It's tempting to try to teach our children just a little about many different subjects. But the best way to help them learn to think scientifically is to introduce them to just a few topics in depth. 

Find the right activity for your child. Different children have different interests and need different science projects. A sand and rock collection that was a big hit with an 8-year-old daughter may not be a big hit with a 6-year-old son. 

Fortunately, all types of children can find plenty of projects that are fun. If your child loves to cook, let him or her observe how sugar melts into caramel syrup or how vinegar curdles milk. Knowing our children is the best way to find suitable activities. Here are some tips: 

• Encourage activities that are neither too hard nor too easy. If in doubt, err on the easy side since something too difficult may give the idea that science itself is too hard. 
• Age suggestions on book jackets or toy containers are just that-- suggestions. They may not reflect the interest or ability of your child. A child who is interested in a subject can often handle material for a higher age group, while a child who isn't interested in or hasn't been exposed to the subject may need to start with something for a younger age group. 
• Consider a child's personality and social habits. Some projects are best done alone, others in a group; some require help, others require little or no supervision. Solitary activities may bore some, while group projects may frighten others. 
• Select activities appropriate for the child's environment. A brightly lighted city isn't the best place for star-gazing, for example. 

Allow your children to help select the activities. If you don't know whether Sarah would rather collect shells or plant daffodils, ask her. When she picks something she wants to do, she'll learn more and have a better time doing it.