Science

Take a walk at Robinswood Hill and talk about the changing seasons. Notice animals, wildlife, plants and trees as you explore the natural environment around us or just things that you notice in your garden or at the park.

Why not take a trip to a science museum, a zoo or an aquarium? These don’t necessarily need to be completely related to what they are learning about at school. Any visit can help their curiosity and engagement with science generally.

Find out about famous scientists and research unique and exciting inventions up to and including the present day. Who knows, you may have the next Stephen Hawking or Marie Curie at home!

Get involved with some practical science experiments you can do at home with everyday objects.

For example:

Ask ‘What happens when you mix food colouring in milk?’ Then add washing up liquid and watch what happens.
Why not try making your own mini exploding volcano? Just add bicarbonate of soda, food colouring, washing up liquid and vinegar. Then stand back and watch the eruption!
Cooking is also a great opportunity to mix ingredients, add heat and examine changing states and spark discussion about reversible and irreversible reactions.
Of course, there are also some wonderful science kits available to buy to push your scientists further – making crystals, rockets and even bouncy balls.
Anything where they can be hands-on and see the science happen in front of their eyes is guaranteed to be get them interested.

The National Curriculum for science

Video clips and activities for KS1 and KS2

The Science Museum for information, games etc.

The Natural History Museum Take Part website

The Royal Institute’s annual Christmas lectures make science real for children and are available online, along with lots of other educational goodies

National Geographic Kids

Fun science experiments to do at home (sciencefun.org)