Do the words physics and chemistry cause your eyes to glaze over and your mind to freeze? Relaaax. Take a deeeep breath. These two subjects are just a way to explain the world around us.

The first thing to remember about the sciences, wonderful as they are, is that there are few laws, many theories. Evolution is a theory. Einstein's e=mc(square) is a theory - the Theory of Relativity. All that really means is that Einstein made many tests (experiments) and he learned that in most of them, energy equals the weight of the object times the speed of light (multiplied by itself).

In ordinary terms, a piece of matter will turn to energy when it travels at that speed. So if I really wanted to loose weight, I'd just have to travel that fast for a certain period of time (chuckle).

A theory is just that. An idea that has been scientifically tested often enough that it appears true. When new ways of testing are developed, a theory could go up in smoke. A scientific law however is created when tests consitently confirm the findings and many scientists agree. Take the Law of Gravity. Scientists have found ways to 'defy' gravity but the law is established.

The complexities of high school sciences are certainly eased by good basic understanding of scinetific principles in grades six, seven and eight when molecules, atoms, and waves, and spectrums begin to take shape and are explained.

It's fun for chldren to know that science helps explain the world around us, or atleast that it attempts to. Science helps children to learn to question, to test, to consider, and to evaluate.

Take the world's water supply. Some areas are moist and have temperate climates with vegetation and lakes and rivers. Some areas are desert and lifeless. One of the first cycles a child learns is the how surface water on the earth from puddles, rivers, and lakes is absorbed into the atmosphere (evaporates), builds into clouds which become heavy with moisture and the moisture falls back on the earth in the form of rain.

Every child who learns this cycle, would easily understand that if rivers are drained or water bottled sold from them, then the amount of moisture that can evaporate diminisnes and the rain that will fall will be less.

The laws of motion will help a young peson who's just getting into the driver's seat understand the dangers of speed. The law, " A body in motion will stay in motion, and a body at rest will remain at rest" means that a person driving in a car at a speed of 50 miles an hour will continue to go forward at 50 miles an hour even if the car is stopped suddenly by a brick wall.

The beauty of science includes biology, geology, and many other ologies that can become a lifetime passion. Never discourage a young man or woman, a young teen or tot, who asks questions.

Love the questions and love the questioner.

Learn more about this author, Van Mackie.
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