery Channel's MythBusters find the truth behind urban legends using the scientific method and plenty of curiosity and ingenuity. Their unique, offbeat and often-explosive approach to science comes to a science kit that helps kids discover the powers of air pressure, while finding mythBusting answers to these questions:

* Can air cause your stomach to explode?
* Will air help your bones predict the weather?
* If you get the air free, can you save your house during a tornado?

Kids will discover the dangers of belching, find out if trains can float on air, and many more wonders with the Mythbusters.

What makes a Mythbusters Science Kit different is that the experiments in the kit are not presented as experiments, they are theories that the kids are going to prove or disprove, just like they do on the TV show. The instructions read like a kids' magazine -- they have lots of photos and fun facts, and they're written in a way kids will understand. They even have bonus experiments and activities for more hours of fun.

And boy, are they having fun with this kit! The marshmallow shooter (which helped understand the Myth of the Sorcerer's Breath, that you can make objects fly through the air by breathing) is a big hit:

I love that the kids had to build it themselves with interlocking pipes, and that it works like a blowgun, so it doesn't really look like some automatic weapon that happens to shoot marshmallows (actually, we didn't have any mini marshmallows, so we used the little pompoms that came in the kit, so it's a pompom shooter right now). I love that Myth Busters capitalized on my bloodthirsty sons' love of hitting targets in order to teach them a thing or two about air pressure!

Thanks to this Myth Busters Science Kit, The Pea is off making some vomit and my twins are busy shooting each other with little pompoms, and I'm happily ensconced in my little computer nook, happy in the knowledge that they're entertaining and educating themselves on this cold, rainy day!

Disclosure: I received a product sample, but was not paid to review the product or give my opinions. Product information is clearly indicated in italics. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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Wet Ones Healthy Hands Zone

Winter break is coming up; isn't that exciting? Your kids will be home from school so you'll be able to spend some time together. Lots and lots of time. Indoors. With them all hyped up with the sugar from the candy canes and cookies. And nothing to do.

Okay, that's not exactly the postcard perfect winter scene. If, like me, that thought is making you fight down feelings of panic, you might want to start lining up some crafts and activities to keep them busy.

Fear not, dear readers, you've come to the right place. Actually, this blog isn't the right place. The right place is the Wet Ones Healthy Hands Zone Germ Lab, an online resource from Wet Ones featuring some fun science experiments designed by Bill Nye the Science Guy™. Like all of Bill's experiments, these are fun and educational at the same time. This set of experiments shows how quickly germs can spread and how important it is to have clean, germ-free hands.

Wet Ones sent us a kit with everything we needed to perform all four experiments on the site, as well as a Flip video camera so we could capture the action. We did the experiments over Thanksgiving break, and we had so much fun that I have no hesitation in recommending the experiments and the site for your winter break. My kids adore Bill Nye (we have many of his Bill Nye the Science Guy™ episodes on DVD, and we actually met him once at a blogger event) so just knowing they were "his" experiments was enough to get them all fired up about trying them.

The experiments can be done by a wide range of ages; some are as simple as pouring glitter on your hands, and shaking hands with a friend:


Others involve cooking up some gelatinous chicken brew and leaving it under your stairs (or some other dark, damp place) to grow all kinds of disgusting-looking stuff on it:



All of them really show the kids how important it is to wash your hands (or wipe them with antibacterial wipes when you can't get to soap and water). Seeing green fuzzy stuff is a gross, but effective way to make the point, especially during this cold and flu season!

You can download the instructions for each experiment at The Germ Lab. Check it out and give your kids something to occupy their mind over the winter break.

