These days more and more kids are being homeschooled for various reasons. Due to the current lockdown situation in 2020, the homeschooling has become the new norm. Now It is really important to formulate a great STEM curriculum for homeschoolers because STEM is involved in every aspect of our lives nowadays. Homeschooling has many benefits and Outwittrade has an interesting compilation of comments from parents, educators and students on the topic of Why Homeschooling is important for our kids.
Science is the basis of advancements in medicine, technology and human behaviour. Technology is making strides every day from new cars to efficient computers. Most of the high paying jobs today are for STEM related discipline, according to a census by Pascale. This should tell you the importance of STEM in school and home and how far behind your kid will be without a proper STEM education.
Benefits of STEM Education
By exposing young minds to a STEM-based curriculum, you can teach about real-life challenges through fun activities for kids to develop skills that will benefit kids in the long run. A good basis of STEM helps kids get a better understanding of the world and its challenges and further apply their refined skills in the job market and secure a better future.
STEM learning such as coding, robotics for kids and other science projects leads to childhood brain development while also teaching kids social skills.
Knowledge of STEM is a necessity for the success of kids in the modern world in this age of information. The future of the job market lies in STEM education, according to the US Bureau of labour statistics. For kids to flourish in the job market, knowledge in the fields of IT, engineering and science are crucial, giving the right STEM tools from a very young age is the way to making sure your kid will be a valuable addition to the jobs of tomorrow.
Below you’ll find our top picks for STEM curriculum that you can start today to help your kid succeed in the future, along with a mention of some other fun activities for kids at home and toys you can get to teach STEM principles to kids. So keep reading to find the best STEM curriculum for your homeschooler!
⇒ STEM Education ⇐
Science Learning for Kids
Kids are quick learners. Their curiosity has no limits and it is important to give them the right tools that help them solve challenges and get answers. Easy science experiments for kids are a great way to incorporate STEM learning for homeschoolers.
Crystal Growing Science Experimental Kit is a cool science project. You can use this to show science experiments of gas, liquid, solids and colours etc. Experts say that teaching science through experiments is the best approach for kids.
Experience Astronomy is one of the best science STEM curriculums out there. This STEM online learning program is customizable so parents can use this to teach kids at different levels of learning. Not only that, but this STEM curriculum also includes biology lessons for elementary and middle school kids!
Hopkins public school’s website is a great resource for STEM education; you can look at their alumni to check their authenticity. The curriculum choice offers workbooks and detailed lessons on core science principles.
Time 4 learning has a fun and interactive curriculum perfect for K-5 grade homeschoolers.
Timberdoodle curriculum gives you choices to choose programs according to your budget; it is family-owned since 1985 and only hires the most experienced teachers
Cornelia Bargmann is a neurobiologist who has done tremendous research on Alzheimer’s disease, and she believes STEM education during childhood is vital for success.
Coding for Kids
Following are the best resources available for homeschoolers to teach coding to kids,
STEM education Works has experienced STEM teachers for little learners.
Little bits are a great resource for STEM learning for homeschoolers, they aim to teach beyond coding to let kids transform ideas to reality. This curriculum encourages practical application of STEM knowledge to real-life situations hence improving kids’ creativity and skills development better than any other STEM curriculum out there. They have over 20,000 school partnerships that show their authenticity.
KidSPARK education has a curriculum for students of all ages and at different levels of learning.
STEMpedia is also a great option where your kid can explore his coding and technology skills in practical ways. If you want to develop a curriculum for yourself then the US department of education has great tips you can look at.
Incorporating toys into learning coding skills is the best way to teach kids at home. This Code & Go Robot Mouse toy mixes coding skills with learning about math. With this, you can tackle early math concepts involved in coding.
EDVON offers progression based online 1:1 and group live coding curriculum for kids.
Engineering STEM Education for Kids
Following are the best resources available for homeschoolers to teach engineering to kids,
Hofstra University has fantastic kid-friendly STEM lessons for all ages.
The EEME is an online STEM curriculum kit for homeschoolers. It is the best choice of STEM curriculum that focuses on the engineering aspect of STEM learning. This curriculum is especially for kids between the ages of 7-12, the age when kids are the most curious and so it is the best time to teach them about the beauty of engineering. The kids can watch free online lessons to learn how to put things together and use what they learned to assemble kits that the program provides. Other great engineering programs include Tech Engineering, which has a program from K-12 grades.
Oregon state university gathered their brightest scholars to design a STEM program for grades 4-12.
AMLE is a great resource because its curriculum is designed with the next generation’s needs in mind.
STEM engineering toys for kids have a lot of variety each offering value to STEM learning. The Solar Robot kit Educational toy comes with various parts and screws that can be fitted together to make a total of 12 different robot shapes. This toy encourages kids to use their creative side and engineering knowledge to assemble and reassemble the pieces in the set.
EDVON offers progression based online 1:1 and group live engineering/robotics curriculum for kids.
Mathematics Learning for Kids
Following are the best resources available for homeschoolers to teach mathematics to kids,
This book Teaching STEM in the Early Years is helpful for parents to understand the importance of a solid STEM knowledge base of kids.
The AoPS online program is the best resource for mathematics. This curriculum teaches by allowing kids to solve real-life challenges by using their knowledge of math and physics. Instead of following what others do, the AoPS STEM curriculum encourages kids to solve math problems using their creativity and knowledge and think outside the box.
Microsoft remote learning offers free STEM lessons with innovative ways to keep young minds engaged.
Harpeth Hall’s middle school program is designed to create a solid foundation of math for an easier transition to a higher level of STEM learning.
EDVON offers best mental curriculum for kids ages 5-12.
The best feature of the STEM 101 curriculum is that it connects students with companies so they can learn about in-demand careers.
A mathematics toy can be difficult to make because it is a challenge to create something that can keep kids engaged and is also educational. The Shifu Plugo Count – Math Game with stories is a great toy that works on STEM skills especially mathematics.
Stephen Hawking, world-renowned physicists credits his discoveries to a solid STEM education during his early days as a student.
Final Words
STEM not only works on improving engineering skills but also works on the social skills of youngsters and improves their thinking and problem-solving abilities. STEM toys and coding programs for kids can enhance creativity by learning to find solutions to different challenges. Research shows students that are take STEM programs get into top-ranking Ivy League colleges more as compared to students not a part of STEM in high school.
It can be difficult to keep kids engaged during studies so finding the right STEM activities is vital. The key to establishing the best STEM curriculum is to make it interesting and engaging so that the kids are excited to lean. The aforementioned curriculums are designed keeping this in mind. So you are sure to find something for your kids from our list.
What are you waiting for? Follow the links provided and start your homeschoolers STEM education today!
⇒ How to use Zoom ⇐
