Learning scientific concepts starts in infancy and continues as children grow. Children are naturally driven to observe, question and investigate to find answers. This basic analytical thinking process is the basis to learning more complex science knowledge and skills later in life.
Children learn science principles as they play
Watch your child at play. You will likely see a little scientist at work as your child discovers:
- Cause and effect: Actions make things happen. Your child builds a tower with large blocks and kicks it over to make it fall, only to build it again and knock it down with a hand.
- How things move: Pushing and pulling objects and toys helps children investigate how things move.
- States of matter: As your child squishes play dough or pours water in the bathtub they are learning about the various states of matter.
- Simple machines: Children learn about inclined planes as well as wheels and axles as they roll vehicles down ramps.
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Help your little scientist explore and discover
You can encourage your little scientist’s exploring and discovery by doing simple experiments together such as:
Sink or float
Gather up some of your child’s favorite toys that can go in water. Before putting an object in the water, ask your child: “Will this object sink or float?” Put the objects in a large tub of water and experiment together to see what objects sink or float.
Goop in the kitchen
Goop is great for learning about the states of solids and liquids. You’ll need:
- 2 cups of cornstarch
- 1 cup of water
- 2 drops of food coloring
Directions: Mix together in a large container. Let the fun begin!
Ask questions like:
- “What do you think will happen when we mix these together?”
- “How do you think it will feel in your hands?”
Make it fizz
Cover the bottom of a baking dish with baking soda. Next, mix some vinegar with food coloring in a dish. Fill an eyedropper or turkey baster with the colored vinegar. Let your child squeeze the vinegar onto the baking soda and share in the excitement as the fizzing begins and your child discovers the cause and effect of mixing these substances.
As you help your child explore and discover the world, you are supporting your child’s interest and enthusiasm about science now and for years to come.
Learn more
- Sanford Research launches science distance learning website
- It’s all about science: Podcast
- Fun ways toddlers can move and learn
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Posted In Parenting
