Inside: It is very important that parents encourage interest in science. Early exposure to science is really important to building a love of the subject rather than a fear of it. *Affiliate links are found with this post. If you click and buy I might make a small commission but at not cost to you.
It is important that parents can encourage interest in science. Science is more and more a part of everyone’s daily life. Having strong science literacy is important for their future success in life.
Science careers are on the upswing especially in the environment, programming and engineering. Early exposure to sciences is really important to building a love of the subject rather than a fear of it being too difficult.
Children’s attitudes to education are formed through their parents’ attitudes to it. If education rather than entertainment is made a priority, then the activities you plan together as a family will be based around that. They will study many subjects in school, including science. Parents can help give their children a head start by encouraging science-based activities.
How Parents Can Encourage Interest in Science
- Tell them science is exciting.
- Visit science and natural history museums and conservatories.
- Discuss career options.
- Buy them educational toys, games and books.
- Encourage kids to watch nature and science tv.
- Go on nature walks and encourage them to keep a science journal.
- Stay Current with National and State or Provincial Standards for Mathematics, Science, and Technology
- Make the most of weekends and school holidays
- Visit great science-based websites
Tell Them Science Is Exciting
Some parents steer away from science because they did badly in it at school, or feel they don’t know enough. Avoid saying negative things that might dampen their enthusiasm, like “I always hated science at school.” Instead, treat it like a voyage of exploration for the whole family. It is amazing what you as an adult can learn about science with your kids.
Visit Science and Natural History Museums
Museums are a great place to start. After all, what kids don’t love dinosaurs? Some natural history museums have a planetarium attached too. It’s a great way to get them interested in exploring the stars. Most museums have a “Night at the Museum” sleepover, which could be a fun activity for the whole family. Math museums are starting to become more popular, offering games, activities and challenges that are so fun, most kids will have no idea how much they are learning.
Image by Jill White from Pixabay
Discuss Career Options
Many children talk about what they want to be when they grow up. They might say doctor, nurse, even astronaut. Parents can remind their children they have to do well at science in order to get accepted into college for any of those careers. The same is true if they want to be a veterinarian to help sick animals. Focusing on the fact that there are a lot of opportunities if they do well in science can help them feel eager about a future doing something they really love.
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
Buy Them Educational Toys, Games and Books
Every parent has a budget. Make your money go further with quality educational toys, games and books they can really learn from. In particular, you can buy them geology sets and chemistry sets when they are old enough to be able to use them safely. Check out these science toy and book offerings from Amazon. There is lots to choose from to get your kids excited about science.
Encourage Kids to Watch Nature and Science TV
There are many nature and science channels available on cable with a range of science and nature programs that can really inspire children. Try the Discovery channels, National Geographical channels, and PBS programs like Nature and Nova. Great Courses Plus is a wonderful streaming option that has lots of science content. For those of you that homeschool, they even offer specific science subject videos to boost their learning experience.
Image by Vidmir Raic from Pixabay
Go on Nature Walks
Nature walks can be fun if you take the time to learn more about the trees, animals and geological information about the area. Learn how to identify different trees and flowers. Take along some disposable rubber gloves and trash bags and clean up items that should be recycled as you wander along. After your walk, encourage them to record their experience in a science journal. Keeping a journal will allow them to practice thinking about science and will give them a place to write and or draw about their discoveries.
Image by Denise Husted from Pixabay
Stay Current with National and State or Provincial Standards for STEM
Your child’s teacher can help by providing copies of the national standards as well as your state standards for STEM education. There are also a number of books available that support subjects like math and science based on grade levels. Have your child do their homework, and then a page of their supplemental workbook every day.
Make the Most of the Weekends and School Holidays
Give your children research projects to do in their spare time so they are not just sitting around watching TV or playing computer games. Keep them simple and fun. See what their teachers have assigned, or ask them for suggestions. Visit a zoo or museum and have them research a favorite animal, create a diorama of its habit, and so on. The possibilities are endless.
Image by Imran Mughal from Pixabay
Visit Great Science-Based Websites
Take a trip to the Kennedy Space Center to learn more about our solar system. Visit zoo sites to learn more about the animals and spy on them through the viewfinders. The Toronto Zoo has provided a Scenic Safari during the present pandemic so you can visit the animals from the safety of your car. Discuss the issues of captivity, conservation, destruction of habitat, and climate change.
There is so much that you as a parent can do to encourage interest in science. By doing these activities, tailored to the age of your kids, you could help encourage a life-long interest in science.
Read these other posts in the Importance of Science Series:
I’m Teresa Coppens, science geek, book nerd, educator, coffee lovin’ mom with a coconut aversion. My entire family is crazy about science including my cats! I am passionate about the weird and unusual. Here in my cabinet of science curiosities get your science geek on. Grab a cup of your favorite brew, get comfortable at Science Alcove and learn to love your inner science geek!
