Myths about Science
- Myth #1: Science teaching is better left to the science teacher.
- Myth #2: Science is difficult.
- Myth #3: I'm not a scientist and dont know enough about science.
- Myth #4: I have to know the answers to all of my child's questions.
- Myth #5: Science is all about facts and not very interesting.
- Myth #6: Science requires equipment.
- Myth #7: Science skills should wait for reading skills.
Myth #1: Science teaching is better left to the science teacher.
A parent is a child's first and most important teacher. Whether you know it or
not, your child has been learning from you since the moment he or she was
born. Parents play a very important role and have the ability to
significantly increase a child's interest and performance in science. With a
little creativity, you can work science into your child's everyday life and
find many opportunities for you and your child to explore and learn together.
Myth #2: Science is difficult.
It would be difficult to know all the facts of science. But science isnt just
facts. Its a way of seeing the world around us and solving problems. Doing
science is for everyone! Thats why being scientific is a great family activity.
Myth #3: I'm not a scientist and dont know enough about science.
You do not have to be a scientist to help your children learn science. The
majority of parents in this country are not scientists, but it doesn't mean
they cant help their children learn science. Questions like Why is the sky
blue? Why does ice float? Or how does a Frisbee soar through the air? are just
a few examples of science questions you can explore with your children. The
most important starting point is to ask: Why?
Myth #4: I have to know the answers to all of my child's questions.
It's okay to say, I don't know. As a parent, you're probably familiar with
the questions Why? and How come? Children by nature are very inquisitive
and interested in the world around them. We wouldn't be telling the truth if
we said we could answer all of their questions. But herein lies the
opportunity for them to explore, alone or with you, and have fun discovering
the answers.
Myth #5: Science is all about facts and not very interesting.
SCIENCE IS FUN! Science teaching today is a lot different than it was years
ago. Today's emphasis is on inquiry, which means children are encouraged to
explore their own natural curiosities about the world around them. Science
museums and centers are sprouting up around the country because they allow
children to conduct independent investigations on their own and children
have a lot of fun!
Myth #6: Science requires equipment.
Science is everywhere! The skills of science can be practiced in any
environment, including the kitchen or the park. The best way to begin is
through conversation. Parents who ask open-ended questions (ones that dont
have just one right answer) and who listen patiently to their childrens
responses are modeling the most essential skills for young scientists.
Myth #7: Science skills should wait for reading skills.
To encourage the whole child, parents and teachers should join together to
foster early science experiences along with opportunities for reading. In many
ways, preschoolers developmental skills are more suited to doing science than
reading. Learning about science also can motivate kids to read.