(NC) Science can be a love it or hate it subject in school – but it remains core to just about everything in our lives. Whether you have a budding rocket scientist or future plant biologist, you’re hoping to help your child become more well rounded or you’re just looking for some cool facts to keep them engaged, here are some great ways to light a scientific spark.

Open the test kitchen
Cooking and baking are all about chemical reactions. What better way to introduce your child to the world of science than by baking a batch of melt-in-your-mouth chocolate chip cookies or a fragrant fruit crisp? They’ll love the sweet treat and be fascinated when learning how it all comes together.

Grow something good
The journey of planting a seed and watching it grow seems truly magical. And it’s completely explainable. Whether you have a big backyard garden or one sunny windowsill, take time to share the joy and learning opportunity offered by simple plants. Try green beans to grow and eat, trendy spider plants, geraniums and sunflowers, or tulips whose bulbs you bury and then watch for in the spring.

Explore their future
Showing the real-world impact of grown-up scientists can also inspire a childhood interest. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has great online resources as part of their Fields of Science program. You can check out their engaging profiles, videos and articles about real Canadian agricultural scientists and learn why they chose this industry, the biggest challenges in their careers and what they like most about their jobs.

Whatever you do to help your child discover science, be sure to foster a scientific mindset of asking questions and looking for answers. Find more information at agriculture.canada.ca/fields-science.