New Year’s Resolution: To enjoy science like a 4 year old

When you think of science does it make you feel insecure? Perhaps you recall a lab experiment gone bad or the fear of failing a chemistry exam.  Maybe a school counselor said you weren’t ‘science-minded’ or an advisor warned that you  would likely fail in a college science degree?

Yet despite those memories and our insecurities,  we still want to expose our kids to science. But why?

Maybe we remember back when science meant more to us than balancing equations and sitting in a classroom. Could it be something special that we have forgotten from our childhood?

What is science anyways?

I read an inspiring article by Brian Greene, an author and professor in physics. You can find the article here.  I love the way he describes science:

“As every parent knows, children begin life as uninhibited, unabashed explorers of the unknown. From the time we can walk and talk, we want to know what things are and how they work — we begin life as little scientists.”

“Science is a way of life. Science is a perspective. Science is the process that takes us from confusion to understanding…Science is the greatest of all adventure stories, one that’s been unfolding for thousands of years as we have sought to understand ourselves and our surroundings.”

This doesn’t sound like your typical high school science course does it?  It speaks to a much deeper more profound concept.  One that we all experienced as small children.

What is science to a child?

When I tell Allie, we are going to do science she thinks,  “Wow! I’m about to do something fun!”  Then for the next several days she brings me concoctions from outside and asks me, “Mommy is this science?” I smile at her and say yes because to her she has no fear of science. She thinks it’s the same as a craft project or baking a cake.

At 4 years old, she doesn’t need to balance equations when we mix baking soda and vinegar. She doesn’t need to know the ideal gas law when we microwave a marshmallow.   The academic learning and testing will come in due time.  For now,  why not let her just be amazed?

Let’s make 2015 a year to rediscover what science used to mean to us.

This New Year let’s set out on a journey to rediscover science together with our kids.  Let’s bring the fun of science back to our lives.  You will be amazed at what you will remember from your childhood and your kids will love taking the journey with you.

We are the first ones to teach her to color.

We are the first ones to teach her to take care of her dolls.

We are the first ones to teach her how to read.

Why not be the first ones to show her science?

My hope is that you join me on my journey to rediscover science along with my daughter.  I can be a source of inspiration for you. I know I have a lot to learn from you too and I would love to hear your ideas!

Goodbye 2014… Here’s to a New Year of enjoying science like a 4 year old!