Expert Opinion

Engaging Parents in Their Children's Science Learning

By David Heil

Children are born naturally curious about the world around them. Their parents, often without realizing the full impact of their actions, play a critical role in nurturing that curiosity. The outcomes can be significant—research shows that when parents are actively involved in their children's learning the children achieve more, regardless of socioeconomic status, ethnic background, or their parents' own educational level. The more extensive the parent involvement, the higher the child's achievement is.

While most educators would acknowledge the importance of parent/child interaction in the early years of development, the evidence suggests that the benefits of parent involvement can be significant at all ages and grade levels as a child progresses through his or her schooling years. The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 recognized that parents are their children's first and most important teachers, and parents and families need to be actively involved in their children's learning in order for their children to be successful in school. In fact, the most accurate predictor of a student's achievement in school is the extent to which a student's family creates a home environment that encourages learning, communicates reasonable yet high expectations for achievement and future careers, and becomes actively involved in his education in school and in the community.

When we shine the light of this research on the realm of science learning, though, some significant challenges emerge. Many parents feel inadequate with their own science knowledge and understanding, and, in fact, often project negative feelings about science to their children. Phrases such as "I was never very good at science in school" or "Don't ask me, I always hated science" can have a lasting negative impact on a child's own confidence and curiosity as a healthy science learner. Even the more subtle acts of ignoring their child's questions, discouraging outdoor explorations, or reinforcing traditional stereotypes about who can or can- not "do" science can seriously dampen a child's enthusiasm for science learning. Yet, for children to be healthy, active citizens in the future, science and technology skills and comprehension will be essential. Indeed, for America to maintain its preeminence as a leader in innovation we need a much greater percentage of the population to value science learning and have the curiosity, confidence, and available resources to continue learning science throughout their lives.

How can school principals and classroom teachers actively engage parents in their children's science learning? Family Science is one program that has shown real promise in many schools. Available in both English and Spanish language editions, the popular publication Family Science provides schools and community-based organizations with a ready resource for engaging parents in their children's science learning.

Family Science is an informal science education program that gives parents and children an opportunity to work and learn together. Hands-on activities that use easy-to-find, inexpensive materials let families explore the ways in which science plays a role in their daily lives. Parental involvement is key to the program's success. By showing an interest in science and making time to explore ideas and conduct simple investigations, parents can have a positive influence on children who may otherwise decide that science is too hard, too abstract, or too boring. An added benefit of Family Science activities is that they provide parents with a link to school science curriculum. Doing science at home opens the door to talk with kids about what they're learning in school and can help reinforce the idea that anyone can be a scientist.

Teachers, parents and others interested in promoting Family Science in their community may want to hold an event based on the concepts and activities presented in the Family Science publication. The specific format, location, and scheduling of an event should respond to the needs of the host school, local communities, or neighborhoods. During Family Science events, parents and children work cooperatively in pairs and small groups to solve problems and "talk science." The hands-on activities provide fun, family experiences that build skills, confidence, and excitement about science learning

With all the challenges associated with implementation of NCLB in schools today, it's nice to know that there are some proven resources available to assist in addressing one important aspect of the legislation—actively engaging parents in their child's education.

David Heil is president of David Heil & Associates, Inc. in Portland, Oregon, which created Family Science. Heil, who is a consultant to science museums around the country, helped draft the national science standards and currently serves on the board of BCBS (Biological Sciences Curriculum Study), an organization that works to reform science education. From 19871997, he served as host of the Emmy Award-winning PBS science series, Newton's Apple. For more information on Family Science, contact: The Foundation for Family Science, 6420 SW Macadam Avenue, Suite 208, Portland, OR 97239, 503-245-2102, www.familyscience.org.