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Science Fair Project Ideas, Answers, & Tools

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Free Topic Selection Wizard, science fair project ideas, step by step how to do a science fair project, Ask an Expert discussion board, and science fair tips for success.

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Open-and-go lessons that inspire kids to love science.

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Mystery Science offers open-and-go lessons that inspire kids to love science. The hook, visuals, and activity have all been prepared for you. Less prep, more learning.

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School has been canceled in more than a dozen states, many of them with very short notice. If you're worried about your child falling behind with their learning or wasting away in front of netflix next week- we're here to help! Join us on Monday, March 16th, for a daily show featuring science and math lessons, crafts and games. Hosted by Science Mom and Math Dad, this two hour livestream is a wonderful way to put some fun learning into your quarantine.

Each show will feature ... a science lesson, math activities, interactive games, and stories. If you'd like to participate in our first show, try out this drawing/writing prompt:

Mixed up Aminals!

Take two animals and imagine what type of creature you might get if they were merged together. Would a crocodile + flamingo give you a crocodingo? Draw a picture of your mixed up "aminal" and then write a sentence or two about what this new creature would eat and where it would live. If you'd like to share your creation with other families during our first episode of Quarantime, send it to jenny@science.mom. We can't wait to see what you come up with!

At the end of each show, we'll take several minutes to answer YOUR questions. If you'd like to submit a question in advance (especially if you got a packet of math and science homework from your teacher and you're stumped on a question or problem) - email us at questions@science.mom.

Hope to see you on Monday! You can watch the livestream here on Facebook or by going to www.youtube.com/sciencemom (a replay will be available afterward on the Science Mom YouTube channel).

While our science and math lessons are aimed at kids age 7-12, this is a family-friendly show that is for BOTH kids and parents (and any elderly people who are feeling isolated at home and would like to watch some science and math lessons and participate in a few crafts)

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School has been canceled in more than a dozen states, many of them with very short notice. If you're worried about your child falling behind with their learning or wasting away in front of netflix next week- we're here to help! Join us on Monday, March 16th, for a daily show featuring science and math lessons, crafts and games.

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With all this time on our hands while we stay home during the coronavirus pandemic, you may be looking for new things to watch, or new hobbies to try. One classic TV series that can help you achieve both at the same time is Bob Ross' "The Joy of Painting." You know the one with all the "happy little trees," right?

A number of Ross's shows have been available on Netflix and other streaming services for a while, and the PBS original still airs on public television stations around the country.

But you can also go online to the Bob Ross YouTube channel and watch every season and every episode in his "The Joy of Painting" series. That is 403 episodes to enjoy and also 403 different projects you can complete!

"The Joy of Painting" ran for 31 seasons, from 1983 through 1994. Part of the charm of this series is its simplicity. Each episode starts with just Ross, his paints and a blank canvas. Then, over the course of the approximately 25-minute episode, he'd talk his audience through how to make a painting, from the colors they'd need on their palette and the brushes required for the painting to the steps and strokes that will take you through the final touches.

Over the years Ross gained a large and loyal following. For many, watching someone take a blank canvas and turning into a work of art in less than 30 minutes was fascinating. Some people would follow along during the episode to create their own painting. And, although Ross died in 1995, many people still watch and paint with the artist, either through old episodes on YouTube or via various official Bob Ross tutors.

All you have to do is search Bob Ross on Instagram to find people who have created work inspired by Ross, like Instagrammer Kassandra Brace, who posted a painting she made by following a Bob Ross tutorial:

Beyond the actual paintings, many fans love Ross because of his soothing voice. His calm manner, pleasant tone, easy-going style and acceptance of mistakes along the way in a painting (which he always referred to as "happy little accidents") just puts you to ease.

In fact, Newsweek devoted an entire feature piece to "The Soothing Sounds of Bob Ross" and the impact he had on our artistic culture and psychological well-being.

The woman who would eventually help bring Ross' show to TV knew there was something special about him when she met him at a local painting class she signed up for following a personal tragedy. "I was so mesmerized by Bob," Annette Kowalski told NPR. "Somehow, he lifted me up out of that depression. I just think that Bob knew how to woo people. I said, 'Let's put it in a bottle and sell it.' "

Eventually, they got a TV deal and the rest, as they say, is history.

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You Can Watch Every Episode Of Bob Ross' 'Joy Of Painting' For Free

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With all this time on our hands while we stay home during the coronavirus pandemic, you may be looking for new things to watch, or new hobbies to try. One classic TV series that can help you achieve both at the same time is Bob Ross' "The Joy of Painting."

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In times of great uncertainty, knowing how to make your own bread and thereby feed your family, is palpably reassuring. The very act of kneading dough is calming, like Play-Doh for adults. So, of course, newbie bakers are all over social media, obsessing about "bubbling mothers" (AKA sourdough starters).

Look a little closer, though, and they're not very happy. "We are all baking bread and some of us are not so good at it," tweeted one journalist, dejectedly. That's because sourdough is high-maintenance baking. People write memoirs about mastering the technique. By contrast, watching Noji Gaylard making South African steamed bread (see below) is like hugging a baby. Three minutes and 30 seconds of pure calm. Her recipe, alongside the others included in our 10 basic breads, is easy enough for even the most inexperienced baker.

But first a note about yeast. As Adrian Chiles has noted, it appears to have been stockpiled right off all the shelves. So, if you do have any, set aside a portion of whatever leavened dough you make to leaven the next (variously called old dough and pâte fermentée; you'll find plenty of instructions for this online). And, if you don't, you could try making your own yeast. Lisa Bedford, the self-styled Survival Mom, has written a really thorough how-to. I appreciate that making your own yeast somewhat negates the premise of this piece, but you've got to admit it's awesome that you can.

Also, reserve any pasta or potato cooking water for your bread baking. As Nigella tweeted: "It will help the bread's texture and rise."

Flatbreads

At its simplest, a flatbread is flour and water mixed into a dough, rolled into balls, rested, flattened and griddled. Dan Lepard tweeted the basic ratio: 500g of any wheat flour (white, wholemeal, self-raising, plain) to 300g cold water. Add some form of oil to the mix, and you get everything from chapatis and rotis ( Meera Sodha fills hers with coconut, raisins and almonds) to tortillas and lavash. Jamie Oliver switches things up a bit, using yoghurt, self-raising flour and a little baking powder, and cooks with griddle pan over a high heat. Elsewhere, his coconut flatbreads are made with just coconut milk and self-raising flour and fried in butter.

Quick bread

AKA batter bread, this is the base recipe used in such things as apple bread, banana bread and the French savoury cakestudded with everything from bacon and olives. You mix dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt) with wet ingredients (milk/buttermilk/yoghurt, oil and eggs) and flavour it any way you like. Kristin "Baker Bettie" Hoffmann gives you every option thinkable: sweet, savoury, gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan and without baking powder (she separates the eggs, and whips the whites to get the rise needed). Texture-wise, this is more on the muffin/cake side of things, so if that's not what you're after, read on.

Soda bread

The original no-kneader, and as Chiles put it last week, a gift to the yeastless. The rise comes from bicarb, so that ingredient is a must, but flour-wise it's flexible: wholemeal, oatmeal, rolled oats, plain, self-raising, rye or whatever mixture you can manage. Liquid-wise, milk, yoghurt, buttermilk, Nigella's pasta water: they'll all work, too. You'll want a dollop of salt and sweetness (honey, soft brown sugar); Chiles flavours his with treacle and Marmite, and nothing has ever endeared a columnist to me more. And there's nothing to say you can't jazz it up further: Oliver puts dark chocolate and hazelnuts in his.

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A no-knead crusty loaf. Photograph: RooM the Agency/Alamy

No-knead crusty loaf

The New York Times calls this the world's easiest yeasted loaf; a step-up from the already groundbreaking easy method devised by Jim Lahey (if you're a budding bread person, I recommend his books). You mix plain flour with yeast, salt and lukewarm water into a loose dough, cover and let rise for two to five hours. Then you shape it and bake it. The crustiness comes from having a broiling panful of water - or a few ice cubes - in the bottom of the oven to steam the loaf while it cooks.

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Pitta bread ... perfect for picnics. Photograph: Felicity Cloake/The Guardian

Pitta

Putting yeast in a wheaten flatbread essentially means it can puff up while baking, to create those soft pockets so perfect for picnics. Yotam Ottolenghi puts sugar in his dough and seven spices in his chicken filling, and, well, what more could you want? Although it is technically possible to make them completely lean, Felicity Cloake doesn't recommend it: the fat contributes to flavour and shelf-life.

Hard dough bread

A Jamaican speciality, this is a plain-flour yeasted dough, enriched with butter and sugar. It takes a short knead (you want the dough nice and elastic) and a 45-minute rest. You then roll it out flat with a rolling pin and - to give it that moist, dense crumb - roll it right back up again into a tight log, tucking the ends in (DaJen Eat's Jen and her grandmother Cynthia will show you how). Then, after a short rest, it is baked golden brown in a loaf pan.

Steamed bread

The one loaf you don't need an oven for. This South African beauty involves mixing a very sticky batter of plain flour, salt, sugar, yeast (no oil) and lukewarm water in a bowl with a wooden spoon. ( Gaylard's demo is quite possibly the most mesmerising cooking video I've ever come across. It's now my lockdown backdrop.) Cover with a lid to let it rest, then beat it once more and let it rest again. Pour into a buttered bowl and place in a large pot for which you have a lid, with enough boiling water to come halfway up the side of your bowl, adding water when necessary to keep the steam going. It is cooked when, as with a cake, a knife stuck into the centre comes out clean.

Maple oat breakfast bread

This takes a couple more ingredients (maple syrup and rolled oats) and an overnight rest (eight hours or more), but it makes, as Food52 notes, darn good toast. Much like in soda bread, the oats impart a welcome bite. As with the no-knead crusty loaf, you'll need an oven-safe heavy-based pot with a lid to achieve consistent, high heat and a good seal so the moisture doesn't escape.

Focaccia

Nigel Slater once said that he thought focaccia was the bread to attempt first, before any trad white loaf. "A batch rarely fails." Now most recipes will ask for strong white bread flour and/or 00 flour (used for making pasta). But Marcella Hazan makes hers with plain flour, and she's not someone to mess with. You'll need a good amount of olive oil ( River Cottage uses 150ml), some flaky salt and something like a baking stone - a heavy cookie sheet will do.

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Bagels ... surprisingly easy. Photograph: Malisa Nicolau/Alamy

Bagels

Surprisingly easy to make at home, as Jennifer Garner demos in episode 15 of her aptly named Pretend Cooking show. Sure, there is the extra step of poaching before you bake, but you can use plain flour and honey for the dough (or strong bread flour and malt syrup, if you want to be fancy). Food52's Kenzi Wilbur says the hardest part is waiting an excruciating 30 minutes once you have removed them from the oven. But I've never known anyone able to resist freshly baked anything, so why would you even attempt to do that here? Butter at the ready ...

* This article was amended on 13 April 2020 because in referencing Noji Gaylard, an earlier version incorrectly said "his" recipe. This has been corrected to "her".
Topics

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Forget sourdough! How to make 10 of the world's easiest breads

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In times of great uncertainty, knowing how to make your own bread and thereby feed your family, is palpably reassuring. The very act of kneading dough is calming, like Play-Doh for adults. So, of course, newbie bakers are all over social media, obsessing about "bubbling mothers" (AKA sourdough starters).

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Back in 2010, a trio of art students from Klasse Löbbert in Germany took it upon themselves to transform a boring electrical tower into a translucent, stained glass installation. Titled Leuchtturm ( Lighthouse) the urban artwork in Hattingen, Germany was conceived by Ail Hwan, Hae-Ryan Jeong and Chung-Ki Park, who used cut triangles of Acrylglas to mimic the function of traditional stained glass pieces. If you liked this, also check out William Lamson's sugar solarium or Tom Fruin's Watertower in Brooklyn.

Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member and support independent arts publishing. Join a community of like-minded readers who are passionate about contemporary art, apply for our annual grant, and get exclusive access to interviews, partner discounts, and event tickets.

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Art Students Transform an Electrical Tower into a Stained Glass Lighthouse

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Back in 2010, a trio of art students from Klasse Löbbert in Germany took it upon themselves to transform a boring electrical tower into a translucent, stained glass installation. Titled Leuchtturm (Lighthouse) the urban artwork in Hattingen, Germany was conceived by Ail Hwan, Hae-Ryan Jeong and Chun

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3-D Egyptian tomb

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A heads up: Dyson has "created 44 engineering and science activities for children to try out while at home during the coronavirus pandemic, from making a balloon-powered car to building a bridge from spaghetti," writes the Dezeen website. They go on to add: "Comprised of 22 science tasks and 22 engineering activities, the Challenge Cards can be completed by children using common household items such as eggs, string and balloons." You can also find a related playlist of videos on YouTube, one of which appears above.

This engineering/science activities have been added to our refreshed collection, 200 Free Kids Educational Resources: Video Lessons, Apps, Books, Websites & More. If you know of any great K-12 resources, especially ones that are always free, please add them in the comments below, and we will try to add them to the list.
Would you like to support the mission of Open Culture? Please consider making a donation to our site. It's hard to rely 100% on ads, and your contributions will help us continue providing the best free cultural and educational materials to learners everywhere. Also consider following Open Culture on Related Content: How Schools Can Start Teaching Online in a Short Period of Time: Free Tutorials from the Stanford Online High School 1,500 Free Online Courses from Top Universities How Finland Created One of the Best Educational Systems in the World (by Doing the Opposite of U.S.) Learn 48 Languages Online for Free: Spanish, Chinese, English & More sharing intelligent media with your friends. Or sign up for our daily email and get a daily dose of Open Culture in your inbox.

