The process of science is about asking questions. Scientists study the areas of the world they do not yet understand.
The Quest for Inquiry
Science is the process of discovering the world around us.
Science is about discovery and learning for observing what we see.
Unstructured play gives children an opportunity to try new things, experiment, and learn from doing.
You may not have the answers to the questions your child ask but take the opportunity to learn with your child.
The important point at this age is to encourage your child to wonder and ask questions about the world around them.
Science is happening all around you. Ask questions about everyday objects in your home. (Why does the pot you are banging on make a different noise that the plastic bin you are banging on?)
Ask open ended questions. Try to avoid questions that only require a yes or no answer. Remember, the important part is that they are thinking about what is happening and what they are doing. Getting the right answer is not what matters. Below are just a few examples of great ways to get started.
What happens when you...
Why do you think that happens?
What makes it do that?
Does it always happen (look, sound, etc.) like that?
What would happen if you changed...
Why did you decide to....
Prompt your children to give you their thinking and reasoning. “What makes you say that?” Your child answers with something such as “I think that because…
If your child gives you an answer you know is wrong...
Listening to your child and their reasoning is the most important piece. Often they have very interesting reasons for how they came up with an answer. It may not be the right answer, but based on their experiences it follows their logic. Ask your child how they came to their answer.
Think about how you can reframe a problem to get your child thinking about something they hadn't considered. Did you think about ...