08Feb
STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. It’s a way of teaching and learning that combines these five areas into a cohesive learning model based on real-world applications. Here are just a few of the benefits for your kids:
-STEAM encourages students to think outside the box and come up with new ideas. This is not just about making art but finding creative solutions to problems in science, technology, and everyday life.
-By mixing subjects like math and science with technology and art, STEAM teaches kids how to think about challenges from different perspectives. They learn to ask questions, experiment, and find answers, which are crucial skills in any area of life.
-Many STEAM projects require students to work together. This teaches them how to share ideas, listen to others, compromise and build something great as a team. It’s a skill that will help them in school, their personal lives, and eventually the work place.
-While sources vary on this estimate, it’s safe to say that anywhere between 50-75% of the top 100 paying jobs in the U.S. are tied to a STEAM education. With automation on the rise, an understanding of these topics will help students prepare for a changing labor market.
-Understanding STEAM subjects helps people make informed decisions about issues that affect our society and our world. This knowledge is crucial for participating in discussions and making choices that benefit our local and global communities. STEAM is a solid foundation for civics.
STEAM doesn’t have to be difficult, intimidating, or boring! We at Assist Programs, An Educator’s Best First Job®, know that age-appropriate challenge with positive support ignites an intrinsic drive to learn. That support starts with you, the families! You are the most important influence in your child’s life when it comes to approaching these topics. If you’re not an expert, that’s OK, play along with your kids and reignite your own passion for learning!
If they see a passion for learning in you, they will start to recognize it in themselves.
Here’s are a few of our favorite online resources offering a ton of free guides and activities.
Science
National Geographic Kids: Offers fun and engaging articles, videos, and games about animals and nature. kids.nationalgeographic.com
NASA Kids’ Club: A place to play games and learn about NASA’s missions. nasa.gov/kidsclub
Science Bob: Provides easy and fun science experiments that can be done at home. sciencebob.com
Technology
Code.org: Features coding games and lessons for beginners of all ages, making coding accessible and fun. code.org
Scratch: Developed by MIT, allows kids to create their own games and stories through coding. scratch.mit.edu
Tynker: Offers coding lessons for kids, with fun games and projects to teach programming basics. tynker.com
Engineering
GoldieBlox: Provides interactive games and videos designed to develop engineering skills and problem-solving. goldieblox.com
PBS Kids Design Squad: Offers engineering games and projects that encourage problem-solving and design thinking. pbskids.org/designsquad
Build with Chrome: A collaboration between Chrome and LEGO® that lets kids build with LEGO bricks online. buildwithchrome.com
Arts
Tate Kids: Features art games, quizzes, and ideas for creating art at home, inspired by works in Tate’s collection. kids.tate.org.uk
Art for Kids Hub: Offers step-by-step drawing tutorials for kids on a wide range of subjects. artforkidshub.com
MetKids: Created by The Metropolitan Museum of Art, it allows kids to explore the museum and learn about art through a kid-friendly interactive map. metmuseum.org/art/online-features/metkids/
Mathematics
Khan Academy: Offers practice exercises and instructional videos on a wide range of math topics. khanacademy.org
Cool Math 4 Kids: Math games, puzzles, and lessons designed to make math fun. coolmath4kids.com
Math Playground: Features math games, word problems, and logic puzzles for grades 1-6. mathplayground.com
Download our [Free STEAM Resources for Parents] guide here!