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Dyson Creates 44 Free Engineering & Science Challenges for Kids Quarantined During COVID-19

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A heads up: Dyson has 'created 44 engineering and science activities for children to try out while at home during the coronavirus pandemic, from making a balloon-powered car to building a bridge from spaghetti,' writes the Dezeen website. They go on to add:

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'I'm concerned with the world only in that I have a certain obligation and duty, as it were - because I've walked the earth for 30 years - to leave a certain souvenir in the form of drawings or paintings in gratitude', wrote Vincent to his brother Theo in 1883.
Vincent wanted to leave work behind that showed honest and human emotions. What of yourself would you like to pass on to future generations?
Vincent van Gogh, An Old Woman of Arles (1888)

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'I'm concerned with the world only in that I have a certain obligation and duty, as it were - because I've walked the earth for 30 years - to leave a certain souvenir in the form of drawings or paintings in gratitude', wrote Vincent to his brother Theo in 1883.

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Sophia Learning | Online Courses for College Credit

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Save time and money by earning credits toward a college degree with Sophia's on-demand, self-paced courses.

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Hamilton - 226 W 46th St, New York, New York 10036 - Rated 4.6 based on 37,522 Reviews "We went to Chicago yesterday - wow! Every American should see...

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BBC Archive. 651K likes. Official Facebook presence of the BBC Archive. Unless otherwise stated images are ©BBC.

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Crafty Teacup Creative Centre - 57B Victoria Street, TA8 1aw Burnham-on-Sea - Rated 4.9 based on 129 Reviews "Definitely recommend! Delicious food ,...

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Summary Face Mask - Nose and Mouth NOTE This mask is NOT FDA approved for medical use. If you have approved PPE. please use that first. This mask should only be used after.

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Embark Websites | COVID-19 Time Capsule By LONG Creations

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LONG Creations created this COVID-19 Time Capsule for free for fellow families living through this difficult time. Download COVID-19 Time Capsule free here.

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Live Network of Webcams and Streaming Video Cameras - EarthCam

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Battleship (free online game for two players)

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Battleship - online game for 2 players. Arrange ships, wait for opponent and start playing.

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To address our unprecedented global and immediate need for access to reading and research materials, as of today, March 24, 2020, the Internet Archive will suspend waitlists for the 1.4 million (and growing) books in our lending library by creating a National Emergency Library to serve the nation's displaced learners. This suspension will run through June 30, 2020, or the end of the US national emergency, whichever is later.

During the waitlist suspension, users will be able to borrow books from the National Emergency Library without joining a waitlist, ensuring that students will have access to assigned readings and library materials that the Internet Archive has digitized for the remainder of the US academic calendar, and that people who cannot physically access their local libraries because of closure or self-quarantine can continue to read and thrive during this time of crisis, keeping themselves and others safe.

This library brings together all the books from Phillips Academy Andover and Marygrove College, and much of Trent University's collections, along with over a million other books donated from other libraries to readers worldwide that are locked out of their libraries.

This is a response to the scores of inquiries from educators about the capacity of our lending system and the scale needed to meet classroom demands because of the closures. Working with librarians in Boston area, led by Tom Blake of Boston Public Library, who gathered course reserves and reading lists from college and school libraries, we determined which of those books the Internet Archive had already digitized. Through that work we quickly realized that our lending library wasn't going to scale to meet the needs of a global community of displaced learners. To make a real difference for the nation and the world, we would have to take a bigger step.

"The library system, because of our national emergency, is coming to aid those that are forced to learn at home, " said Brewster Kahle, Digital Librarian of the Internet Archive. "This was our dream for the original Internet coming to life: the Library at everyone's fingertips."

Public support for this emergency measure has come from over 100 individuals, libraries and universities across the world, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). "Ubiquitous access to open digital content has long been an important goal for MIT and MIT Libraries. Learning and research depend on it," said Chris Bourg, Director of MIT Libraries. "In a global pandemic, robust digital lending options are key to a library's ability to care for staff and the community, by allowing all of us to work remotely and maintain the recommended social distancing."

We understand that we're not going to be able to meet everyone's needs; our collection, at 1.4 million modern books, is a fraction of the size of a large metropolitan library system or a great academic library. The books that we've digitized have been acquired with a focus on materials published during the 20th century, the vast majority of which do not have a commercially available ebook. This means that while readers and students are able to access latest best sellers and popular titles through services like OverDrive and Hoopla, they don't have access to the books that only exist in paper, sitting inaccessible on their library shelves. That's where our collection fits in-we offer digital access to books, many of which are otherwise unavailable to the public while our schools and libraries are closed. In addition to the National Emergency Library, the Internet Archive also offers free public access to 2.5 million fully downloadable public domain books, which do not require waitlists to view.

We recognize that authors and publishers are going to be impacted by this global pandemic as well. We encourage all readers who are in a position to buy books to do so, ideally while also supporting your local bookstore. If they don't have the book you need, then Amazon or Better World Books may have copies in print or digital formats. We hope that authors will support our effort to ensure temporary access to their work in this time of crisis. We are empowering authors to explicitly opt in and donate books to the National Emergency Library if we don't have a copy. We are also making it easy for authors to contact us to take a book out of the library. Learn more in our FAQ.

A final note on calling this a "National Emergency" Library. We lend to the world, including these books. We chose that language deliberately because we are pegging the suspension of the waitlists to the duration of the US national emergency. Users all over the world have equal access to the books now available, regardless of their location.
How you can help:

1. Read books, recommend books, and teach using books from the National Emergency Library

2. Sponsor a book to be digitized and preserved

3. Endorse this effort institutionally or individually

4. Share news about the National Emergency Library with your social media followers using #NationalEmergencyLibrary

5. Donate to the Internet Archive

If you have additional questions, please check out our FAQ or contact Chris Freeland, Director of Open Libraries.

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Announcing a National Emergency Library to Provide Digitized Books to Students and the Public

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To address our unprecedented global and immediate need for access to reading and research materials, as of today, March 24, 2020, the Internet Archive will suspend waitlists for the 1.4 million (and growing) books in our lending library by creating a National Emergency Library to serve the nation's displaced learners.

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Math choice boards grades 3-5

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Typing

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Learn touch typing online using TypingClub's free typing courses. It includes 650 typing games, typing tests and videos.

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Welcome To MandoLessons! MandoLessons provides hundreds of free online mandolin lessons to people all over the world. If you are new to the instrument and want to learn more, check out the "Resources" tab at the top of the page.

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Make music together online. Free instruments, loops, drum kits, and vocal tuner in one studio. Record, edit, mix, and master your audio, no downloads - sign up for free.

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Fender Guitars | Electric, Acoustic & Bass Guitars, Amps, Pro Audio

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Since 1946, Fender's iconic Stratocasters, Telecasters and Precision & Jazz bass guitars have transformed nearly every music genre.

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How were these built?

All our experiments are all built with freely accessible web technology such as Web Audio API, WebMIDI, Tone.js, and more. These tools make it easier for coders to build new interactive music experiences. You can get the open-source code to lots of these experiments here on Github.

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Music is for everyone. Play with simple experiments that let anyone, of any age, explore how music works.

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1. Select a song in the Virtual Piano Search box or by browsing the Music Sheets.

2. Letters in the music sheets refer to the keys on your computer keyboard.

3. Press the highlighted keys on your computer keyboard to play the song.

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Virtual Piano enables you to play the piano on your computer keyboard, mobile or tablet. Learn to play instantly now. Play Virtual Piano!

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Artsteps provides you with a platform to create, design & share your own VR exhibitions and stories

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วาดโลโก้ด้วยพู่กัน

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Welcome to this interesting, professional, inspiring, collaborative, fun group of Art Teachers!! It started years ago with less than ten Northern Illinois Art Ed students and has grown and...

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Please share:

Due to school closures,  I will be offering free art lessons on our Facebook page each weekday until our kiddos return to school. These will be family oriented for a range of ages and...

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Included in this download is:

A sugar skull reflective symmetry worksheet

A bonus shading geometric shape worksheet

Both worksheets contain instructions and a rubric for easy grading

This reflective symmetry sugar skull worksheet is perfect as a sub plan or quick one day activity. It is great for introducing line, pattern, shape, and symmetry. Students complete the reflection of the image. It includes tips for drawing with accuracy and a rubric for easy grading.

All of my lessons are formatted to share digitally with your students so they can see the video demonstrations and presentations from their own devices.

You can find more of my art lessons in my TPT shop here:
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Inside-Out-Art
You can see more of my student's work and project samples on my Instagram at
www.instagram.com/insideoutartteacher
If you like this worksheet you may like my reflective symmetry insect worksheets listed here:
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Middle-or-High-School-Art-Grid-Drawing-Worksheets-5088870

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Reflective Symmetry Drawing Worksheet and Shading Worksheet

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Included in this download is:A sugar skull reflective symmetry worksheetA bonus shading geometric shape worksheetBoth worksheets contain instructions and a rubric for easy gradingThis reflective symmetry sugar skull worksheet is perfect as a sub plan or quick one day activity. It is great for intro...

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Clayshare, Arlington, Vermont. 18K likes. Your source for online ceramic learning. Hundred of classes, thousands of HD videos, weekly live broadcasts, templates, glaze recipes and more. Sign up for...

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Calling himself an "object arranger," Adam Hillman sees the beauty in things organized neatly. Taking everyday things like matches, cotton swabs, and push pins, he meticulously places them in mesmerizing patterns that transform them from the ordinary into the extraordinary. Divorced from their original function, the items hardly look like themselves, and with Hillman's intervention, they function as a single form that electrifies the composition.

While every one of Hillman's pattern arrangements is impressive, his food organization is some of his best work. Preparing these edible materials often involves delicate peeling or precise slicing, which is both time consuming and unpredictable-you never know how an Oreo's icing is going to look until you twist it open. It requires the utmost patience; a trait best shown in his photograph of Fruit Loops cereal that's arranged in a square gradient pattern suspended in a milky bath.

Hillman sells prints of his obsessively arranged art on Society6.

Through meticulous pattern arrangement, Adam Hillman creates visually soothing photos.

From everyday objects to food, Hillman organizes it all.

Some are arranged in rainbow colors, while others place an emphasis on shape design through negative space.

Whatever the items may be, Hillman shows how satisfying it is to see things organized neatly.

All images via Adam Hillman.

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Photos of Things Organized Neatly Provide a Soothing Feast for the Eyes Delicious Sugary Treats Perfectly Organized by Color Various Collections Organized In Shocking Abundance Visually Satisfying Food Arrangements Are Rainbow Feasts for the Eyes

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Designer Can't Stop Rearranging Everyday Objects into Visually Satisfying Compositions

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Adam Hillman creates meticulous pattern arrangement out of everyday objects that are visually soothing examples of things organized neatly.

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The SCAD Museum of Art offers engaging curriculum guides to make the artwork in the galleries accessible to art enthusiasts of any age. With checklists, lesson plans, visual aids and more, these educational guides assist teachers in capitalizing on the learning opportunities at the museum and the Evans Center.

Explore curriculum guides from past exhibitions and schedule a field trip to the SCAD Museum of Art via email or by calling 912.525.7191.

New: Carla Fernández and Pedro Reyes: Think Twice
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The SCAD Museum of Art offers engaging curriculum guides to make the artwork in the galleries accessible to art enthusiasts of any age. With checklists, lesson plans, visual aids and more, these educational guides assist teachers in capitalizing on the learning opportunities at the museum and the Evans Center.

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Play free games and quizzes, find art activities, explore homework help and share your art with Tate Kids. The best art website for kids.

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Acrylic Pouring Addiction is for people who enjoy Fluid Art - Acrylic Paint Pouring. Members are encouraged to share THEIR OWN photos and videos related to Fluid Art and Acrylic Pouring. This group is specifically for discussing paint pouring artwork and related techniques. This group is NOT about how or where to sell one's artwork. Excessive self-promotion is cause for removal from this group. Requests to join must be with a profile set up with your name and a profile picture. Do not request membership with a profile set up as an Art Page. You must use your real name. Removal of comments and posts are at the discretion of the moderators. ALL Members are required to read the "Group Rules" document in the Files Section before posting. https://www.facebook.com/notes/acrylic-pouring-addiction/group-rules-guidelines-and-helpful-hints/390408061412538/ Looking for Information on how to get started? Please read the group's "FAQs and the Basic Supplies Needed" document in the Files section. https://www.facebook.com/notes/acrylic-pouring-addiction/faqs-and-the-basic-supplies-needed/390340218085989/ We strive to keep this a "drama free zone." NEVER FEED THE TROLLS - Report Posts and Comments that do no follow our group guidelines to a Moderator. BE KIND and if you can't be kind, then BE QUIET.

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Acrylic Pouring Addiction is for people who enjoy Fluid Art - Acrylic Paint Pouring. Members are encouraged to share THEIR OWN photos and videos related to Fluid Art and Acrylic Pouring. This group is specifically for discussing paint pouring artwork and related techniques. This group is NOT about how or where to sell one's artwork.

