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Middle school is a time when even the most curious learners' thoughts turn to...well, just about anything but math and science. Despite the pull that friends, fashion and sports can have for preteens, the middle school years are not a time for a break from these studies. Skills such as reasoning, problem solving, writing and research that students learn during their math and science studies now will help them with their other subjects and as they move into the high school years. These are also the skills that employers say they look for in new hires.
Sparking an interest in math and science
You don't have to be a math whiz or rocket scientist to inspire your children in these areas. In fact, your enthusiasm and willingness to learn something new along with your middle schoolers may be the best way to spark their interest.
Here are some ideas to try and resources for you and your children to look to for inspiration:
- Get messy, make mistakes. Although they are getting older, most middle-school-age children still enjoy learning about science through hands-on experiences. The key is to tap into what interests them most. If they love being active outdoors, take a hike together. [Reading resource:
Essential Hiking for Teens (Outdoor Life) by Kristine Hooks.] If it's cooking (also a great application for math skills), help them plan and shop for ingredients for a meal to prepare together. [Reading resource:
Teens Cook: How to Cook What You Want to Eat by Megan Carle and Rachael Ray's 30-Minute Meals for Kids: Cooking Rocks! by Rachael Ray.]
Delve into the science of all things gross at yucky.kids.discovery.com or in books such as
Grossology by Sylvia Branzei and Oh, Yuck!: The Encyclopedia of Everything Nasty by Joy
Masoff.
- Help them learn about how the famous-and not so famous-use math and science every day. At www.mathmovesu.com, kids can learn how Tony Hawk uses math to calculate the angle for a successful skateboard jump or video game designer Ted Price uses measurement and proportion to create fantasy worlds and characters. At http://www.thefutureschannel.com/real_world_professionals.html, families will learn about the science and math that goes into jobs such as interior design and veterinary medicine. Think about what you and your friends do for work and how math and science skills might play an important role.
- Don't overlook the importance of homework.
Practice outside of the school day can help cement the basic skills that kids will need for new learning. It also allows new skills and ideas to sink in. Though they are becoming more independent, middle schoolers still need your
guidance—and some hand holding—when it comes to making schoolwork a priority. Let your children know that learning is job one-and homework comes before after-school activities and visits with friends. Coach them in using a daily planner to record assignments and materials (e.g., class notes, reference books and sample work from class) they will need to complete their homework. Encourage them to refer to the planner when packing up at the end of the school day so they have all they need to work at home.
- Support kids who struggle to learn math and science. Learning science and math doesn't come easy for everyone, and kids are more likely to be turned off by the subjects that challenge them. Talk with your children's teachers and guidance counselors about ways you can work together to help your children become successful learners, not only in math and science, but in all of their studies.
Encouraging girls in math and science
"Studies show that young girls enjoy math, science and technology just as much as boys do. Yet, by eighth grade, twice as many boys as girls show interest in science, engineering and mathematics careers. As a result, only 22 percent of engineers and scientists are
women—even though women make up nearly half the workforce. If this pattern continues, many of today's girls will miss out on the jobs of the future."
Source: Girls Go Tech brochure for families from the Girl Scouts of America.
Even if math was a subject you thought was uncool or you struggled with it when you were in school, your current stance on the subject can encourage your preteen. This is especially important with daughters, who might be interested in math and science, but buy into the still prevalent idea that math is just for guys. For more information on how to support girls in learning math and science, log on to www.girlsgotech.org/girls_go_tech.html, www.academic.org and
www.girlpower.gov/girlarea/sciencetech/jobs/index.htm.
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