While spending more unstructured time outside this summer, use the scientific method as a template for exploring the world. Your child will sharpen their powers of observation and critical thinking at the same time.
The scientific method has been developed by scientists and philosophers over thousands of years – going at least as far back as the ancient Babylonians in their investigations of astronomy. Though it hasn't always been a smooth road, scientific inquiry is responsible for modern medicine and technology, and scientific findings have largely shaped culture as we know it.
For kids, the scientific method teaches some important lessons: that the world follows logical rules of cause and effect, and that they have the power to discover and understand how things work. It also encourages engaging the world with curiosity and careful observation. In other words, approaching the world like a scientist can make kids both more present and more empowered.
The basic steps of the scientific method are:
Ask a question
Gather information – Observe, read background information, look at the problem from more than one angle...
Form a prediction – Called a "hypothesis," this is your guess about the answer to your question and why
Test the hypothesis – Do an experiment to see of you're right, and record your results
Share the results – Discuss your findings with "colleagues"
The next time your child asks questions about how something works, instead of jumping straight to the answer, engage them in making and testing their own hypotheses.
