How to Get Started in Science

Science encompasses us and our planet. It gives way to millions of wonders, phenomena, and questions about our world. It sparks interest in the human brain when we think about aliens in space, why the sky is blue, or why dew forms on leaves in the morning. When we talk about science, some kids tend to gravitate towards learning science when it’s more interactive and hands-on rather than reading from books and magazines. Here are specific strategies to foster learning and some ideas to cultivate your own interests in science.

Visit Science-Related Museums

In elementary school, visit museums that are geared towards science. Museums are places that stimulate interest and provide hands-on experience!

When you visit museums, don’t plan to visit ALL the exhibits. Seek out the ones that are more demonstrative, visual, and interactive; also visit exhibits that adhere to your interests the most. Take advantage of IMAX movies, science demonstrations, and definitely the gift shop—buy a token like a magnet or a keychain so you can remember your visit!

Visit Historical Sites

Another place to visit which you may be surprised about is a historical site. Usually people assume that historical sites don’t deal with STEM. However, this is completely untrue: colonial reenactments can show you the science behind making a fire or creating steel and flint tools. Learning about farming and culinary practices in the 1800s can demonstrate food science and chemistry. Historical sites will give you a window of opportunity to learn about the evolution of science and technology from then to now.

Conduct Experiments At Home

Try to conduct small experiments at home to see how science works up close. Experiments are a fantastic way to learn science in a hands-on, interactive, and visual way—plus, they are REALLY fun! Try cooking different food items and identifying physical or chemical changes, or watch soda shoot 3 feet high from a bottle of coke and observe the chemical reaction taking place. When you go to museums or other science-related places, buy kits for experiments that you can do at home, like breaking apart geodes, creating your own mini-tornado, or growing your own crystals (my personal favorite 😊). These experiments will get you engrossed in science and its wonders.

Now that you know how to grow your interests in science, where do you go to broaden your knowledge? Don’t worry—Likeable STEM has a solution for you! Subscribe to our YouTube channel, Likeable Science, where we post interactive and fun videos using raps, songs, time-lapse, and visuals to teach scientific concepts! Check out some of our videos to start learning! Your newfound knowledge will open the doors to being comfortable with science, and you can move on to other paths that satisfy your interests.