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She builds tools for space exploration - but her cellphone is strictly down to earth.

Justine Haupt, 34, hates smartphones. She hates the way they work, and she hates the way they rule our lives.

"I work in technology but I don't like the culture around smartphones," says the astronomy instrumentation engineer from Long Island.

"I'm an engineer, I love technology," Haupt, who has never owned a smartphone, tells Newsflare. "But the phone is not the way I want to do it."

That's why, three years ago, the smartphone skeptic decided to make another call - by building her own rudimentary cellphone, with no LED screen, a clunky antenna and a rotary dial. And it's functional where she needs it most.

"The battery lasts for a solid 24 hours, maybe 30 hours," says Haupt. The "sleek" mobile measures 4 inches tall, 3 inches wide and 1 inch thick - " as compact as possible," she says.

"It fits into my pocket and, in total bulk, I don't think it is much bigger than a large smartphone with a protective case on it," she says.

However, Haupt, who works at the Brookhaven National Laboratory, isn't completely disconnected. Before resorting to building her own, she also test-ran a Samsung Galaxy that she'd purchased for her mother. But, after a month, she went back to the flip-phone she had been using. Still, she wanted an "even more dumbed down phone" - primarily because she hates texting.

"I've never texted, and building this phone was in part so that I would have a good excuse for not texting," she says. "Now I can hold up this phone and say, 'No, I can't text.' "

As someone who builds gadgets for a living, she thinks the smartphone "interface is absolutely horrible."

"When you open an application and then you want it to go away but you don't know if it is closed - that grates against the fiber of my being," says Haupt.

So when she decided to build a prototype, the first thing she decided was that she wanted a rotary dial.

"Rotary dials are neat and I wanted to include them in a project," she says. She sourced a spare from an old Trimline telephone - a wall-unit style that was popular in the '60s and '70s, with a compact dial that would have been able to fit in her pocket.

For the inner workings, she bought a cellphone radio development board from Adafruit, a hardware company, and designed her own circuitry. Then she used a 3-D printer to create a case.

She did require a few upgrades. To make important calls as quickly as possible, she added two speed-dial buttons, one labeled "La" and the other "Da" - for her mother, Lorraine Labate, 60, and husband, David Van Popering, 57, respectively.

She also added a small e-paper display - like a Kindle screen - to be able to see incoming text messages and missed calls.

Thankfully, she doesn't have a long contacts list.

"In rare cases when I want to call a new number, I do use the rotary dial," says Haupt, using a prepaid AT&T SIM card for cell service, "and it is a fun, tactile experience."

Her project unfolded in fits and starts. "I lost interest and it was in a box in the closet for a while," she says, until about two months ago when she told herself "I'm just going to finish this thing."

Her persistence paid off. On Feb. 10, she published a post on her blog about the DIY cellphone. The entry was so popular, her website crashed from reader traffic.

"I never expected to go viral with this," says Haupt. "There was so much demand ... everyone was clamoring and I got so many emails from people begging to buy the phone."

Although she had never intended to monetize her phone, an interested buyer suggested she create a kit for customers to make their own the way she did.

"I very quickly put together a new version of the circuit that would be a little more robust," she says, which goes for $170 per kit through her company, Sky's Edge. But buyers will have to source their own vintage rotary dials, which are now out of production.

Still, she's already fulfilled 30 orders. "Now I'm looking at making a more inclusive kit that will come with everything you need," she says.

She admitted she's "not totally sure" why her primitive mobile phone has garnered so much interest.

"Maybe they see it as a hipster gadget, which I hate because, to me, it's an actual phone," she complains. "But there's a surprising number of people who have identified with my philosophy of not liking smartphone culture - I'm pleasantly surprised that those people are out there."

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Space engineer who hates smartphones builds cellphone with rotary dial

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She builds tools for space exploration - but her cellphone is strictly down to earth. Justine Haupt, 34, hates smartphones. She hates the way they work, and she hates the way they rule our lives. "I work in technology but I don't like the culture around smartphones," says the astronomy instrumentation engineer from Long Island.

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Following the success of her geometric treats, pastry chef Dinara Kasko continues to create artistic cakes rooted in mathematics. Using the skills she acquired while working as an architect, Kasko designs desserts that combine experimental sculpture with precise methods of construction.

Employing algorithmic tools and complex diagramming techniques, Kasko is able to design and fabricate cakes aesthetically reminiscent of 3D graphs, geometric models, and avant-garde sculptures. In order to perfect her craft and produce a diverse collection of cakes, Kasko teams up with an eclectic range of professionals, including mathematicians, scientists, and sculptors. No matter the inspiration or collaboration, however, each of Kasko's creations has one thing in common: her desire to "make something interesting and fresh."

While the fascinating processes employed by Kasko are entirely original, the cakes themselves are composed of relatively conventional ingredients. Most feature a spongecake base and a fruit or chocolate filling. Though her math cakes may look like experimental creations, you can be sure that each one will still taste like the delightful desserts you know and love.

Architect-turned-baker Dinara Kasko creates math cakes that look like sweet, sculptural works of art.

All images via Dinara Kasko.

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Rubik's Cube Cakes Put a Playful Spin on Traditional French Pastries Artistic Pastry Chef Uses Background in Architecture to Bake Amazing Cakes Geometric Sculptures Formed with Mathematical Equations

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Architect-Turned-Baker Designs Beautiful, Bold Cakes Inspired by Art and Math

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Following the success of her geometric treats, pastry chef Dinara Kasko continues to create artistic cakes rooted in mathematics. Using the skills she acquired while working as an architect, Kasko designs desserts that combine experimental sculpture with precise methods of construction.

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When he's not cooking them, Japanese chef and food artist Takehiro Kishimoto ( previously) is turning fruits and vegetables into intricately carved sculptures too beautiful to eat. Using sharp handheld blades, Kishimoto combines the centuries-old art of Thai fruit carving with the Japanese art of Mukimono to decorate apples, carrots, broccoli, and broad beans with geometric patterns and elaborate designs.

The precision easily could be mistaken for digital photo manipulation were it not for the process videos that Kishimoto shares on his Instagram, where he also writes that he hopes the Thai carving tradition will spread around the world. With more than 284,000 followers watching flowers bloom from stalks and carrots become interlocking chains, we'd say that his hopes already are coming true. To see more of the artist's handiwork, go ahead and hit that follow button.

Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member and support independent arts publishing. Join a community of like-minded readers who are passionate about contemporary art, apply for our annual grant, and get exclusive access to interviews, partner discounts, and event tickets.

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Intricate Patterns Hand-Carved into Fruit and Vegetables by Takehiro Kishimoto

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When he's not cooking them, Japanese chef and food artist Takehiro Kishimoto (previously) is turning fruits and vegetables into intricately carved sculptures too beautiful to eat. Using sharp handheld blades, Kishimoto combines the centuries-old art of Thai fruit carving with the Japanese art of Muk

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In 1971, Dutch filmmaker Han Van Gelder captured the artistic incredible process of M.C. Escher in the 20 minute documentary entitled "Adventures in Perception". The film, part-biography, part artist demonstration was created for The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Netherlands program "Living Art The Netherlands"

The first half of the film shows a lot of his work accompanied by a dissonant score by Felix Visser. About halfway through, we see shots of Escher at work, with narration offering biographical information sprinkled with quotes taken from Escher's own statements over the years.

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Artist M.C. Escher Demonstrates His Artistic Process in a Fascinating Documentary About His Life

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In 1971, Dutch filmmaker Han Van Gelder captured the artistic incredible process of M.C. Escher in the 20 minute documentary entitled "Adventures in Perception". The film, part-biography, part artist demonstration was created for The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Netherlands program "Living Art The Netherlands" The first half of the film shows a lot of his work accompanied by a dissonant score by Felix Visser.

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Watch Sunday Morning: In Florence a classic art technique is kept alive - Full show on CBS All Access

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At his Florentine studio Charles Cecil teaches the "sight-size" method of portraiture developed during the Renaissance, a technique he thinks would otherwise die off. Correspondent Seth Doane talks to students who are keeping it very much alive. Air Date: Feb 23, 2020

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Red is not only one of the primary colors, it's also one of the first colors used by artists-dating back to prehistory. Ranging from orange tinges to deep wine hues, throughout history the color red has held special significance for cultures around the world. The warm color is most commonly associated with love in Western culture and remains an attractive, vibrant color that immediately brings attention to itself.

In many cultures, red symbolizes joy and good fortune. In fact, in many Asian countries brides wear red as a symbol of fertility and luck. In Europe, red became equated with aristocrats and the clergy. Its association with the blood of Christ made it especially important for the Catholic church, so much so that the cardinal was named after the color that Roman Catholic cardinals traditionally wore.

Pervasive in art and textiles since ancient times, the color red is powerful and prestigious. Let's take a look at some of the most important shades of red in art and learn more about the fascinating history of the color red. And if you are looking to go in-depth, Red: The History of a Color is a comprehensive look at all things red.

Red Ochre
One of the oldest forms of red comes from clay given a red hue by the mineral hematite. In fact, evidence has been found that people in the Late Stone Age were grinding red ochre to paint their bodies. Red, along with white and black, was one of the only colors used by artists in the Paleolithic age because it was easily obtainable in nature. The prehistoric cave paintings in Altamira, Spain, which date between 15000 and 16500 BC are early examples of paintings with red ochre.
Red was also prominent in ancient China, with early examples of black and red pottery dating between 5000 and 3000 BC. Traces of red ochre were even found on a painter's palette inside the tomb of King Tut in Egypt.

Fun Fact: In ancient Egypt, red ochre was used as a cosmetic for women to color their lips and cheeks. During celebrations, people would color their bodies with the pigment. In Egyptian culture, red had associations with life, health, and victory. The pigment was also often used in wall paintings.

Cinnabar

This red ranges in hue from brilliant scarlet to deep brick and is named after the mineral from which it's made. This mercuric sulfide is highly toxic, but has been used since the time of the Egyptians. The brilliant color was favored by Ancient Romans, who used it extensively in decoration. Examples can still be seen in the wall art of Pompeii. In fact, cinnabar was so prized in Roman times that it cost more than Egyptian blue and red ochre from Africa. From the 12th century, cinnabar was also used extensively in carved Chinese lacquerware. In ancient times, vermilion pigments were made from cinnabar. This shouldn't be confused with later paints also called vermilion.

Fun fact: In Roman times, most cinnabar came from mines at Almadén in Spain. (Unfortunately, the workers were usually prisoners and slaves who were forced to work in the highly toxic environment.)

Vermilion

It's thought that the Chinese were the first to produce synthetic vermilion, perhaps as early as the 4th century BC. The resulting paint, which was brought to Europe by Arab alchemists, was used widely by Renaissance painters, particularly Titian who was known for his layering of the brilliant color. While the pigment is typically an orange-red, one known defect is that it tends to darken over time, becoming a dark purplish-brown. Vermilion remained the most popular red pigment through the 20th century, until its toxicity and expense caused most artists to switch to Cadmium red. In China, vermilion's importance has caused it to be known as " Chinese red." The color is thought to be symbolic of life and good fortune and was used to paint temples and the Emperor's carriage.

Fun fact: In Medieval times, synthetic vermilion was as costly as gold leaf. Thus it was used only for the most important aspects of illuminated manuscripts, while less costly red lead was used for red letters within the text.

Crimson

This strong red color, which leans toward purple, is made from the dried bodies of female kermes. These scale insects, which feed on the sap of evergreen oaks, were harvested commercially to produce dyes and paints. Crimson made out of kermes fell out of favor with the introduction of crimson lake-or carmine -which is produced by the cochineal. This was partly due to the fact that it took twelve times the amount of kermes to achieve the color intensity of the cochineal.

Fun fact: Crimson made from kermes is also called natural crimson to avoid confusing it with crimson lake-or carmine. Later, crimson was also made from Alizarin, the first synthetic red dye. Alizarin crimson paint was a favorite of Bob Ross and was used frequently on The Joy of Painting.

Carmine

As with all lake pigments, carmine is made from organic matter, as opposed to minerals used in colors like ultramarine or vermilion. Made from cochineal, tiny scale insects that live on cacti, the pigment made its way to Europe in the early 16th century when Spanish conquistadors noticed the brilliant reds used by the Aztecs. Carmine made a beautiful, deep crimson that was used by nearly all of the great 15th and 16th century painters. Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Velázquez are just some of the painters that used carmine to obtain a rich red hue. The pigment must be used carefully, however, as it can change color when exposed to light.

Fun fact: Cochineal insects were a valuable European import in the 16th century, coming in third after gold and silver. Used both in paints and dyes, the resulting color was a symbol of wealth. Many European aristocrats would wear clothing dyed with cochineal, as it produced a red much stronger than the kermes varieties already available in Europe.

Red Lead (Minium)

Red lead, or minium, is another highly toxic material that may have first been manufactured by the Chinese during the Han dynasty. In fact, it's considered one of the first synthetic pigments, as it's made by roasting white lead pigment. The longer the white lead was roasted, the more orange-red it would become. Less expensive than pigment made from cinnabar, it was widely used in Medieval manuscripts, as well as Persian and Indian miniature painting.

