According to the Department of Education and researchers at Miami University in Ohio, girls seem to lose interest in science once they get to the fourth grade level. While researchers are unsure of what causes the lack of interest, there are ways to make science more fun for all grade levels, especially those in the early elementary years.



While teachers can show the reason why science exists to explain questions about the world, it is up to the parents to increase exposure to new and exciting activities to do at home, or encourage trips to local "hands-on" museums. With the use of science experiments that explain how things work in our daily life, children begin to see science as interesting, as opposed to a boring subject in school.

To battle this trend, NASA has gotten into the act. Women astronauts and flight command personnel are making great strides into the fields of aeronautics and space travel. It's no longer just a man's field. Like women firefighters and police personnel, girls and women are entering fields of scientific research and development in formerly all male oriented areas such as medicine and science related research. One of the most famous women in recent times who have served as a positive role model for young women is astronaut Sally Ride.

Television programs like Discovery and NASA encourage girls and women to explore areas in science and technology. NASA recently launched a school program called Explorer Schools, which focuses on young women with school curriculum in science and space topics from the 4th through 9th grade levels.

Science is not longer just a 'guy's domain'- science is for girls, too.

It is especially advantageous for parents to plan fun summer projects for girls as well as boys, so that their interest is ongoing and does not begin to lack, as research has shown in the past. Science for children can be fun, simple and interactive so that it is something kids can look forward to.

Elementary aged school children need to be encouraged to touch, read and explore every aspect of science. The science field does not mean merely playing with beakers and test tubes, but can mean space flight and exploration. Engaging children, girls especially, in experiments that explore the cosmos, will appeal to all age groups and preferences.

Science can be fun at any age as long as it stays interesting. Boys and girls go through learning school subjects with different attitudes and perceptions on the topic, so it is always important to make sure that everyone is included in the fun! Taking kids to science centers can be a great way to get out of the house during summer break, and to encourage continued learning even when they are out of school.

If possible, take your kids to science museums or suggest some movies about astronauts or scientific research that will engage their minds toward realizing that science doesn't have to be boring. After all, you don't have to be a nerd to get a kick out of science.