STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) education is important For many children, the classroom does agreat job of teaching and integrating the concepts of STEAM education through activities and lessons. For others, there might be a slight lack of focus on STEAM education concepts. Whether your child is eager to learn more about STEAM or needs an extra push, there are many different ways to get your child interested in STEAM (without having to force it on them).
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STEAM Concepts in Everyday Life
If your child struggles to find interest in STEAM concepts or frowns at the thought of learning about it outside of the classroom, there are many different ways that STEAM concepts can be introduced in everyday life.
Cooking
Cooking is a great way for your child to get hands-on experience on STEAM concepts without even realizing they are learning! One of the most fun ways for your child to integrate STEAM and cooking is through food science.
Food science allows for your child to learning cooking-related chemistry, use their math skills for measuring, and learn the anatomy of ingredients all from the counters of your kitchen (pretty awesome, right?). There are so many fun recipes and experiments both online and for purchase you and your little one can dabble in while reinforcing STEAM concepts like:
- 10 Edible Science Experiments
- Kitchen Science Lab for Kids
- Candy Chemistry
- And so much more! Just do a simple Google search.
Art, Music, and Poetry
Art and music lessons are a great way for your child to learn more about the “A€ in STEAM education, while also possibly picking up a new hobby. Did you know that music is closely related to math? Getting your kiddo signed up for the local chorus or getting guitar lessons is a great way to explore STEAM concepts.
If music and art are not of interest to your kiddo, another great way to get hands-on experience with STEAM concepts is through poetry. Poetry is an awesome way to let your child explore the world of music in text form, while also becoming a potential way for your child to express themselves. Learning STEAM concepts AND self-expression? Score!
Take Your Child Shopping With You
We know many parents dread taking their child shopping with them– but what if there was a way that shopping could be beneficial to your child’s understanding of STEAM concepts?. Show them how to do quick math out loud and in their heads, compare prices and deals, create budgets and estimates to reinforce mathematics when shopping with your child. It’s also a great way to not only learn with but bond with your kiddo as well.
Explore Your Child’s Everyday Interests
The great part about how interdisciplinary STEAM education is that it can be applied to almost anything, especially to things that your child shows a great interest in. There are many online resources that combine the fun of your child’s interests and STEAM concepts, just do a quick Google search of “STEAM and _____€ and you are sure to find endless options that are sure to peak your child’s interests.
Make STEAM Education Fun & Hands-On!
Teaching and exposing your child to STEAM concepts does not have to be boring or mimick the classroom€¦ There are many fun ways to let your kiddo get hands-on experience with STEAM concepts while having a blast!
Take a Trip
Going to your local zoo, museum, or library is a great way to explore the world of STEAM. You would be surprised at how many of these locations have specialty areas and exhibits specifically for STEAM education.
STEAM Toys & Games
It’s time to check your family’s playroom or game closet to see if you already have toys and games that reinforce STEAM concepts. LEGOS®, Duplo Blocks, and K’nex are just a few STEAM heavy toys that many families already have.
Does your child like Minecraft, Star Wars® or Pokemon? There are so many fun STEAM-related activities and games to incorporate these awesome topics into educational fun!
Watch TV & Movies
We know what you’re thinking– “We can barely keep our kids off the TV already!€. But what if we told you that the time your kiddos spend on watching TV could be educational? There are many TV shows and movies that promote STEAM concepts and are sure to keep your kiddo entertained like Bill Nye the Science Guy, Myth Busters, Brain Child and so many more!
Apps
STEAM education and fun for your kiddo? There’s an app for that! Apps on you or your kiddos tablet or phone are a fun and convenient way for your kiddo to explore STEAM concepts. The options for STEAM-related apps seem almost endless with options like Crazy Gears, The Robot Factory by Tiny Bop, Hop Scotch: Coding for Kids, and so many more!
