When your child reaches a certain age, you might begin to wonder how to get them to develop an interest in physics. When you think of the word “physics”, you might conjure up the image of a physicist doing complex calculations or experiments. However, at its most rudimentary level, physics could be something that children and adults alike may find both fascinating and relevant.
We believe it boils down to three points:
1. Everything we see in our daily lives can be studied in terms of physics.
2. It provides an opportunity for our children to make sense of natural objects and phenomena with which they interact daily.
3. Physics has applications that have real-world repercussions.
Here are some activities you can do with your child to pique their interest in the subject.
Magnets
Let’s start with magnetism. Supply your child with magnets, then explore the house and try to find as many magnetic objects as possible. Try and examine why some objects are magnetic and why some are not and find out why.
Buoyancy
Fill a tub or pail with water and put in various items, including something made of metal, wood or cloth. Try to figure out why particular objects float while some sink with your kid. Why do you think certain things, like paper, float briefly before sinking to the bottom?
Gravity
Toss or drop items made from different materials from a high viewpoint, like some stairs or a balcony. You can also create a paper aeroplane to discuss gravity! What’s stopping it from crashing, and what’s keeping it airborne? What causes some things to fall quicker than others? Why do some things gently rest on the floor while others crash?
Motion and torque
Why do you think certain objects roll with no problem while others need assistance to move? Why do heavier things roll much easier compared to lighter ones? Does it matter what surface you roll the items on?
Conclusion
Experiential learning is fundamental when it involves science, but all the more for physics. This method makes children want to learn more, plus it’s fun, and you get to spend time learning with your child. These days, there are also multiple videos you can find online about different scientific experiments. Parents can show them to the children and allow them to test them out – just make sure that they are child-friendly. The experiment might not always succeed, and some might be confusing, but that’s okay, as they’ll learn from these eventually. If children have questions or clarifications, they can always join online educational forums to discuss their suspicions.
It is also highly encouraged that children read science magazines or comics that talk about the latest scientific updates and developments. They might need more time to understand the topics, but the more they read, the more they will be able to comprehend the concept.
To help you get started your child started on their physics journey, you can check out our physics tuition classes! We offer unparalleled lessons at Best Physics Tuition™ Centre. Contact us today to learn more!