Thomas Edison's father once said that he had "a question mark for a son." His remark suggests that every scientist has curiosity in abundance. Curiosity and inquisitiveness is the foundation for a scientific education. To nurture a spirit of curiosity in your child, try these approaches: Ask your child lots of "what happens if" questions. What happens if you put a plant in the closet? Can it grow without sunlight? What happens if you put a full glass of water on a sunny shelf for two weeks? Investigate how things work by taking them apart. Start with simple household objects such as a candle, flashlight or ballpoint pen. Continue with investigations of plants and foods. Take apart a leaf, looking at its veins, the stem and how it is attached to the plant. Why is an oak leaf different from a maple leaf? Why do their colors change in the fall?