The Importance of STEM Learning
STEM learning focuses on science, technology, engineering and math to build children’s critical thinking skills and sense of curiosity. This field of education presents real-world scenarios that kids solve with a hands-on approach.
With the world becoming an increasingly complex place, it’s important for children to grasp STEM concepts to prepare themselves to participate in the future workforce and to understand how technology works. Beyond the practical applications, it’s just plain fun!
From rainbow-colored sugar water density science experiments to the stomp rocket that comes with the Little Passports Science Expeditions Aerodynamics themed month, kids will love discovering the world of STEM.
How Kids Use STEM Learning Every Day
STEM learning provides many benefits for kids that they use every day. They learn how to apply their knowledge to solve problems that occur in their lives, like fixing a broken toy or figuring out how to build a perfect LEGO castle. They also learn about their environment, from pets at home to the plants in their backyard. An open-ended, curious approach encourages kids to think outside the box and collaborate to work toward a solution.
Developing critical thinking skills is an important part of growing up. Kids must learn how to evaluate information and figure out how to use it. STEM learning helps children to get better at using the technology that powers the world, which is particularly useful for preparing them for their adult lives.
How To Get Your Child Interested in STEM Concepts
Tie STEM concepts into fun activities that engage your kids. You don’t want them to feel like they’re sitting through a boring lesson in class. Baking is a great way to work on math skills (try this amazing chocoflan recipe!), as the success or failure of a recipe is often dependent on following exact ratios and measurements. Several video games, such as Minecraft, provide open-ended environments that give kids room to explore engineering and programming skills. An educational subscription box like Science Expeditions is a convenient option because it offers a variety of STEM toys and games. Your kids always have something new to engage their inner curiosity.
Encourage your children to follow their favorite interests and maintain the curiosity that is so essential to science experimentation. For example, if your kid loves animals, take a trip to a nature center or a zoo to discover the entire ecosystem and how everything interconnects. You can also visit science centers, museums and other attractions that have hands-on exhibits.
Don’t let your kids grow up thinking that STEM learning means boring textbook reading. Instead, get them excited about STEM through fun educational opportunities and hands-on activities!