PW invited parents from JBCN International School, Mumbai (Mulund, Oshiwara, Chembur and Borivali) to share how they help nurture the scientific temperament of their children.

“Since childhood, we have instilled scientific temper in our daughter Kimaya (class VI) through travel, reading, music, and independent learning. Globetrotting wasn’t just about sightseeing but also about navigating real-world challenges. From handling immigration and check-ins to navigating us as parents in new cities, she learned to analyze situations and problem-solve at an early age. Calculating time zones has been her all-time favourite game. Books are another pillar, shaping her ability to question, reason, and explore beyond the obvious while music has taught her to recognise patterns and develop emotional intelligence. Above all, we encourage her to think independently” — Brinda Kunal Kathrani, Early Years Educator

“Fostering a scientific mindset in children is essential for navigating life. Science isn’t just about textbooks but also about thinking, questioning, and problem-solving. With my daughter Kiana (class III), we apply design thinking principles, encouraging her to ask “why” and “how” rather than accept easy answers. Our discussions often revolve around sports — horseback riding and cricket – when we analyse how a batsman’s stance affects his shot or how a rider’s posture impacts the horse’s balance. Instead of explaining, we hypothesise, test, and refine, mirroring real-world situations. By nurturing curiosity, structured thinking, and resilience to failure, we are attempting to equip our children to approach life like scientists. By questioning, experimenting, and continuously learning” — Akansha Grover, Business Development Head

“When our children — Ibrahim (class III), Isa (class III) and Ileknur (class I) — were growing up, something that used to annoy us the most was when they kept asking… Why? We did not realise we were raising curious inquirers. Since then we have always tried to help them with answers through evidence-based reasoning. We encourage them to develop critical thinking and logical reasoning by accessing reliable information. Above all, we believe in allowing children to make a mess! Hands-on activities, experiments and messy play often help to answer questions that books cannot. We also encourage them to read a lot and, most importantly, travel because we believe the best learning are within the pages of one’s passport” — Dr. ShaistKazi, Dermatologist

“We believe science is not just a subject to be studied but a way of thinking. From early age, we never considered our son Kabir (class V) too young for logical, scientific explanations to his many questions. We emphasize learning through research — from books, the internet, or documentaries — also from spending time outdoors, learning from real-world experiences. This approach has helped him understand the world through evidence and logic, developing critical thinking skills. We believe that integrating science into everyday life and conversations is essential for developing scientific acumen in children” — Dipti Humraskar, Wildlife Biologist and Conservation Practitioner