How to Encourage and Strengthen Your Child’s STEM Skills #STEM #science #technology #engineering #education #homeschooling #parenting

If you want your children to develop their thinking abilities and succeed in the workforce, they’re going to need STEM skills.

That’s the acronym educators use for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.

Read on to find out how to encourage and strengthen your child's STEM skills.



While politicians, teachers, and parents all sound enthusiastic about the importance of math and science, this doesn't always translate into action, especially for girls.

According to some figures, women make up half the college-educated workforce, but only about one-quarter of the college-educated work force in science and engineering positions.

Meanwhile, jobs in those fields are growing much faster than other occupations.

It's vital to show your child that being good at math and science pays off.




How to Encourage and Strengthen Your Child’s STEM Skills

Try these tips for broadening your children's opportunities by strengthening their STEM skills at home, and encouraging their engagement with STEM subjects at school.

Steps to Take at Home

1. Make it practical.

Science extends far beyond the classroom.

Explain fractions and chemical reactions while you’re doing your grocery shopping or baking a cake.

Head out on a nature walk each week to learn about your local area and its flora and fauna.

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2. Appeal to your child’s interests.

There can be a technological dimension to any subject that your child loves.

Talk about how video replay systems work while you’re watching a sports game.

Explain how musicians use computers to edit music.

If you don't know how something works, look it up together or find a video on YouTube that explains the concept.

David Macauley's The Way Things Work is a great guide to lots of machines and inventions we all use today.



3. Encourage hands-on learning.

Spark children’s interest by engaging them in fun activities.

Wooden blocks can introduce kids to counting.

Many interesting science experiments require nothing more than ordinary objects you have in your kitchen cupboards or garage.

An insect scavenger hunt is perfect for a budding entomologist:



4. Plan an outing.

Check your community calendars and online for enriching local activities.

Attend a workshop at the science museum, or visit the natural history museum to see the dinosaurs.



5. Browse online.

Many organizations produce STEM materials to share with your kids, including games and videos.

Visit PBS, the National Geographic Society, and NASA for starters.

Or try our themed guide to planning a STEM camp at home this summer:



Steps to Take at School

1. Start early.

Studies show that girls have similar abilities to boys in science and maths, but they may lose confidence in their abilities as early as elementary school.

Work with your daughters and sons before high school so they’ll keep the door open for academic options that lead to STEM careers.




2. Talk with the teacher.

Many schools face a shortage of qualified STEM teachers, and the curriculum may be limited.

Ask your child’s teacher about what the school offers.

If you don't think it's enough maybe being in 'STEM Saturdays' at home where you can experiment, create and use STEM unit studies with your kids.

Just because they go to school doesn't mean they can't learn at home too!




3. Continue your education.

Naturally, you’ll be a stronger advocate if you brush up on your own skills.

Invite your children to teach you some geometry while they’re doing their homework.

Read the science section in a major serious newspaper at least once a week.



4. Explore extracurricular activities.

Supplement your child’s classroom courses with explorer’s clubs and science camps.



They may want to build their own robot or design video games.

Group activities are also an excellent way for your child to connect with inspiring mentors.



5. Discover resources.

Parents may be able to work together if tight school budgets are an issue.

Research government grants for which your school may be eligible.

Local businesses may want to become more involved so they can attract qualified future workers - and get good local publicity!




6. Discuss course selections.

One promising study found that children took more science and math courses in their last two years of high school if their parents received a couple of brochures about STEM.

Simple interventions can have dramatic results.



Parents play a powerful role in their children’s education.

Help your sons and daughters build a strong foundation in math and science so they’ll be ready to succeed in the workforce of the future.


More STEM ideas:




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