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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

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May 1, 2013

Super Science Party

When my daughter was 4 ½ her greatly anticipated Christmas gift was a pair of plastic safety goggles and a Mind Blowing Science kit.  Fast-forward a year and a half and a few dozen Steve Spangler episodes on youtube and she’s pretty confident that any opportunity is a good one to test the laws of science.

Why limit yourself to a beaker and a test tube when you can use an empty bathtub at a friend’s house and a full bottle of shampoo?  All in the name of science!  So it was fitting that we celebrated her 6th birthday with a day full of messes and opportunities to blow her mind.

The science experiments really took center stage at this party so I kept the decorations fairly simple with flowers in Erlenmeyer flasks,

Flowers in beakers for science party decorations At the Picket Fence

a banner celebrating the element of Caroline,

child's name element banner for science party www.atthepicketfence.com

and a few sweet treats to fit the theme.

Purple Fluorite Pops www.atthepicketfence.com

Proton Cake Pops for science party www.atthepicketfence.com

The birthday cake held a surprise molecular core made of sixlets that spilled out as we cut the pieces and I used gumballs and straws to create the molecule cake toppers. Be sure to come back tomorrow to find out how to make this cake!

Molecule birthday cake for super science party www.atthepicketfence.com

Conducting experiments with 12 kindergartners required some organization and willing grandparent volunteers.

Egg In Cup science experiment www.atthepicketfence.com

We led 2 group experiments and then divided the kids into 3 science teams with 4 mini scientists per team.

Elephant Toothpaste

Over the course of the party the science teams rotated through 8 stations where they were able to make swirling milk reactions and explore the color spectrum.

Swirling Milk experiment for science birthday party www.atthepicketfence.com

Color Spectrum

They grew jelly marbles, uncovering a hidden message through the mystery of light refraction.

Growing Jelly Marbles science experiment www.atthepicketfence.com

And held dry ice bubbles in their hands!

Dry Ice Bubbles www.atthepicketfence.com

They constructed gumdrop molecules, studied rocks and minerals, and played with the laws of magnetism.

science experiments for science themed birthday party www.atthepicketfence.com

The scientists came back together as a group to play with a little instant snow and to watch the mentos geyser grand finale.

Instant Snow

We captured a video of the geyser on our phone and weeks later it still makes me smile to hear the delighted screams of the girls as the coke bottle erupted.

Mentos Geyser

We truly had the sweetest group of little scientists who were full of interest and enthusiasm for each of the stations and witnessing their excitement throughout the afternoon made it one of the most satisfying parties to throw.  Each mini professor left with a t-shirt lab coat, safety glasses, a Science for Kids book, a petri dish containing a science experiment to-go, and a personalized field notes notebook as well as a few sweet treats.

Science themed birthday party favors www.atthepicketfence.com

My daughter is lucky to have a super cool scientist for an aunt who happens to be a bona-fide molecular biologist, proving in our family that in science, girls really do, do it better!

Science: Girls do it better sign for science birthday party At the Picket Fence

Thanks so much for joining me today At the Picket Fence and be sure to come back tomorrow to find out how to make the Surprise Molecular Cake!

A Super Science Party for girls (and boys) from At The Picket Fence

Julie Signature
Here are more of Julie’s amazing party contributions:
Paint Themed Party
Pioneer Party
Harvest Party

 

31 Comments Filed Under: Children's Parties Ideas, Crafts, Good Ideas, Kids, Parties Tagged With: science birthday party, science for girls, science themed party

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Comments

  1. Yvonne @ StoneGable says

    May 1, 2013 at 5:53 AM

    Julie, this is the best birthday party for a little girl I have ever seen! You carried out the theme and color perfectly! That cake is amazing!!!!

    Happy birthday little scientist Caroline! I’m sure you will never forget this very cool birthday party. Reach for your dreams… YOU GO GIRL!!!

