Calling Science a fascinating subject would certainly be an underestimation to the significance it holds in our lives. Right from the composition of a mere atom to the composition of our entire galaxy, Science holds all the answers. It is pivotal to innovation, global competitiveness, and human advancement. It’s important that the world continues to advance the field of science, whether it’s finding cures for diseases or identifying new ways to create a sustainable planet.
Beyond potential scientific breakthroughs, there are also benefits to learning science. Especially for young minds, as science enables them to think critically, synthesize information accurately and solve problems creatively. More than ever before, we need to create a learning environment for our children to inspire and prepare them for the future. Here’s how you can start small and help make Science more engaging for them:
1. Foster active learning
Active learning is key for children to understand and embrace concepts in the right way, especially for subjects like Science. A good way to do this is to encourage children to choose the topics they want to learn and how. For complex topics in Physics, Chemistry and Biology, animated videos, games etc always help students visualise and understand the concept in the best possible way.
2. Encourage research
Online education platforms offer a plethora of engaging content that fuels a child’s interest and curiosity. It’s important for parents to encourage research as a part of children’s daily learning activities. For instance, if your child is asked to work on a project around types of tropical plants, it’s important to help them explore, search and understand such topics.
3. Experiment and learn
Studies have shown that experiments foster stronger conceptual understanding. Not only does it help children gain knowledge in the process, but they also develop social and emotional skills that are vital to a well-rounded child. Exploring DIY science experiments from online learning platforms can be a great start. While this might sound like a task, in reality, creating STEM activities at home can actually be quite simple. From storing your DNA in a jar with ingredients like salt, paper cups and dishwasher soap to being an environmental hero by making one’s own compost, experimenting at home can be fun and easy. Moreover, hands-on activities can give direction to the curiosity of the child and can also lead to great bonding between parents and children.