Every week, it seems that there is a new study out telling you of a new way for kids to learn. It can be hard to keep track of this stuff and feel like you’re doing the best you can for your kids. In recent years, there has been a lot of talk about the STEM subjects that your kids can learn at certain schools. What is it, and what are the benefits of your kids learning STEM?
What is STEM?
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. These subjects are put together because they often utilize similar skills – logic, mathematics and analysis. There are several benefits of your children learning the STEM subjects at elementary school.
It’s great for brain development
The skills needed to do STEM subjects are also those that are most important for brain and learning development in children. Trying to solve math, science or engineering problems will encourage your kids to use creativity and scientific linear thinking, as well as encouraging teamwork and collaboration. All of these are skills that will continue to be useful throughout their lives, and the earlier they learn these skills, the easier they will find things.
STEM is for everyone
STEM subjects teach a wide variety of skills that produce really versatile students. Think about the skills you learn in science – measurements, timing and using special equipment. You could apply all of this to cooking, too. The problem-solving skills learned by kids doing STEM subjects can be utilized in all of their other subjects and even outside of school. Even if they go on to study a social science or humanity at college, they will still utilize the skills they learned in STEM. STEM is for everyone, not just STEM majors.
It’s taught at the best schools
STEM education requires great teachers and the best equipment. You will only find these at certain schools. Private schools and international schools are great options for STEM education because they generally have access to larger amounts of money. Go to sais.edu.hk to see how your kids could be learning STEM in the best possible environment.
So many top careers are for STEM graduates
This is probably a few years away, yet, but it is never too early for kids to be thinking about their careers. STEM majors, on average, make more money than those who majored in other subjects such as English, history or geography. The average salary earned by STEM majors is about $65,000, whereas it is about $15,500 less for other majors. Engineering and computing professionals reportedly enjoy even higher salaries.
Conclusion
STEM is a group of subjects that offer your children the chance to learn skills that will be essential throughout their lives, as well as offering them the choice of a high-paying career in an exciting field. Of course, the high-paying career is not guaranteed but it does give them more options when they are deciding what career they’d like to pursue.