How to Teach Science Creatively to Your Big Kid

Develop the scientist in your big kid by finding creative activities that may rouse his curiosity. Here are a few suggestions on how to teach science creatively to your big kid.

 

Go On a Field Trip

You don’t need to go too far to see science in action. You can see it anywhere. The outdoors is just a better way for your child to learn, as well as experience, the interaction of living and non-living things. Go on a field trip. As you stroll along, point to something that may strike an interest for you and your child.

 

Make Experiments

This may be the best way to win over your big kid. He’ll love learning science without knowing it. Some parents may think that they did not have the aptitude to make experiments themselves when they were younger. However, if you are one of these parents, consider helping your child to love learning new things by showing him your eagerness for learning as well. The Internet is a helpful tool to expand your knowledge about science experiments and how to explain them.

If you can’t find a feasible experiment try cooking or baking. These are experiments that any child (or parent) would love. Don’t worry if you won’t be able to explain all the scientific principles behind it. Eventually, your child will be able to learn it in school. Your job is to expose him to these kinds of experiences. 

 

Read on combining art and science by clicking here.

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Here's how using art is a creative and fun way to teach your child science.

 

Combine Art and Science

If your child loves to create new things, consider teaching science through art. The activity below can be one example.

 

Oil Versus Water Activity

What you will need:

- 1 fancy clear bottle

- liquid food colouring

- 1 cup of water

- 1 cup of clear oil (baby oil would be better)

- Light decorative materials such as punched foil paper (to serve as decorative floaters)

 

What you will do:

1. Put 1 to 2 drops of liquid colouring in the cup of water and stir.

2. Let your child combine the water and oil in the fancy bottle and see what happens.

3. At this point, you may start explaining the scientific principle of why oil and water do not mix.

4. Add the floaters to give it a more decorative touch.

 

Ask the Right Questions

The who, what, and the how are important questions in science.  The answers to these questions can easily be retrieved anywhere, especially now that we have the convenience of the Internet. Asking what if and why questions enable your child to think out of the box and develop new ideas. As your big kid conducts these activities, it is important that you are there with him to guide him on how to think.  By constantly asking questions, your child may, eventually, think like a scientist.

 

Photo from sxc.hu