Disclosure: I received a kit containing all the materials necessary to conduct the experiments as well as a Flip video camera so we could capture the action. I was not paid to review Wet Ones or the Healthy Hands Zone, or give my opinions. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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Dinosaur Train "Get Ready For Kindergarten" Giveaway

3Po and Jammy are in first grade now, but I well remember the anxiety they felt last year when they began kindergarten. Fortunately, they quickly got used to the routine, and I think the pre-kinder skills they learned-- knowing how to write their name, knowing how to use scissors, being accustomed to a routine, understanding how to perform simple experiments, etc -- played a big part. The Jim Henson Company has lots of fun activity ideas on their Dinosaur Train website that can help children to learn some basic preschool level science concepts. They're fascinating and fun and a great way to build up your child's confidence before he enters kindergarten. Here are a few examples:

* Help your child practice the letters of the alphabet while learning about the diversity of dinosaurs that once lived on Earth with the “Dinosaurs A – Z song.” Basic supplies needed include 26 index cards (4x6 or 5x7), a thick marker, crayons, lyrics to "Dinosaurs A to Z" song and the Printable page of all 26 dinosaurs in the song. For instructions go to: http://www.pbs.org/parents/dinosaurtrain/activities/handson/dinosaursatoz.html

* Help your child learn some basic insect anatomy by creating a model of a dragonfly, and learn that some animals seen in the world today also lived at the time of the dinosaurs. Basic supplies needed include construction paper, wooden popsicle sticks, strong tape, pipe cleaners, colored markers, glue and glitter (and photographs of real dragonflies from books or the Internet). For instructions go to: http://www.pbs.org/parents/dinosaurtrain/activities/handson/dragonfly.html

* Help your child understand and apply the term "hypothesis," investigate and make predictions about the science of color, using household basics including food coloring, clean food jars/containers, colored markers and a cookie sheet. For instructions go to: http://www.pbs.org/parents/dinosaurtrain/activities/handson/colorfulhypothesis.html


You can find more ideas on the DINOSAUR TRAIN website. Dinosaur Train is a favorite with my kids; they love the cute characters and the real-life educational segments at the end of each episode. I think it's a great show for about-to-become-kindergarteners, kindergarteners, first graders, and any schoolchild who loves to learn!


Win a Dinosaur Train Kindergarten Prize Pack
August is "Get Ready for Kindergarten" month, and to celebrate, one lucky Bonggamom Finds reader will win a "Get Ready for Kindergarten" prize pack featuring some great Dinosaur Train products (worth over $50!):



* Dinosaur Train 16" backpack featuring Buddy the T-rex, from Accessories 22.

* Dinosaur Train: I Am a T-Rex book from Grossett & Dunlap.

* Triceratops for Lunch book from Golden Books.

* Dinosaur Train Take N' Play Anywhere™ Go Fishing™ magnetic activity from Patch Products.

* Dinosaur Train Dinosaur Collectible 3-Pack dinosaur figures from Learning Curve.

* Dinosaur Train's All Aboard game from Pressman Toy Corp.


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Win a Dinosaur Train Kindergarten prize pack worth over $50 from @bonggafinds http://tinyurl.com/385g29b #giveaways


The Rules
This giveaway ends at 11:59PM PST on September 15, 2010; I will draw a winner at random on September 16 and post the winner's name after the winner confirms acceptance. US addresses only. For additional giveaway rules, click here. Good luck!

Disclosure: I did not receive a sample or monetary compensation for this post. Product information is provided by the featured company/product and is clearly indicated as such. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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"Secret Science Team" Kids Science Kit review and giveaway

The Pea, like most kids, has a natural curiosity about the world around her. And like most kids, she often comes to her parents with the dreaded "I'm boooooored". We recently tried out a unique kind of science kit that managed to feed that inquisitive mind and entertain her at the same time: A Secret Science Team kit. Keep reading to find out what we thought of it -- and to win one for your very own!


The Basics
Secret Science Team (SST) kits let kids solve mysteries by conducting science experiments. They are made by Ectropy Science and are appropriate for kids ages 9-12. They have been featured on Good Morning America and Toy Directory Monthly. They have also won Parents’ Choice Approved award for 2010.

