Children are naturally curious and they learn science best when the teaching is interactive. In fact, in a survey conducted by the Partnership for Science Literacy, 77 percent of parents interviewed said their children had been fascinated by something they did in science class. While learning in this way can be time-consuming and even messy, the results are much more effective than classic memorization techniques.
Atmosphere
Children often ask plenty of questions. Your reaction sets the tone for your child's learning. While you don't have to know all the answers, it's important to support your child's curiosity and eagerness to learn. If your reaction implies that you don't have time or the questions irritate you, your child eventually will stop asking. However, if you reinforce the idea that questions are little puzzles that are fun to solve, your child will continue to explore and learn. If you work with your child to demonstrate or find the answer together, it will leave a lasting impression.
Hands-on
Children learn science best through hands-on experience, according to 2think.org. They have preconceptions of how nature and science work that aren't always correct. If they can touch, see and manipulate things, they can figure out how science principles operate and correct their misconceptions. Children need the opportunity to discuss with others how the results of their experimentation differ from their original view of how things work, according to Try Science. Hands-on experiences also help children develop critical thinking skills and gain confidence.
Observation
Observation is a core scientific skill and children must learn to observe in detail in order to find scientific explanations for phenomena they don't understand. Teach children that observation isn't just seeing--it's also listening and smelling. Teach your child to keep records of his observations to help him remember what he observed or what he tried that didn't work, recommends 2think.org.
Organization
Modern science organizes and classifies objects, organisms and phenomena. (See Reference 2) Similarly, scientists classify related objects or parts into systems, such as the planets of a solar system or the organs that make up our digestive system. (See Reference 2) The U.S. Department of Education recommends that you help your child understand these concepts by giving her simple sorting tasks, such as dividing leaves into groups according to shapes or other characteristics. (See Reference 2) You can teach her about systems by showing her the interactions of parts in a simple system, such as your home heating system. (See Reference 2)
Change
The world changes continually. Children can learn this concept through observation. They can observe how some things change on their own, such as a seed that sprouts, grows, buds and finally produces a flower. They also can observe how their interaction with items may lead to change, such as when they boil water, melt an ice cube or remove a plant from sunlight.
