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Written by Jean Polly
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Sunday, 01 February 2009 14:57 |
 February 2 is halfway between winter and spring here in the Northern hemisphere. Everyone wants to know if Spring will come early or late. On Feb. 2, we turn to a rodent to predict the weather.
In the U.S, the honor goes to Punxatawny Phil, of Gobbler's Knob, Pennsylvania. At the website you can watch video of past predictions, download some coloring pages, and try the recipe for "Groundhog Cookies."
Not to be outdone, Canada has its own weather prediction Marmota monax, Wiarton Willie. At his site, you can see him on the live webcam, check the groundhog jokes, try some puzzles, and (of course) find out what he forecasts!
But there are many other weather rodents out there!
A history of Groundhog Day says that the custom originally came from Germany, and its first appearance in America was in this diary:
February 4, 1841 - from Morgantown, Berks County (Pennsylvania) storekeeper James Morris' diary..."Last Tuesday, the 2nd, was Candlemas day, the day on which, according to the Germans, the Groundhog peeps out of his winter quarters and if he sees his shadow he pops back for another six weeks nap, but if the day be cloudy he remains out, as the weather is to be moderate."
According to the old English saying:
If Candlemas be fair and bright,
Winter has another flight.
If Candlemas brings clouds and rain,
Winter will not come again.
From Scotland:
If Candlemas Day is bright and clear,
There'll be two winters in the year.
From Germany:
For as the sun shines on Candlemas Day,
So far will the snow swirl until May.
For as the snow blows on Candlemas Day,
So far will the sun shine before May.
And from America:
If the sun shines on Groundhog Day;
Half the fuel and half the hay.
Try this cool make-it-yourself peek-a-boo weather woodchuck and make your own prediction!
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Last Updated on Sunday, 01 February 2009 15:42 |
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Halloween is here! |
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Written by Jean Polly
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Saturday, 25 October 2008 21:54 |
 I've added quite a few Halloween sites tonight-- you can find them by going into the age section that interests you and searching for "Halloween." I hope you enjoy them!
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Last Updated on Saturday, 20 December 2008 11:00 |
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Elections for Kids |
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Written by Jean Polly
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Sunday, 14 September 2008 12:35 |
 Got questions about the campaigns, the elections, or the candidates? These sites win:
Electing a President for Kids
Simple, to the point. Great starting place. (9+)
Ben's Guide to the U.S Government for Kids
This site offers an uncomplicated general guide to the U.S. government, including the election process, for grades 3 and up. Younger kids may enjoy the online coloring book and the other interactives, which includes connect-the-dots and maze games. (9+)
BrainPOP on Presidential Elections
Tim and Moby explain everything from primary elections to the electoral college system. (10+)
Scholastic's Election 2008
Everything you want to know. And try the election Game “You’re the candidate.”(10+)
PBS Kids Democracy Project
Great overview of how government affects kids' everyday lives, plus a look at voting rights through U.S history. Don't miss the interactive "President for a Day" simulation. (10+)
Election Connection
Meet the candidates, check out the issues, and play campaign games. (10+)
Rock the Vote
Teen-oriented non-partisan and non-profit that engages and informs young people about their voting rights. Read the Blog, win music if you get your friends to register to vote, and get web banners for your site. (12+)
The Living Room Candidate
Campaign commercials from 1952-2008. (12+)
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Last Updated on Saturday, 20 December 2008 11:01 |
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Homework Help Sites |
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Written by Jean Polly
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Friday, 12 September 2008 00:00 |
 Homework Help 411
Why not bookmark these now? You'll need them when your homework is due!
