By the time students are entering grade 7, they should already have a foundational knowledge in science. A lot of younger kids struggle with it, however, and they need your help as a parent to fully grasp the subject. Besides giving them your time, you might find that some of the best ways you can help them understand science is letting them experiment firsthand. Here are some ways you can help prepare younger children now so that they will be ready when it comes time to take biology, chemistry, and physics courses.

1. Encourage Observation

Wherever you go, encourage your kids to point out their observations of the world around them. When they ask where rain comes from or they express interest in anything in nature, encourage those ideas. Science is everywhere, and they can learn a lot with just their eyes.

2. Don’t Scold Curiosity

Answer the questions they have. It may seem like nothing, but the more they learn from you, the more they will learn it’s okay to continue asking questions to learn. The best scientists began their careers with curiosity.

3. Show, Don’t Tell

If they are struggling with a certain question on their homework, try to show them how it works instead of telling them how it works. They’ll learn a lot more from seeing it firsthand than they will with you trying to explain it.

4. Equip Them with Tools

Along with encouraging observation, make sure your kids have the tools they need to practice science. A basic science kit should do the trick. They’ll be able to embrace science as a fun part of life rather than as a difficult homework assignment.

5. Find Teaching Moments

Look for opportunities to teach your kids from your daily activities. When you’re cooking, explain what happens when you boil water, and when you’re cleaning, explain how the vinegar in cleaning agents reacts with hard water.

6. Experiment

Pull out their handy science kit and show them how fun science can be with hands-on experiments. You can find plenty of ideas on websites like Pinterest and mommy blogs.

7. Listen, Don’t Talk

If your kids are struggling with science homework, what they really need is for you to listen to their concerns. Don’t interrupt with solutions too early. It will discourage them from getting the help they really need.

8. Go Back to the Basics

Sometimes the problems kids have with science comes from a misunderstanding of the basics. If you suspect that that might be the problem, consider walking them through the basics of science to help them understand the more complicated parts.

Science can be a tricky subject, even for adults. The key to teaching your kids to learn about science is discovering the right way to approach it.