A Glimpse of Space Camp

Hi, I'm Morgan ( on the left).  And I'm Evan (on the right).  Ever wonder what it's like to go to space camp?  Come with us and take a peek.

Here's where all the magic science happens, Chabot Space & Science Center.  The center is an observatory that also offers hands on exhibits, planetarium shows, and much more.  Galileo Learning runs the space camp here.

This spacesuit is just one of many things you'll see inside the center.  This Spacesuit was used in training for the Mercury Project.  But enough about that, I bet you're curious what we did at camp.

One of the classes I (Evan) took was Lego Robotics.  I learned how to use Mindstorms software and create commands to download into the robots.  Want to see the robots?

Here's what they look like. My favorite part was when we programmed and constructed the robots to battle!  I enjoyed it so much that I actually told my mom about it on the drive home without her asking me.  In fact, I even told my dad about it when he got home.

Another class I took was Rocket Lab.  Here are my instructors getting ready to launch my water bottle rocket.  I wasn't able to launch it myself for safety reasons but I did make the rocket.

3...2...1...Blast Off! I can't believe my mom was able to capture the launch.  Good timing mom.

What am I holding you ask?  Just an awesome motorized Mars Rover I made in Mars Explorers.  Besides making the rover, I also got to fly a simulated space mission in Chabot's Challenger Learning Center.  

You know what's also great about space camp,  getting photobombed by Jean-Luc Picard. Seriously, one of my fellow campers and I shared about gears with the parents on the last day of camp.  Standing to my left is our instructor Zoe Ames who has a B.A. in Physics and Astronomy.  Cool!

In my survivor class I picked up some mad paracord knot skills.  We also went on nature hikes in the surrounding redwood forest and learned how to build survival shelters out of items found in nature. 

All kidding aside, we were really pleased with our first experience at the Chabot Space & Science Camp.  In the past my children have attended Camp Galileo who also runs the space camp for the Chabot center.   The curriculum is different from the other camps but they still incorporate Galileo's Innovation Approach into the classes.  If you're curious about what the Innovation Approach is, you can read about it here.  I also noticed this camp is a little more serious in nature compared to the other Galileo camps.  

To learn more about Chabot Space & Science Camp, click here.

Disclaimer:  My children received one free paid week of camp as compensation for this post series.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Kid Craft: Washi Tape Beads

Looking for new craft projects to make with all those washi tape rolls you own?  How about creating some washi tape beads?  This craft is quick and easy for kids to make.  Use the paper beads for bracelets, necklaces, and other projects.

Supplies:
Card Stock
Washi Tape
Scissors

1.  Cut a strip of paper into the width of the washi tape and about three inches long.

2.  Fold into a rectangle shape.  Trim excess paper.

3. Tape together edges

4. Wrap remaining tape around paper.  

The beads also work well for triangle shapes.  Experiment with different prints and layers for varied looks.

Kawaii Printables by Paper and The Pea

Paper and The Pea is a blog run by a  creative sister duo who are also moms.  The site offers up kawaii (cute) printables that you can download for free.  The site reminds me a little of Mr. Printables only with an extra dose of cute.  I found the site through a comment one of the sisters left on my blog.  To see more of the their work, click here.

Summer Break

Last Friday was the first official day of summer break for us.  We kicked off our vacation with a little Lite Brite and an A's Game. Not to shabby if you ask me.  We also have swim lessons, camp and a couple road trips (Oregon & Mammoth Lakes, CA) on the schedule.  How about you?  Anyone going somewhere fun for summer vacation?  Please share.

A's Game

I Heart Uniqlo

I heart Uniqlo.  Recently I ordered some clothes for my daughter for the next school year.  Yes you read correctly, I've been shopping for the 2013/14 school year.  That might sound a little crazy but I find that the new school year always sneaks up on me.  I've also found that I get the best deals when I shop year round.  I ended up buying a pair of pink pants and these cute t-shirts (pictured above).  My favorite is the macaron top. 

I'm always on the look out for unique and well priced clothes and figured some of you might be interested in that too.  I've been thinking about sharing more products/stores I like on this blog. Would any of you be interested in that?  Thoughts?