A geodesic dome is the strongest dome you can build. Geodesic domes are made of interlocking geometric shapes—often triangles. Because loads are spread over many triangles, these domes are especially strong. Make yours out of newspaper and see how strong it can be. For instructions: www.pbs.org/wgbh/buildingbig/educator/act_geodesic_ho.html
Grab some seeds, wire, a jar of peanut butter, and a pine cone. Twist the wire around the top of the cone to create a hanger, then let your kids spread peanut butter ocer the cone and sprinkle the seeds on top. Place your creation in the freezer for an hour. Hand the seed-covered cone in your backyard, and watch the birds come flocking. For an educational twist, have a copy of The Audubon Backyard Birdwatcher on hand, or head to www.whatbird.com to identify the birds that drop in for a snack.
Alexander Calder gave the form cred by infusing his works with something unknown to mose modern art: fun. find a Calder near you at www.artcylopedia.com, then let your kids create their own mobile with a hanger, string and a little imagination.
What fun to design, build and fly your own kite. The supplies are easily found at your local hardware store or hobby shop. If you're not that "skilled", buy a complete kit. Keep your design simple or make it complex. Build a basic kite or one that can do stunts.
Check these sites for more resources: www.kitebuilder.com & www.skratch-pad.com/kites/
Grab an old towel, several feet of surgical tubing, two small pieces of wood (about 6" long), duct tape, and scissors. Cut the towel into a 14"x14" square, then cut a 3"x3" square out of each of the four corners to create four tabes. (The cloth should now resemble a fat plus sign.) Fold one piece of wood into the top and bottom tabs, and use the duct tape to seal the material in place. Fold the tubing in half, then lay it over the remaining tabs so that one line of tubing hits each piece.