Here's a description of the SST kits from Ectropy Science
With Secret Science Team mystery solving science kits and other fine science-related toys and instruments from Ectropy Science, your child can experience what it is like to be a scientist. We take science to a higher level through a unique combination of mysteries, hands on science, and problem solving.




There are currently 3 versions of the SST kit, each retailing for $27.99. We received SST Kit #1001: The Mazztech Counterfeiting Case. Kids solve the case pretty much according to the Scientific Method:

* Ask a Question -- SST #1001 contains a newspaper clipping with information about a CD counterfeiting ring. A white, powdery substance (also included in the kit) has been collected from a crime scene and it is the kids' job to figure out what the substance is.

* Do Background Research -- The kit contains various substances (i.e. powder, sugar, salt, etc..) that are similar in appearance to the unknown substance.

* Construct a Hypothesis -- Kids compare the substances visually and make their own guesses as to what the unknown substance is (this isn't part of the instructions but The Pea did this spontaneously, and I would guess a lot of other kids would too).

* Test Your Hypothesis by Doing an Experiment -- Kids perform a variety of experiments on each known substance, as well the unknown substance. Each SST kit contains all materials needed.

* Analyze Your Data and Draw a Conclusion -- Kids chart the results of the experiment for each known substance, and compare results with the unknown substance.

* Communicate Your Results -- Kids log on to SecretScienceTeam.com and enter their results; if correct, they get to read a news clipping announcing the arrest of the counterfeiters and how the Secret Science Team helped crack the case.


The Bongga
This is a great science kit! I love how it captures kids' interest with the mystery/detective component, and I low how it helps kids practice analytical reasoning by following the Scientific Method. The instructions are clear and concise, and everything you need is included.

In the end, I can think of no higher praise for this product than to say The Pea now wants to buy the other 2 Secret Science Kits... and she wants to have a Secret Science party for her 10th birthday so that all her friends can solve cases! Even better, she's now full of ideas on other experiments -- we're going to figure out which liquids (oil, vinegar, orange juice, Kool Aid) are acids, and look for things that are insoluble in water. Science fair, watch out!


The Blah
I have no complaints whatsoever about the SST kit we tried, but I'd love for the Ectropy Science online store to party kits so that 8 to 12 kids could participate in the same experiment (you can tell I'm already planning The Pea's birthday party). Of course, parents could buy the materials separately (and they do sell extra test tubes and droppers) but I'd love it all in one neat package.

Update 8/24/2010: I've just been informed that Ectropy Science now sells birthday party kits!


The Bottom Line
Ectropy Science's Secret Science Team kits are a fun, entertaining way to help your child learn basic science concepts and introduce him to scientific reasoning.



Win a Secret Science Team kit
One lucky Bonggamom Finds reader will win a Secret Science Team kit from Ectropy Science!

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5) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Blogger(1 entry).

6) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Twitter and tweet this, up to once per day (1 entry per day, leave a comment with the tweet link for each tweet):

Win a Secret Science kit for your young scientist/detective on @bonggafinds http://tinyurl.com/28m2s9v #giveaways

7) Join any of the giveaways currently running on Bonggamom Finds (1 entry for each giveaway you've joined).


The Rules
This giveaway ends at 11:59PM PST on September 13, 2010; I will draw a winner at random on September 14 and post the winner's name after the winner confirms acceptance. For additional giveaway rules, click here. Good luck!

Disclosure: I received a product sample, but was not paid to review the product or give my opinions. Product information is provided by the featured company/product and is clearly indicated as such. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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"Dinosaur Train Under the Sea" Review and Giveaway

Last September I was introduced to Dinosaur Train, a new series about Buddy the T-rex, his adopted Pteranodon family and their friends. It has been airing on PBS for almost a year now, and my kids still enjoy watching the show -- and even better, enjoy the educational component after the show.