    Reply
  2. Sarah Lynn says

    May 1, 2013 at 6:04 AM

    What a cool party, I would have loved that as a kid! I love all the decor, activities, and food for the party. That’s great that your daughter loves science so much! I’m an engineer and always loved science and math as a kid. 🙂

    Reply
  3. Laura / The Shed blog by Pet Scribbles says

    May 1, 2013 at 6:22 AM

    What a fantastic party this was! And you came up with so many creative and fun ideas – love how happy your daughter looks in these pictures! Obviously this will be a birthday celebration she will remember for a long time!

    Reply
  4. Tami says

    May 1, 2013 at 6:33 AM

    This is so cool! Would love to do this for my grandson. Can’t wait to see how you made the cake!

    Reply
  5. Ida says

    May 1, 2013 at 6:34 AM

    Awesome party! It looks like she had so much fun! I like this theme for kids!

    Reply
  6. lucy says

    May 1, 2013 at 7:36 AM

    Thanks for letting me relive this awesome birthday party! It truly was spectacular!!! Grandma to Caroline. Lucy

    Reply
  7. Jennifer @ Decorated Chaos says

    May 1, 2013 at 10:19 AM

    OMG I absolutely LOVE this party theme and all that you have created! I went to a Science and Math based HS and have always loved Science, AND am really passionate about getting more kids, esp girls, excited about Science, so this really hits home with me. What a fabulous idea!

    Jennifer @ Decorated Chaos

    Reply
  8. Angelina says

    May 1, 2013 at 10:34 AM

    I SERIOUSLY, STUNK at science in school but maybe it’s because it wasn’t as PRETTY and Fun as this!! Julie, this is so CUTE and So fun, it makes me want to go and get my Science on! I love that it is a Unique Party and has a theme where learning can be involved and Kids wouldn’t even know it. Great Job and thanks so much for sharing it with us.

    Reply
  9. Ashley G says

    May 1, 2013 at 11:07 AM

    What a unique party! I know the children loved it. I am adding these experiments to our summer fun list.

    Reply
  10. Thistle says

    May 1, 2013 at 3:09 PM

    Speechless.

    Seriously.

    Tell Julie I am her devoted fan.

    🙂 me

    Reply
  11. Judy says

    May 1, 2013 at 4:07 PM

    What a super cool theme. Looks like an amazing party.

    Reply
  12. Jennifer @ Celebrating Everyday Life says

    May 2, 2013 at 7:37 AM

    That party is SO adorable!! Not being a science gal myself – this is mind-blowingly COOL!!!! Love, LOVE it!!!! So many favorite elements, I can’t choose just one!! Thank you for sharing such a fun party idea!!

    Reply
  13. Catherine Holt says

    May 2, 2013 at 10:55 PM

    This party is just adorable, what an awesome idea! The kids look like they had a blast :-)What could be more fun that testing out all these things. I think you are onto a winner with this party theme!

    Reply
  14. Chrisitina says

    May 3, 2013 at 6:47 AM

    wow- I want to go to that party!-
    how wonderfully creative and unique! They must have had a blast-
    So nice to see girls interested in science!

    Reply
  15. Amanda @ Dixie Delights says

    May 6, 2013 at 5:20 PM

    Julie, That is seriously the CUTEST party EVER! You outdid yourself! I love every detail. Thanks for sharing 🙂 xo

    Reply
  16. Liz says

    July 5, 2013 at 12:56 AM

    Using this as my graduation party idea! Thanks 🙂

    Reply
  17. Nickie p says

    October 7, 2013 at 4:00 PM

    everything was lovely I soo aspire to do event planning, décor, and awesome cakes. I just recently got out of the hospital so I haven’t been able to do much lately my son’s 8th birthday party is coming up and I am looking for ideas he is a iron man fanatic..

