How to Teach Kids Science

Use experiments to teach students about the scientific method.

Because scientific understanding is continually in flux, science teachers must use methods that differ from those used in other subjects. To effectively educate their students, science teachers must allow their students to uncover scientific truths and present them with contemporary information about the field.

Instructions

1. Build on students' existing scientific understanding. Students will understand new material more effectively if you tie it to scientific knowledge that they already possess. Before any new lesson or unit, explain how the novel information is related to what they already know.

   For example, when teaching about photosynthesis, you can explain to students that plants, like people, need food and that photosynthesis is how they get their food.

2. Teach students about contemporary scientists who have defined the field. When you explore these scientists, increase student interest by sharing interesting information about each innovator with the students. If you tell students that Einstein is notorious for doing poorly in school, despite his genius, they may be better able to empathize with the scientist and will be more interested in learning about him and his theories.

3. Engage students in experimentation as heavily as possible. Experimentation is how new scientific information is discovered. As students experiment, teach them about the scientific method that dictates experimental practices.

4. Use contemporary articles. Science is ever changing. Contemporary articles allow students to stay abreast of new scientific discoveries. Whenever possible, study contemporary science articles so that students can learn about scientific discoveries as they are made.

5. Integrate games into your teaching. Games allow students to practice their scientific knowledge in an interactive, hands-on fashion. Use games for review as often as possible. Because games are more engaging, they will likely be more effective in enhancing your students' scientific understanding.

References

• Science.org: Teaching Kids Science
• Learner.org: The Science of Teaching Science