STEAM: The New STEM

In recent years STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) has been at the forefront of UK education. With a real emphasis on getting girls involved in the male heavy subjects. But, STEM is starting to evolve and break away from its clunky, uninspiring reputation. No longer led by men in brown short sleeved shirts with heavily starched collars. A new letter is ever increasingly buddying up with the once stuffy acronym. A is for Art.

With G being an electronics nerd and me all up on anything creative; STEAM for us is where the entire family meet for a good old crafty collaboration. So, in true Booberrit fashion here are our top ten STEAM projects, toys and ideas

 

Cardboard Boxes

From Pirate play to Dinos and challenge boxes, carboard boxes are an all time kid favourites and have infinite possibilities when it come to repurposing them for a STEM or STEAM project.

Toys

STEAM and STEM toys are a great way to get kids imagination and logic intertwining without the involvement of screen time. A lot of people assume that because of the involvement of science and technology that these toys are only for older kids. However, pre-nursery is a great time to start!

 

 

Projects

I think the greatest aspect of STEAM is that it’s really fun and actually part of the challenge is to think up projects that spark the mind through fun play.

For really young kids try games like ‘Writing in Sprinkles‘, as a fun, vibrant way to practice writing and spelling. Or get painting with DIY paint brushes you’ve constructed yourself from bits around the house.

But most importantly have fun! It’s often said that learning stops when the fun does. Most kids are desperate to start school once they get to nursery age, but a huge emphasis on standardised testing can often strip the enjoyment out of learning and at the very least side line it! Taking on STEAM projects at home is a great way for the entire family to stretch their minds and tackle all sorts of issues through collaborative problem solving and creativity.

Now go forth and STEAM the crap out of your recycle box, it’s almost bin day!

Berrit x

This Post Has 6 Comments

  1. Emma

    I think that A is very important! It develops a sense of self through expression and creativity and also helps to develop core behaviours like patience, concentration and perseverance. But, as someone who has BA hons after her name I might be a little biased! #KidsandKreativity

    1. Booberrit

      I totally agree!

  2. I’ve been including the A in STEM to make it STEAM for quite a while now, but I still feel the STEM acronym is more well-established, so I often end up using both. Also, when using hashtags, the #STEAM gets mixed up with all the other #steam in the world… How do we solve that?? Love your ideas in this post though! x
    #KidsandKreativity

    1. Booberrit

      Me too!!!! I think you’ve just got to keep posting all your amazing projects so that it just because standard! I think for so long a lot of governments worldwide have tried to take Art in all forms bk out of their education systems in order to cut spends and if we don’t collectively push bk against this our kids and future generations will seriously miss out! Art is a brilliant tool and gateway subject to a million different industries, subjects, genres and ways of thinking! Well done for being at the forefront!!! X

  3. Kerry

    That A is very important, I was science through and through and school and university and only really discovered my love for all things creative as an adult. I remember at school I wanted to do art, but apparently I was ‘too clever’ to take it as an option! The same will not apply to my children and I will encourage the to do what they love, whatever that is. Thanks for linking up with #KidsandKreativity, hope to see you back next time

    1. Booberrit

      So true, it really is very important!!!

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