March Break is almost here, and it’s time to spark some fun. Whether you're looking to amp up your child's electrical safety knowledge, power through a cool DIY project, or plug into some high-voltage museum experiences, we’ve got you covered. From a shockingly good quiz contest (with an iPad up for grabs) to a bright idea for a solar-powered phone charger, this edition is all about mixing science with safety. Let’s get wired for an electrifying break.
Enter our kids' electrical safety contest for a chance to win a family iPad
Electricity powers our daily lives, providing the energy we need for everything from charging our phones to lighting our homes. However, it's important to understand and follow safety rules to make sure that this powerful force remains a valuable asset, not a danger.
Our Smart as a Fox Whiz Quiz contest was created for kids within our service territory in Kindergarten through Grade 8 to power-up their electrical safety knowledge. The quiz covers key takeaways such as never tampering with electrical equipment, maintaining a safe distance from power lines and avoiding contact with downed wires. Watch our short and engaging video series, then take the quiz with your kids and they’ll automatically be entered for a chance to win an iPad.
While an iPad might be in the mix, the real prize is empowering your children with crucial and potentially life-saving electrical safety knowledge for their well-being. Contest closes March 31, 2025.
Channel your child’s inner inventor and make your own solar powered phone charger
Spark your child’s inner inventor with a hands-on DIY solar-powered phone charger project. It’s perfect for young tech enthusiasts, teaching them the power of renewable energy while giving them a cool, functional gadget to show off. With just a few simple materials and a bit of creativity, you and your child can harness the sun’s energy to keep devices charged - no outlets required.
Materials needed:
- Solar panel: A small panel with an output of around 5 to 6 volts.
- Rechargeable battery pack: To store the energy generated.
- Diode: Prevents backflow of current.
- USB charging circuit: Converts the stored energy to a suitable voltage for your phone.
- Enclosure (like an Altoids tin): To house the components.
- Wires and soldering equipment: For connections.
Shopping note: Most items can be found in local hardware stores or through your favourite online retailer.
Steps:
- Connect the diode to the solar panel: Solder the diode to the positive lead of the solar panel to prevent reverse current.
- Wire the solar panel to the battery pack: Connect the positive lead (through the diode) to the positive terminal of the battery pack and the negative lead to the negative terminal.
- Integrate the USB charging circuit: Connect the battery pack to the USB charging circuit, ensuring correct polarity.
- Assemble in the enclosure: Place all components securely in the enclosure, making sure the solar panel is exposed to sunlight.
Safety note: With parental supervision, ensure all connections are secure, and be cautious when soldering to avoid short circuits.
For a great step-by-step instruction, watch this video from kid-extraordinaire, Ben Builds.
Visit Ottawa’s national museums or tour the world’s galleries with Google
Ottawa has seven of the country’s nine national museums. From fossils, cold war bunkers, and of course, science and technology, there are plenty of digital elements and interactive exhibits within Ottawa’s modern museums that are sure to inspire and keep kids entertained. Bonus: Admission is free for most museums on Thursday evenings.
Ingenium Canada, who oversees the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, Canada Science and Technology Museum, and the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum hosts exhibits and special events for kids and teens year round, but if there’s some bad weather in the forecast, they also have some great online energy games.
Special mention: In partnership with the Institute for Canadian Citizenship, Ingenium offers free and discounted admission through its Canoo Newcomer Equity Partner Program for new residents and citizens of Canada.
Explore online exhibits, museums and even the world virtually thanks to Google Arts & Culture. In addition to interactive activities with famous museums like Guggenheim and the British Museum, families can tour and learn about some of the world’s most historical cities and sites. With Google Families, you can even learn to code together with some kid-friendly computer science, and there are games and apps specifically designed for kids with disabilities. Added bonus: For parents, check out the resources available to empower your kids and teens to safely learn and explore the web so they can make smart, positive decisions online.
And there you have it - March Break plans that are anything but static. Whether you're testing your safety smarts, harnessing the power of the sun, or virtually jet-setting around the world, your week is sure to be positively charged with fun. Stay safe, stay curious, and remember: knowledge is power - literally!