Teaching Science To Elementary Students

Science: A Solid Foundation For Life

When you build a house, you start with the foundation. The same concept can be applied to teaching early elementary school children. The subjects we learn in grades K–2 set the foundation for high-quality learning in later grades.

When it comes to science specifically, instilling a love for science in young children reinforces and encourages them to increase their overall understanding of how and why things work. It teaches them critical thinking and problem solving skills. It introduces them to a wide range of technology, both new and old. Kids are naturally curious and science gives them an outlet to explore those curiosities.

Plus, science itself is such a broad, wondrous topic that to condense it into a single year or to delay its initiation into students’ lives is a disservice. Science literacy requires significant time and effort because it’s a subject that builds on itself and overlaps. Science also incorporates reading, writing, and mathematics, bridging science with other common core subjects like Math and ELA. The bottom line is: science is essential.

So why does science get such a bad rap for being “difficult to learn” or “boring”? Aside from the fact that science encompasses abstract concepts and ideas, it’s also very demanding in terms of critical thinking, and can require stronger mathematical literacy. This means teachers (and parents) should look for new, creative ways to get kids involved in science through experimentation. If they’re having fun, they won’t even realize they’re learning!

Christmas Experiments For Any Age

I love science experiments so I’m always eager to share these “magical” activities! Over the long holiday break, give kids a reason to stay on top of their education with one (or all) of these quick and easy Christmas experiments from Lemon Lime Adventures:

Does Snow Sink Or Float

This simple experiment requires 2 bowls of snow, 2 jars (one with warm water, one with cold water) and food coloring. Discover if snow sinks or floats and explore the properties of snow transforming from a solid to a liquid. Go to Lemon Lime Activities experiment details.

Dissolving Candy Canes

You’ll need cups, water, oil, vinegar, and candy canes for this mind-blowing experiment. This experiment teaches dissolution and allows kids to practice making observations and predictions, drawing, and measuring. Go to Lemon Lime Activities experiment details.

Yarn Ball Ornaments

If you’ve got yarn, glue, water, and balloons, you’ve got everything you need for this holiday-themed experiment. This “experiment” is really more of a fun family activity but you do get to play around with static electricity! Go to Lemon Lime Activities experiment details.

The Wacky Science Show