    Reply
  18. Susy says

    December 30, 2013 at 4:38 AM

    Hi Julie: What a beautiful party, I just cry across your site and I’m in love with all the beautiful details. I’m wondering how you made the “Proton Pops”? Very clever & unique. Thank you

    Reply
  19. Susy says

    January 15, 2014 at 12:25 PM

    Hello: I love every single detail of your daughter’s science Bday party. I’m wondering if you can share how you made the “Proton Pops”
    Thank you so much 🙂

    Reply
  20. Colette says

    February 18, 2014 at 4:21 AM

    Love these cute & creative ideas. Can you share how you made the Proton Pops? Thanks 🙂

    Reply
  21. ScienceTeachMom says

    March 7, 2014 at 2:56 PM

    My daughter and I LOVE this party idea for her upcoming birthday. Do you have any information on the actual experiments? Also…recipes for the Proton Pops and Purple Flourite Pops? Thank you very much…such a wonderfully creative party idea!!

    Reply
  22. amy carline says

    July 2, 2014 at 4:52 AM

    Where can you see the experiments? What I click on the pictures I just get the picture.
    Thanks

    Reply
  23. EMily says

    October 23, 2014 at 10:34 AM

    how did you make your proton pops? They are adorable!!!

    Reply
  24. EMily says

    October 23, 2014 at 10:36 AM

    Do you have a recipe or a tutorial on your proton pops?

    Reply
  25. Brooke Bagley says

    January 26, 2015 at 2:55 PM

    Do you have any printables to share?? I would love to use this for my soon to be 6 year olds party. We have only found boy stuff and she loved this entire page.

    Reply
  26. Kim says

    September 16, 2013 at 8:05 PM

    I wondered how you made the molecules for the top of the amazing cake? Gumballs and straws, did you drill into them or glue them? Trying to think of what to do for my daughter’s requested science party! Fabulous party ideas, it looks amazing. Kim

    Reply
  27. Julie says

    September 26, 2013 at 1:43 PM

    Hi Kim,
    I used hot glue to create the gumball/straw molecules. It literally took seconds and held together beautifully.
    You’ll have such a blast with a science party….I think I might have had more fun than the kids 🙂

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. How to Make an 8 Layer Surprise Cake says:
    May 2, 2013 at 5:07 AM

    […] you so much for all of your kind words yesterday about my daughter’s Super Science Party! I promised I’d be back today to show you just how I managed to make her 8 Layer Surprise […]

    Reply
  2. A Tea Party Birthday says:
    May 29, 2013 at 11:02 AM

    […] Super Science Party […]

    Reply
  3. Apple Picking Recipes...from Tree to Table - At The Picket Fence says:
    August 31, 2013 at 3:45 PM

    […] Drew Detective Party Super Science Party Pioneer Birthday […]

    Reply
  4. Dog Themed Children's Birthday Party says:
    May 23, 2014 at 3:00 AM

    […] bright orange colors of her party.  To make the creamsicle frosting I used our family’s favorite buttercream recipe and added vanilla bean paste, a few tablespoons of orange juice concentrate and a few teaspoons of […]

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I’m never.going.back to stressful, time-consumin I’m never.going.back to stressful, time-consuming seasonal decorating. When I think back on the years where I would feel all of the pressure to come up with something fresh and creative I’m seriously embarrassed. Truly. Because it was such a waste. A waste of my time, my energy, my resources. Something clicked with me a few years ago. I was just done. I needed to simplify. I needed to not spend an obscene amount of time looking at fireplace mantels on Pinterest and trying to figure out how to make mine look amazing. I needed to put it all in the proper place in my heart and my mind. Which meant, it had to go waaaaayyyy down on the priority list. So far down it almost wasn’t on it. And I needed to confess to the Lord that I had allowed it to become an idol. 

