Parent Power in Math and Science

Parent Power in Math and Science

If you shy away from math and science activities with your children because you're afraid you do= n't know much about them, read on. There are lots you can do to encourage your children's interest in these areas, and you don't have to be a statistician= or microbiologist to do it! In fact, it's better if you don't give them knowle= dge by telling them answers; instead, nurture their love for these subjects by watching and learning right along with them.

Some home learning tools that teach about math and science:

building blocks and construction sets
magnets
ant farms
scales
magnifying glasses <= /li>
flower and vegetable seeds
calculators
flower press
bird feeders
microscopes and telescopes

Bake a cake together and observe/talk about how the mixtures change from powders to liquid to solid.
Look at salt and sugar under a microscope = or magnifying glass. How are the crystals like? How are they different? <= o:p>
Put a tulip or daffodil in water with food coloring and observe how the water travels up the stem and into the petals.
Make a bird feeder out of a milk container= and observe the different birds that visit. What are their colors and size= s? When do they come?
Take a nature walk and record the different kinds of bugs you see or collect a variety of leaves.
Observe clouds and notice differences in t= he ones that bring rain or thunderstorms and the ones that don't.
See if there are science museums or childr= en's museums nearby.
Look for extra activities offered by your child's school, the town, a community college, YMCA/YWCA, etc.