Science in itself is a vast subject – comprising of physics, chemistry, and biology – at the school level. When it comes to preferences of students, the unusual thing with science, unlike math or languages, is that students have their own preferences in science. Some hate physics, some adore it; some are scared of biology, some excel in it; some get confused in chemistry, while they top in physics!

The roots for the passion or scare on a subject depends on the way the student is exposed to it, the way the subject is taught, the ability of the student to relate with the subject in his day-to-day life.

Importance of science for children

"We should not teach children the sciences but give them a taste for them." – Jean Jacques Rosseau

Imparting strong knowledge in science would make a great gift to children throughout their lives, as every aspect of our life is intertwined with science principles. It is important to ensure that children are not just strong in science concepts but they retain them and can apply them when needed. Solid foundation in science helps children in many ways:

• Helps in problem solving and analysis
• Expands career horizons
• Teaches them about health and hygiene
• Boosts creativity and innovation
• Brings out their hidden scientific temper

Role of parents and teachers in teaching science to children

Kids are quick learners. When explained in the right way, they can understand and retain the concepts for a long time to come. Parents and teachers have an equal role in accomplishing this task.

When studying science, it is natural that students get many doubts. Their young, inquisitive minds are always questioning, why is it like this?, what if this was the other way?, etc. Teachers should patiently understand their enthusiasm and clarify such doubts until the students are fully satisfied.

Parents share an equal role in teaching science to children. Science can be taught at home through many practical scenarios. For example, by home gardening, children can understand how plants grow, the pests that can infect the plants, the methods to increase the yield of the plant, etc. Similarly, the kitchen is a great place to teach children the principles of boiling, evaporation, chemistry, etc. Various concepts of physics can be explained to children through activities and games. Parents' involvement in teaching science to children through such ideas would boost the fertility of young minds.

Challenges for teaching science

Science has many theories, facts, concepts, and applications that can often perplex teachers as well. Hence, the challenge for teachers is to explain such difficult concepts in a simplified manner.

Laboratories for experiments

Schools should make enough facilities in science labs and encourage students to explore science. Unfortunately, most schools do not give enough emphasis on labs due to various reasons, thus suppressing the inquisitiveness of the child.

The disparity in Learning Abilities

Each child has their own learning style and grasping ability. Some listen to the lecture and learn, while some read and learn, some practice and learn, while others learn by doing. Owing to the syllabus completion deadlines and limited resources in schools, children may not get adequate personal attention at school. This can create learning disparities in children.

Upgradation of Science syllabi

Science has progressed in many ways over the last decade, all over the world and especially in India. The advent of the internet and mobile communication created many scientific inventions that were never envisioned in earlier times. Science syllabus may be upgraded every year so that students are up-to-date with the technology and are ready to solve the future challenges that may threaten a nation.

Opportunities for science education in India

Children who love science and aspire to make it a career have immense learning possibilities in India. Indian students have an option to choose any of the main three streams of science – physics, biology, and chemistry – after class 10. The +2 level is designed such that it involves a combination of two or three of these streams of science. This trend can be noticed at the graduation level too – most graduation courses in science are an intermix of two or more branches of science. Some of the specializations that a student interested in science can pursue are given here:

Engineering:

• Aeronautical Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Electrical and Electronics Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Civil Engineering

Medicine:

• Anatomy
• Biochemistry
• Biophysics
• Dental Science
• Embryology
• Epidemiology
• Genetics
• Immunology
• Biomechanics
• Medical Physics
• Microbiology
• Molecular Biology
• Neuroscience
• Nutrition
• Pathology
• Pharmacology
• Radiobiology

Other science-related careers:

• Environmentalists
• Pharmaceuticals
• Oceanography
• Space Exploration
• Government Jobs
• Forensics
• Biotechnology
• Metallurgy
• Teaching
• Military engineering
• Agriculture
• Aqua Science
• Astronomy
• Food Technology
• Seismology
• Paleontology

Reputed educational institutions for Science in India

India has many reputed educational institutions that are world-renowned for their standards in science studies and research. Some of the reputed universities and institutions that specialize in offering science education in India are:
• Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore
• Indian Institutes of Technology
• National Institutes of Technology
• Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune
• VIT University, Vellore

Reputed science organizations in India

Reputed science organizations in India are constantly looking out for outstanding science students. They are the best place for a science lover to learn, grow, and establish themselves as a great scientist. Some of such top Indian science organizations include:

• Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO)
• Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
• Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO)
• Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
• Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC)
• Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
• Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR)
• National Innovation Foundation (NIF)
• National Research Development Corporation (NRDC)
• National Institute of Biomedical Genomics (NIBMG)

Improving science teaching in India

"I am one among those who think that science has great beauty." – Marie Curie

Science can be taught in an interesting way for students through many approaches:

Enthusiastic teachers

Students get inspired by the brilliance of their teachers. The enthusiasm and dedication that a teacher puts in teaching science will make a student understand its importance. Teachers should consider adding various types of mediums to explain science concepts to students.

Tackling the dearth of qualified science teachers

Educationists and Governments can consider making teaching as an elective to science graduates where they may teach at various schools for a prescribed period of time, as a part of their graduation or post-graduation curriculum. This initiative would serve well to cover the lack of qualified teachers in many parts of rural India.

Allocating more funds for science labs in schools

Schools should consider allocating more funds towards providing laboratory facilities for students. They should remember that students who perform well in science can bring laurels to the school.

"Science is a way of thinking much more than it is a body of language." – Carl Sagan

Increasing science trips and industrial visits

Syllabi makers can consider increasing the number of industrial visits to students, especially for classes 6-12 to get a good understanding of science and its applications. Industrial visits give a real-time picture for students about how science is used in various high-level aspects and will help them in clarifying a lot of doubts that their young minds might have.

Incorporating educational technologies

Educational technologies such as online learning courses and educational apps for science are great tools to explain complex concepts of science in an easy-to-understand manner. Schools should encourage educational apps for teachers to make science livelier in the classroom.

Learning apps for science work charm in steering the student into the world of science through their multimedia, graphics, and well-curated crisp content and personalized way of approach. Concepts such as atoms and molecules which appear in black and white in textbooks come to life in the videos of best learning apps for science.

Conclusion

India has a long and proud tradition of scientific excellence. By making science interesting to students through multiple innovative methods, the nation can become more robust in scientific research and development. Is this not what "today's children are tomorrow's citizens" indicate?

"The science of today is the technology of tomorrow." – Edward Teller

What do you suggest to create an interest in science in kids? Would you like to add any to our ideas? Please feel free to share them through comments.

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