EuroScientist | By Sean Olesen
Children are naturally curious. In fact, children are capable of understanding science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) subjects before they’re even a year old. But, like other concepts, STEM skills need to be intentionally developed as a child grows.
Children are capable of complex thinking skills prior to being able to speak, but different types of play are critical to develop skills related to STEM fields. These skills include questioning, analysis, and curiosity.
Unfortunately, many children in the U.S. aren’t getting the play and stimulation they need to develop these critical skills. Up to 40% of American children aren’t ready for kindergarten and only 34% of kids in Grade 4 were proficient in science on the National Assessment of Educational Progress.
These numbers don’t reflect the child’s interest in learning. According to the National Research Council, children have developed their own ideas about the social, biological, and physical worlds and how they work before they enter school.
Educators, including teachers and parents, can develop these ideas by taking the child’s thoughts seriously, listening to the child, and building on what they already know and are able to do.
But why is it important to get your child interested in STEM in the first place? Isn’t it enough for a child to go to school and learn about STEM fields in class? Read More »
This article was originally published by Dino-Lite