Why should I engage my children in STEAM?

Children that disengage with Science Technology Engineering Arts and Maths subjects, particularly girls, disengage before they finish primary school.  There is some research that suggests that incorporating STEAM activities into early learning can help to sustain STEAM engagement through primary school and into high school.

There are some fantastic organizations that provide opportunities for girls in high school to engage in STEAM subjects. Although there is some good participation, it is still a minority of girls getting involved. And no wonder, we are trying to engage students that have already disengaged.

My two-year-old daughter goes to daycare and while they have some great activities that engage children in STEAM, a lot of children don’t go to daycare, so the onus is on us as parents to spark that love for STEAM subjects in early childhood.

75% of Australia's fastest growing occupations require skills in STEAM, so encouraging children, particularly girls, to engage in STEAM subjects early is imperative.


How can I engage my children in STEAM?

STEAM principals are all around us and it really takes very little effort to engage young children in STEAM. All we really need to do is point out the STEAM around us.

Examples!

Child with plant
My daughter learning about different leaves