STEM occupations are growing at 24%, while other occupations are growing at 4%. Importantly, the need for STEM education has never been greater. The National Science Foundation has found that a STEM approach promotes qualities in children such as perseverance, adaptability, organization, and responsibility. Research shows that exposing children to quality STEM concepts is a key predictor to a child’s success in school. Children who play with STEM toys show a greater interest in construction and tend to outperform their peers in mental rotation and spatial visualization. Research studies have shown a strong correlation between construction play and spatial skills. Spatial awareness is a term that describes how people (in this case children) organize objects in the world around them. Through tinkering and building, children discover the connection between what they see with their eyes and what their hands are able to do. Unlike many baby toys that have little or no problem-solving attributes, STEM toys have cause-and-effect triggers that teach babies and children how to problem solve.įor example, some STEM Toys (like the one pictured above) have cause-and-effect features that teach kids not only critical thinking skills, but hand-eye coordination.Ĭhildren who are exposed to STEM toys at a young age will naturally develop hand-eye coordination. Interacting with STEM toys encourages kids to be creative and develop problem solving skills. Now that we know what STEM toys are, let’s find out why STEM toys are so great for children. They require children to be fully hands-on and encourage a mindset of “learning by doing.” This child-friendly process is what makes STEM toys enjoyable, challenging, and interesting. They can be geared for independent play, side-by-side with other children, or require adult supervision. STEM toys are toys thoughtfully designed to teach, develop and reinforce fundamental STEM-based skills and concepts. STEM toys can be broken down into three main categories:ġ) Academic : Focus heavily on math, science, and language development Ģ) Cognitive Thinking : Promote problem-solving, critical thinking and logic andģ) Motor Skills : Made for younger children, target physical, fine and gross motor skills and hand-eye coordination. STEM toys are geared towards learning, curiosity, and cognitive development with a clear focus on the STEM disciplines. Stem toys are toys based on the four disciplines of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. Now that we know what “STEM” means, let’s answer: Over the years, the STEM model has evolved to include other meaningful areas such as Art (“STE A M”) and Reading (“ST R EAM”).īy combining these high-impact subjects into one cohesive approach, children receive a holistic learning experience that prepares them to succeed in postsecondary education and a competitive global workforce. an interdisciplinary approach to learning where rigorous academic concepts are coupled with real-world lessons as students apply science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in contexts that make connections between school, community, work, and the global enterprise enabling the development of STEM literacy and with it the ability to compete in the new economy. It is based on the principle that students must be well-equipped in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in order to compete in the modern-day workforce.įor those interested in a more academic definition, a widely-used definition of STEM is: The term STEM is typically used in the context of learning and education. Ready to learn? Let’s go! What Does “STEM” Stand For?īefore we learn about STEM toys, we need to know what STEM stands for. Is There a Universal Standard for STEM Toys? Today, we’ll help you answer a few questions that will help you better understand STEM toys. Even most parents who have heard of STEM toys don’t know what “STEM” stands for … or why STEM toys can be so important for your child’s physical and cognitive development. If you haven’t heard of STEM toys - don’t feel bad. Have you ever heard of a STEM toy? If so, do you know what “STEM” stands for?
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