STEM elementary schools and subjects are a big part of a child’s development.
STEM involves a range of subjects that help them with their overall understanding of – science, maths and engineering. As part of a recent drive in education and across STEM elementary schools, students will need to learn more about these subjects. From what they are, and how they can benefit from them. As parents, it’s up to us to help facilitate that. Provide ways for your children to become acquainted with STEM subjects.
To help you and your child explore STEM subjects, here are some ways to help from this private school in Oxford.
What Is STEM For Elementary Students?
STEM in elementary schools is so much more than science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The school students can become problem solvers. Investigating real world problems and looking at how to solve each one. Learning isn’t just about what you can read in books, it’s about doing!
Explore Each Part Of STEM Individually
There are four parts of STEM to explore: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Each of these have their own strands that your child could explore.
For example, Science has three main subjects – Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Then you have the many different areas within those 3 particular subject areas.
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Technology is so vast that your child could explore many different areas of tech. From computers and smartphones, to new discoveries and inventions.
This is where you can start your journey with your child. Explore each area individually and find what interests a child. It could be about architecture and how buildings are constructed, or how food is made from the ground up. Whatever your child wants to explore within STEM, let them find their passions.
Pick Up Activity-Based Resources
A lot of resources and educational support come in the form of games and activities. Plenty of TV programmes, films and games can help with your child’s engagement in the world of STEM.
For example, you could make a solar system for a class project together. Explore the different parts of what makes each planet so unique. You could get a crystal growing kit and make some cool creations from the side of your windowsill.
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Alternatively there are other ways to explore other parts of STEM through activities. Perhaps you could create a racing toy car together, using parts that require a battery for it to be powered. Something that will really open a child’s eyes to technology.
Take it back to basics and show your child what’s involved in STEM learning. Water play, playing in the sand or using kinetic sand. Having time to play with toy cars and kitchen sets will all help a child become aware of these subjects.
Take Your Child To A Science Museum
Show your child what it’s like to explore the world of science in the flesh. Take them to a museum or learning centre that is full of fun activities and experiences. A science-oriented museum is a great place to start. With many dotted around the country, there should be something suitable for you to visit.
They don’t always have to be the traditional science theme however. They could be about vehicles of the past, quirky inventions from history, dinosaurs, the human body and all sorts. A lot of these museums cater to children especially, and will have a range of games and activities to get them involved in all the fun.
Take Your Child On Walks Of Discovery
You’re going to find a lot of things around your home and in your daily lives. From the cars we drive to the way our homes are created. Take your child on walks around the local area and see what they point out.
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Our children tend to be very curious and ask a lot of questions. This is the perfect time to explain to them what involves STEM and how it can be credited as a useful resource for science. In showing your child more about how our world benefits from the many developments made through the STEM industry.
What do you think about this new drive for STEM elementary schools and subjects to be focused on more deeply?
Collaborative Post
I enjoyed this post. I am the parent of a child who will be attending a S.T.E.A.M school in the fall. In addition to the S.T.E.M. subjects, they also include the Arts, which I am happy about. I know from nieces and nephews that currently go to the school that curriculum is big on critical thinking, problem solving and real life experiences. I am excited for what’s to come for her and looking forward to learning more about how I can support her education. Thank you for some tips to get started.
Oh that’s amazing! I wish they had that sort of thing available when i was at school. I hope she loves being there, i’m sure she’ll be amazing. Thank you so much for taking the time to read.