recycled gold, tools, and supplies

I love recycled gold for a couple of reasons. First, it can be  your own little recycling bin. I have also discovered, some of the best items in our recycled gold are items that may not be able to be recycled.

Secondly, it never ceases to amaze me when I give kids the opportunity to examine an everyday "garbage" object to re-purpose it. They always seemed stunned that I would give them that freedom and they leave me amazed and inspired by what they come up with.

Finally, by encouraging the reusing of items, we are teaching kids the value recycling and the importance of taking care of our planet.

Here is my list (in process) of favorites; if you have something I am forgetting, please tell me so I can add it!

• Paper towel/ toilet paper tubes
• Plastic bottles and lids
• Coffee containers
• Milk jugs (plastic and cardboard)
• Egg Cartons
• Yogurt Containers
• Cardboard Boxes
• Plastic fruit containers
• Popsicle Sticks
• Wine corks
• Children's medicine cups and syringes
• Rubberbands
• String

Here is a list (in process) of tools and other supplies that I like to have for the kids to use (with adult supervision of course!)

• SAFETY GOGGLES!
• Zip Ties
• Duct Tape (different colors and animal print for more fun!)
• Scissors
• Hammer
• Box Cutter (careful)
• Screwdrivers (phillips and flat)
• Power screwdriver
• Hot glue and hot glue gun

"toys" to inspire creativity!

As a father and science teacher I have done my fair share researching products and activities that not only engage kids for hours but also encourage critical thinking skills.  Here are a few of my favorites.

Makedo - I have given a number of workshops that feature these creative pieces. All you need is cardboard and imagination and the possibilities are limitless!

littleBits - I just started messing around with these and am a very big fan already for many reasons. First the simplicity of them, one does not need a computer. Two they are very mobile, you can make something and take it with you. Finally, there are so many bits the opportunities are limitless!

Keva Planks - While working at my previous science museum, we had 10,000 Keva Planks! There are a couple favorite memories I have. One is when a group of middle school students visited, built a 12ft column, and then "tackled" it. Another is when one family spent the entire day building a Keva city with trains, buildings, bridges, it was amazing!

Magna Tiles - I cannot tell you how much time I have spent with my daughter's playing with these. They help hone critical thinking skills while allowing them to build amazing, fun, and unique creations.

Scratch animation - I have taught classes with this free software many times. Simply put, I love it. There are communities you can join, it teaches kids computer programming, allows for creativity, and it is FUN!

I am sure I will think of more that I have worked with but for now, that should do it. I will keep you updated as to when I update the list and if you have any that are not on here that should be, please let me know!

Cre8ively yours,

The Garage Creative