6 Quick Fun STEM Education Skills

Avatar of Ciaran Connolly
Updated on: Educator Review By: Michelle Connolly

Introduction

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. The word is tied together using the first letter of each word: the S for Science, T for Technology, E for Engineering, and M for Mathematics. Therefore, Language plays an important role in forming STEM. We will discuss that in detail.

But for now, you should check LearningMole.com, where we have a specific section, especially for STEM skills purposes.

We will learn more about the skills STEM provides us with and what it really means while exploring our very own STEM videos on LearningMole.com.  STEM is a strategic concept that is followed in teaching children of all ages a different set of skills that may come in handy in our everyday life.

STEM Skills

STEM encourages many skills, like collaboration, communication, research, problem-solving, critical- thinking, and creativity. Students need these skills to be successful in today’s world. STEM knowledge is used vastly in today’s world. 

For example, we have different types of STEM careers, STEM lesson plan ideas, and an elementary STEM curriculum which is designed specifically as STEM for elementary students. There are even top STEM careers and STEM careers for kids. 

Even if we do have the top 10 STEM careers, 25 STEM jobs, a STEM career list, or even STEM at the elementary level, we will also notice that STEM programs for kids prevail because it starts with STEM at the elementary level.

Regardless of what are STEM careers or what are STEM jobs, STEM ideas for elementary students will be the most fun without a doubt. Kids get to try free STEM activities, learn all about STEM education in elementary school, and do STEM projects for elementary school.

STEM knowledge teaches many skills that are essential for surviving in today’s world.

Collaboration is enhanced and encouraged through teamwork that aims towards a shared goal in mind to be achieved. We collaborate with our children to improve a specific skill. In turn, our children collaborate with their teammates to succeed in a goal they all share in order to achieve what they all want, which is success.

Communication is an important skill in today’s world. Especially when interacting with one another. Communication is developed through practice and trial as well as error. We communicate to our children different concepts in every choice we make, words we use, and actions we carry out. They pick up the communication skill very early in time because of interaction.

They learn to communicate with their peers and describe their own ideas using their own words. It takes time and practice to reach a level of satisfaction in this specific skill. They will always be learning and developing as they grow older.

Research is one of the skills that became important, especially nowadays. Technology and exposure are two of the main reasons research became an essential skill to have and develop. For adults as well as for children.

We research for answers to our questions with a tap on our phones. We research for information to learn more about a specific topic we are interested in. We research different fields of science to have more knowledge about the world. We use research in our everyday life. This is why it is an important skill to have and develop.

Problem-solving is one of the survival skills we all must-have. We face problems in our everyday life and we have to deal with them. This skill improves with practice and patience. The more problems we solve, the better we get at solving them. Problem-solving is a handy skill to have.

It makes life a whole lot easier. Especially, when facing problems or obstacles. Which we will have to face frequently. The better we are at solving problems, the easier our lives will be. All of which makes problem-solving a very necessary skill to living a happy life.

Critical- thinking is important for different reasons. As it helps us see the hidden aspect of a conversation, story or piece of news. If we think critically about things, we will have a very unique perspective on things and our minds will develop differently.

We will be able to read between the lines. We would not take things as they are but critically consider them. Everything will take a bit more time to be understood, but it will be worth it.

Creativity is essential to having fun. The more you learn about creative solutions and develop your creativity, the tastier life will become for you! I mean think about it, how amazing would it be to try out different activities that do not require you to leave your house and are a good beneficial way to spend your time?

Yes, the answer is very amazing indeed. Imagine if those activities are easy, quick, and fun to do with your children. Awesome is right. So, make sure to enhance and develop your creativity with us on LearningMole.com.

We have Origami, which is an original Chinese art of folding paper to make shapes. It is also a creative way to recycle and reuse paper that you might think is okay to throw away, but it is not. Watch our video on the subject and you’ll know why:

What does STEM stand for?

Science

STEM begins with Science and so will we. Science can be divided into Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. The biology field we will learn about is the study concerned with what is inside our bodies. In other words, Anatomy. Check out more on LearningMole.com.

Biology

Before we talk about anatomy, we have to know some facts about biology. The cell is the fundamental unit of all life. Every living organism is made up of one or more cells. Humans have 37.2 trillion cells in their bodies. All living organisms are able to use external substances for energy.

