SparKits
Rocket Science
Let's Begin
Gather Materials
Balloon
Yarn
Tape
2 chairs or other surface to run the yarn across
large smoothie type straw
Step 1
Start by finding two chairs or household items to string the yarn across to make a taught straight line.
Step 2
Next, feed the yarn through one end of the straw.
Step 3
Now, blow up the balloon until it is large, but not all the way full. Hold the end closed to keep the air in while someone helps to tape the straw to one of the sides of the balloon.
Step 4
Finally, tie the other end of the yarn to the chair or household item to make it a tight straight line. Hold the balloon to one end of the yarn, and let go of the balloon. Watch the balloon zip along the yarn to the other side like a rocket!
CDC Milestones
Curious about your child’s development? All children develop at their own pace, but the Center for Disease Control’s developmental milestones can be a helpful guideline. Here are a few examples:
1-year-old
- Shows fear in some situations
- Puts things in a container, takes things out of a container
- Looks at the right picture or thing when it’s named
18-months-old
- Explores alone but with parent close by
- Can follow 1-step verbal commands without any gestures
- Drinks from a cup
2-years-old
- Shows more and more independence
- Knows names of familiar people and body parts
- Might use one hand more than the other
Additional family resources
Early Learning with ECA
Learning begins at birth. ECA provides foundations for learning, starting with age-appropriate experiences for infants, toddlers, and preschool. ECA also offers a range of family support programs that encourage family involvement with children’s learning.
Free tips and learning games
This free texting service provides quality, developmental information for parents and caregivers of children prenatal to age eight right to your phone. Messages include research-based, age-appropriate content from national experts, along with local updates of events and resources.
Free resources at your library
Your local library has many resources for you as a parent as well as for your child. We encourage you to take advantage of all they have to offer. For an online list of libraries by city, go to publiclibraries.com/state
Find help in your community
Dial 2-1-1 or 1-877-502-0700 for free, confidential, 24-hour information and referral assistance. Trained 2-1-1 Specialists can connect you to local organizations that can assist you with food, housing, health care, transportation, education and more.
Find a library near you...
Use of the materials described above are done so at your own risk and any children interacting with these materials should do so only under close adult supervision.
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