The term STEM is an acronym for the subjects Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths. Through these subjects, children learn more about the world around them and how everything is connected in some way. They promote various skills, from problem solving to critical thinking. I have teamed up with an independent school in Surrey to share some ideas of how you can explore STEM subjects with your child at home. Take a look around your home; STEM is more accessible than you might think. 

Encourage Free Play

Play is an important element of STEM. It allows children to experiment, explore cause and effect, and connect the dots. Encourage your child to ride their bikes outside, build a fort in their bedrooms or dens in the woods, and make perfumes with water and rose petals. Through these activities, your child will start to develop the ability to solve problems and assess risks, necessary skills in STEM subjects.

Explore the Great Outdoors

The garden, or local park, provide many STEM learning opportunities. For instance, children can learn about the weather and different seasons, they can plant seeds and help them grow, and they can explore different habitats for animals and bugs. Next time you’re walking or taking a bike ride through the woods, ask your child if they know what will happen to the trees as the seasons change. Talk to them about what kind of animals might be living in the woods, and whether or not they live underground.

Get Cooking

As well as the garden, the kitchen is another fantastic classroom when it comes to STEM. Ask your child to help you with the cooking, which involves measuring and weighing ingredients, as well as calculating oven times. You could also talk to your child about recycling the rubbish and what happens to the waste if it’s not split up into appropriate categories.