How mud pies, pet snails & Carrots help fight climate change.

As parents it is not easy to say yes to our kids when they ask if they can do some “experiments”.  I know mums and dads that just cringe at the thought of science, curl their toes up at the prospect of messy play and would rather eat snails than have them as pets. I, as a scientist tend to see things a little differently.

Whatever pans out in the climate change arena over the next twenty years one thing is for sure. With world population rates still rising, traditional fuel supplies running down and rising living standards in emerging economies I believe that only Science can save us (well, just maybe!).

The problem with Science is that it has had a reputation of being too hard, too theory based and not fun enough. Kids play time has become more stage managed and their natural desire to get stuck in and explore has been curtailed in favor of more predictable pastimes.   When given the chance though, our little people show amazing powers of logical thought, observation and open mindedness. These skills and this enthusiasm can be easily and cheaply harnessed in a few easy steps.

Let the kids make mud pies and talk to them about what they feel, smell and see.

Collect those snails and watch them as they slither around the container.

Grow and eat your carrots.

Talk about the world around us.  Play time is magical for children, letting them develop their rational thinking skills while learning about the world around us makes sense to me.