STEM learning doesn’t have to be limited to the classroom. There are endless opportunities to explore these concepts outside of school. From cooking in the kitchen to planting in the garden, there are plenty of ways to bring STEM learning into your home. The best part is that you don’t need a lab or expensive materials to make it happen. With a little creativity, you can spark curiosity and foster a love for learning STEM subjects in your child right at home. Here are some tips:
Cooking and Baking
One of the best places to teach STEM is in the kitchen. Cooking and baking are simple ways to engage your child in learning these subjects. Measuring ingredients teaches math skills, like fractions and ratios, while mixing ingredients shows children how chemical reactions work. Try baking bread or making homemade ice cream to demonstrate how temperatures affect matter. You can also experiment by slightly adjusting a recipe and discussing how the results change.
Gardening
Gardening is a hands-on way to explore biology and environmental science. Children can learn about the plant life cycle, photosynthesis and how different plants contribute to the ecosystem. Encourage your child to take photos or keep a journal where they can record what they observe about each stage in the plant’s life. You can also discuss why pollinators like bees and butterflies are essential to the food we eat. These simple activities help children understand the role of science in nature.
Trying Science Experiments
You don’t need a lab coat or a special lab to perform science experiments. Simple projects like mixing baking soda and water can teach children about chemical reactions and cause and effect. You can also try testing which items sink or float in water to help them learn about density. There are many engaging and interactive activities you can do at home to teach your children different science concepts. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate some fun into learning!
Incorporating Technology
Technology is a huge part of STEM, and there are plenty of ways to incorporate it at home. Coding games, educational apps and robotics kits help children develop problem-solving and logic skills. Even something as simple as discussing how Wi-Fi or smartphones work can spark curiosity and teach your child about the technology we use every day.
Building and Hands-On Activities
Engineering comes to life when children can build and create. Blocks and other materials found around the house make great tools for building various structures, allowing them to learn about balance and weight distribution. Challenge your child to build a bridge out of popsicle sticks to teach them about stability. Building a track to roll a marble on can teach them about gravity and momentum. Hands-on science projects develop your child’s critical thinking skills while making STEM fun and interactive.
Finding STEM in Everyday Life
STEM shows up everywhere in our lives. Next time you’re at the grocery store, turn shopping into a math lesson by having your child calculate the total as you go. When driving in the car, explain how speed, force and friction affect motion. Even simple conversations about traffic lights or airplanes can introduce engineering and physics concepts in a way that relates to everyday life. You can turn any day-to-day activity into a STEM lesson!
By incorporating these activities and discussions into your daily life, you can nurture curiosity, critical thinking and a passion for learning STEM concepts in your child. At Lake Forrest Prep, we take a holistic approach to education and foster a dynamic learning environment that encourages exploration and innovation. Call (407) 331-5144 or contact us online to schedule a tour!