Yes, I want to have a home that I enjoy. Yes, I love pretty things. But something really amazing happened when I finally released it all. When I decided to not give into the pressure and panic I would feel when I would scroll through my Instagram feed. When I just laid it all down and said…enough. There was this incredible irony in it. Because, the less time I took to decorate my home for each season, the more I found myself loving the results. I think that all along I had just been getting in my own way. It’s really taken a lot of time and prayer for me to finally be at a place where even though I still struggle with insecurities and I still have doubts from time to time, I’m becoming increasingly more confident in who God created me to be. And, just like my home, I’m finding that as I relax into myself, letting go of the comparisons and the pressure, the more I can actually lean into the calling He has placed on my life. 🍂

Leave a comment if you can relate! 

#wearethehomemakers #homemaking
“As the alluring song of September begins to whi “As the alluring song of September begins to whisper in my ear, my passionate spirit yearns for the splendor of its promise.” (Peggy Toney Horton)

Happy September dear friends! While I’m not quite ready to let go of summer and I plan to make the most out of the lingering, warm days, I’ll admit to starting to think about my fall decor this year. And one way to get inspired is to take a look back at previous years. Here’s just a glimpse at some of the ways I’ve welcomed Autumn to my home! 🍂

#september #falldecorating #falldecor #falldecoratingideas #wearethehomemakers
Labor Day weekend might mean that we’re turning Labor Day weekend might mean that we’re turning the corner and getting closer to fall but I’m not quite ready to let summer go. So I’ll just be over here continuing to whip up some super simple summer meals for my family that frankly can be enjoyed in any season. These shrimp rolls I made the other night were definitely a hit and would be great for any of your upcoming holiday weekend gatherings!

Shrimp Rolls 🍤

Ingredients
1-2 lbs of shrimp that is peeled, deveined and tail off (If using frozen make sure it’s thawed completely)
1/3 cup mayonnaise 
1/2 of a lemon
2 Tbsps chopped scallions
1 Tbsp chopped dill
1 Tbsp chopped Italian parsley
1 Tsp of Old Bay seasoning (more if you like!)
pinch of sea salt and pinch of black pepper
Hoagie Rolls
Softened butter

Directions: Gently pat the shrimp with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Roughly chop the shrimp and place in a bowl. Add mayonnaise, squeeze half of lemon and stir to combine before adding in the scallions, dill and parsley. Stir to combine and then add the additional seasonings. Spread butter on hoagie rolls and toast in the oven until lightly browned. Pile on the shrimp mixture and enjoy! 

#shrimproll #foodie #weeknightdinner #easydinner #seafoodlover
Today has been a very Monday-ish kind of Monday. W Today has been a very Monday-ish kind of Monday. We woke up to the sound of chainsaws and rushed downstairs to find that our backyard neighbors were having two of the huge trees that line our shared fence removed. These trees have been here longer than the neighborhood and no, they weren't dead or causing damage to roofs, foundations, etc. They were beautiful and gave us wonderful privacy. We had no notice of this happening so this came as quite a shock. Because we were given no notice, we didn't have the chance to cover our outdoor furniture or plants and everything is now coated in a thick layer of sawdust including the fresh bark we recently put in the garden beds. And now our lovely privacy is gone, replaced by a direct view of an above ground pool and RV. I know, I know, it's totally a first world, privileged kind of problem to have. But, now we have to spend thousands of dollars on plants to try and recapture some semblance of privacy. Now we have days worth of clean up to do after we had JUST done a massive freshening up of our backyard. My overarching feeling has just been weariness at the way our world is today.

I think about how often we try to do right by people, to be respectful and courteous. To be thoughtful and considerate. And it’s not reciprocated. How its starting to seem more and more like people have just given up on those seemingly small niceties. And my soul just feels heavy. Because I feel like so much of what used to be common courtesy is not so common anymore. Drivers on the roads are angrier and more reckless than ever before. Red lights being run are an everyday occurrence around town. On our recent family vacation, I heard more people using the F word out in public than ever before even while around children. Where are manners? Where is kindness? I'm finding myself being surprised when someone is thoughtful because it seems like a rarity. And that's just all on a micro, local level. Don't even get me started on the insanity in our world/culture. After I returned from grocery shopping (which can also be soul crushing), I found myself desperate for a reminder of the truth. 

