A successful activity sparks the imagination and gives kids creative skills they can use daily. The right STEM activities possess a unique set of characteristics that help enhance the learning experience. If you’re looking for new ways to connect with your students, learning how Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math better them as individuals and scholars is key. The lessons that you teach to the kids you’re in charge of today can significantly benefit the world in the future as many young students grow up and work in positions where the skills come into play.
The six characteristics of an excellent STEM activity are explained below.
Characteristic #1: Real-world issues and challenges are emphasized
Whatever is going on in society, the economy, and the environment is explored through STEM activities. Students learn how they can affect these areas positively.
Characteristic #2: The engineering design process guides the lesson being taught
Children learn to identify problems as well as create and develop solutions. They get to experience big picture thinking and directly influence the outcome of a situation.
Characteristic #3: Students get to ask questions and get fully immersed in a hands-on experience
Students collaborate to come up with the best solution. They get to see how things work personally by having a hand in the creative thought process.
Characteristic #4: Teamwork is key to the lesson’s success
Kids work with their classmates to build upon one another’s unique ideas and skills. This facilitates faster and better solutions overall.
Characteristic #5: Students get to apply the math and science lessons they’ve already learned to the STEM activity
Taking knowledge that they already possess, children get to apply it to STEM lessons. They see why the information was important in the first place.
Characteristic #6: There is no one right answer and failures are seen as yet another step to learning
Kids learn that there are many outcomes with each lesson. They also learn to see failure as a part of the learning process.
Now that you know what characteristics make a STEM activity great, you’ll be better able to plan activities for your own classroom. You’ll be able to add value to your students’ day by sparking meaningful discussion following a successful science, technology, engineering, and math event. The skills that the kids in your class learn are ones they can use in everyday situations.
