STEM or is it STEAM? It’s both really.
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Whereas STEAM includes Arts in that list. STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics.
Either way, it’s an umbrella term typically used in the education to represent a hands-on content-based learning experience focused on building problem solving skills, creative thinking, investigation skills and design – WOHA That is a mouthful!
Don’t worry too much if that is a bit much to take on – it really refers to learning experiences that link some or all of those disciplines together in order to help get our children prepared for the ever-changing world. And the really good news is most homes with kids probably already have several STEM based activities happening already. Here is an example of how that can work:
A little one is playing with building blocks. They create a tower and count the blocks. Then they measure it against something, say themselves to define which one is taller: “I made a tower TALLER THAN ME!” This activity has combined Engineering and Mathematics.
The list of options for STEM play goes on and on: Games with magnets, marble runs, cooking at home, construction play, bath time, nature walks, back yard exploration, a swamp plant for butterflies! There are so many opportunities
At The Toy Wagon learning through play is something so close to our hearts. It’s a cornerstone of so much of what we do and is why we’re so please to be able to provide these STEM, or STEAM if you prefer, toy options.
