The future of education and the job market is STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Therefore, developing students’ interest in science from an early stage is essential. Being parents and teachers, it is our job to encourage more students to pursue science. The lack of interest in science is often caused by several factors, including finding science difficult, misconceptions about science, having learning disabilities, or simply not being interested in the subject.

Whatever the cause might be, there are always ways through which we can encourage more students to take science. This article shall elaborate on how parents and teachers can motivate their children and students, respectively.

How can parents help in developing their child’s interest in science?

Being parents, you always want what’s best for your child. Motivating them to pursue science can be a good thing; however, we DO NOT encourage any parent to force science on a child who is meant to be an artist. These suggestions are only to be followed if you feel that your child might be facing some issues in science other than his lack of personal interest.

1.Communication is the key.

Before you do anything:

• Sit down with your child and have honest communication with them.

• Try to be as understanding and gentle as possible.

• Ask your child why they are not interested in science.

If their answer is being interested in some other subject, you should never force them to go against their interests. Albeit, if they tell you that they are facing some difficulties or there are things that they do not understand in science, you can list all their concerns and find a way to address them.

2. Hire a tutor

One of the biggest reasons many students lose interest in science is that they find it difficult. To address this concern, you can hire an online science tutor for your child to help them understand science better. Many reputable online tutoring companies in High Wycombe, UK, provide quality education to students of all year groups. These tutoring companies usually have subject experts that can help students with their academic struggles and challenges.

3. Science in everyday life

Science is the most exciting element of human life, whether it is Chemistry, Biology or Physics. It is present all around us and plays a role in everything we do. From the tiniest mechanisms to the most significant discoveries, it explains everything. However, when you are only studying this through dull textbooks, it can quickly become tedious. This is what causes most students to lose interest, as when you only learn by reading, the essence of science gets lost somewhere. 

As parents, you can help your child see the wonders of science everywhere around them. This way seeing the practical application and uses of science in real life can stimulate their curiosity and motivate them to be interested in science. 

4. Help them meet people.

If you have doctors, engineers, mathematicians or scientists in your family or friends’ circle, make sure to introduce them to your child. Children are more likely to be inspired when they see and meet actual professionals in their field. You can spend hours and days with a child, telling them how valuable and fascinating Biology is. Yet, it still would not arouse their interest. However, if you bring them face to face with an actual Doctor or Biologist, it is sure to fuel their interest in the subject. 

5. Science Fairs

Schools organise many science fairs, seminars and conferences to teach and motivate students. However, it never hurts to make an extra effort. You can take your child to summer science fairs, workshops and meetings other than the ones organised by their school. These seminars and fairs are specially designed to engage children and stir up their interest in science. So, taking them there once in a while can help in developing their interest in science.

While it is true that being a parent, you want to do everything for your child yourself. However, there is only so much you can do. That is when teachers and tutors can step in and play their part in developing their students’ interest in science. 

How can teachers help in fueling a student’s interest in science?

Children spend most of their day around teachers and tutors. Believe it or not, teachers can have a more significant impact on a child’s brain than their parents. Similarly, teachers can play a massive role in developing a child’s interest in science. 

 Keep reading, and we will tell you five strategies to stir up your students’ interest in science. 

1.Ditch the old image

The word science has a long association with the nerdy image. Young students have a common misconception that only ‘nerds’ and ‘uncool’ kids take up science. As a teacher, you can help clear this misconception by showing your students some of the most outstanding scientists from around the world. For instance, if they are not already familiar with SpaceX, you can introduce them to Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX, currently running a multi-billion dollar company.

2. Make learning fun

Try to incorporate more practical experiments in your lessons. Only reading about science can get pretty dull. Find ways for your students to experience real fun in science. Hands-on experiments can even engage and provoke interest in the most uninterested students. Therefore, make time to have a practice session at the end of each lesson.

3. Natural curiosity 

Humans are curious creatures, especially at a younger age. The perk of teaching young children is that they are already high on curiosity. There is very little that needs to be done to spark their interest even further. To pique their curiosity about science, you can share a scientific phenomenon at the end of every lesson and ask them to figure it out till the next class. You can even add incentives to create an atmosphere of healthy classroom competition where your students can grow mentally and academically. 

4. Be interesting 

Most children already consider science difficult; there is no reason their teacher has to be too. Having a pleasant and friendly teacher can make students interested in subjects they never had any interest in before. When you are a teacher, you should aim to become a role model for your students first. If your students already admire you, you may have higher chances of diverting their interest towards the subject you are teaching. 

5. Address the concerns

Lastly, but most importantly, make your students comfortable enough to communicate their concerns with you openly. Just like we advised the parents, communication is not just the key between parents and children, but also teachers and students. Being a teacher, you should not only be concerned with your student’s grades and assignments. In fact, you should make it a priority to ensure that your students understand and learn whatever you are teaching. Making science easy for children is the surefire way to escalate their interest in the subject.

had any interest in before. When you are a teacher, you should aim to become a role model for your students first. If your students already admire you, you may have higher chances of diverting their interest towards the subject you are teaching.

So, keeping this information in mind, parents and teachers can surely help children develop more interest in science.