Author: preppyteacher

  • Pumpkin Chemistry

    This is a great easy to do experiment that is sure to get some oohh’s and aahh’s. Unfortunately, the green in the flame didn’t come out well in my photographs.  The problem is the photographer not the experiment.  This experiment couldn’t be more simple.  With that said an adult should always be present. The weed…

  • Field Trip: The Devil’s Den

    The Devil’s Den is magical and definitely worth a visit.  In Mexico they are called “cenotes” and are a popular tourist attraction.  I recently learned that we have our own cenotes here in Florida.  In essence they are large sink holes that expose the underground water.  The light shining through a small hole at the…

  • Kids In the Kitchen: Monster Munch

    This is one of the kids very favorite Halloween snacks.  The hardest part is finding a bowl large enough to mix all the delicious ingredients. Ingredients: 2 bags of autumn peanut m&ms 1 bag or box of caramel corn 1 bag of mini nutter butters 1 box of Reese’s Puff Cereal 1 bag of Snyder’s…

  • Autumn Spooky Tree

    Tape water color paper to your work space.  I used painter tape. I wanted a little bolder and opaque colors so I watered down acrylic paint. Wet your paper with water before you begin creating your autumn sky. Paint different different autumn colors on the paper. Use black ink to make your tree. Drop a…

  • Book Review: Doll Bones

    If you are looking for a hauntingly good tale for Halloween “Doll Bones” by Holly Black will fit the bill.  Holly Black is the author of the popular “Spiderwick Chronicles” series which was released as a motion picture in 2008.  Doll Bones is the tale of a doll that contains the ashes of a child…

  • Pumpkin Chemistry: Flaming Pumpkin

    This is such an easy chemistry experiment and you probably already have the two ingredients you need.  To set your pumpkin aglow you simply lavish the outside with a coating of hand sanitizer.  You want to really pack it on so it lasts.  Then you simply light it.  The alcohol in the hand sanitizer is…

  • Kids In the Kitchen: Fall Popcorn

    As I mentioned yesterday we made this delicious popcorn for family movie night.  It was so good! Plus, the kids had fun making popcorn in a pan vs. in the microwave. It was fun for them to actually see the kernels pop. Heat 3 tablespoons canola oil in a dutch oven at medium high heat.…

  • Halloween Movies

    Saturday night we were all home.  This is a complete rarity in our house these days.  After a pretty exhausting day we were all  in the mood to relax and watch a movie.  We made some delicious fall popcorn for a snack (see the blog tomorrow) and had a great evening.  Here are some suggestions…

  • Field Trip: Satchels Pizza- Gainesville, Florida

    It’s hard to tell from this picture, our table is in a VW camper.  Satchel’s Pizza is not to be missed if you are in the Gainesville area.  The pizza and homemade sodas are delicious.  The decor will inspire children’s minds with the potential of recycled materials.  In addition they have a playground which is…

  • Field Trip: University of Florida Bat House and Barn

    If you are in the Gainesville area this is a really fun FREE activity that the whole family can enjoy.  The University of Florida has a bat house and bat barn on campus.  You will need to arrive a little before dusk to see the thousands of bats vacate their home to go and fill…