STEM subjects are increasingly a bigger part of most children’s studies in school these days. It’s designed to train and encourage kids to be a part of the drive to bring more students into the science and technology industries. It’s also all around us in many varying forms, just like your child’s inquisitiveness and desire to learn. With that in mind, here are some ways you can explore STEM subjects with your child from this independent girls school in Hertfordshire.
Try out water play
Water play shows a child how gravity and how different consistencies of liquids will affect how it can be held and played with. You can get toys and little machines that show the impact of where water and move to and how it works as a scientific compound as well. There’s also a lot of fun to be had with water play by using cups, playing with water guns and setting up an inflatable swimming pool, or going swimming.
Encourage multiple ways to get involved in creative play
Have open opportunities ready for your child to get exploring in creative ways. The more your child feels like they’re able to explore the environment around them, the more likely they are to ask questions and explore the world.
To encourage your child to do this, mix up creative play each week and challenge them in different ways. Get them to try different activities each week that explore science and tech in multiple ways, which will get them thinking about the importance of STEM.
Take your child on walks involving local wildlife
Understanding our local wildlife is a fun way of developing yours and your child’s own awareness of science from right outside our doorstep. Look around when you’re on long walks together and ask your child what they can spot. See if they find an animal or an insect that really interests them, and get them to take pictures. To enhance their experience you can bring a picture book along that shows the UK’s local wildlife that they can quickly identify.
Make science experiments at home
Science experiments are really exciting to try out at home. This can include making coloured water with food colouring, mentos and cola volcanoes, bicarbonate of soda with vinegar and many more fun activities. Cooking and baking are also fun ways to involve your child in everyday tasks, while also showing your child what involves a lot more science and other STEM subjects than they previously thought.
About Debz Louise
Debz Louise is a UK-based lifestyle expert and the founder of several lifestyle blogs. Specialising in everything from interior design and home renovation to body-positive fashion and parenting, Debz brings a wealth of hands-on experience to every guide. Her mission at Stereotude is to simplify the modern world for her readers through expert curation and fiercely honest advice.