Expressing interest in the subject yourself can help motivate your child. Ask him what he is studying in biology class. Sit down and look through the textbook with him and ask questions about the material you see. Ask him what he finds interesting in the lesson and if he understands all of the material. Ask questions you don’t know the answer to and find the answers together if your child can’t provide the answer.
As the study of living things, biology covers plants, animals, humans and how living things interact in the environment. With such diversity, you have many opportunities to demonstrate the relevance of the information presented in the classroom. Point out the relevance of the information she learns in class. For example, enlist her help to plant a garden or to determine the best diet for a pet.
Give your child reasons to seek out new biology information he can apply by making it fun. Provide enjoyable opportunities to pursue information that complements what your child learns in the classroom. Experience science experiments you and your child can do together at home. Take field trips to the zoo, natural science museum, botanical gardens and wildlife preserves where you can explore ways to apply the information. Incorporate biology information into a trivia game or other knowledge-based game.
If your child shows an interest in some area of biology, explore the many careers she could choose. For example, if she really enjoys learning about animals, she could study veterinary medicine, work on a wildlife preserve or use the information to train and care for animals. Look for an adult in that field who could answer questions and mentor her. Encourage her to take advantage of volunteer opportunities to learn more about her field of interest.
Provide opportunities for your child to do some hands-on learning can stimulate interest in biology. Support a science fair project or science competition where your child can use the information to earn scholarships and prizes. Purchase the materials he needs for the science project and be his best cheerleader. Listen to him as he brainstorms ideas for the project or applies critical thinking skills to the project. Express your belief in him and his ability to succeed.