|
|
Science Skills
Science study involves the development of important skills. You can help
your children be more effective at gathering and using knowledge by emphasizing
the primary science skills: - Observing - Science depends on
discerning details, looking at more than just the "big picture."
Encourage your students to describe what they see in detail; this will help
them identify properties and make more knowledgeable hypotheses. When studying
botany, for example, have them do more than just note the color and shape of
the flower. Have them count the petals, draw pictures of the leaves, and
look at the pollen under a magnifying glass.
- Classifying -
This skill builds upon observation. Once your student has identified
specific details and properties in the material they are studying, they can
learn how to separate and sort based on these details. Younger children
can learn to sort based on one principle (e.g., number of legs: spiders have
eight, insects have six), while older students can classify using several
factors at once.
- Quantifying - One of the most valuable skills
needed for science study is the ability to measure accurately. Start by
teaching your young children how to use a ruler and a measuring cup. As
they grow older, they will learn more complex measuring skills using
mathematical equations and advanced equipment.
- Predicting -
As your student gains critical thinking skills, they will also learn the art
of predicting. This involves taking all the knowledge gained from close
observation, and making a well-thought out prediction of what will happen when
you introduce changes. Before performing any experiment, ask your
children what they think will happen, and have them write their guesses down.
-
Controlling variables - Many different factors can affect the outcome
of an experiment. Help your children think through as many of these
factors as possible before starting. After doing the experiment,
encourage them to change one of these variable factors and try it again.
-
Interpreting - It's important not only to record the results of your experiments, but also to understand why you got those results. Encourage your students to do extra research if they're not sure why an experiment turned out the way it did.
- Forming conclusions -
You can't jump to conclusions in science study - you must get to them by
careful reasoning and experimenting. When forming conclusions, have your
student look back at their predictions and compare them with the actual
results. Make sure they take all the information they have gathered into
account as they draw a conclusion.
These skills are best taught through hands-on activities and experiments.
The skills at the top of the list are the easiest to master, and can be
introduced to young children through nature studies. Teach the more
challenging skills by using successively more difficult experiments over time.
|
|
