Have you ever wondered why ducks have webbed feet? Why pine trees have needles instead of broad leaves? Or why birds have so many different beak shapes? Scientists ask questions like these every day. They're exploring one of the biggest ideas in science: structure and function. Helping children notice how something is...
Have you ever heard a child ask: “Why did that happen?” “What made it change?” “What caused that to happen?” Questions like these are at the heart of scientific thinking. One of the most important ideas children explore in science is cause and effect. This concept helps kids understand that one thing can lead...
One of the first things scientists do is look for patterns. Patterns help us make sense of the world around us. They allow scientists to ask questions, make predictions, and better understand how things work. While that may sound like something reserved for laboratories and research studies, children can begin practicing...
You probably won’t hear me talk a lot about apps. Because if you’ve been around here for a while, you know I’m a big believer in getting kids outside—observing, exploring, and interacting with the real world. But I’m also not anti-technology. When used intentionally, technology can actually support outdoor learning in...
Getting Outside Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated You want your kids to spend more time outside. You want them to be curious… to notice things… to ask questions. But sometimes, the hardest part is knowing what to do once you’re out there. So, the questions start: “What should I have them look...
When most parents think about teaching science, they picture experiments, lab coats, and big wow-factor demonstrations. The baking soda volcano. The color-changing liquids. The “watch this!” moments that look great on social media. And while those experiences can be fun and memorable, they’re only one small part of what science really is. Real science...
Let’s Get Real About Science Education After 13 years teaching science in public schools, homeschooling my daughters during their early years, and now watching them return to public school, one thing has become undeniably clear to me: children learn best when they are curious, observant, and connected to the world around...
As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, I’ll be honest, it’s harder for me to get outside as much as I’d like with my kids. Between bundling up and the chilly wind, sometimes it feels tempting to stay cozy indoors. But here’s the thing: even in winter,...
As the cooler weather rolls in, I find myself loving those cozy moments curled up under a blanket with my kids, diving into a good read-aloud. There’s something magical about settling in together with a book that sparks curiosity and wonder, especially when that book opens doors to the exciting...
Learn how to guide your kids from noticing the natural world to truly caring for it, all through wonder and exploration. You can’t ask someone to protect something they don’t love. This truth echoes across environmental education: if we want kids (and adults) to care for nature, they first need to...
