Supporting your child's science learning at home

Many parents feel they cannot help with science homework because they did not study it, or have forgotten it. The good news is that your support matters more than your knowledge.

Ask good questions

You do not need to know the answers. Ask:

• "What are you trying to find out?"
• "What do you think will happen?"
• "Why did that happen?"
• "How could you test that?"

These are the same questions scientists ask.

Make time and space

• A regular, quiet time for homework.
• A table with good light.
• Phones away during study time.

Notice science in daily life

Cooking, charging a phone, a bicycle, rain and plants growing are all science. Talk about them.

Use virtual labs together

If your child has a Virtual Laboratories account, ask them to show you an experiment they did in class. Explaining it to you helps them understand it better.

Praise effort, not just marks

"You kept trying until it worked" builds resilience. Science involves a lot of trial and error.

Talk to the teacher

Ask what topics are coming up and how you can help. Teachers appreciate engaged parents.

Encourage curiosity

When your child asks a question you cannot answer, look it up together, or test it.

Sign up free and explore a lab with your child.