Coding for Kids
Table of Contents
5 Ways to Celebrate National STEAM Day
November 8 is National STEM/STEAM Day, and we’re excited to celebrate! The day is an opportunity to focus on helping kids advance in the fields of science, technology, engineering, art, and math – and at Tynker, that’s our mission throughout the year! There are currently 50 million kids coding with Tynker, and our community is growing every day. Tynker helps kids around the world access a STEAM education and develop important 21st century skills like programming, creativity, and problem-solving. We offer schools STEM tutorials that integrate programming into a wide range of subjects, from geometry to social studies, and our platform has allowed kids to create original artistic projects and write more than 2.4 BILLION lines of code!
What is National STEM Day?
This day serves as a powerful reminder of the critical role these disciplines play in our daily lives, fostering innovation, and driving progress in various industries. National STEM Day aims to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and mathematicians by engaging students in hands-on activities, educational programs, and outreach initiatives. It highlights the importance of STEM education in preparing students for the challenges of the future, encouraging them to explore these subjects, and ultimately contributing to a more technologically advanced and scientifically literate society.
Why Do We Celebrate National STEM Day?
National STEM Day is celebrated for several essential reasons. Firstly, it serves as a platform to promote STEM education and underscore its vital role in preparing students for the future. These fields—Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics—drive innovation, economic growth, and technological advancements. By celebrating STEM Day, educators, institutions, and organizations encourage students to explore these subjects, emphasizing their real-world applications and the exciting career opportunities they offer.
Secondly, National STEM Day aims to inspire interest and curiosity in STEM subjects across all age groups. Through engaging activities, workshops, and demonstrations, individuals experience the thrill of discovery and problem-solving inherent in STEM. This hands-on approach fosters a passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, ultimately nurturing the next generation of scientists, engineers, and mathematicians.
National STEM Day encourages the idea of lifelong learning in STEM disciplines. It’s not just about inspiring students; it’s also about fostering a culture of continuous curiosity and skill development in adults. By celebrating STEM Day, individuals of all ages are reminded that learning doesn’t stop after formal education. They are encouraged to explore new scientific discoveries, keep up with technological advancements, and engage in STEM-related hobbies and interests, contributing to their personal growth and the advancement of society as a whole. This emphasis on lifelong learning in STEM helps individuals adapt to rapidly changing technologies and stay competitive in the modern workforce.
How to Celebrate National STEM/STEAM Day
We know that there are so many great ways for kids to celebrate National STEAM Day today and all year long, at home and in the classroom. Here are five places to start:
- Show off what they know. We know that project based learning is great – it helps reinforce important concepts by rooting learning in real-world experiences. Your kids can show off everything they’ve learned by creating a program or mini-game exploring STEAM topics! We offer several tutorials throughout the year – like our Fall coding project or the Summer Code-A-Thon – to give kids a launching point for their creativity. Featured Maker Rebecca even presented her anti-bullying Tynker project to her whole school!
- Turn everyday occurrences into learning opportunities. What better way to celebrate National STEAM Day than to bring STEAM to life? If it’s raining, teach your kids about the hows and whys of the water cycle. During election season, spark their curiosity about how voting relies on math and percentages. Teachers can take advantage of our huge selection of STEM tutorials, and parents can get kids started on our Hour of Code STEM activities!
- Engage their interests. Learning is a lot easier when it’s driven by genuine interest! Ask your child what they’re curious about – whether it’s the ocean’s tides, groundbreaking women in history, or the life cycle of a butterfly – and help them explore their curiosity as they learn. Tynker offers a range of interest-based activities, from drones to LEGO to Minecraft. Visit our site and see what grabs your kids’ attention!
- Artists – give me an “A!” Art has earned itself an A, turning STEM to STEAM! Don’t forget that the young artists in your household play an important role – the value of creativity is essential to every scientist and programmer out there. Kids who are more interested in the arts than technology (and vice versa) can absolutely branch into the whole STEAM spectrum – just ask Featured Makers Gabriella and Caiti!
- Mix it up. Switch up your routine to make STEAM Day feel special! Parents can pack a creative lunch or snack (string cheese octopus, anyone?) and include fun educational facts (Did you know octopi are one of the few animals who use tools?). Teachers can get in on the fun, too – plan special hands-on STEAM activities or add extra Tynker time for the class!
What are STEM Activities?
STEM activities are hands-on learning experiences designed to engage individuals in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. These activities are intended to promote exploration, critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity while fostering an understanding of and passion for STEM subjects. STEM activities come in various forms and can be tailored to different age groups and skill levels. Here are some common types of STEM activities:
1. Experiments and Investigations: Conducting scientific experiments or investigations that explore natural phenomena, test hypotheses, and encourage the use of the scientific method. This can include experiments in chemistry, physics, biology, and environmental science.
2. Engineering Challenges: Engaging in hands-on engineering projects that require designing, building, and testing various structures or devices. These challenges often involve problem-solving and creativity, such as building bridges, creating Rube Goldberg machines, or constructing paper airplanes.
3. Coding and Programming: Learning computer programming languages and coding through activities like writing code to create animations, games, websites, or applications. Tools like Scratch or educational platforms like Code.org are commonly used for this purpose. Some of the best programming games on STEAM that incorporate STEM concepts and encourage problem-solving and creativity include Minecraft and Tynker.
4. Robotics: Designing, building, and programming robots to complete specific tasks or challenges. Students can work with robotics kits and software to gain practical experience in engineering and programming.
5. Math Challenges: Solving mathematical puzzles, brainteasers, and math-related problems that encourage mathematical reasoning and critical thinking. Math competitions and math games are examples of such activities.
6. STEM Challenges: Participating in STEM-themed challenges or competitions that require a combination of skills from science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. These can range from designing a sustainable energy project to creating a model of a Mars rover.
7. Environmental Studies: Exploring environmental issues, conducting environmental surveys, and participating in conservation efforts. This can include activities such as studying ecosystems, conducting water quality tests, or participating in clean-up events. Tynker’s United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Hour of Code is a free and fun place to learn about Environmental Science while learning to code.
8. Astronomy and Space Exploration: Observing celestial objects, studying space phenomena, and learning about astronomy and space exploration. This can involve stargazing, building model rockets, or even exploring space through planetarium visits and simulations. Tynker has partnered with NASA to bring free exciting space-themed coding adventures to life.
STEM activities are not only educational but also provide valuable skills that are applicable in various real-world contexts. They encourage curiosity, critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation, making them essential for preparing individuals for careers in STEM fields and fostering a deeper understanding of the world around us.
It’s easy and fun to celebrate National STEAM Day, especially with Tynker! Our Hour of Code STEM activities are just a few of the materials we provide to connect coding to STEAM areas – create a free Tynker account to access even more great resources!
Explore Courses Sign Up For Free
Related Searches:
