We all want to know how to make science fun - that is, after all, why you landed on this article . . .

Hey, folks, it's Blaine Sassafras in the house! I gave Tracey the boot on this post because quite frankly, she's not the best at being "fun".

I, on the other hand, am the leading authority on that subject in the Sassafras Fam. So, I knew that you guys would want to hear tips on making science fun from me . . . the King of Fun!

Should Science Be Fun?

First, let's address the obvious question, should science be fun?

Yes, science should be fun and exciting!

You see if it's not, you will hear the facts and immediately forget them. Then, you fail the class and your parents will get really mad at you. They'll send you off to spend the summer your crazy uncle's house instead of where you really want to go.

And trust me, you won't be as lucky as I was. I can guarantee that your uncle is nothing like mine. Let's face it no-one in this universe is as eccentric as he is, I mean who keeps a prairie dog for a lab assistant, really? But I digress.

When science is fun and exciting, kids like me gobble it up. We not only learn the key facts, we also can't wait to explore the concepts even more.

Unfortunately for our parents, this may lead to a few disasters messes, but at least the science doesn't go in one ear and out the other :-)!

How to Make Science Fun

Now that we've got that out of the way, let's talk about how you can change science from the boring:

"Read the text . . . Listen to the teacher . . . Spit out the facts"

to:

"Woohoo it's time for science!"

Here are three ideas that have worked for me:

1. Real-Life Examples

There is no better way to learn science than to see it face-to-face.

Trust me, I have lived it.

I used to detest science and all things related to it, but when me and Trace (<-Oops should have said, "Tracey and I") started zipping all over the globe, seeing it right before our eyes, WOAH! I totally changed my mind on the subject.

When you understand how science looks in the real world, it suddenly becomes something exciting that you want to learn more about.

Now I realize that not everyone has access to invisible zip lines. Apparently, my uncle's patent is still pending, but you can take field trips or head outside to explore science face-to-face.

2. Hands-On Experiences

In my opinion, there is no better way to learn science than to do it.

Wait, I just said that about number 1.

Ok, so there is no better way to learn science than to do it or to see it firsthand in real life. Or to talk to experts, but I'm getting ahead of myself here.

Getting your hands dirty and trying things out for yourself is a great way to have fun while learning science. You can do this by testing the various ideas that pop in your head or by doing planned experiments from books.

Disclaimer from the adults: NEVER try any experiment or idea that pops into your head without adult supervision. ALWAYS make sure they are aware of your plan and are present to make sure your laboratory conditions are safe.

3. Talk To Experts

Experts are passionate about their field and that zeal for the subject is infectious. (Oh yeah! I did go there Trace. I used "zeal" and "infectious" in the same sentence - BooYah!!)

All joking aside, Tracey and I have gained a ton from the local experts we have encountered. They had such a love for the material they shared that we couldn't help but learn from them.

You could hop all over the globe looking for peeps who know their science, or you could just ask those around you. Sit at their feet and let them explain why they love science. I promise you will catch the bug too!

The Conclusion

Of course, sometimes you do still need to study the facts from books. I recommend using living books that will hold a student's interest, but encyclopedias and textbooks work too. After all, science doesn't have to be fun all of the time.

However, in my experience, when you make science fun most of the time, kids will want to learn more. Making this subject fun and exciting will make the "boring" facts seem not so horrible.

Pssst...Do you really want to make science fun for your students? Then, check out the Sassafras Science Adventures Series, which chronicles my journey from science-hater to science-lover!