STEM Play and Learning

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Foster a sense of wonder and imagination through STEM.

Play is critical to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) development in young children. It allows them to use their curiosity to develop critical thinking skills, take thoughtful risks, experiment with the scientific process, and ask questions. In the resources below, you’ll learn about the lasting impact of play-based learning on STEM development and how you can best support your child’s growth through play.

We’re a nation of tinkerers, and dreamers, and believers in a better tomorrow.

President Obama

White House Science Fair, 2012

What is STEM?

STEM can refer to the subjects individually or one or more working together, but can also mean a way of doing things that includes solving problems, asking questions, and exploring the world around us.

Science

Observing
Describing
Making predictions
Experimenting

Technology

Creating
Innovating
Using tools
Making things work

Engineering

Designing
Creating
Building
Solving problems

Math

Measuring
Patterning
Exploring numbers, shapes, size, and volume

Ask open-ended questions

These types of questions, like "Why do you think…?" encourage thinking and problem-solving and develop language skills.

Follow your child’s lead

Start by noticing what your child is interested in, then ask to join. If they roll a ball to you, you might roll it back. Stay focused on the activity, and avoid distracting your child or taking control of the activity.

Introduce early math concepts

Even before they start school, most children develop an understanding of addition and subtraction through everyday interactions, like counting steps as you go up and down.

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Provide opportunities to experiment

Young children are natural scientists. They make observations, test hypotheses, and conduct tests daily. Then, they use that information to apply knowledge to new situations - new foods, playdoh, sand, water, etc.

Provide hands-on experiences

Children learn by doing. When children can freely explore using their five senses, they learn about how the world works, develop problem-solving skills, and are more engaged in their play.

Model curiosity

Allow your child to try and fail. Look for opportunities to model curiosity and wonder, including using who, what, when, where, and why questions.

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Get out and about

Check out community resources like library story hours, local children’s events, nature centers, and children’s museums. These experiences can inspire your child’s own curiosity about animals, the outdoors, books, and more.

Science Technology Engineeing Art Math (STEAM)

How to incorporate art into your STEM play and learning

By integrating art into STEM play and learning, young children engage their creative thinking skills and apply it to the scientific process. Here are some easy ways to introduce art into your next experiment:

“What will it look like?” Draw a plan.
“What will happen if you…?” Draw your hypothesis.
“What happened?” Draw your findings.
“What will you do differently next time?” Draw next steps.

Use a magnet wand with nuts and bolts and paint on a piece of paper to see magnetic force.
Add food coloring to your next vinegar and baking soda explosion.
Send toy cars down a ramp with a piece of paper and paint to see gravitational force and friction.
Drop watercolors on different surfaces (e.g. paper towel, paper, tin foil, wax) to observe water resistance.

Add play-doh to your next build with blocks.
Use non-traditional materials (e.g. boxes, sticks, string) to create sculptures or mobiles that hang.
Use different tools (e.g. toothpick, scissors, rolling pin) to shape and mold clay.
Build structures using toothpicks or pipe cleaners and play-doh.

Additional Resources

STEAM

Engage your creative side to to make meaning of STEM concepts and solve problems.

Try:

Spinning paint in a salad spinner
Tracing shadows of objects at different times of the day

STEAM Activities

Additional Resources

STEM and LEGO

Use LEGOs to practice critically thinking skills and solve STEM problems.

Try:

Building your own fidget spinner
Creating a bridge that can hold weight

LEGO STEM Activities

Additional Resources

Online STEM Games

Use technology with familiar characters to practice STEM skills.

Try:

Learning about gravity while setting the best course with PBS Kids’ Mindy’s Moonball game
Designing a system to grow and harvest plants with PBS Kids’ Feed the Fidgits game

STEM Games

Additional Resources

Infant/Toddler STEM

Learn more about what STEM can look like for infants and toddlers.

Try:

Making observations and noticing similarities and differences
Using simple tools (e.g. magnifying glass, shovel) to explore

STEM Video Series

Featured Resource

Hands-On Learning Ideas

From gardening together to exploding soap and building catapults, check out our favorite STEAM activities from our family to yours!

Winter STEM Challenges

Feeling cooped up? Looking for something fun and full of learning to do indoors? Join us as we share engaging Science Technology Engineering Mathematics (STEM) challenges that will be sure to excite your preschool and school-age children!

Hands-On Play Ideas

Infant and Toddler Play

Playing with Your Preschool and School-ager

STEM Activities

Foster curiosity and keep your children engaged and learning all summer long. Baking soda, vinegar, shaving cream and cardboard—all supplies you'll be able to find around the house and ones that your young learner will certainly have fun with.

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Practicing STEM skills through play

Every child has their own unique interests. Find ways that spark your child’s interests and engage your child in a STEM experiment!

Winter STEM Ideas

Spring STEM Ideas

Featured Resource

Technology Tips

Young children need support as they learn how to use technology. Here are some tips to help you navigate parenting young children as they 'create, connect, and learn' with technology.

Foster a sense of wonder and imagination through STEM.

What is STEM?

Science

Technology

Engineering

Math

Ask open-ended questions

Follow your child’s lead

Introduce early math concepts

Provide opportunities to experiment

Provide hands-on experiences

Model curiosity

Get out and about

How to incorporate art into your STEM play and learning

STEAM

Try:

STEM and LEGO

Try:

Online STEM Games

Try:

Infant/Toddler STEM

Try:

Hands-On Learning Ideas

Winter STEM Challenges

Hands-On Play Ideas

Infant and Toddler Play

Playing with Your Preschool and School-ager

STEM Activities

Practicing STEM skills through play

Winter STEM Ideas

Spring STEM Ideas

Technology Tips

Learn more from our team of specialists.

Math Play & Learning

STEM Activities for Toddlers

Summer Break: Activities to Keep your School-ager Engaged

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