Science Literacy Week, a Canada-wide celebration of scientists and research in Canada, takes place from September 17-23. During this exciting week, you may feel inspired to incorporate science literacy into everyday life for the young scientists that you know, and find ways to discover STEM year-round.
Here are a few simple and fun ways you can incorporate science literacy into your home or classroom and watch the fun of science come to life!
Pick up a book
When you think of science, books may not be the first thing that pop into your head. But books are an amazing source of learning about important scientists, scientific concepts, and the world around us through the lens of critical thinking.
It’s never too late to start exploring STEM, and there are fantastic books available for readers of all ages who want to begin. From Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beatty to An Astronaut’s Guide to Life by Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield, there’s no shortage of fascinating and educational books that further allow us to appreciate the wonder of science. Books are also fundamental in removing barriers to STEM by making science more accessible to readers, and help build confidence.
Find your next science read from this awesome resource list on scienceliteracy.ca! Be sure to also check out Science Literacy Week’s list of blogs, websites and podcasts that cover all things STEM.
Think critically about current events
Whether it’s the news of an omnivorous shark discovery, a concerning decline in a bug species, or a cool solar eclipse, there’s no shortage of opportunities to understand our world through STEM by observing what’s happening in the news.
Encourage the young scientists in your life to think critically about these events and how they relate to everyday life. How do changes in weather affect their day? How does modern technology allow us to communicate, create and exchange ideas? Take this activity a step further by asking your young scientists to write a short story based on what’s happening in the world, and envision themselves as the main characters.
Take the fun of STEM outside the classroom and into your home
Asking questions and thinking critically doesn’t have to happen solely in the classroom. In fact, it’s essential to encourage children and youth to see that science is around them always. Regardless of whether or not a child grows up to be a science professional, taking an interest in STEM helps them expand their curiosity, think outside the box and ask big questions!
To help extend STEM enrichment beyond the classroom, we offer community workshops, Family Science Nights and educational resources on our website. Using activities found on our website, young scientists can explore potential and kinetic energy by making an elastic car, discover force, gravity and angles with catapult construction, question the physical properties of everyday matter, and much more.
Plan a fun afternoon for your young scientists by downloading our STEM-based educational activities! You can receive free educational STEM activities directly in your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.
Let us know how you incorporate STEM into your everyday life by tweeting us @Sci_in_School, or leave us a comment on our Facebook and LinkedIn pages.
Want to explore STEM in your community with your young scientists? Check out our events happening near you during Science Literacy Week, and visit the Canada-wide calendar on scienceliteracy.ca.