Each month, we’re curating joyful, STEAM-based activities and resources des
Each month, we’re curating joyful, STEAM-based activities and resources des
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National Children's Museum logo
Dreamers Digest
september edition
Welcome! Each month, we’re curating joyful, STEAM-based activities and resources for full family fun.
Sharing is caring. Receiving this email from a friend? Make sure to sign up for our newsletter to receive future editions! Don’t miss monthly appearances from Museum partners DC Public Library and Bluestone Lane.
Let your STEAM adventure begin!
Each of the below STEAMwork videos includes directions, materials, and bonus resources for your at-home discovery. STEAMworks are generously presented by Booz Allen Hamilton.

PreK-K
🎥 Make Bread
Fall is a great time for baking as cooler temperatures make it easier to turn on the oven.
  • You will need: Dry active yeast, sugar,water, vegetable oil, eggs, flour, measuring cups and spoons, baking sheet, and mixing bowl
  • You will learn: Measurement, fine motor skills, and sensory awareness
📖 Pair it with a DCPL Book! What kind of bread does your family eat? See how people all over the world enjoy different kinds of bread in Bread, Bread, Bread by Ann Morris.

Grades 1-2
🎥 Make a Bird Feeder
Bird feeding in the fall is very important to help migratory birds get their fill as they head South for the winter.
  • You will need: Empty toilet paper roll, nut butter, bird seeds, spoon, string, and scissors
  • You will learn: Classification, observation, environmental science/caring for animal needs
📖 Pair it with a DCPL Book! All kinds of animals migrate, whether due to changing seasons, to avoid predators, or to reach breeding grounds. Migration: Incredible Animal Journeys by Mike Unwin showcases a variety of animals and their exciting migration journeys.

Grades 3-5
🎥 Make Your Own Paper
Paper can be reused and made into new paper, a perfect project to try using your old homework assignments!
  • You will need: Paper, scissors, a wooden mold and deckle, spoon, fork, large bowl, aluminum foil, sponge, rolling pin, water, and towels
  • You will learn: Sensory exploration, sustainability, conservation
📖 Pair it with a DCPL Book! In Front Desk by Kelly Yang, 5th grader Mia Tang is starting the school year with all kinds of new challenges. Follow along as she tackles starting at a new school, working an unofficial job, and dealing with bullies and injustice all while trying to make her dream of being a writer come true.
Banana Toast
healthy, DIY recipes from the Museum’s café partner
ingredients:
  • 1 slice of bread (try your homemade recipe!)
  • 1 banana
  • nut butter (Bluestone Lane uses Almond Butter in-store)*
  • honey
  • cinnamon
recipe:
  1. Choose your favorite bread.
  2. Slice one banana.
  3. Toast your bread and spread the desired amount of nut butter.
  4. Add the sliced banana to cover the entire bread.
  5. Drizzle honey in a zigzag motion and then lightly dust with cinnamon.
  6. Cut into quarters to share in fun sized bites.
  7. Enjoy!
*Looking for a nut butter alternative? Try substituting sunflower seed butter!
Fun Fact: Fall colors are caused by the amount of sugar in leaves.

The more red in the leaf, the more sugar that leaf is storing. That is why Maple trees are so vibrant! Evergreens don’t change color because their leaves have a thick wax covering that protects the chlorophyl (green) in the leaves.

Museum Tip: If you’re out on a walk, engage young minds by comparing leaves—which has the most sugar stored?
Can you noodle where Doodle is this month? Hint: We’ve been waiting three whole years for this un-book-lievable reopening on September 24!
spark curiosity, ignite creativity
 
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