For example, humans use food such as vegetables and meat. Which contains carbs and protein. Plants gather energy from the Sun through photosynthesis. The word biology comes from the two Greek words: “bios” which means life and “logia” which means “study of”. If we put them together, it becomes the study of life. So, biology is the study of living things.

A biologist is a scientist who studies biology. Biologists try to understand the natural world and the things that live in it. These things include plants, animals, fungi, protozoa, algae, bacteria, and viruses. The study of biology is usually divided into fields. Some biologists study anatomy. Some study physiology.

Physiology is how the different parts of a bodywork together. Others study ecology. Ecology is how organisms interact with their environment. There are many other fields of Biology, but we will concentrate on anatomy.

Anatomy

Anatomy is an interesting subject. Learning about it allows children to know more about their own bodies. Inside our bodies, there are a lot of things that do all different kinds of functions throughout the day with no rest. Those things are called organs.

The organs inside our bodies all have different and specific functions. Each organ does its job perfectly. This keeps us alive. We have different sets of systems inside our bodies to manage the different functions and processes. There are 12 systems that take place in our bodies.

They are the Integumentary System, Skeletal System, Muscular System, Nervous System, Endocrine System, Cardiovascular System, Lymphatic System, Respiratory System, Digestive System, Urinary System, and Reproductive System.

We will be talking about the human body. Mainly, about two body parts and five systems. We will explore the brain and the heart. We will learn more about the skeletal system, the nervous system, the digestive system, the urinary system, and the respiratory system.

The brain is the most important organ in the nervous system. While the heart is the most important organ in our bodies. The skeletal system keeps all of our bodies in one piece and allows us to move correctly. The nervous system sends and receives signals throughout the body.

The digestive system helps us manage the food we put into our bodies. The urinary system allows us to get rid of unnecessary objects and liquids in our bodies. The respiratory system allows us to manage our breathing and use the oxygen we breathe in through the air.

The brain

According to Britannica, the brains of humans and other vertebrates are large masses of nerve cells protected by a skull. Vertebrates are animals with a backbone. Vertebrates’ brains have many sections. Each section has its own functions.

The brain of invertebrates is much simpler. Invertebrates are animals without a backbone. The brain also controls thoughts and feelings. The human brain looks something like a mushroom. The brains of insects, lobsters, squid, and other invertebrates are groups of nerve cells.

These groups are at the end of the nerve cords that run through the animal’s body. This type of brain allows the animal to control its body and to sense its environment. Simple animals, such as jellyfish and corals, have networks of nerves instead of a brain.

The brain of vertebrates is located in the head. It is protected by the skull surrounding it. It is responsible for unconscious behaviors, like breathing, dreaming, and moving. It receives messages from the outside world and sends signals throughout our body to act or react. This is why you move your hands away as soon as you touch a hot object.

The brain is responsible for taking care of our nervous system. It consists of three parts. The first part is the Cerebellum. The second part is the Encephalic Trunk. The third part is the Brain Cortex. Each part is responsible for specific functions.

The Cerebellum is responsible for keeping your balance, moving your body parts, and doing exercises. The Encephalic Trunk connects the brain to our spinal cord. The spinal cord starts at the back of our necks and ends at the lowest part of our back.

The Encephalic Trunk is responsible for breathing, the digestion of food, and pumping blood all over the body. The Brain Cortex is the outer layer of our brain. It is made up of approximately 86 billion neurons.

Neurons are cells that transmit information and signals received by nervous impulses all over the body. The brain protects our bodies by receiving messages and sending signals through the nervous system.

The brain is divided into two parts. The first part is the right hemisphere. The second part is the left hemisphere. The two parts are connected by fibers. Those fibers are known as hard bodies.

The right hemisphere is responsible for creativity and intuition. This is where all the art and music take place. It controls the left part of our body. While the left hemisphere is responsible for calculations, speech, and logic. You use this part for mathematical operations, advancing your language skills, and understanding lessons. It controls the right part of our bodies.

Each hemisphere consists of four lobes: Frontal, Parietal, Temporal, and Occipital. Each lobe is responsible for different functions. The Frontal lobe controls action planning and emotions. The Parietal lobe controls the meaning using the five senses: hearing, touching, tasting, smelling, and seeing.

