Activities that Encourage Your Child’s Interest in Science

Children are natural scientists! 

Children’s curiosity about the world encourages their desire to explore and experiment with new things. In every new activity or setting, they’re asking “what”, “how”, or “why”, trying to make sense of their surroundings.

However, a study from the Education Development Center has found that only half of all families incorporate informal scientific activities in their children’s daily lives. This is not due to a lack of interest from the parents. In fact, seven out of ten parents expressed that they’d like to do more scientific activities with their children if they knew what to do.

To help, we’ve come up with a few activities that might help nurture your children’s interest in the field of science and the world around them.

Visit a Museum

Treating your children to a family trip that can be both exciting and educational is a great way to help encourage their interest in science!

Museums like the Ontario Science Centre contain visually appealing exhibits that will fascinate any child. Children love seeing animals and dinosaurs. Some museums come with their own planetarium as well which is a great way to teach them about stars, planets, and space.

Not only does the museum offer a great place for children to learn, but it also offers a fantastic opportunity to spend quality family time.

Build Ramps with Their Toys

Building ramps with toys like LEGOs and Hot Wheels sets is a great way to educate your children about motion and gravity in a fun way. Other options can be to build ramps and structures with cardboard, recyclable materials, or household items that are safe to use.

You can make things even more fun by building two different ramps and having a race using toy cars or marbles. Test out different modifications and experiment with various structural designs. Ask your children which ramp they think will win the race and why. Encourage them to answer any questions, test out their hypotheses, and have them understand why they were right or wrong.

Observe the World and Nature

Perhaps the easiest way for children to learn about science is simply by observing their surroundings. Going on regular nature walks allows your children to observe plants, insects, animals, trees, and more. It’s a great way for them to explore their curiosity and exercise at the same time.

Keeping a book containing the local wildlife and plants can benefit greatly as any question your children might ask can be answered, or have them go through the book to find the answer themselves.

Learn Together

Above all else, your children want to spend time with their parents to connect and share experiences. Finding something interesting to learn together can be a great way to stimulate their curiosity.

Here are a few activities where you can learn together:

  1. Watching a documentary
  2. Reading a book together
  3. Nature walks
  4. Visiting new places that interest both you and your child
  5. Visiting scientific and educational websites (NASA, Nat Geo, etc.)
  6. Building, growing and tending to a garden
  7. Visiting a zoo

These are just a few, but there is an endless list of activities that can turn into a learning opportunity for both you and your children!

At Century Private School, we understand the importance of science and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) education. To learn more about STEAM education and why it’s important, read about it here.

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Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence at Century Private School

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For three decades, Century Private School has been a cornerstone of quality education, inspiring students from Montessori preschool through high school. Located in Richmond Hill, Ontario, the school opened its doors in 1994 with a mission to provide a holistic, well-rounded education that goes beyond academics. Over the past 30 years, our approach to education has consistently emphasized not only academic excellence but also personal growth, creativity, and a strong sense of community. A Legacy Built on Core Pillars At the heart of Century’s philosophy are three core pillars: Character Education, Leadership, and Community Service. These values are integrated into every aspect of school life, guiding students not only in their academic endeavors but in their personal and social development as well. By nurturing responsible and compassionate leaders, Century prepares its students to excel both within and beyond the classroom. Educational Excellence Century’s enriched curriculum is a blend of the Montessori approach and the Ontario Ministry of Education’s guidelines. It fosters independent, creative thinkers who are equipped with critical thinking skills and global perspectives. The curriculum includes unique programs such as ESL support, STEAM education, and specialized instruction in music, visual arts, and physical education. This balance ensures that students receive a dynamic, personalized education that caters to their strengths and interests. Achievements to Celebrate Over the years, Century has consistently demonstrated academic excellence. Whether it’sstudents excelling in contests like the Waterloo Mathematics Contest or earning prestigious scholarships, the school’s commitment to fostering intellectual curiosity is evident in every achievement. Beyond academics, students are encouraged to engage with their communities, making meaningful contributions through various service initiatives. A Community of Growth Century Private School’s commitment to small class sizes and individualized learning pathways allows each student to receive the support they need to thrive. With dedicated specialist teachers and a strong focus on personal growth, students are given the opportunity to develop academically, socially, and emotionally in a nurturing environment. Looking to the Future As Century Private School celebrates its 30th anniversary, it looks forward to continuing its legacy of excellence. The school remains steadfast in its mission to provide an education that not only prepares students for academic success but also instills in them the values and skills needed to become compassionate leaders in an ever-changing world.   For families seeking a supportive, forward-thinking school, Century Private School stands as a beacon of educational innovation and community engagement.