3 effective ways to develop a scientific mind in children!

Posted on Author Asmita

Science has always been a realm in which less theory and more application are the only way to go. Scientific study or pursuit demands a prerequisite of a scientific mind which can only be developed through careful observation of phenomena and their effective application in daily, mundane life. Personality traits of children like deduction, analysis, quick wit and inquisitiveness do prove to be effective aids but the concrete development of a scientific mind in children is a gradual process and not an inherent skill. Here are three easy ways in which children can endeavor toward developing a scientific mind. 

Nature
  • Observing Nature and Natural Phenomena 

Scientific approach and analytical thinking stem from deep and focused observation of nature. Nature is the repository of all sciences and everything that surrounds us is a product of science in some way or other. Children should be greatly encouraged to observe nature in all its glory and greenery, with its extensive biodiversity. Natural phenomena like the rains, storms, cyclones and various seasons normally fascinate and be wilder to children. Such curiosity should be channelised in the correct direction by visually appealing imagery and explanation that would excite their young minds. 

  • Asking Questions and Seeking Answers

Children should be encouraged to ask as many questions as they like until and unless their query is quenched. This is what broadens the thinking outlook and diverted the horizons of thought. The simple act of asking questions and seeking their rightful answers has led to several successful discoveries, both planned and chance ones. Children are often forced to suppress their enquiry in the fear of judgements or self-doubt. A scientific environment must be designed for them where it is necessary to be conveyed to them that their open curiosity and creativity is always welcome and that they should keep asking and seeking and expressing however dumb or stupid or nonsensical their question may seem to them. 

  • Training And Stimulating Their Senses 

Children are inherently perceptive in nature and keenly observant, but to develop a scientific mind all the five senses should integrate simultaneously to gauge a problem. Stimulation can be done in various ways including visual stimulation using colourful and graphic art and pictures, informative documentaries and three dimensional models. Auditory stimulation is also done through experimentation with stress on natural sounds and how they are formed and why do we hear them the way we do. Science is what one perceives.

3 Exciting Science Experiments That Will Amaze You!

Posted on Author Asmita

Science as a subject has always been associated with a wide variety of practical experiments as its core matter and content. Keen observation and effective application of the learnt inferences are the two central focuses of science enthusiasts everywhere. Here are a few super easy-to-perform and exciting science experiments that will surely leave you marveling.

LEMON
  • The Acid-Base Neutralization Experiment 

Chemistry and its various topics and equations can get on the nerves of students across all age groups. To make it interesting and fun, one of the most popular experiments is that of feeling the fizz. The prerequisites are a bowl, some like juice and baking soda. At first, baking soda is emptied onto the bowl. Then a small quantity of lime juice is squeezed over it. Almost immediately there’s the sound of fizz along with the appearance of bubbles. This is due to the neutralisation reaction that would’ve taken place due to the combination of the basic baking soda and acidic lime juice. The fizzing sound and effervescence are due to the evolution of carbon dioxide gas. 

  • The Reflection of Light on Paper Experiment 

Science and its quirks are never-ending and these fascinating experiments prove this fact time and again. The reflection of light on the paper experiment aims to practically demonstrate a key concept of physics, that is the reflection of light. The prerequisites of this experiment are a small mirror or magnifying glass, a piece of paper and a fairly sunlit room or balcony. In this experiment, the mirror is held close to the piece of paper and tilted at an angle to the source of light which is the window from where the light is entering, in this case. The set-up is such that the light rays coming from outside get reflected in the glass and then get concentrated in a small area on the piece of paper. If carried out properly and with patience, after some time the small area on the paper starts to feel extremely heated on touching. When continued vigorously, the portion can also show signs of charring. This incredible experiment singly explains two properties, one that of the bending property of light and also that heat energy is dissipated in the process. 

  • The Inverted Glass Experiment 

This amazing experiment explains the concepts of gravity and atmospheric pressure. The requirements are a glass filled with water and a thick piece of paper. In the experiment, the glass is filled with water and is gently covered by a thick piece of paper or cardboard and then it is inverted over the sink. The water and the paper remain in place.

4 Amazing Career Options For Science Enthusiasts

Posted on Author Asmita

Pursuing science and opting for a science-backed career is a dream for almost every science enthusiast there is. Fortunately enough, although a lot of science careers have slowly begun to saturate, there are still a lot of prospects that are both well-paying as well as mentally satiating in terms of job criteria. Here are a few highly sought-after career options for science enthusiasts. 

  • Medicine 

One of the most sought-after and equally challenging roles to play in the world is that of being a doctor. Belonging to the medical fraternity is a dream for many science enthusiasts who garner a special fondness for biology or living sciences. Medicine as a field is exceptional in the varied experience, exposure and financial stability it provides. It is also a suitable career option for those who want to work for society at large and serve its people besides nurturing their acumen and knack for the subject. 

  • Technology 

Technology also features amongst the most widely spread professional accommodations with a host of branches and divisions. It is a broad realm which includes several prospective positions such as the likes of computer engineering, electronics, sound engineering, civil engineering and chemical engineering. It also includes biotechnology and agro-technology which are upcoming streams with great opportunities. Biotechnology along with genetic engineering is the new age sensation in the world of technology with its variety of scope, expanse and life-altering effects in the spheres of gene therapy, genetically modified crops and animals, disease-resistant varieties and mass production. 

