There’s no avoiding science; it’s all around us, from the cars we drive, to the plants we grow in the garden, and the medical treatment we receive at the doctors. It’s also a compulsory subject in UK schools, at least until children reach the age of 16. With all that said, parents should try and help their children fall in love with science at an early age. Here are some tips from one of the best sixth forms in North London.
Talk About Science
First and foremost, it would be wise to try and make science something you discuss as a family on a regular basis. This should help inspire your child and stimulate their curiosity. Here are some examples of science related conversations you could initiate with your child:
- Talk about how the immune system works if you know somebody who has been unwell
- Discuss the pros and cons of technology, both on a personal level and in a wider context
- Ask your child if they think aliens exist and what they might be like
- Next time you’re out for a drive, chat about what’s involved in making the car move
- When taking out your rubbish, explain to your child why recycling is important
- If you’re out for a walk, talk about the different plants, trees, and wildlife you spot
Explore the Great Outdoors
Exploring nature is a fantastic way to help your child with science. The opportunities for learning are endless when you’re outside. You could take a trip to the coast and go fossil hunting, explaining to your child where fossils came from. You could go camping and teach your child survival skills, like starting a fire with limited materials or reading a map or compass. You could walk through the woods and teach them about nature and how the trees change with the seasons.
Set-Up Safe Science Experiments
Most children are naturally inquisitive, and they are always trying to figure out how things work. With that said, they’d probably love to set up some experiments at home. You will find hundreds of ideas online for safe, age-appropriate science experiments, and you’ve probably got everything you need in the form of random household items.
Talk to Your Child’s Science Teachers
If possible, try and have a chat with your child’s science teachers so that they can give you some ideas of what you can do at home to support their learning. They will be able to talk to you about what’s upcoming in the curriculum and can suggest some learning resources like online games or books that you could look into.
