* Seek achievement opportunities. Introducing children to engaging events like the
annual Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge may spark their sense of
competition and passion for STEM. The annual contest, which is accepting submis-
sions until April 19, invites innovators in grades five through eight to develop one- to
two-minute videos describing their ideas for creative solutions to tackle everyday prob-
lems. The top 10 finalists receive a summer mentorship with a 3M scientist, and the
winner will receive $25,000. Last year's winner, Gitanjali Rao, developed a device that
measures lead levels in drinking water, inspired by the recent water crisis in Flint,
Michigan.
* Keep participating. Reducing involvement in your child's daily academics once he
or she enters middle school may backfire. One study shows middle schoolers maintain
a more positive attitude toward science when their parents continue to display interest.
The Rao family, for example, frequently visits museums and holds game nights focus-
ing on problem solving. "We encourage our children to communicate their ideas clearly
and concisely and understand real-world issues," notes Bharathi Rao, Gitanjali's moth-
er. "We hope we can instill the value of compassion while helping them understand
they have the power to create change."
