What’s one of the major goals of any teacher? Inspiring kids to be lifelong learners. STEM education is the perfect way to build a love for learning that will continue to grow.
Unlocking the scientist in every kid: How to encourage and inspire future scientists
Science education is all about sense-making. It’s about investigations and explorations. Mistakes lead to more questions and more experimentation. Innovative and interactive science lessons make learning fun and memorable.
Engaging students in science inspires kids to become scientists and thoughtful problem-solvers. Whether students choose a science career path or not, science education promotes analytical abilities, critical thinking skills, collaboration, communication, and even teamwork– all of which are necessary for success in any field.
How do you inspire future scientists?
Tap into kids’ natural instincts
It’s never too early to introduce kids to science. Children are naturally curious about the world around them and pretty daring as well. Some love creepy crawly things. Others are just fascinated with animals, plants, rocks, or vacuum cleaners. Use that curiosity in the classroom. Instead of science class lectures detailing what happens, why, and who figured that out, science education should be an exploratory game. Let students experiment, ask questions, and try to figure out for themselves what happens and why.
Engage students with interactive simulations
Be sure to tap into that natural curiosity early! Research shows that by kindergarten, children who have not been exposed to science are already likely to fall behind—and stay behind—in science education throughout their school careers. ExploreLearning Science4Us brings science to life through digital animated lessons, interactive games, and hands-on activities for kindergarten through second-grade students.
For the perfect transition into more advanced concepts, introduce ExploreLearning Gizmos in grade 3. These virtual labs give students the opportunity to play, explore, and experience “ah-ha!” moments for themselves. Over 550 math and science Gizmos give every student something to graph, measure, compare, predict, prove … or shoot into space (figuratively). Using interactive simulations helps nurture students’ curiosity and improve student achievement through active engagement and interaction.
Nurture a growth mindset in science education
Science is about the process more than the right answer. Don’t let students get discouraged if they try and fail. As Thomas A. Edison said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” Instill a growth mindset in your students so that they find joy and inspiration from exploration. Compliment them for their efforts and encourage them to try different strategies. Discuss famous discoveries that resulted from trial-and-error (hint, all of them) and scientists who labored for years for just one small victory.
Show how scientists have had an impact on the world
Students are inundated with images and news of sports figures, movie stars, musicians, and even people who are famous just for being famous. It’s easy to see why they would emulate them. Show kids how scientists and engineers have made a difference in the world, from inventing the phones they use and beauty products they wear to developing cures for diseases and saving people from starvation and natural disasters. View and discuss biographical movies of scientists, engineers, and mathematicians.
Encourage the science career path early on
Promote science as a worthwhile career path. Even if a significant discovery, fame, or fortune never comes, a career in the sciences can be rewarding and secure, with a lifetime of opportunities, advancement, and new challenges. Children need to think big and see that they can follow their dreams to become scientists. There are still diseases to cure, worlds to explore, innovations to invent, and new species to discover. The rewards for all of us require a little “out of the box” thinking.
Inspire future STEM leaders today!
A future engineer, zoologist, edtech developer, meteorologist, or dentist could be sitting in your classroom. Help those students see themselves in STEM fields and start the journey of lifelong learning. The possibilities are endless, and the world is waiting for them.
Ready to encourage those future innovators in your classroom? Start a trial today!
