With the universe constantly expanding by the second, it seems opportunities are endless, making the decisions of what to teach your child a tough one. Subjects such as science are still heavy in value and a great way to develop your child’s curiosity, whilst helping them understand the ways of the world. With the number of career opportunities available in science related subjects, fostering a love for science in your child could be one of the greatest gifts you ever give them. Don’t panic, as you don’t need to have a background in science to be able to get your child on board. With the number of tools and resources readily available online and in person, there are endless methods to finding that spark in your child. Below is some advice on how to raise a science lover and enrich their learning.
Get involved with nature
Science is all about the study of how the world works. One of the easiest ways to introduce your child to the wonders of science is by placing them directly in the environment that it all began in, outside. Helping your child develop a deep appreciation for nature is an amazing way to ignite the fire in them. From the beauty of a colossal tree to the way birds sing in the morning, an introduction to the details of the world will set them on the right path. The sooner you get your child in touch with nature, the better. Why not take them to your local nature reserve or make a day of it and travel down to the beach? Along the way, discuss different habitats and the changing of seasons, to help them develop a deeper understanding of what science has to offer.
Practice science at home
Whilst science is a subject that is heavily focused on in school, it’s not to say that it shouldn’t leave the four walls of a classroom. Bring about science in different ways at home. Through fun and engaging activities, you can incorporate science into your child’s routine without the fuss of them feeling like they are in school. Making ice cream in a bag is one of the best places to start. With just milk, salt, sugar, ice and 10 minutes of your time, you will have yourself some fresh ice cream! Start by adding your milk and sugar into a Ziplock bag and seal it. Add the sealed bag into another with ice and salt and allow your child to do the rest of the work. As they shake the bag, the milk and sugar will begin to solidify slowly and reach the consistency of ice cream. This is a fantastic way to teach your child about freezing points and reactions. Best of all, they will have a sticky treat to dig into after!
Encourage questions
Science is a subject driven by the chase of finding new information. Feed your child’s curiosity by listening and answering their questions. Additionally, take them on trips or watch documentaries to give them a better insight on how the world around them truly works.