Idit Adler & Christopher Karam
Original article: Djaji Mahsheye, Moghrabeye, and Labaneh: Making science relevant
Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 61(1), 103-136 (2024), https://doi.org/10.1002/tea.21866

Home Experiments with Families Can Make Science Relevant

Students often see school science as abstract and disconnected from their daily lives. But new research shows that inviting families into the learning process through simple home experiments can help students see science as more meaningful - and more their own.

That’s the key finding from a study by researchers at Tel Aviv University, who developed a program called Together with Science. The program used video blogs (Vlogs) to guide middle school students and their families through simple home-based experiments, like turning cream into butter or making “colorful rain”. These activities were designed to spark discussions about the science behind familiar everyday phenomena, helping students connect science to their lived experiences.

The researchers analyzed dozens of audio and video recordings from 72 students and their families. They found that these shared activities led to rich conversations about food, traditions, and culture, what the researchers call funds of knowledge. Many discussions began as one-sided (with either parents or students doing most of the talking), but over time, they became more balanced, as both students and family members were able to relate everyday experiences to scientific ideas.

The results suggest that family members can help students see the relevance of science in their lives and foster deeper engagement with science learning.

How can this study support science teaching?

• Home life is a resource, not a barrier. Students’ family routines, traditions, and experiences can be powerful tools for making science meaningful. Celebrate this diversity and let students' stories fuel science learning.
• Family engagement doesn’t require complexity. Short, guided experiments with open-ended prompts can create space for discussions.
• Simple shifts can make a big difference. Positioning families as co-learners helps students see science as something they do, not just something they’re , boosting their engagement in science learning. 

By recognizing the value of everyday experiences and family engagement, teachers can help students feel that science isn’t confined to the classroom - but is all around them.