If you’re like me, you’ve probably heard a lot about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) and how important it is for the future. But let’s be honest—it can feel a bit overwhelming to know where to start, especially if you’re not naturally into science or tech yourself.
I’m not here to turn my kids into the next great engineers or coders overnight. My goal is simpler: to help them explore STEM in a way that feels fun and natural, without any pressure. If they get curious and want to dive deeper, great! If not, that’s okay too. Here’s how I’ve been sparking their interest—one small step at a time.
1. We Start with Everyday Questions
For me, STEM starts with curiosity. My kids ask a million “why” questions every day, and instead of brushing them off, I try to explore the answers with them. Some recent hits in our house include:
- Why do airplanes fly?
- How does a rainbow happen?
- What’s inside a phone?
I don’t always know the answers (spoiler: I Google a lot!), but that’s part of the fun. We’ve found some great kid-friendly sites to learn together, like Wonderopolis and How Stuff Works. Watching their curiosity turn into excitement is the best feeling.
2. We Get Hands-On
Kids love to learn by doing, so I try to sneak in STEM through activities we can do together. Some of our favorites are:
- Building with LEGO: We got a LEGO STEM kit recently, and it’s been a game-changer.
- Baking experiments: Cooking is science in disguise! Measuring, mixing, and watching how ingredients react is always a hit.
- Gardening: Planting seeds and tracking their growth has taught my kids a lot about biology (and patience).
These don’t feel like “lessons”—they’re just fun things we do together that happen to teach STEM concepts along the way.
3. We Use Tech to Create, Not Just Watch
My kids love their screens, but I’ve been trying to shift their tech time from consuming to creating. A few tools have made this really easy:
- Coding apps: Scratch and Tynker are free and super engaging.
- Robotics kits: We started with a simple one from Sphero and recently got a Bugbox robot—both are fantastic for beginners.
- Online puzzles: Sites like Code.org and Brilliant have fun challenges that keep my kids hooked.
The best part? I don’t have to be a tech expert—they figure things out as they go, and I just cheer them on.
4. We Link STEM to Their Interests
I’ve found that STEM feels more exciting when it connects to what my kids already love. For example:
- My sports-loving kid had a blast learning about the science of sports.
- My budding artist got hooked on coding animations with Tinkercad.
- My animal enthusiast devours content from National Geographic Kids.
When STEM feels personal and relevant, they’re much more likely to dive in.
5. We Celebrate the Little Wins
One thing I’ve learned: progress in STEM doesn’t happen all at once. It’s about the small moments, like:
- Getting a robot to move for the first time.
- Researching a question and finding the answer.
- Watching a seed they planted sprout into a plant.
These little victories build confidence and keep them coming back for more.
6. I Remind Myself: It’s About Exploration, Not Perfection
The goal isn’t for my kids to master STEM overnight. It’s about showing them that exploring new ideas is fun and mistakes are part of the process. Whether they end up pursuing STEM careers or use the skills they learn in other areas, I know they’ll benefit from the curiosity, creativity, and confidence they’re building now.
Resources That Help Me
If you’re not sure where to start, these tools have been lifesavers for me:
- Bugbox Robotics: Fun and approachable robotics kits that teach coding and problem-solving.
- KiwiCo STEM Kits: Monthly hands-on projects that my kids look forward to every month.
- Wonderopolis: A treasure trove of answers to all their “why” questions.
I’ve realized that sparking my kids’ interest in STEM doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s really just about creating opportunities for them to explore, ask questions, and have fun. And who knows? Maybe one day, they’ll thank me for it.
Stay curious,
Dylan Nguyen - Bugbox Founder
