JOIN US I marvel at their awareness simply because I don't use these words in my active vocabulary.
I later jump at the opportunity to ask them what those words mean. To my surprise, they don't know or understand these words. I guess, most of us use many scientific terms without the slightest knowledge of what they mean. Strangely, we lack the ability and the inclination to learn what they mean as well. I wonder if this could be because of the lack of mentors who can encourage long-term interest in science.
I have seen many parents ask this question — “How to encourage my child to think scientifically?”
Before we begin to instill scientific temperament in our kids, we should first ask ourselves, “Do we think scientifically?” You will be surprised to know that we, as parents, know very little science. We never wondered why the ball came down, when we threw it up or why the sun rises in the east and sets in the west. We just learnt the facts and accepted it.
*So, to begin with, we should encourage and even prompt our children to question everything that is normally accepted. For example, we could ask why some things float and some others sink or why the sky is blue and not green.
*Remember the time when we groaned at the unending question of 'why' from our kids? Take heart. This is actually a good sign. Trouble is, mostly, we arrest the very curiosity that we are looking for, by not having the time or patience to answer.
Instead, take a deep breath and answer the question. Once the child is aware that answers are given, he/ she will be encouraged to ask more. The more they ask, the more scientifically they think. Remember, the genius is the one who thought differently from the rest.
*I see that most parents have trouble answering the questions. I do too. But, there is a solution. Instead of trying to answer the question single handedly, explore the answer together. No child likes to be taught all the time. They like to discuss. Find the answers through mutual discussions.
*Visit the local library and read out more on the same subject. This way, the answers are never given. They are discovered. Children get a sense of triumph by doing this exercise.
*I often find many parents invest a lot of money in non-fiction books. Children's book shelves in today's world are filled with encyclopaedias and 'How to' books. But, what use are these books if they are not put to use. Not many children volunteer to read non-fiction. It is always a good idea to read it out to the child.
*Visit science museums. Usually, these visits are accompanied with a lot of explanation by parents. That is exactly what kids hate and why they refuse to accompany you to the museum. Instead, let children have fun. Try your hands on experimenting too and reserve the explanation for a later day when the child is ready to hear from you.
*Try some of the basic experiments at home. Many complicated concepts can be done in your drawing rooms. It requires a little imagination and patience. www.kids-science-experiments.com is a great website with a whole lot of information which can make learning science fun for kids.
Children are a great resource for adults to brush up their basic knowledge in many subjects. They are little mirrors that reflect who we truly are. Unless we become little scientists, they will probably continue to think that science is meant only for nerds. Let us join hands to show our children that science is a lot more fun than they think.