Science is Fun

Science activities are a natural for increasing parent involvement in early childhood programs. Once parents understand the importance of science for their children’s futures and their role as teachers within the home, they become eager to help. Like teachers, parents, too, need to become aware that the science they know and use every day can become home-learning activities to do with their children. Teachers need to help parents develop an awareness of how their involvement plays an important role in children’s success in school.
Simple, everyday home activities are full of science learning. Washing greasy pots become an experiment \in how oil floats on top of the water. Storing groceries and putting rice or beans into containers turn into conservation experiences. Recycling garbage converts to a lesson in sorting and categorizing as well as in ecology. Using household machines (safe ones), such as a vacuum cleaner, provides everyday lessons in technology. Pushing a shopping cart up or down a curb cut makes a concrete lesson in how inclined planes make it easier to move objects.
Parents can come into the classroom to work on science activities with small groups of children. Parents or other family members whose work is in science and/or technology-related fields are role models for the children. They can come into the classroom to share their work or, if possible, to arrange a work-site visit.
Seeing Mommy or Daddy or (Grandma) in a teaching role, empowers and builds self-esteem for both child and parent. With parent participation and teacher training, adults can be moved from the more traditional activities, such as bake sales, into active participation in the curriculum.