If the winter blues have you and your family in a rut, it may be time to incorporate some fun STEAM activities into your schedule. Get inspired with the STEAM activities below!
SCIENCE:
You may be surprised by the wide range of options for at-home science experiments. For younger kids, making a cloud in a jar or elephant’s toothpaste are two fun and colorful experiments that can keep kids entertained. For older children, task them with designing a Rube Goldberg machine. The possibilities are endless, and the machine can be as simple or complex as you wish! Additionally, this is a great way to get the whole family involved as you put your brain power to the test.
TECHNOLOGY:
If you’re looking for a fun and festive technology activity, these light-up circuit valentines are an excellent way to get hands-on with technology at home. Another tech skill being taught to kids early on is coding. Getting your child involved in coding can help them achieve a creative goal using technology. There are a ton of different coding games available. As your child grows more comfortable with technology and coding, you can invest in other coding opportunities to further their development.
ENGINEERING:
Believe it or not, there are tons of engineering activities for the whole family. Many parents opt for LEGO to introduce their kids to engineering. With LEGO, kids can get hands-on experience with structural engineering in a creative way. Families can work together to plan out and design their LEGO world. When the whole family works together, children increase their concentration span and stay focused on the task at hand.
ARTS:
A great way to feel connected to your family is through art. There are no rules with art, so the whole family can get as creative as they wish. To get the creative juices flowing, utilize an activity called “pass the drawing.” This involves one family member drawing anything they want and then passing it to the next person. The following person can take the drawing in any direction they want, and so on. Alternatively, create music with household items for an energetic family concert if your family has some musical flare.
MATH:
Family math can be fun and challenging for the whole family. Math can promote critical thinking, problem-solving, and positive life skills. For younger children, math activities such as a flash card race can help kids work on different math problems independently or against someone else. This encourages quick thinking with some competitive energy to keep them motivated. You can work on math-focused life skills as your child gets older. Traditional games such as MASH and monopoly can help kids envision their future and work with money which can spark curiosity about personal finances. While they may still be young, giving them a solid financial foundation will benefit them as they navigate how to pay for college and understand what goes into affording a home.
As a parent, bonding with your family while instilling a love for learning is one of the most important things you can do. These STEAM activities are the perfect way to make memories and learn.