The mind of a young child is growing every day, testing boundaries, searching the world to see how it works, much like little scientists conducting experiments.
Dr. Stephanie Ryan, from Ryan Education Consulting, explains how parents can conduct real experiments right at home with their kids.
Science doesn't need fancy chemicals to complete experiments, the most common of items found in your kitchen to demonstrate loads of concepts.
Dr. Ryan says it is okay if you don't know the answer to a question! Scientists do research to find answers. There is no shame in using Youtube and other online resources. Just be sure that they are legitimate sites and compare to other legitimate sites- another chance to teach a science skill!
It is okay if your child has incorrect reasoning of how the world works. If your child thinks that putting water in an oven will form an ice cube- test it. Show them evidence for them to ponder. Then design another investigation to test.
Also, use your child's interests to plan some activities. For example, if your kid loves the snow, make snow ice cream! Watch snow melt, paint with snow that is melting, set water and saltwater outside to see what freezes first, and so much more. Don't be afraid to go to Google to look up some STEM ideas.
For some ideas, follow Dr. Ryan on Instagram at @letslearnaboutscience.
