We recommend activities that combine the scientific process with familiar, real-world materials. This helps children see science as integral to daily life, not as something outside themselves. Teachers often need help understanding how much science they do know from everyday experiences. We demonstrate that the materials for inquiry-based science can be familiar objects already found in the classroom and that trial and error are a critical part of science learning. Through parent workshops, we help parents realize that they know more science than they think they do.
Training enables parents to facilitate hands-on activities in the classroom as well as at home.
In one school where Playtime is Science was in operation, parent involvement tripled. Equity also means making information available to parents in their dominant language. By doing so, you are conveying the message that all parents can be involved in helping their children succeed. It is possible that some girls will need coaxing to participate in science activities. Teachers also need to be alert to harmful comments, which may come from both boys and girls, about girls and science.