Why you should develop a culture of tangible science learning
A positive culture about science helps children develop a mindset that allows them to figure out how things work using their prior knowledge base. It encourages investigations through failure and success in order to achieve an ultimate goal. This instills a lifelong "spirit of learning" within children.
But why is this important? A culture of tangible science learning can provide your child with the opportunity to:
-Investigate and understand the world around them
- Ask questions and find answers to their questions which helps them engage in critical thinking
-Learn how to work collaboratively with others
-Instill a growth mindset in children, which allows them to see failure as a stepping stone to success
Children are sponges and soak up everything around them, so it's important that we as parents provide them with the opportunity to learn in a positive environment. Here are some tips on how you can develop a culture of tangible science learning in your home:
1) Encourage scientific curiosity: Allow your child time and space to explore. If they're interested in something, whether it's taking apart a toy or mixing different substances together, let them! It's okay if things get messy – that's part of the learning process. And if they make a mistake, gently guide them towards finding a solution.
2) Read together: Reading is essential for developing language skills, imagination, and concentration. But did you know that reading fiction can also help kids understand complex scientific concepts? When reading stories with your child, talk about the characters' actions and motivations. This will help your child learn how to think like a scientist – by formulating hypotheses and considering evidence.
3) Visit different places: Science is all around us! Take your child on fun outings where they can explore different aspects of the natural world. A trip to the park can turn into a mini lesson on photosynthesis, while a hike can teach your child about animal adaptations. There are endless possibilities – the only limit is your imagination.
4) Do simple experiments together: Experiments are a great way to introduce kids to basic scientific concepts in an interactive way. They don't have to be complicated – even everyday activities like baking cookies or blowing bubbles can be turned into experiments! The key is to ask open-ended questions and encourage your child to think about why things happen the way they do. If you want to carry out even more complex experiments, why not try our STEM@Home boxes? These will ensure that your child will really be challenged and also, help them with their formal education. Your child can view it as playtime but you can view it as important revision.
5)Value mistakes: It's normal for kids (and adults!) to make mistakes when learning something new. What's important is that we encourage our children to keep trying despite setbacks. Help them see mistakes as an opportunity for growth, rather than something to be ashamed of. With this Growth Mindset approach Tangible Science Learning becomes second nature before they know it!
Developing a culture of tangible science learning in your home is important for many reasons. It provides children with the opportunity to investigate and understand the world around them, fosters critical thinking skills, and helps instill a growth mindset. With these benefits, it's clear that every family should make an effort to develop a culture of tangible science learning!
