What is the best way to interest children in STEM subjects? Our guide outlines how to make science, technology, engineering and maths interesting.
Subjects such as science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) are often not very popular with students. But the so-called STEM subjects can also be a lot of fun for children.
Very few students enjoy maths, look forward to chemistry and physics or tinker with computer science homework. Because even today there is unfortunately still a lot of frontal teaching and trying out and researching often falls by the wayside in everyday school life.
But the so-called STEM subjects are not only important for good grades in school, but also for the life of every individual.
It may seem strange to think about what profession your child would like to take up later, but there is already a lack of specialists in the fields of technology, research and science. This tendency is rather increasing.
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If you motivate children to have fun in math, computer science and chemistry lessons and to write good grades, you can lay the foundation for their professional career.
That may not be the case with every child, because not every child wants to become a scientist, doctor or mechatronics technician. Nonetheless, one can encourage heir interest in the scientific subjects. But how do you ensure that children’s interest in these subjects grows?
Strategies to interest children in STEM subjects
The earlier the better!
You don’t have to wait until the children have reached school age if you want to arouse their interest in mathematics, computer science or chemistry. But on the contrary. Smaller children may not yet understand the bigger picture, but they suck up smaller ones like sponges. Because most children can remember almost everything and learn much faster than us adults. Younger children also have a lot of fun just trying things out.
The more children do their own research, the more likely they are to develop confidence in their abilities. This is extremely important in relation to STEM subjects, precisely because not everyone has a math genius or a science crack slumbering.You don’t have to wait for to have reached school age if you want to arouse their interest in mathematics, computer science or chemistry. Smaller children may not yet understand the big picture, but they suck up smaller ones like sponges. Because most children can remember almost everything and learn much faster than us adults.
Also that smaller ones have fun just trying things out. The more children do their own research, the more likely they are to develop confidence in their abilities. This is extremely important in relation to STEM subjects, precisely because not everyone has a math genius or a science crack slumbering.
You should therefore bring your children into contact with science, technology and mathematics as early as possible. Build a chain reaction with your children by simply building building blocks or dominoes together one behind the other and then knocking them over while yelling. Such a reaction can be increased by adding other things like cables or gears. There are no limits for your creativity.
Repairs things together with your children, such as a broken bicycle tube or a cell phone (display). Read non-fiction books from all possible areas together. There is also the right book, computer program or educational game for almost every age.
Arouse STEM interest in everyday life
Our world consists of innumerable phenomena. For us adults these have become commonplace. We don’t question them, we take them for granted. But for our children, who are yet to discover the world, they are a miracle.
Your eyes will shine when they see a rainbow in the sky. They are fascinated that every time you open the refrigerator, the light is on. And they marvel at every plane that flies over their heads. It is precisely this interest in the small and large wonders of this world that we should use and thus arouse their interest in physics and co.
For example, there are podcasts for children that explain why the rainbow is colorful, how a refrigerator works, or why jam sandwiches always land on the smeared side when they slip out of your hand. This means that not only do our children learn a lot of new things, but also we adults.
Go to museums, planetariums and exhibitions
At the end of the day, not every kid is a huge physics, chemistry, or math fanatic. Nonetheless, you can help your children to stay open-minded and curious about these subjects and not to dismiss them as too difficult or complicated.
