Do you love to study the stars, garden, or take nature hikes? If so, you're well on your way to helping your child with science. Enthusiasm is contagious, and your youngster is likely to "catch" your curiousity about the natural world.

Whenever possible, make science assignments a family affair. Studying snowflake patterns, autumn leaves, or pond life is a great way to bond and learn at the same time. If you have stories about your own adventures with science, now is the time to tell them. Set up demonstrations to help your student with difficult concepts like planetary motion or centrifugal force.

Coordinate family outings with science assignments. When the topic is dinosaurs, a visit to the museum of natural history is in order. When whales are the subject, its time for a trip to the acquarium. Even small towns sometimes have museums and exhibits that can be coordinated with science topics.

Don't neglect science over summer vacation. Summer is the perfect time to study insect life, collect rocks and shells, and learn about plants. Visit a pond or lake and study the behavior of dragonflies. If you live near the ocean, help with the rescue of sea turtles. If not, raise a tadpole. Nighttime is especially wonderful. Set up a flashlight on the lawn, throw a white sheet over it, and study the moths and insects you attract. Study the night sky and identify constellations. Nighttime is also the perfect time to study raccons and many other types of wildlife.

Use gift-giving occasions to foster an interest in science. Younger children will love a seed-starting kit or a butterfly net and no-kill bug jar. Older ones may like an electronics kit or a microscope. Don't let gender stereotypes guide your choices. Many girls are fascinated by science and would love a chemistry set or a telescope.

Make science part of your daily life, and your child may one day have a career studying life in other solar systems, or helping to protect life on this planet.

Learn more about this author, Emily Wickersham.
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