The Tech Issue 2012
Robotics: The New Varsity Sport; 7 Good Video Games for Girls; Kitchen Science: Cabbage-Juice Chemistry
Eyeing Visual Art
My splatter paint is in the negative space, right?” asks Tess Everett, 7, studying her watercolor painting of an apple. Her instructor, Ashley Veselis, assures her that it is, and the class of 8- to 10-year-olds returns to studying their paintings. They’re learning how to look at art, one of the fundamental skills taught in…
Cabbage-Juice Chemistry
You don’t have to leave your kids’ science education up to their teachers or after-school-program leaders. There are lots of fun experiments you can do at home to encourage them to develop their skills. This project, for example, uses cabbage juice to teach kids about chemical reactions; we use it as a lesson about acids…
Stage Crafting
In the Burlington backyard of the Bailly-Hall family, “play structure” takes on a whole new meaning. This whimsical, wooden creation is a castle, swing set and outdoor theater — all in one. Jacques Bailly built it for his daughter Isidora, 10, and 8-year-old son, J.P. On Friday nights from mud season until the snow flies, Bailly…
Tech Jamming
When I was a kid, October meant one thing: Halloween. I loved picking out my costume and savored every piece of candy I collected. These days, another event defines October for me: the annual Vermont Tech Jam, which is Friday and Saturday, October 26 and 27. I’ve helped plan this job fair and tech expo…
Just a cold — or something worse?
All children get colds and often pass them along to their parents and siblings. There are more than 200 different viruses that cause colds and upper respiratory infections, which is why we keep getting them throughout our lives. This month, Dr. Lewis First, chief of pediatrics at Vermont Children’s Hospital at Fletcher Allen Health Care,…
Jumping for Joy
In my house, anything with the slightest bounce is used as a trampoline. Couches, beds, cushions — my boys use all of the above for extra lift and a springy landing as they fling their bodies across the room. Yelling at them to stop has proven futile. Happily, there are places to go where they…
Book Review: The Witches by Roald Dahl
Librarian: Caitlin Corless, assistant librarian, Essex Free Library Book: The Witches by Roald Dahl Age range: 8 and up Corless’ summary: In this classic chapter book by the author of James and the Giant Peach, witches roam the world like ordinary people. A young boy’s grandmother tries to protect him by teaching him how to…
The Because Project: Bill McKibben
“I became a better writer because of a demanding high school teacher.”
How do you talk to your kids about politics?
Peter VonDoepp, political science professor, UVM Daughter, Sarah, 12; son, Asher, 9 My daughter and I sat down and watched Michelle Obama’s convention speech together, but that was less about politics than it was an opportunity for her to see a powerful woman give a very eloquent and poised speech. More topics are likely to…