General Information on Everything
Homeworkspot.com
Dig right in to suggested web sites arranged by subject and age group, plus sigh with relief as you notice links to frequently downloaded items like blank outline maps of the states. Don't miss the writing tips or the science fair suggestions. (9+)
Fact Monster
Need a quick word definition, a date in history, or a math formula? It's in here! This fun-to-use site may not answer all your questions but it's a great start! (9+)
Merriam-Webster Online
This dictionary gives you much more than just the meaning of a word—it lets you hear how the words are pronounced. There's also a thesaurus to help you choose the most exact, accurate, precise, proper, and right word for your essay. Try the link to the "Word Central" site, featuring word games and experiments just for kids. (9+)
Arithmetic and Math
Coolmath.com
This site really adds up when you count all its features: tutorials that really do start right at the beginning, plus games to spark your interest in arithmetic and math. (9+)
Math Homework Help
Many short videos on addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. There is also a very good list of suggested links to other sites. (10+)
Math.com
Looking for help with pre-algebra, algebra, trigonometry, statistics, or calculus? Try here. There’s also a section on basic math concepts. (12+)
Language Arts
English, Reading, and Writing
English & Language Arts
The Discovery Channel presents short videos on the parts of speech, punctuation, writing and revising, and research skills -- all for grades k-12.
Science
Science Fair Central
Possibly everything you need to plan that winning science fair project this year!
Social Studies
Stately Knowledge
Pick a state and learn all about it! You'll also find links to encyclopedia articles and each state's "official" pages, including their tourism departments. Most offer free maps and other information that they will send for free! The Internet Public Library's site is also great for researching Presidents of the United States (POTUS) and many other topics. (8+)
The CIA World Factbook
At this comprehensive government site you'll discover facts, flags, and maps of all the nations, territories, and dependencies of the world. There is also information on and maps of the planet's oceans. (10+)
Xpeditions Atlas
When all you need is an outline map of a country, region, or state, this is your destination. (10+)
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Last Updated on Saturday, 20 December 2008 11:01 |
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Interactive Independence Day |
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Written by Jean Polly
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Thursday, 03 July 2008 19:35 |
 Fireworks Just for You
Got Java? Let the page load all the way then click your mouse anywhere and enjoy!
A Capitol Fourth! Interactive Fireworks Display
Select your fireworks, choose your music, and enjoy! There's also a fascinating history of Fourth of July celebrations. Shockwave Flash. (All ages.)
Sing Along Midis and Lyrics
A little hazy on the words to "This Land is my Land" and additional verses to "America the Beautiful"? Find complete lyrics (and histories to some of the songs) at this site. Sing along to these songs and many other patriotic tunes. You can also print a U.S. flag for display! (All ages.)
Fireworks Safety
The United Kingdom's Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform offers a virtual sparkler to play with as you learn about fireworks safety. (5+)
Enchanted Learning Fireworks
Get out the black construction paper, glitter, and glue! Sure, it's messy, but the resulting fireworks displays will last forever! (5+)
Fourth of July Activity Book
Print this patriotic activity and coloring book and test your knowledge of state capitals and U.S. Presidents. (8+)
DTLK’s 4th of July Crafts
Coloring pages and printables like a Fold-out Firecracker greeting card (look in “printables”) make this site sparkle with fun. (8+)
It’s a Blast!
Learn how fireworks are made, then see if you’re up to the challenge of “Name that Boom!” (10+)
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Last Updated on Saturday, 20 December 2008 11:01 |
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Page 2 of 3 |
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Net-mom's Internet Safety Key: E-mail Fraud
 Not everything in your email box is for real.
You may receive mail that looks like it's from someone you know or from a company you do business with, but it's not.
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Read more... |
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Net-mom's Internet Safety Key: Social Networking
On MySpace, Facebook, and other social networking sites, you may be tempted to tell everything about yourself: what movies, bands, books, and products you like. Don't!
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Read more... |
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Net-mom's Internet Safety Key: Chat Rooms
| On the Internet, anyone can pretend to be anyone else. That other kid you're talking to may really be an adult. How can you know for sure? YOU CAN'T. |
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Net-mom's Internet Safety Key: Choose Good Passwords
| Want a very strong, secure and hard-to-guess password? Choose a password that no one else will know. Find out how. |
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Read more... |
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Net-mom's Internet Safety Key: Protect Passwords
Keep your user name and passwords to yourself. Using a computer in a school or library? Be careful! Who's looking over your shoulder?
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Read more... |
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Net-mom's Internet Safety Key: Stay Skeptical
Stay skeptical. Don't always believe what you see or hear. Some sites are totally wrong-- want to see a few?
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Read more... |
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