9 Ways Parents Can Get Kids Excited and Make Science Fun
The attitudes and perspectives that children have toward education are developed through their parents’ attitudes toward it. If parents make an effort to ensure education is a priority for themselves and their children, then the perspectives you share and activities you partake in together will be centered around it. Use these 9 tips to Make Science Fun for Kids!
Ways to Make Learning Science Fun
Once they enter school, children will study a range of subjects from English to creative arts. In this post, we’ll discuss how parents can give their kids a head start on an interest in science in particular by encouraging specific activities in this subject area.
Don’t Focus on the Negative If You Want To Make Science Fun
Some parents often tend to avoid the subject of science because they may have performed poorly in it during school or they may feel that they don’t have a firm grasp of the various subject areas, from biology to chemistry. Don’t let these feelings affect your kids’ attitudes toward the topic. Be sure to avoid any negative perspectives that might diminish their enthusiasm. For example, don’t say, “Ugh, I never liked science when I was your age.” Instead, treat science like an exciting adventure for everyone.
Check Out Science and Technology Museums
If you have a local science-oriented museum nearby, that’s a great place to pique your children’s interest. If anything, your kids are certain to be mesmerized by the dinosaurs. And if you have a planetarium nearby, that’s a perfect way to get them excited about space and the stars.
Many museums also have kid-friendly activities throughout the year such as sleepovers and special inside-access tours. Math and technology museums are also growing in number, offering challenges, activities, and games that allow kids to learn and have fun at the same time.
Some of Our Favorite Museums
Discuss Science as a Career
We all remember talking about what we wanted to be when we grew up. Kids often say things like doctor, veterinarian, marine biologist, or even astronaut. As parents, we should instill in them that in order to succeed in college and study toward any of those types of career options, they must do well in science.
By focusing on the fact that there are many future opportunities available to them if they perform well in science, your children will feel more excited about the future and selecting a career they really enjoy.
Gift Educational Books, Toys, and Games
Of course, we all have our own budgets we need to be mindful of as parents. But, by choosing to buy quality educational books, toys, and games, you’ll give your kids a fun present and something they can actually learn something from. Look for items such as geology or chemistry sets once they have achieved an age where they can safely use them.
Change the TV Channel
Your cable provider likely offers an array of science and nature channels and programming that can really awe and inspire kids. Try the National Geographic Channel, the Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, and PBS programming like Nova.
Get Outside
Depending on where you’re located, take your kids on a nature walk, go for a hike, or take a ride to the beach. Getting outside can be a fun way to explore your surroundings and learn more about the plants, animals, and geology of the area. Teach your kids how to identify flowers, shells, and bugs. And, while you’re at it, take along some trash collection materials to clean up any recyclable items as you explore.
Check out these 6 Ways to Teach Science at the Beach!
Stay Up-to-Date on Educational Standards for Science and Math
Your son or daughter’s teacher can assist by providing specific copies of what you need in order to ensure your child is staying on track. You can also purchase a number of books to help supplement subjects like science and math according to your child’s grade level. At least once a week, have your kid do their regular homework, and then add a page from a supplemental workbook to ensure they fully grasp the material.
Make the Most of Days Off from School
On weekends and school holidays, give your children something to do in their spare time such as research projects or nature treasure hunts. This will get them engaged in something educational instead of just sitting around playing video games.
To come up with ideas, see what topics they’re currently learning in school, or solicit suggestions from them. Maybe you could have them watch a YouTube video of their favorite animal, draw out its habitat, etc. The possibilities are endless.
Make These Surprise Magic Rocks as a Fun Science Experiment.
Check Out Science-Oriented Websites
Along with your kids, you can check out NASA’s website to learn more about space, stars, and our solar system. You can visit the websites of local and international zoos to learn more about animals and even spy on them through live camera feeds. This can lead to other topics you can discuss with your kids such as issues related to conservation, climate change, captivity, and endangered species.
By focusing on these activities and continually engaging your kids in more in-depth discussions as they age, you can encourage a life-long interest, and maybe even an eventual career, in science.
PRINTABLE SCIENTIFIC METHOD SEVEN PAGE PACK
Kids can have fun documenting their science experiments with this free printable scientific method booklet.
Enter your email below and you will be automatically directed to the downloadable pdf.
THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD PACK INCLUDES:
A fun cartoon description of what each part of an experiment entails.
Designated places to write down:
- Experiment Question
- Important information gathered
- Hypothesis
- Materials
- Procedure
- Results
- Conclusion
