First Grade Science Fair

Yesterday wrapped up the science fair at the PCP’s school and it feels just super to have that big thing off my dining room table and this to-do scratched off the list for another year.  Participation is optional and parental involvement is encouraged so, being the math and science kind of dorks that we are, we were giddy to give it a go! 


When we were hanging on the porch one afternoon, John observed a whole crowd of ants gobbling up a popsicle drip and asked me what kind of food ants like.  Well, that question became the impetus for the entire project...What sugar do ants prefer? 



Research
We started by researching some basic facts about both ants and different types of sugar on the internet.  The key things we learned were:

• Ants like sweets and can smell sugar from far away. Sugar gives them energy.
• Ants need water to survive. They get some water from the food they eat.
• Brown sugar has more molasses syrup in it than the other sugars.

Hypothesis
After talking through these facts (and a few others) with John, we coached him into making a hypothesis - Ants will prefer brown sugar.  Our assumptions:

• Ants can smell really well and brown sugar smells stronger than the other sugars.
• Ants need water and brown sugar has more syrup in it than other sugars.
• Brown sugar is small enough for ants to easily carry.

Procedure
After school one day we set to work on the project.  We looked through the pantry and came up with six different sugars to test: white sugar, brown sugar, powdered sugar, stevia, splenda and sprinkles. 

1. Write sugar names on the plates.
2. Put 2 teaspoons of each sugar out on the plates.
3. Leave plates outside where you have seen ants.
4.Count the number of ants on each plate at 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour and 1 day.

  

Results
With 132 ants on the plate after one day of measuring, as expected, brown sugar was most preferred by our ants!  Powdered sugar was a close second.

 

The PCP was thrilled to show off his work to the school and told me on the way out that we need to start deciding what to study next year.  I’m thinking we should at least take the weekend off :-)
xoxo

see his kindergarten project here: What color food do birds prefer?

Modern mini homes designs ideas.

Modern mini homes designs ideas, front Exterior views.

Modern mini homes designs ideas.

Modern mini homes designs ideas, front Exterior views.

Day 3: Driveway gravel and a HUGE hole

Today our driveway was graveled and our excavation was expanded to be house-sized. What a difference a day makes! The log I stood on for previous photos has been moved to the northeastern side of the property, the water tank for the first, decommissioned well has been moved to the southeastern side, and there are big hills of dirt everywhere -- including where the water tank used to be. Our stack of geofoam has grown, and there is a new stack at the front of the property among dirt hills.

Our Front Door and Wreath Giveaway

 I regularly show you photos of our back porch but almost never show you the front of our house because, well, there's not much to show. However, I am really excited about this wreath that Meagan of Custom Wreaths by Meagan sent me earlier this week! It was packaged wonderfully so it arrived in perfect condition and I was thrilled with the size of it! I loved it so much I was torn on where to put it. I played around with it in Lola's room (I will show photos I took yesterday with it in her room decorated with autumn touches next week) but ended up with it on our front door!

If you are interested in ordering a wreath, head on over to Meagan's facebook page and send her a message. And today we are giving away a wreath from Meagan to one lucky winner! (Please note: due to the time-consuming manner of the wheat wreath in these photos she is not taking any more orders for this particular wreath at this time).

The colored mums are thanks to Lillie and Lola. I always buy the cream colored ones but when you tell two little girls to "help pick out the prettiest mums they can find" these were naturally the ones they went right to! They aren't my favorite, but oh well. =)  They had fun picking them out and really love watering them every day.

I thought I would also show you the other wreath Meagan sent me this summer:

And here is another wreath from her facebook page:

And here is the wreath she is giving away to one lucky winner! It is a lovely 18 by 18 square moss wreath. (Or if you would prefer another style she will give the winner a $55 credit towards any style she makes).

So, how can you win this wreath 

(or a $55 credit towards a wreath of your choice by Custom Wreaths by Meagan)?

 

All you have to do is leave a comment on this post!

You don't have to have a blog to enter, either. If you aren't a blogger, just enter a comment and then where it says "comment as" scroll down near the bottom and click on anonymous. However, if you do that, make sure to leave your e-mail address so we can confirm that you are the winner. If we draw the name of someone who doesn't leave any identifying information we will simply draw a new name. Make sure to check back here on the blog to collect your prize!

You can comment each day if you would like to up your chances!

For an extra entry simply "Like" Custom Wreaths by Meagan and come back here and comment that you did for another extra entry!

This giveaway runs through Monday.

Gingham - Interior Inspiration

Gingham... I'm sure we've all used this pattern in decorating at some time or other, I've used it in cushions to create a cottage look, I've even owned a blue gingham sofa when they were all rage in the 90's.  Gingham can be used to create a cottage or country style decor but seemingly at home in most styles of interiors, as long as you get the balance right and don't over do it. I've gathered up some of my favourite Gingham interiors to inspire you....

Before I share the interior images, I had to include this delightful black and white image via Pinterest. I've been sorting through my mums house and found lots of delightful vintage clothing including some sweet little gloves just like the ones on the model, they even had the original price tag intact.  In fact, I've found so many delightful items I'm preparing a post to share with you next week.

I like the simple addition of a gingham tablecloth to add a touch of "country".

Have you ever used gingham in your home and if so, which room did you use it in? Searching the Internet for images it was clear that its popularity is the bedroom.

Image Sources:

1. Pinterest. 
2. Pinterest
3. Cumming and Co
4. Cocoa Cosy
5.  Pinterest
6. Ballard Designs
7. Via A Beach Cottage

Day 2: Driveway grading

Grading the driveway (with Cole wielding a pickaxe on the left). 

The hole as it stands on Day 2.