Historical Experiments and Discoveries
Studying historical experiments can be really inspiring for your fifth grader. Some of the experiments and discoveries are really amazing. Many times, observation and a curious mind is all that was needed for these scientists to make a name for themselves during their time and for the rest of time. This is the first thing your child can learn from these experiments – that a keen mind and good observation skills can get them a long way. Simply constantly asking questions and seeking the answers to those questions can lead them towards great discovery.
The second trait your child can learn from historical experiments is dedication. Being dedicated to a cause or what you love to do is one of the ways you can succeed in the world. Most of the historical scientists exhibited amazing dedication to their work and to finding the answers to their questions. Their reward was not just the answer, but a great answer which can sometimes lead to the help and betterment of society.
Third, your child is introduced to the value of hard work. Most of the historical scientific experiments and discoveries stemmed from hard work. Teaching your child early on that many of the things that are worthwhile come from having worked hard is a good lesson, and it can prepare them for higher level learning, and give them an understanding and respect for those who have worked hard to achieve what they have.
When studying the historical science experiments, your child not only learns the concepts behind the experiments and the story as to how discoveries were made, but they also learn about the traits that are needed to be a successful scientist. Usually these are the same traits they will have to learn in order to be a great success at anything. Discuss historical science experiments with your child and see how it makes a difference in their attitude towards science.
Astronomy
Astronomy is a science that studies all celestial bodies both inside and outside of the solar system. Because it has been studied for so many centuries, there are many stories of discoveries (both correct and incorrect) about the solar system and the stars that can be seen from earth. All of these stories can be jump off points that you and your child can study. Often, the story itself has either an explanation behind it or can explain a certain phenomenon in the sky. As you study the stories and go through the years of storytelling, you will see how society's thinking and how the science of astronomy has evolved through the centuries. The study of the stars has a long history, and most of the discoveries that involve astronomy don't just have fascinating stories, but are also in themselves really fascinating discoveries as well.
What's wonderful about astronomy (and most science) is that it is a science where constant learning takes place. To this day astronomers are making new discoveries about our solar system and what lies beyond it. This makes astronomy an exciting science because a new discovery can happen any minute. Understanding what is happening in the solar system and the universe can help us understand what is happening on earth. Such is the case with Eratosthenes.
Next Article: Eratosthenes' Measurement of the Earth
