We’ve just completed Science Week at Glasshouse Christian College and it had me thinking about the benefits of studying Science for those who may not be scientifically minded. Science is often seen as a challenging senior subject but the benefits of studying science go well beyond finding a career in the industry.
The most amazing thing about studying science is that it can reward our curiosity and increase it at the same time.
It can be exhausting for parents to have curious children asking questions like: “Why is the sky blue?” “Why do I have to eat my vegetables?” “Why do I have two eyes if I only see one thing?” “Why is the moon called the moon?” “Why don’t crabs have eyebrows?” and “Why don’t spiders get stuck in their own webs?”
Teachers love having curious students because they know they are keen to learn but the benefits of being curious go well beyond intellectual development. Here are just five of them:
1. Curiosity inspires us. When our Preps were watching the Senior Students make ‘elephant toothpaste’ during science week, they were in awe, wondering how it was done and what made it work. It sparked their brains’ curiosity and imagination. Some were wondering what ingredients were used and if they could do it at home and in others it may have inspired stories of elephants crowding in the bathroom cleaning their teeth in the morning.
2. Curious people are happier. Scientific studies have shown that curious people have higher positive emotions and greater psychological well-being while experiencing less anxiety. Learning new things actually releases dopamine in the brain and helps us feel good.
3. Curiosity boosts academic performance. Curious students want to learn and apply themselves for the sake of learning rather than passing a test or finishing an assignment. The result is more dedicated learners who do better at school.
4. Curiosity makes us life-long learners. Gone are the days when you had one job for your whole life and that job stayed the same. In this ever-changing world of ours, embracing curiosity and becoming a life-long learner provides vital skills for us to adjust to new technologies and challenges.
5. Curiosity helps our relationships. When we are curious about other people and try and understand their challenges, it gives us a new appreciation of who they are and why they do things a certain way. Curiosity leads to understanding which increases our empathy and informs us on how we should treat others in a loving and respectful manner.
So the next time your child asks, “Why is the sky blue?”, look up the answer together and encourage them to study Science at Glasshouse Christian College.
Mike Curtis, Principal