Is your teen keen to discover more about the fascinating world of science? Here’s how to help them do it.
Children all have the capacity to be a natural born scientist. By their very nature, kids are eager to learn and curious about the world around them. However, as they age into teenagers it’s all too common for them to lose interest in the things that once fascinated them, writing them off and no longer ‘cool’.
But an interest in science is a valuable asset for anyone to have, especially when your teen is choosing a future career path or a university degree. With that in mind, here is how to keep your teen’s passion for science alive, and use it to secure their future success and happiness.
Explore real world science together
Most people, especially teenagers, find that they understand how science works a lot more when they see it in action in the real world. Abstract concepts aren’t particularly engaging until you can the actual consequences of them, so make the most of trips to the planetarium, aquarium, museum, gallery and zoo as a chance to see how things really work. You should also look out for websites with interactive features, local science fairs to spark their interests, and even science holiday programmes and trips that might entice your teen and keep their passion alive.
Encourage them to question things
Children are always asking questions, so try not to let your teen fall out of this habit as they get older. An enquiring mind is one of the most important factors to have when studying in any field of science, whether it’s biology or medicine, as well as being a valuable trait to carry throughout life.
Keep up with the news
Science is a lot more interesting to teens if they can see how it is impacting and changing the world around them. The best place to see this in action is the news. From healthcare to scientific discoveries and new technologies, there is always something to attract their attention and show them how science plays a part in everything and anything.
Focus on their effort, not their grades
Nothing sucks the joy out of something faster than feeling like you’re not good at it. Science can be one of the more difficult school subjects, so try not to let your teen get discouraged if their grades aren’t quite where they want them to be. Instead, help them develop a mindset of continual growth. By putting in the work, they’re only going to get better.
Find the science in things they love
If your teen has other passions, show them how science plays a part in them. If they enjoy cooking, show them how cooking and chemistry are linked by the creation of something out of ingredients and parts. If they like video games, encourage them to explore the world of coding and trying to create their own computer game.
Talk about possible science careers
Take your teen’s flair for science and apply it to some more serious decision making. They don’t need to decide on a career path right now, but with further study and university on the horizon now is a good time to open up the discussion about possible jobs they may want to explore. Science is found in an endless number of fields, so there is no shortage of choice.
Enrol them in a summer school programme
A summer school programme is a fantastic way to encourage your teen’s interest in science while also helping them get prepared for university. Cambridge Immerse offers a two week summer schools for subjects like Medicine & Biological Sciences, so your teen can get a head start on the subject while understanding more about the university lifestyle.