How to Raise a Science Lover

Science is a core subject in the UK, and therefore part of a child’s education until at least the end of their GCSEs. While it can be challenging, there are lots of astounding career opportunities for students who graduate school or university with science related qualifications. With that said, it would be wise for parents to help their children find a love of a science from an early age, at least enough to encourage them to find an interest in their curriculum. I have teamed up with a sixth form in Lincolnshire to offer parents some tips on how to raise a science lover.

Talk About Science
Try and find opportunities as a family to discuss science related topics. For instance, you could discuss a new vaccine that has been released or perhaps severe weather overseas. Ask your child how they feel about these things and discuss what could go right or wrong? What are the benefits of this new vaccine? How might the people living through severe weather conditions be experiencing? When driving somewhere, talk about how the engine of a car works. When giving your child a bath, bring along some random household items and ask them if they know whether these items will sink or swim, then test their theory. The idea is to make science something your child is familiar with; they need to know how important it is in everyday life.

Encourage Questions
Let your child know that it’s ok to ask questions and explore their curiosity by asking questions yourself. Inquisitiveness helps with learning, so don’t turn your child away if they come to you with their thoughts. Instead, you might be able to turn their questions into a mini science lesson. For instance, if they ask you where rainbows come from, you could demonstrate light refraction by shining a light through a glass of water.

Explore Nature
Exploring nature is a great way to help your child with science. Talk about the weather and teach them where rain comes from etc. Ask them how they think the different seasons affect the world around us. Discuss how important trees are, as they produce oxygen for us all to breathe. Perhaps you could even arrange a scavenger hunt for your child and their friends, in which they have to find things like conkers and acorns. This will help them see science as more of a fun subject and teach them about heathy competition at the same time.

Speak to the Teachers
Finally, it will be beneficial for both you and your child if you get in touch with their science teachers and ask them about the curriculum and what might be coming up in their lessons. This will help you come up with some activities that might accompany what they’re learning about in class. The teachers will also be able to give you some suggestions on age-appropriate learning resources, like books or online games that might benefit your child’s learning.

*Collaborative Post