STEM for beginners: How to teach your kids STEM when you don't know it yourself

First, let's get the basics down. We use the acronym "STEM" a whole lot over on this corner of the internet, but what does it actually mean?

• S is for Science: It's all about exploring the world around us, asking questions, and discovering how things work. From observing the stars to mixing baking soda and vinegar, science is about curiosity and experimentation.
• T is for Technology: Think computers, gadgets, and all the tools we use to make our lives easier and more fun. Technology is constantly evolving, and it's shaping the world we live in.
• E is for Engineering: Designing and building things that solve problems or make our lives better. From bridges and skyscrapers to robots and rockets, engineers are the creative problem-solvers who bring ideas to life.
• M is for Maths: The language of science and engineering. Math helps us measure, calculate, and understand patterns and relationships in the world around us. It's the foundation for many STEM fields.

However, the trick to remember here is that STEM isn't just about these separate subjects. it's more focused on how they all connect and work together by using creativity, problem-solving skills, and critical thinking.

Quite simply, you can use the phrase STEM to refer to the way, the mindset, the perspective of making sense of the world and creating amazing things and ideas from these thoughts!

How to shift your mindset and find STEM at home

Let's bust a myth right from the start: You don't need a fancy lab coat or a PhD to spark a love for STEM in your kids. 

In fact, STEM learning doesn't even require dedicated "science time" or special kits (although they can certainly help). 

It's already happening all around you, woven into the fabric of everyday life! 

You must put on your (hypothetical) STEM goggles to see it.

Think of it this way: the world is your kids' science lab, and you're their enthusiastic guide. 

When you start noticing the STEM hiding in plain sight, and suddenly, the ordinary becomes extraordinary. 

Ordinary stuff like:

• Kitchen chemistry: Baking cookies isn't just a tasty treat - it's a lesson in measurements, chemical reactions, and the magic of transforming ingredients.
• Backyard biology: That dandelion in your garden? It's a fascinating example of plant life cycles and seed dispersal.
• Construction zone: Building a block tower or assembling a LEGO creation? That's using your engineering and spatial reasoning skills!
• Tech time: Even scrolling through a tablet or playing a video game involves coding and digital literacy. Used in moderation, of course. 😉

Once you start looking, you'll be amazed at how much STEM is happening right under your nose. The key is to shift your mindset and start seeing the world through those trusty STEM goggles. 

Suddenly, everyday tasks become opportunities for learning and discovery!

Some simple questions for parent-child bonding over STEM

Have you ever noticed how kids seem to have an endless supply of "why" questions? 

That's their natural curiosity at work, and instead of feeling bored or annoyed by it (at least not all the time), it's time to embrace and encourage it in a healthy way.

I'm not saying that every "why" question is great. But when they do come up with a curious question, here's your opportunity to develop that STEM mindset by nurturing the process of finding out the answer.

That's when you play around with theories, question the answers, and find holes in their logic. Not to punish them or make them feel bad, but to get them to problem-solve and develop more complex and interesting thoughts.

Honestly, sometimes, when I'm "adulting" a little too hard, tapping back into that child-like wonder can be a total game-changer for me. 

For example, just the other day, I stopped to watch a squirrel bury its acorns, and it reminded me of the simple joys of observing nature. I actually got so excited, I took a video to watch back later.

Channeling a child-like curiosity for life lightens the mood, opens up new perspectives, and guess what? It's also the perfect way to spark a lifelong love for STEM.

It might sound simple, but engaging your child in conversations and encouraging them to think critically and creatively can have a HUGE impact. The next time you're going about your day, try sprinkling in some of these open-ended questions:

• "I wonder why..." - Why is the sky blue? Why do leaves change color in the fall?
• "What if we tried..." - What if we built a ramp for our toy cars? What if we mixed these two colors of paint together?
• "How does this work?" - How does a toaster heat up bread? How does a seed grow into a plant?

The beauty of these questions is that there's no single "right" answer. They invite exploration, experimentation, and a sense of wonder. Plus, they show your kiddo that you're genuinely interested in their ideas and observations.

The key to success is active listening

While all this sounds good, we all know how hard parenting can be. If you're in the middle of a task or just having some downtime, constant questions and even just general conversation can be draining.

This leads to what I call "stock answers", or that process of just saying "yup", "uh-huh", "that's interesting", when you're not listening or having a conversation.

