ZEN GARDEN
By: Casey, 12, PA (aka Summeir)

Ever feel like you’re bored and you have no idea what to do? Here’s an idea that will relax you, but is still a fun thing to do.

Remember you can always tweak things here and there as shown below. These are only some ideas.

SUPPLIES:

• small plastic jar
• rocks, shells, buttons, beads, or things you find inspirational
• sand, dirt, stone pieces (small)
• paint
• glue
• clay or sticks
• some type of green thing (sea sponge, moss)

WHAT TO DO:

1. Paint your container and let it dry.
2. Put the sand or whatever you have chosen inside.
3. Put in your pieces you have chosen rocks, buttons, or whatever.

Make a small line for a river and make a bridge. Also make a pagoda or whatever fits your taste.

You are done – now sit and relax!

TADPOLE OBSERVATORY
By: Katy, 12, TX (aka shopper14)

Create a place to watch the growth of your very own backyard frogs with a Tadpole Observatory.
 

MATERIALS:

• 1 bucket
• 1 small glass tank
• pond water
• pond debris (rotting vegetation, twigs and mud)
• tadpoles
• small net
• fish food

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Take the bucket to a pond or lake and fill it with pond debris and water. Check to see if you have captured any tadpoles in the process.
    
2. If there are no tadpoles in the bucket, use the net to drag the bottom of the pond or lake – this is where most tadpoles will be found.
    
3. Once at home, slowly pour the water and pond debris into a glass tank.
    
4. Once the water and debris settles, add the tadpoles a few at a time.
    
5. Add a dash of fish food every other day and watch the tadpoles change into froglets.
    
6. Remember to put the tadpoles back out after their legs have grown.