How to Raise Scientifically Literate Kids

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.

• Evaluate the quality of information on the basis of its source and the methods used to generate it.

• Pose and evaluate arguments based on evidence and apply conclusions appropriately.

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 and society as a whole. Here are ways to instill a sense of inquisitiveness and scientific literacy in children.

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.

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.

VISIT: Take kids to awe-inspiring places where they can learn about science, such as museums, planetariums, botanical gardens, aquariums, nature centers and zoos. San Diego is full of them! During these outings, encourage children to ask questions about what they observe.

Incorporate science into vacations by hiking, skiing, fishing and visiting places like national parks, lakes and beaches.

Take a unique train-centric family vacation! Get ideas in our article

“All Aboard! Where to Ride the Rails in California” at www.sandiegofamily.com/things-to-do/ travel/train-rides-in-california-for-kids

EXPERIMENT: Engage in science experiments at home. It can be as simple as filling the sink with water to test what items sink and what floats. Ask children to make predictions before doing the tests, then ask what they think happened afterwards.

Consider gifting science kits to kids for birthdays and holidays. My children have enjoyed building a model volcano, hooking up electric circuits and learning about chemical reactions using everyday products. Or, take it a step further by planning a birthday party with Science Guys of San Diego. The kids will be entertained and learn a few things along the way!

Fun fact: San Diego Family has tons of super fun and interesting science experiments to do at home. Start discovering and experimenting now at www.sandiegofamily.com/for-the-kids/ family-science

ATTEND: Register kids for extracurricular science or technology classes and camps. Science Guys of San Diego offers fun engineering, rocketry, chemistry (and more) summer camps at multiple locations throughout the county. Get details at www.scienceguysofsandiego.com

A few summers ago, my son enjoyed a week at science camp, and now he takes coding classes online. These have been wonderful opportunities for him to delve into topics he’s especially interested in.

Don’t miss the San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering Expo Day at Snapdragon Stadium on March 2 from 11 am–5 pm. It’s free to attend! Get activity details at www.loveSTEMsd.org

CREATE: Incorporate simple sciencebased activities into daily life to inspire a child’s interest in and love for science. Spend time together in the kitchen measuring, cooking and baking. Spend time outside learning about nature, plant a family garden and enjoy eating the food that grows.

There are endless opportunities to bring science to the forefront of children’s lives so they begin to see the world through a scientifically literate lens. When you learn together, it becomes even more meaningful. Most of all, have fun! v

Sandi Schwartz is an award-winning author, freelance writer and the founder of the Ecohappiness Project.