The Temporal lobe controls our memory. The Occipital lobe controls visual information processing.

The brain is a very important organ in our body. We have to always remember to protect it. Eat healthy food to energize your brain. Wear a helmet when riding a bike to protect it. Sleep 8 hours a day to recharge your brain energy. Exercise and play around to keep your brain active. Finally, remember to do mathematics, puzzles, and study to keep all the brain parts stimulated.

The heart

The heart is the second organ we will talk about. It is the organ that keeps all the other organs alive by pumping blood to them. It pumps blood all over the body and helps keep oxygen getting everywhere it needs to be. Learn more:

The heart pumps blood through the veins and the arteries to different parts of the body. Veins carry the blood to the heart and the arteries carry the blood away from the heart. The arterial blood contains oxygen.

Oxygen is integral for human survival, without it we will die. Oxygen is what gives our bodies energy to participate in activities and function daily. The heart manages to transport this blood inside the human body through pumping. The heart pumps by contracting and relaxing.

It is divided into four chambers. These chambers are known as ventricles and atria. The chambers on the top level are called the left atrium and the right atrium. While the chambers at the bottom are referred to as the left ventricle and the right ventricle.

These chambers keep the oxygenated and deoxygenated blood separated. The rich oxygenated blood that flows from the lungs arrives into the left atrium and it is pumped out to the rest of the body from there. The deoxygenated blood flows into the right atrium and backs out into the right ventricle to the lungs. These tasks are achieved all in one beat from the heart.

The average heart rate of a human is 72 beats per minute. Looking after your heart is integral to a happy and healthy life. In order to keep your heart healthy, you shouldn’t smoke, you should exercise regularly, eat lots of fruits and vegetables, and manage your intake for sugar and fats.

The heart never stops beating, so that’s why we should ensure we are doing everything we can to protect it and keep it safe. The heart shape that people draw does not represent the real shape of the heart inside the human body, but it might be the closest thing to it.

The Skeletal System

Inside the human body, there is a structure that holds us together. That structure is known as the skeleton and it is made up of a variety of bones that hold us all together, help us stand up straight, support the physical functions of the body, and also protects our vital organs. Learn more:

70% of our bones are made from hard minerals like calcium. Bones are broken down into four different parts: the periosteum, the compact bone, the cancellous bone, and the bone marrow. 

The outer layer of the bone is the periosteum. It contains nerves and blood vessels. The compact bone is hard and smooth. The cancellous bone is spongy and tough.

The bone marrow is jelly-like in appearance. It has an incredibly important function. Which is making new blood cells for the body. Babies have more than 300 bones. As they grow, babies learn ways to move their body parts. Most baby bones are made of cartilage. It is slowly replaced with harder bones.

This is why weight gain can be significant in young babies and toddlers. Some of the bones join together to form one larger bone. By the time the bones fully develop, we end up having 206 bones.  

The skeletal system is what helps us keep moving. Any place where two bones meet is called a joint. There are a variety of joints, some are fixed, other joints move a little, like those little bones in the spine, and there are joints that move frequently, but require muscles. To ensure we keep our bones in a good condition, we need to eat healthy food that is rich in calcium and exercise.

The Nervous System

Our nervous system is responsible for breathing when we are asleep, smelling our cakes that are baking, and moving away from the hot tea to avoid getting burned. The nervous system is a network of organs and nerves. It sends signals throughout the body. It is divided into two parts. The first part is the central nervous system. It consists of the brain and the spinal cord.

The brain, as we mentioned, is in the head protected by the skull. It sends and receives signals through the nervous system. The brain stem links the brain to the spinal cord and the rest of the body. It consists of midbrain, pons, medulla and spinal cord.

The second part is the peripheral nervous system. It is all the nerves around our body. It has two functions. Which are to receive and send messages. The nerves that carry messages to the brain when we taste or sense something are called sensory nerves.

The other nerves that carry messages and signals from the brain to be carried out by the muscles and the other body parts are called motor nerves. Motor nerves help us react in which action. The peripheral nervous system is in charge of some automatic actions our body does, like breathing and digesting. All nerves consist of neurons.

