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Tips For Keeping Kids (And Families) Science Smart

Posted: 7/29/2010

Science can be fun for everyone.

(NAPSI)-American students need a boost in science education and getting families involved may be the key.

In fact, a recent nationwide survey co-sponsored by the National Science Teachers Association and pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim found nearly all science teachers wish their students' parents had more opportunities to engage in science with their kids--and many parents said they need help. Parents also said that access to materials and community resources would help them get more involved.

Science can be a tricky subject for mom and dad to discuss with their kids but there is no need to fear. Here are a few easy tips:

1. Incorporate science into everyday life. Ask your kids questions about things they see around them to encourage curiosity. Let kids take things like old toys apart to explore how they work.

2. Link family vacations to science. Whether on a camping trip or visit to the ocean, explore nature with your kids. In addition to being fun, trips to museums and zoos are good opportunities to ask kids questions about what they observe.

3. Conduct fun experiments at home. Some easy experiments can be found on the Internet. For example, the Family Science Quest Channel on YouTube features video tutorials of fun and engaging experiments using common household products. To find it, go to YouTube and search for "Family Science Quest."

The YouTube channel is part of the Boehringer Ingelheim Science Quest program. The program and its mobile laboratory bring hands-on science lessons directly to students at elementary schools that need it most.

Jim Baxter, senior vice president of development for Boehringer Ingelheim, explains, "As a company committed to innovation in science for 125 years, we support programs that further science education and help extend the learning process into the homes and families of students. Through our Science Quest initiative, we hope to encourage a passion for science in children beginning at an early age."

It doesn't have to be hard to get kids curious about science. Trying these tips and engaging the family together are great ways to bring science to life.

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