Quarterly Co. Bill Nye Box Review March 2014 #NYE02

#NYE02

Bill Nye aims to please!  He did an excellent job curating this box based around the scientific theme of the four seasons.  This is a topic we're all familiar with and can relate to.  There's an item for each season in the box.

The #NYE02 box came with a brief letter from Bill.  He didn't write about the items, but created a video describing his box.  https://quarterly.co/cx97ra  Click on the link to the left to see his video explanation of #NYE02.  I received Nina Garcia's Quarterly Box last month and at first I compared her letter to Bill's.  She sent 7 pages explaining all of her choices, and Bill Nye's was only 2 pages.  However, when you think about it, Nina is a fashion journalist and is probably more comfortable with writing, where Bill is an actor and feels at home in front of a video camera.  So Bill's video presentations are soooo appropriate for his box!  I've really enjoyed watching his videos!



Winter

Insta-Snow Powder ($4) ~ Just add water to this Insta-Snow powder and watch it transform into a fluffy snow-like substance.  This is a super absorbent polymer that looks and feels like snow.  I will save this for summer break when the kids get bored.  We'll have Christmas in July!  This brand is from Steve Spangler Science.  Check out the video below of Steve explaining this polymer.

Learn more about polymers here:  http://www.superscienceforkids.com/polymers.php




Spring

Herb Garden Makers Kit ($26) ~ Spring is the time for planting seeds!  This kit is unique and convenient for starting your own herb garden.  You get four mason jars, planting supplies and seeds for cilantro, basil, parsley, and clover.  Due to the self-watering system, the plants only need watered once a week.  The company, Makers Kit, also has great instructional videos on their website & Youtube.  I posted the video for the herb garden below.

Great resource for more kid's activities with herbs:  http://www.kidsgardening.org/activity/herbal-adventures

Summer

Nature Print Paper ($4.60) ~ Summertime means sun time!  This sun-sensitive paper will be a great addition to a summer hike.  My kids will be on the lookout for items to use on this paper during their hikes.  The finished project will be a blue and white print!  This paper is suitable for all ages. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91Yj-XAy-fE&list=PL80F4BD714BF628EA  This link demonstrates how easy this paper is to use.

Learn some facts about the sun: http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/sciencefacts/space/sun.html

Autumn

Awesome Autumn by Bruce Goldstone ($14.52) ~ This is a hardcover book full of all kinds of fun, fall facts.  Teachers looking for informational text, should check this book out!  There are beautiful photographs, great explanations, vibrant colors, and lots of text features that really capture a child's attention.  This is a great way to integrate ELA and science!  If you are a teacher, you may want to check out other books by Bruce Goldstone.  Click on his name to check out his website!

Play games with a 'fall' theme: http://www.primarygames.com/seasons/fall/games.htm

#NYE02

As a teacher, I LOVE THIS BOX!  I'm saving the snow and Nature Print Paper for my own kids' summer break activities.  Tomorrow, I'm taking the herb garden to school.  My students, daughter, son, and I will enjoy planting our seeds!  Awesome Autumn will definitely become a classroom staple.  Not only is this box fun, but it's educational and engaging.  Science - it's for the curious!

Below is a Bill Nye the Science Guy video about the four seasons.  Enjoy this throwback video from the man himself!

This is my third Quarterly Co. box and I have been very pleased with all of them!  They offer a wide selection of boxes curated by awesome, interesting people.  You should definitely check out Quarterly Co. because you are bound to find something that fits your interests!