How to Raise a Science Lover

Science isn’t just about test tubes and lab coats — it’s a way of thinking, of wondering why, and of exploring the world with curiosity and awe. Raising a science lover doesn’t mean forcing your child to become a scientist, but nurturing their natural inclination to ask questions, experiment, and think critically. Here are some tips from an A Level resit college on how to cultivate that love from the start.

1. Feed Their Curiosity — Don’t Shut It Down

Children are natural scientists. They ask “why” more times in an hour than most adults do in a week. Instead of brushing those questions aside, treat them as valuable entry points into discovery. If you don’t know the answer, say so — and then look it up together. This teaches them that not knowing isn’t a failure, but an invitation to learn.

Try this: Keep a “question jar” where they can drop in questions throughout the week. Pick one every evening to research together.

2. Make Science Tangible and Fun

Kids don’t fall in love with abstract textbook science — they fall in love with slime, volcanoes, and things that light up. Make science part of playtime. Kitchen science experiments, nature walks with magnifying glasses, and building simple machines from LEGO or cardboard can all turn curiosity into hands-on learning.

Try this: Create a science box with baking soda, vinegar, food colouring, magnifying glass, magnets, etc., and let them lead the exploration.

3. Normalise Mistakes and Celebrate Discovery

Science is about trial and error — not getting the “right” answer the first time. Show your child that mistakes are not only okay, they’re expected. Celebrate the process of discovery just as much as the result. This builds resilience and teaches that persistence is part of the scientific method.

Try this: When a project fails, ask “What did we learn?” rather than “What went wrong?”

4. Use Media and Museums Wisely

Books, documentaries, podcasts, and science museums can inspire big dreams. But go beyond just consuming — encourage your child to discuss what they saw or read. Ask open-ended questions like “What surprised you the most?” or “What would you do differently?”

Try this: Watch a nature documentary together, then look up more about one of the animals or environments featured.

5. Surround Them with Role Models

Representation matters. Introduce your child to scientists of all backgrounds — especially those who break stereotypes. Show them that science is for everyone. Highlight inventors, astronauts, engineers, and environmentalists from history and today.

Try this: Read children’s biographies of people like Marie Curie, Mae Jemison, Charles Darwin, or Rachel Carson.

6. Integrate Science into Everyday Life

Make science part of dinner conversations, bedtime stories, or even shopping trips. Talk about gravity when something drops, or ecosystems when visiting a park. Help them see that science is not confined to classrooms — it’s all around us.

Try this: Ask them to guess how a toaster works, or what causes rain, and brainstorm explanations together.

7. Follow Their Interests, Not Yours

If your child is into insects, don’t push them toward astronomy. Let them dig where they feel the most wonder. Supporting their passions — whether it's volcanoes, robots, or dinosaurs — will create deeper and more lasting engagement.

Try this: Help them start a bug collection, make a robot out of recycled materials, or create a dinosaur timeline on the wall.

You don’t need to be a scientist to raise a science lover. You just need to be willing to model curiosity, explore together, and give your child the freedom to wonder. In a world that needs critical thinkers and creative problem solvers more than ever, nurturing a love for science is one of the best gifts you can give.

K Elizabeth xoxox