Tips Sheets

Science is a part of our daily life.  Everything we do and deal with in life is science from cooking, playing ball, growing a garden and understanding how technologies work to watching a rain storm.

Understanding science helps kids appreciate and relate to the world around them.

Science education teaches children more than just the basics of geology, biology, physics and chemistry.  Science teaches children to make observations, collect information and to use logical thinking to draw a conclusion.  These skills are important for every part of our lives.

Scientists are an important part of the future of our world.  Without them we would not be able to predict the weather or earthquakes, understand global warming, cure illnesses and take care of the sick, or have many of the products that enhance our lifestyles today.

Science education provides children an understanding of how things work, such as earthquake movement, weather patterns, chemical reactions and nutritional needs, which will help them to provide safe, healthy environments for future generations.

Children are naturally curious. Science education fuels that curiosity and provides children with valuable ideas, skills, and potential future career choices.  

Science education gives children the opportunity to experiment and work in teams.  These activities enhance communication, research, reporting, and collaboration skills.

Children who have a basic understanding of science are more receptive to new technologies and ideas in the future that can stimulate research, development and businesses.

Geology education teaches children about earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, and tsunamis arming them with knowledge and Earth processes that can protect their health and safety throughout their lives.

Children with a basic understanding of rocks and minerals are able to pursue a wide variety of activities and potential careers such as gardening, groundwater recovery, pollution control and clean-up, engineering, environmental research, oil and gas exploration and recovery, road construction, mining, energy production and jewelry manufacturing.

Engage children with a hands-on introduction to science when they are in pre-school and elementary school which is a naturally curious age.

Provide children with simple science kits, experiments and toys that you can do together.  Make sure that you choose products geared toward the appropriate age group to keep their interest.

Look for projects that will coordinate with school science projects and topics.

Make learning science fun by showing children how science relates to their daily activities.

Talk with children on their level about science both at home and on outings, such as a trip to the beach, museum or park.

Give children plenty of time to explore the world and ask questions to encourage their curiosity.

Show your children the importance of science through your own behavior, such as caring for a garden, feeding the birds, collecting interesting rocks and recycling.

Observe your children to see what they are most interested in and expand on this by providing them more opportunities to learn.

Play games with your children during a nature walk at the beach or in the woods.  See how many varieties of rocks, plants and animals you can find and identify. 

Collect or draw a picture of the items you find and research more about them at home.

Instill a sense of wonder in your children by showing them your own fascination with science and the world.