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As parents we help our children learn. We read to them, teach them to count and do math, help them write their letters - these are just a few of the many ways.
But most parents seem to believe they can't help their children learn science. You don't need scientific degrees in physics or chemistry to help your kids. You simply need to be willing to observe and learn with them. You need to take the time to encourage their natural curiosity.
Science doesn't have to be mysterious. Learning science involves curiousity, observation, asking how and why, and then seeking the answers to those questions. Children are naturally curious, but they need your help making sense of their observations.
The world is rapidly changing, and one of your jobs as a parent is to prepare your children for success in dealing with these new and exciting changes. Even if your children don't want to become scientists or engineers, they will need to understand science.
Hands-on learning works best, especially for younger children. Investigate and experiment. Use simple science projects, based on their questions and what interests them.
Here are some suggestions for science projects and activities that you can easily do with your kids.:
- Bake a cake
- Watch and record the phases of the moon
- Plant a garden and study how it grows
- Search for and observe insects
- Discover what objects sink or float
- Go to the zoo, aquarium, museum or farm
- Take a nature walk
-Experiment with soda
During any science project or activity, encourage your child to observe, and ask him or her not only what is happening, but why? If you don't know the answer, don't be afraid to admit that. Find out the answer together; that will help your child learn important research skills.
For more information on teaching children science and finding science projects we recommend Science Made Simple.
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More science projects and information.