I'm not saying you don't need that downtime, but there's a lot of joy that can be found actually taking the time to step outside yourself and engage in the topic at hand.

For example, when your child responds, as hard as it is, you've gotta resist the urge to jump in with a correction or a quick Google search. 

No answer is too big, too small, or too silly! As much as we want to provide our kids with all the answers, they actually learn a lot better by figuring stuff out themselves. 

So, instead of jumping in, listen actively and encourage them to elaborate. Say things like:

• "That's interesting! Tell me more about that."
• "What do you think would happen if we tried...?"
• "But how do you think that works?"
• "Have you ever seen anything like that before?"

By actively listening and engaging with their ideas, you're showing your child that their thoughts and questions matter. You're also modeling curiosity and a love for learning, which is SO valuable.

The goal really isn't to have all the answers. It's to create a space where curiosity is celebrated, and exploration is encouraged.

Embrace the mess, embrace the magic

Sorry to break it to you guys, but some of the best STEM activities are pretty messy. There might be spills, explosions (the safe kind, of course!), and creations taking over the home. 

But that's where the real magic happens!

Messy is memorable 🧼

Think back to your own childhood. What are your fondest memories? Were they the perfectly executed projects or the messy, chaotic, didn't-go-quite-as-planned moments? 

Embracing the mess sends a powerful message to your child: It's okay to make mistakes, it's okay to get things wrong, and it's okay to learn through trial and error. (And you can have even more fun cleaning it up later on!)

Celebrate the "Aha!" moments💡

Those moments when your child's eyes light up with understanding when they connect the dots and exclaim, "I get it!" – those are the moments that matter. Celebrate them, big time! Even if the experiment didn't go perfectly, focus on the learning that happened along the way. 

Failure is a stepping stone 

Ever tried to bake a cake, and it came out... interesting? Yeah, we've all been there. 

But instead of throwing in the towel, you probably tweaked the recipe, maybe even did a little research, and tried again, right? That's the core concept of STEM – it teaches us to embrace those "oops" moments, learn from them, and come back stronger.

Your kids are watching and learning from you, and the way you handle those setbacks can have a big impact on how your kids learn to embrace challenges and keep trying.

Turn everyday moments into STEM opportunities 

As I hope I've demonstrated above, you really don't need a dedicated "science time" or a closet full of fancy gadgets to nurture your child's STEM skills. In fact, some of the best learning happens in the most ordinary moments!

Here are a few ideas to weave STEM into your daily routines:

In the kitchen:

• Cooking & baking: Talk about measurements, fractions, and how different ingredients interact.
• Grocery shopping: Compare prices, estimate quantities, and calculate discounts.
• Gardening: Plant seeds, observe growth, and learn about plant life cycles.

Around the house:

• Building & tinkering: Encourage open-ended play with blocks, LEGOs, or recycled materials.
• Fixing things: Involve your child in simple household repairs or DIY projects.
• Sorting & organizing: Turn tidying up into a game of sorting and categorizing.

Out and about:

• Nature walks: Observe plants, animals, and natural phenomena. Ask questions, make predictions, and discuss what you discover.
• Car rides: Talk about distances, speed, and how cars work.
• Visiting museums or zoos: Explore exhibits, ask questions, and engage in hands-on activities.

When challenges arise, make sure you hear your child out in finding solutions. Whether it's figuring out how to fix a leaky shower or brainstorming ideas for a family game night, encourage them to think critically and creatively.

By weaving these concepts into everyday moments, you'll foster a love for learning that will last a lifetime.

Wrapping it up 

So there you have it! 

STEM really doesn't have to be scary or overwhelming. It's about fostering curiosity, encouraging exploration, and celebrating the joy of learning together. Here's a quick recap:

• You don't need a science degree to be your child's first and most important STEM teacher.
• Simple questions, everyday activities, and a willingness to embrace the mess can spark a lifelong love for science, technology, engineering, and math.
• Focus on the process, not just the results. Celebrate those "aha!" moments, encourage resilience, and let your child's curiosity lead the way.

By creating a playful and supportive environment, you're not just teaching STEM concepts – you're building confidence, critical thinking skills, and a passion for learning that will benefit your child for years to come.

The fun doesn't stop there! Check out our STEM subscription boxes, and get a monthly STEM activity shipped right to your doorstep!