5 Strategies to Make STEM Lessons More Engaging for Elementary Students

Children's innate curiosity and eagerness to learn about the things around them is the key to sparking their interest in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Once their interest is sparked, it's important to retain it by creating a sense of discovery and adventure when they are taught STEM subjects.

You may wonder why is it important for kids to be exposed to STEM lessons at an early age. And the answer is, their young and curious minds are open to learning new things and finding new ways to explore the world. Developing STEM skills at an early age will prepare your kids to confidently face their future in a fast-paced environment and an evolving society. Here are some tips to engage elementary students in STEM lessons.

1.     Introduce STEM learning into children's class curriculum and after-school programs

Teachers and parents should make a conscious effort to include STEM learning into their children's everyday lives, both at school and at home. STEM lessons should become an organic part of the children's lives so that they don't feel like it is a chore to be completed with reluctance. Infusing a sense of wonder and discovery into the lessons will make it interesting for the kids.

2.     Encourage self-learning to help students become independent thinkers

There are a lot of upsides to promoting self-learning. When you set goals and provide them with the necessary resources and information, children take initiatives, think proactively, and engage creatively in STEM projects. You can mentor them and guide them when they need assistance in solving complex problems but remain on the sidelines while they figure things out on their own. It will give them a sense of achievement that will keep them motivated to learn more.

3.     Adopt a hands-on approach to learning science-based subjects to keep it interesting

The average attention span of children is predictably lower than adults, especially when what they are taught becomes tedious or uninteresting. Science-based subjects have to be learned through experiments for children to fully understand and absorb the concepts. Textbook learning alone will not retain their interest in science. Therefore, it's crucial to adopt a hands-on approach to learning science.

4.     Assign practical applications of STEM lessons to help develop children's problem-solving skills

The main purpose of teaching STEM lessons to children from an early age is to prepare them for a future where they can confidently troubleshoot complex problems in what will no doubt be a technologically advanced society. Carrying out practical applications of STEM lessons in their day-to-day lives will increase their confidence in problem-solving. Remember, practice makes perfect. Not only that, you have to evaluate their progress regularly to assess the impact of STEM lessons on the students.

5.     Assign group projects to improve communication skills through teamwork

Collaborating with their peers in group projects will help students develop their communication skills and also identify key personality traits via critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills. Group projects can include virtual trips, PowerPoint presentations, and quiz competitions. This way, children's scientific and creative thinking is engaged. Furthermore, inquiry-based learning is easy to achieve in a virtual learning environment with the use of e-learning tools. Make visually appealing presentations using video and audio digital-learning tools a part of the students' daily lesson plan.

Why is it crucial to have a strong STEM background

Your children's future is influenced by the kind of education you give them. Laying a strong foundation in their early education will influence the type of careers they choose. Teaching them STEM skills will prepare them for a brighter future. With a strong STEM background, they can shape our economy and experience success beyond the classroom.