Science, technology, engineering and maths, better known as STEM, are core subjects that are taught in school that can be a little tricky for children to get their head around. We have teamed up with an independent school to share 5 games that your child can play to help them in these particular subjects.
5 Games to Help Your Child with STEM Subjects
Family Countdown
Being a whizz at maths comes with practice and what is a better way than this to get your child to practice their times tables. A weekly game of countdown where you quiz each other on mental maths problems as a family can make for great bonding and teach your child how to deal with competition. While the prospect of beating their mum or dad is rewarding enough, you can really engage your child by putting a reward on offer.
Coding for Kids
Coding is one of those things that just got thrown into the curriculum that many of us parents don’t have a clue about. It is a great skill to have and can really lead to some high-flying careers such as web development. To help your child get ahead with coding and have all the practice that they need, there are fun games that are available online that can make the process an enjoyable one too. Games typically work by getting children to complete code to level up and succeed.
Coding is one of those things that just got thrown into the curriculum that many of us parents don’t have a clue about. It is a great skill to have and can really lead to some high-flying careers such as software development.
Algorithm City
One game that is available for download on the Google Play Store is Algorithm City. It teaches children the basics of coding such as command sequences and functions as it is needed to collect gold. It’s suitable for children ages 5 and up and is completely free to download.
Lego Boost
Lego boost is a game with a 7+ age rating and requires a £4.99 monthly subscription fee. As the name would suggest, it focuses on building Lego creations but where it differs is that your child can bring their creation to life through code. It doesn’t involve anything too complicated as your child will only need to use basic looping, sequencing and coordinates. This game encourages children to use their imagination and creativity whereas Algorithm City focuses primarily on problem-solving.
Crafting a Volcano
Science draws most kids in with its fun experiments and can be a great way to teach children that are kinaesthetic learners. As a science activity, you can create a model volcano together. All you will need is a newspaper and PVA glue for the paper mache, a balloon, scissors, tape, a pencil, a bottle, vinegar, bicarbonate of soda, water and food colouring.
Static Electricity Balloon Race
Using an empty aluminium can, rub a balloon to create static electricity and race each other to the finishing line. Winners need to be able to move the can using the balloon without touching the can directly. This is a simple game that requires very few resources which can help you to teach your child about static electricity. If you’re having trouble, you might need to wash the can and dry it thoroughly to ensure that a charge can be created.
Leave a Reply