Neurons consist of three main parts. The first part is the dendrites. The dendrites take the electric messages into the cell bodies while the second part takes them away. The second part is the axon. The third part is the nucleus inside the cell body.

The Digestive System

Digestion is the process of breaking down food into small particles that dissolve in water. In order to, allow the blood to absorb it and give energy to all the body parts. The digestion process takes five stages that are carried out in a specific order.

The first stage is chewing. When we chew our food, we break down food into smaller particles that we can swallow. Next, in the mouth, the saliva mixes with the food particles and breaks it down to even smaller particles.

Then, we swallow the food. The second stage is swallowing. Swallowing is when the tongue pushes the food particles down your throat through a pipe called Esophagus. The Esophagus is also known as the food pipe.

The third stage is in the stomach. The food particles arrive at the stomach and stay there for four hours. The stomach releases acids and enzymes to break down the food particles even more and kill bacteria. This makes it easier for the body to absorb the food particles. Pepsin is the enzyme responsible for breaking down the protein in the food particles.

The fourth stage takes place in the small intestines. The food particles then move onto the small intestines. Juices from the liver and pancreas help in further breaking down those food particles.

The liver secretes bile. Bile is responsible for breaking down the fats in the food particles. While the pancreas releases other enzymes that break down the food particles even more. Then, the small intestine transfers the food particles throughout the body using the blood.

Finally, the fifth stage is getting rid of unwanted particles. The food particles that are not absorbed by the small intestine are transferred to the large intestine. The large intestine uses water and other particles to send the unneeded material out of our bodies. The large intestine also produces antibodies that help improve our immunity system.

The Urinary System

The liquid waste, like water or broken down food particles that are not needed or absorbed by the body is gotten rid of through the help of the urinary system.

These wastes will circulate in our blood until we get rid of them. This is why it is important to not hold your bladder for long periods of time. Holding your bladder for a long period of time weakens the bladder muscles and can cause complications later on. The urinary system disposes of the unwanted waste through three steps.

The kidneys are where it all starts. The kidneys are located in the upper abdomen, against the muscles of the left and right sides of the body. They filter out the waste from the blood when the blood passes through the kidneys. The waste combines with water and form urine or as we call it pee. The second step takes place in the bladder.

Then, the urine is pumped down through the ureters to the bladder. The bladder is like a bag that holds the pee until the body gets rid of it. That is when we feel the need to go to the bathroom. The final step is when the pee is pushed through the urethra. The urethra carries the pee outside of the body.

The Respiratory System

We run. We play. We jump. We swim. We laugh. We do all sorts of things as we breathe in and out. Without breathing in the oxygen we get from the air, we will not be able to live our lives as we please. We will have no energy. We will die.

Oxygen is one of the main reasons why we are alive. We breathe through the use of the respiratory system. The respiratory system provides us with the oxygen we need to live through five steps.

First, we breathe in the oxygen present in the air. Second, the air passes through our nostrils. Nostrils are tiny hairs that block the entrance of dust into our system. The third step is when the air travels down the trachea.

Trachea is also known as the windpipe. It filters the air and is branched out into two tubes called bronchi. The bronchi have tiny hair that is called cilia. Cilia move around allowing the mucus inside to collect any harmful particles that might harm the lungs. Mucus is a sticky substance.

The fourth step is when the bronchi carry air into each lung. The right lung has three lobes. The left lung has only two lobes. The left lung is smaller in size to allow space for the heart. These lobes have spongy air sacs called the alveoli.

The fifth and final step takes place in the alveoli. Oxygen is exchanged with carbon dioxide in the alveoli. The blood picks up the oxygen and lets go of the carbon dioxide. There is a movement in the diaphragm when we breathe.

The diaphragm is a dome-shaped muscle beneath the lungs. It separates the chest and the abdominal cavities. It contracts when we breathe in and expands when we breathe out. Finally, we have learned more about our body and now we will learn more about chemistry!

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Chemistry

We believe chemistry is hard. That a chemist should wear a white coat and have an underground laboratory where they do their experiments. However, chemistry is much simpler than all of that. If you don’t believe me, see for yourself on LearningMole.com.

You can carry out all sorts of different chemical experiments from the comfort of your home. Children can experiment with easy-to-find materials and so much more with STEM hands-on activities. Check out more on LearningMole.com.

