Science articles, science projects, ideas and information

Here you can find a collection of science articles on various topics of interest. Some of the articles deal with useful topics like science projects and science fair project ideas. Other articles are more esoteric, but take a look because you're certain to learn something new and interesting.

Scientific Method
History of Science Fair competitions
Women in science and technology
Making science fun

More articles will be posted soon. Please check back.

Science projects for kids.
Metric conversions
More science projects
Stress reduction

What Is Science?

Science is not just a collection of facts. Facts are a part of science. We all need to know some basic scientific information: water freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit (or 0 degrees celsius), and the earth moves around the sun. But science is much more. It includes:

• Observing what's happening;

• Predicting what might happen;

• Testing predictions under controlled conditions to see if they are correct; and

• Trying to make sense of our observations.

Science fiction writer Isaac Asimov describes science as "a way of thinking," a way to look at the world.

Science also involves trial and error--trying, failing, and trying again. Science does not provide all the answers. It requires us to be skeptical so that our scientific "conclusions" can be modified or changed altogether as we make new discoveries.

Children Have Their Own Ideas

Children develop their own ideas about the physical world, ideas that reflect their special perspectives. Their experiences help them form their ideas, and these often don't match current scientific interpretations. We need to allow our children to ask questions and make mistakes without feeling "stupid."

We can help our children look at things in new ways by asking "how" and "why" questions, and allowing them to think through the answers.

Hands-On Works Best

Children, especially younger ones, learn science best and understand scientific ideas better if they are able to investigate and experiment. Hands-on science can also help children think critically and gain confidence in their own ability to solve problems. Some science teachers have explained it this way: But, hands-on science can be messy and time consuming. So, before you get started, see what is involved in an activity--including how long it will take.

Less Is More

It's tempting to try to teach our children just a little about many different subjects.

While youngsters can't possibly learn everything about science, they do need and will want to learn many facts. But the best way to help them learn to think scientifically is to introduce them to just a few topics in depth.

Finding the Right Activity for Your Child

Different children have different interests and need different science projects. A sand and rock collection that was a big hit with an 8-year- old daughter may not be a big hit with a 6-year-old son.

Fortunately, all types of children can find plenty of projects that are fun. If your child loves to cook, let him or her observe how sugar melts into caramel syrup or how vinegar curdles milk.

Knowing our children is the best way to find suitable activities. Here are some tips:

• Encourage activities that are neither too hard nor too easy. If in doubt, err on the easy side since something too difficult may give the idea that science itself is too hard.

• Age suggestions on book jackets or toy containers are just that-- suggestions. They may not reflect the interest or ability of your child. A child who is interested in a subject can often handle material for a higher age group, while a child who isn't interested in or hasn't been exposed to the subject may need to start with something for a younger age group.

• Consider a child's personality and social habits. Some projects are best done alone, others in a group; some require help, others require little or no supervision. Solitary activities may bore some, while group projects may frighten others.

• Select activities appropriate for the child's environment. A brightly lighted city isn't the best place for star-gazing, for example.

• Allow your children to help select the activities. If you don't know whether Sarah would rather collect shells or plant daffodils, ask her. When she picks something she wants to do, she'll learn more and have a better time doing it.