Your child will study STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths) subjects at school, but you may wish to extend their learning at home to nurture a particular interest or help them overcome any struggles they might have with the topics. It’s also important for children to understand how these subjects apply in real life. Here are some tips from an international school in London on how you can explore STEM subjects with your child at home.
Spark their curiosity
Encourage your child to ask questions about the world around them and engage in regular discussion with you about scientific topics. You could talk about space and the universe at the dinner table, or discuss something you’ve heard on the news about a new scientific invention. If your child is interested in a particular topic, offer to help them research it more deeply or give them the opportunity to explore their interest through a related extra-curricular activity. Ask them questions about the world around them as you’re out and about and tell them any interesting scientific facts you know. Your child will get into the habit of questioning things and wondering about the world and their place in it.
Provide learning opportunities
Everyday activities can be turned into opportunities for your child to learn STEM subjects. They can explore maths through weighing and measuring ingredients when baking, or learn about forces and materials when building something from scratch. When you’re out on a walk together, ask your child to look out for different outside structures like bridges and towers, and discuss how they’re made and the engineering principles that govern them. You could also spend some time stargazing at night while discussing the planets. Lots of everyday activities like these can facilitate STEM learning.
Make use of technology
Technology can be a great tool for helping children understand STEM topics, so take advantage of it. You might be able to find an app or game your child can download onto a tablet or computer and use to learn more about scientific subjects in a fun and engaging way. There are also plenty of kids TV programmes that explore National Curriculum subjects, so find something that interests your child and helps them absorb and retain scientific information.
As you can see, there are plenty of ways to foster your child’s interest in STEM subjects or help them better understand them if they’re finding certain concepts difficult.
