As a teacher, you want your students to learn as much as possible and enjoy the process along the way. For many kids, science can be one of their most difficult subjects. If they are facing difficulty in the subject and are getting behind, they might get discouraged. If this happens, remember to tell them that Thomas Edison failed 1,000 times before perfecting the light bulb. Once they hear this, they’ll realize that by embracing perseverance, great discoveries can be made. However, whether you’re teaching in-person classes or online, there are many approaches you can take to make science not only fascinating but also more fun than your students expected. To learn how, here are seven tips you can use to help children learn science.
Let Them Tinker
When you have fifth-grade students, they love to tinker with things to figure out how they work. While it may look as if they are going nowhere with their efforts, chances are they are learning far more than you realize. By encouraging their efforts, you may be teaching one of the next generation’s greatest inventors.
Be Willing to Stand Back
If you have been using Adobe Education Exchange, your students will have everything they need for their 5th grade science projects (and if you haven’t, you should check it out!). Some students may be trying to figure out a key aspect of their topic. It is important that you are willing to stand back and let them do just that. While you can help if needed, chances are given time, they will use the knowledge you’ve given them to overcome the obstacle.
Encourage Their Research
When a child in your class asks why something is or is not a certain way, turn the question back to them and encourage their research. For example, if they ask why the sky is blue, let them research and thus hypothesize and come up with educated guesses.
Hands-On Investigating
Whether kids are sorting beans, handling rocks, or holding a book, they are putting their hands-on investigative skills to the test. By enabling them to do so, you reinforce the scientific process by letting them examine textures, weights, and more.
Don’t Mind the Mess
When kids make a mess, don’t immediately discourage this activity. Instead, let them continue since this actually keeps the scientific process going strong. Thus, no matter the mess associated with their science project, grab the paper towels and be patient.
Let Their Imaginations Run Wild
As you know, the greatest scientists have always been those who had great imaginations and believed anything was possible. By encouraging creativity, reasoning, and curiosity within your students, imaginations can run wild and show them an endless array of possibilities.
Kitchen Projects are Great
Finally, kitchen projects are great for your future scientists. Along with giving them free rein to make a mess and get dirty, these projects also give them the chance to learn about various chemical reactions. By watching what happens when an egg is cracked, or different ingredients are mixed together for a cake, the sights and smells will leave a lasting impression on the minds of your young scientists.
Helping children learn science can be a challenge, but by implementing these tips, you’re well on your way to molding the minds of the scientists of tomorrow.