They develop different STEM skills and learn more about chemistry. Chemistry is the study of the properties and behavior of matter. In other words, it is a branch of science that studies matter, its properties, and how different substances, like molecules and their atoms interact, combine, and change to form new substances.

Matter is anything that has mass and takes up space. The five branches of chemistry are (Taken from babbledabbledo online):

·         Analytical chemistry

·         Physical chemistry

·         Organic chemistry

·         Inorganic chemistry

·         Biochemistry

An element in chemistry means: a substance in its simplest form. There are 120 known elements in our periodic table. An atom is the smallest particle of an element. Whereas, a molecule is groups of atoms tied together by a chemical bond.

Finally, an Ion is an atom or molecule that has an electric charge. So now that we know all about chemistry basics and what it means, how about we start doing some experiments together! Check out some cool experiments at LearningMole.com.

Blow up a balloon

Having a birthday party and getting tired of blowing up balloons? Don’t fear we got you. First, you need a water bottle, a balloon, and either an alka seltzer or effervescent vitamin tablet. Put the tablet in the water bottle.

Now, fit the balloon onto the small neck of the water bottle and make sure it won’t budge by tying a rubber band around the small neck to hold the balloon onto it. The alka seltzer or vitamin tablet will react with the water producing carbon dioxide bubbles that fill up the bottle and blow up all your balloons!

A Rubber Egg

Yes! You just read that, a rubber egg!  This experiment will take three days. I know it may seem long, but it is worth it. You will learn about the different egg layers and at the end, you will get a rubber egg to call your own.

First, let us discuss the different layers of an egg. The first layer of an egg is the eggshell. The eggshell is made up of calcium carbonate. The second layer is the two shell membranes. The two shell membranes protect the egg from any bacteria trying to penetrate the egg. The third is the egg white. The egg white is also known as albumen. Albumen provides protein.

Fourth is the yolk membrane. The yolk membrane holds the egg together. Fifth is the yolk itself. The yolk contains vitamins, minerals, and fats. Thus, we learned that the egg has six layers. Let us begin our three days now. First, we are going to need some materials to carry out our experiment. We need eggs, a clear cup or jar, distilled white vinegar, food coloring, and a bowl of water.

Since eggshells are made of calcium carbonate, vinegar will react with it because vinegar is an acid. The reaction forms carbon dioxide bubbles that dissolve the eggshell leaving only the outer membrane that is soft and flexible.

The first step is to place the egg in the cup or jar. The second step is to add vinegar until it fully covers the egg. The third step is adding food coloring. Add the food coloring you love or make it a rainbow! The fourth step is waiting.

Yes, we have to wait until the eggshell dissolves over the days. The fifth step is to rub it off. After three days of waiting, now you can hold the egg and place it in the bowl of water while you gently rub off the dissolved eggshell. 

The final step is bouncing. Yes! Let the egg bounce, but be careful it is still raw on the inside. On another note, we will always remember “GREEN EGGS AND HAM” by Doctor Seuss.

Green Eggs and Ham

So let us try making green eggs and ham together! We will need shredded red cabbages and eggs. First, put the cabbage into a pot with little water and boil it until the water turns deep purple. It will take about 5 to 10 minutes.

Second, separate the whites and the yolk. Put the whites in a bowl with the cooked cabbage and mix them up. We will use a small amount. Since the egg whites are a base, they react with the cabbage juice and turn green!

Third, pour the green egg whites into the pan, place the egg yolks on top, and cook them up. Viola! Green, healthy, and delicious green eggs and ham.

STEM

Physics

After finishing our fun chemistry, we come to our last stop in our science exploration of STEM. Physics is a branch of science that studies the structure of matter and its interaction with energy and forces.

It includes magnets, gravity, machines, inertia, motion, light, heat or energy, and so much more. Children are physicists by nature. Their motor skills are awesome. They run, jump, dangle from trees like bats, and build block towers.

Curiosity is their driving trait. They want answers, explanations, and to try it out first hand. We can explore different physics activities at home together on LearningMole.com.

Magnets are a great way to start exploring the concept of magnetic objects and why some objects are not magnetic. Gravity can easily be tackled through telling the good old Newton and the apple story or by actually trying out to let a rock and a paper fall from a high place at the same time to explore the concept.

