Science is one of the core subjects children are taught at school. It is prioritised and given such emphasis as it explains how the world works and why things are the way that they are. Also, it teaches children basic life lessons, such as fire safety, preventing the spread of disease and how to take care of their body. To help your child develop a love for the subject, below is some advice from an independent college in Somerset.
Why We Need Science in Our Lives
Start by explaining why we need science in our lives. There are three areas of science (biology, chemistry, and physics) and each explain different areas of life. Biology for example explains how the human body, plants, and animals work in order to survive and reproduce, where as physics explains the forces that act on us. There are dozens of areas that you can explore with your child, such as space science and what we know about the solar system we’re a part of. It can be eye-opening and demonstrate how much there is still yet to discover.
Science Shows
Both online and on TV there are a plethora of science shows children can watch and grow their knowledge of science. With how short a child’s attention span is, it is a perfect way to have them stay focused and learn.
Make Learning Fun
Also, you can adjust the way you deliver topics so that they are more fun and engaging. To teach children about forces for example, you can carry out a sink or swim exercise whereby you dunk different items in a bucket of water and wait to see if they sink or swim.
Encourage Questions
Science is built around asking questions and proving/disproving ideas. So, to develop their inner scientist, ask your child questions and encourage them to do the same. If your child’s naturally curious anyway, be sure to nurture their inquisitive side by looking for relevant learning activities and providing them with resources to continue.
Talk About the Latest Discoveries
There are always discoveries being made, from how ice caps are melting to exploring life on other planets. The work being done may motivate your child to start their own research project and follow the footsteps of other scientists.
Go On a Nature Trail
Life comes in various shapes and forms. By going on a nature trail you can help your child develop an appreciation for nature and help them with their understanding of biology.
Other Sciences
If the traditional sciences don’t appeal to your child, there are social sciences that we can study in a similar way such as psychology and sociology. They will help your child develop their analytical skills and teach them about why things are the way they are. Sociology concerns the study of society, whereas psychology is the study of the brain. Both are fascinating and can help your child develop a love for science.
At Home Experiments
Another way parents can get their children into science is through at home experiments. Through cooking and baking you can explore a range of chemical reactions and strengthen your child’s understanding of the themes they learn about such as evaporation, conduction, and convection.
Address Stereotypes
Science is not boring, nor is it nerdy. Prejudices can affect a child’s desire to participate in subjects, with girls feeling it the most and the gender stereotypes associated. Squashing them can encourage your child to explore their true passions and what makes them happy.
One last point we’d like to make is that you should never pressure your child into a certain field such as science, their involvement should come naturally. Doing so can lead to resentment and them not enjoying the subject.
Thank you for reading.
