Helping Your Child Learn Science - Activities: Introduction

Recording Results

Keeping records is an important part of science. It helps us remember what did (and didn't) work. Before starting the activities, give your child a notebook - a science journal - in which she can record her observations. Remember that seeing isn't the only way to observe. Sometimes we use other senses: We hear, feel, smell or taste some things (of course, your child should be careful about what she tastes - and she shouldn't taste anything without your permission).

If your child cannot write yet, she can tell you what to write for her or draw pictures of what she sees. In addition, you may want to use a simple camera to help record observations.

As a parent, you can help your child want to learn in a way no one else can. That desire to learn is a key to your child's success. And, of course, enjoyment is an important motivator for learning. As you choose activities to use with your child, remember that helping him to learn doesn't mean that you can't laugh or that you have to be serious. In fact, you can teach your child a lot through play. We hope that you and your child enjoy these activities and that they inspire you to think of additional activities of your own.

Read through each activity before you try it with your child. In particular, look for this sign: It highlights any activity that requires adult supervision, such as those that involve heat, chemicals or sharp instruments.

Also make sure that your child understands any safety precautions that may be necessary for these - or any - science activities. In particular, you should:

• Teach your child not to taste anything without your supervision;
• Insist that he wear goggles whenever something could splash, burn, or shatter and endanger his eyes;
• Teach him to follow warnings on manufacturers' labels and instructions for toys and science kits;
• Keep toxic or other dangerous substances out of the reach of your child;
• Teach him what he can do to avoid accidents; and
• Teach him what to do if an accident occurs.

In a box near the end of each activity are a few facts and explanations for reinforcement and further teaching. But exploring, questioning and having a good time are more important than memorizing facts.