Science is all around us and impacts virtually every aspect of our lives. Yet students often lose their interest in science as they get older because they think it is too hard, or they have trouble correlating what they are learning in class to the world around them. Making learning more engaging and relatable can help stimulate their continued curiosity and excitement.
Bring science to life outside of school through the activities you do with your child. Here are just a few ways to build connections and have fun at the same time.
Ask Questions
Children are naturally inquisitive. They ask countless questions every single day. Don’t stifle this curiosity. It can be easy to simply give them the answer and be done with the conversation. Research the question together and let them gather information to satisfy their thirst for knowledge. It may take them down different paths and ignite new questions.
Even if you do know the answer, further the discussion. Dig a little deeper or pose things from a different perspective. Stimulate their critical thinking and encourage them to do more research. This is a great way to spend time together and engage in interesting conversation.
Make it Hands On
Science can seem boring when you’re reading from a book or looking at pictures, so let your child get involved. Buy them a microscope so they can look at a wide range of materials up close. They can see what is invisible to the naked eye.
Let them play around with a coding program and see what they can create. What happens if they change one small piece of the code? Can they make their computer or a robot complete a specific task? You can also give them a variety of supplies to build something on their own. For instance, can they create a bridge out of toothpicks that is strong enough to hold a golf ball?
Do experiments with products you already have at home. When baking cookies, only add baking soda to half of the batch and see what happens. Add food coloring to water and watch how a stalk of celery or a white flower responds. Mix cornstarch and water to create a substance that acts both as a solid and a liquid.
Visit science museums around town or when you travel. They are filled with interactive, kid-friendly exhibits that make information easier to understand.
Talk About It
Discuss current events and what is happening in the news. Hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, climate change, forest fires – how do these events affect humans, animals, and the environment? What causes them?
Look at different plants and animals you see when you’re outside. What is their lifecycle? How have they evolved? What happens if they become extinct?
Do you have family or friends who work in a science-related field? Let your child talk to them about their job so they can learn more about different applications of science. They don’t have to be a researcher or work in a laboratory. There are so many other options and opportunities they may have never considered.
Boost Your Child’s Performance
From general science to more advanced courses like biology, chemistry, and physics, Crafting Scholars can help your child make sense of what they are learning and build a stronger foundation. Through a customized learning plan, they can master key skills and concepts in science and clear up any confusion. Contact us today to get started!
