By Avrille Aiello
STE(A)M is an acronym that combines science, technology, engineering, (arts), and mathematics as academic/career fields. STEM/STEAM education in early life is essential because these topics permeate every part of our lives. Additionally, STEM/STEAM education teaches many life skills, such as critical thinking, communication, adaptability, and resilience, just to name a few. This National STEM/STEAM Day, let’s bring celebrations into our homes and classrooms. Here are 3 activities to celebrate National STEM/STEAM Day.
- Get the creativity flowing. Creativity is an essential part of STEAM. That’s why there has been a shift to include “arts” within the acronym. The realization that arts and sciences are not mutually exclusive has done nothing but good for educating and inspiring young people. On this year’s STEM/STEAM Day, let’s gather and get creative! One great option to express some artistry are themed coloring and activity sheets. STEMsapien Games have created multiple exclusive (and free) printable educational materials. Click here to get access and get creative!
- Get engaged. We can’t think of a better time to get out there and go to your local science center or museum. Not only are science centers and museums fun and family-friendly activities, but they also play a critical role in fostering science literacy, and inspiring an interest in science for people of all ages and backgrounds. Check out the ASTC website to find your local science center or museum and maybe find a spot you’ve never explored.
- Get playful. For children, play is a key developmental aspect where they learn how to navigate the world. Play is also a great way to foster impactful learning in the STEAM fields. STEAM requires creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking, which are all skills that can be practiced during play. One of our favourite types of play is (obviously) board games. Board games are great ways to get the whole family or classroom together to bond and collaborate. While practicing key developmental skills, educational games are also a great opportunity to reinforce concepts learned in the classroom. This STEAM Day, try something new! Use this as an opportunity to SIGN UP to PLAYTEST our new game EvoHom.
“EvoHom is the first title from STEMsapien Games that transports players millions of years back in time to test their skills as ancestral human families (hominins). Each game takes a unique journey through human evolution, starting with a randomized environmental scenario that is based on scientific research into climates where hominins thrived. Cooperate with other player’s hominin families to gather food to survive, compete for opportunities to grow your families, and introduce genetic variation into your family to change your physical traits. Utilize the strategies, with some surprises along the way, to evolve and grow your family to best fit the environment!”
From the STEMsapien Games Team, we wish you a very creative, engaging, and playful National STEM/STEAM Day. If your family or class tries out any of our recommended activities, please share your experience with us on social media (Twitter and Instagram) or join our Discord.