Easy STEM Learning During Play Time

STEM learning doesn’t have to be a specific classroom lesson! 

Apart from these physical and emotional benefits of play, what you may not realize is that when playing, kids apply STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) principles, whether it’s playing with blocks, building a fort or kicking a soccer ball with their friends, kids at play are “playing” with STEM. This post contains affiliate links.

Be sure to check out our other fun family-friendly kid activities and crafts!

Easy STEM Learning During Play Time | Mommy Evolution #stem #steam

STEM Learning During Play Time

While many parents like yourself may feel they need to “introduce” their children to science, they’ve likely already started to understand it through everyday life and may even have a strong affinity for it.

In fact, a report released by The Center for Childhood Creativity found kids are capable of developing complex STEM skills before they are even verbal.

Outdoor Science Lab for Kids: 52 Family-Friendly Experiments for the Yard, Garden, Playground, and ParkOutdoor Science Lab for Kids: 52 Family-Friendly Experiments for the Yard, Garden, Playground, and ParkOutdoor Science Lab for Kids: 52 Family-Friendly Experiments for the Yard, Garden, Playground, and ParkSTEAM Play & Learn: 20 fun step-by-step preschool projects about science, technology, engineering, art, and math!STEAM Play & Learn: 20 fun step-by-step preschool projects about science, technology, engineering, art, and math!STEAM Play & Learn: 20 fun step-by-step preschool projects about science, technology, engineering, art, and math!STEAM Kids: 50+ Science / Technology / Engineering / Art / Math Hands-On Projects for KidsSTEAM Kids: 50+ Science / Technology / Engineering / Art / Math Hands-On Projects for KidsSTEAM Kids: 50+ Science / Technology / Engineering / Art / Math Hands-On Projects for KidsTinkerlab: A Hands-On Guide for Little InventorsTinkerlab: A Hands-On Guide for Little InventorsTinkerlab: A Hands-On Guide for Little Inventors

 

Knowing these skills are constantly developing, play time can be a fun way for parents to point out the science that makes things work.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Stacking up math and science skills

Plastic building blocks are a classic for a reason; they give kids the opportunity to build a dream home, a castle, a car – the list goes on.

By asking your child to build a house, person or monster, you are simultaneously introducing him or her to concepts such as balance, pivots and other mathematical and scientific theories.

Another fun lesson you can bring to the set is using building blocks to practice addition, subtraction and multiplication skills.

For example, a 4-by-2 brick has eight studs on the top, while an 8-by-6 brick has 48 studs.

Help your kids make the connection by using the blocks to teach them how to build a better sense of numbers.

Spring into action

Another classic toy that you may not have realized involves science is a metal spring toy – the Slinky!

Generations of children have watched the bendable springs “walk” down the stairs in amazement.

Challenge your child to explore and see at which angle the spring toy can “walk” the fastest.

Make it even more fun by creating an obstacle course with books and other objects that may affect the trajectory to incorporate principles of physics and engineering.

Awesome Science Experiments for Kids: 100+ Fun STEM / STEAM Projects and Why They WorkAwesome Science Experiments for Kids: 100+ Fun STEM / STEAM Projects and Why They WorkAwesome Science Experiments for Kids: 100+ Fun STEM / STEAM Projects and Why They WorkAwesome Kitchen Science Experiments for Kids: 50 STEAM Projects You Can Eat!Awesome Kitchen Science Experiments for Kids: 50 STEAM Projects You Can Eat!Awesome Kitchen Science Experiments for Kids: 50 STEAM Projects You Can Eat!Awesome Engineering Activities for Kids: 50+ Exciting STEAM Projects to Design and BuildAwesome Engineering Activities for Kids: 50+ Exciting STEAM Projects to Design and BuildAwesome Engineering Activities for Kids: 50+ Exciting STEAM Projects to Design and BuildAwesome Physics Experiments for Kids: 40 Fun Science Projects and Why They WorkAwesome Physics Experiments for Kids: 40 Fun Science Projects and Why They WorkAwesome Physics Experiments for Kids: 40 Fun Science Projects and Why They Work

 

If your child is older, you can even use the toy to teach the basics of forces and waves by stretching it out then releasing it.

STEAM CHALLENGE CARDS - Get outside and play while you have fun with some science, technology, engineering, art and math!

STEM Learning Competition

Having your children play with science doesn’t have to involve test tubes and calculators; instead, you can harness the natural learning habits of your child.

If you are looking for other ways to make learning fun, a program like ExploraVision can help.

This K-12 STEM contest allows kids of all ages to create ideas for new technological innovations in response to real-world issues.

Participants work on their projects to supplement their science education while also developing problem-solving, analytical and collaboration skills.

To learn more about the competition and how to enter, and for teachers to find free tips for engaging students, visit exploravision.org.

One Comment

  1. Hi,

    I really liked your articule , specially the sentence “Having your children play with science doesn’t have to involve test tubes and calculators”

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *