Helping Seattle families build curiosity through science and nature exploration
Roxhill Science Night February 27th
Outdoor environmental education not only helps students connect to the natural world, it increases academic success in math, reading, writing and listening (study done in Washington State schools-including some Seattle Public Schools). [12]
References
Kuo, F. E., & Taylor, A. F. (2004). A potential natural treatment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: evidence from a national study. Journal Information, 94(9)
Mueller, M. P., Tippins, D., & Bryan, L. A. (2012). The future of citizen science. Democracy& Education, 20(1).
Falk, J., & Dierking, L. (2010). The 95 percent solution. American Scientist, 98(6), 486-493.
Falk, J., & Dierking, L. (2010). The 95 percent solution. American Scientist, 98(6), 486-493.
Mueller, M. P., Tippins, D., & Bryan, L. A. (2012). The future of citizen science. Democracy& Education, 20(1).
Crawford, E., Heaton, E. T., Heslop, K., & Kixmiller, K. (2009). Science learning at home involving families. YC: Young Children, 64(6), 39-41.
Szechter, L. E., & Carey, E. J. (2009). Gravitating toward science: Parent–child interactions at a gravitational-wave observatory. Science Education, 93(5), 846-858.
Kaya, S., & Lundeen, C. (2010). Capturing parents' individual and institutional interest toward involvement in science education. Journal of Science Teacher Education, 21(7), 825-841.
Kaya, S., & Lundeen, C. (2010). Capturing parents' individual and institutional interest toward involvement in science education. Journal of Science Teacher Education, 21(7), 825-841.
Bartosh, O., Ferguson, L., Tudor, M., & Taylor, C. (2009). Impact of environment-based teaching on student achievement: A study of Washington state middle schools. Middle Grades Research Journal, 4(4), 1-16.
The Importance of Parent Engagement with Science and Nature Exploration
Numerous studies have shown the improvement in ADHD symptoms when students are exposed to natural green spaces. This includes increase attention to tasks and increased impulse control. [1]
As the United States looks to increase the number of well-trained science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) professionals to meet needed the demand for high tech jobs, the importance of science education in the classroom has increased along with funding. The number of students graduating with science degrees, however, has declined and the US still lags in science education compared to other nations [2]. A solid foundation in science is needed by all citizens not just those going into scientific fields. People make decisions about their health, purchases, economics, and policy that involve problem solving, complex reasoning, and a knowledge of science [3].Science education in schools has been increasing, buy subjects are still being taught in a disjointed manner and lacking real world connections [4] . Biology, chemistry, physics, and environmental science, however, are closely intertwined in the natural world. Parents, however, can help students and young children to observe and explore the world around them in a way that can help students in science classes as they get older.
According to researchers, growing evidence is showing that most science education does not happen in a classroom [5]. As only about 5% of a person’s life is spent in school [6], the education and experiences one receives outside of school help to shape one’s understanding of science and the natural world. Young children need to be encouraged to explore nature and science well before entering school. Mueller, Tippins, and Bryan [7] argue that involving children in science and environmental education will not only help to gain valuable skills in inquiry and observation, but that those skills will translate to a better engaged citizenry.
Parents can help to teach their children these skills by engaging them in inquiry an observational skills outside of the classroom. Science is a phenomenon, from weather and gravity to the principles of light and sound, that is everywhere. Parents can help to show their child the science all around them [8]. Young children are naturally curious and are working to make sense of the world. Children often experiment with concepts such as gravity before they can even speak. Parents are able to help children understand scientific principles by helping them to connect questions with past experiences [9]. Parents interact with their children more than anyone else and have the ability to ask clarifying and reasoning questions well before children enter school.
Parent involvement and encouragement in science also has shown to increase a child’s interest in the sciences independent of socioeconomic factors [10]. Studies have shown that parents often understand the importance of learning science, but often lack the confidence to help students with science and are less engaged in science projects and homework than other subject[11]. Parents, however, do not need to be experts in science to help their children. The foundations of science are curiosity, observation, and experimentation. By helping students to carefully observe, to ask questions, and to critically think about the solution by using the information they have, parents can make a difference in their child's education. Science is about asking questions about and exploring the unknown, not about having the answers.