[sil (Steve)]

I'd like to see physicists give their definition of "universe" before talking about it. Some talk about "everything", others talk in terms of a "region", or even an "observable region" that could be travelled to by a spaceship.

I don't like to see people dumbing down answers for children, they will absorb the information and in their minds become "truth". Give them as detailed and honest explanation as you can is my suggestion. Treat them like an adult and they learn to be adult about it all. If YOU don't know, tell them that, dont pretend you know everthing, they shouldnt treat ignorance as a negative, you might be able to encourage them to find the answer themselves or maybe the could grow to become the person who answers a question for all humanity. When you treat children as children they only learn to be a child, my experience is honesty and accuracy are key.

Of course be sensible about it, I'm not saying give them general relativity equations as answers, just give them as much detail as you can to try to answer the question. Doesnt have to be "fun" just dont be stupid about it. If they ask more questions then thats great, they're listening at least and somewhat interested hopefully. Bit by bit they'll learn and put together their own internal framework to make it fit and comprehendable to them. Test them on things too later on to help reinforce what they learnt or correct it if they misunderstood parts. It also helps their brains form the proper neural connections for good learning and comprehension even if the details get forgetten with time. Be helpful and interested in giving an answer so they pick up that the answer is important from your body language and attitude, that way I find they will pay more attention because you take it serious.