Growing up, my memories of science class involved planting lima beans and sunflower seeds in school and hoping for a plant to grow. Technology in school? We were playing Oregon Trail while gazing into a tiny Macintosh desktop with a nauseating green glare.
That was twenty years ago.
With the advancements made in modern technology since my heyday in the classroom, and the fact that today’s kids have access to much more engaging ways of learning, STEM was born, and it’s not slowing down.
STEM, which is an acronym not used to describe the only thing that grew out my elementary school Dixie cup full of dirt, stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. The idea behind STEM education is that it is a curriculum based on the idea of educating students in those four specific disciplines, combining them and implementing them as a whole, rather than as separate subjects.
And it’s fascinating.
Kids are actually engaged. Even the little learners who typically wouldn’t enjoy any of the STEM subjects, are finding a new appreciation for learning since these once-rote lessons are now hands-on, and dare I say it, FUN!
There are some great new STEM products for the classroom that are making huge waves in the world of education and help your child get excited for another year of learning, the cool way!
I mean, what kid wouldn’t love learning with the Marblocity line of learning products? This Tinkineers product is designed to reinforce the idea that learning doesn’t have to feel like learning to be effective, and they’re popping up in classrooms from sea to shining sea.
With products like a mini roller coaster and skate park, each “marble machine” kit is an engaging lesson that is told through the eyes of a cast of characters (the “Tinkineers”) in graphic novella format. The principles introduced in the comic are then reinforced through the construction of the kit and, finally, brought full circle with real-world examples and applications. The Marbleocity kits present and reinforce STEM learning concepts and encourage problem solving.
When was the last time your child complained about having the drop marbles down a roller coaster path? Exactly.
It’s learning at its finest, which is the primary reason STEM has grown so quickly in popularity since its evolution in 90’s. In these modern times, where kids are competing with an overdose of technology, social media, and way too many television channels, it’s so great to know that learning can still involve sitting on the floor, playing with some “toys,” and doing things the old-fashioned way.
Make sure your classrooms are rooted in STEM this year!