The sooner children learn about science, the better it makes the thinking skills that they carry with them for the rest of their lives. Humans want to learn the world around them - we are born this way. Science education usually starts in elementary school, but it can begin with babies.
Studies were done to look at how children up to age 10 think and process the information that they see. Scientists and doctors discovered that it is easy for kids to understand science because of how they find the answers to their questions.
When babies stare at objects for a long time, it is because something about the object surprises them and they are trying to understand it. When they play with blocks or other simple toys, they are testing theories (ideas that explain something that is supposed to happen or that might happen) and expanding their understanding of the world.
As soon as they learn to talk, children start asking questions like “What causes a rainbow?” Adults might not know the answers, but can look up the answers or help the child think through the question. Learning words about science when children are very young helps to build their vocabulary and their understanding of science in elementary school.
Young children also learn from the adults around them, so it is important for adults to show enthusiasm and follow the child’s lead: If a child shows an interest in birds, parents should take the child to see birds and learn about birds together with them.
It is not so important to give children the correct answer to questions. It is more important to keep children curious and interested in the world around them, so that they learn more facts and information and explore how the things that they are interested in work.
Visit these resources for more information about raising curious kids:
Hypothesis Haven Science Club promotes curiosity in elementary school age children with programs that provide early exposure to life science careers, teach the steps that scientists take to prevent, treat and cure diseases, and equips children with the "next-gen" scientific skills necessary for leaders of the future. Learn more!
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