Tag: baby

Sensory Activity

Taste-Safe Sensory Foam

by CaraLeave a Comment on Taste-Safe Sensory Foam

Sensory play has been a boon to me with a three year age difference between my kids. It’s something they can both have fun with and play in their own way, but they are playing together in the same space, which makes my life immensely easier. I also love for them to experience different sensations, especially my youngest. We play with slimy, messy, gritty, powdery, crunchy, you name it, and I’m always looking for more things to introduce them to and to hold their interest.

I was just about to empty out the liquid in a can of chickpeas (called aquafaba), and I thought about this vegan meringue recipe I wanted to make for my aunt last time she was over, but then it hit me. We could use the chickpea foam for a sensory base! So here is the recipe, which has taken the sensory world by storm!

  • Liquid from a can of chickpeas
  • 1/4 tsp cream of tartar

Whip it at high speed with a hand mixer or stand mixer for 5-7 minutes until stiff peaks.

That’s it! It couldn’t be easier and I love that it uses something you would normally throw away. I’ve seen some beautiful, messy play with this after I shared it on Instagram, and I’m so excited to share it with you all here! Let me know how it goes!

Notes:

  • If you don’t have cream of tartar, you can try a splash of vinegar or lemon. I haven’t tried the foam without it, but it serves to form and stabilize the foam through its acidity.
    A blender will not get the thick, stable foam like a hand or stand mixer, but if it’s the only thing you have, give it a shot!

Snippets of Science

Snippet of Science: Newly Discovered Elements and Uncle Goose Periodic Table Blocks

by CaraLeave a Comment on Snippet of Science: Newly Discovered Elements and Uncle Goose Periodic Table Blocks

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Who else has these adorable periodic table blocks from Uncle Goose? We’ve been given two sets, one for each kid, and today we discovered something was different between the first set from 4 years ago (bottom) and the new set (top). Four new elements had been named! I had no clue! (And bravo to Uncle Goose for updating them!)

The “U” words on the bottom row were official placeholders for these yet-to-named elements. They are Latin for the individual numbers in the atomic number (118 is ununoctium for 1-1-8). The atomic number is the number of protons in the nucleus. If the number of protons is changed, you have a different element; whereas, if the number of neutrons is changed (the other subatomic particle in the nucleus), you have a different isotope.

Fun thing about all these super heavy elements is that the scientists who got to name them MADE them. We knew their existence was possible, but you just don’t find these on Earth. The nucleus is so heavy and unstable that they decay to another element almost immediately. Elements after atomic number 104 decay within minutes or less, and elements after Uranium (92) are generally not found on Earth (with a few exceptions).

Why do scientist make these huge elements if they don’t last long enough to do anything with them? Elements on the periodic table are arranged in a certain way because electrons arrange themselves into predictable groups/patterns called orbitals. Arrangement of electrons in orbitals dictates an element’s properties. Elements in the same vertical period on the table have similar reactivities. Through some (I imagine) pretty complicated math, one can calculate the orbital filling order and energies and begin to predict characteristics of these elements that haven’t been made yet. Being able to make these short-lived elements is the first step to exploring their chemistry. And supposedly, things get pretty freaky around 164.

Get your set here (affiliate link will take you to Amazon). We’ve used our blocks quite a bit. We haven’t done any science-y things with them, just building and working on sounding out letters, but they are a cute novelty to have around!

Sources:
Morss, L., et al. (2006) Dordrecht: Springer ISBN 978-4020-3555-5

Karol, et al. Pure Appl. Chem. 88 (2016) 139.

Karol, et al. Pure Appl. Chem. 155 (2016)

Parenthood

5 Essentials for Traveling with a Baby

by CaraLeave a Comment on 5 Essentials for Traveling with a Baby

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The first few months of my first daughter’s life were pretty stable. My husband and I were both working and had no vacation days left after parental leave, so we really had no choice to travel. But then, my husband deployed and I decided to leave work so my daughter would have more face time with a parent. After sometime alone, I decided “Hey! Why don’t I travel to see everyone with this little love nugget!” and I set off on a journey around the country with my baby in tow.

I am not the most prepared person in the world, but I am so happy with the purchasing choices I made for our year long trip. These are the products that I still recommend 3 years later.

Continue reading “5 Essentials for Traveling with a Baby” →