Children are naturally curious. An excellent way to teach them to develop problem solving is to direct this curiosity towards scientific investigation. A scientific investigation that uses the scientific method helps develop your child's thinking skills.

Parents play one of the most important roles in their children's education. The encouragement, guidance, and support that you give your child will not only help him or her develop valuable thinking skills, but the time you and your child work together will deepen the child-parent relationship that will last forever.

Ways Parents Can Help Their Children with Science Projects

1. Although this is your child's project and is to be his or her effort, there is no substitute for your support. Make sure you encourage your child.
2. Listen to and praise your child. Let the child know that you are interested in his or her ideas.
3. Help your child with skills that he or she has not yet been taught or mastered, such as organizing, measuring, calculating, and constructing.
4. Help your child construct and follow a schedule to complete the project on time.
5. Provide a space at home where your child can work without worrying about brothers, sisters, or pets.
6. Help your child acquire the materials needed for the project.
7. Help your child take the necessary safety precautions to insure a safe project.
8. Offer to provide transportation to places such as libraries, museums, nature centers, etc., that can help your child find information about their topic.
9. Contact your child's teacher if there are any questions regarding the science project.
10. Realize that the real prize of a science project is the development of your child's skills, not the blue ribbon or trophy presented by a science fair judge.