Fun Tips for Teaching Science to Young Children

Science encompasses many aspects of a child's life. From exploring, to cooking, to imaginative play, science can be applied frequently in your toddler or pre-schooler's everyday activities. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or caregiver, there are numerous ways to help introduce young minds to the world of science. Here are 15 tips to expose your child to science.

1. Relate Science to Everyday Life

One of the best (and cheapest) methods to teach about science is to relate it to everyday life activities. Nearly all activities - from playing to general life - can be applied in some way or another to science. Here are some examples:

* Is it raining outside? Talk about how rain is formed (yes, even for a 2 year old) and encourage them to learn a new word - "precipitation."

* Playing with a ball? Discuss gravity. In simplest terms possible, talk about the law of gravity.

* Have a thermometer/thermostat? Show your tot the thermostat and inform him/her about the very basics of temperature taking.

* Cooking with eggs? Discuss where eggs come from and what comes from eggs.

* Hear a loud sound? Talk about your ears, and how you hear with your ears.

* Have some ice? Show your little one how it will melt when the temperature changes. Mention the many forms of water.

These are just a few of the ways you can relate simple biology, chemistry, and earth science to the lives of toddlers and preschoolers.

2. Visit a Children's Science Museum

Many cities and larger towns have a children's museum where kids can interact with various exciting exhibits. Your tots will learn about science, and you won't have to teach them (well, for the most part!). If possible, try to get a membership (it makes a great Christmas/Birthday gift!) so you can visit frequently, and attend classes or camps. To locate a center near you, visit the Association of Science and Technology Centers Web-Site right here . They currently have 447 centers listed. (Not all museums are listed, however.) Most museums offers fun courses, camps and workshops as well.

3. Do Science Activites, Crafts and Simple Experiments Together

Making a craft together will not only stimulate your child's creative side, it can be a fun way to learn about science and nature. There are several crafts you can do with your child. One great way to get ideas is to browse through craft books. Although they are written more for older children, there are many that can be done with your younger child - you just may need to assist them more.. Here are some books to consider:

Science is Simple: Over 250 Activities for Preschoolers : This is an exceptional book that is very easy to read, even for a science-challenged parent. It offers a variety of fun activities including rockets and slime! These activities will definitely tickle your child's cognitive thinking skills.

Science Play: Beginning Discoveries for 2-6 Year Olds : This book is loaded with tons of age-appropriate science activities and crafts. Some include "wonder water bottles", "bug hotel", and "ice cream in a bag." If you need a lot of ideas on planning science playtime, this is the book for you.

Ecology Crafts For Kids: 50 Great Ways to Make Friends with Planet Earth : This book offers a variety of earth-friendly crafts. Some include a potato print t -shirt and a bottle garden. It is recommended for ages 9-12, however children as young as 4 can complete the crafts with a lot of help from an adult.

Geology Crafts For Kids: 50 Nifty Projects to Explore the Marvels of Planet Earth : This book is also geared for older children, but again with the assistance of a very patient parent, many of the crafts can be completed. And, you can save the book for when they are older!

You should able to find these books, and others, at your local library, or purchase them online. Here are 2 additional ideas to do with your child:

Peanut Butter PineCone Bird Feeder

Just take some pine cones (can be purchased at a craft store if you don't have pine trees) and tie a string onto the pine cone. Then spread peanut butter on them and sprinkle birdseed over the peanut butter. Tie the bird feeder to a tree and wait for the birds to come! This craft will teach little ones about nature and birds.

Play-Doh Fossils

Take some play-doh (or make your own if necessary - here's a recipe ), and press small sea shells or other objects into the dough. Talk about how fossils are formed and, if possible, show the child pictures of fossils in a book or online.

4. Plan science related vacations

This one might not meet the budget of most families, but if possible, plan vacations that will teach your children about science. Read the article "Fun Family Vacations That Will Teach Your Child About Science " for more ideas. You can visit a cave, got to a space center, and much more.

5. Have science related toys available

Toys with a science theme make great Christmas and Birthday gifts! One great toy to start with is My Very First Magnet Kit. . Another excellent one is My First Chemistry Kit . You also might try the Mind Blowing Science Kit . There are other great toys out there. Visit your local toy store or search online.

6. Take Nature Walks Together

This is a simple activity but can really have an impression on a toddler or young child. Even just walking through a neighborhood can expose a child to nature. Point out the different trees. Talk about the sky, clouds, and weather. Look for birds, and maybe a squirrel or even a rabbit. Talk about sunlight and how all living things need sunlight to grow. Nature walks are not only educational, they're great exercise too!

7. Play Science Themed Computer Games

This one's more for pre-schoolers, as a toddler might not have the hand/eye coordination for it. There are several educational computer games available to children that will teach them about biology, chemistry, earth science and more. Most of the software is greared towards children ages 6 and above. However, with a parent's help, a child as young as 4 1/2 could learn from these programs. Some to consider are Magic School Bus Explores the Human Body and San Diego Zoo Presents the Animals .

8. Sing/Play Songs With a Science Theme

Okay, this one's a little cheesy, but hey, if your child ends up going to medical school from your teaching skills, it's worth it. If you visit the Science Songs for Teaching Web-Site right here , you will find the lyrics to many fun science songs, as well as CD's you can purchase. This is definitely a unique way to help your child master knowledge, and it's fun!

These are a just a few tips to help spark an interest in science in your child! Happy Learning! Enjoy!