Welcome to Think Like a Scientist!

Welcome to Think Like a Scientist, your biweekly guide to sparking curiosity and exploration at home! Each issue brings hands-on activities, big questions, and simple science you can enjoy with your K–6 learner—no lab coat required.

🔍 1. Wonder of the Week: What's That Sound?

Encourage your young scientist to pause and listen to the world around them. Whether it's the chirping of birds, the hum of a refrigerator, or the rustling of leaves, every sound has a story. Ask them to describe the sounds they hear and ponder what might be causing them.(Tinkercast)

Activity Tip: Create a "Sound Journal" where your child can note down different sounds they hear throughout the day, drawing or writing about each one.

🧠 2. Think Like a Scientist: Observation Skills

Observation is a key scientific skill. Encourage your child to observe an object (like a leaf, rock, or toy) and describe it in detail. Ask questions like: What color is it? What texture does it have? Does it have a smell?(Tinkercast)

Further Reading: Explore how observation is the first step in scientific inquiry in this Science News article.(Carnegie Mellon University)

🧰 3. STEM Tools: DIY Magnifying Glass

Help your child make a simple magnifying glass using a clear plastic bottle and water. Cut a small section of the bottle, fill it with water, and seal it. Use it to look at small objects and observe the details that aren't visible to the naked eye.

Safety Note: Ensure adult supervision when handling scissors and sealing the water-filled section.

📚 4. Read & Explore: "The Most Magnificent Thing" by Ashley Spires

"The Most Magnificent Thing” is a delightful book tells the story of a young girl who sets out to make the most magnificent thing but encounters challenges along the way. It's a great way to discuss perseverance and the scientific process of trial and error.

Discussion Questions:

• What challenges did the girl face?

• How did she overcome them?

• Have you ever tried to make something and had to try multiple times?

🧪 5. Experiment Corner: Sink or Float?

Gather various household items (e.g., a spoon, a rubber ball, a leaf) and a container of water. Ask your child to predict whether each item will sink or float, then test their hypotheses. Discuss the results and explore why certain items float while others sink.

Extension: Explore the concept of density and how it affects buoyancy.

Stay Curious!

We hope this first issue sparks curiosity and encourages your child to observe and question the world around them. Stay tuned for our next issue, where we'll delve into the wonders of the natural world.(Tinkercast)

Ready to keep the discovery going all summer long? Learn more and register for the Summer Scientists program today to give your child a season filled with curiosity, creativity, and hands-on science fun!

Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links in this email are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase—at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products or services I truly believe in!