STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) as a field is one of the most important aspects of our everyday lives. Because of the field itself it’s given us a better understanding of the world around us. Basic scientific knowledge is essential for children to
understand the world around them, promote cognitive development, and improve problem-solving skills. However, it’s not always the most fun or accessible to people. Here are some ways that you can make science fun for your children.
Take a field trip
Field trips are one of the best ways that you can keep your children interested in the things that they’re learning. It doesn’t have to be a huge trip– you can go to your local science center and check out the fun things they offer, or you can go to the zoo, aquarium, or even a city park. Teaching your children about how science is in everything you see, from the fun things that interest them to the animals they play with, is an incredible way to keep your child’s interest in science alive.
Plan activities that are based around holidays
Now that we’ve established that science is in everything, we should make it fun! Everyone loves the holidays, so planning themed science activities can help them apply what they learn to real life. You can help them build leprechaun traps for St. Patrick’s Day to learn about engineering and chemical energy, bake holiday cookies or decorate easter eggs to learn about chemistry. You could also learn about life science, recycling, and weather patterns on Earth Day.
Take a walk in nature
One way that you could help imbue a love of science in your children is to help them get excited about the outdoors. Taking your kids on a walk in nature at a local or national park or even in the nearby forest is a great way to make it fun for them. Have your kids look around at different plants, insects, rocks, or birds and have them draw one thing they saw or take a picture of it. Then you can search for the insect they looked at on the web and read all about it.
Children are naturally curious, always looking at the world around them and asking questions. By giving them real-world experiences and learning through science and the experiments that come with it, your children will be more inclined to learn more about the world around them. This feeds their curiosity and begins a cycle: they’re curious, so they do experiments to learn and, in turn, become curious again.
Dr. Edward S. Thalheimer is the President and Founder of The Tutoring Center® Franchise Corp. For our part, we here at The Tutoring Center® are continuing to provide one-to-one instruction combined with The Rotational Approach to Learning® to prevent children from slipping through the cracks academically. Our programs help children achieve long-term success, build concentration and focus, and, with our outstanding instructors, find the love of learning. Don’t let your child fall behind this school year. If you’re interested in learning more, or you are interested in opening The Tutoring Center® in your community and joining a team of more than 120 franchise locations nationwide, please visit our website at TutoringCenter.com.