STEAM subjects and STEAM learning for kids can really help prepare children for future environmental issues. But sometimes, these lessons can fail to capture the imaginations of young people. For this month's guest blog, Rachel Hall, Managing Director of online educational resource Busy Things, gives 3 ways to get children interested in STEAM learning.
We all love a nature documentary. After David Attenborough’s Blue Planet II, we saw the shocking human impact on the environment. We’ve become even more invested in how we can change our behaviour to tackle environmental issues. But it’s more than just changing our behaviour now. We also need to provide a hopeful world for following generations. The key to a more eco-friendly future is teaching children at an early age. They must learn about the world we live in to feel inspired to make a difference. Science, technology, engineering, arts and maths (STEAM) can equip children with vital skills to tackle climate change. But how can we encourage them to take an interest? Below, I’ll outline some of the ways we can teach STEAM at home.
Use fun educational tools
A big reason why children can quickly lose interest in STEAM lessons is a lack of imagination. There often isn't enough to stimulate their curiosity. Copying out sums at home or in the classroom can get boring. This is especially true for very small children. But new technologies mean apps and games are being developed. These add a fun twist to their usual learning. You can download these straight to your laptop, phone or tablet. Teach your children about coding, fractions, animals and the environment.
Using these games can really help capture their attention. Often, children don’t even realise they’re learning. If you can pique their interest in these STEAM subjects early on, they’ll be more prepared. They will be better able to tackle environmental issues later in life.
Get them outdoors
Children love to get messy. Another way to get them more engaged with STEAM subjects is by taking their learning outside. The more time they spend outdoors, the more connected they’ll be to nature. This means they’ll be more likely to think about how they can save it. Plus, the natural world has many uses in education.
Encourage them to investigate different ecosystems and habitats around the garden. You could even build birdhouses and bug hotels with them. This can entice more insects and animals to your outdoor space. This is a great time to teach them about how each element of nature works together. It also shows how important it is that we take steps to protect it.
OKIDO is the children's educational magazine with a fun, STEAM topic to explore every month. Find out more here.
Relate STEAM learning for kids to daily life
Sometimes, children can fail to pick up STEAM subjects because they don’t see their relevance. They may not relate them to everyday life. If they don’t understand the importance of these topics, they’re less likely to continue them. This can affect how far they carry them into their education.
Linking their STEAM lessons back to the environment can help them develop empathy with each topic. We also need to show them the real-world applications of each subject. This helps them see how they can work to make a difference.
Talk about the things they’ve learned at school during your usual activities, like cooking and shopping. You could discuss why you avoid produce with plastic packaging. You might also explain why you buy locally. If you can relate their STEAM lessons back to the environment and familiar situations, that helps. They’re more likely to become interested in tackling environmental issues in the future. For more inspiration, check out or environmentally friendly OKIDO activity guide.
Teaching our children STEAM subjects can give them skills for dealing with environmental issues later in life. But these topics are often unpopular among young ones. These tips can help them become more engaged with science, technology, engineering, arts and maths.
OKIDO is the children's educational magazine that explores a fun, new STEAM topic every month. Find out more here.