The lever, inclined plane, wheel and axle, screw, wedge, and pulley are the six machines that make our lives easier. Let us explore inclined planes together by a race. Yes, we will make a car and a marble race together on an inclined plane.

The question is which is faster and does that change if the plane is steeper? We can learn more about wheels and axles by using a toy dump truck to move dirt from one area to another. Now, how about we explore wedges, screws, and levers with toys that look exactly like the adult’s ones. Finally, let us make a pulley and experiment with lifting buckets of sand or other objects.

Motion and inertia can be explored by pushing various objects, like: a ball, a block, or a toy car. We will find that pushing some objects is easier and some are harder to push. Why is that? Do heavy objects roll more easily than lighter ones? Does the surface they roll on make a difference? All these beautiful questions will run through your child’s mind and experiments will answer them.

Observe shadows and notice how they change throughout the day. Why are they longer at certain times of the day than others? Do they look different when the sun is up and shining from when it is overcast? Do they disappear and when?

We can play with a flashlight on the wall to explore the answers to all those beautiful curious questions. Why does light dispel the darkness and can darkness do the same to light?

Finally, we will keep a thermometer outside and record the different temperatures over several days. We will observe any conditions that affect the temperature and how it changes depending on the weather. Notice rainy, sunny, cloudy, windy, and hot days.

Compare between the temperatures and take notes on what happens when water is frozen or heated. We should always remember that each matter has a specific set of properties that identify it among others.  

Technology

Technology is an invention that makes our lives easier or helps solve problems. Humans need to eat, drink water, and have a home. So, instead of going down the river to get water, humans invented the sink. The sink allowed water into our homes so we can drink water from the comfort of our homes.

Some things you think are normal to have or naturally taken for granted are in fact some of the greatest inventions in history. For example, a chair. Yes, a chair! It helps us sit in a comfortable position for long periods of time. So, instead of having to stand up all the time or to find a rock to sit on, we have chairs.

Some technologies have wires and others don’t. A laptop can do many things other than store information, allow us to talk to friends, or type a paper, while a key helps us open up closed doors and close our treasured chest boxes. Other inventions made our everyday life easier and more tolerable. For example, we store our food in the fridge.

The fridge keeps food from turning bad for longer periods of time. The washing machine helps us wash our laundry with nice smelling soap instead of having to do it manually. The car, the train, the phone, the mixer, the oven, and so many more inventions are taken for granted. Whereas, in reality, they are technological advancements.

Technology is mainly concerned with the tools of the experiment that lead to the invention. Therefore, we should know the basic fundamentals of the technological world. So, how do we teach and involve technology in a child’s learning journey?

The answer is simple. We give them activities. Yes, activities!

The more they learn by hand, the more involved they become. Children love to experiment and come up with inventions of their own.

So, we need to make sure we provide them with a safe environment that allows space for them to learn and develop their own inventions. Learn more at LearningMole.com. They get to learn by trial and error and having fun. They develop their own understanding of different concepts based on their inventions.

They get to explore scientific concepts further by first-hand experience through invention. We just monitor and guide the process of inventing to make sure it goes smoothly and safely. We do not carry out the experiments ourselves, but in fact, we leave it up for the children to decide what to do and how to do it. During which, we supervise and help out the child when needed.  

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Engineering

Same with engineering activities. We only get involved when needed. However, overall we just guide the process and make sure it goes smoothly and teaches the child the intended skills of STEM. STEM does not only help develop a child’s brain, but also it enhances his active participation in society later on in life.

Children learn to come up with creative solutions for the problems of today to be better able to solve the problems of tomorrow. STEM activities provide a safe learning environment for the child to develop their own understanding of different scientific concepts and have fun experimenting as they go.

We use easy to find everyday materials for the purpose of learning and experimenting. We reflect the real life situation using such materials and encourage the child to come up with solutions and actively participate by taking action in creatively solving the problem or challenge we are proposing.

The child learns to use the available materials. They learn to make up for what they do not have with what they have. They learn to use the material in the most beneficial way they see possible to meet the challenge we propose.  In turn, they allow themselves space to develop as we provide a safe environment for them to grow. The engineering branch of STEM knowledge is also known as design thinking.

