Science For Kids - How Learning Can be The Best Game of
Life You'll Ever Play
Science for kids everywhere
If you ever take the time to notice your surroundings
right now, you can't help but see science at work. Science is at work all
around you - and even within you. Either we take the
principles for granted or we are unaware of them. Notice how we have to
recognize the working of the force of gravity as we run down a flight of
stairs? We can't pretend it's not there, or we hurt ourselves.
Many times we get our concepts wrong though. Sometimes the games we play
help to create serious misconceptions of scientific principles.
Misconceptions Through Game Play
Have you ever noticed how some cartoon characters move in
a falling or a jumping motion? They seem to learn to follow gravity now, but
some games just make characters float. It is somehow
thought that after watching these 'unreal' motions, kids tend to think that
it may happen in the real world just like that.
Similarly, in the case of really light objects, the
effect of air resistance seems like magic. Kids can learn about gravity and
air resistance by playing realistic games. Science kits provide lessons in science for kids
Parents should always try to maximize the learning
experience of their kids by choosing educational games and construction
kits, instead of pre-assembled toys. It is true that many
of the electronic gadgets require precision engineering in manufacturing.
For example, a radio controlled car, or plane, may be difficult to assemble
at home. However, these products offer little or no technical challenge or
skill building to any age group. All the fun in design and
assembly has been enjoyed by the manufacturer. And whenever some of these
toys break, they are done - disposables. Most of them are.
However, I like automobile assembly kits. These are usually replicas of
antique cars or modern sports vehicles. You have to build the unit by
assembling all the parts.
Working on one of these makes games and science fun for
kids and adults, too, who have to provide the supervision in using some of
the tools sometimes. While you build you are learning how
the engine works, how the vehicle is made up. You can share in the
excitement and the accomplishment of creating the model car, truck, etc.
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