As educators, we know that students thrive when families get involved and help reinforce learning. Research suggests that this is especially true for STEM. While positive STEM experiences in school have a significant influence, discussions at home amplify that impact by shaping a child’s interest and identity. One study found that childhood conversations about science at home are one of the few early experiences that significantly predict whether a student will later identify as a “STEM person” in college (Dou, 2019).

Even so, many parents hesitate to talk about topics like science and engineering with their kids. Even when family members agree that STEM learning is very important, a few common barriers get in the way:

Whether you're a facilitator, educator, or event organizer, if you are planning a STEM club, afterschool program, or community event, you will need flexible, hands-on, high-quality activities that are easy to set up and run. We created YES STEM Event Activities to take students ages 6-12 through multiple cycles of designing, testing, and improving their solution to a real-world problem, even in short, flexible, or drop-in settings. Children as young as age 4 can participate with help from a caregiver. Each kit includes all materials, signage, and facilitator prompts you need to run an engaging, memorable STEM experience, whether participants drop in for 10 minutes or stay for an hour.

Incorporating learning time with family time has been shown to have a positive impact on learners of all ages. Not only does it increase attendance and graduation rates, but it also provides opportunities to develop essential social and emotional learning skills. But where to begin?

Happy holidays from EiE! We are so proud to have had the honor of creating resources for your homes, classrooms and clubs this year. In celebration of all things STEM we learned this year, please enjoy these 12 days of STEM-themed holiday activities, including games, videos, and more for the whole family to enjoy. Plus, as a special bonus, check out all the holiday-themed STEM activities at the end to keep your students engaged in learning as the holidays approach.