*Part 2 continued in the comments.*
How often is it in our lives that we don’t fully How often is it in our lives that we don’t fully grasp our strengths or our weaknesses until we are put to the test? Little did I know how much I would love my role as a wife, mother and homemaker until I became one. And that in my endeavor to do those roles to the best of my ability, it would bring to the forefront gifts and talents and blessings that I use outside of these walls.

As I water others, I’m watered too because it brings such joy to care for those around me. But it can also make me see more clearly the areas in which I’m lacking and be a very humbling reminder of how much I still need to grow and learn.

Proverbs 11:25 says, “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched and one who waters will himself be watered.”

Have you done any ‘watering’ of others this week? How has it blessed and ‘watered’ you in return?
“Mom, this is one of my favorite meals that you “Mom, this is one of my favorite meals that you make.” Statements like this from my kids fill me with so much joy and such a sense of assurance that my role as the maker of this home is one that makes an impact on them in both big and small ways. It’s not just sheet pan shrimp boil. 

It’s nourishment
It’s time together around the table
It’s laughing as we try to get the butter sauce out of the pan
It’s a memory
It’s an imprint on their lives 

The ordinary act of making a meal becomes EXTRAordinary. And I try to keep that in mind as I do this task day in and day out, year after year. 

***

Ingredients: 
1 pound baby red or yellow potatoes
Green beans or corn (4 ears cut in half) whichever you prefer
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
1/2 tsp coarse sea salt and pinch of black pepper 
1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 (12.8-ounce) package smoked andouille sausage, thinly sliced
Crusty bread for dipping 

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly oil a baking sheet or coat with nonstick spray. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook potatoes until just tender, about 10 minutes. Put potatoes, shrimp, sausage and green beans or corn on baking sheet. Pour butter over top. Sprinkle with old bay seasoning and salt and pepper. Mix well to combine. Bake for about 12 minutes or until shrimp is pink. 

#shrimpboil #sheetpandinner #sheetpanmeals #homemaking
Temperatures in the 100’s call for fresh and lig Temperatures in the 100’s call for fresh and light cocktails! My husband is my own built in bartender and he put this together the other night. 

2 jiggers of gin (you could also use vodka) 
*you should do a jig when using a jigger 😉*
Crushed ice 
Grapefruit tonic 
Squirt of lime 
Sprig of mint 

Easy and so refreshing!! ☀️

#cocktails #summercocktails
There is something magical about the late summer e There is something magical about the late summer evenings. Maybe it’s because we have a greater sense of the fact that these long days are slowly shortening and we want to savor them as much as we can. I know I intend to do just that. 

I hope you’re having a wonderful August so far dear friends!
Variations of this recipe are on repeat at our hou Variations of this recipe are on repeat at our house all summer long. We’re big on the ‘build your own’ method of making dinner especially on very hot days. Simplicity for the win! 
#recipes #easydinner #easydinnerideas #homemaking
In music, rhythm is a regular repetition or a grou In music, rhythm is a regular repetition or a grouping of beats. No matter what else a piece of music has in terms of its pitch or tone, the rhythm never changes. Its the stabilizing force and brings order to a composition that would be completely chaotic without it.

The same can be said of rhythms in our lives and in our homes. When everything else feels out of control, rhythms and patterns provide us with stability and something that we can rely upon to give us a sense of security in a very insecure world. But, too often, we associate the rhythmic things we do in our lives as merely tasks to be gotten through rather than gifts which provide much-needed balance.

Whether it’s making the coffee every night before we go to bed or doing my devotional in the morning before the rest of the house wakes up or watering my garden, these simple tasks provide a rhythm to my day that is truly grounding. 

What’s something that you do that you would classify as a rhythm or pattern in your week?
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