STEM from the beginning

Engaging Preschoolers in STEM: It’s Easier Than You Think! I read this in one of the articles the first time I read about S.T.E.M (Yes, it was about 30 minutes before I finished this article and to tell you the truth, I learned something new again! 🙂 )

I just did my older son’s school supply shopping today and I almost cried. Then I thought, it’s time to find out what these 4 letters mean, because all I knew was it was education related. (Maybe I shouldn’t have said that in public… too late)

So I continued reading….”activities that support STEM learning, young children can remain curious, focused, communicative, and active for over 45 minutes (or longer!)”-Alissa A. Lange, PhD This is getting better and better, so I couldn’t wait to learn more about it.

Science + Technology + Engineering + Math= STEM

STEM activities support not only the development of math and science skills, but also provide opportunities to strengthen language skills. So I really wanted to find out what activities I could do. It had to be something for a not too creative and patient mom, so here are a few I think I can manage with my dude.

Turn Water into a Walking Rainbow

This activity covers all your hands-on-STEM bases: squirting color, pouring water, making observations, and predicting outcomes. It also looks really pretty, drawing the eyes of little scientists. Get the details here.

Play with Baking Soda Science

A little baking soda and vinegar can open a whole world of fun to tiny scientists. Cover the bottom of a foil tray with baking soda. Fill an ice cube tray with vinegar––for extra fun you can add a drop of food coloring to each compartment. Using a dropper or pipette (great for fine motor skills, too!), watch the baking soda fizz and froth in a chemical reaction.

Build a Better Bridge

Use recyclables and household objects to see who among you can build the strongest bridge.

Will it Float or Sink?

Fill a small tub with water. Gather objects from around your house or yard and place them in the tub, pool, or sink. Ask your son or daughter if the object sank or floated and see if you can figure out why. Increase the challenge to see if they can predict which will happen before you drop it in.

And, if you are like me and don’t want to spend on those new amazing but quite pricy subscription boxes, from the dollar store you can make your own STEM Kit for under $20 with the following items: