There’s no doubt that a focus on STEM education is vital for the future and young minds of today. Apart from the conventional benefits offered by STEM education, being curious, innovative and utilizing critical thinking is important too. STEM is not just an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics but an education method that integrates all these subjects. STEM encourages kids to experiment, make mistakes and learn from own experiences to reach correct outcomes, rather than relying on what the textbook says.
Critical thinking, logical analysis, inquiry and project-based learning are the keystones in STEM education. It boosts the curiosity in the kids, making learning process fun, relevant and everlasting.
Here’s 3 ways you can raise your children to love STEM:
Start them young : You have to find fun ways to inculcate STEM concepts into their lifestyle or daily routine. For example, you can prepare an activity that takes a STEM-based activity and use it as a theme for your child’s birthday party. One excellent example of this was getting children to find dinosaur bones at a party complete with their own paleontology kit and all. Simple chemistry experiments are wonderful too.
Make it a Family Affair : There are times when children have to work on scientific projects for school – let’s say, for a science fair. Spend time with your children brainstorming ideas for these projects without it being too expensive. Of course, ensure that he or she does all the work but be there to support them when they truly need it. In the end, winning a competition isn’t everything – they should have fun working on such projects as a result.
Work on Simple STEM Project For Fun : It doesn’t matter how silly the project might seem. Work on it with your children even if it won’t bring recognition, acclaim or prizes for the idea. Not will they learn something new such as soldering and mechanical skills, they will also be able to have a few laughs (given how silly the project might be!). Best part: they will also get a chance to give thought to how they can apply simple electronics in different ways.