Science surrounds us every day, shaping the world we live in and providing answers to nature’s mysteries. As a librarian, I love bridging the gap between scientific concepts and students’ daily lives. By connecting science to their world, you can ignite curiosity, inspire a love of learning, and empower students to become scientific thinkers.

Relate Science to Real-World Experiences

Science may seem abstract and distant to some students, but by demonstrating how it relates to their real-world experiences, you can make it more accessible and engaging. Start by asking questions like “How does science impact your morning routine?” or “What scientific principles are at play when you cook?”. Encourage students to identify scientific phenomena in their surroundings, fostering a sense of curiosity and appreciation for the world around them. Doing this brings science to life in their everyday lives.

Highlight Science’s Practical Applications

Showcase how scientific discoveries have revolutionized industries, improved healthcare, and transformed technology. Discuss the impact of inventions like smartphones, renewable energy sources, or medical advancements. By connecting scientific concepts to tangible outcomes, students will recognize the importance of basic knowledge and its potential to shape their future.

Conduct Real-World Experiments

Bring the scientific method to life by conducting experiments that mimic real-world scenarios. Choose experiments that align with students’ daily experiences. For example, testing the effect of different factors on plant growth, exploring the properties of common household materials, or investigating buoyancy principles using everyday objects. Hands-on experiments provide a tangible connection between scientific concepts and the world students interact with daily.

Introduce Students to Citizen Science

Introduce students to citizen science, where individuals contribute to scientific research by collecting data or participating in projects. Explore platforms that allow students to engage in real scientific research. This includes monitoring local wildlife populations, tracking weather patterns, or taking part in global environmental initiatives. By actively participating in research endeavors, students can understand science’s impact on a global scale.

Highlight Diverse STEM Careers

Highlight the diverse range of careers available in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Invite guest speakers from various scientific disciplines to share their experiences and career journeys. Organize field trips to research facilities, laboratories, or industries to expose students to the real-world applications of scientific knowledge. By showcasing STEM careers, students can envision themselves as future scientists and innovators. I have this as a bulletin board outside the library. This is so everyone who walks by can see and learn about the different STEM careers they can enter.

Display Scientific Periodicals, Books, and Resources

As a librarian, you curate a collection of books, magazines, websites, and online resources that explore the science behind everyday phenomena. Display these resources prominently and create reading lists that highlight the connection between science and daily life. Engage with students individually, recommending books and resources based on their interests, fostering a love of reading and scientific exploration.

Every day science is all around us, waiting to be discovered and understood. By connecting science to students’ worlds, we can transform their perception of science from a distant subject to a practical, relevant, and exciting discipline. As a librarian, you have the power to spark curiosity, inspire scientific thinking, and cultivate a generation of scientifically literate individuals who can make informed decisions and contribute to our world.