It is known as such since design links closely with engineering activities in our world. Building comes after design and then re-designing to establish more firm fundamentals. Therefore, we will discuss designing software in the engineering world.

We will briefly discuss the coding fundamentals:

Technology and engineering are inter-connected. They complete one another. We use technology to design, establish, and build devices. In other words, we construct inventions through the tools made accessible. 

STEM engineering mainly develops problem-solving and creativity since it is concerned with structures and developing applications based on scientific concepts. What comes to mind when we discuss engineering?

There are over 200 branches in engineering, but we will mainly talk about 3 and link them with examples to STEM educational activities. The 3 branches are: Aerospace Engineering, Civil Engineering, and Computer Engineering.

Aerospace Engineering is the study of design and product development concerned with space aircraft. Whereas, Civil Engineering is the study of design and product development concerned with roads, bridges, buildings, and water supply systems. Computer Engineering is the study of design and product development involved in software as well as hardware in computers.

Aerospace Engineering is divided frequently between engineers who pursue the aeronautical side and others working on spacecraft. Aeronautical is the study concerned with air vehicles. For example, planes and helicopters.

Whereas, Spacecraft are concerned with vehicles in space. For example, rocket ships and satellites. Air and space vehicles contain complicated systems of engineering that require experts and specialists in different fields of engineering. For example, electrical, mechanical, and computer engineering.

Civil Engineering is a field that specializes in construction. Engineers working in this field usually work in teams with other engineers. They have a lead supervisor who is also an engineer, but with more experience in the field.

They make sure that every structure of the buildings is built in compliance with the environment it is surrounded with. In other words, they make sure buildings will be able to withstand hurricanes and earthquakes that might happen and actually happen frequently in some countries.

Computer Engineering is the field concerned with developing and creating software as well as hardware for computers and other software-based inventions. For example, developing Adobe software applications, like Photoshop, Premiere Pro, Audition, etc. Developing and improving graphic cards and hard disks that work more efficiently to process the required tasks of display and storage. 

All the previous engineering fields can be introduced to our children through different sets of activities. We can teach them about Aeronautical Engineering by crafting a science fair project of a rocket ship: you will need an empty bottle, vinegar, baking soda, paper, and a towel.

First, fill the bottle halfway with vinegar. Second, design your own rocket and glue the paper around the bottle. Third, add three tablespoons of baking soda. Finally, roll the paper towel tightly enough to fit inside the bottle, and so that no baking soda can spill out. Place a paper towel full of baking soda inside the bottle and plug with cork.

We can introduce Civil Engineering by asking them to build a simple tower. Finally, we can teach them more about Computer Engineering by exploring the basics of coding together.

At the end of the day, we will have young engineers who know more about 3 different engineering fields and what it means to design. Engineering is an essential part of the STEM educational system since it develops the children’s abilities to create and design based on science and technology.

The child learns the scientific concept, then studies the tools needed and available to carry out the engineering experiment of trial and error.  In addition to the Engineering design process. Which takes three simple steps. The first is identifying the engineering problem.

This step concentrates on describing the problem in clear terms to establish criteria upon which we will follow in solving the problem. The second step is suggesting solution designs. We start making numerous suggestions to solve the problem while comparing them with the criteria upon which we are following to solve the engineering problem.

Finally, we develop the design solution that is best suitable. We develop and improve the design that best solves the engineering problem at hand. The Engineering process of STEM improves the intellectual mind of the child with the help of Science and Mathematics in solving and relating to real-life problems and issues.

They try to reach a solution with as few resources as possible which improves creativity. It pushes their boundaries to smart- use the resources they have to solve the problem at hand depending on science and mathematics to guide them through with parents’ supervision.

The process of learning and advancing in STEM education takes steps and is integral for a child’s development as an independent individual. The mathematics of the process is numerous. So, we better get started on LeraningMole.com.

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Mathematics

Since Mathematics is a thinker’s essential field of knowledge, we specially designed a section in our website for all young thinkers out there:

Numeracy is one of the technical skills a child develops through the usage of mathematics. Numeracy means the skill of using numbers in a creative way to solve a mathematical problem. It is the implementation of abstract mathematical concepts into daily everyday life and being able to make better decisions.

