“Hoppy” Spring!

Calling all avid herpetologists – check out the frog puzzles. Switch the frogs to the opposite side. It is easily accomplished if you take a moment to THINK before you proceed. Then check out the 10-stage frog jumping puzzle with the disappearing stones. It is trickier than you might think!

Earth Day – Get To Know Contest

The Robert Bateman Get to Know Program is based on the philosophy that caring for the planet begins with getting to know the names of our neighbours of other species. The contest, held annually, encourages young Canadians to spend more time outdoors, engaging in nature, and instilling a desire to protect biodiversity. All Canadian youth under 20 years old are eligible to enter, and entries must be postmarked no later than Earth Day. Full contest details are available online at www.gettoknow.ca.

Happy New Year

If you haven’t already sent a message to your mentor/mentee in the New Year, now would be a good time to do so. Find out how her holiday was. What did she do? Do either of you have any New Year’s resolutions? What are your goals for the year?

Holidays

Are you going to be away from your computer or internet access during the holidays? Let your mentor/ee know about your holiday plans and make sure you let her know when she can expect messages from you. Ask about her holiday plans, too. Does she have any family traditions? Is she going traveling?

Spring

Happy Spring! Spring officially starts at the Spring Equinox. Do you know how we determine exactly when spring arrives? See this link for more information about the vernal (spring) equinox. There is a diagram of the equinox here. How do you celebrate spring’s arrival? Does your mentor/mentee watch for any special signs of spring? (robins singing, warm temperatures and melting snow, shoots of green grass, etc.). Compare the signs of spring that you and your mentor/mentee have noticed. Enjoy the changing seasons.

Spring and Balancing Eggs

One of the stranger beliefs floating around is that the only time you can stand a raw egg on its end is on the date of the vernal equinox (which is usually around March 21 each year). Click on this link to learn more about it. If you scroll down the page, there are some good photos. Have you or your mentor got the patience to prove that raw eggs can be stood on end on other days than the first day of spring? If you do prove it, take a digital photo and send it to your mentor. Check out the photo and article about the man who set a world record for egg balancing here.

See also Popsicle Frogs on Biology Topics