Ever wondered how your child’s endless curiosity and boundless energy can be the foundation for a future in science and technology? Imagine transforming their natural wonder into a love for Science and Technology right from your living room. Intrigued? Keep reading to discover the secrets for making your home a launchpad for future scientists, engineers, and tech entrepreneurs!
Why Science and Technology is the future (and why it matters to you!)
Science and Technology jobs are growing like wildfire – expected to soar by over 12% in the next five years! That’s twice as fast as other careers. But what does that mean for you and your kids? It means a world full of opportunities for scientific thinkers. Observing, questioning, testing, and communicating – if this sounds like your child, you’re already halfway there!
Transforming everyday moments into adventures in Science and Technology
- Cooking up science in the kitchen
Turn your kitchen into a science lab! Measuring ingredients is a sneaky way to practise maths. Breaking down a recipe? That’s computational thinking in action! Try this: mix baking soda and vinegar for a fizzy volcano or colour celery water to see capillaries in action. Cooking just became a whole lot more exciting!
- Experimentation nation
Got vinegar and an egg? Cover the egg in the vinegar for 48 hours and watch the shell dissolve and reveal a bouncy egg! Or mix corn flour and water into a paste to make Oobleck, a great example of a non-Newtonian fluid that is a lot of fun to play with. These fun experiments teach chemical reactions and biological processes effortlessly. Who knew learning could be this fun?
- Nature’s lab – the garden!
Plant seeds in a jar or grow herbs in your garden. Watching seeds sprout teaches observation and patience and watching insects at work is a hands-on lesson in ecosystems. Your garden is now a living classroom!
- Building the future with blocks
Turn playtime into an engineering workshop. Building with blocks and connectors boosts critical thinking, problem-solving, and design skills. Whether it’s constructing a tall tower or a sturdy bridge, your child is learning the fundamentals of engineering!
The Real-World Impact: Science and Technology with a Purpose
At Sydney Catholic Schools, Science and Technology is more than learning about the way the world works; it’s about making a difference. Students tackle issues like sustainability and climate change, designing innovative solutions such as a supplement to reduce methane emissions in cows and a device to rescue injured wildlife from recycled plastics. These projects don’t just teach Science and Technology; they cultivate responsible global citizens ready to change the world.
“Kindergarten students arrive at school already experts at engaging with the world in a hands-on manner,” said Christine McDonald, Sydney Catholic Schools’ Education Officer: Curriculum (K-6). “The primary school environment continues this intentional exploration of natural phenomena and human innovation through explicit and practical lessons.”
“By focusing on the skills needed to solve real-world problems, students are learning how to be responsible global citizens and create a brighter future for themselves and for others,” says Ms. McDonald.
In Kindergarten, students design stronger houses and bridges for fairy tale characters, code bots, and build with recycled materials, tackling real-world problems. They also design, make, and test products, honing their critical and creative thinking abilities.
“There are such a wide range of possibilities for students to engage with,” Ms. McDonald said.
Ready to boost your child’s mind with Science and Technology?
Your child’s journey to becoming a science whiz or tech guru starts at home. With these simple, fun activities, you can nurture their curiosity and lay the groundwork for a bright future. So, what are you waiting for? Dive into these activities and watch your child’s love for Science and Technology blossom!
An emphasis on excellence in all areas of education – from academic to vocational, sport and the arts – helps Sydney Catholic Schools nurture the potential of all students in their 147-strong network of primary and secondary schools.
Click here to find your nearest Catholic school.
*National Skills Commission. (2021) ‘The State of Australia’s Skills 2021: now and into the future’, Commonwealth Government of Australia
