Is your child no longer interested in science? That's a bummer, but it is a sad natural trend among kids nowadays.
All children are born with the natural qualities of scientists. Their inquisitive nature and an insatiable curiosity to learn are evident. Unfortunately, this love for science gradually diminishes as they grow older. Science learning eventually becomes a tedious chore in school, rather than an enjoyable experience.
If you observe this on your kids, don't close your doors to science and science courses in higher education just yet. Because we found the perfect solution on how children can rekindle their love for science! Here are 10 tips you can do to make kids interested in science and restore their in-born scientific prowess.
10 Tips to Grow Kids' Interest in Science
Encourage an atmosphere of learning
"The mind that opens to a new idea never returns to its original size." -Albert Einstein
Parents must take advantage of the curiosity of children. So long as they are still young and on the verge of discovering the world, use it to make them interested in science even more.
If kids ask, "Why are trees green?"
Don't impress them by saying "it's because of the green pigment called chlorophyll."
You might have answered their question, but you put a period to their curiosity.
Support children's science learning by encouraging questions! Saying "I don't know but we can explore the answer together" creates a different impact rather than answering them outrightly.
Be involved in growing their love for science. Discuss their observations when you see them interested in science.
Play with Science Toys
Science toys for kids have been gaining a lot of popularity lately. These toys were designed to support science learning by encouraging kids to actively participate and conveying scientific principles through their usage.
If you want kids to remain interested in science, steer away from toys that do all the work like robots and action figures. They are bound to lose their value since they neither support children's science learning nor do they stimulate your child's mind.
Notice how kids always break their toys?
Stick with STEM toys to foster kids' love for science. An option to choose from is TheSTEMKids portable microscope. This microscope toy is lightweight, drop-resistant, and perfect for curious kids who love outdoor adventures!
Participate in Science Trips
Science trips are another ways to keep kids interested in science. There are countless dedicated science places to visit, from natural history museums to science centers. Plus these facilities tone down complex science for kids to understand.
Natural history museums often have a heavy focus on paleontology and anthropology. Kids might not be fond of those fields, but watch their faces light up once they see dinosaur fossils on display.
Who knows? Your children might not only rekindle their interest in science but also delve into some independent learning, or personal research on a particular subject matter. Ultimately, this helps promote science learning.
Engage in Outdoor Exploration
Whether your kids are interested in science or not, the great outdoors is always a stimulating place to be in. But little do children know that science lingers outside? Go on adventures outdoors and see kids reconnect with nature while at it.
Go on hikes, run around the park, or jump on muddly puddles. Whatever it is, do it with your kid and be there to guide them when curiosity strikes and they begin asking scientific questions.
Like we mentioned above, having a scientific tool like a portable microscope helps take the exploration up a notch. Seeing leaf blades or small bugs under the lens of a microscope is one way to foster kids' interest in science.
Watch Educational TV Shows
We know what you're thinking:
"I don’t want to expose my kids to the TV screen, it's unhealthy."
And we totally agree with you! It does become dangerous when we go over the recommended screen time for kids. Under that, then there's no problem.
Educational TV shows are awesome avenues to teach kids concepts that parents and schools, alike, are not teaching children. There is more to learn beyond what we and textbooks can teach. The right kind of shows support children's science learning and also keeps them occupied.
Be sure to supervise kids as they watch the shows. This way, you can regulate the amount of time they spend on-screen and you may also assess what they're watching. Only focus on those that stimulate their interest in science.
Stimulate the Brain with Games
Science toys are great tools that kids can use to explore on their own to foster their love for science. Games, on the other hand, are activities that you can join kids in playing and promote science learning.
Focus on brain-teasing ones that are appropriate for their level. If they are too young for such, then those toys and games that develop their motor skills and dexterity are great options to choose from.
Playing science games with kids aid in keeping them interested in science. All the more, it is a great bonding moment to spend with your children.
Conduct Fun Experiments at Home
Experiments are often associated with lab coats, chemistry classes, and explosions. But in reality, there are many simple yet fun experiments kids can do at home. A simple search of "science experiments for kids at home" reveals a gold mine of resources. But we have rounded up the top 3 cool experiments you can do in the comfort of your home!
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Removing eggshells without cracking an egg
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Using a pencil to lift rice using friction
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Discovering the xylem of a celery
Wanna know how to do these? Check them out!
Grow A Plant
The interesting thing about science is that it is embedded in everything that exists. Plants, trees, rocks, our pet cat, our bodies - life in itself is science! And what better way for kids to get interested in science than allowing them to nurture and grow life.
Growing a plant with your kids puts them in a position of responsibility for life. This encourages kids to stand up on their feet, be intentional, and seek scientific advice on how to grow plants properly.
By allowing them to be responsible for a life, you support children's science learning as they research and study about it. In turn, this grows their interest in science which may carry over until maturity.
Interact with Animals
Animals can also be doors to cultivate curiosity among children. If you have pets at home that children get along with, they might have the inkling to wonder why humans and pets interact positively.
These forms of questioning, when stimulated may branch out to more curious queries that nurture their interest in science. This may range from "where did dogs come from?" to "why can't you get a pet lion or dinosaur?".
Whatever it is, it shows promise. And with the right kind of responses, you may keep kids interested in science and learning.
Visiting Zoos and other animal sanctuaries may help too!
Focus on Learning Instead of Grades
The biggest hurdle, perhaps, that limits children from investing fully in science is pressure. When we become helicopter parents that put more emphasis on grades rather than the learning itself, expect kids' interest in science to dive.
But if we serve as sources of encouragement and help kids pursue true science learning rather than grades, we may be on the right track of making kids interested in science.
Why Should Kids Be Interested in Science?
Science is a truly fascinating field. And within it, lies a multitude of other fields of study that deal with distinct subject matters. What’s more, is that science exclusively deals with whatever is natural and whatever exists in this world we live in.
We should be interested in science because science pulsates through everything, including life itself. Moreover, science banks on the natural instinct that people are born with - curiosity. And it is only fitting, that we spend our lives being curious about things and exploring more of what this world can offer.
There is an immense number of disciplines within science. In a more practical sense, when we nurture kids that are interested in science, various work opportunities are waiting for them when they go out of higher education. On top of that, the quest for science learning never stops.
The Secret to Science Learning in Children
Parents can only do as much to convince children to grow a love for science. But forcing the field of study onto them is counterintuitive to your purpose in making them interested in science.
The secret is to do it seamlessly. To expose kids to science without them realizing it.
Since playing and toys are integral pillars for the growth and development of a child. Integrating science into the toys and games they play can help support children's science learning.
For this purpose, TheSTEMKids Portable Microscope is one science gadget you might want to try. Get them at 15% OFF if you add them to your cart now and enjoy FREE DELIVERY directly to your doorstep.