Keeping our kids motivated to learn in today’s world can be incredibly challenging. With so many different things competing for our attention, it can be a battle for kids to stay focused, let alone feel curious enough to explore the world around them. If that’s the way you feel, you need to know about these fantastic STEM websites.
With the early integration of STEM-based learning, children are more likely to develop critical problem-solving skills and an appetite for education. STEM learning also helps developing minds curate the tools necessary to survive in the emerging information-based workforce.
The trouble is, how do we get our kids to fall in love with STEM on their own? We can tell kids all we want about the benefits of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics – focused training, but a tactical approach is likely to fall on deaf ears.
Kids need something that’s hands-on, interactive, and most importantly, doesn’t feel like learning. Luckily, with the power of the internet, there are plenty of ways to keep your kids interested in STEM from home. Below, we’ll dive into 3 STEM websites that hit these marks with flying colors.
HOW DOES STEM LEARNING BENEFIT KIDS?
So, what’s all the buzz around STEM learning in the first place? How can it benefit our kids? We know that the field itself is centered around skills for science, technology, engineering, and mathematical disciplines, but what is it about the process that makes STEM project-based learning so valuable and why we believe you should give STEM websites a go? Here are just a few of the benefits of engaged STEM learning:
Encourages Kids To Express Their Ideas — One of the most crucial skills kids develop through STEM projects and activities is expressing themselves in an academic setting. Experiential learning requires students to try out new things and share their ideas in order to solve problems. This helps kids build confidence so that they’re more likely to participate in classroom discussions and lectures down the line. Active participation undoubtedly leads to deep learning. STEM projects help kids build the confidence they need to express themselves academically in and outside of the classroom.
Learning To Accept Failure — Too often, kids are taught that their ideas are only valuable if they lead directly to success. In reality, no one is accurate 100% of the time, so putting that burden on our students is simply unrealistic. STEM learning shows kids that it’s okay to fail — In fact, failure often leads you one step closer to figuring out the true solution to a problem. With STEM learning, kids are encouraged to build much-needed resilience in their day to day lives.
Builds Creativity — STEM learning fosters creativity in kids by encouraging them to think outside the box to solve problems. After all, after numerous attempts to solve a puzzle or execute an experiment, the only option is to come up with alternative solutions. This makes it easier for kids to contribute to their classrooms and build confidence in their thought process. Creativity is certainly like a muscle— If you don’t exercise it, it’s a lot harder to maintain. However, if you’re constantly looking for ways to be innovative, you’re only going to build upon your ingrained sense of originality.
Encourages Curiosity — STEM learning focuses on teaching kids how things work through hands-on examples. As your kid learns the ins and outs of different STEM concepts, they’re bound to start questioning the world around them in a curious, productive way. Curiosity breeds the desire to learn, so engaging in STEM projects might make it easier for your child to grasp concepts surrounding other subjects. In short, STEM brings the fun back into learning, reinvigorating your kid’s focus on education and future job preparation.
Hands-On Learning — STEM learning isn’t just about reading from a textbook. This hands-on field is fully immersive and challenges your kid to look at learning in a whole new light. Your kid won’t even notice that they’re learning— Instead, it will feel as though they’re solving a challenging puzzle or playing one of the favorite games. This makes the learning process more fun for your child and helps build retention so what they learn will stick long after the project is completed.
Critical Thinking Skills — Integrating STEM learning into your child’s curriculum also builds invaluable critical thinking skills. In order to make the most of every project, students are required to decide between different methodologies. This helps curate a healthy sense of experimentation and empowers young minds to make decisions by themselves to reach the desired goal.
3 GREAT STEM WEBSITES FOR KIDS
Here are some of the best STEM websites for kids that make learning interactive, fun, and accessible.
MEL Science
Having a budding scientist on your hands? Check out MEL Science to gain access to tons of engaging experiments, educational resources, and more for your little Einstein. As said by one parent, “My son is 12 and MEL Chemistry continues to inspire and encourage his fascination with chemistry. The experiments with expanded explanations through the smartphone app and website links add a greater depth than most of the science toys available.”– It’s clear that this service is dedicated to making science fun, while still focusing heavily on education.
This affordable subscription sends handcrafted experiments straight to your doorstep with everything your kid needs to complete the task at hand. They also offer a number of virtual reality lessons through the site, giving your kids supplemental learning options in a fun, innovative way.
You can choose between general science, physics, or chemistry kits depending on your child’s interests. The kits are suitable for age 5 and up depending on the project and require minimal supervision for your scientist to start experimenting. Plus, the company backs their learning kits by a satisfaction guarantee, so you’re able to make sure that it’s a good fit for your kid.
Check out the website: https://melscience.com/
Revolution Math
Many people believe that math isn’t the easiest thing to get excited about, especially if you’re a kid. (If you’re one of them, perhaps you’ll change your mind when you check out our Math Coloring Pages collection.) Revolution Math tries to turn this adage on its head with story-based mathematical learning and real-time instruction with a personalized classroom of only 3 other students. While this site may be more expensive than some of the individualized project subscription kits, it adds the element of private tutoring at a fraction of the traditional cost of hiring an instructor.
Kids will be able to stay with the same virtual instructor from week to week as well, allowing them to cultivate a strong, productive relationship. Along with the instruction classes and curriculum, your kids will also get access to a variety of math-focused games. One parent shared that their kid fell head over heels in love with the interactive style of the platform— “Oh my goodness, Gianna loves it! She said she wants it to be twice a week! I think Gianna really enjoys the interactive aspect and all of the games.”
The math curriculum is also common core aligned, so the program makes a great supplement to classroom learning. We also love the convenience of fully-online lessons— Even if your family skips out on vacation, your kid can still enjoy their weekly hour session with their instructor. Upon signing up, you’ll be mailed a starter kit giving your kid everything she needs to get started.
Check out the website: https://www.revolutionmath.com/
KiwiCo
For inviting, all-around learning, KiwiCo is the place to go. This STEM-based subscription service sends enriching and innovative projects right to your doorstep. Notably, this company offers kits for adults and kids of all ages— That’s right, they have a specific line for young creators under 24 months! Regardless of which crate you choose, all seem to be a hit with young creators— “My son has been so excited to open each new crate that arrives! The content is engaging and the comic story gives him a real-world perspective of the topic.”.
From DIY ukuleles to make-your-own-rainbow kits, there’s truly something for everyone. The lighthearted boxes make learning super approachable, even for kids who might be a little more on the hesitant side. It’s also nice that the site allows you to search project crates based on interest— If your little one is more interested in engineering than mathematics, you can cater your subscription accordingly.
Plus, many of the projects integrate multiple skill sets at once, so your kid is bound to get a well-rounded experience from the project collection. You can also gift these kits or order them in bulk for entire classrooms as an added bonus. KiwiCo is ready to provide any developing mind with fun, engaging activities that will have them eagerly anticipating the next delivery.
Check out the website: https://www.kiwico.com/
It’s clear that STEM education will be the basis of the emerging information-based economy. By giving kids a foundation of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics-focused learning, we give them a head start that doesn’t feel overwhelming or ingenuine— Just fun, innovative, and productive.
With the help of any of these STEM websites, your kid will reap the many benefits of STEM education and cultivate skills that can be used in or outside the field.
Enjoy watching your child grow in many different ways through these interactive learning experiences!
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