We all know how important it is to foster the love of science, but since we are not all scientists or teachers, finding ways to do this at home can be a daunting task.
I am here as a mom, not a scientist or a teacher, to tell you that introducing science to your kids is easier than you think. Since science is all around us, we don’t have to go very far to find it. Experiments and activities are right in front of you every day!
Here are some science activities you can do at home (or near home) with the resources right in front of you!
Go on a Nature Walk: The outdoors IS science! While walking, point out all the flowers and animals you see. Explain to your kids that plants need water and sunlight to grow. Make it even more interesting by turning it into a scavenger hunt!
Plant a Garden: Have your kids plant different seeds and record their growth. Have them take notice of what grows the fastest and what never grows at all. To make it more interesting, have them place the planted seeds in various places around the yard/house and see where it grows the best: in sunlight, in shade, on the windowsill, etc.
Planting basil and parsley are great first garden options for kids (and adults)!
Collect Bugs: Now this is not my favorite science project but it is one that kids seem to love. Have them make a bug box (Home Depot’s workshop recently made a great one), then collect different bugs. Have your kids research them on the computer and in books. Have them make a journal which includes a drawing of the bug, it’s name, what it eats and where it lives. (Yes, catching lightening bugs counts!)
Stargazing: Make your own telescopes out of paper towel roles then gaze at the stars on a beautiful and clear night. You can also have them record the phases of the moon each night. Another fun stargazing activity is finding all the constellations.
Make a Volcano: This may sound hard, but it really isn’t. It is also one of the most loved science activities for kids! There are many ways to make volcanos, some simple and some more complex (I go with simple). Plus, they dont ALL have to erupt!
Kids can get really creative when making their own Play-doh volcano!
Read Science Books: There are so many science books out there from ones about space to ones about how the earth was formed. The best science books are ones that come with activities and directions for great science experiments! Check out our review of the Usborne Book 50 Science Things to Make and Do. Also check out our review of Space Scouts, a fun monthly science subscription for kids!
Visiting a museum is a great way to introduce kids to science!
Visit a Museum: Most museums have a science focus. They offer exciting, educational and interactive exhibits that kids really enjoy. Some of my favorites are:
- Liberty Science Center – Jersey City
- Museum of Natural History – NYC
- Morris Museum – Morristown
- Field Station Dinosaur – Secaucus
- Franklin Mineral Museum – Franklin
- Please Touch Museum – Philadelphia
- Academy of Natural Sciences – Philadelphia
I hope you can see from this list that introducing Science to your kids is not only easy, but it can also be fun and exciting! Keep following our Kids and Science series for more great ideas!
I love your thoughts on making a bug collection because it’s free and can be really fun. My brother is trying to get his kids to learn more science this year. I’ll reach out to their teachers to find out what we can do to teach more science in school.