Numeracy involves solving problems; interpreting graphs and diagrams; understanding and explaining solutions, processing information; checking answers; and making logical decisions based on reason. In LearningMole.com we will learn more about numeracy to best understand Mathematics together.

Numeracy

Numeracy introduces shapes and familiarizes your child with them to be better able in identifying them. Not only to identify but also, to use them accurately. It is an undeniably essential skill in our lives. It is involved in many different fields. In cooking, we can tell the time of baking or cooking chicken and so on. In the media, it helps interpret numerical pieces of information.

In accounting and budget calculations, we use it to understand graphs and charts filled with numbers. In addition to being able to tell the time and keep up with the fast pace of change. It does not only help out in everyday life but is also a good investment for the future.

It is proven that children that start out with numeracy at a younger age tend to have prospective careers in the future since employers hold numerical skills in high regard. Naturally, building a foundation of numeracy skills provides children with the ability to tackle more complex mathematical problems as they grow older.

These skills also aid with financial literacy and lead to independence and decision-making skills. Being financially literate allows for better opportunities at work and at home. These skills are integral for survival. Thus, introducing it at a young age will benefit the child way more than you could ever imagine. Learn more:

Language

STEM is held together by language. It is an acronym since it takes the first letter of each word as we explained earlier. Language helps clarify the word STEM in all its different aspects. Therefore, learning more about language is an integral part of mastering STEM skills. First, let us learn more about the English language phonetics to better understand the language aspect:

Phonics is learning together how to relate sounds to the alphabet. It helps children read, spell, and start their phonological journey early on. 

Instead of learning how to read, we will start with linking each sound with an alphabet through games, like: flashcards, the Lego letters’ pieces, the kid’s magazine of words as well as the whiteboard and the words and letters written on it.

Any game that successfully achieves the required outcome is welcome.

We have prepared a literacy guide to follow through to better understand the English language and what it can do. Teaching children how to read and write enables them to better express themselves and communicate using the language the world is using.

Teaching literacy is beyond just the four skills of language: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. It is teaching how to interact and communicate using language. Just as the language is used to keep STEM together, we teach them literacy to help them be a part of society.

STEM,Skills,Science,technology,Mathematics,Facts,Education LearningMole

Conclusion

We conclude our STEM journey. We have successfully finished our STEM investigation and we now know the skills it allows us to learn. STEM encourages many skills, like: collaboration, communication, research, problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity. Students need these skills to be successful in today’s world.

We know what the word itself means as well. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. The word is tied together using the first letter of each word: the S for Science, T for Technology, and E for Engineering, and M for Mathematics. Which makes it an acronym.

We learned all about Science in the STEM section. Mainly, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. However, we concentrated on anatomy and explored two integral organs as well as five systems that take place in our bodies.

The two organs were the brain and the heart. We learned more about the skeletal system, the nervous system, the digestive system, the urinary system, and the respiratory system. We discovered that the brain is the most important organ in the nervous system. While the heart is the most important organ in our body.

The skeletal system keeps all of our bodies in one piece and allows us to move correctly. The nervous system sends and receives signals throughout the body. The digestive system helps us manage the food we put in our bodies.

The urinary system allows us to get rid of unnecessary objects and liquids in our bodies. The respiratory system allows us to manage our breathing and use the oxygen we breathe in through the air.

We carried out different chemical experiments together as well. Blowing up Balloons, Rubber Eggs, and Dr. Seuss’s Green Eggs and Ham. We learned about the different Chemistry branches: Analytical chemistry, Physical chemistry, Organic chemistry, Inorganic chemistry, and Biochemistry. Finally, we concluded our scientific journey with Physics.

We learned it includes magnets, gravity, machines, inertia, motion, light, heat or energy, and so much more. We discussed how to better understand each concept and introduce it to a child. We understand curiosity is what drives our physical knowledge and develops our motor skills.

Then, we briefly talked about technology and its types: with wires and without wires, as well as Engineering and its different aspects: Aeronautical Engineering, Civil Engineering, and Computer Engineering. Finally, we studied Mathematics and finished it off with language.

We learned all about the language phonetics, better understood the concept of phonics and followed through with the English literacy guide. We conclude that STEM knowledge is a vast field and is integral for a child’s growth into an individual possessing a different set of skills that are essential in our everyday world and remember, the world is full of wonders!

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