DECEMBER 2019
PittsburghParent.com DECEMBER 2019 1
CreateIt Sponsored by Carnegie Science Center
Christmas Light Science Activity Educate your young Einstein on how to complete a light circuit!
Materials
• String of Christmas lights • Scissors • 9-volt battery Steps
1. Take the string of Christmas lights and cut the green wire so only two lights are connected 2. Cut about 1cm off the plastic wire casting so the wires are exposed on both ends (Parents: Do this part of the activity and discuss wire safety) Fun Fact 3. Hold one end of the wire to the positive end of the battery and the other to the Your early learner created a circuit! Two wires connect to the negative end light. For electrons to produce light, there must be a complete NOTE: There is no electrical shock with this activity; circuit so they can flow through however, parental supervision is advised. the light bulb and back out.
Your holiday HEADQUARTERS for familyFUN! Celebrate with favorite miniatures, movies, and messes!
All Aboard! Miniature Railroad & Village®* Now–Jan. 1 th Celebrate the 100 Anniversary of the Holiday Magic Laser Shows: Enjoy a renowned Miniature Railroad and see festive laser show that’s perfect for families, this year’s new model – the historic featuring traditional and contemporary Kaufmann’s department store replicated versions of your favorite holiday music. in glorious detail! Wed., Jan. 1 . 10 am–5 pm Sat., Dec. 7 MessFest*: A New Year’s Day tradition! Elf: The Sleepover: See the Get slimy, yucky, ooey, and gooey! Experiment holiday classic Elf in The Rangos Giant with Oobleck, enjoy a “pi” eating contest, or Cinema, carry out festive science engineer an egg to survive a fall. experiments, and create a delicious hot chocolate concoction. Presented by: Sponsored by: * Included with general admission
PittsburghParent.com DECEMBER 2019 1 Number 12 Volume 32 DECEMBER 6 what’s inside your community 16 parenting resource for over 30 years!
in this issue
1 CreateIt 10 CoverStory Christmas light science activity A celebration for every reason
4 Editor’sNote 16 EducationConnection Holiday traditions – make Resolutions: Find out how your memories children are doing in school
6 SteamForward 36 Around& About Best STEM Buds Calendar of activities & events 32 8 HumorMe Angels do exist (at the grocery store)
featured topics special section 18 Are you considering a boarding school? 18 - 20 Boarding Schools 21 Survival guide for raising a child after losing one 22 - 25 Higher Education – Navigating the Future 22 Eight great college prep apps 26 - 35 Holiday Happenings & Gift Guide 24 How women can earn a college degree today 32 Multi-cultural holiday experiences for families on the cover
Cover: Justin Thomas Moses, son of Robert and Melissa Moses of Pittsburgh
Cover Photo: Trey Thomas Images
2 DECEMBER 2019 PittsburghParent.com Attention Advertisers
Look What’s Coming in the JANUARY Issue of Pittsburgh Parent 30th Annual Education & Enrichment Guide
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Learn more about Tender Care Learning Centers at www.EarlyEducationPros.org
PittsburghParent.com DECEMBER 2019 3 Editor’sNote Patricia Poshard