5 Science Lessons that Kids Can Learn from Stories

Some people think science is a boring subject, although this is far from the truth! Science offers us many ways to better understand our world and the important discoveries that have shaped the lives of human beings over thousands of years.

For children, science may seem difficult – especially the way it’s taught in a school setting. However, beyond complicated concepts and theories, science allows children to learn and try many new things for themselves, whether through DIY experiments or visits to science museums. One of the best ways to teach kids about the wonders of science (and make it more fun for them) is through storytelling, as fictional tales are often the perfect approach to teaching children.

According to a study by the University of Bath, storytelling is one of the best ways to boost children’s knowledge, especially in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths education (STEM). Stories can break down complicated topics and improve a child’s understanding and interest. As a parent, you may want to introduce scientific ideas to your child but lack the confidence to discuss them in depth. If you are interested in introducing your children to the field of STEM, here are some topics they can learn from simple, educational stories:

Space and Black Holes

Space is vast and is often studied for the many mysteries it holds. Our story A Black Hole Isn't Black helps children explore this fascination by putting them in the shoes of an inquisitive boy who is curious about space. This story is inspired by physicist Stephen Hawking, a theoretical physicist and cosmologist. He has contributed immensely to our understanding of the universe in his work A Brief History of Time, which – when read alongside fellow physicist Roger Penrose’s The Road to Reality – gives us a better sense of the cosmos. These pioneers have helped lay the foundation for understanding black holes and letting this topic grow well-documented and better researched in recent years.

‍Mathematics

For many children, mathematics is a dreaded subject. But for a girl named Ada found in our story Ada, the Queen of Numbers, math is an enjoyable subject, where ‘tunes’ are developed based on different calculations and number combinations. Our story is based on the real-life story of Augusta Ada King — the ‘Enchantress of Numbers’ — who used her mathematical prowess to develop different formulas and technologies. She is often described as one of the first programmers, as she published a computer algorithm for a calculating machine. Her story can serve to inspire children, especially girls, to break the usual norms and discover life-changing inventions.

‍Radio Communications

Beyond her work as an actress, Hedy Lamarr was also a gifted inventor. Our story Not Just Another Pretty Hollywood Face reveals how she was able to create inventions that were used in wars, despite her luxurious life. For parents looking for another rendition of the actress’s life, you can opt to read The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict, which serves as an inspiration for aspiring scientists – showing how an inventor can come from practically anywhere.

Penicillin and Medicine

The developments in medicine have come a long way in improving health recovery and lengthening our lifespans. Since medicine plays a huge part in our lives, it is good to know the history and how it was discovered and made. Our story The Man Behind the Messy Mold shares the experience of real-life scientist, Sir Alexander Fleming – how he discovered penicillin completely by accident, and how his experiments led to the development of life-saving medicine. This highlights the importance of research, which serves as an important foundation of science.

Explosives

Do you know the difference between TNT and dynamite? Our tale Dynamite and TNT Have a Disagreement is a great way to learn about the unique properties of the two that serve different purposes. Dynamite is highly explosive but powerful, while TNT is more stable but also more poisonous to the environment. This adds a bonus insight for children to understand that even if two things are similar, they can be unique and important in their own ways.

Science is a fascinating subject, and these stories can serve as a great inspiration for children. If you want to read more stories that teach children important values, our post 10 Lessons From Aesop's Fables That Are Even More Relevant Today Than Ever Before shares timeless stories which can impart wise lessons to your little ones.

Article exclusively written for Readmio By Renee Juno.