Science can feel much more meaningful when children have an opportunity to explore an idea for themselves. Reading and discussion both have an important place, but a practical activity turns science into something a young person can observe, test and talk about.
Hands-on science at home does not have to mean recreating a classroom. It can simply mean giving a young scientist the time and encouragement to investigate what is happening, consider why it might be happening and decide what they would try next.
Turn scientific ideas into practical experiences
<p>An idea that feels abstract on the page can become easier to discuss when a child can see a process taking place. Practical science encourages children to pay close attention to what they are doing and describe what they notice.</p>
Before beginning an activity, ask your young scientist what they think might happen. Afterwards, compare the result with their prediction. If the outcome was different, that does not mean the activity was wasted. An unexpected result can lead to some of the most interesting questions.
Encourage curiosity and problem-solving
Practical STEM activities give children a reason to ask questions. Why did that happen? What changed? Would the result be the same if something were done differently?
Rather than rushing to provide an answer, grown-ups can help children explore their own ideas. Useful prompts include:
- What did you notice?
- What do you think is happening?
- Was the result what you expected?
- What might you change if you tried it again?
- How would you explain this to somebody else?
Questions like these keep the child involved in the thinking. They can also help turn an individual experiment into a wider conversation about science, technology, engineering or maths.
You do not need to know every answer
Parents, grandparents and home educators can sometimes feel that they need specialist knowledge before attempting practical science with a child. In reality, you can be a supportive partner without having every answer in advance.
Concentrate on reading the guidance, giving the activity the time it needs and encouraging the child to explain their thinking. You can wonder aloud, compare ideas and investigate questions together. Showing that it is acceptable not to know something immediately is also part of exploring science.
Connect activities with the UK science syllabus
Practical activities at home can complement the scientific ideas children encounter through the UK science syllabus. They provide another way to approach a topic and can help children connect terminology and explanations with something they have investigated directly.
This can be particularly useful for home-educating families looking to include practical work alongside reading and discussion. It can also give other families a way to continue exploring a child’s interest in STEM beyond their usual lessons.
Use clear instructions as a starting point
Clear instructions help grown-ups and children understand how to approach an activity together. Read them before starting, check each stage as you work and pause when the young scientist has an observation or question to share.
The instructions provide structure, but there is still room for discussion. Ask the child to describe each stage in their own words, predict the next result or explain what they think the activity demonstrates.
Make hands-on science a regular activity
STEM Kits by Post offers a convenient way to bring practical STEM activities into the home each month. The kits cover Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths and Computing subjects and link to the UK school syllabus, including the Science and Maths 9–1 GCSE syllabus.
A different box of experimentation is sent each month, with the materials and comprehensive instructions needed for the activity. The kits are made in the UK and are aimed mainly at Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 students, although they can be used by anyone with an interest in STEM subjects.
Whether you are supporting a child who already enjoys science or looking for a practical addition to home education, the subscription can make hands-on investigation a regular part of learning at home.
Ready to support your young scientist?
Explore the available STEM Kits by Post package and subscribe for a different hands-on experiment box each month.