 Family Science promotes parental involvement in science education. By
showing an interest in science and making time to explore ideas and conduct
simple investigations, parents can have a positive influence on children
who may otherwise decide that science is too hard, too abstract, or boring.
An added benefit of Family Science activities is that they provide parents
with a link to school science curriculum. Doing science at home opens the
door to talk with kids about what they're learning in school and can help
reinforce the idea that anyone can be a scientist.
What are the specific goals of Family Science?
To make science more accessible to families by offering:
- A non-threatening, hands-on approach to learning scientific processes, concepts and themes
- Cooperative learning activities which develop problem-solving, questioning, and communication skills
- Strategies for encouraging all students to pursue scientific study
- Opportunities for families to participate in group science activities
To demonstrate the relationship between science education and future career choices by providing:
- Activities that highlight the relevancy of science to daily life
- A forum for guest presenters to share information with families about various jobs and how they relate to science
- A historical perspective on science discoveries that highlight various contributions of people from different cultures
To get parents more involved in their children's science education by encouraging:
- Participation in informal learning activities which supplement children's formal school science experiences
- Parental interest and involvement with school science curriculum
- Families to do science activities at home using inexpensive and readily available materials
- Adults and children to be partners in learning
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