Vincent van Gogh was known to be a fan of red lead, which he used extensively in his artwork. Unfortunately, minium whitens over time with exposure to light, causing the red in his paintings to fade.

Fun fact: The word "miniature" is derived from minium, as the artisans who worked on Medieval manuscripts were known as miniators.

Cadmium Red

Cadmium red came into favor in the 20th century, becoming commercially available in 1910. The color of natural vermilion, cadmium red is known for its color-fastness. Henri Matisse a particular fan of the brilliantly colored pigment, and was the first prominent painter to use it in his artwork. Though the levels of cadmium sulfide in the pigment are not very toxic, in 2014 the European Union threatened a potential cadmium ban over concerns that it could pollute the water supply when artists cleaned their brushes. Luckily, further research proved that these fears were unfounded and cadmium red continues to remain a beloved member of many artists' palettes.

Fun fact: Matisse tried, unsuccessfully, to convince Renoir to use cadmium red. Though they were close friends, Renoir quickly switched back to his previous pigment after giving it one try.

Chinese Red

A variety of red tones have been revered in fashion throughout history, but designer Christian Louboutin made one specific shade his color of choice- Chinese Red (not to be confused with vermilion which is also sometimes referred to as Chinese red). In 1992, he unveiled his red-bottomed shoes, which quickly became his brand's signature style. This very specific color ( Pantone 18-1663 TPX) became synonymous with the brand and led Louboutin to trademark his red soles in several countries. Now, the designer's red-bottomed shoes are seen as a sign of luxury and elegance, often worn by fashion elite and celebrities at highly publicized events. More than merely a color, it has become a symbol of wealth and style.

Fun fact: Louboutin's signature red soles came about by accident. While working on a prototype, he felt it was missing something. That's when he noticed an assistant painting her nails red and decided to coat the black sole of the shoes red as well.

Related Articles:
The History of the Color Blue: From Ancient Egypt to the Latest Scientific Discoveries Curious About Color Mixing? Here Are the Basics You Need to Know 13 Best Watercolor Paint Sets Both Beginners and Professional Artists Will Love Japanese Designers Create Nameless Paints to Revolutionize How Children Learn about Colors

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The History of the Color Red: From Ancient Paintings to Louboutin Shoes

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Red is not only one of the primary colors, it's also one of the first colors used by artists-dating back to prehistory. Ranging from orange tinges to deep wine hues, throughout history the color red has held special significance for cultures around the world.

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One of the hazards of transcribing historical documents is that you never know when you might suddenly find yourself in the middle of a battle.

"I was typing these notes about what seemed like a routine day [on an aircraft carrier]," says Colleen Crook, a retired teacher. "But then the Japanese attacked ... and there was a strafing incident and people died and it was very dramatic."

Ms. Crook, who lives in Columbus, Ohio, is a volunteer with the US National Archives. Programs like the one she's part of can be found at libraries, archives, and other institutions across the United States, as groups push to digitize documents so they can be available to the public online. The keyboard work of these "citizen archivists" helps organizations complete projects that otherwise would not have been possible - and in return brings people closer to history.

"Having a group of people work on it for you and create something that is useful and good for scholars is immeasurable," says Mario Einaudi, Kemble Digital Projects Librarian at the Huntington Library in San Marino, Calif.

To prepare volunteers for the work, organizations host trainings and workshops, even "transcription parties." Those who want to get right to it can visit websites like that of the National Archives or the Smithsonian's Transcription Center for digital volunteers. Online training prepares volunteers (there are already 10,748 of them on the Smithsonian site) to work on projects such as transcribing the field notes of an Irish naturalist who liked bees, or the receipts of an ivory trader.

The purpose, the site explains to would-be typists, is to "make our collections more accessible and useful to curators, researchers, and anyone with a curious spirit. Because computers have a hard time understanding handwriting, many of our collections still hold many secrets and hidden knowledge inside their pages. With your help, we can bring that knowledge to life."

Projects throughout the country are benefitting from that spirit. Thanks to more than 5,000 volunteers, it only took a year and a half to transcribe telegrams and ledgers for the Decoding the Civil War project - launched in 2016 - that Mr. Einaudi is in charge of at the Huntington Library. "In terms of time and staff labor, we could have transcribed everything, but I estimate that it would have taken us four to five years," he says.

This was the first time the library had crowdsourced a major project. "That was totally new territory for us," he says.

Elsewhere, volunteers like Amber Oldenburg say that the activity transports her to not only a time but a place she might otherwise never experience. "I guess I like getting into records that I maybe would not have exposure to," she says. "When I'm looking at a Mexican baptismal record, I don't usually see those on a daily basis."

Ms. Oldenburg - who is studying family history research at Brigham Young University-Idahoand also conducts historical research for clients - has done most of her volunteer work through The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. One historical record she transcribed that stuck with her was a list of slaves in Louisiana. "You see the master's name, and then all you see - it was just so heartbreaking. You just see these, just, checkmarks. 'Ten-year-old mulatto boy' - you know, no names, nothing," Oldenburg says.

The current popularity of looking into a family's past can sometimes motivate her to do one more record, hoping that it will help someone trying to connect the twigs on a family tree. "I think it really does give me more incentive to say, rather than searching Facebook right now, I can be indexing this," Oldenburg says. "I could be using my time more wisely."

But can amateurs really do what those trained professionally can? Patricia Delara, an assistant archivist at the GLBT Historical Society in San Francisco and a processing archivist for the Archdiocese of San Francisco, says that transcribing is just a small part of the job. Her duties also include processing collections and helping patrons and researchers, among various other tasks.

"I'm all for getting the public in and working together for the archives and ... bring[ing records] out there, making it accessible...," she says. "But I think there should be a different way to [refer to] these volunteers, because in a way, having a different name other than 'citizen archivist' would also help put more into detail what the archives profession actually is."

One area that the public, including younger helpers, struggles with is being less familiar with cursive writing. "It's one of the most amazing things that I have seen as a librarian and as an archivist, is the fact that we have a younger generation that cannot read handwriting," says Einaudi, whose project offers a primer on historic cursive.

Despite that difficulty, staff at the Huntington Library are already anticipating tapping volunteers again. "As a result of this, a number of our curators here are extremely excited about the possibility of continuing this and doing new projects with crowdsourcing of material," Einaudi explains.

When Crook, the volunteer from Ohio, thinks about those whom her work could help, she envisions her transcriptions aiding people who are attempting to find out more about their family tree.

"In terms of other research, I don't know," Crook says. "I hope it's of value. But if not, it's still interesting to me."

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Wanted: Volunteers who like history ... and can read cursive

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One of the hazards of transcribing historical documents is that you never know when you might suddenly find yourself in the middle of a battle. "I was typing these notes about what seemed like a routine day [on an aircraft carrier]," says Colleen Crook, a retired teacher. "But then the Japanese attacked ...

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Van Gough never got to enjoy his own historic success as an artist ( even though we've been able to imagine what that moment might have looked like). But it turns out that those of us who have appreciated his work have been missing out on some critical details for more than 100 years.

I'm not easily impressed, OK?

I know Van Gogh was a genius. If the point of this were "Van Gogh was a mad genius," I would not be sharing this with you.

But I found this and I thought, "Oh, what a vaguely interesting thing." And then I got to the part about the Hubble Space Telescope, and, let me tell you: Mind. Blown.

We've got the set up here, but you have to watch the video for the full effect. It's all the way at the bottom.

Get this: Van Gogh was a pretty cool artist (duh), but as it turns out...

...he was also A SCIENTIST!*

Here's the story.

While Van Gogh was in an asylum in France, after he mutilated his ear during a psychotic episode*...

...he was able to capture one of science's most elusive concepts:

