Summer is the perfect time to explore STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) subject areas.
Summer break is here, and many parents are trying to find ways to keep their child engaged and learning while outside of the classroom. We understand the importance of nurturing your child’s inquisitive mind while fostering a growth mindset during these valuable summer months.
It turns out that summer is a perfect time to introduce your child to the fun side of STEM subjects. In the summer months, students have more time to focus on what really interests them. They can dig deeper into subject matter, which helps them not only grasp concepts better, but gives them a better understanding of the world around them.
Below are a few suggestions of how you can keep your child engaged in STEM subject areas throughout the summer.
Build Together
Even the youngest family member can get in on this activity. Pull out the wooden blocks, Legos, Tinker Toys and anything else that lets you design, create and build. While it might seem that you are “just playing”, what you are in fact doing is creating and showing your child that they can create anything their mind envisions. After all, play is the work of childhood. Building together lets children practice their fine motor skills while thinking like an engineer.
Introduce a Design Program
Children love to create. There are so many design programs out there for different age groups that you are bound to find something that will grab your child’s attention. Even if you, yourself are not an engineer or familiar with design, we still encourage you to do this. You are showing your child that you are never too old to learn something new.
Enroll in a STEM Enrichment Camp
A STEM focused summer camp will give your student a structured, hands-on approach learning. Your child will be surrounded by peers with similar interests to their own and teachers that want to foster their love of learning STEM subjects.
Our 3D Academy hosts and participates in many STEM Enrichment Camps throughout the year. Head on over to our 3D Academy calendar to view our upcoming camps.
Get Outside
Head outdoors and into nature. The National Parks Service hosts Junior Ranger programs at all of their parks, which encourages students to explore, learn and protect. The Junior Ranger program provides activities and educational booklets to help your child learn about what they see within the park.
If you don’t live near a National Park, try going for a hike or taking a walk around your city to view the engineering marvels that surround us every day.
Monthly STEM Education Subscription Boxes
Subscription boxes are a fun and easy way to foster your child’s love of learning. With the rise in popularity of subscription boxes, there are now quite a few focused on various STEM subject areas now. These boxes arrive monthly and contain activities for you and your child to do together. One month you might be engineering a mechanical claw and the next you are building the solar system together. These boxes provide a great opportunity for hands-on learning.
STEM education teaches valuable life skills that carry over into all aspects of daily life. This summer, keep your child learning and engaged with some fun hands-on activities.
About Our 3D Academy
3D Academy, a division of 3D Innovations, specializes in developing and integrating industry technologies with STEM Programs and Education.
3D Academy promotes Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education programs that integrate 3D Technology into K–12, as well as university classrooms. Using hands-on and project-based learning strategies, we have been effective in providing students with opportunities to excel in the areas of STEM and to integrate industry applications into their learning experiences.
Our core program utilizes 3D CAD and takes students through the entire design process (design, prototyping, manufacturing, etc.). When integrated into the school curriculum, our STEM education programs provide students with opportunities to solve real world design problems, engage with industry standard technology, and transform concepts into reality.
Education programs are available statewide and have been integrated with many robotics programs such as FIRST, UROV, BotBall, and First Lego League. Programs are both customizable and scalable to meet various applications and grade levels.
Interested in a personalized hands-on approach to STEM education in your classroom or school? Send us an email at info@3d-innovations.com so we can talk further about your program needs and how our 3D Academy can assist you.
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3D Innovations is a Product Development Company – from the 3D Design to a fully functional 3D Prototype & Product.
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