What is STEM and how to integrate it this summer?

STEM is a word that we hear more and more in the educational setting. But what does STEM really mean?  STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. By combining the four subjects, students are able to apply these concepts to the real world. STEM allows for a much deeper understanding of problems and is very relatable to the real world. STEM allows for a lot of opportunities. It allows students to use their sense of curiosity to engage in problems. It allows for students to think outside of the box and apply and synthesize their knowledge. It allows for students to use resources to create a hands-on experience. So what are some activities you can do this summer to promote STEM at your home?  It is important to be involved in their process and ask questions to promote their curiosity. STEM is much more fun when you have a team to work with. Here’s a list of ideas to get you started! The questions are endless, but here are some examples of what you can ask your child.

1. Make slime! (Can things be added to it? What would happen if we added sparkles etc.?) – https://www.momdoesreviews.com/2019/01/13/the-best-homemade-basic-slime-recipe-for-hours-of-fun/
2. Build a bridge (How much weight can it hold? What works and doesn’t work?)
3. Create a code (What can you create? Can the character dance to a song?) – https://scratch.mit.edu
4. Make a cloud in the jar (What happens if we use cold water? Why doesn’t rain happen in the winter?) – https://www.playdoughtoplato.com/cloud-in-a-jar/
5. Create a stop motion video (there are many apps, but this one works well) – https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/life-lapse-stop-motion/id1281464378
6. Build a paper airplane (What makes one fly further than the other?) – https://www.foldnfly.com/#/1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-2
7. Change the colour of celery – https://www-instructables-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.instructables.com/Robotic-Hand-Science-Project/?amp_page=true
8. Create a boat that floats (Why doesn’t _____ float? What makes it so something floats?) – https://www.stem.org.uk/resources/elibrary/resource/439170/whatever-floats-your-boat
9. Build a city out of Lego (What does your city need? What is the area of that shape?)
10. Create a robotic hand (What makes your hand move? What would happen if something disconnected?) – https://www-instructables-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.instructables.com/Robotic-Hand-Science-Project/?amp_page=true