| Early exposure to science is critical because science | | | | fall? Why do the birds disappear in the winter? |
| knowledge is cumulative. Learning science requires a | | | | Identify your child's interests and encourage them. If a |
| solid foundation of knowledge that can be built upon | | | | child develops an interest in rocks, study rocks, gems, |
| through further study and exploration. Children should | | | | mining and fossils and build on that curiosity moving on |
| be introduced to science at home as early as possible. | | | | to fossil fuels, heat generation and environmental |
| Don't make the mistake of thinking that your child | | | | effects. You will find that one inquiry leads to another. |
| learns all the science they need to know at school. | | | | Fuel their natural curiosity. These activities should be |
| The truth is science education in school is limited and | | | | challenging without being frustrating. Don't force them |
| the subject is not usually a high priority for educators. | | | | to do things they are not interested in; rather, engage |
| As parents, it is important that we share our | | | | them in motivating activities that build desire for further |
| knowledge with our children. Every day activities such | | | | exploration. Share your own science related interests |
| as growing plants, cooking and caring for animals | | | | and you will be amazed by the impact of genuine |
| involve science. Take a look around and you will see | | | | enthusiasm. Remember that discussion is a key |
| that science is everywhere. Parents can choose to | | | | component to developing scientific knowledge and |
| engage in scientific activities with their children when | | | | uncovering additional areas of interest. Encourage your |
| they are not in school to build scientific comprehension, | | | | child to talk about their experiences, observations and |
| encourage scientific exploration and foster a love for | | | | interests. This discussion will help children to construct |
| science and the pursuit of knowledge. | | | | thoughts, to form concepts and to examine different |
| There are aspects of science that are intellectually | | | | relationships that are intermingled in their ideas. |
| demanding, but often simple experiences produce | | | | Some simple activities that foster knowledge of and |
| insightful learning. To engage your children in science | | | | interest in science include: "Finding out how and why |
| you need to introduce them to stimulating | | | | things work", "Sharing ideas and knowledge", "Making |
| environments that provide opportunities for observing | | | | observations and writing or drawing those |
| and discussing science. Zoos, nature centers, oceans, | | | | observations down", "Making predictions and seeking |
| parks, yards and even kitchens are perfect | | | | answers", "Starting collections -such as rocks or bugs- |
| educational environments. Children naturally learn | | | | and observing similarities and differences", "Figuring out |
| through playful exploration. Educational DVDs, and toys | | | | what causes things to change", "Having science parties |
| provoke thought and develop skills. When children ask | | | | with family and friends", "Enrolling your child in classes |
| questions to satisfy their natural curiosity, it is an open | | | | or extra-curricular activities involving science". |
| opportunity to be seized by the parent. | | | | Your home, your environment and your surroundings |
| For instance, if a child is fascinated by a light switch | | | | are filled with opportunities to share science with your |
| and wants to know how it turns the light on and off, | | | | children. Through engaging their interests and |
| inquire into the subject with your child. Find out why and | | | | encouraging their search for knowledge, you can |
| how the switch works. Why does yeast make bread | | | | ensure success in science! |
| rise? How does a spider spin a web? Why do leaves | | | | |