Start STEM Sooner: Ways to Engage and Educate the Youngest Minds

Literally, STEM stands for “science, technology, engineering, and mathematics,” but most parents and educators recognize STEM to be so much more than an acronym. STEM is crucial for maintaining and advancing modern civilization; we need innovation in all four fields to continue improving quality of life for everyone in the world. Even so, STEM education is dwindling across the United States, and many children fail to engage with these essential subjects until it is too late.

Research shows that when children begin learning STEM concepts young, they form a firmer foundation to develop their knowledge later in life. As a parent, you have the ability ― the imperative, some would argue ― to help your child learn STEM subjects before schools start teaching them. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be a boring battle to help your kids get a head start in STEM; with the following tricks, you and your little ones will enjoy starting STEM sooner.

Set a Precedent

Kids, like monkeys, do what they see; they mimic your behavior and attitudes in attempts to learn how to be proper adults. It should come as no surprise, then, that when you disparage math and science, your kids will develop negative associations with the STEM fields. Even if you have a history of struggling with the STEM subjects, you should try your hardest to hide your anxieties in front of your kids. They should never have your permission to dislike science and math; in fact, you should continue to learn and improve your STEM skills (perhaps for your job or for yourself) to become a role model for your kids’ benefit.

Find STEM Heroes

If Morgan Spurlock’s demonstration in “Supersize Me” is any indication, children are easily influenced by popular brands. In the clip, Spurlock shows that kids can identify corporate characters like Ronald McDonald and Wendy much faster than they recognize important historical figures, including George Washington. By developing branded heroes, kids focus their efforts on consumer culture. However, if you can ingratiate them to STEM heroes, you might inspire a lifelong devotion to science, math, technology, and engineering.

There are thousands of important STEM figures for little boys and girls to look up to, and many of them are still living today. Modern STEM educators like Bill Nye and Jane Goodall are cool and fun, but figures like Ada Lovelace and Nicola Tesla also help to teach kids the history of STEM. You might even look to your local community to find heroes, including engineers, doctors, professors, and more.

Encourage STEM Toys

Kids are bursting with creative energy, and giving them freeform toys like dolls and stuffed animals feels natural. However, to excel in STEM, little minds must be challenged in more structured ways. Thankfully, more and more toys and games that encourage discovery and invention are entering the market.

Building blocks ― particularly of the Duplo and Lego variety ― have long been known to foster generations of engineers, but chemistry sets, telescopes, and even puzzles are fun and useful STEM toys. Even a few video games help develop STEM skills, with the ever-popular Minecraft being the most prominent among them. You and your kids can find appropriate Minecraft servers to explore and build your own blocky worlds together.

See STEM Everywhere

Most kids only begin to encounter science and math in grade school, but the influence of the STEM fields is all around us. As soon as babies start to engage and explore (as young as four months), you can point out how science, technology, engineering, and math have formed the surrounding world. You can explain the development of medicine when you take your little one to a checkup, or you can marvel at modern machinery whenever you go for a car ride. Over time, you might even dazzle yourself with the miracles of the STEM fields.

Explore the Outdoors

Even as infants, little ones can feel flowers and leaves, watch animals, and enjoy the sounds of birds and running water. It doesn’t take much prompting for a child to begin exploring and experimenting in the outdoors, but you can guide your kids’ investigations with questions and challenges. For example, you might encourage them to consider why most plants are green, or you can ask them to collect as many different types of rock as they can find. Nature is perhaps the best classroom for STEM since kids are naturally drawn to interact with the outdoors.

Have a Learning Library

Finally ― and perhaps most importantly ― your kids should have access to resources devoted to the STEM fields they love. Either in your own home bookshelf or at the local library, your kids should be able to find books and movies that explain certain concepts in greater detail. There is no such thing as too much information, and little ones know best when they need to know more.