Skills in Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are essential for a large portion of today’s workers. Jobs in these STEM areas are nearly always in demand. As a result, there is a lot of pressure for young learners to start gaining skills in STEM fields as early (and as quickly) as possible. However, this can be a challenge. 

That’s why schools and parents alike have worked hard to make STEM more fun, more interesting, and more accessible. For young learners, this means there are exciting new ways to approach these skills and encourage STEM interests. Engaging with these topics does far more than prepare your child for a job–they can encourage curiosity, develop critical thinking skills, and make the world a more interesting, vibrant, and enriching place.

Why STEM Skills Are Important

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics skills are critical to understanding how the modern world works. That makes skills in these fields critically important for your child’s future. But that’s not the only reason to encourage young learners to engage with STEM interests. In fact, STEM skills and topics are important for a wide variety of reasons, including the following:

• Exposure to STEM topics can help kids build vital critical thinking skills. These skills can help kids learn to recognize problems, think through solutions, and test their assumptions. These critical thinking skills are more valuable and useful than ever.

• STEM skills can help kids better understand the world around them. After all, the modern world is one largely driven by technology. Even basic STEM knowledge can provide children with greater agency and competencies as they grow up. 

• Despite their reputation, most science, technology, engineering, and mathematics work does not happen in a vacuum. Teams are a vital part of these fields. Engaging with STEM interests can help your child build critical teamwork-based skills that will be useful to your child both academically and in their future career.

• When properly guided, STEM learning can help kids prepare for future careers and open up new career opportunities. 

• Spending time with STEM cana also teach your child science literacy skills. This can help protect your child from misinformation, fads, and other social pitfalls in the future. 

This list is not exhaustive. The particular benefits your child receives will vary depending on their interests and their engagement level. Every child is different, and STEM interests can often be tailored to the individual.

Learning STEM Can Be Fun

It’s also important to emphasize that learning STEM skills and engaging in STEM can be fun! And there are plenty of fun ways to engage and encourage STEM interests in young learners. 

• Preschool and Kindergarten: Videos, cartoons, and other media that emphasize STEM topics can begin introducing concepts in a fun and interesting way!

• Elementary grade level: Most people assume STEM learning begins in high school. But there are many opportunities to learn these skills at the elementary grade level, too. Organized activities such as Science Olympiad or LEGO League teach children STEM skills in a fun and semi-competitive setting. You can also look for day camps provided by your local science or children’s museum. A wide variety of age-appropriate books on these topics are also available.

• Middle school and high school: As your child ages, they may have even more STEM opportunities available. After school clubs and groups can help foster STEM learning and interests. Some charter schools even focus entirely on STEM for those students who wish even more exposure. Additionally, students may be able to sign up for specific STEM classes, including college-level and AP classes. These are things that your young learner can look forward to and plan for as they stay engaged in STEM fields.

It’s important to let your child take the lead here. If your young learner is interested in dinosaurs, emphasize STEM fields associated with dinosaurs. If your kid leans more towards computer science, search for programming or design opportunities your child can take advantage of!

Supporting STEM at Home

To be really successful, it’s not just school that has to support STEM learning. It’s something that can occur at home, too. There are several ways to do this! You can watch science documentaries together (PBS’ Nova and Eons are both great programs to watch with kids).

You can also model fostering STEM interests. Be fascinated by science! Ask questions about what your kids are learning in STEM fields. Solve math problems together. (You can even do this last one in practical settings. Help your child figure out how much to tip the next time you go out to eat, for example.)

Incorporating science, engineering, technology, and math can be fun and give you and your child a common interest.

Where to Find STEM Resources

Often, the first place to find STEM resources will be at your child’s school. Ask your child’s teacher to see what programs may be available. You can also search out local STEM resources online. 

When parents and caretakers foster STEM skills early, they give their child an opportunity to form a baseline understanding of these concepts, making future growth smoother and less frustrating. Whether your child pursues a future career in these fields or not, STEM-based knowledge can help your child better understand and thrive in the modern world.

Want to schedule a wellness exam for your child? Contact Children’s Healthcare Associates today to schedule an appointment at our Northbrook or Chicago offices.