Clips from FirstTeacher.com

Here are some samples of my work during my employment with FirstTeacher.com. These activities are posted on our Web site: www.familytlc.net

These activities and instructions are written for readers age 10- 12 years and their parents.

I began writing for First Teacher.com in the spring of 2000 and am now the managing editor.

Fruity Freezes

[20 Minutes]

Gelatin is a protein made from boiling animal bones. It is colorless, tasteless, and odorless. Gelatin dissolves in hot water to form a gel and when placed in cold water it can swell up to 5 to 10 times its weight. Gelatin has many uses. It is used in foods to make jams, jellies, and marshmallow. It is used in photography in film preparation and in medicine as a coating for pills. The next time you want a "cool" treat, use gelatin to make your own popsicles

You'll need:

• small package of sugar-free gelatin • wooden popsicle sticks or plastic spoons • 1 cup hot water • 1 cup cold fruit juice • small paper cups • measuring cups • bowl • pot

What to do:

1. If possible, print out these directions. Read them through together before you begin.
2. Together, gather everything you'll need.
3. Place about 2 cups of water in a pot on the stove and turn on the burner.
4. When the water boils, measure out 1 cup of the boiling water and pour in a bowl.
5. Help your child pour a small package of sugar-free gelatin into the hot water and stir.
6. Let her add 1 cup fruit juice, stir, and pour the mixture into small paper cups.
7. Place in the freezer.
8. When the mixture starts to freeze, let your child stick wooden popsicle sticks or plastic spoons into each cup. Freeze until hard, peel off the paper, and enjoy!

Useful information:

This is a refreshing treat. My brother and I made three different types. The whole family loved them! (Michelle, age 10)