STEM is one of the hottest words in education right now, with the number of students studying these fields a regular point of discussion amongst school leaders and other education bodies. However, far from being a lofty ambition for the brightest students, the ideas behind STEM learning can have positive impacts on children of all abilities and interests.
At our prep school in Devon, we’re passionate about using the latest educational developments to help all children realise their ambitions. We break down what STEM education is all about and how getting children engaged with these subjects at an early age can have a positive impact on their development across both technical and creative interests.
What is STEM Education?
STEM in the world of education relates to four common technological subjects: science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The term dates back to the 1990s and has been used in various contexts, but predominantly assesses the general technical capabilities of students.
There are multiple reasons why the STEM subjects are put together in this way. The main reason is that there is plenty of overlap between the subjects; students who excel at one STEM topic will typically also excel at others. STEM has also grown in prominence because of its importance in our increasingly technological world.
Traditionally, STEM education would have referred to the direct learning of STEM subjects. Nowadays, however, it can also relate to how STEM can be incorporated into a child’s general development through education. An example of this would be a child’s computer proficiency allowing them to access additional class materials from various subjects online from home.
Why is STEM Education Important?
STEM education has always been a crucial part of a child’s education, but in the modern world it holds increased importance:
Career Opportunities
As our world becomes increasingly reliant on technology – from AI to the device on which you’re reading this – the importance and value of STEM skills increases. Studies suggest that those with STEM qualifications will have more job opportunities available to them in the future.
Develop Key Life Skills
For children who don’t pursue a life in these fields, learning STEM can still provide some fantastic fundamental skills that can support their growth.
STEM subjects rely on core abilities like problem-solving and critical thinking, while there are also many hands-on projects associated with STEM that can help teach collaboration and leadership.
Learn Through Innovation & Creativity
It is often underestimated how much creativity is involved in STEM. These are subjects built on experiments, trial and error, and finding clever ways around complex, real-life problems.
The more pupils are given the space to face these challenges head-on, the more opportunities they get to develop creative skills that can serve them both inside and outside STEM education.
Tips for Getting Children Interested in STEM Education
Some children will have a natural joy for STEM subjects, becoming excited by the prospect of completing difficult challenges. Others might not have as much enthusiasm for these topics.
No matter how your child feels, here are some quick-fire tips that can help get young minds excited for STEM classes:
- There are loads of STEM toys available, such as science experiment kits and lateral thinking puzzles, which can help children see these subjects in a fun and engaging way.
- Try to bring STEM into everyday life, whether it’s maths in working out the price of shopping or looking at how technology powers video games.
- Take a personal interest in STEM in action. As a role model, showing your interest in these fields, even if it’s just respect for how challenging they are, can inspire your child to actively pursue these areas.
You don’t need to be a whizz to appreciate STEM, and you don’t need to spend all day in front of a screen, either. By engaging in these topics in various ways, children can be encouraged to see everyday things in a new light, giving them the ingenuity to pursue whatever interests they may have.
