What Activities Promote STEAM?

Activities that focus the STEAM disciplines help children learn through trial and error by experimenting and problem solving. Families do not need to wait to introduce a child to STEAM learning. Introducing STEAM learning can begin simply by pointing out why and how things in our everyday lives work. For example, when something falls to the ground, explain to your child that the object fell due to gravity. Families can also try different activities at home that focus on these five disciplines.

Science – Science does not need to be taught through a textbook or through the lab work that some families may remember participating in school. There are so many fun, creative activities that can be done right at home to engage your child in learning more about this discipline.

Activities can include:

Grow plants from seeds in a jar

Make magnetic slime

Create your child’s name out of crystals

Technology – Technology is all around us and is rapidly progressing each day. These STEAM activities not only promote a STEAM discipline, but also help prepare a child for their future and the types of skills they will need in their everyday lives.

Activities can include:

Learn about space using the NASA data from their website

Programs or games that help develop typing skills

Practice reading, writing or math skills through a fun, educational app

Engineering – Many children are already taking part in fun engineering activities on a daily because children love to build and create. Here are some great engineering activity ideas outside of the typical building activities.

Activities can include:

Design and create straw bridges

Create a conveyor belt

Design a structure out of cups, sticks, and blocks and test balance

Art and Design – The newest discipline that has been added to this specific focus of education calls for children to not only be analytical but creative as well during the process.

Activities can include:

Research what happens when mixing watercolors and oils

Determine how plants absorb water with food coloring

Dip dye craft sticks to build structures with

Mathematics – Your child will use math in their everyday lives, and just like technology it is important that families still encourage activities that promote learning about mathematics so children have the proper tools and knowledge they need in life.

Activities can include:

Practice different ways to add numbers and come to the same answer

Learn about odd numbers and even numbers

Learn about different coins and bills and how to add them

Families should always remember that these disciplines go hand in hand and they will find that activities that promote STEM and STEAM learning will involve more than one focus of learning. For families who are interested in learning about more activity ideas that promote STEM/STEAM learning, follow us on Facebook!