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Questions are something that our children never tire of. Everything and anything is interesting to them. Whether it's pointing to their belly button and wondering what it is, or wondering why something sinks instead of floats as they play in the bathtub water — their curiosity never stops. So embrace it, and instead of having Siri or Alexa on standby to provide the answers, let’s encourage our kids to discover solutions on their own.
STEAM — the acronym for science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics — is a way of fostering that love for inquiry. “Inquiry practices provide young children with opportunities to approach problems in new and authentic ways,” Sandra M. Linder, PhD, and Angela Eckhoff, PhD, shared on The National Association for the Education of Young Children site.
Our children are the future and STEAM is one way of harnessing their natural curiosity of the world for some greater good. Let’s encourage our future geniuses with these STEAM activities for kindergarten-aged kids.
What is STEAM?
STEAM is the blending of science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics. When we think about a range of fields such as airplanes, aerodynamics, baking and chemistry, we are looking at specialties that needed the merging of those five elements.
Hence, when we encourage our kids to learn about STEAM, then we are encouraging them to think creatively and to creatively solve problems.
STEAM projects can happen from the comfort of your home. Don't stress — most STEAM projects are accessible and definitely don't require a rocket scientist to conduct them.
Fun STEAM crafts to encourage creativity
With STEAM, craft projects are plentiful. Here a few ideas that are fun and educational for little hands.
Coffee filter chromatography experiment
What makes a color a color? Use coffee filters and washable markers to have your child find out which pigments helps create individual colors.
Wood bending bracelets
Can wood bend? Find out the answer with this clever crafting experiment. After receiving your help and a brief discussion on hot water safety, within an hour your son or daughter will have shaped their first wooden bracelet.
Make butter
How is butter made? If you live in a city and no farms are near, try out this fun craft in your kitchen to see how milk can go from a liquid to a solid.
STEAM activities to keep your kindergartener engaged
For STEAM activities, we do not have to look very far. One mom has her children think of experiments as they stroll through the grocery ailes. “We studied banana flower anatomy, dissected shrimp and fish, experimented with capillary action in celery and osmosis in gummy bears and detected starch in different foods using iodine,” Maryna Bondar previously told Mom.com.
Whether you are walking in a grocery store or looking through your pantries at home, most STEAM projects are that simple. It is back to the basics. Finding everyday items that your child interacts with is the best way of creating meaningful STEAM learning moments.
Color explosion
Can colors explode? Three ingredients: milk, food coloring, and dish soap. The result is mesmerizing to watch and a cool art project.
Gardening beds
What makes plants or vegetables grow? Put together a garden of plants or vegetables with your budding botanist to see how nature thrives.
Water cycle in a bag
Where does rain come from? Have your child put together an at-home water cycle experiment to see how water becomes a gas and then water again.
Ghost glove
What causes something to inflate? Halloween did just pass, but this easy experiment will be a great teaser as to what your kindergartner can do when the holiday comes back. Uncover the mystery of the ghost glove with this activity.
Floating eggs
What can cause an object to float? This experiment allows your kid to test out ideas. Provide them with some choices and have them see which choice will make the egg float.
Frozen bubbles
Can you freeze a bubble? This works only in cold conditions. On a wintery day, blow a bubble up high in the sky, and as it falls watch it freeze.
PBS Design Squad
PBS Design Squad has an array of projects that you can do with your kindergartner. She will even be able to share and develop her own designs.
In the end, no matter the activity that you do, be the supervisor and helper that your child will need. Discuss safety and caution, and keep a watchful eye on your child as they invent.
*Disclaimer: The advice on Mom.com is not a substitute for consultation with a medical professional or treatment for a specific condition. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem without consulting a qualified professional. Please contact your health-care provider with questions and concerns.
