We will always need science. Discovery, research, innovation, and invention will forever be in the fabric of modern society. As today’s children grow up, the demand for people working in the field of science will continue to grow as well. The earlier children develop an interest in science, the more likely their interest will continue into adulthood. If your children are young enough to plant the seed or if they’ve already shown interest in a STEM subject, get them involved in these activities to keep the momentum going.
Legos
Playing with Lego blocks is one of the earliest childhood activities for many of us. As a toy, Legos have such timeless appeal that even adults still build with them. These blocks are a fun and creative way for kids to learn about math, engineering, and building. Without even realizing it, kids who play with Legos are applying engineering concepts such as spatial reasoning and structural integrity. It’s the toy that every kid wants and every parent is happy to oblige.
Storm Spotting
Your child doesn’t need to be a future meteorologist to pick up a storm-spotting hobby. Simply being excited about it can help them develop a love for science, which can translate into other areas of STEM. Storm spotting utilizes math skills for calculating weather patterns, temperatures, wind speed, water levels, and air pressure.
This activity also brings children closer to nature and allows them to use technology in a productive and academic way. The skills they learn could be useful for predicting weather and keeping the community prepared for natural disasters. Kids who love to study storms can even play at home by making a tornado in a jar or a blizzard in a bag.
Horticulture
Plants are a source of life. They provide food and oxygen for humans and other living creatures. Children who show an interest in the science of cultivating plants could become future gardeners, farmers, horticulturists, and botanists. Through gardening, children can learn about water, sunlight, chlorophyll, oxygen, carbon dioxide, composition, and photosynthesis — not to mention nutrients that feed the body and keep it healthy. If your home doesn’t have enough land to grow plants, then get your children started with an indoor plant or herb garden instead.
Coding
Since technology is the future of how our world operates, children who start early are the ones who will become fundamental to technological advancements. Getting your kids into coding could mean a future career in web developing and programming, as well as developing other skills in math, language, and problem-solving. Many schools are now teaching coding classes, but you can introduce this activity at home with an online class or enroll your children in weekend coding classes. It won’t be long before your child is teaching you what they know about HTML and CSS.
Museums
The next time you need a Saturday afternoon activity for the family, take them to a museum. Children might not appreciate abstract paintings on a wall, but most of them get excited about natural history or science museums. They’ll be able to learn about the origins of life, space, zoology, and paleontology. Take them to the cosmos while they stargaze at an observatory or planetarium. Spend a weekend afternoon at a discovery center where they can learn about technology. Find the nearest children’s museum for a fun, educational day with interactive exhibits.
Nurturing a love for science does more than just give your child prospects for a future career in STEM. The educational experience from scientific experimentation is essential for understanding how life works. Science helps children make sense of the world, think critically, and develop problem-solving skills. Whether they know it or not, these skills will carry over into everything they do in life.
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