We all know how important math and science are. Without math, we wouldn’t be able to budget our money or figure out if we’re getting a good deal at the grocery store. Without science, we wouldn’t understand how or why to take care of our health or why climate change is such a concern.
These subjects are fundamental to everyday life.
This is why so many educators are adamant children get a regular dose of S.T.E.M. activities in Atlanta. These are activities which teach them about science, technology, engineering, and math.
How can you make sure your child is getting plenty of exposure to these subjects?
5 Ways to Ensure Your Kids Are Getting Regular Doses of S.T.E.M. Activities
Here are just five ways to teach kids S.T.E.M. subjects in a way which is engaging, fun, and entertaining.
1. Take the Time to Learn about S.T.E.M Topics Yourself
Kids often learn best by example, and mom and dad are the first people kids look up to and try to emulate. If you don’t show any interest in science, math, technology, or engineering – it’s almost impossible to expect your child will be automatically interested in these things.
Granted, there are some children which have a natural inclination toward these things, but oftentimes, if the parents aren’t interested the kids aren’t interested.
What should you do if you aren’t drawn toward S.T.E.M. subjects yourself? Find fun ways to learn about them.
For example, maybe you don’t like biology. Does this mean you should be closed off toward all the sciences?
Absolutely not! With some exploration, you might find you enjoy astronomy, physics, or chemistry instead.
Find out what you like and then enjoy some time spent learning together with your child.
2. Get Your Kids Involved with Hands-On Experiences
Lecturing your kids on S.T.E.M. subjects is not always the best way to teach them about these topics. This is especially true if your children find these subjects somewhat dry to begin with.
Instead, try some hands-on experiences to engage your kids physically as well as mentally. Go out into nature to study animals, plants, and insects.
Or, you might try one of our programs at Bricks4Kidz. Children who play with LEGOs are able to have fun and enjoy the creative process, all while utilizing skills in math, engineering, and even modern technology.
3. Check out What Local Museums Have to Offer
Local museums always have a lot to offer. You and your family can learn about the history of your area, as well as about regional art and culture. Some museums even offer a glimpse into science and engineering.
By visiting museums, your kids will see how those before them were able to use S.T.E.M. subjects to build homes or entire cities. They’ll see how old-fashioned bridges, planes, and trains helped people in the past – and how they led to the fantastic modern ones we enjoy today.
4. Take Advantage of Learning Programs on Television
PBS and quite a few children’s television channels have some fantastic shows which can teach kids about S.T.E.M. topics.
These shows teach them all about the animal kingdom, flowers, food/nutrition, and so much more. Some of them even show kids how to do fun science experiments at home with their parents.
While spending time out in nature or in an engaging learning environment are the best ways to learn, we do recognize these shows can have a huge impact on what kids learn and remember.
5. Try Some of the Latest Learning Podcasts Especially for Kids
Podcasts are super popular right now, so much so they’re not just for adults any longer. We’ve come across some amazing podcasts which are just for kids which make learning really fun.
Some of the podcasters tell short mystery stories, which helps to exercise a child’s problem-solving abilities.
Other podcasts are strictly about science, with actual scientists on as guest speakers.
Bricks4Kidz Atlanta – Helping to Make S.T.E.M. Learning Fun
When you bring up the topics of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics, not every child is going to jump for joy. Some kids are more inclined to enjoy these subjects, while others have a proclivity toward English, history, or the arts.
Because S.T.E.M. subjects are so important, though, it’s vital we make sure all kids get regular doses of these topics – because they help inform all other topics.
How can we do this when some children would rather read a novel or paint a picture than practice math problems? We make it fun!
Utilizing our afterschool programs will satisfy the need to learn about math, science, and technology, as well as the needs kids have for fun and creativity.