Tyler Omoth - Busting Boredom in the Great Outdoors

Different birds like different types of bird feed. Black oil sunflower seeds or shelled sunflower seeds are very popular with cardinals, finches, and nuthatches. Get a bird identification book from the public library or talk to a park ranger to learn more about the birds where you live.

Wouldnt it be great if you had a backyard game that would also help you practice your sports skills? Now you do! This football target toss game is easy to make, and its fun to play alone. Football Target Toss is also easy to fold up and throw in the car to take along on camping trips and vacations. Want to raise the stakes? Invite some friends over and have a competition!

• large tarp with at the corners
• yardstick
• permanent marker
• scissors
• colorful duct tape
• 50 feet (15 meters) of nylon rope
• a football, baseball, soccer ball, or other type of ball

1. Spread the tarp on the ground or a flat surface.
2. Use the yardstick and permanent marker to draw four to six different shapes spaced evenly on the tarp. These will become the target holes. They can be squares, triangles, or circles. Make them different sizes so some are easier to hit than others. All of the holes should be large enough to fit the ball through.
3. Use the scissors to carefully cut out the shapes.
4. Use duct tape to frame the holes. Fold it over the edge of the hole so it creates a strong border.
5. Use the marker or duct tape to add point values to each hole. Smaller holes are harder to hit, so make them worth more points.
6. Cut the rope into four pieces. Tie a piece of the rope to each corner using the grommet. Hang the tarp from a tree or building.
7. Grab a ball and start tossing! Get together with friends and have a competition. Who can score the most points in five throws?

TIP:

Make sure there is nothing behind the tarp that can be damaged by flying balls.

SIDEWALK CHALK PAINT

Are you feeling artistic? Sidewalk chalk is a fun way to create colorful drawings on the sidewalk or driveway. With this simple project, you can turn sidewalk chalk into paint. Time to get your hands dirty and create your next masterpiece!

MATERIALS

• sidewalk chalk (old broken pieces will also work)
• plastic bags
• hammer
• plastic containers with lids
• water
• paintbrushes of various sizes

STEPS

1. Sort the pieces of sidewalk chalk by color. Put each color into its own plastic bag.
2. Using the hammer, carefully pound the chalk through the bag until it is powdery.
3. Empty each bag of powder into its own plastic container.
4. Add 1 cup (240 milliliters) water to each container. Put the cover on and shake the container .
5. Take the new paint outside, grab a paintbrush, and start painting on the sidewalk or driveway!

DISCOVER THE STARS

The night sky is full of stars that are millions of miles away. Scientists have linked some stars together to make . With this project, youll be able to look at the sky and find your favorite stars and constellations. Youll never look at the night sky the same way again.

MATERIALS

• printable constellation cards
• paint or markers
• empty toilet paper or paper towel tube

STEPS

1. With an adults help, find a website with printable constellation cards. Or check out a book with maps of the constellations at the library. Study a few constellations, and find some favorites.
2. Using the paint or the markers, decorate the cardboard tube. This will be your pretend . Longer tubes make better telescopes.