My kids and I are happy to hear that Buddy and his friends will soon be diving under the sea on a special one-hour television special -- Dinosaur Train Under the Sea -- airing August 20 on PBS Kids. We received an advance screen copy of the special, which they really liked. After the show, Dr. Scott introduced us to dinosaurs with such unpronounceable names as Michelinoceras and Pliosaurus. And if you think dinos living under the sea is strange, you're probably just as much of a fossil as I am! Apparently recent reports from Australia show discoveries of some strange, prehistoric-looking life forms hundreds of kilometers below the Great Barrier Reef.

Here's more information about the new TV show and DVD:
On Friday, August 20, PBS KIDS® will premiere Dinosaur Train Under the Sea, a new one-hour television special from the hit CGI-animated preschool series DINOSAUR TRAIN™ from The Jim Henson Company. Children of all ages can join Buddy and the entire Pteranodon family aboard the Dinosaur Train as they embark on their first underwater adventure exploring the Cretaceous, Jurassic and Triassic oceans to learn about new aquatic creatures. The new special episode will premiere on the popular PBS KIDS® preschool destination, an educational, hosted two-hour morning television block. (Please check local listings).


Additionally PBS KIDS and Paramount will release the Dinosaurs Under the Sea on DVD on August 24, which includes eight exciting and whimsical adventures, as well as interactive games, coloring pages, a dinosaur reference guide and information for parents.



Win a PBS KIDS DVD
One lucky Bonggamom Finds reader will receive a DVD copy of Dinosaurs Under the Sea, to be released by PBS KIDS and Paramount on August 24.


Required Entry
Leave a comment on this post and tell me why you or your child would love to win this DVD. This entry must be completed before extra entries qualify.


Extra Entries
For extra entries, you can do any or all of the following. Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry with a way to verify the entry (i.e. tweet link, blog post link, Facebook id, Twitter id, etc.).

1) Grab my blog button and post it up on your blog (1 entry).

2) Subscribe to Bonggamom Finds updates (1 entry).

3) Write this on the Bonggamom Finds Facebook page (1 entry):

I entered the Dinosaur Train Under the Sea giveaway! http://tinyurl.com/34fpl5h

4) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Networked Blogs (1 entry).

5) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Blogger(1 entry).

6) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Twitter and tweet this, up to once per day (1 entry per day, leave a comment with the tweet link for each tweet):

Win a Dinosaurs Under the Sea DVD from @bonggafinds http://tinyurl.com/34fpl5h #giveaways


The Rules
This giveaway ends at 11:59PM PST on August 24, 2010; I will draw a winner at random on August 25 and post the winner's name after the winner confirms acceptance. US addresses only. For additional giveaway rules, click here. Good luck!

Disclosure: I received an advance screener of the new show, but was not paid to review the product or give my opinions. Product information is provided by the featured company/product and is clearly indicated as such. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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20% Off Young Scientist Kits on ToysAndGamesOnline.com

A couple of months ago I reviewed (and gave away) a Razor Scooter from ToysAndGamesOnline.com. It's a great source for online toys, with a great choice of high-quality kids' products and lots of deals -- for example, orders over $69 ship free, and right now they're offering and extra $20 off any order over $250 (use promo code TwentyOff).

This holiday season they're featuring another great kids' brand -- The Young Scientists Club -- and they're offering 20% off all Science Kits between November 23 and December 1st! Just enter the code YSC20 at checkout to receive the discount.

Click on this link to see all the science kits available at ToysAndGamesOnline.com. I can't give it a review right now because we haven't tried any of the kits yet, but they look like they'd be so much fun for kids -- kind of like summer camp in a box. ToysAndGamesOnline.com is sending us one of the kits to try, so I'll let you all know how that goes. The only think I'm not looking forward to is picking the kit. They all look so great, but I think I might go with one of the Magic Schoolbus ones. My kids adore Magic Schoolbus, and they'd be delighted to do some experiments with Ms. Frizzle.

I did not receive a sample or monetary compensation for this post. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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