| Getting kids interested in science at an early age is | | | | may interest your young daughter but your older son |
| very important. It's easier thanyou think. Science does | | | | mayneed something more involved. Fortunately, it's not |
| not have to be something mysterious. It is happening | | | | hard to find plenty of funprojects. Knowing your child is |
| allaround us, and you can use everyday things to | | | | the best way to find enjoyable learning activities. |
| encourage your children's interestand knowledge. | | | | Here are some more tips: |
| Most parents believe that they can't help their children | | | | - Choose activities that are the right level of difficulty - |
| with science. But you don'tneed a advanced scientific | | | | not too easy nor too hard. Ifyou are not sure, pick |
| degree to teach young children science. All you need is | | | | something easier since you don't want to discourage a |
| awillingness to try, to observe the world, and to take | | | | childby making science frustrating. You can always do |
| the time to encourage theirnatural curiosity. | | | | the harder project later on. |
| You can help by having a positive attitude toward | | | | - Read the suggested ages on any projects, books or |
| science yourself. Then start simplyby asking your child | | | | toys labels, but then makesure that the activity is |
| questions about the things you see every day. Why | | | | appropriate for your child, regardless of age. Your |
| do you thinkthat happened? How do you think that | | | | child'sinterest and abilities are unique. If a child interested |
| works? And then listen to their answerwithout judging | | | | in a topic,they may be able todo activities normally |
| it or judging them. Listening without judging will improve | | | | done by older kids, while a child who is not interested |
| theirconfidence, and help you determine just what your | | | | mayneed something easier aimed at a younger ages. |
| child does or does not know. | | | | - Consider how well the type of project matches your |
| You can turn every day activities into science projects. | | | | child's personality andlearning style. Is the project meant |
| For example,don't just comment on how bright the | | | | to be done alone or in a group? Will it requireadult help |
| moon is one night. Ask questions about whyit's brighter | | | | or supervision? |
| tonight, why does it change shape, etc. You can | | | | - Choose activities matched to your environment. A |
| observe the moon'sphases throughout a month, and | | | | city full of bright lights at nightmay not be the best |
| turn that activity into a science project, withouteven | | | | place to study the stars. But during your vacation to a |
| mentioning the words "science project". For a child that | | | | remotearea, you may be able to spark an interest in |
| likes cooking, observehow milk curdles when you add | | | | astronomy. |
| vinegar, or how sugar melts into syrup. Try bakinga | | | | - Let your child help choose the project or activity. It's |
| cake and asking why does the cake rise? What | | | | easy enough to ask. Ratherthan overwhelm them, |
| happens if you forget to put insome ingredient? Voila! | | | | suggest 2 or 3 possibilities. When a child picks |
| Instant science project idea, without being intimidating | | | | somethingthey are interested in, they will enjoy it and |
| toyou or your child. | | | | learn more from it. |
| Different kids have different interests so they need | | | | Go ahead. Try it and see for yourself how easy it is |
| different kinds of scienceprojects. A rock collection | | | | the spark the interest of a child. |