Science experiements for kids

As the school holidays approach, I’m always searching for activities for my kids to do. Last summer was fantastic; we managed to do activities as least four times a week, many of which I did not have to pay for. Here is a list of activities we did: fruit picking, ice-skating, going to the park, visiting the embankment and taking part in any free activities they offered, playing table tennis in the local park, bike riding, going to museums (Science, Royal Air-Force, National History), swimming, cinema, and picnicking.

This year has got me thinking, I want to try some kids science experiments at home with the children, alongside all the other activities we do. I am not a science teacher, but that is not going to put me off. I think as parents we avoid talking about science to children for fear that will not know the answers to their questions. It is so important to talk about science with young childrenas they have a natural curiosity that should be nurtured. Let them lead the discussions and if you don’t know the answers to a questions just say so and look it up together, online or using an encyclopedia.

If we want to foster a love of science, we need to talk about science to children and give them the opportunity to understand how kids science experiments work in everyday life. Parents have an important part to play, this is not just the role of schools. We need more scientists for the future of our nations. Children are growing up with the view that science is difficult or they just can’t do it. I live in the UK, and many of the children I come into contact with would never consider science as a career path. We can and must change this.

There are many sites online that give information on doing basic kids science experiments at home. Why not visit your local library for books on science and science experiments. Get a group of their friends round, and have a science hour or make a day of it. Together with the kids,compile a list of materials they need and go to the pharmacy and or grocery store to purchase them. Give them the list and give them the money to pay for the items.

I am going to do is make a day of it; I will take the kids to the pharmacy or grocery store for the items, go to the park, back home for lunch and them start the science experiment with them. Hopefully by the end, the house will still be standing and they can go off and play by themselves while I take a well-earned break. There you have it, another activity that you can insert into the holiday event's calendar.

It would be lovely to hear what sort of questions your children ask about science - the embarrassing questions as well! Please leave that as a comment below. Also, do complete the quick, 'yes or no', poll at the end of this article. To help you on your way, I have given a link, bellow, to a site that has lots science experiments. Have fun.