Although it's hard to understand with math (like, REALLY HARD), it turns out that art makes it easy to depict how it LOOKS.
~~~TURBULENCE~~~
So what is turbulence?

Turbulence, or turbulent flow, is a concept of fluid dynamics where fluid movements are "self-similar" when there's an energy cascade - so basically, big eddies make smaller eddies, and those make even smaller ones ... and so on and so forth.

It looks like this:

See? It's easier to look at pictures to understand it.

Thing is, scientists are pretty much * just* starting to figure this stuff out.

Then you've got Van Gogh, 100 years earlier, in his asylum, with a mutilated ear, who totally nailed it!

The folks who noticed Van Gogh's ability to capture turbulence checked to see whether other artists did the same. Most impressionists achieved " luminance" with their art (which is the sort-of *pulsing* you see when you look at their paintings that really shows what light looks like).

But did other artists depict turbulence the way Van Gogh did?

NOPE.

Not even "The Scream" could hold a candle to Van Gogh!

Even in his darkest time, Van Gogh was able to capture - eerily accurately - one of nature's most complex and confusing concepts ... 100 years before scientists had the technology to observe actual star turbulence and realize its similarity to fluid turbulence mathematics as well as Van Gogh's swirling sky.

Cool, huh?

Watch the video below to learn even more:

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In 125 years, millions of people have looked at this painting. No one really saw it until recently.

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Van Gough never got to enjoy his own historic success as an artist (even though we've been able to imagine what that moment might have looked like). But it turns out that those of us who have appreciated his work have been missing out on some critical details for more than 100 years.I'm not easily i...

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Fractions

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Let's Learn Fractions! | Understanding Math for Children | Kids Learning Videos

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High School Algebra - MathHelp.com - 1000+ Online Math Lessons

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Division

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Social Studies Lessons

This historical atlas of the United States combines cutting-edge research with innovative interactive mapping techniques.

This resource challenges traditional ways of learning about the past by exploring the diverse social and cultural histories of the United States. The site also offers professional development seminars for teachers.

Focused on high school students, the Big History Project is a joint effort between teachers, scholars, scientists, and their supporters to bring a multi-disciplinary approach to knowledge.

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This fantastic YouTube channel provides an engaging glimpse into some of the most notable events and developments in history. With sequences of videos on the World Wars, the history of science, U.S. History, and more, it's a great first introduction or review.

The creators of Crash Course have also created a second channel geared towards younger students. This biweekly show is meant for elementary school kids and covers topics ranging from Earth science to chemical reactions.

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Need a list of some great history websites? EdTechTeacher has done the hard work and compiled them all for you!

A nonprofit organization that has developed an array of programs for schools, teachers, and students that now operate in all fifty states, including a website that features more than 60,000 unique historical documents.

At its heart, America is an idea. What keeps this idea vibrant? The Idea of America is a digital U.S. history program that presents our nation's rich history through an original framework that views America as an enduring "Great Debate."

A free inquiry-based distance learning curriculum created by inquirED. The 20-minute social studies lessons can be done at home and address questions like How can I capture where I am in time and place?, How can we communicate with others to share our thoughts and ideas?, and How can we celebrate our everyday heroes?. New inquiries are being released weekly.

It's hard to beat the National Library of Congress. It's one of the best social studies websites and even features an entire portal just for teachers.

Use the online tool to access countless primary source documents to enhance learning. Find lesson plans and more on the Educator Resources page.

This colorful site contains lessons that meet national and state standards as well as STEM and College and Career Readiness goals. They've even got lessons on coronaviruses!

Developed by the National Museum of American History, Smithsonian's History Explorer is designed for K-12 teachers and students and offers hundreds of free, innovative online resources for teaching and learning American history.

The Reading Like a Historian curriculum promotes historical inquiry while engaging students. The lessons are designed to explore a central historical question and include a set of primary documents for students of various reading skills.

It's easy to see why we've included this on our list of the best social studies websites. Studies Weekly Online allows you to create a customized, standards-based curriculum for social studies and offers a free trial.

TCI offers the full package! You'll find resources to help you better prepare, present, assign, grade, and teach-even through distance learning!

The Ashbrook Center at Ashland University worked with the National Endowment for the Humanities to develop web-based lesson plans for U.S. history and American government teachers.

This site is designed to help K-12 history teachers access resources and materials to improve U.S. history education in the classroom and through distance learning.

Teaching Tolerance is dedicated to reducing prejudice, improving intergroup relations, and supporting equitable school experiences for our nation's children. There is even a special module specifically designed for the racism surrounding the coronavirus pandemic.

This interactive site is designed for 3-6 grade students and includes lessons on geography, environment, U.S. history, and U.S. government.

On this site, you will find scholarly articles offering critical analyses of significant speeches, curriculum units designed for undergraduate teachers and students, lesson plans for high school and middle school teachers, and a blog with brief commentaries on speeches and pedagogical issues.

A portal to world history websites including Women in World History, World History Sources, and more.

This infinitely adaptable, free standards-aligned world history course for high school students connects to the past to the present, with an eye to the future.

Museum Tours

Enjoy virtual visits to the galleries, go behind the scenes, and engage with art from anywhere with our virtual events, videos, and themed audio tours.

Explore three floors of the Boston Children's Museum on this virtual tour which includes fun stops at the Explore-a-Saurus and Japanese House exhibits.

Located in the heart of London, students can explore this iconic museum with exhibits dedicated to everything from Egyptian mummies to the Rosetta Stone and Egyptian mummies.

Explore the " At Home With DIA " museum experience at the Detroit Institute of Arts that offers virtual field trips, online exhibits, weekly film screenings, and more.

This is definitely one of the best social studies websites around! Use Google's Street View feature to tour the world-famous Guggenheim museum, including works of art and the breathtaking spiral staircase.

The Street View tour of this California museum gives students access to European artworks that date back as far as the 8th Century.

Travel to Paris might be out of the question right now, but students can virtually walk through this gallery which includes works from Monet, Cézanne, Gauguin, and more.

Scope out two incredible online exhibits through Google: one dedicated to American fashion and another featuring a collection of works from Dutch Baroque painter Johannes Vermeer.

Dig into the archaeology and history of Mexico's pre-Hispanic heritage with a virtual tour of 23 exhibit rooms, including artifacts from the Mayan civilization.

South Korea might be on the other side of the Pacific, but you can still visit one of the country's most popular museums through this extensive virtual tour of Contemporary art from Korea and more.

This historical museum in Germany provides a virtual glimpse of ancient artifacts, including the Ishtar Gate of Babylon and the Pergamon Altar.

Explore the masterworks from the Dutch Golden Age, including works from Vermeer and Rembrandt. Google offers a Street View tour of this iconic museum, so you can feel as if you're actually wandering its halls.

Vincent Van Gogh is one of the most iconic painters of all time, and this virtual tour allows visitors to marvel at the largest collection of his artwork.

Virtual Field Trips

Go beyond the classroom walls and explore some of the world's most iconic destinations-no permission slips required.

Explore a variety of remote learning opportunities for students, including virtual field trips (Elkhorn Slough), science challenges, walkabouts, and more. The site also offers a teacher resource library.

Embark on a virtual field trip that covers three main components: coastal wetlands, algae, and lake sturgeon. The videos are short and targeted at middle schoolers.

Even through a virtual tour on a tiny screen, students will be dazzled by the magnificence and wonder of this thousands-year-old fortification system.

There's so much to see at this iconic New York museum-even on a virtual tour. From couture ball gowns to a history of music, students will be captivated by the 26 online galleries.

These wonderful virtual field trips allow students to explore a coastal rain forest or the coral reefs in the Dominican Republic, and so much more.

Check out the fantastic behind-the-scenes videos and stories. Then, be sure to check out the great list of activities and downloadables.

The Seattle Aquarium hosts a 30-minute virtual field trip. Students can learn about the animals and the food web that can be found in the Puget Sound waters.

This incredibly cool and responsive website allows students to explore more than 60,000 stars, watch sunrises, search for planets, and more!

These self-guided virtual tours give students an up-close look at permanent, current, and past exhibits.

This site details the Census Bureau's plans used to engage, educate, and ultimately count an increasingly diverse and growing population.

Perfect for K-8 social studies students, this site includes curriculum content, online learning videos, and quizzes along with a list of the corresponding national and state Standards.

The best way to experience Yellowstone is to visit. The second best way is to explore the cool interactive maps and, of course, the live stream of the Old Faithful Geyser eruptions.

Social Studies Games and Simulations

Dive into engaging civics and law-related education programs. Students of all grade levels can learn more about the values and skills essential to being a responsible citizen.

Choose articles based on reading level, so you can use these articles for various ages and skillsets. Schools and districts closed due to the outbreak can request free unlimited access to Kids Discover Online.

This free, core academic website delivers videos, animations, and simulations for middle-school and high-school students.

This pick for best social studies websites allows students to "watch episodes, play games, and sing along to your favorite Horrible Histories songs!"

iCivics provides tools to help students learn about civic life. Teachers and students can access printable lesson plans, interactive digital tools, and award-winning games.

Established by Congress, this interactive website provides free online resources for remote students of all ages who are learning more about the Constitution.

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Best Social Studies Websites for Kids & Teens

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These are the best social studies websites to help teachers and kids learn about social studies or better teach it, chosen by teachers.

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History for kids - Free history network for kids

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Learn about the ancient Egyptian civilization and what they did in their daily lives. Many things like metal work, paper making and amazing architecture all came from the Egyptians.

When where the Pyramids built check here
View All History of Egypt

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History for kids Welcome to History for Kids the free online history network. We hope you enjoy and have fun exploring our history. The website is packed with articles, worksheets and even a quiz on each section.

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Van Goghs brieven belicht - Van Gogh Museum

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Ontdek de mooiste brieven Vincent van Gogh en highlight je favoriete quotes. Of beluister de podcast en bekijk de collectie

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Canva.com

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Sew your wardrobe's way onto the A-List of fashion in Design & Sew an A-Line Skirt with Deborah Moebes. An accomplished author, Deborah guides you through designing an A-Line skirt tailored to your exact measurements and sewing your garment in a style that equally suits you. You'll gain an understanding of ease, dart design and pocket creation, while learning techniques to create skirt volume and support. You'll also want to take plenty of video notes in this information-rich course as Deborah shows you multiple variations on this classic look.

Don't walk the line of skirt patterning; create your own by enrolling today in Design & Sew an A-Line Skirt!

What You'll Learn:

* Pattern drafting, including dart design, to perfectly tailor your measurements

* Skirt construction from hems and seams to facing, interfacing, bias tape and invisible zippers

* Taking accurate measurements

* Slash and spread for additional skirt flow

* How to add waist support, pockets and unique embellishments

What You'll Make:

* A custom A-Line skirt with an invisible zipper

* An A-Line skirt pattern that you can use again and again

* Hand-sewn pockets that are lined, unlined, inseam, patch- or muffin-shaped

2. Tools & Materials

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Design & Sew an A-Line Skirt Sewing Class | Bluprint

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Sew your wardrobe's way onto the A-List of fashion in Design & Sew an A-Line Skirt with Deborah Moebes. An accomplished author, Deborah guides you through designing an A-Line skirt tailored to your exact measurements and sewing your garment in a style that equally suits you.

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Harness the curiosity and creativity of your middle and high school students with a supercharged social studies curriculum that gets beyond facts. Big History Project is a free, online social studies course that emphasizes skill development as students draw mind-blowing connections between past, present and future. What can you expect to see? Amazing gains in student writing and critical thinking.

BHP delivers a big picture look at the world, and helps students develop a framework to organize what they're learning both in and out of school. After they leave your class, students will have a better understanding of how we got here, where we're going, and how they fit in. It's a place that was 13.8 billion years in the making.

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Harness the curiosity and creativity of your middle and high school students with a supercharged social studies curriculum that gets beyond facts. Big History Project is a free, online social studies course that emphasizes skill development as students draw mind-blowing connections between past, present and future. What can you expect to see?

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Want to make a cake, but don't have much time or many ingredients in the house? Try water cake: this is a lite, simple dessert that doesn't call for eggs or butter. It's good for kids because it isn't super-high in calories, and there are many variations. For example, you can replace the water with orange or lemon juice, or you can add chocolate chips. Water cake is also perfect if you're feeding vegans, because it contains no animal-products. Here's how it's done.

Ingredients for water cake

12 oz water (or orange juice for more flavor), 3 ½ cups Italian type 00 flour, 1 1/4 cup sugar, 2.8 oz sunflower seed oil, Grated zest of 1 lemon (or the beans from a vanilla pod), 2 tsp. baking powder

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Sift the flour and baking powder together into a large bowl. Then add the sugar and lemon zest. In a separate bowl, combine the oil and water and mix well. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the water and oil, and mix it all. When the oven is hot, pour the mixture into a greased cake pan and bake for about 45 minutes. Always test the cake with a toothpick in the center before removing it from the oven. If you like, you can dust the cake with powdered sugar.

Water cake is a lite and delicate dessert because it contains no eggs or butter. Be sure to sift the flour and baking powder together thoroughly, as this is the base for the batter and they must be evenly combined.

Vanilla is not essential but adds a sweet touch to water cake. Slice the vanilla pod down the side and use a small knife to scrape out the seeds.

Some people add lemon zest to the cake, but others prefer to add both juice (in place of the water) and zest.

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Water Cake: No Eggs, No Milk, No Butter, No Problem

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Want to make a cake, but don't have much time or many ingredients in the house? Try water cake: this is a lite, simple dessert that doesn't call for eggs or butter. It's good for kids because it isn't super-high in calories, and there are many variations.

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Video lessons made in partnership with the National Science Teachers Association that engage, educate & inspire kids in science. Generation Genius videos are 12-minutes long and include lesson plans, teacher guides, DIY activities and stopping points for class discussion.

