FUN PROJECTS! from SEEK

Below are some activities to do  with your family.

SCROLL DOWN FOR PROJECT INSTRUCTIONS
Challenge 1: Kindness Rocks
Challenge 2: Bird and Squirrel Feeders
Challenge 3: Nature Scavenger Hunt

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for the ZOOM LINK INFO to Ethical Culture Gatherings

1. CHALLENGE ONE: KINDNESS ROCKS

Your mission: decorate some rocks with beautiful designs and uplifting messages. 
A. Use them in different orders as STORY TELLING STONES
B. Later, hide them around your neighborhood for others to find! Spread joy!

Instructions:

• Gather some rocks around your neighborhood--rocks that have smooth surfaces and are medium to large in size are easiest to decorate and for others to find.

• Wash and dry the rocks to remove any dirt or debris.

• If you wish, apply a base coat of acrylic paint to the rocks to add a pop of color. Adding decorations to the natural surface of rocks looks great, too! Note, acrylic paint will stick to the rocks better than tempera paint.

• Use permanent markers or paint pens to decorate the rocks with doodles, abstract designs and patterns, and/or uplifting messages.

• Important note: Please don’t glue anything synthetic materials, such as glitter or rhinestones, to your rocks. Although they may look pretty, these materials could be harmful for the environment if your rock remains outside for a long time.

• You may apply a sealant like ModPodge over the entire rock (according to manufacturer’s instructions) and let dry completely. There are various clear sealants that you can use.
  Additional Resources for Project Leaders: 

The Kindness Rocks Project allows you to share your creations with even more people.

2. CHALLENGE TWO: DIY BIRD AND SQUIRREL FEEDERS

Your mission: Hunt for some pinecones to craft some tasty treats and hide them around your neighborhood for the wildlife to enjoy. 

Instructions:

• Search for pinecones for the bases for your feeders. Try to find cones whose scales have opened up a bit. Pinecones that have fallen from trees naturally work best.

• Brush any dirt and debris from your cones and gather your supplies. You will need peanut butter (any type), a butter knife or popsicle stick for spreading, and birdseed (such as mixed birdseed or black oil sunflower seeds). If you’d like to hang your feeders, you’ll also need some twine, ribbon, or yarn; avoid fine thread, fishing line, and dental floss, as these can be hazardous for birds.

• Spread a coat of peanut butter all over the cones, working it into the gaps between the scales.

• Spread the seed in a shallow dish and roll the peanut butter-covered cones to coat. You can also add bits of fruit or larger seeds and nuts between the scales for variety and decoration. If you wish, secure a loop of twine to the top of the cones for hanging. 

• Hide your feeders in natural places around your home! You can hang them from trees and other high places for birds to perch on. These feeders are also popular with squirrels, so hiding spots on the ground are great, too!
  Additional Resources for Parents and Teachers: We love the tutorial at The Spruce, from which these instructions were adapted. They also have tutorials for different types of DIY birdfeeders you can try.

3. CHALLENGE THREE: SPRING NATURE SCAVENGER HUNT

Your mission: find examples of all of the items on the Scavenger Hunt list. 

Instructions:

• Print the Spring Nature Scavenger Hunt checklist. Venture out into your neighborhood or nearby natural areas and try to find every item.
• Additional Resources for Parents and Teachers: Search online for a few native plants and animals that are specific to your region of the country. Use the blank spaces on your the checklist to add a few of these.