Help your teen think like a scientist by:

  • Fostering curiosity. Ask her questions like, “Where do you think that came from?” “How do you think they built that?”

  • Fostering flexibility. Ask questions like, “What if you looked at that from another angle?” “What are some other ways that could work?”

  • Encouraging orderly thoughts. “You are so good at burning CDs. I’d love to learn. Can you explain it to me, step by step?”

  • Remembering consequences. It’s not just part of discipline that every action has a consequence. It’s also an important principle of science. Frequently ask your teen, “What would happen if...?”

  • Having her group items. Scientists use classification or grouping in many studies. “Can you suggest five perennials we could plant this year?”

  • Fostering determination. Scientists often fail hundreds of times for every one success. Notice and appreciate your teen every time she sticks to something, especially if it was something difficult.

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