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QUESTION OF THE MONTH : How Do You Inspire a Child's Interest in STEM?

vijeth_ds

e14 Question of the Month

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is an term used to talk about related tech disciplines and is used to frame educational curriculum. Taking a STEM class in school is one thing, but sparking the interest in STEM of a child or inspiring them is another. 

Parents

  • I think it is really a combination of above choices.

    For me as a very young child (and beyond), I loved nothing more than to receive old broken things that I could take apart and study.  Once I understood what the parts were, I would attempt to fix them.  I continued to receive old radios, toasters, watches, etc.  Each new thing was a great adventure. I would have loved to have been guided along this path or encouraged to learn more.

    As I got older, I started directing any money I received to Radio Stack electronics projects. I had teachers who were mentors and help me discover Museums and Science centers.  Around that time, I started participating in science fairs.

    With my grandkids, I have bought them robot kits and helped them assemble them.  I have tried to encourage and engage them by asking them questions or getting them to try to experiments (like simple changes to the functionality, i.e. change LED colors or sound prompts).  My eldest grandchild is entering junior high school and has applied to and been accept to a special STEM and advanced training program next fall.  All of her classes will be advanced placement and will include programming instruction towards video gaming.  So far, she appears to have been inspired. 

    Any and all forms of encouraging a child will help them to be inspired in STEM.

Reply

  • I think it is really a combination of above choices.

    For me as a very young child (and beyond), I loved nothing more than to receive old broken things that I could take apart and study.  Once I understood what the parts were, I would attempt to fix them.  I continued to receive old radios, toasters, watches, etc.  Each new thing was a great adventure. I would have loved to have been guided along this path or encouraged to learn more.

    As I got older, I started directing any money I received to Radio Stack electronics projects. I had teachers who were mentors and help me discover Museums and Science centers.  Around that time, I started participating in science fairs.

    With my grandkids, I have bought them robot kits and helped them assemble them.  I have tried to encourage and engage them by asking them questions or getting them to try to experiments (like simple changes to the functionality, i.e. change LED colors or sound prompts).  My eldest grandchild is entering junior high school and has applied to and been accept to a special STEM and advanced training program next fall.  All of her classes will be advanced placement and will include programming instruction towards video gaming.  So far, she appears to have been inspired. 

    Any and all forms of encouraging a child will help them to be inspired in STEM.

Children
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