At school children have the opportunity to explore a wide range of subjects, from art to computer science. The variety enables them to develop a range of skills, learn about themselves and what it is that they want to do. They’re also broadening their understanding of the world which can help them in navigating their way through it. STEM is a big part of the curriculum. It’s an acronym that stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. You may have also come across the term STEAM which is the new abbreviation that recognises art as a core subject. Whilst not an academic subject like the rest, art teaches the valuable skill of creative thinking which we rely on for other core thinking skills such as problem solving. It’s fundamental for the rest of school and real life.
Over the years many initiatives have been launched to help children into these fields, and especially girls as there’s a real gender divide. This is so that all children have the opportunity to explore STEM which offers a wide range of exciting career opportunities. A private school in Oxford shares ideas for exploring STEM with children below.
At Home Science Experiments
The cool thing about science is that it’s based upon fact. It encourages children to create their own theories which they can try and prove/disprove. There are a number of classic science experiments which can teach children about the world around them, and you can replicate them at home using everyday pantry items or science kits. As its hands on, those with a kinaesthetic learning style will benefit and they will be able to form a better understanding. Also, it shows children that science can be fun. It’s a part of the allure and can increase their motivation for the subject.
Real Life Maths Applications
A lot of what children are taught at school seems unnecessary and irrelevant. Maths serves a purpose in our everyday lives. We use it for everyday mundane tasks like paying for groceries at the supermarket and telling the time. Without it we’d be stuck, even with the technology available to us and you can show your child just how important mathematical ability is by highlighting its uses. You can also use them as home-schooling opportunities to help them perfect their mental maths skills and practise what they’ve been taught.
Gardening
If you’re not afraid of getting mucky, gardening is another STEM activity that you can do at home to explore STEM with your little ones. Science is the study of the physical and natural world which makes your garden the perfect place for it to be explored. You can look at plants and how they survive via photosynthesis and reproduce asexually or wildlife and the food chain. There are a vast number of subjects – each of them teaches your child a little more about the wider world and promotes a positive relationship with nature.
Visit a Museum
If you’re all out of ideas, why not look for a museum? They are bustling with inventions and cool discoveries which they can learn all about. They will see the subjects that they’ve learned about come to life and they will begin to appreciate the modern world so much more knowing the level of detail and research that goes behind the things that we own. If your child is interested in space, a planetarium is another place that you might want to drop by. Some display 3D and 4D shows which enable them to experience what it would be like out in space.
Thank you for reading – We hope that you enjoyed this post and that it offered some ideas!