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Use our library of Second Grade Science Books to help your child find a book they will love. We offer over 1,000 free childrens books for readers from preschool to third grade.

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The SAG-AFTRA Foundation's Daytime Emmy-nominated, Storyline Online, features celebrated actors reading children's books to inspire a love of reading in millions of children worldwide.

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Social Media

It's not just pretty pictures (although we have plenty of those!). Join the conversation and connect with a national park anytime on social media. Share stories, photos, trip ideas, park experiences, and more with park staff and fellow park enthusiasts. Take a virtual tour, talk to a ranger, or participate in a live presentation. Use #FindYourVirtualPark or #FindYourPark / #EncuentraTuParque.

Many parks and programs have their own accounts to follow and don't forget to follow the national NPS accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Flickr, and YouTube.

Facebook: Receive updates, news releases, photos, videos, events, and live streams from parks and NPS programs.

Instagram: Get your daily inspiration of photos, videos, and live stories from parks around the country.

Twitter: Receive park updates, news releases, photos, and videos from @NatlParkService.

Flickr: Discover high-quality, full-resolution public domain images.

YouTube: Explore videos about wildlife, history, events, trip planning, and more.

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Find Your "Virtual" Park - NPS Celebrates! (U.S. National Park Service)

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It's not just pretty pictures (although we have plenty of those!). Join the conversation and connect with a national park anytime on social media. Share stories, photos, trip ideas, park experiences, and more with park staff and fellow park enthusiasts. Take a virtual tour, talk to a ranger, or participate in a live presentation.

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You Belong Here

The Jewish Community Center has been a big part of Omaha for more than eight decades! We opened our doors in 1926 and still, today continue to serve everyone in the community with our state-of-the-art facilities, outstanding programs, and dedicated staff. We've been here in the past, we're here today and we'll be here tomorrow.

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Virtual J - The Jewish Community Center of Omaha

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Our doors may be shut for the time being, but we want you to know that we are still working for you. We are committed to providing our members with new opportunities and resources as we navigate these unprecedented circumstances together.

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AP art upload

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Search 500,000+ designs on the first and largest indie design marketplace in the world

Choose from a broad selection of quality, eco-conscious fabrics and papers

Enjoy $5 swatch samples, no minimum orders and international shipping

Get help from the strongest customer service team and customer community in the market

Shop Now

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Spoonflower: Shop, design custom fabric, wallpaper & gift wrap

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Search 500,000+ designs on the first and largest indie design marketplace in the world Choose from a broad selection of quality, eco-conscious fabrics and papers Enjoy $5 swatch samples, no minimum orders and international shipping Get help from the strongest customer service team and customer community in the market Shop Now

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OpenDyslexic is a typeface designed against some common symptoms of dyslexia. If you like the way you are able to read this page, and others, then this typeface is for you!

OpenDyslexic is free to use: The newest version of OpenDyslexic now uses the SIL-OFL license, giving you freedom to use it for personal use, business use, education, commercial, books, ebook readers, applications, websites, and any other project or purpose you need.

OpenDyslexic is not supposed to be a cure, a complete solution, or something you should apply uniformly to everyone: it was intended to address: contrast/blindness, letter confusion or rotation, and crowding.

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OpenDyslexic is a typeface designed against some common symptoms of dyslexia. If you like the way you are able to read this page, and others, then this typeface is for you!

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Jumbo Minds | Sharing the Love of Science

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Spark a love of science in the next generation! Welcome to Jumbo Minds, where we are passionate about science! Put simply - Science Rocks! Research shows that humans are best equipped to learn language from birth through age seven, during children's explosive brain growth period.

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Audiobooks can provide a wealth of support for readers of all ages. Very simply, audiobooks are readings of books that are recorded and shared via CD, MP3 file, iTunes, Google Play Store, or just about anywhere files can be shared.

When I was young, audiobooks were "books on tape," shared via a cassette tape. However, those "books on tape" are a fading, distant memory, replaced now by media that jives more smoothly with our 21st century, digital lifestyles.

Audiobooks are cool in that they allow people to hear fluent reading and - especially for growing readers - listen to what reading should sound like. These are keys to future reading successes. When children listen to audiobooks, they hear firsthand the proper pacing and intonations of reading, how punctuation should sound, and how reading should sound. Ideally, they will transfer that knowledge to their own reading, both independent and aloud.

Using audiobooks in conjunction with actual hard copies of books allows kids to follow the words on the page with their eyes as they listen to the words being read. The shared visual and audio reading experience provides extra support for readers: They learn to pronounce new words, hear fluent reading, and get to enjoy a new story. It's a win-win!

Here are four sites where you can access free audiobooks to use alone or in conjunction with hard copies. Many of these sites share audio versions of books that are already in the public domain.
Want even more book and reading ideas? Sign up for our Scholastic Parents newsletter.
1. StoryNory: This site offers free audio downloads of classic fairy tales, world fairy tales, fables, 1001 Nights, and more.

2. Lit2Go: What I love about this site is that it's not only packed with hundreds of free audiobooks, but many of the books and poems have free PDFs to download and print so that children can read along, highlight, and mark up the passage being read.

Note: Be aware of your country's copyright laws before you download and/or share an eBook or audiobook!
3. Project Gutenberg: There are more than 50,000 free ebooks, but not all of them are audiobooks. The books are shared freely here because their copyrights have expired.

4. International Children's Digital Library: "A library for the world's children," this site contains thousands of books in more than 60 languages. So cool. Though there aren't many hard copies I could link to, perhaps some families have the books at home or would just like hearing books read in a foreign language.

MORE: Why Audiobooks are Great for Kids

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Free Audiobooks and Why You Should Try Them

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Audiobooks can provide a wealth of support for readers of all ages. Very simply, audiobooks are readings of books that are recorded and shared via CD, MP3 file, iTunes, Google Play Store, or just about anywhere files can be shared. When I was young, audiobooks were "books on tape," shared via a cassette tape.

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1. Preheat the oven to 375. Spray a bread loaf pan with nonstick spray.

2. Lightly beat the eggs and set aside 1 tablespoon of the oats.

3. Combine the raisins and water in a small saucepan and simmer over medium heat for 3 minutes, or until the raisins are plump. Remove from the heat and stir in the butter until melted. Set mixture aside to cool.

4. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, sugar and salt. Add the oats (except the reserved tablespoon) and stir together.

5. Whisk the eggs into the cooled raisin mixture. Stir the raisin mixture into the dry ingredients and stir about 10 times or until moistened.

6. Pour into the loaf pan and sprinkle with the reserved tablespoon of oats. Bake for 45 - 55 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. Cool in pan for 10 minutes before removing.

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1. Preheat the oven to 375. Spray a bread loaf pan with nonstick spray. 2. Lightly beat the eggs and set aside 1 tablespoon of the oats. 3. Combine the raisins and water in a small saucepan and simmer over medium heat for 3 minutes, or until the raisins are plump.

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INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 350. In small bowl combine flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside. In large bowl beat butter, sugar, brown sugar and vanilla until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Add chips (if desired) Spread evenly into well greased 15 x 10 x 1 baking pan (approximate size of pan) Bake 350 35 - 40 min. Cool in pan on rack. When completely cool cut into pieces. == Courtesy of Dale & Gail Shipp, Columbia Md. === Converted by MMCONV vers. 1.50

NOTES

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Preheat oven to 350. In small bowl combine flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside. In large bowl beat butter, sugar, brown sugar and vanilla until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time. Gradually beat in flour mixture.

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( Unofficial 非官方 )

Reusable DIY Cloth Mask with Disposable Middle Layer Filter
為可更換濾芯從而重複使用的自製口罩.

+

Kitchen Towel Paper

=

N70

Statement 嚴正聲明：

This website, diymask.site, aims at unofficial manual of HK Mask.
This website does NOT endorse / parter any mask manufacturer/ reseller/ distributor to sell any masks.
此網站設立目的為HK Mask非官方說明書。
此網站並 沒有 與任何口罩廠合作/作出認可，從而銷售任何口罩。

About HKMask 有關HKMask

HK Mask is a reusable cloth mask with a disposable middle layer filter. It was invented by Dr. K. Kwong during the outbreak of COVID-19 in early 2020.

The design of HK Mask is referred by that of 3-layer surgical mask in the market. The HK Mask is composited with a disposable middle layer filter which is sandwiched by a cloth mask as the outer and inner layers. There are a number of material chosen for the middle layer filter ranging from Kitchen Towel Paper to Nanofilter.

The filtration efficiency of a piece of kitchen towel paper is close to that of N70. The mask can be safely used after replacing a new middle layer filter to a cleaning and sterilizing the inner and outer layer cloth

HK Mask 為可更換中層濾芯及可重複使用的自製口罩，於2020年初新型冠狀病毒肆虐香港期間，由鄺士山博士（Dr. K. Kwong）主導研發。

HK Mask的設計參照外科口罩的原理，主體由內中外三層組成，內、外層棉布套需要每天清洗熨燙，中層是阻隔飛沫的一次性濾芯（濾布）。經消毒後的內、外層棉布套，更換中層濾布後即可安全重用。

不同物料簡單如厚面紙，廚房紙，以至高科技納米濾芯，有不同的過濾成效。一張廚房紙可達到接近N70的過濾效果。

I am Dr. K. Kwong, a scientist, an inventor and a KOL in HK, the creator of HK MASK, the Do It Yourself solution to save you!!!

Since the infection explosion of COVID-19 in China, we Hong Kong people, did the best to slow down the spreading of COVID-19 in Hong Kong. These actions are promoted by experts in medical fields and many many others (except Government officials). I am one of the KOL participated in the movement.

I hope the following measures (which are using in Hong Kong now) can help your motherland:

If you don't have MASK, you can do it yourself with a DIY solution:

HK MASK (basically a filter holder+a filter).

The FILTER can be two pieces of pocket tissue paper or one piece of kitchen tissue paper.
The mask can be made of any fabrics, but the thinner the better.

About Filter 有關濾芯

Basic Knowledge of 3-layer Surgical Mask and how it protects you:

After proper testing, two pieces of Tissue papers from Tempo and a piece of kitchen towel paper can achieve respectively 69.6% and 73.7% filtration efficiency at 0.3 micron (the higher is better).
i.e. Two pieces of tissue papers and a piece of kitchen towel paper ~ N70.

With the reasonable low pressure drop, 2 pieces of Tissues Papers and 1 piece of kitchen towel paper can be used in the DIY Mask.

Pattern Download 紙樣下載

Tutorial 製作教學

Step-by-step Tutorial:

Download the DIY Manual in Different Languages:

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

Clean and disinfect before use.

Manual 使用教學

How to wear HK Mask 佩戴方法

Download the Wearing Manual in Different Languages:

1

Open the mask cover, place the filter from the top. The furry side faces inside.
打開口罩套開口，從頂部放置中層濾芯。毛茸茸的絨面向內。

2

Close the mask cover, ensure the filter sticks out of the upper cover and the bottom corners.
關閉口罩套開口，確保中層濾芯從上方和下方的角位伸出。

3

The side with wire faces up, place the ear loops around ears.
帶有鐵線的一面向上，將耳繩掛在耳朵兩側

4

Place the ties around your head and secure with a knot. First tie the collar, then tied back of head.
將線打結於頭後位置。先綁後頸若領位，然後係後尾枕的位置。

5

Mold or pinch the wire to the shape of your nose
將鐵線沿著鼻樑按壓以緊貼鼻形

How To Clean and Sanitize
如何清潔和消毒口罩套

1. Wash with water and soap the fabric mask
以肥皂水沖洗口罩套

2. Air dry, then iron for sanitization the fabric mask.
晾乾，然後用熨斗消毒口罩套外、內面。

Usage Limitation
使用時間

The use time is the same as the general disposable surgical masks.
中層濾芯的使用時間與一般一次性外科手術口罩相同。

Users are recommended to replace the filter once when use it once every four hours. And the mask cover should also be sanitized and cleaned as instructed above.
建議用家每四小時更換中層濾芯，並如上述清潔和消毒口罩套外、內面。

The filter is NOT reusable! 中層濾芯不可重用

Since the filter is processed by special procedures, it cannot be reused after being heated and sterilized. It should not be treated with other chemicals.

由於中層濾芯是經過特殊程序處理的，因此，即使對中層濾芯進行高溫加熱後無法再次使用。中層濾芯亦不應使用其他化學品處理。

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Kitchen Towel Paper = N70 Statement 嚴正聲明： This website, diymask.site, aims at unofficial manual of HK Mask. This website does NOT endorse / parter any mask manufacturer/ reseller/ distributor to sell any masks. 此網站設立目的為HK Mask非官方說明書。 此網站並 沒有 與任何口罩廠合作/作出認可，從而銷售任何口罩。 HK Mask is a reusable cloth mask with a disposable middle layer filter.

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Distance learning ceramics sculpture and 3/d files

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"The Struggle Is Real"
It is part of life- 5 points
Other people struggle- 5 points
Art about struggle- 5 points
Art Analysis- 20 points

Struggle Artwork
Project proposal- 5 points
Process Points- 4 points
Struggle Artwork- 20 points

Summative Assessment:
Final Reflection- 15 points
Total Points: 79 points

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"The Struggle Is Real" It is part of life- 5 pointsOther people struggle- 5 pointsArt about struggle- 5 pointsArt Analysis- 20 points Struggle Artwork Project proposal- 5 pointsProcess Points- 4 pointsStruggle Artwork- 20 points Summative Assessment: Final Reflection- 15 points Total Points: 79 points

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We express ourselves in different ways. On Flip, you can use our simple and fun built-in camera to record your thoughts, add effects and share within your Flip group as video, audio only or text in your web browser or mobile app.

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Flip is a video discussion and sharing app, free from Microsoft.

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Flip (formerly Flipgrid) is a video discussion and video sharing app, free from Microsoft, built for classrooms and beyond. Learn more.

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Geology and old Salem

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Old Salem Exploratorium Episode 1: Geology, Pottery and Place!

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Surface investigation

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Learning photography

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K. Crom Saunders is an Associate Professor in the ASL Department at Colombia College Chicago where he teaches a number of ASL Linguistics, Deaf Studies and Interpreting courses. Saunders began working at Columbia in the Fall of 2009. He holds an MA degree in Creative Writing from California State University, Sacramento (2002). He earned his BA in English from California State University, Northridge (1996). Saunders is actively developing a body of research based on the representation of Deaf people in the media and how this ties in with the history and current development of ASL and Deaf culture.

Prior to joining the ASL Department at Columbia, Saunders taught a variety of ASL and ASL-English Interpretation courses at the University of Pittsburgh (2007-2009) and at the University of San Francisco (2007). Since joining Columbia College Chicago, he has helped to further develop the curriculum in the ASL Department and ASL-English Interpretation BA Program so students have a stronger foundation for not only their capstone courses, but also their careers as interpreters. Saunders also co-developed the foundation of the Deaf Studies BA Program and currently is the Director of the Deaf Studies BA Program.

Courses: Foundations of American Sign Language, Intermediate American Sign Language

I took ASL 101 through Columbia Online and it was an absolutely incredible experience. As someone who was living in Minnesota, the online course provided me access to the great faculty and wealth of information that I would not have been able to access otherwise.
- Mariam E., Columbia Online Student

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Learn American Sign Language with Columbia Online

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K. Crom Saunders is an Associate Professor in the ASL Department at Colombia College Chicago where he teaches a number of ASL Linguistics, Deaf Studies and Interpreting courses. Saunders began working at Columbia in the Fall of 2009. He holds an MA degree in Creative Writing from California State University, Sacramento (2002).

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How to capture adventures.
