How can I help my seven-year-old son to become a scientist?

China
July 15, 2008 4:47am CST
A big problem,isn't it? My son is going to be seven and he has just finished his first school year. Now he is enjoying his summer vacation and expecting the Olympic games that will start on Auguest 8th. One day when I asked what he wants to be when he's grown up, he answered "A scientist". A big dream, uh? I am just a teacher of English and teacher trainer. How can I help him to realize his big dream?
1 person likes this
4 responses
@bowtieguy (5915)
• United States
15 Jul 08
First you have to let him try some science classes and see if he is any good at them. These are thing you will not find out about till at least middle school. By then he might trie of the idea and move on to something else, who knows. My son has always been interested in science, it is his best subject and he is always entering contest and is part of the club at school. I don't know if he will continue this into college or what he will do with it but I think he has a good shot at it and so dose your son if he works at it.
@alpha7 (1910)
• France
15 Jul 08
Rather than helping him become what you want him to become, why not take your time to know what he's good at doing.Remember, the gift of a man will make room for him. May be he is a Zedane to be or a Gorge Bush to be;but if you change his gifts or develop other areas,you might be changing his destiny.
@alori61 (344)
• United States
29 Jul 08
My daughter was asking for chemistry sets, butterfly nets, ant farms, telescopes, and microscopes for her sixth birthday (no joke that was her birthday list) she wanted to be a scientist no matter what. As much as I could I encouraged her intrest by getting the ant farms, crystal growing kits, chemistry sets (age appropriate of course) went to museums, watched discovery channel what ever. She is now 20 years old, a year ahead of schedule on her way to med school. Her goal is to be a pediatric onocologist, with an emphasis in research so she can find a cure for pediatric cancer. Kids that age generally change their minds a hundred times before deciding what they want to do some though with the proper encouragement make those early dreams come true. Scientist is a broad topic, encourage all forms of science make it fun and allow him to decide which way he wants to go.
@steney (1418)
• Philippines
15 Jul 08
I think the best that you can do is to support his dream and encourage him to do things that are related or geared towards that dream. You can buy him Science books and let him join Science clubs, to name a few. He is still young and he still has a lot of time to dream more goals and change them if he wants to. Don't worry, because in time, everything will just fall into place. Just let him enjoy his childhood for the time being. :)
@dianagnes (1088)
• Singapore
16 Jul 08
Since your son have the interest to be a scientist.Its easy for him to have interest in science.You could help him by getting him some science experiments kits for him to try out himself at home.Before he get deeper in science,he may know some basics.By that,he may explore himself something new and makes his mind works.=) Hope your son could realize his dream.