Explore More is currently closed but that doesn’t mean we can’t help our museum friends discover, create, imagine and play! That’s why we’ve decided to stay connected and pass along fun ideas so you can EXPLORE MORE AT HOME! We’ll be sending out messages on social media each day and then posting everything here so you can check it out whenever you’d like.

We’d love to see how you are exploring at home! Just snap a pic and post it on our FB or Instagram accounts and tag #ExploreMoreAtHome. Be on the lookout for ongoing suggestions for D-I-Y creative play and plenty of parenting support, too.

CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL

It’s Spring and that means that lots of trees are starting to bloom! One of the most beautiful of these is the Japanese Cherry Tree. Every spring people in Japan hold Cherry Blossom Festivals throughout the country! In 1912 Japan gave over 3,000 cherry trees to the United States to celebrate the friendship between the countries and now there is a Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington DC every spring, too! Unfortunately, due to social distancing, it’s difficult to take in the beauty first-hand. There are lots pictures so you can experience virtually.

Did you know that Japan is a nation made up of nearly 4,000 islands? Learn more about that and other facts about the country here.

Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC.

SCIENCE

Japan is located in what is known as the Pacific Ring of Fire, a horseshoe shaped area in the Pacific Ocean, where over 90% of the world’s earthquakes take place. This means that Japan is at a very high risk of having both earthquakes and tsunamis. Find out more about a tsunami that happened to Japan in 2011.

Explore how geologist’s measure earthquakes and make your own seismograph with some simple materials found around your house.

GET OUTSIDE

During Cherry Blossom Festivals in Japan, people sit under the blooming trees, have picnics, and enjoy each other’s company. You and your family can have a picnic in your own backyard and look for all the signs of spring you see. Do you have a tree in bloom in your yard? If so, take a picture and share it on our Facebook on Instagram pages!

WATCH AND LEARN

How My Parents Learned to Eat by Ina R Friedman, illustrated by Allen Say.

Suki’s Kimono by Chieri Uegaki, illustrated by Stéphane Jorisch

Learn Origami with this series of videos HERE

CREATE

Our elementary and middle school friends should join Mr. Jacob from Maker City and learn how to create a beautiful Cherry Blossom Painting.

Follow this link to learn about Japanese writing systems and try writing your name in Katakana.

Make this Japanese inspired koinobori or carp kite project to hang outside your home on May 5th to celebrate Japanese Children’s Day!

GET MOVING

Learn the history of Japan’s daily “Radio Exercises” and join along!

TAKE A TOUR

Explore the sights and sounds of a traditional Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival!

Explore More at Home: Travel to Japan