Parents play a key role in getting children interested in Science. Science is a living subject that surrounds us everyday. There’s Science in the kitchen, the bathroom, the living room, in fact, everywhere. The following are some questions that children typically ask, or questions that parents can ask their children, so as to set their minds thinking:

(1) Why do metallic objects feel colder than wooden ones?
(2) Why does ice feel cold?
(3) Why is the air-con unit placed near the ceiling?
(4) Why do we feel cold just after taking a bath?
(5) Why does oil float on water?
(6) Why does ice float on water?
(7) Why do metal ships float on water?
(8) Why does the swimming pool appear shallower than it really is?
(9) How does a pair of spectacles work?
(10) How does a fan work?
(11) Why do we need to breathe air?
(12) Why do oranges and lemons taste sour?
(13) Why do salt and sugar melt faster in warmer water?
(14) What causes the tides in the sea?
(15) Why are we able to see the moon?
(16) Why do moving toys need batteries? What goes on in a dry cell?
(17) Why does food last longer when frozen?
(18) Can a see-saw be balanced when two people are sitting on it? How?
(19) Why does the swing stop after some time?
(20) ……………..

There are many more such questions that parents and children can think of. These questions have both vague, unscientific answers as well as the scientific ones. It is understandable that most parents have forgotten the correct answers to these questions, but this should not deter parents from learning with their children.

It would be a good idea for parents to buy or borrow a basic science encyclopedia to read with their children. Searching for information together on the internet is also a good joint activity between parents and children.

The true nature of Science is learning by thinking and exploring, observing and experimenting, making many errors along the way. It is this spirit of thinking and persistence that gives us many of the useful things that we have today, like electricity and aeroplanes. Teenagers can certainly afford to spend some time thinking about how computers or hand phones work, instead of just using them.

Ilyasa, M.Ed, PGDE, B.Sc, ex-sch teacher.