Sandi Schwartz
How to Raise Scientifically Literate Kids Photo courtesy of San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering
What if a true/false exam could
never be marked wrong because the truth was left up to interpretation? It is critical to raise children who learn to view information through a realistic, scientific approach so they do not fall prey to believing everything they read or hear.
What is Scientific Literacy? According to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, scientific literacy is the knowledge and understanding of scientific concepts and processes required for personal decision making, participation in civic and cultural affairs and economic productivity. Some of the things a scientifically literate person has the capacity to do are: • Understand, experiment and interpret scientific facts and their meanings. • Ask, find or determine answers to questions derived from curiosity about everyday experiences. • Read articles with understanding of science in the popular press and engage in conversation about the validity of the conclusions.
22 • SanDiegofamily.com • March 2024
• Evaluate the quality of information on the basis of its source and the methods used to generate it.
and society as a whole. Here are ways to instill a sense of inquisitiveness and scientific literacy in children.
• Pose and evaluate arguments based on evidence and apply conclusions appropriately.
READ: From a very young age, read books about science topics to encourage curiosity and broaden knowledge base and vocabulary. As children get older, encourage them to read about science topics that interest them, whether it be dinosaurs, outer space, the environment or technology. Check out book recommendations from National Science Teaching Association at www.nsta.org/outstanding-sciencetrade-books-students-k-12-2024, subscribe to magazines like National Geographic Kids, and find websites geared toward science education for grades K–12.
Science is a critical part of life—we rely on scientific data to protect us from contaminated food, polluted air and water and transportation accidents (just to name a few). Every time we go to the doctor, we depend on accurate medical information. When we go shopping, we rely on scientific studies that have identified products as safe to use. Parents have the power to raise children who are able to evaluate information.
How to Raise Scientifically Literate Children Neil deGrasse Tyson, an American astrophysicist, author, science communicator and father, explained the importance of raising scientifically literate children in a recent interview. He said it is essential for children to be surrounded by situations that force them to think about how the world works. Understanding science empowers people to not be taken advantage of and helps them confront critical issues that impact their lives
WATCH: Seek out children’s TV shows, videos or podcasts that focus on science. My children loved watching Sid the Science Kid on PBS when they were younger, which is all about the scientific discovery process. Now that my son is older, he enjoys watching Discovery Channel shows like Mythbusters, which methodically tests urban legends and myths to prove or disprove each claim. I love this show because it teaches the value of not believing everything you see, but to test ideas using scientific methods.
