STEM subjects play a crucial role in shaping our future. They equip children with lifelong skills such as problem-solving, creativity, and analytical reasoning, helping them to become active thinkers, decision-makers and leaders of tomorrow.
But how can you spark your child’s interest in STEM? While these may seem a little complex at first, the key lies in making them fun, hands-on, and relevant to your child’s everyday life.
In this article, we will define what STEM subjects are, breaking down each area and why they matter. And, most importantly, share some of the most effective ways you can make STEM exciting and accessible for your kids.
What are STEM subjects?
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. These four disciplines are taught throughout the UK curriculum and play a vital role in helping us understand how the world works, as well as identifying and solving current problems.
Here’s a breakdown of each subject in more detail:
Science
Science is a systematic and methodical way of studying the natural and physical world. It’s driven by curiosity, observation, experimentation, and the desire to understand how things work. In the UK, science is a core subject in school and is generally split into three key areas:
- Biology: The study of living organisms, including humans, animals, and plants. Topics include the human body, ecosystems, genetics, and evolution.
- Chemistry: The study of substances, their properties, and how they interact. Pupils learn about atoms, chemical reactions, acids and alkalis, and the periodic table.
- Physics: The study of matter, energy, and the forces that affect them. Lessons often include topics such as forces, electricity, magnetism, waves, and the solar system.
Throughout all these fields, students learn how to conduct experiments, make observations, collect data, evaluate evidence and draw conclusions. They also learn how to communicate their findings clearly and apply logical reasoning to solve real-world problems.
For example, they might investigate how different materials affect heat retention in a science experiment, then use their results to suggest which type of insulation would be best for keeping homes warm in winter. This may lead to innovations in sustainable home construction, potentially contributing to greener, cost-effective solutions.
Technology
Technology, in its broadest sense, focuses on how digital tools work, how to use them effectively and responsibly, and how to create and innovate with them to solve problems and improve everyday life. Technology in the UK curriculum is typically covered under two main areas:
- Computing: This includes digital literacy, e-safety, and programming. Students are introduced to coding languages like Scratch and Python, how computers work, and how to create digital content such as websites and apps.
- Design and Technology (D&T): This is a very hands-on subject where pupils learn to design, prototype, and evaluate products using materials like wood, plastic, and fabric. It includes food technology, electronics, and mechanical systems.
Technology is vital in today’s rapidly evolving world, and helps to develop children’s logical thinking, communication, creativity, and algorithmic thinking—skills that are transferable to many other areas of life.
For instance, a student who learns to design and build a simple machine using gears and pulleys could later apply these skills as a mechanical engineer, designing systems for vehicles or manufacturing equipment in industries like automotive, aerospace, or robotics.
Engineering
Engineering is all about applying principles from science and mathematics to design, build and maintain structures, machines, and systems, including roads, robots, satellites and more. While not a standalone subject, there are certain elements of engineering employed in schools:
- Civil Engineering: Build structures using specific materials (e.g., designing a bridge with straws or lollipop sticks to test its strength)
- Electrical Engineering: Creating simple circuits to light up a bulb.
- Mechanical Engineering: Constructing model vehicles (e.g., building a rubber-band-powered car) to explore energy transfer and basic mechanics.
- Chemical Engineering: Conducting chemistry experiments to understand reactions, such as making baking soda volcanoes to explore acid-base reactions.
- Computer Engineering: Using CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software to create realistic models of their designs, both in 2D and 3D.
Engineering creativity with logic and technical skill, encouraging kids to think outside the box when it comes to identifying a problem, brainstorming ideas, prototyping, testing, and refining for the best outcome.
A pupil, for example, might create a simple catapult for a class project but find that it doesn’t launch objects far enough. They would analyse the problem by considering factors, such as the angle of the arm or the tension in the rubber bands, and adjust until it works.
Mathematics
Mathematics is the study of numbers, shapes, patterns, structures and relationships. In essence, it is a universal language used to solve problems, analyse data, and make informed decisions. Like science, mathematics is a compulsory subject from Key Stage 1 to GCSE level, structured around the following areas:
- Number and place value: Understanding digits, arithmetic, and calculations.
- Geometry and measures: Shapes, angles, area, volume, and spatial reasoning.
- Statistics and data handling: Reading and interpreting graphs and charts.
- Algebra: Solving equations, identifying patterns, and working with formulas (introduced in KS3).
- Ratio and proportion: Scaling, percentages, and comparative analysis.
Mathematics trains the mind to think logically, analyse information systematically, and draw sound conclusions. By tackling mathematical challenges, children not only build confidence but also set themselves up for success in life, education, and work.
They’ll be able to budget for things like a new gadget or holiday, figure out the distance between two locations on a map for a trip, or even calculate the area of a room to fit furniture (e.g., measuring the length and width of a bedroom to determine how much space is available for a bed or desk).
Why are STEM subjects important?
It is clear that STEM subjects play an important role in modern society. Together, they form a powerful framework for solving complex problems, advancing technology, and driving progress across nearly every industry.
