Children are naturally inquisitive and want to know about the world around them. This inquisitiveness is a quality often seen in top scientists. Unfortunately, as children get older, they lose that sense of wonder and interest in science and the natural world. Here is what you can do to help rekindle the desire to do science projects.
Use Common Technology to Explore the Natural World
There was a time when a microscope was a specialized scientific and medical tool. Now, simple microscopes are included as part of science kits for children.
A microscope can help your child see the world from a new perspective. Take them to a lake or the ocean to get water, plant, and ground material samples. Bring the samples home and allow your kids to examine them through a microscope. They will be surprised when they see the microscopic world brought to life. If you cannot afford a simple microscope, don’t despair. There is so much to be explored by using an inexpensive magnifying glass.
Go to the Natural History Museum
Most states have a natural history museum or a science museum. Natural history museums focus more on genealogy, ecology, and paleontology. Science museums will discuss broader topics related to science. More prominent science museums have IMAX theaters. Some of the newer IMAX theaters present documentaries in 3D.
Natural history museums and science museums have interactive experiments suited for children and adults. Usually, these learning centers are inexpensive. Since they are constantly changing their exhibits, you can visit them multiple times throughout the year with your children. When you get home, encourage your children to emulate some of the experiments they saw at the museum.
Exploring Nature
You don’t need to encourage your children to do Einstein-level science projects. Many 6th grade science projects can be both enjoyable and challenging. You can find potential science projects at the sixth-grade level if you take a walk through nature. You will find plants, animals, rocks, and more.
A simple project could be to take a cell phone with you and photograph the exciting things you see. Look for birds, insects, and plants that you have never seen before. Take these pictures back home, research them on the Internet, and try to identify what these things are. You may get fortunate and stumble across a bug, plant, or bird that no one has ever seen before.
If you find it challenging to find science projects in nature, resources like Adobe Education Exchange can be beneficial. Designed primarily for educators, this resource can help educators and parents present many science concepts found in nature, which will stimulate young minds.
It all comes down to making science exciting. By showing students that they can have fun and learn at the same time, you’ll instill a love for learning well beyond the classroom.
