From the food we eat to the way we get around, science is everywhere. In a world where we rely on computers for just about everything, the more understanding we give to our children, the brighter the future will be. Because of the importance of scientific study, it is vital that we remember not to depend only on schools to provide an education for our children. In science you’re taught to go about getting a whole lot of information from different people and sources – experts, teachers – it’s not just Googling for the answer online. K12 is a registered trademark of K12 Inc. The series of “why” questions from a child can be frustrating sometimes, but it really is important to take the time to explain as much as you can. Developing a scientific approach to questioning and determining answers is an important skill for life in general, and science can dramatically increase a child’s capacity for reasoning and logical thought. Science involves a lot of talking and listening to others; it develops patience, too — because a lot of the time in science things don’t happen overnight. Science can result in a healthy dose of scepticism. Add to the mix are skills for life such as perseverance, problem-solving and researching. Science shows kids how things relates to the real world, it encourages them to solve problems and teaches them how to find answers. Try to relate science to real-life situations, such as understanding the concept of how recycling helps the environment and how growing your own vegetables is a sustainable practice. The job of a scientist is not to just arrive at a stab-in-the-dark answer but to prove what he or she believes to be true using good scientific reasoning. In today’s society, there is a lot of focus, particularly in education, on reading and writing for children. Her years of experience working in the media both locally and nationally have given her a unique viewpoint and understanding of this dynamic industry. or discover what happens when you put dry ice into a bucket full of ping pong balls … it’s all happening at the Sydney Science Festival on Sunday 23 August from 10am – 4pm. Whether or not your child comes up with the correct answer to a problem, play the devil’s advocate and challenge them to “prove it.” Questions like, “How do you know that?” help to develop critical thinking skills and help the child to analyse their own reasoning. K12 specifically disclaims any ownership of third party intellectual property or content posted by itself or others on this website through hypertext or object linking. Why should we spend as much effort on teaching kids science as we do on other subjects, such as English and mathematics? Why is grass green? Of course, since children are naturally curious about everything, childhood is the perfect time to become involved in science. Whether you head out into the backyard to observe a colony of ants or watch a storm roll in, these everyday scenarios are learning opportunities parents can take advantage of. That is because at this stage, a child can more easily retain the information and genuinely wants to know. Do you use your kids as an excuse to cancel plans ? There are many programs available that are fun and interactive, helping them build a solid foundation in science. There is also a very real effect on the brain and mind that comes from studying science. There will be activities, talks, wild exhibitions and out-of-this world science experiments for every age. Other articles you might be interested in. We don’t have to teach young children how to wonder, discover, and explore through play because they do it naturally. For young learners, science is just an extension of their everyday world. Science involves a lot of talking and listening to others; it develops patience, too — because a lot of the time in science things don’t happen overnight. Once you begin to see all the opportunities to learn, the relationship between science and critical-thinking skills become apparent. After all, author, Mahtab Narsimhan, said it best, “A good education is the greatest gift you can give yourself or anyone else.”. Study at home is just as important, if not more so. The myth is that we have to convince children that science is fun. But why exactly is science important for children? Of course, young children shouldn’t be expected to think logically and rationally all the time, but as they get older it becomes more important. The K12 logo and other marks referenced herein are trademarks of K12 Inc., and other marks are owned by third parties. Running each year in August since 1997, it features more than 1700 events around Australia. Science has always been fun for children, the door just has to be opened for them! Although parents are eager to teach their children science-related topics, many admit that they lack the tools and confidence to do so. And if you’re really up for some science fun, the Sydney Science Festival is being held at the Powerhouse Museum from August 13-23. Science, directly and indirectly, influences all aspects of everyday life. Coordinated by Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences (MAAS), the Festival aims to encourage an interest in science among the general public and young people, and will provide an opportunity to highlight Sydney’s scientific credentials and foster partnerships between the community, research organisations and industry. Science feeds a natural love for learning. — the endless stream of questions kids like to ask can send you dizzy, but it’s incredible to watch how their little minds work and process new information. It also helps kids to think about what could happen before they do it, to create a hypothesis in their mind. The Sydney Science Festival has been developed to consolidate and amplify the promotion of National Science Week events across Sydney. This can help to alleviate some of the difficulties that sometimes arise with kids — especially those with troubled youth that stem from a lack of understanding of the environment and themselves, and the inability to think rationally. You can also try to fit in activities that are fun but can also teach something, such as geological outings or growing your own plants and learning about them. Why is bread white? ‘Why is the sky blue?’ and ‘Where do babies come from?’ are just the tip of the quizzical iceberg when it comes to kid’s brains. Then kids learn that not everything works the first time. Are you kidding? Studying insects is also often fascinating for children, and this is a great opportunity for some biology study. Some experiments fall in a heap and you have to find out what went wrong, and try again. A recent study, conducted by the Education Development Center and SRI International, found that while 9 out of 10 parents help their young children complete learning activities daily, only around half say that these activities are science-based. Kids should learn science because: Science helps children develop key life skills, including an ability to communicate, remain organized and focused, and... Children are hands-on learners, and the world around them provides so many natural opportunities. First of all, there is the effect that science has on the mind in general, and second is that there is the practical and immediate use of science in everyday life to consider. The 11-day event will feature everything from mind-blowing demonstrations, workshops and hands on experiences sure to rattle a few brain cells (yours and your kids!) It can spark ideas in kids’ minds that they, too, may one day be capable of creating solutions to problems. National Science Week is Australia’s annual celebration of science and technology. Why are the dinosaurs extinct? Some experiments fall in a heap and you have to find out what went wrong, and try again. From life sciences to environmental science, physical science to earth science, when children express interests in these subjects, encourage them and learn with them. It also helps kids to think about what could happen before they do it, to create a hypothesis in their mind. Please refer to our Rules of Engagement and Terms of Service for more information about this site and email us at [email protected] with any questions. Hailing from a small town in Tasmania and spending many years travelling the world, Kate now calls the Sunshine Coast home alongside her husband and one-year-old son. It encourages children to think outside the square and become involved in the world around them. It can teach kids to form their own opinions rather than take those of others for granted. Beginning when children are very young, science helps shape their development. Almost everything we do on a day-to-day basis requires some level of understanding that science can provide. Science is a great medium to do so. Science can be simple, and it can be fun. Although these topics are vastly important and so rightfully should be the focus of much effort, many times science can be overlooked in the process. These opportunities for learning should always be taken advantage of. Children are inquisitive explores by nature and science offers lots to explore. To help answer all the important questions like, ‘Why is the sky blue?’ and ‘Where do babies come from? Gympie Women in Business Awards 2013 - Best NEW Business, Gympie Women in Business Awards 2013 - Entrepreneur/ Professional of Excellence, Bendigo Bank Gympie Chamber of Commerce Awards 2013 - Business of the Year, NOMINATED: Telstra Business Woman of the Year 2014 (Jody Allen, Founder), NOMINATED: EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2015 (Jody Allen, Founder), THE LARGEST: Australian Parenting / Mother Social Media Following - SocialBakers, 2015, 6 Reasons Science Is Important To Your Kids. Add to the mix are skills for life such as perseverance, problem-solving and researching. As the modern-day media hunter-gatherer, Journalist Kate Davies is harnessing 10 years in the media to write engaging and empowering articles for Stay At Home Mum.