Science Around the Home

Curiosity is a natural trait of all young children. They want to ask, guess, explore, search and discover. Science is based on exploration and the search for answers. As a family, you can foster science and build on your child’s eagerness to learn and discover.

Science Around the Home

• Create an environment of discovery. Children learn best through exploration and discovery. Provide a variety of textures and experiences that use the 5 senses to promote deeper investigation.
• Use everyday experiences to promote science. One of the most obvious places science takes place in the home is in the kitchen. Involve your child in the cooking process to observe the changes that occur in foods (raw to cooked), what happens when ingredients are combined, or simply measuring and pouring.
• Explore the nature outside. Whether you live in the city or the country, you are surrounded by nature. Observe birds, squirrels, and other wildlife with your child. Guess what the food sources might be for the animals in your area. Plant flowers and watch the changes and long-term process of growing. (If you have no outdoor soil, try planting in a box or tub.)
• Encourage wonder and information gathering.
  Ask questions that begin with “I wonder…,” “What if…,” or “How can we find out…” to encourage further investigation.
• Model the recording of information.
  Encourage your child to write about or draw some of the subjects you choose to explore. Record what led you to investigate, what you did to find out more, and finally, what happened. Follow up with a discussion of what you may try next time to extend the science opportunities.