At STEMful, we are passionate about giving children opportunities to explore and learn about the world around them through STEM education. STEM-based learning is at the core of what we do because we know that STEM education positively impacts children now and in their future.
Today, we are sharing five STEM education benefits for children.
1. Teamwork and Collaboration
As children progress through school, teamwork and collaboration become increasingly more important aspects of their educational experience. In and out of the classroom, learning how to work together toward shared goals supports their ability to become confident and successful learners into adulthood.
STEM education provides opportunities for children to participate in collaborative reasoning, or self-led, small group discussions where students explore their ideas. Learning how to think, function, and communicate as a team are essential skills for students to take with them as they navigate group work in higher education, professional, and personal settings.
While children at STEMful are having a blast learning together about STEM subjects through hands-on experiences, they are also learning about how to work with each other.
2. Preparing for Higher Education and Careers
Did you know that 85% of the jobs that will exist in 2030 haven’t been invented yet? The world is changing quickly, with scientific and technological advances happening every day. STEM education is critical to preparing children for higher education and career opportunities in the future.
STEM education helps children develop the skills and curiosity they will need to succeed personally and professionally. Practicing STEM principles prepares children for the real world and life after their formative years, giving them the confidence to tackle real-world problems and opportunities.
As our STEMful students explore concepts like engineering and math, not only are they expanding their horizons and having fun, but they are learning key skills and educational foundations that will serve them well later in life.
3. STEM Education Makes Learning FUN
The best educational experiences leave children wanting more. They leave children less like they have just sat through a class, but instead, embarked on an adventure. It is a priority for us at STEMful that children are stimulated and have fun while they gain valuable skills and experiences. We know that when children are excited about learning, they will be more likely to have a positive outlook on educational experiences moving forward.
When children are given the chance to try new things, explore outcomes, and take part in hands-on activities, they get to develop a love for learning. And while enjoying their education is crucial for all children, positive learning experiences are especially important for girls.
In a survey by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, 12-year-old girls reported having lower levels of confidence in their math skills than boys, and more anxiety than boys when performing math activities.
Giving boys and girls opportunities to build and develop their confidence in STEM subject areas is essential to helping them stay engaged, interested, and to develop self-esteem around their abilities.
4. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills
Critical thinking and problem-solving are some of the most beneficial skills children can learn in order to become successful adults. When children practice digesting information, asking questions, analyzing information, making judgments, and solving problems, they are readying themselves to take on the world’s challenges.
And as new technologies become more commonplace across various fields (even those that aren’t “traditionally” STEM-oriented, such as skilled trades and creative industries), critical thinking and problem-solving skills will be critical to children’s ability to thrive as adults.
STEMful students who attend our camps, such as our Spring Break programs, have a blast building their critical thinking and problem-solving skills while exploring STEM subject areas, including chemistry, engineering, science, anatomy, physiology, and more.
5. Healthy and Productive Communication
Communication is at the center of every interaction children have with their peers, teachers, and families. As adults, communication is the foundation of productive professional and personal collaborations. Learning how to speak effectively and confidently helps children to navigate their way through daily life. STEM education affords opportunities to build and practice their communication abilities.
Through STEM learning experiences, children work in groups, ask questions, make observations, and discuss and share ideas. They develop important communication skills they will practice and hone throughout their youth, in and out of school, and as they enter the workforce.
Give Your Child Valuable STEM Education Opportunities
STEMful offers various opportunities for children ages 1.5-10 to participate in meaningful and beneficial STEM learning experiences. Visit our programs page to learn about current and upcoming STEM education opportunities with STEMful. Help your children have fun while building skills that will benefit them now and in the future!