And make incredible images.

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How to capture adventures. And make incredible images. Success! We have sent e-book to your email Sorry Looks like you're subscribed already Error This is sad. Looks like you've earlier unsubscribed from Skylum emails. Please resubscribe here.

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eMathInstruction was created on the simple premise that traditional textbooks are no longer the future of math education. Our system of electronic curricula, videos, and printed workbooks are scaffolded to foster deep understanding and develop mathematical skills. We encourage students to keep thinking and solving problems.

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eMathInstruction was created on the simple premise that traditional textbooks are no longer the future of math education. Our system of electronic curricula, videos, and printed workbooks are scaffolded to foster deep understanding and develop mathematical skills. We encourage students to keep thinking and solving problems. Easy to follow... great pacing.

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Welcome to CK-12 Foundation | CK-12 Foundation

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Flippedmath.com and khan academy

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Join us for a panel discussion and webinar that includes Natalie Wexler, author of "The Knowledge Gap: The Hidden Cause of America's Broken Education System-and How to Fix It".

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Join us for a panel discussion and webinar that includes Natalie Wexler, author of "The Knowledge Gap: The Hidden Cause of America's Broken Education System-and How to Fix It". Great Minds unveils Geodes, a groundbreaking new category of accessible, knowledge-building books for new and emerging readers.

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THE ADVENTURE STARTS MONDAY!

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The Spring 2020 Quarantine Challenge - Brain Chase

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Here we go! The clues, animations, electives, decoder rings, puzzles, and treasure hunt are back. Whether you're a long-time Brain Chase fan or a treasure hunting novice, get ready... because as Tate Grayson says, "There's no shortcut to adventure!" REGISTER NOW Brain Chase is a massive online learning game wrapped up in a global treasure hunt.

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Making homemade giant bubbles has been on our to-do list for a while, but we've been waiting for the perfect weather conditions. The weather is really important for making the biggest bubbles that won't pop.

More on that in a bit.

Yesterday, the weather was just right, so I whipped up batch of homemade giant bubble mix in the morning, and we tried it out this afternoon.

I am thrilled to report that this homemade recipe really does make the biggest bubbles ever! If you're looking for something super-fun to do in the backyard with your daycare kids or family, or a great outdoor science activity to do with your class, you have to make these bubbles!

Check out the size of this bubble!

My goodness! Cheap and easy backyard fun doesn't get much better than this!

I'll admit that when I was mixing up this recipe, I wasn't altogether convinced that these bubbles would work.

The ingredient list seemed bizarre, the cornstarch didn't completely dissolve, and when I dipped my hand in, it didn't seem slick and slippery like store-bought bubble solution. I began to wonder if this mixture would produce any bubbles at all.

Oh boy. I shouldn't have worried!

This recipe made the best bubbles ever!
For your convenience, this post contains affiliate links.
I got my inspiration from Design Dazzle, but I've tweaked her bubble recipe because I didn't have the ahem... "secret ingredient " that she recommended. I made our bubble mixture with glycerine instead.

Ok! Ready? Here's how you're gonna make homemade bubbles that will blow everyone's minds!
For your conviencience, this post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Ingredients:

You will also need a giant bubble wand. DIY instructions below, or buy yours here.

Homemade Giant Bubble Recipe

How to Make Homemade Giant Bubbles Solution

1. Dissolve Cornstarch
Dissolve cornstarch in the water, stirring really well.

2. Add Remaining Ingredients
Stir in the rest off the ingredients, being very careful not to create a lot of froth.

3. Let it Sit
Allow your bubble mixture to sit for at least an hour before using, stirring occasionally when you see the cornstarch settling to the bottom.

Note: Some of the cornstarch won't dissolve completely and may even settle to the bottom when you're using your bubble mixture, but it won't affect the quality of your bubbles.

TIP: We find this bubble solution easiest to use if we pour it into a shallow baking pan or a large casserole dish. I like to use my largest (11×15) Pyrex dish. It allows us to get our wands completely submerged when loading them up with the bubble mix.

The more bubbles you make, the better the mixture gets!

FYI: The first several bubbles popped immediately, and I was feeling deflated (no pun intended). We soon discovered however, that more we played with the bubble formula, the silkier it became.

Before we knew it, we were making huge bubbles. When they broke free of our wand, they jiggled and wobbled through the air, gaining altitude until they floated up over the housetops and out of sight.

It was crazy-cool!

The perfect weather for giant bubbles:

You might think a hot, sunny day would be best for an outdoor activity like this, but believe it or not, it's best to pick a cloudy or overcast day, with high humidity and very little wind. The reason being that sunshine and wind will dehydrate your bubbles, causing them causing it to pop.

If the weather isn't overcast and humid, at least take your bubbles under the canopy of a large tree or to the shady side of your house.

Ideally, there will be no wind, so you may find that the bubbles need a little help getting air into them. What worked for us was to hold our arms high in the air, and slowly walk backwards, which gently forced air into the bubble.

And speaking of bubble wands...

How to make a giant bubble wand:

You can buy huge bubble wands like this one, but it's really easy to make your own. This is how I made ours:

I used two drinking straws, and a length of yarn that was 6 to 8 times longer than the length of one straw. Thread the yarn through the straws, tie a knot, and you're good to go!

Well? What do you think? Are you going to give it a try?

If you have any doubts, check out the comments at the bottom of this post. Dozens of people can't be wrong.

This recipe really does make the biggest, best, backyard bubbles ever!

Boredom Busters for Kids!

Print off our checklist of 100 Fun Things for Kids to Do at Home. Stick it on your fridge, and they'll never be bored again!

More fun and easy activities for kids:

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25+ Preschool activities by 25 bloggers, 10 printables, PLUS 50 links to activities not featured in the book.
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Making homemade giant bubbles has been on our to-do list for a while, but we've been waiting for the perfect weather conditions. The weather is really important for making the biggest bubbles that won't pop. More on that in a bit.

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Earlier this month, Kishwaukee Trail Chapter National Society Daughters of The American Revolution honored 15 McHenry County High School Seniors at a ceremony at McHenry County College. This year, all of the 14 Good Citizen winners picked by their high school counselors comprised an all female group; this has never occurred before! Each student wrote an essay on "You and your peers are our nation's leaders of tomorrow. How would you energize America's youth to fully engage as effective citizens? Why is that important?" The top three easy winners received larger cash prizes. Also present at the ceremony was Ms. Belinda Strebel's 4th class from South Elementary School, 601 Golf Road in Crystal Lake. They participated in the DAR's Junior American Citizen Contest. Kishwaukee Trail NSDAR Chapter of McHenry County is known for being the Illinois DAR Chapter that awards the highest amount of cash prizes each year! This year they presented $5000! Caroline Sobolak is the Chapter Regent and Beth Hoover, Honorary Regent and Treasurer, is the Chair of the Education Committee. Write KishwaukeeTrailDAR@gmail.com if you'd like any help finding your Revolutionary War Patriot.

From L-R, top to bottom:

Anna Marie Webber, Alden-Hebron Community High School, 2nd Place Essay Winner;
Kimberly Kreher, Cary-Grove High School; Bernadette King, Crystal Lake Central High School;
Monet Lindstrand, Crystal Lake South High School, 1st Place Essay Winner;
Desiree Brady, Harvard High School; Shannon Barrett Flynn, Johnsburg High School;
Olivia Pearl Pribyl, Marengo Community High School, 3rd Place Essay Winner;
Olivia Pilar Arza, Marian Central Catholic High School; Hailey Dee Ullett, McHenry High School - East Campus; Julia Marie Druml, McHenry High School - West Campus; Cassidy Wells, Prairie Ridge High School; Darci Jo Retherford, Richmond-Burton Community High School;
Vanessa Adrianna Olandese, Woodstock High School; Jordyn Knox, Woodstock North High School; and Megan Dunn, Johnsburg High School, Constitution Day Poster Contest Winner.

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Earlier this month, Kishwaukee Trail Chapter National Society Daughters of The American Revolution honored 15 McHenry County High School Seniors at a ceremony at McHenry County College. This year, all of the 14 Good Citizen winners picked by their high school counselors comprised an all female group; this has never occurred before!

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Have you run out of fun ideas to keep your kids busy yet? Do they need a break from too much screen time? Check out this huge list of over 1,000 free coloring pages and activities you can print at home. I am sure they will like at least one of the free coloring sheets!

1000 Free Coloring Pages & Printable Activities

Just click through to download these free coloring sheets and printable activities, they include the following categories and more!

Disney Coloring Pages

Disney Junior Coloring Pages

Pixar Coloring Pages

Marvel Coloring Pages

Star Wars Coloring Pages

Nickelodeon Coloring Pages

Holiday Coloring Pages

PBS Kids Coloring Pages

Make sure you have stocked up on crayons or colored pencils and printer paper, you might be printing a lot of pages!

PBS Kids Free Coloring Sheets

Fun Crafts for Kids

Looking for more than just coloring pages and printable activities, check out a few fun crafts you can make. Click through for free tutorials:

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Over 1000 free coloring pages and printable activities

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Have you run out of fun ideas to keep your kids busy yet? Do they need a break from too much screen time? Check out this huge list of over 1,000 free coloring pages and activities you can print at home. I am sure they will like at least one of the free coloring sheets!

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A4 or Letter size cardstock

Colored markers or small stickers

Scissors

White glue

1Print out the template.

Print out either of these cube templates on A4 or Letter size cardstock.

Template 1 - print out two copies to make a pair of 2¼" dice.

Template 2 - print out one copy to make a pair of 1½" dice.

The die's 6 faces show a different number of dots from 1 to 6. You can draw dots or make other fun shapes like small flowers, stars, hearts, or smiley faces.

If you are keen on following a real die's positioning of these dots, follow the positions as shown in the photo. When assembled into a cube, you will notice that opposite faces of the die add up to 7.

Create colorful dice.

Print out the cube template on colored cardstock to come up with brightly-colored dice.

Instead of drawing shapes on the dice, you can glue small paper shapes or put small stickers on the faces of the dice.

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Paper Dice | Kids' Crafts | Fun Craft Ideas | FirstPalette.com

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A4 or Letter size cardstock Colored markers or small stickers Scissors White glue 1Print out the template. Print out either of these cube templates on A4 or Letter size cardstock. Template 1 - print out two copies to make a pair of 2¼" dice.

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Suiting fabrics are an unconventional but charming choice for making toy bunnies. Bright cotton shirting adds a surprising pop of color inside the ears.

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Inside: A collection of posts and resources with artworks by black artists, civil rights art, African art, art projects, book suggestions, and more to teach Black History art lessons.

When students are exposed to a variety of works of art, they learn about the world and themselves. Children deserve to see the wide variety of possibilities in art, both in terms of art making and the artists behind the works.

Black History Month is a time to discuss the history and celebrate the contributions of black culture and individuals. These lessons should not be kept solely in the history classroom. Looking at art helps students develop empathy, flex thinking and observation skills, connect with history, get in touch with their creative side, and savor the human spirit. Black History Month offers art teachers a fantastic opportunity to feature black artists and artworks about black history in their classroom.

To support art teachers and ensure that they have a variety of artworks to choose from, this post is a collection of Black History Month art lessons from Art Class Curator, all of which you'll find links to below. Most of the posts include looking questions, tips, information, and resources to help you teach the works of art.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The more time students spend looking at art, the easier it is for them to explore the narratives, techniques, and meanings behind the artworks. Take learning to a deeper level with a ready-to-go art lessons from the Art Appreciation Worksheet Bundle.

It's as easy as 1, 2, 3!
1. Pick a black history artwork below
2. Print one of the Art Appreciation Worksheets
3. Watch with joy as your students connect with and interpret art

Free Worksheets!

This list of black history month art lessons is of course not a full representation of all black artists. These are the artists we have written about to date on Art Class Curator. We will update this post as we create new resources!

Black Artists

Kehinde Wiley

Kehinde Wiley is an American artist known for his powerful portraits of African Americans. He was chosen to paint Barack Obama's official presidential portrait in 2018.

Kehinde Wiley Art Lesson

Wiley is best known for painting young black people, often placing them in into versions of portraits from art history. His paintings fuse the past and present in ways that force us to confront our notions of wealth, importance, race, and gender. In this lesson, put a Wiley artwork next to the artwork is was inspired by and lead an art discussion. This Kehinde Wiley Art Lesson blog post includes discussion questions, interpretation activities, as well as classroom extensions.

Lesson: Portraits for a New Century: Kehinde Wiley Art Lesson

Comparing Mary, Comforter of the Afflicted I, 2016, with the original

Get the Full Lesson!

Betye Saar

Betye Saar is an American artist known for her assemblage and collage artworks.

Betye Saar Art Lesson

Saar uses stereotypical and potentially-offensive material to make social commentary, which makes her work an excellent way to teach kids about the world, acceptance, and empathy. In this lesson, students discuss an assemblage Saar created around a depiction of Aunt Jemima and watch a video of the artist discussing the work. This Betye Saar Art Lesson also includes several project ideas and extensions.

Lesson: The Liberation of Aunt Jemima

Betye Saar, The Liberation of Aunt Jemima, 1972

Augusta Savage

Augusta Savage was an American sculptor and prominent member of the Harlem Renaissance in New York City. She opened her own studio and became an influential teacher.

Augusta Savage Art Lesson

There have been few sculptors who can capture emotion in a subject like Augusta Savage. In this Augusta Savage Art Lesson, students learn about her life, discuss some of her work, and read In Her Hands: The Story of Sculptor.

Faith Ringgold

Faith Ringgold is an award-winning American painter, writer, sculptor, and performance artist. She is best known for her narrative quilts.

Faith Ringgold Art Lesson

Ringgold started out as a painter and focused much of her art on telling the stories of the Civil Rights Movement and her experiences growing up in Harlem. On a trip to Europe in 1972, Ringgold experiences some Nepali artworks that used fabrics around the border. This inspired her to start making quilt paintings, and those are the artworks she's become best known for. In this Faith Ringgold Art Lesson, students dive into Ringgold's The Sunflower Quilting Bee at Arles and imagine what it would be like to be the fictional woman featured in the artwork. To extend the lesson, students complete a portrait project and read Dinner at Aunt Connie's House or one of Ringgold's other children's books.

Lesson: Faith Ringgold's Celebration of African American Women
Artist Biography

Romare Bearden

Romare Bearden was an American artist and author who created cartoons, oil paintings, and collages. He grew up in New York City during the Harlem Renaissance.

Romare Bearden Art Lesson

Featured in Multicultural Kid Blogs, this Romare Bearden Art Lesson recaps Bearden's life, explores his art, and includes a collection of projects, books, and lessons.

Lesson: The Art of Romare Bearden

Romare Bearden, Factory Workers, 1942

Henry Ossawa Tanner

Henry Ossawa Tanner was a world-renowned American artist best known for his religious artworks.

Henry Ossawa Tanner Art Lesson

This Henry Ossawa Tanner Art Lesson features several artworks from the man who was "one of the first African-American artists to achieve a reputation in both America and Europe". Six of Tanner's artworks are presented for use with the Charlotte Mason Picture Study Technique.

Yinka Shonibare

Yinka Shonibare is a British-Nigerian artist whose work delves into cultural identities, colonialism, and globalisation. He is best known for his sculptural installations.

