Actually, I don’t really call it a busy bin any more. It was a busy bin when the children were very young. Now, it’s just a box of stuff that I keep in the car for keeping people busy whenever we go anywhere.

[If you want to read more about busy bins, click HERE.]

Our bin was getting messy and the family was growing tired of what was inside.  That’s the signal that it’s time to restock the bin for the next outing.

I thought I’d share with you what was in my bin, before I fill it with a whole bunch of new goodies again.

This time it had a science and math theme.

Here is what was inside:

• math wrap-ups and science wrap-ups
• Twist N Shout math electronic toy
• two large U-shaped magnets
• a bunch of smaller magnets and other metal objects
• a rock and mineral kit
• a set of glow-in-the-dark planets and stars
• one large and one small magnifying glass
• a set of color paddles
• a book of science experiments
• a set of “fraction circles” (too many pieces for the car, big mistake)
• a couple of magic tricks
• a bag of rubber bands
• 2 pairs of safety goggles (hey, how’d they get in there?)
• flash cards, both store-bought and home-made
• a variety of other little things like paper clips, eye droppers, arrow heads and more

Here it is, spilled all over the floor:  

I have done all kinds of themes over the years, like the seashore, not-messy art supplies, and Mad-Libs, brain-teasers and puzzles.  And sometimes I just gather up a bunch of little toys and throw them in there, too.  I plan to fill it with a variety of books this time. Anything goes, as long as it keeps hands busy and minds working.