How to Raise a Scientist

By National Education Association

Do you have a little STEM expert on your hands? Does your child dream of being an astronaut or a chemist or an app designer? Good news—experts project significant growth in jobs for scientists over the next few decades.

Helping your child understand the breadth of opportunities will make what they’re learning more relevant and motivate them to take challenging science courses.

No good museums nearby and you’ve exhausted the local library’s books on STEM? No problem. Use online resources such as video interviews and TED Talks to introduce your child to scientists from various disciplines—whether marine biologist, nature conservationist or brain doctor.

Here are a few sites to help you put a face with a job title

Smithsonian for Kids

Experience what some of the world’s top museums have to offer. Read an interactive science book on insects, explore coral reefs, predict natural disasters and meet famous women in air and space history.

American Museum of Natural History’s “Ology” Science Web Site for Kids

If your child dreams of being an “ologist”—whether a biologist, archaeologist or paleontologist—this site will help them learn about each field of study, meet actual scientists and test their knowledge.

London’s Science Museum

Explore an array of science games and apps that let kids do everything from building an energy efficient home to designing and testing their own space rover.

National Geographic Kids

A great site for younger kids with puzzles, photos, interactive maps, fun facts and achievement badges.

Exploratorium

This website is an invitation to Explore, Play and Discover. Try learning about skateboard science or how to grow your own mold.

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution’s Dive and Discover: Expeditions to the Sea Floor

This website features rich content for older kids, including coverage of deep-sea expeditions around the world.

For other resources in engaging your kids in science, check out:

Want more info on STEM? Read about Dr. Mae Jemison’s path to becoming the first African American woman to go to space.

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