STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. These four subjects are an important part of your child’s education because they help to build up a strong foundation of life skills, such as problem solving, teamwork and critical thinking.
STEM subjects are also important for our young generation because the future of key industries demands it. Most jobs of the future will require graduates with STEM-based qualifications.
There’s no better time to start exploring STEM subjects than as a child. Most schools integrate STEM subjects into their curriculum, in order to help young people develop an interest in these areas at an early age. Parents can help to develop this interest further at home with many fun and interactive activities.
Here are a few examples provided by Mill Hill School of how you can explore STEM subjects with your child at home…
Cooking
Cooking is a great way to develop your child’s reading, writing and math skills. Ask your child to read a recipe, write a shopping list and then help you cook a family meal.
They will also be able to practice their maths skills when they are measuring out the ingredients.
Games
Board games are another fun way to learn. Board games will often get kids doing maths without even realising it. For example, Snakes and Ladders and Monopoly are both great board games, which will help your child to practice various maths skills.
Water
There are lots of lessons to learn through water play and this is a great learning method for younger children. You can experiment with different materials and see which ones sink and which ones float, or what happens to certain materials then they are added to water.
Science experiments
Kids are naturally curious and love to experiment, ask questions, and see how things work. Help to stimulate your child’s curiosity by setting up some safe science experiments at home. Don’t worry you don’t need any fancy chemicals or test tubes; you can set up a fun science experiment in minutes, using simple items you have in your kitchen cupboards.
Outdoor Learning
Children learn best when they are able to use all of their senses, so getting outdoors is a great way to teach children about STEM subjects. Exploring nature can provide many fun learning opportunities, so try to encourage your child to observe their surroundings, weather and wildlife.
If you would like more information about STEM subjects and how you can help your child to study them at home, you can speak to your child’s school or explore the many great resources online.