From medicine and agriculture to space exploration and software development, the influence of STEM is everywhere! Let’s take a closer look at why these subjects matter so much.
- Develops critical thinking
STEM education sharpens kids’ analytical thinking and problem-solving skills from an early age. Whether it’s figuring out why a plant isn’t growing in science class or debugging a simple coding error in a computing lesson, children learn to ask questions, investigate possible causes, and test solutions.
- Drives innovation
A strong foundation in STEM subjects fuels creativity, enabling children to approach issues with an open mind and quickly discover that there is more than one answer. These experiences plant the seeds for future breakthroughs, whether in clean energy, medicine, or digital technology.
- Provides career opportunities
STEM careers are in high demand, with STEM employment set to grow by 6% between 2023 and 2030. Fields such as engineering, IT, and healthcare are constantly seeking skilled professionals in roles like software developers, civil engineers, and biomedical scientists, many of whom offer strong job security and competitive salaries.
- Real-World Applications:
STEM subjects aren’t just applicable in school, but also in everyday tasks. Maths helps with managing time or splitting bills. Science helps us understand things like nutrition and the weather. Meanwhile, technology is central to how we communicate, shop, and learn.
Five ways to spark your child’s interest in STEM
With the right mix of tools, strategies and sense of fun, sparking your child’s interest in STEM subjects is easier than ever. Below, we’ve compiled five ways parents can encourage a lasting interest in STEM and support their child’s learning every step of the way.
1. Promote problem-solving
One of the best ways to ignite your child’s passion for STEM subjects is to let them tackle challenges and solve them independently. Simple activities like a Sudoku puzzle can help improve logical thinking and pattern recognition.
Meanwhile, coding games such as LightBot allow children to experiment with basic programming concepts, boosting their creativity and technical skills in a fun, interactive way. Remember to celebrate their successes and failures, as both are essential for building resilience and a growth mindset.
2. Encourage their curiosity & interest
Children are naturally curious, and as parents and caregivers, we have the wonderful opportunity to nurture their interests. You can foster their curiosity by encouraging them to ask questions about the world around them.
For example, when they ask, “Why is the sky blue?”, take the time to explore the science behind it together. Use resources like books, documentaries, and educational websites (e.g., BBC Bitesize) to find answers. These shared moments can turn everyday questions into exciting learning opportunities, sparking a genuine love of STEM!
3. Play STEM games
You could also incorporate STEM games into your child’s everyday routine. There are numerous apps, board games, and online platforms designed to teach STEM concepts in a fun and engaging way.
Games like Minecraft Education Edition and Roblox teach basic coding and design by allowing children to build virtual worlds. To make learning feel like play, construction kits and LEGO® sets are ideal for exploring the principles of engineering and mechanics.
4. Offer hands-on STEM activities
Just like games, hands-on STEM activities promote active learning by making complex ideas more tangible and memorable. Here are a few ideas:
- Conduct simple science experiments at home, like creating a volcano with baking soda and vinegar to understand chemical reactions, or exploring the properties of magnets with paperclips or coins.
- Plan trips to museums or aquariums. These places often have interactive exhibits on marine biology or renewable energy to explain how different species adapt to their environments or how solar panels work to convert sunlight into electricity.
- Visit your local library to find books and resources on various topics. It doesn’t cost much and makes learning about STEM very accessible for everyone. All you need is a library card and a curious mind.
- Engage in DIY projects that involve building, such as constructing a birdhouse, designing a simple robot, or creating a miniature garden – check out our blog on fun nature activities for inspiration.
5. Go on a Cool Science Camp
You don’t need a lab or textbook to spark your child’s interest in STEM subjects—just the great outdoors! At PGL’s Cool Science Camp, kids experience STEM in the real world, whether they’re experimenting with forces and reactions or uncovering the wonders of nature!
Choose from two exciting options:
3-Night Taster Camp: Includes 3 action-packed PGL activity sessions and 2 immersive half-day science sessions—ideal for a first taste of camp life.
7-Night Specialist Camp: A full week of in-depth science fun mixed with thrilling PGL adventures, designed to build skills, confidence, and friendships.
If you’re feeling really adventurous, enrolling in summer camps is a great way for kids to not only immerse themselves in STEM but also learn valuable skills, make friends, and have loads of fun along the way!
Sparking your child’s interest in STEM doesn’t have to be daunting. Remember, the goal is to make learning STEM subjects enjoyable and accessible. Who knows? You might just inspire the next great scientist, engineer, or technologist!
Learn STEM at a PGL adventure camp!
Are you looking to spark your child’s interest in STEM? Then explore our wide range of outdoor adventure camps for kids. With a varied selection of thrilling multi-activities, including Bushcraft, Cool Science, Cooks Academy, and Bake It!, your child can engage in hands-on experiences that seamlessly blend fun with learning!
So, why wait? Get in touch with our friendly and experienced team today to see how we can help bring your STEM adventures to life!
