Games & Activities to Help Students Understand Science Concepts
Activities and experiments that bring science to life for kids are the ones that will help them remember the laws and properties you are teaching. When they can see it and touch it, it tends to stick with them. These activities also make learning fun for kids, because it is something they can get up and have a hand in.
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The Science of Plastics
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Plastic is a polymer, and an interesting thing to teach kids about because it is everywhere. Point out some things in your home or classroom that are made of plastic. It could take a while. After that demonstration, set about making "Goop" with your students. It is a combination of water, glue, food coloring and Borax. The Borax bonds the glue molecules to form a polymer-like substance. Demonstrate the relationship between goop and plastic to your students for a fun lesson in molecular bonding.
Inertia
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One of the most well-known laws of science is Newton's Law of inertia. The egg drop is one way to demonstrate the law. Fill a glass with water, place a piece of cardboard over it (part of a cereal or cracker box will do), set an empty toilet paper roll over the glass on the cardboard, and balance an egg on top of the roll. You end up with a rather precarious looking tower. But, when the cardboard is knocked away sharply and quickly, the egg drops impressively into the water unbroken. Allow each student to try the egg drop and explain why the egg falls as it does.
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Online Games and Activities
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You need not travel any farther than your computer to find a host of fun and educational online games that are based in science. Most of these are free for the exploring, and while it may take some hunting and sifting to find a handful that spark your child's interest, you are sure to find something. From game show quizzes to word puzzles, this is one way to promote learning in your child. Visit Science Review Games for games that demonstrate scientific concepts through shooting hoops or play soccer. The Sourcebook for Teaching Science offers printable quiz games like Science Jeopardy that are sure to entertain on a rainy day.
Science Exhibits
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An activity that is sure to please is a trip to your nearest science museum. Many learning centers also offer science exhibits, some all the time and others on certain days of the week. Call ahead to find out your local center's schedule and ask about cost of admission, if there is any. This is a great way to offer kids a hands-on experience with science and, with the help of various exhibits, show them how it plays into our daily lives.
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