Get Involved! STEAM Activities to Try at Home

As we approach national STEM/STEAM Day, which illuminates the fields of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics, we thought it would be fun to provide a list of activities to do at home with your child.

But first, let's dive into why STEM/STEAM is important. 

According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, the amount of STEM/STEAM occupations and workforce personnel have grown three times faster than non-STEM/STEAM occupations, with that number projected to increase each year. 

When you encourage your child to participate in STEM/STEAM activities, you are preparing them to use those skills in almost every subject and area of their life. 

Finding a cure for diseases? Science.

Creating efficiencies using artificial intelligence? Technology.

Building a bookshelf? Engineering.

Designing a small functional space? Art.

Creating and following a budget? Math.

STEM/STEAM is integrated into every facet of our lives. Every one of those skills encourages problem-solving skills, confidence, and perseverance. And while, as parents, we may rely on teachers to teach these subjects to our kids at school, some activities and lessons can be taught together at home. Plus, they'll further support your child's interests in STEM/STEAM. Let's explore some of those activities.

• Play addition and subtraction games. The great thing about simple math games is that they can be done virtually anywhere! While waiting in line, shopping in the grocery store, or driving in the car. 

• Baking. Not only will this result in a delicious treat, but it also incorporates math through counting and the measurement of ingredients. 

• Build a house made from cards. Because of their light and flimsy nature, there are plenty of engineering learning opportunities by building a house of cards. Plus, it's always fun to tear down at the end!

• Create a family portrait. Get out the paints, crayons, and art supplies! Let your child's artistic expression run wild while creating a family portrait. It'll be fun to see how they view you and the world in their own eyes, and you'll receive a one-of-a-kind art piece!

• Enroll in summer camps or afterschool programs. A program that supplements your child's education through STEM/STEAM subjects, like these, aids social, emotional, cognitive, and academic development in a safe and supportive environment. 

• Explore the great outdoors. You can find a plethora of things to teach kids right from your backyard or local park. From grass to water, bugs, soil, and rocks, there are natural materials all around to learn about and discover.

• Puzzles and other logic games. From fun brain teasers to puzzles, logic games help your child develop greater problem-solving skills and allow them to gain different perspectives.

Now that you know more about STEM/STEAM and how to make it fun get playing! The best activities are the ones that will help your child learn something without them even realizing it. Plus, these hands-on activities don't take a lot of time or set up and are fun to do together.