Yinka Shonibare Art Lesson

The Swing is Jean-Honoré Fragonard's best known work and is an icon of the Rococo style. Shonibare recreated the famous artwork and gave us a lot to think about regarding race, class, and multiculturalism. In this Yinka Shonibare Art Lesson, students compare and contrast the two artworks.

Lesson: Yinka Shonibare's The Swing: Culture & Identity in a Global Society

Prince Twins Seven-Seven

Prince Twins Seven-Seven was a Nigerian painter, musician, actor, writer, and poet. He was named a UNESCO Artist for Peace in 2005.

Prince Twins Seven-Seven Art Lesson

In this Prince Twins Seven-Seven Art Lesson, students consider his Healing of Abiko Children, watch a video of the artist discussing the artwork, and can read a book about his art and life.

Lesson: Twins Seven-Seven's Healing of Abiko Children

Black History Month Art Projects

The internet outside of Art Class Curator has lots of great black history month art lessons as well! Check out these links.

Freedom Quilts by Colors of my Day - Upper Elementary students create quilt squares and write poems or short stories based on the book The Patchwork Patch: A Quilt Map to Freedom.

Grades K-1: Art Projects for Black History Month by Scholastic - Four art projects for young elementary students inspired by famous black individuals.

Historical Genre Drawing Silhouettes by Incredible @rt Department - Inspired by Kara Walker's silhouettes, middle to high school students research a historical event and create an silhouettes based on the subject and insert their likeness into the work.

Jean-Michel Basquiat, Jazz-Inspired Painting, Mind Maps, and Getting Your Work Out There by Lauren Rouatt - 3rd grade students learn about Jean-Michel Basquiat and create paintings inspired by his work.

Basquiat-Inspired Self-Portraits by Art Room Britt - Early elementary students look at and discuss Basquiat's work, then create self-portraits with free-association elements.

Horace Pippin Imagination Drawings by Deep Space Sparkle - Upper elementary students create self-portraits based on Pippin's work and inspired by the book, A Splash of Red: The Life and Art of Horace Pippin.

Horace Pippin Lesson Plan by Trish Maunder - An art-making workshop designed for students in grades 3-6, based on Pippin's The Domino Players.

Decoding Jacob Lawrence by The Art of Education - Upper elementary students analyze Lawrence's Forward, reflect on Harriet Tubman and the institution of slavery, and create an artwork that tells an important story.

Jacob Lawrence's Painted Stories by Crayola - Upper elementary students learn about Lawrence's life, research a significant historical event, and create an artwork based on what they learn.

Children's Books about Black Artists

This collection of highly rated children's books about black artists are a wonderful way to share information about the lives of black artists with elementary students. Each book is marked with recommended student ages and a link to purchase the book.

Famous Black Artists Biographies

Integrate historical and cultural knowledge into your Black History Month art lessons with in-depth biographies and short videos about famous black artists.

Civil Rights Art

Art is such a vital tool to understanding the emotions, beliefs, and ideas of people throughout history. Art gives us insights into people like no other medium can. Consider using artworks about the Civil Rights era from the collections below for your Black History Month art lessons.

Black History Month Art Lessons

From native African art to modern artworks by black artists from around the world, these pieces will get your students talking and connected to art.

African American Artists

Black Artists from Around the World

African Art

Art Around the World in 30 Days - Angola - This African Art Lesson features a sculpture from the Chokwe people of Northeastern Angola with discussion questions, a learning activity, and museum resources.

Art Around the World in 30 Days - Nigeria - The artwork in this African Art Lesson comes from the Court of Benin and includes discussion questions, a project idea, and several resources covering the history of the Kingdom of Benin.

Interpreting the Power of the Kongo Nkisi N'Kondi - A fantastic African Sculpture Art Lesson for middle schoolers to explore the meaning, function, and purpose of the Nkisi N'Kondi sculptures, complete with discussion questions, kinesthetic and drawing activities, a PowerPoint, and information on the history of these intriguing figures.

Art Around the World in 30 Days - Democratic Republic of the Congo - Focused on a contemporary artwork from artist Trigo Piula, this African Art Lesson ties in with the Nkisi N'Kondi Art Lesson above and includes discussion questions and a project idea.

Kuba Mask - This Wordless Wednesday post includes resources related to mask from the Kuba Kingdom, a pre-colonial kingdom in Central Africa.

Wordless Wednesdays for Black History Month Art Lessons

Wordless Wednesday posts on Art Class Curator offer artworks with little to no commentary. The artworks in these posts make for excellent bellringers when paired with an art appreciation worksheet or questions about art.

Teaching Black History Month Art Lessons

Sometimes teachers shy away from teaching about other cultures or difficult historical periods, but doing so robs our students of the opportunity to dialogue about important social issues and connect with art on a deeply personal level. The post below addresses some of these issues and why it is important to teach art from across cultures and time.

In this lesson, students learn how ethnocentric attitudes can shape how we look at art from other cultures, especially when studying non-Western art. Using three examples from the art world, high school or college students examine cultural reactions to art and how xenophobia shapes worldviews through classroom discussions and writing assignments.
Lesson: Cultural Sensitity, Xenophobia, and Ethnocentricism in Art Education
More Art Lessons

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Teaching the Past, Creating the Future: Black History Month Art Lessons

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Inside: A collection of posts and resources with artworks by black artists, civil rights art, African art, art projects, book suggestions, and more to teach Black History art lessons. When students are exposed to a variety of works of art, they learn about the world and themselves.

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Finding fun and entertaining creative activities for children to do can be a difficult task.
We've got the solution with our felting arts and crafts for kids.
Our kits include everything you'll need to guide school aged children in creating their own fiber figurines and projects.

As a perfect group activity, our felting art projects for children are a great option for teachers to give their students an opportunity to express themselves. At summer camps, felting activities for kids can be a great team building activity. No matter where you use these felting projects, you're sure to enjoy yourself. With a long cultural tradition, felting has been a great activity for all ages, young and old. You won't be disappointed with our kits!

We pride ourselves on offering the best products for the best value. Our prices ensure that you'll be getting the best bang for your buck. Shop our amazing deals on premium products today!

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Creative Activities for Children | Felting Activities for Kids

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Finding fun and entertaining creative activities for children to do can be a difficult task. We've got the solution with our felting arts and crafts for kids. Our kits include everything you'll need to guide school aged children in creating their own fiber figurines and projects.

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My tutorials aim to be affordable, at home and easy ways to learn new things, stay creative and not break the bank!

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Drawing is about observation. And if you want to improve your drawing skills, then you must focus on how you see the subjects that you draw.

It seems simple enough - "draw what you see". We've all heard it before and it is a fine suggestion because it does work. We do need to draw what we see. But if you don't know what to look for, or perhaps more importantly - how to look for it, then this statement can be frustrating.

Fortunately, there are several techniques we can use to help us see - thus helping us to improve our drawing.

These seven techniques are designed to improve your accuracy in your drawings. They aren't a perfect solution and they do require a bit of practice in order to master them. But keep in mind that drawing is a skill that can be attained by anyone if they are willing to put in a little work.

Each technique is briefly discussed below with links to detailed lessons on the subject.

1. Sighting / Measuring

We can use "tools" to measure proportions of our subject in order to improve the accuracy of what we record in our drawings. We can use any tool that we wish, but a pencil works surprisingly well.

Here's how it works. Begin by extending your arm out toward your subject with your pencil in hand. Be sure that your arm is extended completely without any bending at the elbow. Bring your line of sight down to your shoulder and close one eye. Use the end of your pencil (or the tip) and line it up with the top of the highest or widest point on the object. Use your thumb to mark the bottom.

You now have a measurement "unit" that you can use to compare and record the size of the object on your drawing surface. You can use this measurement to record the object on the drawing surface or simply make comparisons to what you have already drawn.

You can use the pencil to measure other objects within the same scene in the same manner.

And use it to compare the proportional relationships with the other objects within the scene to ensure that the relationships are correct.

This technique works best when drawing directly from life. However, a modified version can be used when drawing from photos if the size of the photo reference is exactly the same size as the drawing surface. Simply take the measurement from the reference and bring it over to the drawing surface. There's no need to keep your arm straight or close one eye since your paper is the same size as your reference.

Resources for Sighting / Measuring

2. The Grid Technique

The grid technique is an approach to drawing that breaks the subject down into "bite-sized" pieces of visual information. A grid is drawn over a photo reference while a proportional grid is drawn lightly on the drawing surface. Each square within the grid on the reference corresponds to a square on the drawing surface.

Since the subject is simplified into smaller squares, the lines, shapes, and values are also simplified making it easier to focus on what you are actually seeing.

This technique works for any subject that you draw, but it is most useful for portraits when accuracy is of the upmost importance.

When using this technique, be sure to draw your grid lines very lightly on the drawing surface. You don't want the grid lines to be visible when the drawing is complete.

Resources for The Grid Technique

3. Triangular Grid Technique

An alternative to using the traditional grid technique is the triangular grid technique. This technique uses far less lines but requires a bit more from the artist.

With this technique, a grid made of triangles is created on both the photo reference and the drawing surface. This grid is created by dividing the length and width and then drawing lines diagonally from each of the corners. This creates eight triangles within the grid.

Using a compass or proportional divider, measurements can be taken from the photo reference and then transferred to the drawing surface. The end of the compass is positioned in the center as marks are made in locations where important bits of information cross over the lines of the grid.

This essentially creates a collection of marks that can be used to draw the contour lines of the subject - somewhat like "connecting the dots". Here again, this technique can be used for drawing any subject, but it is most useful for portraits.

Resources for The Triangular Grid Technique

4. Identifying Basic Shapes and Positive and Negative Space

Many objects are quite complex, making them seem difficult to draw. However, even the most complex subjects can be simplified into basic shapes. When we break subjects down into basic shapes, it becomes easier to be accurate in our drawing. Instead of letting the details get in the way, we can focus on the simplified shapes and the relationships of those shapes - leading to greater accuracy in the drawing.

These shapes can be drawn loosely and as we become more confident with the shapes, we can add the details.

We can go even further with shapes when we lay out a drawing. We can pay attention to the relationships of positive and negative shapes (spaces) within the scene. The open areas around the subject form negative shapes.

We can compare the relationships of the positive and negative shapes to ensure that the proportions are correct.

Resources for Drawing with Shapes / Positive and Negative Spaces

5. Linear Perspective

Linear perspective is a system that uses lines to aid the artist in creating the illusion of space in a drawing. It is a structured system that uses a vanishing point (or points) as a reference point for drawing forms. Although linear perspective can be used for drawing any object in space, it is mostly used for drawing architectural elements such as buildings, windows, doors, and interior scenes.

One Point Perspective - In this form of perspective, one vanishing point is placed on the horizon line. This type of perspective is typically used when the objects within the scene are viewed from a "flat" view. When this occurs, simple shapes (squares, rectangles, etc.) can be used to describe the objects. To create the illusion of depth, lines are drawn from the corners of objects back to the vanishing point.

Resources for One Point Perspective

Two Point Perspective - Two point perspective differs from one point perspective in that it uses two vanishing points instead of one. Both vanishing points are placed on the horizon line with a good amount of space separating them. Instead of starting with the shape of the object like we do with one point perspective, the corner of the subject is typically drawn first. Lines are then drawn from each end of the corner back to each of the vanishing points to facilitate in creating the illusion of space.

Resources for Two Point Perspective

Three Point Perspective - Three point perspective is used to a lesser degree since it is mostly reserved for drawings that feature extreme angles. When drawing the subject from a "worm's eye view" or a "bird's eye view", three point perspective can be extremely useful. As the name implies, three point perspective utilizes three vanishing points. Two of the vanishing points are placed on the horizon line while the third is either placed far above or far below.

Resources for Three Point Perspective

6. Basic Facial Proportions

Although every face is different, certain approximate facial proportions do exist. We can use these approximations to ensure that the features of the face are placed in the right locations and that the size of each of the features are natural. We still have to observe the face when drawing a portrait, but knowing the general locations of the eyes, nose, mouth, etc. can help us be sure that what we are putting to paper is "in line" with what we are observing.

Resources for Basic Facial Proportions

7. Figure Proportions and Gesture Drawing

Just as knowledge of basic facial proportions can be used to ensure accuracy in portrait drawing, knowledge of approximate figure proportions can aid in creating accurate figure drawings. Every figure is different so it's important to recognize that there is no "one size fits all" solution to figure drawing. But combined with careful observation, knowledge of the basic proportions of the figure certainly helps in creating accurate drawings.

Gesture drawing can also be used to improve accuracy, especially when drawing the figure. Gesture drawing utilizes quick, loose lines and shapes to "find" the pose of the figure. Details are mostly omitted as the focus is to capture the weight and proportion of the figure in a short amount of time.

After the initial gesture is drawn, the artist can develop the details of the drawing after they are confident with the accuracy of the initial sketch. Gesture drawing is especially useful when the figure is in a position where the basic proportions are more difficult to recognize as is the case with foreshortening.

When combined, gesture drawing and knowledge of basic figure proportions often leads to success when drawing the human figure.

Resources for Figure Proportions and Gesture Drawing

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Online Character Count Tool

A while back I needed to count the amount of letters that a piece of text in an email template had (to avoid passing any character limits). Unfortunately, I could not think of a quick way to do so on my macbook and I therefore turned to the Internet.

There were a couple of tools out there, but none of them met my standards and since I am a web designer I thought: why not do it myself and help others along the way? And... here is the result, hope it helps out!

What is this?

Character Count Online is a free online character and word counting tool.
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You can copy and paste your text with the characters to count in the text area above, or you can type your characters and words into the text area. The counter will be updated instantly, displaying the amount of characters, words, sentences, paragraphs and whitespace in your text, not to mention that the keyword density (which you can configure from the options menu) is also displayed.

Which devices does the counter work on?

Character Count Online works on absolutely any device.

No matter if you have a mobile phone, computer, console or tablet the counter will work perfectly!

Sorry to annoy you, but we need to inform you that your personal data will be used for personalization of ads and that cookies may be used for personalized and non-personalized advertising.
Please feel free to take your time to read our privacy policy before continuing.

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Character Count Online is an online tool that lets you easily calculate and count the number of characters, words, sentences and paragraphs in your text.