Learning Is A Lay-Up

For many parents these days, helping with homework means sending the kids to their rooms to do it, or asking if it's been done before they head outside to play. Phillips Petroleum Geochemist Ben Powell encourages parents to take a more active role in their child's school work.

Powell's own father encouraged his interest in science by helping the young boy build a rock and fossil collection. Today, Powell studies minerals and rock formations in his everyday work "There's a subtle but profound influence a parent or role model can have in stimulating a child's interests," says Powell.

"A lot of parents are willing to coach their children in sports," he continues. "Kids often need that same kind of coaching with their school work, too." David Brink, a physics teacher with Borger (Texas) High School, agrees but notes that some parents may be intimidated by the subjects their children are studying - particularly in the areas of math and science. "But you don't have to be an Einstein to help - any more than you have to be a Michael Jordan to shoot hoops with them," Brink says.

"Sit down with your kids, and ask them to explain what they are doing. If they are having trouble, talk it through with them," Brink says. "We learn by repetition - the more times we do things, the more we learn, and the easier it becomes. The parent doesn't need a great knowledge of the subject matter to help."

In addition to homework, parents can help children expand their desire to learn by discussing everyday activities, such as:

Monitor and record statistics at the next ball game you see - make a game of it. Total the number of turnovers, time outs and scores. Which players contributed the most to the game?

Take a nature walk with younger kids, encouraging them to notice different kinds of plants or wildlife.

Observe weather conditions and discuss different types of storms. For instance, what causes hail? It doesn't matter if you don't already know the answer - learn it together!

"It's not enough to just buy them a chemistry set," Powell says. "You've got to get in there and do it! It's always much more fun to play with that stuff if a role model does it with you."

"Besides," Powell continues, "you might have fun too!"