Keeping our kids learning and exploring their world during the summer can feel daunting especially when the word “science” is involved. But teaching science in everyday life doesn’t have to be hard or boring. It’s easy to be a scientist! Simply look around and ask “Why?”
5 Tips for Getting Kids Excited about Science during the Summer:
1. Outdoor Survival
Teach your kids about survival in the woods. Show them how to use a compass and how a compass works. Tell them about how they can find their way through the woods by using the sun. During your adventure ask them which direction they are pointing based on the sun and have them check on the compass. Start with scientific questions like: Can you learn anything about direction from where the moss is growing? What plant life can you eat? How do you make a fire? Ignite their imagination and make the adventure into a game. They won’t even realize they are learning about science.
2. Do Kitchen Science
Many household items can be used for fun science experiments; even baking a cake is a form of chemistry. Doing informal experiments at home is not only fun, but also effective in helping to develop long-term skills and interest. Try popping some popcorn and use Bayer’s Making Science Make Sense® Experiment Guide to teach them why popcorn pops and have a delicious snack time.
3. Explore Water Life
Head to the beach or local body of water and explore the water life with your kids. Catch tadpoles and teach them about a frog’s life cycle. Search for fish and crabs at different phases of life and observe together how they grow. Start an aquarium at home where your kids can keep the water life they find and watch the different species grow to maturity. Your kids will love it!
4. Look at the Stars
Search online or use a smartphone app to learn what stars and planets are in the night sky. Lay a blanket down in the yard then look up and see what you can find! This will create great lasting memories with your kids and give you an opportunity to teach them about planets, stars, satellites and space travel.
5. Teach about Plant Reproduction through Nature & Gardening
During outdoor exploration teach them about fern spores, acorns, pine cones, and seeds. Talk about diversity and teach them to enjoy exploring how plants grow. Gardening isn’t only a way to talk about plants, but it’s also a way to introduce nutrition and how food gets from “farm to table.” Herbs are fun to grow because of regular results throughout the summer. Teach your kids about living sustainably and get them thinking about their food.
Visit msms.bayer.us to access free experiment guides, an interactive periodic table and video vignettes that are helpful in Making Science Make Sense®. As a life sciences company, Bayer is committed to creating awareness of the importance of science and fostering curiosity, creativity and critical-thinking skills. Making Science Make Sense® (MSMS), Bayer’s company-wide initiative, allows students to learn science by doing science through hands-on, inquiry-based experiences.
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Disclaimer: I have teamed up with Bayer in support of this campaign. We received compensation for participation in this campaign. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own.