Why STEM is so important for child education

If you're looking to enrich a child's education and open the door to a world of possibilities, engaging them in STEM education is one of the best things you can do. STEM, which stands for science, technology, engineering, and math, allows students to explore, create, experiment, engage in critical thinking, and so much more.

STEM education is essential to help prepare a future generation of scientist, engineers, mathematicians, and numerous other careers who will continue to build on the technological and scientific advances of the 21st century. And, one of the best things about STEM education is that kids of all ages love it. STEM is very hands-on and gives students the opportunity to work with and manipulate a variety of different types of materials, create their own hypotheses, and conduct science experiments. A STEM subscription box, like MEL Science or KiwiCo, is one way you can bring fun and engaging hands-on STEM learning into your home for your child. Continue reading to learn more about the benefits of STEM education for children.

What is STEM education?

STEM education focuses on instruction related to the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math. These four subject areas are taught in an interrelated fashion to help students see the connection between each area. STEM education is very interactive and hands-on; children get the opportunity to engage in real-world experiments where they will be able to use the various skills and information they learned.

What is the difference between STEM education to traditional education?

While traditional education may cover many of the same subject areas that are encompassed under the STEM umbrella, each subject area is taught in isolation. With STEM education, children simultaneously study the four subject areas and are able to see how they are related to one another. This helps children make connections and understand how different concepts can be applied in the real world.

How does STEM education help develop your kid's curiosity and self-thinking?

Building curiosity and self-thinking, or critical thinking, are some of the biggest benefits of STEM education. Children learn how to assess a situation and come up with the best solution to match the problem. Working through different possible solutions will also encourage children to be more resilient when faced with a challenge, which is a skill that can transfer to all areas of their education and future.

How does STEM education impact the kid's mind during childhood?

STEM education can also have a positive impact on a child's mind and the way they think. With traditional education, students often fail to see the connection between what they are learning and the real world. Because of this, many students often tune out instruction or don't try their best since they don't think they'll ever really use anything they're learning.

With STEM education, students are constantly working on applying their knowledge and skills to real world situations and problems. Through experimentation, they have the opportunity to see how the information they learn connects to solving a real problem or creating something.

As we noted above, STEM can also build resilience and show students that if they continue working on something challenging, they'll be able to come up with a solution. This can lead to future success, not just in school, but in whatever career they ultimately choose.

How does STEM education encourage kids for teamwork and collaboration?

Learning how to work on a team is crucial. If students don't gain these skills when they are young, it will be even more difficult for them to be a productive member of a team as an adult in the workforce. Thankfully, STEM education is also a great way to teach students how to collaborate and work as a team.

Many of the experiments students will work on in STEM education will be conducted as a team. Children will need to learn how to delegate responsibilities, share the work load, and listen to the ideas and suggestions of others. Working together on all aspects of a project, from creating a hypothesis, completing an experiment, recording data, compiling information, and sharing oral or written presentations about their findings, will ready students for some of the challenges associated with working with others in the workforce. Additionally, collaborating with others will also give students the opportunity to develop leadership skills, which can also be a great asset for their future.

How does STEM education help kids to develop learning skills?

One other benefit of STEM education is that it can help students develop learning skills, such as time management. Many STEM experiments are involved and will require multiple steps and days of work. Children will learn how to break large tasks into smaller chunks and prioritize what needs to be completed first when working on a project. Think about how many other areas of your child's life, both now and in their future, could be benefitted if they develop good time management skills.

What can we learn from the past years' development on the importance of STEM education to our kids' future?

There is no denying we are living in a technological age. STEM careers are our future and preparing our children for these careers is our responsibility. Studies show that careers in STEM-related fields will grow by 8.8% by 2028, compared to just 5% growth in non-STEM fields. Just thinking about all of the technological advances in the last 30, 10, or even 5 years should be evidence enough that STEM fields will be an integral part of the future development of our society. Don't you want to make sure that your children are educated and ready to jump into one of these essential careers when they graduate?

As you can see, there are so many benefits associated with STEM education. Think of all the ways your child will benefit from receiving a STEM monthly subscription such as KiwiCo or MEL. Which of the many benefits of STEM education are you most excited to see develop in your child? Why not sign them up today for one of the STEM discovery boxes and watch their learning soar?