Top Ten Easy Science Experiments For Kids

Throughout early education, children are typically taught a curriculum consisting of reading, mathematics and art. While these subjects are an important foundation for a child’s future schooling, lessons in science are often woefully lacking. In truth, about 25% of parents do not think science is being emphasised enough in school. Luckily, encouraging a child’s interest in science can be done right from your home.

Many children are natural hands-on learners. An interactive project can allow you to apply their instinctive kinetic learning style to basic educational concepts. Take the opportunity to conduct scientific experiments in an accessible way, such as by testing a cause and effect situation, or observing the impact on a plant when it is watered and given sunlight.

Often, children may demonstrate their curiosity through frequent questions about why or how natural events happen. From the colour of the sky to how a cake is made, it takes patience to answer these inquiries. However, curiosity is a good sign that children are developing intelligence, improving communication and building confidence. By identifying the everyday instances of scientific thought, kids can become more aware of how it affects other aspects of their lives.

Nurturing a child’s interests early can influence certain hobbies and passions as he or she gets older. In fact, children who are given the opportunity to expand their scientific knowledge are more likely to pursue a career in it. With growing societal need for biologists, chemists and environmental studies professionals, early science education could have a greater impact than one might realise.

Introducing children to science at a young age could encourage them to ask tough questions, think critically, test their hypotheses and explain their reasoning. Teaching principles of logic and experimentation can be just as important to childhood development as reading comprehension and mathematic problem-solving. For some simple science experiments you can do with your child, check out our informative infographic.

Author bio: Dr. Michael R. Halvorson is Business Development Manager for AGS Scientific, a laboratory instrument distributor. Dr. Halvorson, who has more than 20 years of experience in the industry, focuses on biochemical toxicology, analytical methods development, sample preparation, laboratory automation and product development