Learners who are ready to make advancements that will shape the rest of the century and beyond tend to be excited by flexible, open-ended, project-based, real-world learning situations. These types of problem-solving opportunities not only teach content skills, but instill curiosity, which is fundamental to lifelong learning, and help to develop communication and teamwork skills — as well as the freedom and responsibility that comes from taking charge of their own learning.

Want to maximize in-school STEM learning? Find ways to make science, engineering and math lessons part of your students’ out-of-school routine. From increased attendance and graduation rates to more opportunities to develop social and emotional learning skills, the research is clear: incorporating learning time with out-of-school and family time is a sure way to set your learners up for success.

In Pre-K education through the first years of elementary school, engineering skills may not be top of mind for parents or educators, but a solid foundation of problem-solving practice familiarity with the engineering design process will serve learners long beyond their early learning years. Though engineering in the early years looks different than the experiments and calculations students learn later in their education, hands-on learning for young kids builds on the same skills! 

Summer is right around the corner! While summer is an important time for rest and rejuvenation, it’s also an incredible opportunity for students to explore new interests and expand their knowledge base. For STEM learning, this can be an opportunity for struggling learners to build confidence and confident learners to discover new passions.