Do your children have an interest in figuring out how things work? Do they enjoy experimenting with their surroundings? You may have a budding engineer, astronaut, mathematician or scientist on your hands. Even kids who are not naturally drawn to all things math and science enjoy exploring their environment and figuring out how they work. STEM, which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, are activities that engage kids of all ages in these specific areas. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, STEM occupations are growing 17% per year and STEM degree holders have a higher income. While a career in the STEM field may seem like a long time off for your preschooler, STEM education creates critical thinkers, increases science literacy, and enables innovation of new products in the future. Most would agree that jobs of the future will require a basic understanding of math, science, and technology and it is never too early to start developing your child’s interest in these areas. (www.engineeringforkids.com) While many schools are developing STEM curriculums for classrooms, there are plenty of things you can do at home to kickstart your preschoolers love of science.

STEM in the kitchen

       Your school teachers were right, you do use math and science in everyday life. You may already love cooking with your kids but consider incorporating science and math lesson at the same time. While baking cookies have your children help measure the ingredients, count the scoops of flour, talk about what happens if you do not use the correct measurements, and discuss what the purpose of baking powder and baking soda is. (It leavens the batter to rise while baking.) Make the experience fun and educational at the same time. Your child may not even notice they are learning about math and science while baking and sampling tasty treats.

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