Exploring Science

Why is Science Important?

5 Reasons

Science helps children to think critically, which helps children be successful at home and school.

Through trial and error, children’s patience and determination grow, which teaches them to keep trying.

Children form language, literacy, and social skills by listening to others, working together, and talking about what is happening.

The scientific skill of gathering and evaluating information helps children learn how to form their own opinions. This can protect against peer pressure.

Almost all young children “do science” most of the time. For example, playing catch teaches about physics (gravity and force), cause, and effect.

A young boy in a yellow shirt and apron focuses on measuring white powder into clear cups with a spoon

Encouraging and Love and Building Science Literacy

Don’t be intimidated!

Science is all around us – in our food, play, transportation, the weather, and much more.

Children are natural scientists; they are born wanting to learn how the world works.

Even if science wasn’t your favorite subject, you can use your child’s natural curiosity and interests to grow a passion for science.

Three children engaged in a science activity. They are focused on using a microscope and examining small objects. A plant sits on the table, creating a learning atmosphere.

GROW- Tips to Discover Science

Give and Guide children with opportunities to try out ideas, build things, and collect items.

Take a free trip to the park, community garden, or school science fair.
Dig for answers… encourage children to explore what is in beach sand or dirt.

Respond by actively listening, encouraging observations, and asking questions based on their point of views, and explore your child’s “why’s?”

Encourage children to smell, touch, look, listen, and ask questions.
Ask questions, such as “What is the difference between night and day?” and read and talk about books like The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle.

(Go) Outside! In ALL types of weather

Look at and talk about animals, nature, plants, or people.
Look at the weather and ask children to guess what is or will be happening.

(Be) Wild!

Let children learn how to play on their own and build their own perceptions.
Allow them the time to process and problem-solve in ways that make sense to them.

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