Today, we went to the Sweden Embassy for a childrens day presentation.  The kids had lots of fun at this interactive, hands on experience of a day! 

There were demonstrations, and an entire room of hands on displays along with staff to show us how to use each of the science based materials.  On the right you can see Spencer working cooperatively to move a grapple hook to pick up cars and move them to coordinating squares.  Malena learns about force with the spinning wheel below.

Probability, mirror illusions, wave boxes all rounded out the activities in this room.  And the kids enjoyed going from place to place. 

Many of these hands on things are inspired by this Swedish Science book.  Tom Tits is actually a made up French name, and you can read more about the actual hands on science museum, called Tom Tits Experiment in Sweden by clicking here. We think it looks fun and hope to go someday!

A computerized rock wall worked out the kids really well!  They had fun playing games with the lighted climbers.  Downstairs a room was devoted to Astrid Lindgren, perhaps the most famous of all Swedish authors—Haven’t heard of her?  No?  Well you have heard of Pippi Longstocking haven’t you?  Astrid Lindgrin would have been 100 years old this week!  She lived a long life, dying at age 95!

The day ended with a look at a popular Swedish cartoon, translated, “Little Ghost Laban.”  Maybe he is the Sponge Bob of Sweden!

Some cool stuff about Sweden:

 

IKEA is from Sweden.

 

The original Coke bottle was designed by a Swede.

The zipper fastener was designed by a Swede.

 

The Sami people are the people who live in the northern most area of Sweden.  They still make a living by reindeer herding, and live in harmony with nature.

 

Sweden has a king

 

Sweden’s own Anders Celsius created the hundred degree thermometer used all over the world today!

 

Volvo and Saabs are both made in Sweden