March 6, 2024 – STEM, STEAM, and Science Fairs: Why Bother?

Hey, Mama!

Gena Suarez, Publisher of TOS

STEM and STEAM Are for Everybody

Hey Mama,

Ever wonder why STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and STEAM (throw some Arts in there for good measure) sound more like a hipster’s guide to cooking vegetables rather than educational approaches? Well, let me share a little secret: diving into STEM and STEAM with your homeschooled kiddos is less about turning them into mini Einsteins or Picassos (though wouldn’t that be something?) and more about preparing them for a world where creativity and innovation sit at the dinner table with tradition and history.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. Between language arts, electives, history, and trying to keep the peace between siblings, why add more to your plate? Think of your living room or kitchen turning into a lab where every experiment teaches curiosity, persistence, and the joy of discovery. It’s not just for the math lovers or budding artists, but for every child with questions and dreams. They teach problem-solving, critical thinking, and, yes, how to fail and pick right back up again—life skills in a lab coat, if you will. So, yeah, . . . it’s gonna add more to your plate. But it’s just for a season, Mama. You can do this.

STEM and STEAM aren’t mere subjects; they’re gateways to understanding the world and making an impact. So, why bother with STEM, STEAM, and science fairs? Because, Mama, in this rapidly changing techno world, these equip our children with the tools to navigate and shape it. And your kids are future leaders . . . you know . . . shapers. That’s right. Just make sure you have safety goggles for all of you, even the dog. (grin)

As for as you, faithful Mama, His hand is on your head. 

-gena

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Christine Weller

The Many Benefits of STEM/STEAM

Most industries today heavily depend on technology, and the demand for highly skilled workers in science and technology is on the rise. Naturally, having a strong foundation in STEM/STEAM education is vital to ensure that our children can survive in a competitive job market. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. All of these subjects work together, combining necessary skills for life. In recent years, Art was added to this list and has proven to be equally essential to building useful benefits for the long run.

There are many benefits to achieve when studying STEM/STEAM education. It can contribute to the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills—all crucial skills that are relevant in any career field or life situation. By studying STEM/STEAM subjects, we train our minds to think logically, analyze data, and evaluate evidence. These are all good skills to apply even to our faith as we navigate through a secular world.

One fun and educational way to dive more into this area, is to participate in science fairs. Science fairs encourage students to have a passion for scientific discovery while applying what they’ve learned. This can lead to significant developments that shape the world around us. Who knows what your child will discover? Successful science projects usually take on a deeper level of investigation and are not just simple ‘what if’ experiments. They usually lead to improving lives, or solving real problems which can lead to significant discoveries that can revolutionize the world. Some of the most impactful scientific discoveries in history have come from the fields of science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics, from the development of penicillin to the creation of the internet and so much more.

As homeschoolers, we can easily ensure that we provide all the opportunities we can for our children to be equipped for the world around them through STEAM subjects.

About the author

Christine Weller has been homeschooling her two boys, 10 and 6, since birth in the lovely province of Ontario, Canada. She is also a mom blogger and children’s book author. She is currently working to support homeschoolers everywhere through various roles at The Old Schoolhouse®.

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Sherri Seligson

What’s With All the Science Acronyms?

STEM and STEAM are short ways to group science and its applications in the world. But many of us feel intimidated by science topics. Maybe we didn’t like science when we were in school. Or we feel like we aren’t educated enough to teach these subjects. Can I just say that we need to learn to like those subjects that we did not like as a child for our own children’s sake? For me, I didn’t enjoy history in my public-school experience because it was just a litany of dates and names with no meaning. But as a homeschooler, I learned history along with my children and I now enjoy it because I learned its value . . . its application to our current world.

Science helps us understand the world around us, from the purpose of flowers to what the moon is made of. We can then use the -TEM and -TEAM part of the acronyms to improve people’s lives, such as improving vision, enhancing communication technology, and harnessing natural resources.

We use science daily. How do nutritious foods help us (biology)? Why don’t you put water on a grease fire (chemistry)? How do seatbelts keep us safe (physics)? There are so many science applications that affect us in our daily lives.

And all the branches of science need to be studied because they are so different from each other. Just because you don’t like chemistry doesn’t mean you will dislike biology. In fact, I think that before a person can say they don’t like science, they need to study all three branches (biology, chemistry, and physics) to be sure they don’t like all three. Like my experience with history, when we see how science is applicable daily, we will find that we actually learn something that helps us . . . and we just might like it!

About the author

Sherri Seligson, M.Ed. is a 21-year homeschool mom, marine biologist. Authoring Apologia’s science courses, instructional videos, and more, Sherri loves encouraging moms and teaching families the wonders of God’s creation. www.facebook.com/SherriSeligsonAuthor

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Pillar of Faith

Heidi Mosher

STEM for the Non-Science Person?

I broke a beaker on the very first day of a high school science class. Although it was an accident, my teacher was not impressed, and that’s what I remember most about biology. He didn’t make a scientist out of me, and science is still not my favorite subject, especially when experiments don’t work as expected.

How about you? Are you a “science person,” or do the other subjects excite you more? Like me, you might not be wild about science, but the kids might be. That’s why all of our science efforts are worth it. You might be preparing a child for college level science courses or a career in health or technology. Or maybe, right now, science is simply fun and fascinating for one of your kids.

If you’re in need of solutions for successful science experiments, here are a few rescues that worked for my homeschool.

• Try a science fair. Even if you only ever do one, the kids will remember. They’ll get an impact from prepping a display and benefit from viewing others.
• Experiment. Use a curriculum that offers a lab kit. Nearly everything is included and organized. Lab kits are lifesavers.
• Show and tell. Whenever one of your children conducts an experiment, have them demonstrate and explain the outcome (even if it’s not perfect) to the rest of the family so everyone learns.
• Observe online. Search for demonstration videos of science experiments you may not be able to perform at home.
• Enroll. Teach subjects you’re enthused about, and opt for co-op classes for subjects you’d rather not teach.
• Look for mini science classes. Check libraries, museums, state parks, or colleges for one-day events or short-run courses, which often include hands-on, memorable experiences. 
• Form a club. Start a Lego club to explore simple machines, or team up with another family to perform kitchen chemistry. 
• Explore the great outdoors for abundant science! 

Have fun experimenting with science experiences for your family—and don’t be broken by beakers.

About the author

Heidi Mosher is honored to write for The Homeschool Minute, as it was the lifeline of her early homeschooling years. She is thankful to be the mother of four—two recent homeschool graduates and two who are currently homeschooled.

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