Teachers and parent have always pondered about the perfect age for kids to start learning STEM and how the concepts of STEM can be implemented into early childhood learning.
People see STEM education as a mere acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics but looking at the acronym critically, STEM is beyond the acronym. STEM education and its benefits foster an open atmosphere for learning and creative imaginative play.
The answer to the question above is that kids are not too young to start learning STEM. This means STEM can be started at any point and time, the perfect way or method that can be adapted is to teach STEM by going into nature or bring nature into your curriculum.
Statistics from the United State Department of Commerce have shown that STEM occupations are growing at the rate of 17% and other occupations are growing at the rate of 9.8%, the statistics also show that STEM degree holders earn more pay than non-degree holders.
WHY STEM?
This is because Science, Technology, Engineering and mathematics plays an important role in improving the quality of life, economy and environmental sustainability. The result of STEM education and its benefits impact generations to come
- The Basic knowledge of STEM is needed for future jobs. This is because most jobs in the future will require Science, Technology and Mathematics.
- Developments and advancement have made STEM very important because the four cores of STEM pervade every part of our lives.
Science; this is the first component of the philosophy and it is everything we can find around us
Technology; this is the expansion and development happening in every aspect of life we find ourselves
Engineering; this encompasses design, and construction of infrastructures and social amenities, it also entails providing measures to tackle global environmental challenges.
Mathematics; every occupation makes use of mathematics and it is always part of our everyday activity.
- Teaching kids using the STEM-based curriculum will incorporate real-life solutions that will make them learn efficiently and effectively.
- STEM provides hands-on lessons that kids need to make learning easier and fun-filled.
WHY IS STEM IMPORTANT?
- STEM helps bridge gender and ethnic gaps in the field of mathematics and science.
- STEM is also important to spark the interest of kids in STEM-related courses.
BENEFITS OF STEM
The benefits of STEM cannot be overemphasized. It is the future and it makes kids comfortable with all areas of learning which will make them excel in future.
STEM is not only for the future, it works for the present because the STEM philosophy makes kids creators, problem solvers, thinkers’ inventors, innovators and doers.
STEM helps in enhancing the problem-solving skill of the kids
One of the goals of STEM is to build problem solvers. Teaching kids STEM will give kids the knowledge needed to analyze and face problems and then work to correct problems, provide solutions and overcome the problem.
Most kids try to avoid taking risks because of the unpredictable outcome of the event. The knowledge of STEM will make kids observe their needs, develop ideas and carry out experiments. Carrying out experiments is simply taking risk and experiments make kids stand up for their idea. Whenever their ideas or experiment fails, they are motivated to try again.
STEM will encourage kids to take risks
Only a determined kid will fail and try again. If kids are not determined, if an experiment fails, that’s the end. But STEM is different; STEM will push the kids to think critically and creatively to find out why the experiment failed.
STEM builds Perseverance and determination
If the experiment finally works out, the kids will be determined to do more and achieve better. This will result in setting new goals and measurable steps that will be taken to achieve them.
Other benefits of STEM include
Failure after taking risks is a learning opportunity because such mistakes will never be made again.
It is a good idea to encourage children to adapt and try out STEM because it is the future.
- Teaching Innovation and creativity
- Making science and Technology an integral part of the child’s life
- Giving the confidence to set goals and work smartly to achieve the set goals
- STEM also teaches positive thinking about technology.
- STEM teaches kids the benefits of teamwork, effective communication
STEM programs and extra-curricular activities should be encouraged. This is because extracurricular activities and programs outside school will help expose kids to the real world and make them know that what they are learning is pertinent to their future.
Parents have a significant role to play by encouraging their children to pursue STEM-related courses.