How to Introduce Science to a Toddler

If you think that science is the stuff of college chemistry classes or high school biology lectures, think again. Your toddler's curious nature and need to explore her environment make her ready to start out on the road to scientific discovery. According to the child development professionals at PBS Parents, toddlers can build "inquiry skills" by exploring through their senses, begin to understand simple science vocabulary words and identify some of the needs of living things such as plants and animals. Introducing your tot to science is a less-than-complex process that involves simply letting her explore, while under your watchful eye.

Instructions

    • 1

      Make safety key. Keep your toddler safe from accidents and injuries by taking the proper precautions and using only child-safe materials that are made for his specific age. Choose science materials that don't pose chocking hazards, using objects that are at least 1 1/4-inches wide and 2 1/4-inches long, according to the pediatric pros at the KidsHealth website.

    • 2

      Introduce your toddler to science through everyday activities. Take advantage of opportunities that arise, instead of always planning them out. Look for science that is all around your toddler, such as exploring her reflection in a mirror or putting her hand in sunlight and then a shadow.

    • 3

      Speak simple science vocabulary words to your child while doing activities. Use vocabulary that describes properties of objects such as shadows are "dark," or name living things and their parts such as "plants," "leaves," "fish" or "fin."

    • 4

      Give your toddler simple child-sized science tools to explore with. Hand him a magnifying glass, plastic prism or unbreakable plastic measuring cups.

    • 5

      Set up simple science activities at home, like looking at light through a prism or observing the changing colors of the leaves in the fall.

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