Often, in our internet wanderings we come across an interesting study, a fabulous article or some other random thing. I typically post such finds on facebook or twitter. I’m terrible at tweeting, but have you noticed all the cool stuff on our facebook page these past few months? That’s because I made Olivia an administrator. Days when there’s actually stuff posted on the facebook page it’s because Olivia is successfully distracting herself from dissertation writing. It’s great!

BUT, for those who may have missed a good link, or aren’t on facebook, I’m posting a few favorites I’d recommend checking out. And #6 is totally random, but it’s something I’ve thought about a lot this month, therefore it’s also worth mentioning.

If you’ve come across any noteworthy links in your internet wanderings leave it in the comments!

1. Things to do with your kids this winter:
Turn a table into a playhouse with a few roller shades and some markers. Get a cardboard box (this video is awesome, all 8 minutes of it, trust me), or maybe several… Make a biosphere that can actually keep things alive! (more…)

It’s summer time.  And the bees… they’re everywhere!  You’ve heard them buzzing on a lazy day, your kids have been stung, or someone has remarked on the bees busy at flowers.  They’re everywhere… and yet so misunderstood, poor things.

Here are ten interesting facts about the wonderful creatures known as bees.

How is it that I know these things about bees?  Because I’m a certified geek, and when I’m not cooking or taking pictures, I’m thinking about bees.  And okay, so I’m studying bees for my PhD.  But whatever.

Spout these little factoids off to your kids and wow them with your worldly knowledge.  Or just take a moment to marvel out how cool these little beasties are.

1. There are between 20,000 and 30,000 species in the world. In North America there are between 3,000 and 4,000.  New species are found every year.  Really.  Every year!  It’s like Lewis and Clark or Dr. Livingstone out there in the bee-world.  “Where are most bees found,” you’re wondering?  I’ll tell you:  the deserts.  Unlike butterflies, beetles, monkeys, hummingbirds, frogs, sloths, and many, many other creatures, bees love dry heat, and are most diverse in the hot and dry places of the world. (more…)

GreenTeacher hosts a whole series of free webinars. I thought this one looked interesting:

Webinar topic:  “Plugged In; But Tuned Out: The Need to Reconnect with Nature”
Wednesday March 30, 2011, 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. EST
Presenter:  Herb Broda

Description: In this age of alluring techno-gadgetry we need to be very cautious about maintaining a balance between indoor and outdoor activity. At a time whenchildren’s natural curiosity about the outdoors is eclipsed by the demands ofbusy schedules and the ever-present glow of video screens, schools and outdoor centers may be the only places where kids are encouraged tointeract with nature. Kids need to go outside for both learning and play—indeed there is a need for old-fashioned unstructured play in nature – the kind of invented play that “older” folks fondly recall.

I contacted the instructor to make sure it was going to be applicable for parents as much as formal educators, I received this response: I can say without hesitation that parents will find his presentation just as useful as will teachers and other youth educators. To sign up go here, or check out other webinars they’re offering this spring.