Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (or STEM) are fields of growing importance for the economy’s growth. Providing opportunity and stability, STEM careers are a critical component to helping the U.S. win the future. But adults aren’t the only ones benefiting from the prominence of STEM.
The generic saying that “children are the future” holds true in education. How we educate children to drive them to be the best, develop critical thinking skills, and be innovative contributors to society is of utmost importance. So how does STEM fit into this?
STEM education creates critical thinkers, increases science literacy, and enables the next generation of innovators. STEM is everywhere. From science playing a role in nearly every aspect of life to technology’s overwhelming and unforeseen growth in recent years, STEM is something that students need to be exposed to, even from a young age.
It pervades every part of our lives in some way, so why not get them excited about it now? By introducing kids to STEM concepts, such as engineering, at a young age, they will be more likely to develop a passion for it in years to come. Let us show you some reasons why.
Play and Engineering
Think about preschoolers. They’re fascinated by everything and incredibly imaginative. They love to play. Even at the age of three or four, getting children involved in engineering is as simple as grouping it together with playtime.
For kids, especially at a young age, where they develop more skills and thought processes, learning and playing go hand-in-hand. Building motor skills while playing is also a great learning opportunity for them. Engineering in its most basic form could be introduced with marbles, building blocks, and sandpit activities. They can build, learn what works and what doesn’t, and see how engineering works without even knowing it.
Teamwork and Engineering
Sure, sports and other group activities in a classroom setting can build motor, communication, and other learning skills. Kids pick up on these skills as they face new situations and grow older. But one of the best and timeless takeaways from working in a group setting is the teamwork that results.
Learning how to collaborate is one of the most essential life skills you can build at any age, but as a child, working in groups should be introduced as early as possible. How does this relate to engineering? Take a group activity like building a tower, for example. A child’s group has to work together to make sure their tower holds up, is the tallest, etc. This involves building skills of communication, being part of a team, spatial awareness, and more.
The Future and Engineering
Think about activities that your kids enjoy inside and outside of the classroom. Think about sports, reading, games, subjects, studies, and other hobbies that take time to develop skills in. If a kid becomes skilled in a hobby or activity and enjoys it, they’re likely to continue participating in that hobby or activity in the future.
The same goes for engineering. Teaching engineering to your kids could bring about a bright future in STEM for them. Children are naturally curious and asking questions about the world around them. Introducing STEM topics, such as engineering, early could spark their curiosity even further, prompting them to want to try their hand at things like marbles, building blocks, and more now. This could lead to bigger projects or a career in engineering later on in life.
STEM and Engineering
Considering the swift movement of engineering and technology in the 21st century, STEM is of growing importance. Engineering and technological literacy are almost required to function as a member of society. We need to understand these fields as our dependency on them increases.
Introducing engineering to kids is their pathway into the entirety of STEM. By implementing small engineering projects, like building blocks, egg drops, marbles, wooden cars, or pasta bridges, into their education or playtime, you’re simultaneously teaching them math and science topics. Also, very important aspects of STEM careers, math, and science are the building blocks for various careers in STEM, including mechanical, chemical, biomedical, and other engineering paths. Real-world engineering experiences can be built from small projects while a child is still learning.
Confidence and Engineering
As a child, most of us feared not fitting in or failing at something, whether it was in a sport, test, etc. They worry about answering a question wrong or looking foolish in front of others. However, engineering teaches us that there is room for trial and error.
Instilling a vote of confidence in children can be brought on by teaching them engineering skills at a young age. There isn’t necessarily failure in engineering when considering there can be multiple solutions to the same problem, build, etc. Failure is important when it comes to problem-solving, and problem-solving is a significant component in engineering. If we teach children how to problem-solve and look at “failure” in a different light, think of how confident and motivated they will be.
Need Project and Activity Ideas for Your Kids or Classroom?
Engineers and their skills are in high demand across many sectors, from manufacturing to the finance industry. Engineering education is important in this day and age to engage youth with engineering concepts and help them develop the problem-solving skills that all engineers develop throughout their training.
At Engineered Mechanical Systems, we believe in investing time and ideas into developing young minds for a future in engineering and STEM. Since 1990, we have been providing diversified and quality fabrication and manufacturing services to many customers. We strive for excellence and customer satisfaction in all we do, from engineering education and project ideas to having quality equipment built in a timely fashion for other manufacturers that are in need of it.
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