Science teaches children a great deal about their world, their interests and their abilities. In fact, the more opportunities kids have to ask questions, make observations and learn through hands-on experiences—all science skills—the more likely they will excel in other subject areas as well. A solid foundation in science will also give your child an advantage when it comes time to enter the workplace. Economic forecasters predict good jobs will be plentiful for graduates with a solid background in math, science and technology.

Now is the time to encourage your budding scientist!

Science at school tends to be active and "hands-on." It is often taught along with language arts, math and history so that students can see the connections between science and other subjects.

Science can be made all the more meaningful for children when parents routinely encourage scientific discovery beyond the school day. The good news is this is an age when children are naturally curious about their world. It doesn't take much to light the fuse and get your kids excited about science and viewing the world as their laboratory.

Consider making science a family theme this summer when planning activities and projects with your children. Here's a sampling of ideas and activities to get you started and keep the boredom at bay:
Tap into natural interest areas. Do you have a Harry Potter enthusiast? At http://www.reachoutmichigan.org/funexperiments/quick/alphalist.html you'll find lots of recipes for potions and slime to make at home, along with explanations about the science behind them. Older children will enjoy reading The New Way Things Work by David Macaulay or visiting www.howstuffworks.com on the Web. Pick up a copy of Sports Science for Young People by George Barr for your A-Rod in training or Science Arts: Discovering Science Through Art Experiences by MaryAnn F. Kohl for your budding Picasso. No matter their interests, there's bound to be a scientific angle on it worth exploring.

Make the kitchen your laboratory. Being able to eat what they experiment with can be a great motivator for children. Even with a low-tech project like baking bread, children use science skills by reading and following directions, measuring, telling time, predicting, observing and taking outside factors into consideration, like changes in temperature and humidity. Children's books like Simple Kitchen Experiments by Muriel Mandell, and Science Experiments You Can Eat by Vicki Cobb offer great ideas that combine science and cooking. The New Kitchen Science: A Guide to Know the Hows and Whys for Fun and Success in the Kitchen by Howard Hillman will give you the answers to questions like "Why do onions make us cry?" or "Are the green spots in potatoes poisonous?" And if you aren't already fans of the show, tune in as a family to watch Good Eats with Alton Brown on the Food Network to learn still more about the science (and humor) of good cooking.

Exploit "the gross factor." If there's one thing parents can be certain of it's this: kids are fascinated by anything gross or disgusting. Dive into the science of all things gross at Web sites like yucky.kids.discovery.com or in books like Grossology by Sylvia Branzei and Oh, Yuck!: The Encyclopedia of Everything Nasty by Joy Masoff.

Adopt an unconventional pet. Children can learn a lot about animals and ecosystems by taking care of critters of their own. Beyond the typical dog and cat, there's a whole host of creatures your child would no doubt love to adopt: lizards, birds, hamsters, snakes, hermit crabs, fish, ant farms and so on. Use your imagination and be sure to do plenty of research together on proper care and feeding.

Take time to stop and smell the roses. Nature is all around us (country, city and suburbs alike) and children can learn so much from being in it. Planting and tending a vegetable garden and maintaining terrariums, bird feeders and butterfly or hummingbird gardens let children observe nature in action. For information on how to create these types of environments with children, link to www.kidsgardening.com or www.realmacaw.com/pages/birdsanc.html.

Brainstorm a fun to-do list for the summer. Some ideas include nature hikes, kite-flying contests, moonlight walks and visits to museums.

Bookmark some top-notch science Web sites. Channel your children's online time in positive directions by introducing them to exceptional Web sites that promise plenty of fun. Here are just a few suggestions to get you started:

• www.pbskids.org/dragonflytv
• www.scholastic.com/MagicSchoolBus/games/home.htm
• www.planet-science.com/under11s/index.html
• www.girlsgotech.org

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