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Five Ways to Pique Your Child's Interest in Science
Make science come alive for your child with these simple tips.
By Scholastic.com
Science can be fun, especially if you make it part of a child's everyday routine. Here are some simple tips for bringing science into your child's life.

• Follow his interests and encourage him to explore subjects he likes. If he's a sci-fi fan, give him materials about space exploration, or try a paleontology book on your dinosaur buff.

• Make time for everyday experimentation, like observing changes in weather or the chemical reactions in cooking.

• Put scientific concepts in real-world terms. If she's studying states of matter at school, for example, take some water and freeze, boil, and melt it so she can see the scientific processes at work.

• Listen to his questions and try to find the answers together. Simply telling him the answer won't be as helpful or as empowering as conducting his own research.

• Explore the science that surrounds you — from the science programs in your community, to museums, to nature walks. Take trips together that pique her curiosity and keep her asking "why?"

Updated September 2002

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Comments From GreatSchools.net Users
12/11/2007:
"Thank you, my child is working on some of these now, I needed to know how to hold his interest and what else I can do to help him. Thanks again."
10/10/2006:
"Excellent, very helpful for me as a stay at home Mom. Helps reinforce some of the concepts I am highlighting in our everyday activities and also helps me with new ways of exposing my gifted toddler to scientific concepts. I like the concept that a curious mind is more important than facts at this stage."
10/19/2005:
"Hi, I have a 5 year daughter that is very interested in Science. This weekend we will work on making a Hot-air balloon. She's been talking for years on becoming a doctor. I'm looking for some kids science project related to that field. Any suggestions. ?? Thank you. "
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