  • Microbiology and Epidemiology 

With epidemics and diseases on the rise, microbiology is also the current favourite stream to pursue a job. Microbiology essentially deals with the study of microorganisms which broadly include bacteria, fungi, microscopic animals and plants. Microbiology discerns the traits of each along with their role as pathogens as well as beneficial roles such as the production of enzymes as well as other bioproducts. A sub realm that arises is epidemiology which closely assesses their role as disease-causing organisms along with a special emphasis on outbreak management in epidemics, their control and cure. 

  • Earth Sciences 

Yet another interesting and uncommon career option to opt for is earth sciences. This itself is a broad term that houses a host of other branches and related sciences. Earth sciences or geological sciences include soil studies, climate studies as well as evolutionary studies that together compare the geological and phylogenetic evolution of the planet earth. It also includes oceanology or water sciences which is the study of the oceans, waves and seismology.

Science Games: 3 Exciting Science Games For Children!

Posted on Author Asmita

Learning science can get interesting and engaging for children when inculcated through fun games and experiments. This stimulates their visual memory which aids them to grasp concepts better and retain them for a long, long time to come. As science is all about analysis and application, there are no better media than games that easily translate bookish, theoretical knowledge into simple, practical activities. Here is a list of fun exciting science games: 

  • The Ruler Rubbing Game

One of the most popular and fascinating science games is the ruler rubbing game. This game includes rubbing a plastic ruler against the hair on one’s head for a considerable amount of time. Then the ruler is held over scattered bits of paper. Interestingly the bits of paper get attached to the ruler almost immediately. This happens due to the attraction of unlike charges, as the rubbed comb acquires a negative charge by the gain of electrons. This game has enticed children of all generations and has reinstated in their minds that important theories of physics like electric charge distribution do have significance in real life as well. 

  • Shadow Play 

Light and shadow games are an extremely engaging way of learning about the source of light and shadow formation. All that is required as a prerequisite is a source of light such as a torch or a powerful candle. Shadows are essentially formed behind the source of light, on an opaque surface such as a mantle or a wall. The various shadow forms and patterns can entice children and provoke their curiosity to learn more about shadows. 

  • Guessing and Memory Game 

Science games also encompass brainstorming and brain-sharpening games that boost the mental ability and memory of children. Such games can be based on visual or short-term memory such as recalling the order of articles and specific individual articles from an assortment or can be entirely memory-based in which the names of various things, places or items are recalled by the players, one by one, by individual turn. This boosts their imagination manifold and enhances the idea of colours, shapes and sizes. It also helps to develop a fair sense of time and speedy processing of a lot of information for generating quick responses. Mindfulness games also come under this, in which children are made to name five things they can see, four things that they can hear, three things that they can touch and two that they can smell. This stimulates the five sense organs.

Hobbies That Will Make You Feel Productive

Posted on Author Asmita

Do you think hobbies are a waste of time? Well, you need to think again. Hobbies not only provide pleasure but can also be productive. While choosing your hobbies, you should focus on your areas of interest and skills, so as to make the most of them. Your hobbies should be realistic and focus on long term benefits rather than just ways of passing time. The three things that you should keep in mind while choosing a hobby should be, the creative factor, productivity, and career prospects. In this article, we’re going to talk about some hobbies that will make you feel productive. 

  • Write A Story 

Writing something is always a productive option whether it’s something as basic as daily journaling, or something artistic like poetry or prose writing. It is one of the most effective and powerful skills that does not require too many resources. All you need is a notebook, and a pen, or simply, an electronic device. As far as creativity is concerned, writing holds a fairly high position in the list of most creative hobbies because it is limitless. Words can have no limit, and thus, there’s no end to the art of writing. You can write whatever you wish to and have your audience read your writing for as long as you want them to. When it comes to productivity, there could be no other hobby as productive as writing. Moreover, writing as a hobby can also turn out to be extremely beneficial for your career, if you choose to pursue it later in life. 

  • Engage In Yoga 

Yoga can be that change in your life that you have always wanted. It has miraculous benefits. Don’t believe me? Try it for yourself! Not only can yoga make your body fitter, but it can also make your mind more stable by blocking out distractions and alleviating stress. If you develop a routine and are able to follow that everyday, you would notice positive changes in your lifestyle in no time. You would become more disciplined and positive in your approach and at the same time, have a stable fitness regime. If you have always craved for a dream body, this is the time to motivate yourself and kickstart the process of achieving it!  

  • Gardening 

If you’re looking for a hobby that’s extremely productive while at the same time is a stress-buster as well, you should nurture your love for growing plants and start gardening. It has been found out that gardening is not only great for controlling anxiety and depression, but it is also good for a holistic development. Moreover, who doesn’t like a regular homemade supply of fruits and veggies, right? You wouldn’t have to run to the market when guests arrive and you want to serve them good quality herbs. You could simply choose the best ones from your self-grown garden. Enough reason for you to start gardening? Knew it!  

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