Science is so much fun. I don’t know any child who doesn’t love to do an experiment in their kitchen or watch birds in a feeder. The best part about teaching your child science is that you can learn about science anywhere. Whether you go for a walk in the woods or watch the snow fall outside, just about any experience you do with your child has some scientific component you can expand upon.
In my last post on Teaching Math Through Real Life Experience, I explained the experiential model of teaching. The most important thing for parents to remember is that experiential learning starts with the experience, but it does not end there. Once you introduce your child to a concrete experience, you need to expand on it by reflecting and experimenting further.
My family’s experiential learning tends to be spur of the moment or based upon whatever my children are interested in. Right now Leah likes preschool chemistry experiments, and Luke is interested in space. If you need some inspiration, here are a just a few of the wonderful blog posts I found on the Kid Blogger Network on the topic of teaching your child science through real life experience. Most of them can be easily adapted to your child’s age. Just don’t forget the important part of the experiential learning: discuss, evaluate, reflect, and learn more!
Animals:
Explore snails with Rainy Day Mum.
Learn about moths with Wildlife Fun 4 Kids
Learn about the frog life cycle with Rainy Day Mum.
Learn about birds’ nests by building your own with Frugal Fun for Boys
Insects:
Learn about the life cycle of Monarch Butterflies with Frugal Fun for Boys
Inspiration Laboratories observes flowers and insects
Do a little experiment with ants with Wildlife Fun 4 Kids
Physics:
Physics for girls with NurtureStore.
Science Sparks explains why we get dizzy
Pendulum play with Creative Connections for Kids
Nature:
Explore wind with Inspiration Laboratories
Lay a Sheet and Shake a Tree with Wildlife Fun 4 Kids
Explore seeds with Frugal Fun for Boys
Science Around the House:
Find out what substance melts ice the fastest with Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas
NurtureStore reminds us all the science you can teach while baking.
Shadow Play Science with Inspiration Laboratories
Learn to conserve water with Rainy Day Mum.
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This sounds like such an awesome experience and I’m so glad to have found your blog. I did this same Great Outdoors experience with my kids and they loved it! I usually don’t visit parenting blogs because they drive me crazy with the whole Mommy & Me Mafia,but I really enjoyed checking out your blog. I found it on The Daily Post. It featured your blog and a few others striving for the 365 day journey. You have great angle and a fresh perspective on the parenting blog scene.
Thanks! I’m so glad you found a parenting blog that you like. I didn’t set out to start a parenting blog, but that is the niche closest to 52 Brand New. I’m pretty good at opening new opportunities to my children, but things like crafts and toilet training are better left to the other mom bloggers.
I think science is best taught through hands-on experience, too! Pinning and sharing this.
I love this list! Shared to our Facebook page as well. We love a good science experiment -preferably a lot of them!
Thanks! I appreciate it!
Yay, I love checking out other science experiments. Thanks so much for featuring Wildlife Fun 4 kids too! Off to share and Pin!
Thanks for letting me include your posts. I love your blog!
This is a fantastic round-up of science activities, and I’m so excited to check them out! Thanks for including us as well!
Thank you for allowing me to share your links. It’s an honor!
AWESOME post! shared on my Facebook page ‘ I AM For Kids’ !!!
Thanks so much! I’m glad you enjoyed it!