Teaching our children when we’re on the road can be just as rewarding as it can be challenging. One of the more difficult aspects can be coming up with lesson plans that not only educate but also inspire, especially when it comes to STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). Here are some ideas to get your little ones excited about these subjects.
Science
Science doesn’t have to be dry or boring — it also doesn’t need to be predictable. Instead of lecturing your child or having them only read from a textbook, get creative. For instance, Rice partnered with CBS to create lessons for kids based on CSI, or crime scene investigating. You can teach your child about human anatomy and show them how to extrapolate a person’s height based on the length of the humerus or femur. You can also make learning about plants more interesting by having them build and label their own model. All you need is colored paper, tape or glue, and a pen. This engages their creativity and makes memorization more fun.
Technology
It’s imperative for children to understand the importance of technology, including how it affects and improves our daily lives. One way of doing this is to teach them about it firsthand. This way, they have a practical conception of not only its significance but how to develop it themselves.
One such way is to use one of Microsoft’s many free lesson plans. They can be doubly effective, as they offer an understanding of science and technology in a way that is beneficial for an active lifestyle. You might have your child design and build a device to protect brains from injury. This lesson teaches them the anatomy of the brain while encouraging awareness of how a brain can be injured, as well as ways to protect it. Give younger children an understanding of how computers work. The idea is to have them draw what they think comprises a computer, then you explore the actual components together while simultaneously learning the function of each component. The best part is that you don’t need to actually deconstruct a computer; instead, you can use the internet to locate pictures and information digitally.
Engineering
Like technology, engineering is part of nearly every aspect of life. Engineers not only improve our lives, but they also protect them. Natural disasters can seem terrifying, especially to children. One way to allay their fears is to teach them how engineers keep us safe. When teaching your little ones about the causes behind such disasters, you can tell them how engineers help predict weather patterns and reduce the damage from them. There are several experiments you can do together to see the cause and effect of weather, and how to protect against it. For instance, use a fan to blow over a structure, and come up with ways to reinforce that structure to keep it from being knocked over again.
Want something a bit more exciting? Have your child design and build a roller coaster with this lesson plan. All it takes is a bit of tape, some old piping or even toilet paper rolls, and a marble as your car. You can even use the video game Minecraft if you’re short on materials to build various structures and gauge their viability.
Mathematics
Math can be tricky. If your kids are having a difficult time, AAA Math sorts lessons by subject and level so you can teach no matter where you are — all you need is a computer. A fun way to introduce young children to geometry is by playing games such as Red Block Escape. This game focuses on shapes and spatial awareness and improves reasoning abilities, yet it remains a fun and engaging way to get your children excited about math. Again, a computer is all that is required, so it’s perfect for an on-the-go lifestyle.
No matter where you are, there are games and activities to make your lesson plans more exciting. You don’t need much to keep your little ones interested in STEM subjects. Thanks to the internet, you can do nearly anything together.
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