Short for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, STEM represents much more than a collection of school subjects or classes. It’s an exciting world that goes well beyond the walls of a classroom and into the world around us. STEM answers countless questions kids (and adults!) ask every day: How exactly does a bridge stay up? What do meteorologists mean by “high pressure” and “low pressure”? Why are there so few people with red hair? What’s the probability that someone else has the same birthday as you?
Figuring out the answers to these questions doesn’t have to be boring, intimidating, or done by a trained scientist. You can unearth them with your whole family, in your own home, with materials you have on hand.
Kids are naturally curious about the world around them—nurture that curiosity with fun, engaging activities that teach as they entertain. Your daughter might discover that she has a real knack for statistics—maybe she’d like her school’s math club. Your son might realize he loves all things plants, and start volunteering at the community garden. These interests could even spawn a successful career well down the road.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor, unemployment rates are lower and average wages are higher in STEM fields than in non-STEM fields. Job market analytics company Burning Glass Technologies found that entry-level jobs in STEM pay roughly 28 percent more on average than entry-level jobs in other fields. Despite these healthy job prospects in STEM, many young people choose other paths. Some likely steer clear of STEM because the subjects are difficult. One way you can help your kids face challenging coursework is by providing opportunities for learning outside the classroom—such as the activities in this book.
Even if your child doesn’t choose a career in STEM later in life, the activities in this book will help him or her develop the kind of critical thinking skills necessary in a wide variety of classes, internships, and jobs: A nonprofit fundraiser needs to master how to calculate compound interest; a chef should know how certain ingredients interact on a chemical level; and it’s essential for a soccer coach to understand Newton’s three laws of motion.
What’s Your STEM? offers more than fifty learning activities designed to introduce young learners to a wide variety of STEM fields. You’ll want to do many of the activities with your child, to guide and oversee the process. Depending on the age and aptitude of your child, she may enjoy exploring some of the activities on her own. In addition to the hands-on activities, What’s Your STEM? describes a variety of STEM careers your child might like to hear about—from aerospace engineer to web developer.
Use these activities to take STEM beyond the classroom, out from under its educational acronym, and into your home. Build your child’s confidence, fuel passions, and spark interests. Make STEM concepts familiar, achievable, exciting—and above all, fun.