Weird Science!

The Lansdowne Library became the Lansdowne Laboratory when we made slime, putty, slime and play dough! The Homeschool Happenings and the Stop, Drop and Craft groups showed what happens when one has flour, glue, Epsom salt, food coloring and corn starch!

We used recipes from Scouting Web and here are pictures and a video from the day! While we did actually make slime, putty and play dough the groups decided to create their own concoctions in "Potions class!'

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Stop, Drop and Craft...Fundama!

We are excited to welcome Flow Circus as a part of line up for Summer Reading 2011! Summer may be months away but we were excited to offer a sneak preview for our theme of One World, Many Stories as we made and played games from around the world using skill toys based on their Fundama program.

What is Fundama?
From their website:
1. Easy-to-make toy using basic elements such as string, tape, cups, and sticks that provide hours of challenging play;

2. From the Latin fundus: the bottom or basis for engaging programs for children, 'tweens, & teens

Fundama will be explored further during the Summer Reading Club however check out the pictures and videos for a visual of what we will be doing.

Our newest group, Homechool Happenings!, were the first to be introduced to the games. Despite the small attendance, we were able to create The Freestyle.

Younger children enjoyed playing with the finished toys!

Later that day the ideas for the games were shared with our Stop, Drop and Craft group and the group had a blast! Some members made toys based using the instructions from the site but others got creative and made up their own.

The Basic

The Six

Later that day the ideas for the games were shared with our Stop, Drop and Craft group and the group had a blast! Some members made toys based using the instructions from the site but others got creative and made up their own.

Original creation...the Super Duper

The anatomy of making your own game

Even Miss Rachee got in on the act!

The Hammer

The Castle Wastle

as yet untitled...



The Stop, Drop and Craft Aerodynamic Experience!

To celebrate our participation in Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival of Greater Philadelphia for this past Wednesday's Stop, Drop and Craft activity we practiced origami. But our library friends wanted to explore the paper planes we found in A Kid's Guide to Origami...Making Origami Paper Airplanes Step by Step and we had a paper plane flying contest!

Guest crafter Ms. Margaret was our special judge as we held a contest to see how far the planes flew, the best design, and to help determine who flew the furthest distance.
There were no set rules for our impromptu paper plane throwing contest. The group could choose to use origami paper which measures 6" by 6", 'regular' copy paper which measures 8 1/2" by 11" or legal sizes paper which measures 11" by 14 1/2 "

Books available for origami:
A Kid's Guide to Origami...Making Origami Paper Airplanes Step by Step by Michael G. LaFosse
Origami: The Fun and Funky Art of Paper Folding by Thiraunt Boonyadhistarn
I Made it Myself: Paper Folding Fun by Didier Boursin
A Kid's Guide to Origami...Making Origami Science Experiements Step by Step by Michael G. LaFosse
Classic Origami by P.D. Tuyen

Web sites consulted for paper planes:
Amazing Paper Planes: http://www.amazingpaperairplanes.com/Simple.html
Alex's Paper Planes: http://www.paperairplanes.co.uk/rapier.php
California Science Center: http://www.californiasciencecenter.org/Education/GroupPrograms/BigLab/Rollercoasters/docs/RollercoastersPre.pdf


Stop, Drop and Craft meets Wednesdays from 4-6. Stop by and see what crafty goodness we are making!

Even Mrs. Gianella got in on the act!

What can we use to make THE best plane?

Our supplies: paper, scissors and glue!

Other plane options available

The helicopter option

The contest!