Since we can find some sort of science in every single activity we undertake in our daily routine, its not that difficult a task to boost your child’s interest in science even if you are homeschooling him. What is important is your attitude towards science. If you had enjoyed many activities based on science in your childhood it would be easier for you to pass on that interest, but for most parents science has hardly been a fascinating subject when they grew up. So what can you do to boost the interest of your child in science at home?
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A Scientific Investigation
Children are naturally curious about the world around them. You can make use of this curiosity to interest them in scientific investigations of problems that they would like to solve. Simple investigations could involve sorting, ordering and counting activities. For instance when they are playing with their toys ask them to sort them according to types- soft toys, dolls, blocks and other toys. Then ask them to order them from smallest to largest in each group. next ask them the number of toys in each group. As they grow the investigations can get more complex. For instance the tracking of sunset each day for a month to get the exact time of sunset and moon rise.
Tools of the Trade
Science related tools and gadgets can pique the interest of children. Simple tools like magnets, balancing scales, a magnifying glass, see through containers of different shapes and sizes which can be used to hold interesting things are all intriguing. Make it a point to conduct one science experiment in the week using some of these tools. It will help stimulate their interest in different fields of science. As they grow older the tools can become more complex. You can invest in a stop watch, a thermometer, and even circuits and wires as they get more interested in making things work for themselves if they get tired of just observing other things.
The amount of effort you put in will be the key to how well you boost your child’s interest in science. There have been established studies which prove that the parent’s involvement can help increase the interest of a child in STEM subjects. So do your bit for your child.
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