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Learning Resources Offers Parents Tips for Getting Kids Interested in Science - From Developing Curiosity in Young Children to Science Fair Project Help

Posted on: Monday, 29 January 2007, 12:00 CST

Scientific literacy is needed to navigate our everyday lives and parents can play a critical role in developing their children's lifelong interest in science. Learning Resources, a manufacturer of hands-on educational products for the classroom and home, offers some simple tips for instilling an interest in children.

"Science knowledge is cumulative, and is built on what we already know," said Carl Benoit, editorial director at Learning Resources and a former science teacher. "For this reason, it's important that children start building their science background knowledge early, and parents can help by encouraging questions and helping their children appreciate the value of science."

Benoit offers these suggestions:

Engage a child's natural curiosity and use their questions about the world around them as learning experiences. Ask them what they think the answer might be, or suggest you try to find the answer together.

Hands-on science can help children think critically and gain confidence in their own ability to solve problems. Young children, especially, like to touch, manipulate and change things. Through this process, they are investigating and experimenting, which is the core of scientific study.

Encourage their participation in their school's Science Fair. Parents can suggest topics of interest for their child; as well provide support and encouragement. Offer guidance, but let the project reflect your child's individual effort and design. Remember, it's their project not yours. The child's learning and experience is the real prize.

Children can learn science and increase their understanding of scientific ideas by investigating and experimenting. There are ready-made science experiments, such as Learning Resources' Erupting Volcano Model, or children can do all sorts of science activities with simple, household items.

For more tips on helping your children become successful science students and scientific thinkers, visit www.LearningResources.com/sciencetips

About Learning Resources®

Learning Resources is a leading manufacturer of innovative, hands-on educational materials for classrooms and of learning toys for the home. For more than 20 years, the company has been a trusted source for educators and parents for quality, award-winning educational products in language, math, science and early childhood. Headquartered in Vernon Hills, Ill., Learning Resources markets and distributes its products in over 80 countries around the globe. For more information about Learning Resources, visit www.LearningResources.com

Source: Business Wire

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