Vortex Cannons and (Yarn) Yama Men

We talked about Civil War weapons and then made Vortex Cannons, which aren't really the same thing as Civil War Cannons at all, but they're fun, anyway! You just seal up all the air in a box, cut one hole in it, and bang it on the sides to get an air vortex to come out! It's pretty easy to knock over a whole stack of styrofoam cups with the blast of air. Here's a video where they put smoke in the air so you can actually see the vortex!

The Vortex Cannon--Student Science

This was an interesting video about the many steps for loading and firing a musket and cannon.

Musket Drills and Firing Cannons

This video shows a musket firing in slow motion. Really cool.

Slow motion musket firing

And here are our vortex cannons in action. Takes a minute to get them pointed the right way, but you can sure tell when you've got it right!

We did an activity where we made yarn dolls like the children in the 1800s might have played with. My grandma called these dolls "Yama Men," for some reason, so we do too! (There's even a little song my mom would sing while creeping the Yama man up to tickle your chin…"The Yama Yama, the Yama Man, He will catch you if he can! So run for your mama, 'cause here comes the Yama, the Ya-ma Man!") 

Basic instructions are here, but it's easy to fiddle with once you get the hang of it! The kids through Teddy had no trouble making their own.

I can't say it's a very neat activity, though! :)

Daisy made a whole Yama Family. So cute!! I loved the baby especially.

Junie made different colors, and Yama Mamas as well as Yama Men.

Goldie made lots of cute ones too, but somehow all I have a picture of is this cute little puff of a baby.

Kind siblings made some Yama Men for Ziggy (or did I make these? can't remember now.)

Teddy made a really cute Yama Bunny, after which Gus demanded a "Yama Caw" for himself.

So with great ingenuity, I made one. My masterpiece!

Gus loved him! He slept with him for quite a while. Of course, these guys inevitably fall apart after a few weeks, and then you're finding yarn all over the floor and throwing them out in frustration, but never mind that—they are fun till that time comes! :)