Getting Kids Hooked on Science
Many parents recognize their children won’t love every subject that is presented to them. But when a child is struggling enough, the active parent should step in and teach them the fun that a certain topic can have. One of the toughest subjects your child will encounter is Science, but if you make it fun for them, they will succeed!
Think about what you loved doing in science as a child. Most likely, you remember the exciting experiments that your teacher let you do! To get your children interested in their science course spend some time doing some simple experiments that will get them laughing and having fun.
To begin with, use summer vacation as a time to help your child’s passion for science grow. There are several options you can do, and they’ll love each one! To begin with, plant a garden and discus why the different plans and vegetables grow.
Weather is another interesting area of science that you can get your child interested in. Begin to talk about the sun and clouds and why it rains sometimes. Depending on the age of your child, you can adjust the depth of the topic, but any questions that have be certain to answer!
Baking is another great way to teach your child about science. The next time you make cookies with them, take the time to show them why you mix things together. Explain that while on their own some of the ingredients don’t taste good alone, together they can turn into something different and make a chocolate chip cookie.
While in the kitchen, let them perform several different experiments as well. For example, place four cups with different colored water in them on an easily cleaned floor. Next, have your child fill four spoons with different amounts of baking soda. At this point ask them which will bubble up the fastest and the highest, then step back and find out!
This process allows the child to understand that different combinations will result in different outcomes. In addition, it will give them an insight into the fun part of science and begin having them ask new questions as to why this happened. You can explain to them about the reasons that the baking soda lead to the eruption in the different cups as well.
Encouraging your child to explore is another way to get them excited about science! When they ask questions and you can turn it into a project, choose to go that route instead. This way they can learn how to do valuable research that will aid them later in life, while finding the answer to a question they have been desperately having.
Another great option is to encourage participation in school science fairs. When you learn that one will be happening sit down with your child and ask them what they might like to do. Don’t discourage any project ideas they have, instead think about how you can turn it into something that will work for them at their grade level.
Getting your child excited about science can be easy and rewarding. Take the time to explore the world with them. In addition, ask questions and let them seek out their answers as well.
