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TThhee MMaaggiicc KKeeyy,, DDeecceemmbbeerr 22001100

The Magic Key includes references to unique websites, creative activities, home science

experiments, books and more.

It forms a collection of personal suggestions and recommendations for a magical world of

contemplation, challenge and fun for curious, creative and thinking kids: crafts, tips and

ideas for parents who want to preserve their children's enchantment, wonder and gusto

toward the world around us.

You're warmly invited to enjoy Kessem's new "Profession of the Month" page:

What does a philosopher do?

What is the life of a painter like?

Who builds spaceships?

And what is biotech?

How can we tell what interests us and what we like to do unless we know the possibilities?

The "Profession of the Month" page presents the kids each month with a different

occupation, explaining in simple words what it is and what it involves, and inspiring their

imagination with enlightening questions and information about the profession and those

who profess it. This is the internet version of samples of the book "What Will I Be When I

Grow Up" being written now, which will be available for purchase on Kessem's website.

An update about its publication will appear, of course, in Kessem's News page.

You are more than welcome to add your own comments, suggestions and ideas!

The Magic Key, December 2010 page 2 of 5

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A Great Philosophy Book for the Young

Why am I here?

Am I dreaming?

What is good and bad?

How did the world begin?

Is there a God?

If you have ever asked yourself any of these questions, then you are on your way to

becoming a philosopher.

This intriguing opening paragraph of Jeremy Weate's "A Young Person's Guide to

Philosophy" has managed to cause at least two curious kids I know, aged 6.5 and 8.5, to

compete in inventing more and more philosophical questions. "I invented 10; am I a

philosopher yet?" they wondered out loud.

The beauty of Weate's book, especially given various other books supposedly introducing

philosophy to children, is manifold: first, there's its interrogative nature. It doesn't really

give answers to philosophical questions; only facts, and philosophical questions and ideas,

without judgment. Second, it implicitly shows that not all possible answers are legitimate,

or even philosophical. Third, it cleverly presents each philosopher separately, and then

once again as part of their philosophical tradition. But mostly, and as a result of all of the

above, it encourages real thinking. What more can we ask for from a book on

philosophy?...

Enjoy!

The Magic Key, December 2010 page 3 of 5

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Make Your Own Easy and Safe Snow-Globes

The home version of snow-globes is very fun and easy to make, and since we used plastic

jars - it is safe as well. What do we need?

- A small plastic jar with a lid; we used small chewing gum jars.

- Small figurines or decorations; for instance, "surprise egg" toys. Alternatively, you can

make your own (for instance, out of polymer clay).

- Glitter, confetti, sequins, tiny craft gems or any small, glittery decoration.

- Obviously... water.

Choose a figurine or other decoration, and make sure it fits into the jar. We will glue it to

the jar's lid, so that when we close the lid, the figurine is upside down. Eventually, the jar

will be standing on its lid, positioning the figurine properly. It is best to use a hot glue gun

to attach the figurine, with adult supervision, of course. If you use another kind of glue, be

sure to wait until it's fully dried (a couple of hours, if necessary) before allowing the figurine

to get wet.

The Magic Key, December 2010 page 4 of 5

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Now comes the best part: spread the glittering decorations generously in the jar, until a

nice layer is formed at the bottom:

Now fill with water almost to the rim (don't forget to leave some room for the figurine);

close the lid and glue it. Let dry.

All that's left is to shake! :-)

The Magic Key, December 2010 page 5 of 5

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Home Science Experiment: A Dancing Flame

What is needed: a candle; a funnel.

Light the candle. Hold the funnel near the candle, its mouth facing the candle and its

narrow end facing you (as seen in the photo), and blow fiercely into the funnel. Does the

flame die out?

... Hint: the explanation has to do with the difference of air pressures inside the funnel and

around it. You can easily understand what "air pressure" is if you try squeezing an inflated

balloon (or imagine you do so): the balloon "resists", i.e., it generates counter-force. This

force is called "air pressure". When blowing into the funnel, the air pressure inside it is

lower than that around it. This causes air from around the funnel to flow into it, thus

"bending" the flame toward the funnel.

KKeeeepp iinn TTuunnee wwiitthh ""TThhee MMaaggiicc KKeeyy""::

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