Let off some STEAM

Our World today needs more peacemakers, storytellers, healers, musicians and STEAM Innovators!

Yes, you heard it right, our country, in fact the whole world could use more STEAM innovation to solve our problems.

STEAM is an acronym for Science , technology , Engineering , Arts and Mathematics.

Science -The study of the natural world, through investigation and answering questions, often involving experimentation.

Technology -Refers to using simple tools like crayons and rulers, as well as more complex ones like microscopes and computers. A chair is technology; so is a pencil. Any product created to solve a problem can be regarded as technology.

Engineering-The design process used to solve problems by recognizing problems and testing solutions.

Arts - Encourage creativity and allow children to illustrate concepts they are learning.

Mathematics – Deals with numbers, but also patterns, shapes, organizational skills and much more.

We are a part of a very exciting, ever-changing ethos, thanks to today's innovation-driven economy.But there is a dearth of STEAM skilled innovators who could provide a sustainable technological solution for all the challenges we face in our world today.

Here is the good news!

If you are a parent and your kid tends to break or dismantle their toys more than playing with them, is inquisitive and curious, then look no further as they have all the potential to be a future STEAM innovator .

The age groups of 7 to 13 is very impressionable and the time when maximum learning happens , it’s imperative that we ( parents & teachers) guide them ,channel their abundant energies and nurture them well during this time .Children are inherently curious and always have umpteen questions, it’s our responsibility to answer them well and ensure they retain their curiousness.

Best way to learn something is to try and do it, as the learning will always stay and that is how the STEAM concepts and ROBOTICS evolved.

The recent lock down situation has ensured that kids are home throughout with no school and extra curricular classes .This is probably the best time to start sowing the seeds of fascinating science .

Look for ways to include STEAM concepts in your everyday conversations, like when you watch sunset with them about how the seasons change, where fruits and vegetables come from,when sorting them in the kitchen, etc. Asking them “Why do you think…?” questions sparks investigation & critical thinking, a great way to encourage foundational STEAM skills. Both asking and answering questions are imperative to your kid’s growth.

Encouraging creativity through art or experimenting with fun science activities for kids are great ways to incorporate STEAM learning at home. It’s important to create an atmosphere which encourages the kid to experiment ,create and build amazing things from raw materials which are easily accessible (from stored scrap ,garage, scrap dealers etc).This will also improve their creativity, understanding of wealth out of waste and also give them thorough understanding of the concept as they learn it very well by doing it themselves.

Some parents may not be able to sit with their kid for these experiential experiments for lack of time or due to varied subject interests, in which case, do find them a right guide online.

Most importantly spending time understanding, encouraging and nurturing their inherent talents is the key.

Don’t you think we owe this much to our future innovators and change makers?