Some children just seem to be born scientists. They’re the ones who are always trying to use your computer – or at least figure out how it works, or the ones examining creepy crawlies closely in the garden. Since science is an important part of life, and a good foundation for plenty of interests and careers, it makes sense to encourage that interest.
Your job as a parent is to make sure that you bring science alive for your child. Look around your house for experiments you can try. Use water to create ice or steam, or add vinegar to baking soda to make a volcano – it doesn’t have to cost a lot to interest your little scientist!
Going on nature walks, or helping you in the kitchen are two more low cost ways you can explore science with your child, or you could try visiting museums, the planetarium or a zoo on your next outing.
Taking out books on scientific topics from the children’s section of the library, instead of stories, is another great way to explore science with your child, or you could watch programs with a scientific theme, or look at websites for children that explore the scientific world.
A child sized microscope or telescope could be a great gift for a preschooler interested in science, or you could subscribe your child to magazines devoted to science, that are written for children.
Let your child decide what he or she wants to learn about, and then go all out. If it’s dolphins that fascinate him or her this week, for instance, then rent a DVD about dolphins, and head to an aquarium for a day trip. Plan dolphin themed arts and crafts projects, or look for books in the library.
There are science classes or camps for preschoolers, and they can also be a great idea, but remember that as long as it’s safe (always watch your child when they are mixing things together, for instance), any thing they do to increase their interest is probably a good thing.
Your job as a parent is to make sure that you bring science alive for your child. Look around your house for experiments you can try. Use water to create ice or steam, or add vinegar to baking soda to make a volcano – it doesn’t have to cost a lot to interest your little scientist!
Going on nature walks, or helping you in the kitchen are two more low cost ways you can explore science with your child, or you could try visiting museums, the planetarium or a zoo on your next outing.
Taking out books on scientific topics from the children’s section of the library, instead of stories, is another great way to explore science with your child, or you could watch programs with a scientific theme, or look at websites for children that explore the scientific world.
A child sized microscope or telescope could be a great gift for a preschooler interested in science, or you could subscribe your child to magazines devoted to science, that are written for children.
Let your child decide what he or she wants to learn about, and then go all out. If it’s dolphins that fascinate him or her this week, for instance, then rent a DVD about dolphins, and head to an aquarium for a day trip. Plan dolphin themed arts and crafts projects, or look for books in the library.
There are science classes or camps for preschoolers, and they can also be a great idea, but remember that as long as it’s safe (always watch your child when they are mixing things together, for instance), any thing they do to increase their interest is probably a good thing.
