The great outdoors is the ideal laboratory for young scientists to explore the world around them, and the summer months offer children more free time to do so. For parents who want to keep learning at the top of their child's summer "to do" list, the editors of Scholastic's Super Science magazine have put together a wonderful line-up of educational science activities and "backyard" experiments kids can do in or outdoors.
 

Here are 5 Summer Fun Science Activities You and Your Kids will Love!

1) Take A Hike:
A family field trip or tour of local or national parks brings nature up close. Kids love learning how to read maps, use a compass and discover trail markers along a walk in the woods. Take pictures with a disposable camera to preserve new discoveries that can be turned into a child's personal photo journal.

2)  The Sky's The Limit:
Discovering astronomy is magical for kids and the stars during summer reveal some of the most dramatic constellations. Take children on an evening star watch and try to locate the Big Dipper or Milky Way. Set your child's sights on whatever interests them about stars or planets and help them learn more by researching on the Internet, taking out books from the local library or visiting a museum or planetarium.

3)  Chart Your Own Course:
Whether summer vacation is at home or on the road, kids are fascinated by the intricate details of maps. Now they can help can learn to read maps and chart their own course about town. Road maps are available at most gas stations.

4)  Cool Tools/Fun Activities:
Help your child make scientific discoveries like an expert with the right tools: a magnifying glass, microscope, a telescope -- for star gazing -- plastic bags or jars for collecting things, a compass and scale.

5) Read For Fun:
Summer is a great time for kids to immerse themselves in leisure reading. Start a home library of science-related books, such as The Magic School Bus(R): On The Ocean Floor and the National Audubon Society First Field Guide series as well as science-inspired videos and music.

Check out the SuperScience web site,  for fun summer science activities including how to make a grapefruit Bug "Magnet" -- to attract insects; a Solar Energy Cooker -- to test the sun's rays using yummy chocolate and graham crackers and a Gourmet Outdoor Bird Feeder -- made from peanut butter and birdseed. Remind children to be gentle when observing living things and to always return the specimens to the location where they were found.